by Sonia Parin
Never mind all that. Open a can. This one. No... wait. This one. No, no. This one. Game Indulgence. I like the sound of that. It has pheasant, quail and duck. Or should I have the Ocean Delight first?
Lexie reached inside the basket and opened a can of cat food. “Hey, this stuff looks expensive. I don’t need my feline companion acquiring a taste for it.”
“Oh, sorry. I grabbed whatever I had in stock.”
“This is from your own pantry?”
“Venus has a discernable palate.”
Luna peered at her and Lexie would swear she growled.
“So, did your nocturnal investigations produce anything?” Mirabelle asked.
“Yes,” Lexie said around a mouthful of buttery croissant. “I found a letter hidden behind a portrait. It confirms Cynthia was responsible for casting a spell on the Leonard heiress. Or at least, that’s what it alludes to.”
“This could pose a problem for the academy. The Leonard family could challenge ownership rights.”
“I somehow doubt that.” Lexie closed her eyes so she could better enjoy her coffee.
“What do you mean?”
“Can you imagine a lawyer taking on a case which required proving witches exist?”
“But we do.”
“And they can cast spells?”
“Yes, well... That could present a problem.”
Lexie reached for the letter. “I’m not really up on coven treaties and whatnot, but I assume part of our role would involve ensuring... oh, it’s too early in the morning to make sense.” Luna snuggled down beside her, a smile of contentment on her little face.
Happy now?
Yes, blissfully so. Although last night’s reality check remains fresh in my mind.
It was strange. I didn’t realize you had so many goals.
Carefully plotted out. Yes. Despite that, I now realize my life trajectory is susceptible to change and outside influences beyond my control.
Lexie sighed. “Hey, if I don’t become High Chair, do I get to keep the cat?”
“Not... not become High Chair?” Mirabelle sounded as if she’d just been prodded with a cattle rod. “Such an issue has never arisen. There hasn’t been a precedent. Eat another croissant. I think your sugar levels must be low.”
“Yes, but... What’s the contingency plan? There must be one.”
“Your mother is the High Chair and you are her only offspring. Therefore, you will be High Chair.”
“Do we have cousins I don’t know about? You know, like a cousin once... twice or three times removed?”
“I... I... I would have to check your lineage. But... why would you not become High Chair?”
“I’m being realistic. I could prove to be incompetent.”
Mirabelle’s orb hovered toward her until they were face to face. “Then I will do everything in my power to bring you up to scratch.”
“Are you saying I’d have your support?”
“Absolutely.”
Get that in writing now before she changes her mind.
Is this what you were aiming for, Luna? A safety net?
The only certainties in life are the ones you can get for yourself.
Lexie spread the letter out on the bed. “See if you can make any sense of this.”
Delegating. Now you’re catching on. And I still strongly advice you to get something in writing. You need something to wave under her nose.
I have my shoe.
“Oh yes. This is most interesting. I hadn’t been aware such a document existed.”
Lexie helped herself to another croissant. “How did Eloise Hamilton get her job as headmistress?”
“I am not privy to the inner workings of the selection process.”
“I wonder if we can suspect her of being a descendant of Cynthia Lauriston?”
Luna stretched and strode over to the basket to inspect its contents.
There’s someone coming.
“Quick. Hide in the bathroom.”
“Pardon?”
“There’s someone coming. Hide in the bathroom. Come in,” Lexie called out when she heard the knock at the door and quickly threw the bedcover over the basket.
“Good morning, Miss Mackenzie,” the maid greeted her, “Your breakfast.”
“Oh, thank you.” Porridge again? Ugh. “Who sets the breakfast menu?”
“The headmistress does. She’s a strong believer in a healthy start to the day.”
Lexie offered a thank you smile and waited for the maid to leave before setting the tray down on the floor and sliding it under the bed. Out of sight, out of mind, she thought.
“You can come out now. I’m happy to suspect the headmistress of something... anything. There has to be something wrong with a person so intent on ruining people’s start to the day.”
“We would need strong proof against her,” Mirabelle declared firmly.
“And Penny. I’m sure she’s somehow involved. I asked her to provide proof of her whereabouts and I’m still waiting.”
“I’ll check with Jake O’Rourke. Perhaps she passed the information onto him.”
“You should zap him over here. We need to reconvene our meeting and do some more brainstorming. The will must be hidden somewhere. I need ideas of where to look.”
“I’ll see what I can do. He wasn’t very happy about putting himself at my mercy yesterday. Although, he will definitely want to read this letter. I should get him now.”
“Good idea. You do that while I change into my ridiculous puffy sleeved dress and equally ridiculous white shoes.”
“You never miss an opportunity.”
Before Lexie could think of a response, Mirabelle disappeared.
* * *
“Right. Well... What’s on for today?” Lexie asked when she emerged from the bathroom. “You don’t need to answer that.”
Luna flicked her tail. “So why did you ask?”
“It’s called talking out loud.”
“Really? I thought it might be an early sign of madness.”
“Says she who spent the night talking to herself.”
“I knew you were listening.”
Lexie made a point of avoiding the mirror. “I guess we’re waiting for Mirabelle to turn up with Jake.” She nudged Luna with her foot. “So... how are you feeling this morning?”
Luna stopped licking herself and looked up. “Fine. Thank you for asking.”
“Good. Clearly a well fed cat is a happy cat.”
“Add well rested to the mix and we’ll be on the same page.” As if to make the point, Luna leaped onto the bed, curled up and promptly fell asleep.
Lexie slumped down on a chair and went through her mental notes. Jake had said the cooks were off the hook. Yet she couldn’t help thinking it had been convenient of them to cook something that could prove to be explosive enough to disguise the smell of a burning corpse...
Then there was Eloise Hamilton. The headmistress had been opposed to the investigation from the start. Lexie didn’t know why that would make her suspicious of her. Some people cherished their privacy and the headmistress had been concerned about exposing the school to scandal. However, add to that the fact meals at the academy failed to meet Luna’s expectations, and she believed she had reason to suspect Eloise of questionable activities. What if the poor meals were a reflection of budgetary cuts brought on by a shortfall of money?
What sort of expense would blow the budget?
Extravagance.
Unforeseen building repairs.
Embezzlement.
Blackmail.
Could someone be blackmailing the school?
What if Lillian Somers had caught on to something and had decided to use it as a personal windfall? Yes, blackmail.
She imagined the headmistress tightening the budget to make her periodic blackmail payments and then realizing this couldn’t go on. Killing Lillian Somers would have solved the problem.
The only way to prove that suspicion would be to wait and
see if the menu improved but that would take too long.
Next, Lexie tried to imagine what Lillian could have used as blackmail. Had she maybe found the will? Lexie had found a letter, what if there were more? Perhaps one with more incriminating information.
“I’m only saying a little warning would be appreciated,” Jake said, as he suddenly appeared in the room, “This business of you appearing from out of nowhere and zapping me away has to stop.” He turned to Lexie. “Hi, there.”
“Are you squabbling with the High Chair of the British Isles?”
Mirabelle swept around the room. “We were merely discussing the matter. Now that we’re all here, we should proceed.”
“Mirabelle mentioned you’d found something.”
Lexie handed him the letter. “I believe this casts suspicion on the Leonard family. Specifically, on Lindsay Leonard because her parents are away. This is what she might have been looking for. Then again, she’s the only suspect I’ve identified. There must be more. That’s why we need to establish Lillian Somers’ heritage. You said her family went back to the early days but you don’t have precise information.”
“I’m still digging.”
“Is it possible she might be linked to Cynthia Lauriston?”
“And why would that make her a target?”
“I think we’ll be able to answer that once we look into all possible links. The Lauriston sisters have many descendants. Cynthia had two marriages and many children. I assume one of her descendants is currently affiliated with the academy, if not directly as a tutor, then indirectly as the recipient of royalties. What if there’s another heiress? Suddenly Lillian Somers appears on the scene and begins to make waves. Before you arrived, I was pondering the possibility of the school being blackmailed.”
“Another heiress? We’ve yet to identify one.” Jake brushed his hand across his chin. “This letter suggests there might have been trouble between Gertrude and Cynthia. Perhaps a difference of opinions or expectations. It alludes to a need for clarification.”
“As in, yes... your offspring will forever be considered to be in line to profit from the school?”
“Yes,” Jake agreed.
Lexie got up and strode around the room. “A good cup of coffee would go a long way.”
“Yes, it would,” Jake nodded pensively.
They both looked up at Mirabelle.
“I’m sorry, did I miss something?” Mirabelle asked.
“Well, you’re really the only one at hand free to come and go, therefore, free to organize the coffee.”
“I see. Right. Well... I suppose we must all do what we must, even if it is somewhat demeaning to be sent off to fetch coffee.”
Lexie smiled at the orb. “That’s the spirit.” She watched Mirabelle fade away.
You’re starting to push your luck with Mirabelle. I predict a showdown of sorts.
Go back to sleep.
A moment later, Mirabelle’s orb appeared followed by a couple of coffees. “I hope this is to your satisfaction.”
“You’re a treasure.”
“Did I miss anything?”
“What do you think would happen if there are more than two heiresses?” Lexie asked her. “Imagine if there’s a conflict of opinions. One heiress wants the status quo to remain, meaning... Lauriston Academy continues as it has been, and the other heiress is all for selling the land and building for a nice profit and living out her days in splendor on some tropical isle.”
“How do you justify that suspicion?” Mirabelle asked.
“Gertrude and Cynthia were poles apart. You only need to look at their portraits to see one had a severe, no nonsense outlook and the other one... preferred to embrace the jollier, happy-go-lucky approach to life. So each demonstrated different character traits. I imagine their offspring inherited those traits. All these years down the track, we still have a version or more of each sister.” Lexie took a long, pensive drink of her coffee and then smiled.
Mirabelle’s orb turned in a tight circle. “I have to say... you have impressed me. Where did you pick up such deductive thinking?”
“From watching late night TV.”
Luna stirred awake.
I dreamed I had two litters and all but one of my kittens turned out like me. She was a horror.
Go back to sleep and sort her out.
“Of course,” Lexie added, “This is all conjecture and suppositions. We need proof.”
“Unmitigated proof,” Mirabelle piped in. “We simply cannot go around accusing the esteemed faculty members.”
“I guess it goes without saying, I’ll have to find the will and Jake needs to work on those family trees.”
“Um...” Mirabelle hesitated.
“Did you just um?” Lexie asked, “I don’t think I’ve ever heard you hesitate.”
Mirabelle spoke so softly, neither one heard her.
“Come again?”
“There are records in the Hall. All covens have their independent registries, but there is a main register for all covens.”
“And you are keeper of that register and you waited this long to tell us.” Lexie slipped her shoe off.
“I’ll be back momentarily or... as long as it takes me to find the records since, as you recall, I don’t have a personal assistant.”
Luna stretched and sauntered over to the basket.
I’m feeling hungry and rather curious about salmon and trout.
She peered over her shoulder but Lexie ignored her. Luna rolled onto her back and then slumped down, her little paws stretched out.
This is cruelty at its extreme.
We’re on rations. I don’t know how long Mirabelle will continue to provide us with supplies.
Jake cleared his throat. “Is she coming back? I need to get cracking with this.”
“Oh... right. Luna. Go next the wall and call Mirabelle back. Tell her she needs to return Jake.”
“You make me sound like a parcel that needs to be posted.”
“Luna. Post-haste.”
Needless to say, I require some sort of inducement.
A knock at the door had them all scurrying for cover in the bathroom.
“Why are you hiding?” Jake asked.
“Right. Yes. I suppose someone has to pretend to be here. Luna, go get Mirabelle now or else.” Lexie shoved the food basket in the wardrobe and opened the door. She wasn’t at all surprised to find Claudette about to knock again.
“I thought I heard voices.”
“Oh, that’s me still complaining about my puffy sleeves.”
“I brought donuts.” Claudette strode in and appeared to be looking for something. “Where’s your feline companion?”
“She took off when she saw the breakfast hadn’t improved.”
“It won’t kill her to miss a meal. In fact, I think she’ll benefit from it. I hope she realizes we have a dance class now.”
“Oh, her favorite. I’m sure she’ll come back in time for it.” Seeing the clock about to strike the hour, Lexie said, “I’ll just be a minute,” and rushed to the bathroom.
“You’re taking food into the bathroom?”
“Oh... right.” She set the donut down on the bedside table and rushed inside the bathroom in time to deliver her tongue twister.
Jake peered at her from behind the shower curtain. “Is that a permanent condition?”
Lexie finished with a round of Peter Piper and scooped in a breath. “It’s only temporary.” She hoped. If Catherine couldn’t reverse this, she’d have a lot of explaining to do... and running for her life.
Jake stepped out of the bathtub. “Is the coast clear?”
“No.”
“Are you right in there?” Claudette asked.
“Yes. Just checking my... my puffy sleeves. I’ll be out in a minute.” She turned to Jake. “Before I forget.” She told him about her lingering suspicions. “Are you sure about the cooks being off the hook? Making the chili con carne was too convenient.”
He nodded. “It’s a weekly regular on the menu.”
“I’m still suspicious of them. Catherine raved about the meals here. Anyway... I should get going.”
“Um... What about me?”
“You’ll be fine. Mirabelle will be here in two shakes of a lamb’s tail.”
“I hope you realize that is a real unit of time and equal to ten nanoseconds.”
They both looked up.
Still no sign of Mirabelle.
“She’ll be here... momentarily.” Lexie gave him a lifted eyebrow look. Jake’s response came through loud and clear.
For a moment. A second. An instant. A minute. For a little while...
“I guess I should make myself comfortable.”
Baker’s Dozen
Where have you been?
Wandering around. Did I miss anything?
They’re about to start the pirouette.
You mean, the minuet.
Yeah, that one.
Luna leaped up onto Lexie’s lap. After a dismal display of bad time keeping and two wooden peg legs, Lexie had been excused from participating in the dancing class. She’d happily sat back, using the time to observe the pupils for any telltale signs of guilt.
She’d never seen a more carefree lot. Millicent’s perpetual look of surprise hadn’t slipped once. Not even when Lexie had stepped on her toes. Lauren Bright swept through the dance floor, leaving a trail of sparkly joie de vivre behind her, always several steps ahead of Lexie. Clearly playing it safe.
Lexie kept an eye out for messages being passed along, but no one spoke. Were they all colluding to pretend nothing had happened?
Everyone took their seats now in order to make way for the feline companions. Lexie watched them lining up, tails flicking in excitement.
What are you waiting for? Go on. You said you loved the minuet.
I think I’ll pass. Too many ladies, not enough gentlemen.
Are you sure? The exercise will do you good.
