by Alison Smith
Detective Nik Drake had waited until they were ready to seal the murder scene at the house. Forensics had done their work and the two bodies had been removed. He needed the house to be empty of people before he could start his own investigations. Pushing open the door he took a few paces enabled by his walking cane. He knew what the police officers outside had thought. What was a stooped and portly man, who appeared to be so close to retirement age, doing at a murder scene?
Only he and his superior knew the truth and, finding himself alone in the house, he carefully closed the door behind him. Then, and only then, he allowed himself the luxury of straightening his shoulders and standing tall. He welcomed the relaxation as he released the glamour and knew that the years had fallen away from his features.
He held the cane slightly in front of him, ready to dowse, and took a moment to absorb the image of the hallway with its smashed photographs. This has more of a personal element to it, he thought - it smells much more of revenge than the other scenes.
He quickly recalled to his mind the statement given by the young woman who had found the bodies. It was very comprehensive and she had been remarkably open about the fact she was a witch. Nik had many more details than would normally appear at such an early stage. The words it was like a bad ritual had leapt out off the page at him. As had the part where she had said that repeatedly she had called the police about her missing friend.
‘You did well, Diana, I look forward to finally meeting you,’ he said out loud. ‘I shall visit you later. We definitely need to know more about your missing friend. Especially now.’
He walked first of all into the sitting room and stood for a long moment staring at the settee. ‘Clumsy, so clumsy,’ he tutted. ‘Magic was here but so obviously second or third rate.’ He turned to leave the room but then a wisp of light caught his eye. He narrowed his eyes and concentrated, just a hint of an energy ball remained in this room. Perhaps whoever had perpetrated this had wanted the magic to seem inept.
Walking back into the hall and towards the kitchen, he hoped to find more leads. The statement had led him to believe that there would be two killers although he had no hard facts to substantiate that theory.
He stood in the doorway and his nose twitched. A sickly smell and, behind it, sweat and terror. Looking over at the counter where Elsie Tapper’s body had been propped, he could see remnants of magic. Both timing and cloaking magic had been used here, he realised. Whoever had done this hadn’t wanted the first person on the scene to find Elsie Tapper’s head. Diana’s statement had said that she hadn’t seen it and yet the police officers had found the head next to where Elsie had been standing.
But there was another essence here. Someone else had been here after the murders. Someone else had seen this horror. Or had they? Nik pondered for a moment. Had magic been used to ensure that whoever was first at the scene didn’t see everything? That by ensuring different statements from those who entered this house there would be confusion?
Mind you, he thought, poor Diana would have been in shock so could have just missed the head - although that would have been unlikely given where it was placed. He passed his cane slowly over the site of where the body had been. Nothing. He held it over the table and it shook in a familiar way. The magic used had been definitely timed, he concluded, and was extremely manipulative. What had happened in the kitchen was much more powerful than the magic used in the sitting room. His phone rang and he quickly answered it.
‘I’m at the scene now, sir. It’s definitely high magic. Dark energy. It fits with the remnants I’ve seen at ritual sites.’ That was enough. It would be all that his superior needed to know. Nik would now be based at the local station, at least until events required him to be elsewhere.
Jewel woke and, sitting up, found herself in the herb garden. The gentle scents of chamomile and lavender, together with the afternoon sunlight, had lured her into slumber. She seemed to be sleeping much more than usual and wondered why. And then she shivered as she realised the chill of the evening had descended. It was definitely time to go in and then she heard a bell ring. She hoped it was a dinner bell as her stomach rumbled noisily and she realised that it had been hours since the last meal. Standing up, she glanced at her clothes and wished that she had something other than jeans to wear. Perhaps she would ask her sister if she could borrow something. The bell rang again and she made her way back into the house.
Anton entered the dining room and saw that Sable was already there, sitting and with a look of excited anticipation on her face.
‘You look pleased,’ he commented.
‘Anton, I have my sister here and she is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. I’ve left her some clothes which she will find when she goes to freshen up before dinner.’
He walked around the table to fill their glasses with wine before returning to the head of the table to sit. He took a much-needed drink - dutch courage it was called these days.
‘Sable, there has been yet more worrying news.’ He continued to sip his wine. ‘Jewel’s parents … the couple who have taken such good care of her for us, have been killed. Murdered. Probably by Monique or Elijah.’
‘It must have been well cloaked, Anton, I felt nothing. Should we tell Jewel? She has regarded them as her parents for all of this time.’
‘They are definitely dead but whether Monique is behind it is still a rumour. I would rather we wait before telling her such distressing news. The police are involved and are investigating although I doubt they will get very far.’
Sable nodded. ‘But if her parents are dead she will need to know at some point. To grieve and attend the funeral.’
‘I worry that, if we tell her, she will go immediately to be with her brothers. And that could be exactly what Monique is hoping for. No. We need to keep her here a while longer if we can.’
‘Be careful though Anton. She has already asked twice to go home. If she asks for a third time we will have no option but to let her go. To keep her here after that would be bad magic indeed.’
Before Anton could respond the door opened and Jewel walked in.
His breath stilled, she looked so beautiful. Wearing a long red silk gown, she had dressed her hair with combs that sparkled in the candlelight. Her lips were coloured deep red. With such creamy skin and dazzling eyes, she needed no other colouring. He slowly drew himself out of his chair to help guide her to hers. He smiled at her look of excited anticipation while acknowledging it was a reflection of the same expression that was on Sable’s face. These two were so happy to be united.
The clock broke the moment as it struck eight o’clock. The Twins wheeled in the evening meal, placed the dishes on the table and then left.
‘I still have questions.’ She said as she sat down. He had known that she would have. He stood and then poured her a glass of wine.
‘Do the clothes suit, Jewel?’ Sable asked.
‘They’re gorgeous, thank you.’
Anton returned to his seat and sipped his wine. He watched as Jewel and Sable each took large portions of food and he allowed his senses to drift. Jewel’s aura had expanded even more, he noted, and already her powers were increasing.
‘You’re not eating Anton?’ Sable’s quiet question hung suspended in the air as he brought his attention back to the table.
‘Of course.’ He helped himself to a generous portion of venison casserole and saw that Jewel had already demolished a plateful and had taken a second helping.
‘You have a healthy appetite, my dear,’ he commented.
‘I’ve always been able to eat well,’ she made no apology.
Thank the Goddess that she hadn’t developed into the kind of modern creature who preferred a lettuce leaf and a celery stick to a good hearty meal, he thought. She had curves, he knew that, but in all the right places. She was indeed a beautiful lady.
Jewel had looked towards Sable. ‘I seem to be sleeping more than usual, Sable?’
Before Anton could say any
thing, Sable answered.
‘That is the next part of your, and our, story,’ Sable glanced at Anton and he nodded for her to continue. ‘You are, and have been for a while, opening to new powers and new energies. Your body will need more sleeping time to absorb them and to recover. Do you sometimes wonder where you go to when you are sleeping?’
Jewel seemed deep in thought. Anton stilled. Jewel’s answer to Sable’s question would be crucial. Had she begun to trust them enough to answer honestly?
‘I have these nightmares that seem real.’
Anton breathed a sigh of relief. She had.
‘Other times,’ she had continued. ‘I could sleep through a herd of elephants rushing through my room. Diana says I’m as active in the subconscious than the conscious. She’s also been saying for ages that I am beginning to develop powers of such that even she can’t imagine.’
Anton decided to let Sable continue, she had studied this subject over years and would be better at explaining, at finding the right words, than he.
Sable took a long drink of her wine and Anton watched as Jewel did the same. At least she felt comfortable enough here to drink alcohol, he thought, that was a good sign.
‘Diana talks sense, Jewel.’ Sable continued. ‘She knows a great deal and is well versed in the other dimensions. You are right to trust her and to love her. She is also connected to this. All of us have our destinies bound together.’
‘Of course there’s a connection. She is my best friend. You say I can trust her, so why can’t I tell her I’m safe? She will be worried, Sable.’
‘She’s more than a best friend, Jewel, but this is not about her. It’s more worrying just who else she might talk to and tell.’
With that Sable rose from the table and glided to the door. She turned. ‘I bid you both good night. There is more to the tale but that is for Anton now to tell.’
She left the room and Anton was aware of Jewel sitting quietly sipping her wine as the grandfather clock marked the passing seconds. He needed to know whether, and how, her magical powers had developed.
‘Would you like to try lighting a candle, Jewel?’
‘I’ve tried, with Diana, many times.’
‘Flick your fingers and believe.’
An unlit candle was directly in front of her and he watched as she flicked her fingers once. He had promised not to use magic to control her and therefore wouldn’t, couldn’t, help. No flame appeared and she frowned in concentration. Still nothing happened and she looked at him.
‘I think you may be trying too hard, Jewel. Relax and just believe it.’
She tried again and the candle burst into light. He smiled at the look of amazed delight that appeared on her face and then her questioning eyes turned towards him.
‘I did nothing, Jewel, that was all you.’
‘But how?’
He stood up and held his hand out to her. She rose and placed her hand in his. How warm she felt. He gently led her to the window and drew back the drapes. It was a dark night and only slightly lit by the quarter moon and the stars twinkling in a navy sky.
‘Look at the night Jewel and see how beautiful it is.’ Her hand felt as if it belonged in his and he hoped she knew it too.
‘I’ve always loved going outside at night,’ she said ‘sometimes, when I get back from the casino, Diana and I take a picnic out and just sit.’
He drew a breath. ‘Have you thought just how amazing the universe is? Stars and matter. Above and below. All the same?’
She smiled. He hoped she understood. So much would depend on it.
‘Would you dance with me, Jewel?’
She nodded and he clicked his fingers. Waltz music filled the room and if she was surprised she didn’t show it. He drew her into his arms and gently led her around the room. Time honoured steps that came as naturally for her as for him.
She stepped closer into his arms and he felt her body melting into his. Looking down, his eyes became captivated by the creamy texture of her neck. The pulse of her healthy blood drew saliva to his mouth. As if in a trance he started to lower his lips and bare his teeth to kiss … to drink …
He pulled himself up sharply. Jewel must have felt his withdrawal as she jumped back slightly.
He couldn’t do that.
Horrified, he realised what he had been about to do. She wasn’t ready, he knew that, and they couldn’t afford to alienate her. He quickly released her from his arms and she stepped back a few paces.
‘I cannot do anything to break your trust in me, Jewel. I enjoyed our dance very much, but you must excuse me. I wish you a good night.’ He bowed and left the room swiftly, knowing she would be confused.
But her neck had been too tempting. And her lips too welcoming.
Chapter 5
‘Elijah!’
‘Yes, My Lady?’
‘Take this letter to the Prime Legend.’
‘Now?’
‘Of course now, foolish man. I need to see him. Immediately. Jewel should rightfully be here, at my side. It is time. And do not forget that the gods sent me a message. That Jewel will return. Her powers must already be increasing with the approach of that special birthday. I have explained in the letter that my heart breaks every day I am apart from my daughter. Henry will see sense I am sure once I have fully explained how important it is for me to be a mother to Jewel. Do not return without that appointment being made.’
Monique looked at Elijah and tapped her silver heeled stilettos impatiently. He was one of very few who possibly knew the depth of the real reason that she wanted Jewel. Monique was sure that even Henry would not truly know and would believe the letter she was sending. But there was a risk to Elijah if the subterfuge was spotted. Perhaps he needed an incentive, something to put wings on his feet.
‘You will be rewarded upon your successful return, Elijah. Rewarded well.’
‘My Lady?’
‘I’ve just had a particular coffee bean delivered from The South. You’ll love it.’
Excellent. She was pleased that his worried expression had been replaced by one of urgency and, with a smile of amusement on her face, watched as he dashed from the room.
Jewel’s day began the same as the one before. After coffee and toast she walked into Sable’s herb garden. It was late afternoon and she felt safe and protected here. Especially after Sable’s reassurance that the dogs were not allowed in the garden.
She sat on a stone seat and thought about the night before. Anton’s hurried departure from the room had been odd. But how she had enjoyed the dance. Had he been about to kiss her? Sable had left them alone so perhaps there was nothing other than friendship between the two. Jewel hoped so. She was becoming very attracted to him. She lingered on the memory of the warmth she had felt in his arms. He had been attracted to her as well, his expression had told her that. She remembered the feel of his warm hands through the fabric of her dress and decided to change the direction of her thoughts.
Her gaze travelled over the herbs. There were many that she couldn’t identify. She wished that Diana were here. They had planted as many herbs as they could in the small patch of earth at the back of her house. Her thoughts turned to Diana and she decided to try another message.
Standing, she surveyed the garden. Was there anything here that could help boost her thought transference?
A large stone sundial was placed near the edge of the garden and, as she walked over to it, Jewel noted the position of the sun. The sundial was south and had coriander planted at its base. She turned and looked directly ahead towards a large pile of composting earth signifying north. Mandrake was planted. To her left, in the west, was a small pool of water surrounded by pots of geraniums and to right, east, she excitedly saw wind chimes suspended above lavender. It was a perfect, natural ritual circle and she carefully sat down in the centre, facing east. She cleared her mind of conscious thought and methodically began to call the elements to raise the energy for the circle. ‘Diana. I am safe. I will come hom
e.’ As she finished Jewel opened her eyes and felt a shift of energy within her body. Yes. I am going home. She clicked her fingers and the circle was closed. And then she remained seated to think about what she had just done. She had raised energy with purpose and, Jewel knew deep inside of herself, that the purpose had been enacted. Diana would know she was well. And she would be leaving here.
Monique was ready for her evening meal and had dressed with care. She wore a long figure-hugging dress in her favourite red velvet. She had carefully brewed the coffee herself. She was more than ready to reward Elijah and sat at her dining table, coffee jug in place, waiting for him to appear.
As soon as he entered the room she stood to hear what the Prime Legend had said.
‘You have an appointment, My Lady.’
‘I never doubted it for an instance, Elijah.’
‘He will grant you an audience a week on Friday at…’
‘A WEEK ON FRIDAY.’ Monique broke in. ‘How dare he make me wait?’
‘He said that it had to be after the full moon,’ Elijah’s voice had almost disappeared and she had to strain her ears to hear, ‘but he did say that he would consider your application regarding Jewel’s whereabouts.’
‘Consider my application. He said that. By the gods, if it wasn’t for me ... I was the one who persuaded the entire Legend to vote for him when the vacancy of Prime arose unexpectedly. How dare he …’
Monique looked at Elijah who was, by now, on his knees in front of her. She carefully reined in her frustration. He was the only helper she fully trusted. But even he was unaware of exactly just how she had helped Henry to become the Prime Legend. She knew that some had wondered over the years whether she had been instrumental in the death of the previous Prime Legend. Only she and Henry knew the truth. That they had joined their magic with spectacular consequences. And now he dared to make her wait! She looked closer at Elijah and the tension that had swept over his features.
