by Holly Bell
Thomas grinned. ‘Wonders will never cease.’
‘And as colleagues, it would be an advantage in your successful collaboration if you and Amanda could allow yourselves to become friends. You have, after all, been operating on a friendly basis, have you not?’
‘Friends? Yes … I suppose, within limits, of course ... I think.’
Hogarth could see the idea was gaining ground. He waited patiently for the next objection.
‘I don’t know. I have had partners before but not one like … I mean, talk about secretive! And she seems incapable of walking from one end of the village to the next without tripping up on some dead body or other. Then she behaves like a law unto herself and includes me on a need-to-know basis like some office junior.’'
‘'I think Amanda has not wanted to put you in any awkward situations. Besides, I’'m sure if you were equal partners, without the old Cardiubarn case over her head —'’
‘Not that it ever seemed to bother her,’ Thomas remarked.
‘Well, anyway, if you were equal partners it would be a very different situation. You’d be on the same side, same page, same agenda. A unit. Great things could come of it. Maybe put an end to whatever murder magnet exists in Sunken Madley, at least make some progress there.’
‘I must admit, it is a good cause. And it could work, I suppose.’
‘You were right when you said that it wouldn’t be quite like your previous partnerships. There will be times when Amanda will not be able to go where you lead. And vice versa. There would have to be a greater degree of autonomy on both your parts than in a normal setup.’
Hogarth said it regretfully, knowing full well that this would have some appeal.
‘Hm …well, I’m sure I could work with that,’ came the cautious reply.
This sounded hopeful to Hogarth’s ears. Thomas, however, had at least one last fight in him.
‘What about Miss Cadabra’s trust issues?’ he insisted.
Mike laughed. ‘Trust issues? And you don’t have any, naturally,’
‘I've told her everything I know about my past. But she’s never once let me see what she really does in her workshop,’ Thomas protested
‘Have you told her about the lines of light you see? How your intuition works?’
‘Well … no.’
‘Any reason why not?’
‘No reason to. It’s just personal, very personal. I’ve kept it a secret from —’
‘And that’s different from Amanda, how exactly?’
Thomas had to be fair. He smiled. ‘I suppose it isn’t. I’ll tell Miss Cadabra one day. Just not yet.’
‘And she’ll show you her workshop magic … one day. Just not yet. And maybe she’s not the one with the secrets.’
‘Oh?’ asked Thomas a shade defensively.
‘Have you told her what the Cardiubarns and Flamgoynes planned for you both?’
‘No.’
‘Ah well, I think you’re right to keep that one to yourself for now.’
‘Thank you for that at least,’ replied Trelawney with a touch of humour. He thought for a moment. ‘Well, what about that creature from the nether regions that she hangs around with? The one she refers to as Mr Fluffikins. I promise you, I’d rather swim with a shoal of sharks than be left alone with the thing. She’s never told me where it comes from. All I know is, it doesn’t seem to age.’
‘Ah.’
‘And another thing,’ went on Thomas, warming to his theme, ‘one day, I’d have sworn I’d seen it in the churchyard when I drove past, and the next minute — literally — it was with Miss Cadabra when she opened her front door. Even when it seems to be miles away, it’s as though it can flash through space or something equally weird and unsettling.’
‘Regardless of his somewhat sinister aspects, I have no doubt that Tempest regards you as, in some way, under his protection.’
Trelawney shuddered.
‘Perhaps. Though I’ve no doubt that cat has done things any human would be locked up for. And they’d throw away the key.’
‘Fortunately, he falls outside your jurisdiction. Tempest need not concern you, I am sure. I believe it is safe for you to trust him. Speaking of which, have you entrusted Amanda with the information that your mother hates magic, the very suggestion?’
‘Does it matter? There’s no reason why they should meet.’
Hogarth chuckled. ‘It’s just a matter of time. That is an incident just waiting to happen.’
Mike knew the day was won as Thomas grinned and replied, ‘Oh, I do hope not. All right. Not yet. Not for a long time yet!’
Chapter 50
Summoned
The morning post brought an unusual envelope. Amanda frowned in puzzlement at the Victorian monogram on the top left-hand corner.
‘M.D.?’ she said aloud to Tempest, as she returned to the breakfast table. ‘I can’t make out the postmark. Better just open it, I suppose. OK, here goes:
Dear Miss Cadabra,
Consequent to the issuing of death certificates for your great-grandmother, parents, aunts, uncles and cousins, there are now matters upon which an urgent consultation is of the utmost importance. I would be grateful if you could attend my offices at your earliest possible convenience.
If you receive this letter outside of business hours, please leave a message on my answering machine, to let me know when I might look forward to receiving you here at Mortlake, Dowr & Keast.
Yours sincerely,
George Keast
Partner
‘Oh dear. Granny! Grandpa!’ They appeared at once on either side of her.
‘Yes, dear?’
‘Morning, bian.’
‘Look at this. What do I do?’
‘Why you go, of course,’ Senara declared decisively. ‘No granddaughter of mine ever shirked her administrative responsibilities.’
‘But you made me promise never to cross the Tamar unless you were both with me,’ Amanda objected indignantly.
‘And we shall be,’ Grandpa assured her. ‘You’ll feel much better, Ammee, once you know what’s what. You don’t need to stay long. You can go one day, see him the next and come straight home if you want.’
‘Yes … of course.’
‘Mrrrrowwl,’ pointed out Tempest. Amanda immediately gathered up her familiar and cuddled him.
‘Oh I know, I’ll have you with me, my darling Tempy-wempy.’
‘That’s settled then,’ declared Senara, eyeing the creature in her granddaughter’s arms with dislike.
‘When do you think I ...?’
‘Surely the sooner, the better, love,’ Perran encouraged her. ‘Your piano job is finished, for the most part. I know there’s more touching up to be done, but you’ll still have time. And anything else needing to be done before the May Day Ball, well, that’s a long way off, if you can’t get everything just so before this coming dance.’
‘You’re right. The Grange ladies and Moffat won’t mind waiting for a bit for me to finish off. I suppose then …’
‘Call the inspector. He’d want to know. Cornwall is his bailiwick, after all.’
Amanda nodded, feeling a little less numb, and dialled.
‘Inspector?’
‘Miss Cadabra. Is something wrong?’
‘Oh dear, is it obvious?’
‘You sound troubled.’
‘It’s arrived. The solicitor’s letter. I am summoned. To Cornwall.’
‘It was only a matter of time. Do you want to tell me what the letter said?’ She read it out. ‘It’s just paperwork most likely,’ Trelawney said calmly. ‘Is tomorrow too soon?’
‘It’s what I had in mind.’
‘I will collect you first thing, if that’s all right?’
Amanda was relieved. ‘Thank you. I’d prefer to have … some escort.’
‘I’m your man. I have no doubt Mike would insist in any case. I’ll arrange accommodation for you.
’
‘I appreciate this, Inspector.’
‘Not at all. I can’t go losing my former chief witness immediately after solving the case. How would that look, now?’
She laughed unwillingly.
‘True.’
‘6.30 too early?’
‘That will be fine. Thank you. I’ll be ready.’
***
The following morning, darkness still lingering, found Amanda, by the courtesy light, laying Tempest’s tiger-print fur travel blanket on the back seat of Trelawney’s car. By the time the inspector had loaded and closed the boot on her luggage, Tempest was installed, Amanda’s seatbelt was fastened, and they set off in the pre-dawn glow.
After a disturbed night, secure in the inspector’s car, Amanda leaned her head on the cushion he had brought for her and fell asleep.
Noticing her silence, Trelawney glanced across and, seeing Amanda at peace, allowed his mind to wander. He recalled the last caution Mike had given him.
Hogarth had been pretty sure his friend was now resolved to take up his new post. However, there was something he had needed to tell him.
‘Just one thing, you should know, lad. And this is from Maxwell. If you do this, it will finish you.’
Thomas had raised his eyebrows. ‘I beg your pardon? He thinks I may not survive?’
‘He means it will kill your career. No one wants or will want to take over from you. Detective Inspector is probably the highest rank you will ever be allowed to achieve. Part of your job is to sink into obscurity.’
If anything were needed to stiffen Trelawney’s resolve, it was this.
‘I don’t think it’s about that anymore. I mean … I’d have my own highly specialised department, with challenges I’d never have imagined. It’s not about scaling the heights anymore. Maybe it hasn’t been … for a while.’ He nodded resolutely. ‘So be it. I’m in.’
The sun came up with weak March effort as Trelawney took to the A3 motorway, and Amanda slept on. After many miles, she felt the change in the soothing purr of the engine, as the car slowed. Opening her eyes, she looked around in a daze.
‘Hello,’ smiled Trelawney. ‘I thought you might like some breakfast, stretch your legs and get some fresh air.’
‘Thank you. Yes. Where are we?’
‘Yeovil,’ replied Trelawney parking. ‘Give yourself time to come round. I’ll go and get the pay-and-display ticket.’
By the time he returned, both his passengers were alert and ready for breakfast. They feasted on full English at the Gifl Café in Fork Street.
‘You know, Inspector, I did call Mr Keast and left a message to say I’d be arriving today and left my phone number and email address. If they even have email. Would they have that sort of technology, do you think?’
‘Oo arr, Mestres,’ replied Trelawney unexpectedly, in a broad Cornish accent. ‘We do ‘ave all mod cons in Cornwall. ‘Orseless carriages and even a spinnin’ Jenny!’
Amanda laughed. ‘Oh my word! You’re very good. But you are perfectly well aware that I was talking about solicitors – of the old school – not Cornwall!’
Trelawney chuckled. ‘Too good an opportunity to miss,’ he replied.
Back on the road, Amanda remembered the ball.
‘Will you be there?’
‘I shall do my very best.’
‘We’ll be back in plenty of time for it, won’t we?’ she asked.
‘We have five days before Saturday. I’m sure it won’t take that long to do whatever Mr Keast needs.’
As they neared the border, Amanda became more and more thoughtful. Suddenly she said,
‘I know that scent … It’s moorland … We’re nearly there, aren’t we?’
‘Yes. Dartmoor isn’t far now.’
A few minutes later, Amanda wound down the window.
‘The sea! I can smell the sea.’
Something was churning within her. Her skin was tingling, her vision seemed clearer, all of her senses heightened. She was a mixture of butterflies and certainty, anxious anticipation and serenity. Tempest was awake, head up, eyes alight.
‘We’ll be at the crossing soon,’ said Trelawney.
‘I know,’ said the witch.
Amanda, in the wing mirror, saw Senara and Perran, quietly sitting either side of Tempest, on guard, radar on full, just as they had promised.
Ahead was the sign: Welcome to Cornwall - Kernow a’gas dynergh.
The car sped over the Tamar Bridge, spanning the river, the ancient border between Cornwall and England. A ripple of magical force jolted out through the ether. In a remote room, a head turned restlessly on a pillow. Elsewhere a voice muttered in late morning sleep, ‘She’s come. She’s come.’ In an isolated copse far off, someone sat up with widened eyes and crept more deeply into their shelter. Others, even those without their wits or consciousness, somehow knew: Amanda Cadabra had returned to Kernow.
Chapter 51
Parhayle
‘I thought I’d drive through the town in case any of it’s recognisable,’ Trelawney explained to Amanda. ‘Although rather a lot has changed since you were last here.’
‘I was very little when I left, so I’m not sure what I’d remember.’
On the western edge of the town, the coast road became a lane. At the end, three modest bungalows nestled behind a hedgerow. Trelawney parked in front of the last one.
‘This is it. You should be comfortable here. It’s one of the newest ones, just five years old. Contemporary seaside charm. Indoor plumbing and all!’
Amanda chuckled. ‘I’m sure it will be perfect. You must let me know how much I owe you for its hire.’
‘Not at all, Miss Cadabra. It’s one of my father’s holiday cottages. You are here as our guest, and he would be most offended if you offered payment to either of us.’
‘But this is most kind! He’s never even met me.’
‘Perhaps at some point that can be remedied if you truly wish to thank him in person. But I promise you there is no need.’
Trelawney took Amanda’s luggage to the front door and applied the key. Amanda carried Tempest, who made it clear that he expected to be borne in in splendour.
‘Honestly,’ she protested to him. ‘You weigh a ton. I don’t see why you can’t walk.’
The interior was clean, comfortable and light. The glass wall along the back faced the sea.
‘Oh, this is beautiful! Gracious … I can hardly believe I’m here.’
‘Glad you like it. My father will be pleased. There are two bedrooms if you’d like me to stay over with you, but my flat is only a short distance away.’
‘Thank you, but I’ll be fine. I have my bodyguard.’
‘This one here that you had to carry in with you?’ he asked conversationally with a hint of satire.
‘Just so,’ she said, depositing her armful on the sofa facing the window.
Her phone rang.
‘Oh, I think this … Hello?’
Trelawney tactfully withdrew to the kitchen and set about making tea. Kytto Trelawney had ensured a supply of gingernuts and a fridge full of Cornish treats. Thomas busied himself until Amanda hung up and came to join him.
‘That was the solicitor. A Mr Keast, the one who wrote the letter. He said he can see me this afternoon. At three o’clock.’
‘Don’t you want to rest overnight first?’ enquired the inspector.
‘Yes, but I really want to know what he wants as soon as possible.’
‘That’s fine. Let’s have tea, and then maybe you’d like to have lunch somewhere?’
‘I’m not sure I could eat.’ Amanda put a hand to her solar plexus. ‘I’ve got butterflies … You know, he sounded awfully young.’
‘You sound awfully young,’ returned Trelawney.
‘That’s true, I suppose, and it does say partner on the letter. I daresay it’s just his voice.’
As it turned out, it wasn’t just his
voice. George Keast, although having attained his twenty-seventh year, looked ten years younger. When the youthful secretary showed Amanda in, he stood up to shake hands, revealing himself to be of medium height, with large anxious dark eyes in a thin face. Most noticeable was his hair, which had a tendency to break free from its calming product and send up a plume of dusky brown.
Keast’s age and pallor contrasted with the office. It was dark, with oak furniture, small windows and an air of antiquity that would have not looked out of place in Dickensian London.
‘How do you do, erm, Miss Cadabra?
‘How do you do, Mr Keast,’ Amanda greeted him affably.
‘Please sit down, Miss Cadabra. Oh, you have a …’
‘Yes, this is Tempest. He likes to keep me company.’
‘Erm, right, yes, of course … We don’t normally allow … that is ... of course. Well … may I first offer my condolences on the loss of your family.’
‘Thank you, Mr Keast.’
Amanda lowered herself onto a brown leather seat pad that had long since been flattened by a succession of clients. Tempest took the chair next to it, and wound himself into a sleeping position, but kept one eye open. The young solicitor did his best to ignore Miss Cadabra’s companion.
‘Thank you for making the journey. Now, erm, do you have any experience of probate?’
‘Very little.’
‘Well, in order to, er, apply for probate, it is necessary to fill in forms IVD131D and P31UP which asks for a valuation of the estate. Inheritance tax will have to be settled before probate can be granted, you understand. However, your late great-grandmother made provision through the trust she set up to defray this expense, in order to ensure the estate remained in the hands of ... her descendent.’
‘I see. Well, that’s a relief.’
‘The contents of Cardiubarn Hall were placed in storage many years ago. They can be valued along with the monetary assets. However, regarding Cardiubarn Hall itself, to assess its current value it needs to be inspected.’
