There was a sudden rumble of excitement amongst the men.
He continued, “The tests conclude a match for the DNA on this hair can’t be found anywhere on this planet. Which confirms this is the hair of an unknown species. In my opinion, it belongs to that yeti I saw a few weeks ago. You all know I found this hair nearby.” He held his hands out. “What other explanation can there be?”
The men broke into rapturous applause and cheers.
When the applause died down, one of the men said, “We knew you’d find evidence one day, Neil. It was down to your dedication and persistence that you found that hair. This is going to be the start of something big. You’re going to put our little town on the map.” His comments brought another round of applause.
Neil gave them a bashful smile. “It was more down to luck and being in the right place at the right time more than anything. Any one of you would have seen him too.”
I spoke up, “Was it you who recorded that footage that’s on YouTube?”
Neil blanched. “Why are you asking me that? An anonymous user posted that. What makes you think it was me?”
“I had a friend who tracked you down.”
The faces which were now staring at me were hostile and I felt a flicker of fear. I continued, “I haven’t told anyone else where the video came from. I wouldn’t do that. I wanted to come here and talk to you about the yeti. I can appreciate you wouldn’t want your town to be overrun with enthusiasts. Yetis fascinate me and I would love to talk to you more about the one you saw. It’s an honour for me to actually speak to you.” Some of the hostile looks softened and I went on, “I’m just a novice when it comes to these matters. I can tell you’re all much more experienced than me and I would love to hear about the evidence you’ve collected.”
As soon as I said that last bit, I realised it was a mistake.
One of the men said to me, “I’ve got many notebooks about possible sightings over the years. I’ve got them with me and I’ll show them to you after the meeting.”
A man at his side added, “I’ve got photos of mountainous areas that I’ve visited over the last twenty years. I haven’t actually got a picture of any yetis, but the mountains are very interesting. I’ve got them with me too. I never leave home without them.” He patted his coat pocket. “I’ll be more than happy to talk you through each one.”
A man on his other side proclaimed, “I’ve written poems about the yeti. I know them off by heart. I can recite one to you now.”
Neil said loudly, “Glenn, not now. No one wants to listen to your poems. Can we keep all this information until the end of the meeting? I’ve got lots of slides to show you.”
The man who told me about the poems, Glenn, gave me a lewd wink before turning back to face the screen.
Neil continued with the meeting and I almost fell asleep as he went on and on about the way he found the hair, and which laboratories he’d sent it to, and who replied and who ignored him. Just when I thought that wasn’t boring enough, he put up images of yeti footprints which had been found around the world. The images included many measurements and the men in the audience had their own opinions about the best way to measure a footprint.
At long last, the slides came to an end and Neil declared the meeting over. There was another round of applause and the men got to their feet and began to chat amongst themselves.
Stanley had fallen asleep on my knee. I gently woke him and whispered, “The meeting is over.”
He muttered, “Thank goodness for that.”
I picked Stanley up, walked over to Neil and said, “I’m amazed at your expertise on this matter. I’d like to talk to you more about that yeti you captured on video. Do you have time now?”
“I can give you a few minutes, but I’ve got a lot of work to do. Once the information gets out about the yeti hair I found, it’s going to get crazy around here.”
I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned around to see Glenn standing there. He said, “Let’s go to the pub down the road and I’ll recite my poems to you.”
“No, thank you. I’m staying here to talk to Neil,” I replied.
Glenn shot Neil a knowing look and said, “I thought this might happen. You’ve got the smell of success on you now and it’s made you a magnet for women. You watch yourself with this one. Don’t tire yourself out.” He gave me another lewd wink before ambling away.
I tutted and said to Neil, “I wish to talk to you about that yeti, nothing else.”
Neil gave me a slow nod. “If you say so.”
As soon as the last man had left the hall, I decided I didn’t have time for any more small talk. I said to Neil, “What do you know about Brimstone?”
Neil collapsed to the floor in a faint.
Chapter 24
I didn’t have time for fainting men, so I knelt next to Neil and tapped him none too gently on his cheek. He opened his eyes and gazed up at me.
“Did you just say Brimstone?” he muttered. “What do you know about Brimstone?”
I helped him into a sitting position and explained, “I work there. I’m Cassia Winter, and I’m a justice witch. This is my friend, Stanley. He works with me too.”
Stanley gave Neil a little nod and said cheerfully, “Hello.”
Neil looked as if he were going to pass out again, so I held my hand up ready to revive him if needed. He saw my hand and sat up straighter.
I continued, “I suspect you found your way into Brimstone through a cave not far from here. Furthermore, I think you entered Brimstone through the yeti’s cave.”
Stanley added, “There’s no point lying to us. Cassia’s a wonderful witch and she knows everything. She knows how to do magic too.”
Neil said, “I never used to believe in supernatural creatures until I stumbled into Brimstone. I met a polar bear there who talks. He sings and dances too. He’s got quite an appetite for meat. I saw a flying unicorn and a goblin asleep in a tree.” He looked towards Stanley. “I’ve never met a talking cat before. Say something else.”
Stanley shook his head. “We don’t have time to exchange pleasantries. Tell us how you found Leonard, the yeti, in this world and why you captured him on film.”
Neil explained, “I first spotted him by the mountains a few weeks ago. I thought I was seeing things at first. I only went for a walk to collect my thoughts, and there he was – just running wild. I was too shocked to take any footage of him and before I knew it, he’d disappeared. I went back the next day and set up a few cameras to see if I’d be lucky enough to see him again.” He smiled at the memory. “I did see him. The video that’s online is the footage I captured that day. I’ve seen the comments posted underneath the video, and I know what the general opinion is about the validity of it. But I don’t care; I know what I saw. I found Leonard’s hair attached to a tree. I was delighted to have some real evidence.”
I asked, “Why did you go through to Leonard’s cave?”
“I didn’t know the cave on the moors was going to lead to a different world. I thought the cave was the yeti’s habitat and that’s why I went in. I was surprised to find the passageway and it took me a few minutes to find my courage before I went along it. I didn’t even realise I was in Leonard’s cave as I came out. I went for a wander around and found that talking polar bear. I was scared of him at first and threw my sandwich at him. He seemed to like that and asked for more. Once I’d got over the shock of the bear talking, I asked him about the yeti and he confirmed the cave I’d just walked through belonged to the yeti who was called Leonard. The bear told me Leonard could talk too. He also told me about Brimstone and who lived there. The bear took me back to Leonard’s cave and we waited for him. When he came home, I talked to him. It was beyond my wildest dreams.” He stared into the distance with a smile on his face.
I said briskly, “What did you talk to Leonard about?”
Neil focused his attention back on me. “I wanted to let him know how amazing he was to me. He was surprised to see me in his
cave, but after I assured him I didn’t mean him any harm, he was happy to have a chat with me.” He stared happily into the distance again.
I clicked my fingers in front of his face and said, “What else did you talk to him about?”
“I wanted to know how long he’d been running about in my world. He said just a few weeks. He loved it here because it was so quiet and no one bothered him. I told him he was welcome to come back anytime, and I’d keep an eye out for anyone who might spoil his run.” He shook his head. “I couldn’t believe I was talking to an actual yeti. He’s a magnificent creature and I was honoured to be in his presence. You’re from Brimstone, you must have met him. Isn’t he magnificent?”
“We have met him. Why did you encourage Leonard to come back into this world? What did you want from him?”
“I didn’t want anything from him. I just wanted to observe him and get as much information about him as I could. There was no way I was going to put Leonard’s life in danger by letting other yeti enthusiasts know where the video had been shot. Finding the hair is going to be proof enough for everyone and I’ll be ready for any visitors we’ll get here who want to see the hair. But that’s as far as it goes. No one is going to bother Leonard. I’m not even going to tell people where I found the hair.” He tapped his chin. “Perhaps I’ll tell them it was in another country. That will keep Leonard safe from any visitors.”
I shared a knowing look with Stanley.
Neil continued, “Leonard loves talking to me after his runs. He’s told me about his life in Brimstone and about the other creatures who live there. I must admit that I went back a few times to look for Leonard in his natural habitat, but I could never find him. That little polar bear always seemed to find me, though. I have to make sure I have plenty of beef sandwiches with me. He’s a ravenous little thing.” Neil’s face creased in concern. “Why are you asking me about Leonard? Is he ill? He was supposed to come for one of his runs yesterday, but he never turned up. I waited for him again this morning; he didn’t show up. Is there something wrong with him?”
I shared another look with Stanley before saying, “I’m sorry to tell you this, but Leonard is dead.”
Neil’s mouth fell open and he stared at me. He slowly shook his head from side to side and let out a little moan.
Stanley explained, “Leonard died yesterday. Cassia and I are investigating his death.”
Neil stared at Stanley. “What do you mean by that? Why do you need to investigate his death?” He stopped speaking and comprehension dawned on his face. “Is it a suspicious death? How did Leonard die?”
“I’m not in a position to reveal that information,” I said.
Neil gulped nervously. “Has it got something to do with that tall woman with all the muscles? She came through the passageway a few days ago. She shouts a lot.”
Stanley looked my way and said, “That sounds like Xodia.”
“Neil,” I said, “what does this woman look like?”
Neil described Xodia perfectly including her red nose and that she kept sneezing.
“How did you meet her?” I asked.
Neil replied, “I was standing behind a tree a short distance from the cave and waiting for Leonard a few days ago. When I saw that big woman come out and I registered the angry look on her face, my instinct was to run away. She ran after me and caught me within a minute. She asked me who I was and why I was hiding. She actually lifted me off the ground! I was scared to death. I didn’t have any option but to tell her about Leonard. She wasn’t happy about that at all and said I shouldn’t be encouraging him to run about in this world as he didn’t belong here. I tried to explain how much I respected Leonard and that I would never do anything to cause him any harm. She didn’t believe me, so I brought her here and showed her the minutes of all the meetings we’ve had along with the footage I’d taken of Leonard.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I’ve still got bruises from where she pinched my skin.”
“What happened when she came here?” I asked. “Did she say anything else about Leonard?”
Neil nodded. “She kept going on about how I should leave him alone, and that this wasn’t his world. She told me I had to order Leonard to keep away from here by whatever means necessary, even if that meant violence. She said if I didn’t do that, she’d have to deal with Leonard herself. I didn’t dare argue with her. She’s a frightening creature. I’m still having nightmares about her. I didn’t even say anything when she pinched my new gloves with the Velcro fastening. I’ve had to order another pair.”
I hesitated a moment before saying, “I can tell you how Leonard died. He was poisoned. The poison was delivered to a post office box in this village. What do you know about that?”
Colour rushed into Neil’s cheeks and he looked away from me.
Stanley tapped Neil on the leg and said, “You’d better tell us the truth. We need to know everything concerning Leonard’s death.”
Neil turned his red face back to me. “Part of our work in The Yeti Appreciation Society involves going on expeditions to various places around the world. Some of those places are dangerous and we could be attacked by wild animals. We take tranquilizer guns to protect ourselves. One of our members tracked down a cheaper version of the liquid used in the pellets and got the order delivered here. His auntie runs the post office and lets him use a box for his many deliveries. I don’t know why he doesn’t have his items delivered to his home address. That’s between him and his wife. I examined the tubes when they first arrived and the label states care is needed with the amounts as a big dose could be lethal. I didn’t know it was poison.” His voice trailed off. He suddenly got to his feet and went over to a cabinet. He took a key from his pocket and unlocked it. A groan of despair came from him.
We went over to him and looked down at the package in his hands. We could see five tubes which contained a clear liquid.
With horror in his eyes, Neil said, “There should be six tubes. One of them is missing. That big woman must have taken one.”
“How would she manage to do that?” I asked.
“In an effort to get on her good side, I told her she could buy some cold and flu medicine from the chemist down the road. She ordered me to go out and buy it for her. I left her alone for about fifteen minutes while I nipped out. When I came back, she snatched the cold medicine from me, warned me again about talking to Leonard and then quickly left the hall. She must have stolen one of the tubes.” He frowned. “She must have forced this door open. Perhaps the key was already in? I was too scared to think clearly at the time. Do you think she’s the one who killed Leonard?”
I sighed. “I hate to say it, but it’s looking that way.”
Chapter 25
We decided to return to Brimstone Mountains via the caves. Neil offered to come with us to offer moral support when we confronted Xodia, but he was too distraught over the news of Leonard’s death to be any use to us. I told him politely that we’d manage without him.
Before we left, Neil said, “Will you let me know what happens, please?” His voice cracked and he took a moment to compose himself. “Where’s Leonard now? Would it be possible to pay my respects to him? Will there be a funeral? Could I attend it? I’ll understand if you say no.”
“I’ll have to get back to you on that,” I told him. I didn’t even want to think about Leonard’s funeral.
When we arrived back at Brimstone Mountains, we spotted Xodia sitting on her own at a table in the gazebo. As we silently approached, I noticed she had a packet of cough and flu medicine from the human world in front of her. That would be all the evidence I needed to confront her about her trip to Kirkbury Moor. Still on my broomstick, I moved closer, sent magnetic magic into my fingers and aimed them at the packet. The packet zoomed through the air and landed in my hand.
Stanley nodded in appreciation. “Nice work. I haven’t seen you use that spell before.”
“It was my first time,” I added with a hint of smugness. I loved it when my
spells worked as they were supposed to.
“Hey! Give that back!” Xodia jumped to her feet and waved her fist at us. “That belongs to me.”
We landed at the entrance to the gazebo, got off the broomstick and went inside. I gave Giovanni a wave as we headed over to the angry Amazon.
I put the pack of medicine on the table and said, “We know where you got this from. We know you’ve been through to the human world. Xodia, I have many questions for you, and you’re not going anywhere until you’ve answered every single one of them.”
Xodia’s face flushed with anger. “Listen to me, you feeble witch, I don’t have to answer – ”
I held my hand up and cut her off. “Enough! Yes, you do have to answer my questions. Sit down before I make you sit down!”
“You can’t make me,” Xodia argued.
I dropped my broomstick and held both hands out. “Xodia, I can make you. I will use magic on you. I’m dealing with a murder investigation and I’d like your cooperation. You can give me that willingly or I can force you to help. Well?”
Giovanni came over to my side and grinned at me. He whispered, “You look magnificent when you’re angry. Your eyes are flashing and your cheeks are flushed. Would you like a drink?”
I gave him an irritated look and hissed, “Hot chocolate. I can’t talk; I’m busy.”
His smile intensified. He looked Xodia’s way and declared, “Cassia, feel free to use your strongest magic in here. If anything gets broken, we can fix it later.” He wagged a finger at Xodia. “You’ve picked the wrong witch to annoy.” He gave me a brief wink before moving away.
Xodia sighed and flopped back into her chair. “Alright. Let’s get this over with.” She pulled the medicine packet towards her. “I’m not sure these are even helping much. I could do with something stronger. What do you want to know?”
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