by Adele Abbott
He just called me his girlfriend, not ex-girlfriend. Maybe there was still hope.
“You’re absolutely right. I should have told you. I know it’s no excuse, but Stuart Steele approached me out of the blue, and asked if I’d look into Starr Fish’s murder.”
“And at that point you should have done what?” Jack prompted.
This was beginning to feel like an interrogation, and my instincts were to fight back, but I still had enough sense to realise that wasn’t a good idea.
“I should have mentioned it to you.”
“But instead, you pumped me for information.”
“I wouldn’t say that.”
“What would you call it? You asked me questions about the case without mentioning you were working on it.”
“Yeah but—”
“But nothing, Jill. If we’re to make a go of this, that can’t happen again. If you’re working on any case that the police are involved with, you have to tell me.”
“Okay, but that doesn’t mean you can tell me I can’t work the case.”
“I wouldn’t do that.”
“Of course you would. You do it every time.”
“Okay. I’m prepared to accept that you’re free to work on whatever cases you wish, but only on condition that you tell me. Agreed?”
“That’s fair. Agreed. So are we good now?”
“Yes, but there’s one more thing.”
“Go on.”
“I need you to promise that you won’t lie to me ever again. About anything.”
What? My whole life was a lie—in particular the fact that I was a witch, and could never tell Jack.
“Jill?”
“Yeah, of course. I promise.”
Oh bum!
***
It was time to go back to Middle Tweaking, yet again. It was a pity I couldn’t just magic myself around the human world. The truth was, I probably could, now that I had the additional powers I’d inherited from Magna, but it just didn’t feel right. I tried to keep the magic I used in Washbridge to a bare minimum because I ran the risk of being exposed as a witch. I was even more conscious of the danger of giving myself away now I was seeing Jack.
Myrtle was waiting for me at the old watermill.
“Are you okay, Jill? You look a bit down in the dumps. Not man trouble is it?”
“No, of course not.”
“We’d better get going. I told Brendan Breeze that we’d be with him five minutes ago.”
“I’m sorry I’m late. There were roadworks in Lower Tweaking.”
“It’s okay. They’re always digging that road up.”
Brendan Breeze had the look of a sad puppy, and just as Myrtle had warned, smelled of fish. He barely said a word when he answered the door.
“I still can’t believe it.” His eyes looked bloodshot as though he’d been crying for a long time. ‘I can’t believe Madge is dead.”
“It came as a shock to us all.” Myrtle reassured him.
“You know that Madge and I used to be an item, I suppose.”
“Yes, but the way I heard it, you dumped her.”
“It’s true. I did. I was an idiot; I should never have done it. Madge and I were good together. I don’t know what I was thinking.”
“From what I hear, you traded her in for a younger model.” Myrtle was taking no prisoners now.
“You’re right. I’m just a stupid old man.”
“You’re surely not waiting for me to disagree, are you Brendan?”
“No, I know I am. I allowed my eyes to wander, and convinced myself that Suzy was interested in me. I was stupid. She was only after what she could get. I bought her clothes, jewellery, handbags, all sorts of things. That’s all she wanted me for. When the money began to run out, she found herself a new boyfriend, and left me in the lurch. I tried to make it up with Madge, but she didn’t want to know.”
“Can you blame her?”
“Of course not. It’s all I deserved.”
“You got that much right. Didn’t you even accuse her of trying to sabotage your business?”
“I don’t know what I was thinking.” He shook his head. “Madge would never have done anything like that. Not in a million years. It’s just that things had started to go wrong with the business, and Suzy was two-timing me with some young fellow. I think the stress must have got to me, and I just lashed out. It was crazy. I should never have said the things I said. If I could take them back now, I would.” He started towards the door. “Would you excuse me for a minute? I’ve got a thumping headache. I need to get some tablets.”
When he had disappeared into the kitchen, I turned to Myrtle and said, “What do you think?”
“Words are cheap. It’s easy for him to be sorry now. Even so, my gut feeling is he’s telling the truth.”
I nodded. If this was all an act, it was a really good one.
When he came back, he was still rubbing his forehead. “Sorry about that. I’ve got one heck of a hangover. There was a lock-in at The Old Trout last night.”
“I thought those had been stopped,” Myrtle said.
“They were for a long time. You know why, I assume?”
Myrtle shook her head.
“Trevor used to run them every night. Madge lived right next door, and had to get up early for the post office. The late night drinkers were waking her up when they left the pub in the early hours of the morning. She complained to Trevor, and when he did nothing about it, she took it to the police. They put a stop to the lock-ins. They would probably have turned a blind eye if Madge hadn’t complained.”
“What did you think about the lottery situation,” Myrtle asked.
“There’s no way Madge would have cheated the others. It was obviously a genuine mistake. But, I was so blinded by rage at the time, that I sided with those who accused her of cheating. I’m ashamed; I should have stood up for her.”
As the minutes passed, Brendan became less and less responsive. He was obviously still suffering from the previous night’s drinking.
“Okay Brendan.” Myrtle stood up. “I think we’d better leave it there. If I have any more questions, I’ll come and see you again when you’re not so hung over.”
“Yeah, okay. I’m sorry about this.” He showed us to the door. “I hope you find out who murdered Madge. She didn’t deserve to meet her end like that.”
When we got outside, I asked Myrtle what she’d made of Brendan.
“He seemed genuinely sorry about the way he’d treated Madge, but I was more interested in what he had to say about the lock-ins.”
“I wasn’t really sure what that was all about.”
“With all the clubs and late-night bars in the city, there’s probably no need for lock-ins. But out here in the sticks, it’s different. The pubs are expected to close by eleven or eleven-thirty at the latest. There’s only the one pub in Middle Tweaking, and the truth is that a lot of people want to keep drinking long after that—especially at the weekend. Trevor satisfied that demand by holding lock-ins.”
“At the risk of sounding stupid, what exactly is a lock-in?”
“At ‘closing time’, the landlord locks the doors as though the pub is closed. Those remaining in the pub after that time are supposed to be friends of the landlord who have been invited for a drink, with no money changing hands. In reality, it’s just the regular customers who have stayed behind to drink and spend money.”
“And according to Brendan, Madge got the lock-ins closed down.”
“Exactly, and that’s what caught my attention,” Myrtle said. “Trevor won’t have been very happy that Madge cut off a major part of his income.”
“Are you suggesting that could be a motive for murder?”
“Probably not, but I do think we should have another word with our friend, Trevor.”
“Do you want to do that now?”
“No time like the present.”
“Why don’t you ask him how he felt about Madge getting the lock-ins closed
down while I take a closer look around the pub.”
“That’s a good idea, Jill. I’ll go in first, and see if I can get him to talk to me in the back. You give it five minutes, then come in and take a good look around. See if you come up with anything of interest.”
I watched through the window as Myrtle approached Trevor who was behind the bar. They spoke for a while, and then disappeared into the back. That was my cue.
“Morning, madam.” The young woman behind the bar greeted me. “What can I get for you?”
“Could I just get a coffee, please?”
“Certainly. Cappuccino, latte, flat white?”
“Latte please.”
“Regular or decaf?”
“Regular.”
“Skinny or—”
“Just give me a cup of tea, please.” Life was too short.
“Okay, I’ll bring it over to you.”
There were framed photos on all of the walls. The majority were of fishing competitions. Trevor Total featured prominently in every photo. In most he was either holding a large fish or an even larger trophy. When I studied them in more detail, I could see that most of the trophies had been won for fly fishing. In fact, many of the photos referred to Trevor (the Fly) Total.
“There you are, madam.” The barmaid put the tray on the table. “Help yourself to milk and sugar.”
Before I could take a drink, Myrtle reappeared, and gestured for me to follow her out of the pub.
“Did you find anything, Jill?”
“Not really. I discovered that Trevor is an expert fly fisherman, but I don’t think that helps us. What about you? Did you come up with anything?”
“He didn’t appreciate my line of questioning. As soon as I got onto the subject of the lock-ins, his demeanour changed, and he became very defensive. He said there’d never been any trouble with the lock-ins, and the only reason he’d stopped them was because he’d been feeling the stress of working so many hours.”
“I thought it was Madge who had got them closed down?”
“I put that to him, but he insisted that wasn’t the case.”
“Brendan seemed to think it was. They can’t both be right.”
Myrtle said nothing for the longest moment; she was obviously deep in thought. “I have a hunch, but to prove it, I’m going to need the services of our friends Hodd and Jobbs.”
“Another break-in?”
“Please, Jill.” Myrtle tutted. “Such crude terminology. The ladies wouldn’t approve.”
“Sorry. What exactly do you have in mind?”
“All in good time. Can you come back tonight for the lock-in?”
“Sure. What time?”
“Can you get here for about ten-thirty?”
“No problem. What’s the plan?”
“Once the lock-in is in full swing, I’ll need you to keep Trevor occupied while Hodd and Jobbs do their thing. Can you do that?”
“Sure, I’ll see you tonight.”
Chapter 17
Kathy had invited me over because Peter and his new employee were going to be working late. As I was already in the city centre, I thought I’d pop into Ever A Wool Moment to meet her there.
When I arrived at the wool shop, I noticed two familiar faces in the tea room. It was Grandma with Miles Best. They were enjoying a beverage, and seemed to be having a good old chinwag. Grandma was actually smiling.
I grabbed Kathy. “What’s going on with those two?”
“They’re BFFs now.”
“Grandma and Miles Best? Are you serious?”
“Yes, ever since the incident with the Never-ending Wool, he’s been coming over here to chat with your grandmother. At first, she wasn’t very enthusiastic, but he seems to have won her over. He does have a certain charm about him.”
“He must have if he’s managed to talk Grandma around.”
“From the few snippets of conversation I’ve caught, it sounds as though they’re discussing a number of joint ventures. They’ve been talking about initiatives whereby they can cross-sell between the two shops.”
I had to hand it to Miles. Ever since he’d begged me to get Grandma to reverse the spell on the Never-ending Wool, he’d kept his promise to change his ways. Not only had he closed down Best P.I. Services, but he’d also offered to share his circus acts with the twins, and now he was looking to go into joint ventures with Grandma. It was such a complete turnaround that I wasn’t sure what to make of it. Had the leopard really changed its spots or was he just luring us into a false sense of security?
After Miles and Grandma had left, I waited until Kathy had locked up. One of her friends had collected the kids from school, so they were already home when we arrived.
“Auntie Jill! Auntie Jill!” Lizzie came running up to me. “Don’t forget, it’s my talent competition soon. You are coming, aren’t you?”
“Of course she’s coming,” Kathy said, before I could come up with an excuse. “You’ve been looking forward to it, haven’t you, Auntie Jill?”
“Yes, I’m counting the minutes.”
Thump, bang, thump, bang, thump, bang. Mikey appeared with his drum.
“I thought you weren’t allowed to play the drum in the house?”
“I keep telling you, Auntie Jill, it’s not my birthday yet. When I get my new drum kit, I have to play it in the shop.”
“You can’t expect your Auntie Jill to remember when your birthday is, Mikey.” Kathy gave me that look. “After all, she has so many nephews and nieces to keep track of.”
I ignored the cutting (but thoroughly deserved) remark.
“Have you heard any more about the Madge Hick murder?” Kathy asked, after she’d given the kids their microwave pizza (hmm, yummy cardboard!)
“Didn’t I mention it? We’re working on the case.”
“No you didn’t mention it. And who is ‘we’?”
“I’ve been working on it with Myrtle Turtle from Middle Tweaking.”
“Myrtle Turtle?” Kathy laughed.
“She’s an amateur investigator.”
“Like you, then?”
“Cheek. I’ll have you know I’m the consummate professional.”
“I thought you preferred to work solo?”
“Generally I do, but Myrtle knows her stuff. And besides, she knows the locals. I’m going over there tonight. We’re going to a lock-in at The Old Trout.”
“A lock-in? Isn’t that just an excuse to drink until the early hours of the morning?”
“Technically, yes. But that’s not why we’re going.”
“Hmm? According to you.”
Just then, the front door opened.
“It’s me,” Peter shouted. “I’ve brought someone with me for dinner, I hope you don’t mind.”
Kathy looked at me, and rolled her eyes. “I hate it when he does this. He’ll expect me to magic up dinner from somewhere, with no warning at all.”
Peter looked hot and sweaty after his day’s endeavours. “Jill, I didn’t realise you were here. Look Kathy, I’m sorry I didn’t give you any warning, but as we’ve been working late, I told Jethro he could have dinner with us.”
Jethro? It couldn’t be. Could it?
I only had to glance at Kathy’s expression to have my answer. She was practically salivating. It was the man who until recently had worked for Aunt Lucy. The man who was adored by every female who saw him, including the twins and Aunt Lucy. Not me though, obviously. I’m not so shallow. He’d given up his gardening job to pursue a career as a male model, and the last time I’d seen him had been in ‘Hunk’, where he’d been part of a male dance troupe.
He glanced across at me, and I saw a hint of recognition in his eyes. Neither of us said anything to indicate that we knew one another, and obviously, Peter and Kathy had no idea that he was actually a wizard.
“This is Jethro,” Peter said. “Jethro, this is Kathy, my wife, and this is Jill, Kathy’s sister.”
“Pleased to meet you both.” He shook our hands.
>
Kathy took forever to release his hand; she was well and truly smitten.
“We’ll get washed up while you make us something to eat.” Peter gestured for Jethro to follow him. “Burger and chips maybe?”
“Of course.” Kathy whimpered. “Will burger be enough for you, Jethro? I can do something else if you’d prefer it?”
“Burger will be fine, thanks.”
Once the two men had left, I turned to Kathy. “Will burger be enough for you, Jethro?” I mocked.
“What?”
“You soon changed your tune. One minute, you’re moaning about Peter bringing someone home for dinner, and the next you’re fawning all over him.”
“I was not fawning.”
“Do me a favour. That was world-class fawning.”
“Did you see him, though?”
“What about him?” I shrugged.
“Are you blind? He’s possibly the most handsome man I’ve ever seen. And what a body!”
“I can’t say I noticed. I’m far more interested in a man’s personality than his looks or physique.”
“Of course you are. Do you think I should get changed for dinner?”
“No, just make the burgers.”
By the time I left, Kathy had changed into her best dress. It was pathetic, I’d never go to all that trouble just to impress a man.
What do you mean my date with Luther? That was totally different. Obviously.
***
Just after nine, I drove over to Middle Tweaking where I checked in with Myrtle, to make sure that the plans hadn’t changed. She confirmed I was to ensure I was included in the ‘lock-in’, and that I should keep Trevor distracted once the doors had been locked.
“Hello again,” Trevor greeted me. “You’re becoming a bit of a regular.”
“I’m actually thinking of buying a property in the village, so I thought I should stay over for a few days.”
Once I had my drink, I found a quiet corner, and waited. Just before eleven, Trevor came over.
“It’s Jill, isn’t it?”
“That’s right.”
“Look Jill, the pub will be closing shortly, but we’re having what’s known locally, as a ‘lock-in’.”
