Painted Spirits: A Chocolate Magic Cozy Mystery - Book 7

by Olivia Swift

  “Whatever your mom says, Chloe. It’s fine by me and I guess with the others.”

  “I don’t fight it,” Diana sighed. “She will just nag till I give in.” The woman smiled and hugged her daughter around the shoulders as she said it. “But your uncle will have to drive. My cab driving can be given a night off.”

  “You don’t mind Uncle Shelby, do you?” she asked knowing full well that she had won.

  “Come on, let’s get Merlin home,” Shelby said and the three of them said their goodbyes.

  Mikey gave them the address on a piece of paper.

  The rest of them came back inside and accepted another drink. Magda changed the baby, then Merle took her in her arms and gave her a warm bottle of milk.

  “You look like such a precious picture like that,” Rula told her. “I think Samantha has made us all broody.”

  “Just think what a creche1 the café would have to have if we all had babies,” Magda laughed.

  “The work always comes back to me,” Sam sighed.

  Magda threw a cushion at him.

  “The most doting father in the world. That girl will have you wrapped around her finger all of her life,” Magda told him.

  “It will be an early start tomorrow with the crafters arriving to set up their stalls,” Mikey said. It was a signal to go home and they all thanked Merle and Branston for a lovely afternoon.

  “That youngster will be a superb rider. Well, she’s already better than most adults,” Branston said. “It’s great to see someone so enthusiastic.”

  “Merlin was so responsive to any movement at all. He’s a real treasure for her,” Magda said as she carried the baby things out to the car.

  “We were so lucky you and I, to have a grandfather who bothered to teach us to understand the horse as well as ride it.”

  “Good memories, Branston,” Magda replied.

  “He would be glad you are riding again. If he was standing here, he would tell me to give you Jessie. She’s yours, Magda.”

  “No. I cannot take her,” Magda said. “Let me pay something and then I’ll know she’s mine.”

  “Okay, twenty dollars and I’ll give you a proper bill of sale.”

  “Deal,” she said and kissed his cheek. “Thanks.”

  Crystal was waiting in the kitchen and staring at the front door when the family arrived home.

  “She’s absolutely fine, Crystal. I will put the baby in the playpen while we make her something to eat.” Magda did that as Sam carried in the baby stuff that had to go everywhere that Samantha went. He walked through to the extension room and saw a magazine on the floor. Automatically, he looked to see what was on the page. They had accepted that Crystal always had something bothering her when she pushed at books and pictures.

  The picture was an advertisement for the rodeo and promised a great day out for the whole family. He told Magda as she fed the little one and she shook her head.

  “We know about the rodeo and horses and children, Crystal. Thank you.” The cat said nothing but watched as Samantha was fed and put down for a little rest in her crib. Then she appeared satisfied and went to twine herself on the spiral staircase. The other three had gone out into their covered patio but Crystal had a vantage point to keep her eye on things.

  “Branston says twenty dollars for Jessie,” Magda smiled. “He says grandad would want him to give her to me as a gift.”

  “We will pay properly for her keep,” Sam answered. “You do look good on a horse, Mags.” She came and wrapped her arms around his neck. She felt him pull her close in return and leaned against his chest.

  “I do have the best man in the whole world,” she said.

  “Who will make you one of your own hot chocolates,” he said and went to the kitchen.

  As she was sitting back with the drink, her phone pinged. Photos started to arrive one by one. Obviously, Diana was sending them to everyone because Sam’s phone did the same. Together they looked at the faded pictures.

  “There is one of Cody Jones,” Magda said excitedly. “I’m sure that’s the same man that Shelby painted.”

  Diana sent a message saying that she would bring in the actual photos to the café because there were details it was easier to see when the picture was in front of you. Magda sent them all on to Katie, Declan, and Bart and told them the séance was tomorrow night if they could make it.

  “Wouldn’t miss it,” Katie texted back.

  The photos showed a ranch house with a couple on the steps and there were snatches of barns and corrals with the people standing stiff and frozen as they had their photograph taken. There was one shot of a man on a horse and it had been caught in mid stride.

  “Probably got that shot by accident,” Sam said, “but that is probably Cody Jones.” He went and found a magnifying glass, but the detail was blurred.

  “I’ll take that glass with me tomorrow,” Magda said and took Samantha away for her bath. She gave all of her attention and love to the little one but saw Crystal watching from the doorway.

  “I love you as well, Crystal,” she said and wrapped Samantha in a warm towel. She sat on the floor with the baby on her lap and held out a hand for the Birman. Crystal hesitated but came and leaned against Magda.

  “What a lucky girl I am to have this baby, her dad, and you wonderful cats,” Magda told the cat. “Let’s get her ready for bed.” Crystal watched as Samantha was dried and made to smile as she lay on the changing table. With the baby settled in her crib, Sam came to look over the side at his daughter. Her eyes closed and they tiptoed away with Crystal alongside.

  “We’re in the good books,” Magda whispered with a smile.

  She opened her tablet to see the photos on a larger screen and then put it down to switch on the television. Crystal walked over to the tablet and with one swipe knocked it onto the floor.

  “Now you go and spoil the peace and quiet,” Magda grumbled. “I hope that it’s not cracked.” She picked it up and the picture that came to life was Cody Jones on horseback.

  “She showed us Cody Jones. I wonder if he will turn up tomorrow night. Maybe the cat is ahead of us as usual.”

  “I wonder if having Shelby and Chloe there will make a difference,” Sam pondered aloud.

  “It has to really,” Magda added. “Family ties must mean something.”

  “But they are not his family. They’re his friend and partner’s family,” Sam pointed out. Magda said that they must have been close to run a breeding business together.

  “I hope Shelby will let us see his private horse drawings. Chloe was obviously impressed with them.”

  There was a bang as Crystal knocked the tablet back onto the floor. Magda shouted at her and she ran back to the spiral staircase. Magda looked at the screen and handed it to Sam. The picture was just a group of wooden buildings and some horses in a corral.

  8

  The next day started off with a rush, as they knew it would. Some exhibitors were always wanting a very early start and they were waiting as Mikey opened up the gallery. Rula had the café open by the time Magda arrived. Katie and Rita joined in and some of the exhibitors came through for coffee before they made a start.

  Magda went to help Mikey and Katie sort out any queries and to chat with the folks setting things up. Most of them she already knew, and Magda was looking forward to seeing their products. By the time she had gone around, she had spotted some handmade moisturizer and a bath soak to buy, helped hold the covering for a table as someone fastened it in place and also made sure they knew how to access electricity if they needed display lights.

  Mikey was hauling out extra tables and chairs as needed. The noise of the stallholders built up as everyone arrived. Most of them had previously met at other venues. There was one woman with Native American items that Magda had not met before, so she went to say hello.

  “Are you finding everything you need?” she asked as she introduced herself. The woman smiled and said that she was a little nervous.

  �
�I haven’t done anything like this before.” She said her name was Ava. Magda told her just to ask any of the others if she was uncertain.

  “They all help each other out and look after your stall if you need to go to the restroom or for something to eat. “Charis,” she called to the woman two tables away. “This is Ava and it’s her first time at this.” Charis was a bubbly forty-year-old with bright ginger curls and a personality to match. She came over to meet Ava. Magda left them to it and then stepped back. There was a gorgeous horse blanket in a Native American design that she knew she would come back and buy for Jessie.

  The café was busy for a Monday morning especially since Bart had done a bit of advertising in the paper. It seemed to have worked as people were interested to see what was on offer, finished off with a beverage, and often a truffle. The regulars always liked to chat and Magda and Rula saw it as part of the service. The time flew by and they all had taken turns to make sure Samantha was fine. Late in the morning, Diana arrived. She came at the same time as Bart who was late after covering a breaking story. He said he was starving so Rula made him a couple of tacos and a coffee.

  Diana handed over the photos and was introduced to Bart.

  “These the real photos from all that time ago?” he asked and stuffed the last of the taco into his mouth.

  “Bring them around here to our table,” Magda said, and they moved into the screened off baby room.

  “Can I pick her up?” Diana asked and Magda nodded.

  “Feel free,” she said. “I want to see these pictures.” They picked them up one by one. Magda found the magnifying glass to better see them. She looked at the one of the man on the horse but it was still a blurred image. She looked again and found the one with several buildings that Crystal had pushed onto the floor. Over time, Magda had learned to take notice of her unusual cat. She held it out to Diana.

  “Is this where they bred the horses?”

  Diana looked at it and nodded.

  “Our grandparents are gone now, or they would be able to tell you exactly, but as far as I know, these were the barns. It’s not the ranch house because there is another one showing that.”

  Magda found that one.

  “These must have been your great-grandfather and mother.” She went back to the one of the barns and used the magnifier. Then she passed it to Bart.

  “That corner of the barn - could it be Rula’s?”

  “Yes, it could. That’s a fantastic find.”

  “Rula,” Magda called. “Have a look at this and I’ll serve the customers.”

  Rula came and inspected the photo with the magnifier and asked if she could take it to Mikey.

  “Of course, you can,” Diana said. “I will leave them with you so you can all look at them when you have a chance.” She popped the baby back in the playpen and touched her cheek with a finger. Then she spotted the delectable candy horse chocolates. Some were finished and bagged, and others were half done. Katie had to leave them unfinished to work in the gallery.

  “These are fantastic,” Diana said to Magda as she came back into the kitchen. “Can I buy a rosette one for Chloe?”

  Magda laughed and handed one over.

  “Payment for the photos. I haven’t priced them yet anyway. It’s edible gold.”

  “Wow, she will be thrilled and is really excited about tonight. Good luck with the séance.” She left through the gallery to speak to the others as Sam and Declan came down the alley for their lunch.

  “You just missed Diana, but Bart has the photos in the kitchen,” Magda said and started the sandwiches they always ate. Rula came back and added the one of the barns.

  “That corner,” she said tapping the picture, “is our stable.”

  “Good grief,” Declan said. “It must be almost a hundred years ago.”

  “And it still stands good and strong,” Rula added as she went back to serving.

  The two men ate their sandwiches, helped clear tables and then cut through to the gallery to see if help was needed there. Katie and Mikey were enjoying themselves as the place was full of people happily buying items. Ava had put aside the horse blanket for Magda. Katie pointed that out to Sam, and he paid for it and took it back to the café.

  “It’s absolutely beautiful. I guess she bought the material already printed but made the blanket by hand,” said Magda.

  “I paid for it,” he grinned at her and she kissed his cheek as he went back to join Declan.

  “You are one lucky woman,” said one of the regulars at the counter. She smiled and showed her the blanket.

  “My cousin has sold me a beautiful mare at a bargain price. I’m spoiling her already.”

  “You need pictures of horses. Folks around here have always been horse riders.”

  “Yes, you’re right. Next week we’ll have pictures by the great grandson of Cody Jones,” Magda told her.

  “The Jonesville founder?” the woman asked and Magda nodded. “Pity he had to sell up and stop breeding. My dad always said that the best horses in the area were descended from what they produced.”

  “Is your dad still around to ask about them?” Magda queried.

  “Oh yes, but once he starts you can’t stop him,” she laughed. “Here’s my number and address.” She handed Magda a business card. “Give me a call if you want to come and chat. He’s at home all of the time now.”

  “Thanks very much,” Magda said and tucked away the card.

  “I’ll buy a packet of those whiskey liqueur ones. He loves them.”

  “Regular’s free gift,” Magda said and handed the package over.

  Later in the afternoon, Magda went back to see how the gallery was doing. She found Ava really happy that things had gone so well.

  “I was so nervous to try it out,” she said. “I’m happy to do it again now.”

  “Your work is so well done. Some of this must be really hard to stitch.”

  “I have a very heavy-duty sewing machine for leather work because I started out making bags. I have made bags from just about any material you can imagine. I wanted to try things with a native background.”

  “What about a stall at the rodeo? Some of the others are going but you would need someone to help you.”

  “My brother is in the calf roping competition. He could help me set up and take down,” Ava said.

  “Ask the others how they manage there,” Magda said. “By the way, I love my horse blanket. My horse Jessie will look lovely. She’s dark brown with a cream mane and tail.”

  “Enjoy it,” Ava said. “Thanks for all your help.”

  The exhibitors cleared away at the end of the day and Mikey said that he would just sweep up and tidy.

  “I can stock up bottled water and snacks in the morning. We sold a lot of them.” He left Katie to total the takings and went to do the same in his camping shop. Magda did the same in the café and at last the place was quiet.

  “Great day,” she said as they locked up. “See you at Rula’s.” She packed the baby into her car seat and put the new blanket beside her. She had made tacos from what was left in the café and took them home to eat. “Daddy can have hot soup and these. That will be easy to do,” she told the baby as she drove home.

  The cats had been well-behaved. No books on the floor and Crystal was peering at the baby to make sure she was safe and well.

  “You’re a funny cat, Crystal. I bet nobody ever had a nanny cat before.”

  She plopped Samantha down on the floor until her food was ready and then spread the blanket on the back of the sofa. Crystal immediately clawed it to the floor.

  “Whoa, whoa,” Magda said and picked it up. “This is not for you to destroy, madam.” It went back on the sofa and the cat clawed it to the floor again. “Why?” Magda asked herself out loud.

  “Why what?” Sam said. Magda put the blanket back on the sofa and Crystal pulled it back down. She looked decidedly angry. They tried it on a chair and the same happened.

  “I’ll put it in the bed
room until I can take it to the ranch,” Magda said and closed the bedroom door to keep it safe.

  “Strange cat. Self-appointed baby minder and all-things-horses are obsessing her at the moment.”

  “How did she know it was a horse blanket?” Sam asked. “It hasn’t been on a horse.”

  “Heaven knows. She has a mind that works in a weird way,” Magda said.

  They ate and then Magda fed Samantha. Crystal watched to make sure she was doing everything right. Magda shook her head.

  “Okay, Samantha Barnes. Off we go to your second séance.”

  Everyone was already there when they arrived and Rula was showing them her house. The gym was again popular. They then made their way to the barn.

  Everyone stopped at the door and walked around the outside. Looking at the photograph of the barns from such a long time ago, they were able to see where the other buildings must have been.

  “My great-grandfather bred horses right here,” Shelby said. “That’s a strange feeling.”

  “Cody must have practiced on this very spot,” Chloe added. “I hope he knows I do the same.”

  It was dark inside, so they used flashlights.

  “We must get electricity installed before we start looking after horses,” Mikey said.

  “That’s the staircase in my painting.” Shelby shone the light on the steps and went over to run his hand over the wood.

  “It was as if you had really seen it,” Chloe said to her uncle.

  “I guess I did really, but inside my head.”

  Merle glanced at Declan and smiled. Magda put the carriage with the sleeping baby in front of her.

  “Let’s make a start,” Merle said and explained what she was about to do. “There might be nothing. We just have to see.” She went through her little talk about imagining yourself in a bubble of light and asking for protection. She glanced over at Declan who had put himself in a position to see the stairs.

  He gave her a nod and she knew that he had seen the man. She could almost feel that the spirit was there waiting to come forward.