by Adele Abbott
“What’s wrong?”
“That’s all I need.”
“What’s the matter?” I still had no idea what was bothering him.
“Look who we’re sharing a table with.” He pointed.
“No. Please tell me this is a joke.”
“I wish it was.”
Leo Riley was seated at the table next to the cloakroom.
“Who’s the woman with him?” I said.
“That’s his wife.”
“He’s married?” I was surprised because I’d thought he was having a fling with medical examiner, Sheila Treetop. It seemed he was an even bigger slime ball than I’d thought he was.
“Hello, Leo.” Jack feigned politeness.
“Jack? Jill?” Leo was obviously as delighted to see us as we were to see him.
“Aren’t you going to introduce us, Leo?” The woman seated next to Riley nudged him.
“Sorry. This is Jack Maxwell. He used to work at Washbridge Station, and is at West Chipping now. And this is Jill Gooder.”
“Nice to meet you both.” The woman smiled. “I’m Miley Riley.”
I tried—honestly, I did. But Miley Riley? How could I not laugh?
Jack and Leo both glared at me.
“Sorry. I was just thinking about something Jack said in the car, on the way over here. He’s such a comedian.”
Miley Riley turned out to be a delightful person. Why she was with a cheating scumbag like Leo was beyond me.
The food was surprisingly good for a dinner and dance. I opted for the turkey; the other three had beef. When the meal was over, a five-piece band took to the stage. As the dance floor began to fill, Jack asked if I was okay to dance.
“Sorry. My ankle still feels very weak.”
“I’ll dance with you, Jack.” Miley stood up. “Leo can’t dance for that stick up his backside.”
Leo Riley was not amused.
“Having fun, Leo?” I asked, once Jack and Miley were on the dancefloor.
He ignored me.
“Miley seems to be enjoying herself.”
He continued to ignore me.
“Isn’t Tops here, tonight?”
“Don’t you dare mention her name in front of Miley. There’s nothing going on between me and Sheila Treetop.”
“So why don’t you want your wife to know about her?”
“Shut it!”
“I’m beginning to think you don’t like me, Leo. Or do I still have to call you Detective Riley when we’re socialising?”
“We’re not socialising. I’ll be polite for Miley’s sake, but don’t push it.”
“How is the Lee Sparks case going?”
“I’m not discussing an ongoing investigation with you.”
“Investigation? What investigation? From what I hear, you decided Kylie Jay was the murderer from the get-go, despite having the flimsiest of evidence.”
“I’ve told you. I’m not discussing it.”
“You’ve got the wrong person behind bars.”
“Says you. This one isn’t rocket science. He actually called the murderer by name live on air, and her fingerprints are all over the murder weapon.”
“It should be obvious to anyone with half a brain that the only reason Kylie’s fingerprints are on the knife is because she grabbed the handle, purely as a reflex action.”
Although Kylie had denied touching the knife, it was the only explanation that made any sense. My theory was that the shock had caused her to blank it out.
“Do you think we’re completely stupid? Don’t you think we thought of that? The problem with that excuse is that the knife came from Kylie Jay’s flat.”
What? I hadn’t seen that coming.
Chapter 21
“You’re quiet,” Jack said, over breakfast.
I shrugged.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I’m absolutely fine.”
“Okay.”
“If you must know, I didn’t appreciate being dumped with Leo Riley all evening.”
“It wasn’t all evening.”
“Most of it.”
“Sorry, but Miley is a really good dancer. Her foxtrot is a sight to behold.”
“My ankle is fine. Just in case you were wondering.”
“I only didn’t mention it because you seemed to be walking okay when we came home last night.”
“It could have deteriorated overnight.”
“Did it?”
“I’ll survive.”
“Did you and Leo make a connection?”
“The only connection I want to make with that man is with my hands tight around his neck. I used to think that you were a pain in the butt, but you’ve got nothing on that idiot. He did let something slip, though.”
“Oh? What was that?”
“I’m working on the Lee Sparks case. His girlfriend has been charged with his murder. Her mother is my client.”
“Did the info from Riley help your client?”
“Not really. It actually makes things look worse for her. Even so, I’d rather know than be in the dark.”
“Am I forgiven for last night?”
“Give me a kiss, and I’ll think about it.”
***
Constance Bowler had agreed to see me at short notice. This time, we met in her office at GT police headquarters.
“I like your offices,” I said. “They’re much more modern than those in either the human or sup world.”
“Thanks. They’ve only recently been renovated.
“I wanted to see you because I now know what the ghost traffickers are up to.”
“That was quick.”
“I had someone sign up with Ghost Placements, and then I tracked them when they were taken to the human world. That end of the operation is being run by wizards. They’ve developed some kind of formula which makes the ghosts visible to any human. It also prevents the ghosts from returning to GT for twenty-four hours. They have to be given an injection every day.”
“That’s terrible.”
“You haven’t heard the worst of it yet. They’re selling the ghosts to funfairs where they’re being used in ghost train rides.”
“What happened to your colleague?”
“I was able to snatch her back. I’ve left her in my office in Washbridge overnight until the formula wears off. I’m going to check on her later. She should be able to go back to GT by then.”
“We have to close this operation down, and we have to do it now.”
“I’ve been thinking about that. Trying to find all the ghosts who have been sold into ghost train slavery would be a fool’s errand, because there are any number of funfairs up and down the country. I suggest we shut down the central operation where they produce the formula. If we can turn off the supply, the ghosts will all be able to return to GT of their own volition after twenty-four hours.”
“Is that something you can do?”
“I’ll need some help from the rogue retrievers, but that shouldn’t be a problem.”
“Great. I’ll make sure we close down the Ghost Placements office at this end.”
***
Back in Washbridge, I made a call to Daze.
“I’m actually on a few days leave, Jill. I’m in the middle of moving into my apartment, but if you want to come over and update me, I’ll be able to get Blaze on it for you.”
“Okay. It didn’t take you long to find somewhere.”
“I haven’t—not really. My boss insisted that I move to Washbridge by the end of the month. I checked out a few places, but they weren’t suitable. Haze said I could move in with her until I find somewhere permanent. I’m in what used to be the old sock factory. Do you know it?”
“Yeah. I can be there in a few minutes.”
“I’m on the top floor. Apartment five-zero-three.”
***
I parked around the back of the apartment block. From the outside, the building didn’t look that much different to when it had been the soc
k factory.
“Pretty? Pretty? Where are you?” A male voice called.
I almost ran straight into a giant of a werewolf who came charging out of the apartment block.
“I’m sorry,” he apologised. “You haven’t seen a cat around here, have you?”
“No.”
“Okay, thanks. Pretty? Where are you?”
What kind of name is ‘Pretty’ for a cat?
What? There’s nothing wrong with ‘Winky’.
The lift was out of order, so I was forced to trudge up the stairs. By the time I reached apartment five-zero-three, I was out of breath. I really did need to make better use of my free life-time membership at I-Sweat.
“Are you okay, Jill? You look terrible.”
“I’ll be alright in a minute.” I took a few deep breaths. “The lift isn’t working.”
“Tell me about it. I had to carry all my stuff up here.”
And yet, something told me she probably hadn’t even broken sweat.
“I like the apartment. It’s huge. Did you say Haze lives here alone?”
“Yeah.”
“Why don’t you move in permanently? It’s not like there isn’t enough room. How many bedrooms are there?”
“There are two. Haze is doing me a favour by letting me stay here until I find somewhere else, but I know she wouldn’t want it to be permanent. She likes her own space, and to be honest, so do I. I don’t plan on sharing unless it turns out to be the only option.”
“I’m sorry to trouble you with this while you’re in the middle of moving in.”
“That’s okay. It sounded kind of urgent.”
“Yeah, it is.”
“Blaze should be here at any minute. He was going to help me unpack, but it might be better if I put him on your case.”
“Won’t it slow you down if you don’t have his help?”
“Quite the reverse.” She grinned. “I’ll get things done much quicker without him under my feet, and besides, he’ll enjoy the responsibility.”
Just then, there was a knock at the door.
“That will be him. Will you let him in, please?”
“Jill?” Blaze looked surprised to see me. “I didn’t realise that you were helping out too.”
“She isn’t.” Daze pulled open a large cardboard box. “Jill needs our assistance, but I’m pretty much tied up. I told her that you’d help her.”
“Me?” Blaze’s face lit up. “Great! What’s up?”
I brought Blaze up to speed on the ghost trafficking problem. Although Daze continued to unpack, it was obvious that she was listening to us.
“What’s your plan?” Daze asked when I’d finished the story.
“I thought I was meant to be taking charge of this?” Blaze said.
“Sorry. You are.” She went back to her unpacking.
“What’s your plan, Jill?” Blaze said.
“It would be impossible to get around every funfair in the country, to release the ghosts individually. If we can cut off the source of the formula that is preventing them from returning to Ghost Town, then they should be able to make their own way back within twenty-four hours.”
“Where is the formula being made?” Blaze took out a small notepad.
“According to my contact, it’s being produced in the small factory that they use as a holding area for the ghosts when they’re first brought through to the human world. I can give you the address.”
Blaze scribbled it down. “Okay. I think I have everything I need. I’ll get a few more rogue retrievers over here, and we’ll hit the factory later this afternoon.”
“Do you want me to come with you?” I asked.
“No need. I’ll let you know when it’s done.” He slipped the notepad into his pocket, and made for the door.
“Be careful!” Daze called after him.
“Will he be okay?” I asked Daze, after Blaze had left.
“He’ll be fine. I know I give him a hard time, but he’s come on in leaps and bounds. He’ll soon be able to work solo.”
“Have you told him that?”
“Of course I haven’t.” She grinned.
“On my way up here, I almost ran into one of your neighbours. Literally. A giant of a werewolf. He was looking for a cat.”
“That would be Charlie. I haven’t had a chance to meet many of the neighbours yet, but I did run into Charlie on my first day. He gave me a hand carrying some of my stuff upstairs. He’s a real sweetheart.”
“Didn’t Haze say that she hadn’t found the neighbours to be particularly welcoming?”
“Yes, but to be honest, that’s only to be expected. I can’t imagine any sup would be overjoyed to find they have a rogue retriever as a new neighbour.”
***
If Daze was prepared to trust Blaze, then I’d have to. I’d seriously considered insisting that I go with him, but I didn’t want to undermine his confidence. I’d just have to be patient (not one of my better qualities—just in case you were wondering).
Back at my office building, I bumped into Brent on the stairs.
“I hope you’re making the most of your free lifetime membership, Jill.”
“Of course. One or two sessions every day.”
“Did you realise that the computer system tracks who has been in the gym?” He grinned.
“Okay, I haven’t been in for a few days. You know how it is. Busy, busy, busy.”
“If you hear some banging today, don’t be alarmed. We’re just having CCTV cameras set up inside the gym.”
“Oh? Have those bad guys been back?”
“No. You seem to have scared them away. We’re still having a few problems overnight, though. A few things are still being moved, and every morning we find lots of animal fur on the equipment. We have to get to the bottom of it.”
“Right. Well, good luck.”
“And don’t be a stranger. There’s a treadmill with your name on it.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll be there.”
Mrs V was seated at the desk closest to the door.
“All alone today, Mrs V?”
“Yes, thank goodness.”
“I thought you and Jules were getting along okay now?”
“We are. I can handle Jules. It’s that sister of hers who’s getting on my nerves.”
“Lules?”
“What kind of stupid name is that?”
“Did she say something to upset you?”
“She’s obviously keen to get out of that dreadful black pudding factory. It’s clear she has ambitions to follow in her sister’s footsteps.”
“I thought she wanted to be a model?”
“Apparently she wants to be a model and a PA.”
“Does she have any qualifications?”
“No, but then someone, mentioning no names, gave her sister a job even though she had no qualifications.”
Touché.
“Lules kept asking me if I’d thought about retiring completely, and if the stairs were too much for me.”
“Oh dear.” I couldn’t help but smile.
“It isn’t funny, Jill. It’s like having a vulture hovering overhead.”
“You have nothing to worry about, Mrs V. I’ve told you before. There will be a place for you here as long as you want it.”
“Thank you, dear. I guess I already knew that, but it’s still reassuring to hear.”
When I walked into my office, there was no sign of Blodwyn.
Once again, as soon as Winky saw me, he stuffed a piece of paper into the lining on the underside of the sofa. Just how stupid did he think I was? It was painfully obvious that he’d wanted me to see him do it.
“Morning, Winky.”
“Morning. Just in case you thought I was hiding something, I wasn’t.”
“That’s good.”
“I wouldn’t blame you if you were suspicious.”
“I’m not. Not in the least.”
“Good. I wouldn’t want there to be any mistrust between u
s.”
“It’s fine. I trust you completely.”
“You do? That’s good.”
“Do you know what happened to the woman who stayed here overnight?”
“She disappeared. Literally. One minute she was lying on my sofa, and the next, ‘puff’, she’d gone. I can’t say I was sorry to see the back of her because she snored like a trooper.”
The formula must have worn off, and allowed Blodwyn to return to GT.
“By the way, Winky, I bumped into Brent from I-Sweat just now. They’re still convinced that there’s something going on in the gym overnight. They’re having CCTV cameras installed today, so you’d better wind down your illegal gym scam, and quickly.”
“There’s no need. I’m not worried.”
“They’re going to see everything. How do you expect to continue?”
“I have a contingency plan for such an eventuality, of course.”
“What kind of contingency plan?”
“That would be telling.”
Chapter 22
I had an hour or so to kill before I was due to meet with Kylie’s flatmate. After the excitement of the morning, I was ready for a rest, so I planned to kick off my shoes, sit back at my desk and recharge my batteries.
“Mirabel! You can’t go in there!”
Grandma came charging into my office, closely pursued by an exasperated Mrs V.
“I don’t need your permission to see my granddaughter, Annabel.”
“It’s okay, Mrs V, thanks. I’ll handle this.”
Mrs V chuntered something, but then left us to it. Needless to say, Winky had already exited, stage right.
“What can I do for you, Grandma?”
“I’m through to the audition stage.”
“You are?”
“Why are you so surprised? I’m obviously ideal for the part.”
“Yes, sorry, it’s just that there must have been a lot of applicants.”
“It’s down to a shortlist of ten. The screen test is on Saturday.”
“Congratulations on getting this far, and good luck on Saturday.”
“Good luck? It’s no good relying on good luck. No one ever got anywhere by relying on good luck. Do you know what the magic word is?”
“Abracadabra?”
“No. It’s preparation.”
