by Adele Abbott
“He seemed fine, but I got the impression he doesn’t remember much, if anything, of his—err—previous life.”
“Not even me?”
“Probably not.”
“What happened to the woman who snatched him?”
“She’s gone. She and your stepfather lived in France for some years, but then they went their separate ways. That’s when your stepfather brought Liam back to this country.”
“If what you’re suggesting is true, why did my stepfather stay with my mother for so long after Liam disappeared?”
“He had to stay long enough to play the part of the grieving parent. Only when things had died down, did he make his next move. He left your mother and joined his new family in France. No one questioned his walking out—they put it down to a marriage that had crumbled under incredible pressure.”
“You’re telling me that he stood back and allowed me to be sent to prison for a murder he knew I hadn’t committed.”
“I’m afraid so. The only thing I’m not sure about is whether that was an unforeseen consequence or all part of the plan.”
“Do you think he put Liam’s blood on my fishing rod?”
“I honestly don’t know. There’s only one person who can answer that question.”
“I can’t believe it. I knew he didn’t like me, but I didn’t think he’d do something like that. Where does all this leave me, Jill?”
“I don’t know. You have some difficult decisions to make. The DNA evidence should be enough to identify Liam and clear your name, but that would just be the beginning.”
“If I did that, and they arrested my stepfather, what would happen to Liam?”
“Presumably, he would go back to your mother who, by the way, owes you a big apology. Will you ever be able to forgive her?”
“I’m not sure. I guess so if it means I’ll be able to see Liam.”
“I suggest you go away and think this through. Talk it over with your grandmother before you do anything rash. Then, when you’ve decided what to do, you’re going to need a good solicitor, and he’ll want this.” I passed him a copy of the DNA report.
“Thanks, Jill. For everything.”
“My pleasure. Let me know how things turn out, will you?”
“Of course.”
***
“I hope you saw that, Winky,” I said. “Another satisfied customer.”
“First one this year.” He grinned.
“Cheek.”
“I have some exciting news.”
“What’s that?”
“I’m going to offer you the opportunity of a lifetime.”
“No thanks.”
“What do you mean, no thanks? You don’t even know what it is yet.”
“Whatever it is, the answer’s no.”
“Are you sure about that? Are you really going to turn down the chance to take part in the feline lottery?”
“I don’t believe there is such a thing.”
“There hasn’t been until now. The first ever draw takes place in two weeks. The prize pot is going to be huge, and out of the goodness of my heart, I’m prepared to let you go fifty/fifty with me, even though, strictly speaking, it’s not open to two-leggeds.”
“How very kind of you.”
“I know, right. I’ve decided to invest twenty pounds, so if you put in the same, I’ll buy the tickets, and we’ll split any winnings.”
“You must think I’m stupid.”
“That goes without saying, but what does that have to do with anything?”
“This is another one of your scams, just like the pigeon dating app.”
“No, it isn’t. I promise. It’s absolutely genuine. I can show you the flyers if you like.”
“Anyone can print a few leaflets. I’m not interested.”
“Is that your final word? Because if I win, you’re going to feel really bad about this.”
“I’m positive. I’ll take that risk.”
My phone rang, and it took me a moment or two to realise it was Jack because he sounded really weird.
“Jack, are you alright?”
“Yeah, I’m in the dentist’s chair; they’re halfway through filling my tooth.”
“In that case, why are you ringing me?”
“I’ve just had a phone call from the school.”
“Is Florence okay?”
“Yes, she’s fine.”
“Why did they call you, then?”
“Miss Hope rang to ask if one of us could go over there as soon as possible.”
“Are you sure Florence is alright?”
“Positive. Miss Hope promised me she was fine. Apparently, there’s been some kind of incident, and Miss Hope said she needed a quick word with one of us. I won’t be finished here for at least half an hour. Is there any chance you could nip over there?”
“Of course I will. I’m on my way now.”
I said goodbye to Mrs V, hurried to the car and drove straight to the school. The school secretary took me through to Florence’s classroom; the only two people in there were Florence and Miss Soap. To my relief, Florence looked fine, but her desk was covered with paper clips, screws, hair clips, and even a couple of pairs of scissors.
Miss Soap spotted me and came over to the door.
“Is Florence okay, Miss Soap?”
“It’s Hope.”
“Sorry, that’s what I meant.”
“Yes, she’s fine. I’m sorry to call you in, but there was an unusual incident this afternoon. We were halfway through a lesson about colours when—” Miss Hope gestured to Florence’s desk. “All that stuff flew across the room and landed on there. It was quite scary to tell you the truth. Luckily, no one was hurt. The headmistress says she thinks it must have been some sort of electrical surge. I was worried it might have upset Florence, but she seems perfectly fine.”
“She does, doesn’t she? Is it okay if I take her home now?”
“Of course. The other children were sent home earlier.”
I took Florence’s hand and led her out of the school.
“Right, little lady, is there anything you’d like to tell me?”
What next for the family Maxwell?
The mysteries, magic and mayhem continue in the next book:
Witch Is Where Squirrels Go Nuts
(Witch P.I. Mysteries #39)
ALSO FROM ADELE ABBOTT:
Whoops! Our New Flatmate Is A Human
Susan Hall Investigates Book #1
Take a shy werewolf, a wizard who fancies himself as a ladies’ man, and a vampire dying for her first taste of human blood. Then add a human for good measure.
Web site: AdeleAbbott.com
Facebook: facebook.com/AdeleAbbottAuthor
