Brimstone Witch Mysteries - Box Set 1

by April Fernsby

  “Of course not,” Astrid shot him a cold look. “Wouldn’t you be more comfortable eating somewhere else?”

  Luca said, “Stanley’s fine just where he is. Cassia, did you break Steve?”

  “No. The other trolls can put him back together and sort his life force out, so I was told. I’m not sure what’s going to happen to him after that. Ma Breccia said she’d keep Steve locked up until Blythe decided what to do with him. When we left the quarry, we visited Blythe and told her everything. She told me to leave matters with her now.”

  Astrid said to Luca, “Eat up. Your food will be going cold.”

  Luca ignored her. “Poor Blythe. She’s got a lot to deal with.”

  I nodded. “I know. She’s got to deal with Basil and his trips to my world. And there’s that illegal book business of his. Also, she said she was going to have a talk with Strom about Flint. And there’s the business of Uriah’s door which led into my world. She’s going to have her hands full.”

  Luca’s face darkened. “I’m going to speak to Strom too.”

  “Whatever for?” Astrid asked. “Flint’s got nothing to do with you.” She whipped his plate away. “That’s gone cold now. I’ll get you some dessert.”

  “Thank you,” Luca said.

  Astrid stood up and looked down at me. “I won’t get any for you seeing as you’re on a diet.”

  “I’m not on a diet.”

  She arched an eyebrow. “Oh? You look as if you might be.” She walked away.

  I sucked in my stomach and ignored the hurt her insult caused me.

  Luca reached over and put his hand over mine. “I’m so relieved you and Stanley are safe. I know you can deal with everything on your own, but it doesn’t stop me worrying about you.” He released my hand and looked down at Stanley. “How are you doing down there, my friend? Would you like some more?”

  “No, thank you. I’m stuffed.” Stanley moved away from the empty dish and lay down. “I’ll just have forty winks.” He closed his eyes.

  Astrid returned to the table carrying two plates of dessert. She gave one to Luca and put one in front of herself. She sat down and picked up her spoon. She didn’t look at me once.

  Luca said, “Astrid, you’ve forgotten to bring dessert for Cassia.”

  “Oh? Have I? I thought she was going home. She looks exhausted.” She aimed a tight smile my way. “You look exhausted. Feel free to go home early. We won’t be offended.”

  “Cassia can stay as long as she likes. She’s my guest.” There was a hard tone in Luca’s voice which made me feel uncomfortable.

  I stood up. “Actually, I am tired. Thank you for dinner.”

  Astrid looked at her spoon. “Don’t forget your pet.”

  I pressed my lips together. She was being incredibly rude.

  I picked Stanley up and said, “I’ll see myself out. Thanks again.”

  Luca made to rise. “I’ll see you out.”

  Astrid pushed him back down. “Cassia can see herself out. She knows she’s taken up enough of our valuable time.” Her eyes focused on me. “Goodnight, Cassia.”

  I couldn’t get out of that apartment quick enough. I hugged Stanley to me as I raced down the steps and out of the door. I was halfway across the square when someone called my name.

  I turned around to see Astrid there.

  Her light blue eyes bored into me like icicles. “Cassia, I’m telling you this as a friend. Keep away from Luca. Stop asking him to help you. He’s got better things to do with his time than help a witch like you. He only helped you out of some misguided feelings of friendship from the past. Leave him alone. I hope you understand.” She looked me up and down before walking away.

  Stanley opened his eyes. He said, “I heard every word. I told you Astrid smelled wrong. She smells of evil.”

  “I think she’s just possessive of Luca. It’s no big deal. She’s right. I shouldn’t ask him for help.”

  “Luca offered his help.” Stanley looked towards Astrid as she walked back into Luca’s building. “Cassia, it’s my duty to tell you when you’re in danger. You’re in danger now. I hate to say this, but Astrid means you harm. I can sense it.”

  I couldn’t argue. I’d felt that too.

  I pulled Stanley closer. “I’ll be fine. I’ve got you to protect me.”

  Stanley nodded. “You certainly have.”

  The Centaur’s Last Breath

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 1

  “There’s been another murder.”

  I focused my sleepy eyes on the purple-eyed witch in front of me and mumbled, “Pardon? What time is it?”

  Blythe, the 300-year-old witch in question, came into the apartment and continued, “It’s morning. A bit early, I’ll give you that. But murderers aren’t thoughtful when it comes to committing their evil acts.” She stopped talking and looked me up and down. “Cassia, have you just got out of bed? What’s wrong with your hair? Does it normally stick up like that?”

  I ran my tongue around my parched mouth before saying, “Yes, my hair always looks like this first thing in the morning. And, yes, I have just got up. I had a late night. Would you like a cup of tea? I’m having one.”

  “Yes, please. Thank you. I’m sorry for waking you up.”

  “I had to get up anyway. Someone was banging loudly on the door.”

  I tried not to sound indignant, but no one likes to be woken up by constant thudding at the door. I had tried my best to ignore it, but the knocking hadn’t stopped. I was all ready to give the person who was knocking on the door a piece of my mind, but when I saw Blythe standing there, my anger vanished. She’s one of my favourite people in Brimstone - even if she does call on sleeping residents at ridiculous hours.

  Blythe reached out and patted my hair. “It won’t go down. How do you get it under control?”

  “I have many products in the bathroom,” I advised her. I looked at her perfect hair which hung in glorious waves over her shoulders. Despite being 300 years old, Blythe had youthful skin and rosy cheeks. Her most striking feature was her purple eyes. They matched the long, flowing dress she was now wearing.

  I said to Blythe, “How do you manage to look so perfect all the time?”

  She laughed. “Magic, of course. What’s the point of being a witch if I can’t use magic on myself?” She patted my hair again. “I can do something with this if you like?”

  “No, thanks. If I start relying on magic, I’ll become lazy very quickly.” I yawned as I shuffled towards the kettle and filled it up.

  Stanley, my cat and familiar, padded into the room. He gave Blythe one of his cute cat smiles and said, “Oh, it’s you. Good morning. Cassia wasn’t going to answer the door. She said whoever was rude enough to be knocking so early could clear off and throw themselves in a river.”

  My cheeks warmed up and I focused on the kettle as it started to boil. I muttered, “I don’t think I used those exact words.”

  Stanley continued helpfully, “You did. And when the knocking continued, you threatened to use magic on whoever it was and to turn them into a toad with extra large warts.”

  “I don’t recall that,” I said as I reached for some cups.

  Stanley hadn’t finished embarra
ssing me yet. “Blythe, we had a very late night. Cassia opened a bottle of wine and said she’d have one glass. But then she had another and another. She emptied the bottle.”

  “It wasn’t a large bottle,” I defended myself.”

  “Then she got the munchies and had a whole garlic baguette to herself.” He waved a paw in front of her nose. “She’s a bit fragrant this morning.”

  I stiffened. I’d forgotten about the garlic bread. With a mixture of wine, garlic and morning breath, I realised I must be one very stinky person.

  I rushed towards the bathroom and called out, “Won’t be a minute!”

  As soon as I entered the bathroom, I gave my teeth a thorough brush. I washed away streaks of make-up under my eyes and then attempted to flatten my hair. Perhaps I should take Blythe up on her offer of using magic.

  I was still new to this magic business and still getting to grips with being a witch. I’d only found out recently, thanks to my gran. In fact, this was Gran’s apartment. She insisted I stay here for a while with Stanley so we could become familiar with the residents of the magical town of Brimstone.

  Within one day of arriving at this apartment, we’d found ourselves in the middle of a murder investigation. As my job was that of a justice witch, I’d got stuck into the investigation and uncovered the murderer. That had been yesterday, hence the chilling out last night.

  And now there’d been another murder? So soon?

  Feeling more awake, I returned to the main room to find Blythe sitting on the four-seater sofa with Stanley on her knee. He was purring gently.

  Blythe indicated her head in the direction of the table in front of the sofa. “I’ve made the tea. Sit yourself down.”

  “Another murder?” I said as I took a seat and picked my cup up. “Blythe, what’s going on in this town?”

  She sighed heavily. “I wish I knew. I think it’s all linked to the black magic which has come into our town. It’s making residents act in aggressive ways. I still haven’t pinpointed where it’s coming from. I suspect it might have something to do with my cousins. They’re witches too, and live in the outer lands.”

  “Why would they be involved?” I asked.

  “They’ve always been jealous about how residents in Brimstone get along so well. They think it’s not normal. They think I should impose tougher rules and punishments here like they do in their towns. But I’ve never needed to.” She looked down at Stanley as she stroked his head. “I knew something was wrong when they came to visit me three months ago. They’d been particularly scathing and nasty. They were having a bad time with their own towns and thought it unjust that I wasn’t.”

  I said, “That’s their problem, not yours. The cheek!” I sipped my tea.

  Blythe looked my way. “I agree. But some people like to feel like victims. They’d rather blame everyone else for their problems than take responsibility. When my cousins were leaving my house, I heard them mumbling something about testing my patience. I didn’t pay much attention to them as they’re always muttering about something or other. But since we started having trouble in Brimstone, I’ve made some enquiries and it’s starting to look like my cousins are at the root of the black magic supply. I’ll need evidence before I confront them.”

  “Can I help you with that?”

  “I don’t want you to get involved. My cousins are malicious witches and wouldn’t think twice about hurting you. You haven’t had enough training yet to defend yourself against witches like them.” She gave me a sad smile. “All we can do is keep an eye on our town and try to keep order here. I will get rid of the black magic in our town; you can count on that. I’m not sure how long it will take, though.”

  I took in the worried look in Blythe’s eyes. I thought she was more worried than she was letting on, but I knew not to push her. At least I could help with the murder case.

  I put my cup down and said firmly, “Tell me about this latest murder. I’ll soon have it sorted out.”

  Blythe’s smile grew. “I’m sure you will. I’m so happy to have you here, Cassia. You’re helping me more than you know. Tell me; what do you know about centaurs?”

  Chapter 2

  “Centaurs?” I repeated. “Half horse and half man? Those are centaurs, aren’t they?”

  Blythe nodded. “That’s right. Have you seen any around Brimstone?”

  “A few, not many.”

  Stanley chuckled and added, “Cassia stares at their bare chests.”

  “It’s hard not to,” I admitted. “That’s the part of them that’s on level with my eyes. Couldn’t they wear a shirt or something?”

  “Some of the other residents in Brimstone have requested that they do just that,” Blythe said. “But I told them no. I won’t censure how beings in Brimstone act and dress. We don’t have that kind of town. I want species of all sorts to feel at home here.” Her mouth twitched. “So, Cassia, I’m afraid you’ll just have to stare at their muscled chests.”

  “If you insist.” I took another drink of my tea. It was waking me up by the second. “Why are you asking me about centaurs?” I hesitated. “Don’t tell me one of them has been murdered?”

  “I’m afraid so.” Blythe put Stanley to one side and picked up her tea. She took a long drink before saying, “Selo Cezerus was murdered early this morning. He was found by his father, Nilah.”

  “What happened?” I asked.

  “Selo was out for his early morning run and was late back to the family ranch. Nilah went out to look for him and found Selo’s body one mile from the ranch. He called for a doctor immediately who examined Selo and said he’d died from heart failure. Nilah refuses to believe that. He said Selo was in the peak of health and was stronger than any other centaur in this area. He went on to say that no one in his family had ever died from heart failure. He suspects foul play and so contacted me.”

  “Have you seen Selo’s body?”

  “I have. I’ve just returned from their home. I spoke at length with Nilah and I agree with him about the death being suspicious. I regret to say that Selo wasn’t well liked. He was young, loud and quite the show-off. His brash ways earned him many enemies, especially within the centaur community. Selo loved competing with the other centaurs and would always win in races and competitions. He would then belittle his competitor in front of everyone. Nilah thinks someone finally had enough of Selo and his arrogant ways.”

  I asked, “If it is murder, do you think it’s related to the black magic that’s going around?”

  “I do. Being annoyed with someone is one thing, but committing murder is something else altogether. A centaur has never been murdered in Brimstone. It wouldn’t surprise me if those nasty cousins of mine put something in the air or the drinking water. I’m doing tests on both of those, but they take time. Do you think you could investigate this murder?”

  “Of course.”

  Stanley piped up, “I’ll help her.”

  Blythe cast him a fond smile. “I know you will. Cassia, I’ve taken the liberty of telling Nilah you’ll be dealing with this case. He’s pleased about that. He’s heard about the murders you’ve solved so far, and said he’ll do all that he can to help you.” She hesitated a fraction before saying, “Do you think you could get on with the investigation immediately? When you’ve got dressed?”

  “Of course.” I studied Blythe for a second or two. “Why? Is there something else you want me to deal with? Not another murder?”

  “No, nothing like that. I don’t like to trouble you with this other matter. It seems so trivial compared to Selo’s death.”

  “Trouble me anyway. I insist.” I drained my tea and put my cup on the table.

  Blythe put her cup down. “It’s this silly black magic that’s floating around. It’s making residents act in peculiar ways. They’re being upset by the slightest things. I’ve had one resident after another complaining to me recently. I foolishly asked them to put their concerns in writing and put their written complaints through my door.” She rai
sed her eyebrows. “Well! I could hardly open my front door when I came back from Nilah’s ranch this morning. You should have seen all the letters that had been pushed through my door. I’ve done the sensible thing and delegated the paperwork to someone else to get them into some sort of order. The thing is, I’m not going to have time to deal with all the complaints and I was hoping you’d help - when you have time.”

  “Yes, of course I will. What sort of complaints are there?”

  Blythe flapped a hand at me. “Silly things. Petty thefts including a lot of things going missing from washing lines surprisingly. Then there’s incidents of malicious damage, broken fences, noisy neighbours. That sort of thing. There seems to be a flood of complaints recently. I wish I could ignore them, but I can’t. It would be a great help if you could deal with them on my behalf. It would give me time to deal with my cousins. With you being a justice witch, residents will listen to you. You’re gaining quite the reputation in town.”

  “Am I? That’s nice to know. Why don’t I go and collect the complaints now? I can start going through them later.”

  “There’s no need to do that. Like I said, I’ve got someone to go through them for me. In fact, I’ve asked one of the guardians to do it. I’ve asked him to help you too. I thought he could talk to some of the residents about their issues and perhaps settle some of the minor complaints.” She checked her watch. “He should be here soon. I told him to meet us here.”

  There was a knock at the door.

  My heart missed a beat. Not Luca. Don’t let it be Luca.

  My feet felt like lead as I dragged them over to the door and opened it.

  “Good morning,” Luca said brightly. He handed me a brown paper bag. “I’ve brought you a bacon bagel, hot from the café.”

  “Thanks,” I said quietly as I took the bag. “Come in.”

  I turned away from him. I didn’t hate Luca. It was quite the opposite. When I was young, I spent time in Brimstone and Luca and I were best friends. When I returned to Brimstone recently, we’d resumed our friendship. I must be honest and admit that I’m attracted to him. He’s very handsome with his deep blue eyes and dimpled smile. It’s not just his looks, though, there’s something so comforting about his presence. He makes me feel like I’ve come home.