Brimstone Witch Mysteries - Box Set 2

by April Fernsby

  I slowly opened the cellar door and looked out at my friend with a small smile on my face.

  My smile froze when I saw the hate in Luca’s eyes as he glowered at me. I’d never seen him look like that at anyone. What had Astrid said to him to make him stare at me like that?

  Luca thrust my broomstick towards me and said coldly, “You left this in Blythe’s house yesterday.”

  I took my broomstick and said, “Has Blythe returned?”

  “No.” Luca made to turn away.

  I went on, “Have you heard anything from her?”

  Luca looked me over before replying. “Not that it’s any of your business, but no, I haven’t. This is a polite warning; keep away from Brimstone. I don’t know who you are but I don’t trust you. If I find you in Brimstone, I will arrest you and detain you in a cell until Blythe returns.”

  I heard Stanley gasp in shock at my side. He suddenly leapt into Luca’s arms. Luca had no choice but to hold him. My heart twisted at the disgusted look Luca gave Stanley.

  Stanley put a paw on either side of Luca’s face and said, “Luca, don’t you remember us? Don’t you remember me? We’re friends. We used to play together when you were little. You’ve helped Cassia and me with our investigations. You must remember. You must!”

  Luca roughly placed Stanley on the ground and snapped, “Don’t ever do that to me again! You could have fleas.”

  Stanley’s head dropped and he took a step back. He mumbled, “I’m sorry.”

  Something snapped inside me. No one was going to talk to Stanley like that!

  I waved my broomstick in the air and said to Luca, “Don’t you ever, ever talk to Stanley like that again! I don’t know what Astrid’s done to you, but you will not take it out on Stanley or me!”

  Luca folded his arms. “Astrid? What do you know about Astrid?”

  “More than I want to! She’s messed with your memories.”

  He snorted in derision. “She would never do that to me. Astrid is the love of my life.”

  “Yeah? Where is she now?” I demanded. I looked over Luca’s shoulder to make sure Astrid wasn’t standing behind him with a sneaky look on her face. She had a habit of doing that.

  Luca said, “She’s gone away for a while on important business.” He frowned. “I think that’s what she told me.”

  “Pah!” I waved my broomstick in the air. “She’s told you a pack of lies. She’s been lying to everyone in Brimstone.”

  “She has,” Stanley added meekly.

  Luca unfolded his arms and jabbed a finger in my direction. “That’s a lie! You’re the liar. You’re the one who’s caused problems in Brimstone and I won’t allow you back in.” He reached for the handle on the cellar door.

  I was fuming with rage now and I bashed him on the hand with the bushy end of my broomstick. He yelped in surprise and pulled his hand back.

  I raised my broomstick in warning. My voice was steady as I said, “You will not tell me what to do, Luca. You are a guardian in Brimstone, but I am a justice witch. I am your superior whether you remember me or not. Thanks to your girlfriend, there are problems brewing in Brimstone, and I’m going to be the one who deals with them.” I took a step forward. “And you can’t stop me. Understand?”

  Luca rubbed his hand. He looked as if he were going to say something but then abruptly turned on his heel and walked away.

  Stanley said proudly, “Cassia, that was awesome. You really put him in his place.”

  I lowered my broomstick. “I wish I hadn’t hit him. I don’t know what came over me.”

  Oliver said, “It was only a tap on his hand. He’ll get over it. Perhaps you should whack him on the head and try to knock some sense into him.” He paused and added. “You did well, Cassia. You stood up for yourself.”

  Wow. Getting praise from Oliver was a rare occurrence. It boosted my ego and made me declare, “Come on, Stanley, let’s return to Brimstone. We’ve got work to do. Oliver, are you coming with us?”

  “No, I’ll stay here in case your gran comes back.” There was worry in his voice. “I’m sure Esther will come back soon. She has to.”

  I gave him a nod. “Okay. We’ll stay in touch with you.”

  I stepped through the cellar door. Stanley was right behind me.

  Chapter 2

  We paused and looked out onto the lovely town of Brimstone. A white gazebo held a central position in the large square of grass right in the middle of the town. Benches and picnic tables were placed around it and they were occupied by the smiling residents of Brimstone. Brightly coloured buildings were arranged around the square and many supernatural creatures strolled happily along the pavement.

  Stanley said, “It doesn’t look like anyone’s been murdered.”

  “Not yet,” I added. “I think we should pay a visit to Brin and see what’s been happening since we left here yesterday in such a rush.”

  We walked along the cobbled path in front of us and paused when we came to a tree covered in yellow and green Brimstone butterflies. I smiled up at them. There was a flutter of wings which sent a warm breeze my way.

  Stanley laughed. “It’s like they’re saying hello and giving us a hug. I love the Brimstone butterflies.” He waved at them. “Hello!”

  We made our way to the large house that Blythe occupied. She was a three-hundred-year-old witch who ruled Brimstone. Or she had until she’d gone off gallivanting somewhere with Gran. They’d left notes before they’d left informing us not to worry about them. Of course we were going to worry! I tutted to myself as I thought how irresponsible they’d been.

  Stanley must have heard my tut as he trotted at my side because he said, “Are you thinking about Blythe and Esther again?”

  I nodded.

  Stanley continued, “You shouldn’t be mad with them. You know it was Astrid’s fault that they left so abruptly. They are powerful witches. They can look after themselves.”

  I sighed. “I suppose so. But that doesn’t stop me worrying about them.”

  We walked along the sparkling path that led to Blythe’s front door. Brin opened it before we reached the door.

  Brin was a house brownie who worked with Blythe. She knew everything that went on in this town and I was counting on her to help us.

  Brin was wearing her usual attire of a white apron over a brown dress. She flapped a duster at us as we approached and said, “I’ve been cleaning this house non-stop since you left yesterday. Cleaning usually helps to soothe my mind, but it’s not working today. Have you heard anything from Esther?” She opened the door wider and we stepped inside.

  I shook my head. “I gather you haven’t heard anything from Blythe?”

  Brin shoved her duster in her apron pocket. “I haven’t.” She closed the door behind us and led us through to the living room. She indicated for us to take a seat.

  Once we were settled on the sofa, Brin pulled a small chair closer to us, sat down and gave us an intense look. She said, “I had a strange conversation with Luca yesterday. He claims he doesn’t know you. Tell me exactly what Astrid did to him.”

  I smiled at her. “How did you know Astrid did anything to him?”

  “Who else would be evil enough to do such a thing?”

  I told Brin about my last encounter with Astrid and how she’d boasted about the destruction she’d left in her wake.

  Brin’s lips tightened in annoyance. When I’d finished, she said, “Oh! That evil being! She’ll get her comeuppance! Somehow.”

  I twisted my hands together and asked, “I was wondering if there was something I could do to help Luca. Could I use magic on him to restore his memories? If there’s going to be a spate of murders in Brimstone, I could do with his help.”

  Brin shook her head. “We can’t take that chance. Astrid may have cast an extra spell on him and if you use magic on his mind, it could wipe out all of his memories. He wouldn’t even know his name. There is a chance that his memories of you and Stanley might return on their own.” She
gave me a small smile. “You’ll just have to win him over with your lovely personality.”

  Stanley sniffed and said sadly, “He threw me to the floor and said I might have fleas. I’ve never had fleas in my life.”

  I picked Stanley up and placed him on my knee. I stroked his little head and said, “Luca’s not himself. You know that. Once he gets to know you again, he’ll see how special you are.”

  “I hope so.” Stanley put his head on my arm.

  Brin looked towards the big window that overlooked the town. She said, “I haven’t noticed anyone acting out of character this morning. But there again, they could be walking around with murder in their minds but with smiles on their faces. There’s not much we can do about that. What a horrible situation this is.”

  “I know. I feel so helpless. Is there anything I can do? Should I talk to the residents and see if Astrid spoke to anyone recently?”

  Brin shook her head. “I saw Astrid talking to many beings recently when she was supposedly helping you with your last murder enquiry.” She turned away from the window. “There is something you can do. I’ve been informed of suspicious behaviour in an area of Brimstone. I’d like you to investigate that area and see what you think. It could be nothing, but it’s better to nip these things in the bud.”

  “Of course I’ll investigate. Which area are we talking about? The forest? The mountains?”

  “The beach,” Brin said.

  Stanley raised his head. “The beach? Brimstone has a beach? Where? Cassia, did you know Brimstone had a beach?”

  “I didn’t.” I looked out of the window as if expecting sand dunes to appear next to the gazebo. “Where is it?”

  “About ten miles away over the fields to the west. You have been there before, Cassia, with your mum.” She stopped talking and colour came to her cheeks. Mum’s name wasn’t mentioned often in Brimstone.

  I shifted in my seat and Stanley shifted on my knee. I suspected he was as uncomfortable as me about Mum being mentioned. Astrid had left us with a parting gift about information concerning Mum.

  I cleared my throat nervously and said to Brin, “Astrid told me something about Mum yesterday. I don’t know if I believe her, but I can’t stop thinking about what she said.”

  Brin looked at me without blinking. “What did she tell you?”

  “She said Luca was responsible for Mum’s death, and that everyone in Brimstone knows that. Except me, of course.”

  “And me,” Stanley added. “Everyone’s been keeping it a secret from us.” He looked at me with sad eyes. “We feel betrayed, don’t we?”

  My eyes began to sting and my vision blurred. I stroked Stanley’s head again and gave him a small nod.

  Brin reached out and put her little hand on my arm. In a gentle tone, she said, “Part of what Astrid told you is true. The town does know how your mum died. Blythe told us not to talk to you about it until she’d spoken to you. But it’s been one murder after another recently and she hasn’t had the time to have that conversation with you.”

  My stomach clenched in anger. “But Gran knew! She could have told me! Everyone’s been lying to me. Why?”

  “It was Blythe’s orders. She said it was the right thing to do. Esther disagreed with her, but Blythe convinced her to be patient.” She squeezed my arm. “I’m sorry if it’s hard for you to accept, Cassia, but Blythe thought she was doing the right thing.”

  I shrugged. “I’m not sure about that. Was it Luca’s fault that Mum died? What did he do?”

  Brin pulled her hand back. “He didn’t do anything apart from getting lost in the forest one day. Like yourself, he was only seven when your mum died. He’d only just discovered his shapeshifting abilities and he was in his rabbit form when he got himself into trouble. Your mum rescued him by putting herself in danger.” Brin’s eyes welled up. “I don’t know the full details, but I do know it was a terrible accident. Your mum saved Luca’s life but lost her own by doing so.”

  Tears escaped from my eyes. “Does Luca know what happened? He’s never spoken to me about it.”

  Brin nodded. “When the accident happened, he was distraught and wouldn’t stop screaming. Blythe used a spell to take his memory of the accident away. It was for the best. It wasn’t his fault that your mum died and Blythe didn’t want him carrying that guilt around.”

  “But he must have known. Astrid talked about Mum’s death in front of him.”

  Brin’s hands curled into little fists. “Astrid must have told him. But what exactly did she tell him? Did she make out it was his fault? Just when I thought she’d done her worst! I’ll have to talk to Luca and see what she said to him. Don’t you worry about this; I’ll deal with Luca.” She gave me a sad smile. “I’m sorry about your mum. I’ll talk to Blythe when she returns and make sure she explains everything to you. Your mum’s death was an accident; a terrible accident.”

  I brushed my tears away. “I don’t want to talk about Mum anymore. Tell me more about this beach that I can’t remember.”

  There was a flash of green light and someone appeared in the room.

  Brin turned to the visitor and said, “At last! I thought you’d never get here.”

  Chapter 3

  I looked at the man who had appeared in the room. He was slim and seemed to be about my height. I’d put his age at early to mid-twenties. His short brown hair stuck up in spikes and I caught flecks of green mixed in with the brown. He was wearing light green trousers and a plain, white shirt. A waistcoat was fastened over his shirt which had leaves and butterflies embroidered on it. His friendly face was turned my way and his light green eyes twinkled as if he’d just been told the best joke ever.

  He clasped his hands together and jigged from foot to foot. He burst out, “Cassia Winter! I’m so excited to be here!”

  Brin stood up and walked over to the excited man. She held her arms out and the young man lowered himself and then hugged her warmly. “Brin! So very good to see you again.”

  Brin took a step back and said, “Jeremy, you haven’t aged a day since I last saw you. How much magic are you using on your looks?”

  Jeremy laughed. “What’s the point of being a witch if I can’t use magic on myself?”

  He was a witch? I shared a confused look with Stanley.

  Jeremy laughed again at our befuddled expressions and moved closer to us. He perched himself on the small chair that Brin had vacated and gave us the warmest of smiles. The twinkle in his eyes increased and I noticed flecks of gold in them.

  He held his hand out. “I’m Jeremy Spring. I’m a witch. One of the season witches just like you, Cassia Winter.”

  I took his hand. It was warm and after I shook it, I didn’t let go. I said, “I’ve never met another witch. Apart from my gran and Blythe, of course. I only found out recently about the witches who are named after seasons.”

  Jeremy left his hand in mine and continued to smile at me. “I know all about you. I’ve been friends with Blythe and Esther for years.” His smile dropped slightly. “I knew your mum too. Rosalyn and I worked together many times. I was sorry to hear of her passing. You have her same eyes.” He removed his hand from mine and gently touched the end of my nose. “And the very same freckle on the end of your nose. I hope you don’t mind me talking about Rosalyn.”

  I smiled at the charming witch in front of me. “I don’t mind at all.” I hesitated. “In fact, I would like to hear more about her.”

  “And I would be delighted to tell you.” Jeremy turned his attention to Stanley. “I’ve heard about you too, Stanley. I know how much you’ve helped Cassia, and how brave you are. You’re a handsome-looking cat. Has anyone ever told you that?”

  Stanley let out a little cat chuckle. “It has been mentioned once or twice. Do you know my brother, Oliver?”

  Jeremy nodded. “I do. I’ve had a few conversations with him.” He moved his head closer and said, “Is he still bossy?”

  I nodded on Stanley’s behalf.

  Brin came
over to us with a tray of tea things. I hadn’t even noticed her leaving the room. She placed the items on a table at my side and said, “I hope coffee is okay with everyone. Cassia, Jeremy is here to help you with your next investigation. I hope that’s okay with you?”

  I gave Brin a wary look. “Why do I need help?”

  Jeremy said, “It was my idea to offer my services. I keep an eye on Brimstone Beach and have done for years. I used to help your mum when any problems arose there. I know the beach well, and the beings who live there. I was on patrol there a few days ago when I felt a change in the air.” He frowned as he considered his next words. “I can’t quite explain it. It’s like there’s an expectation of evil in the air. As if the area is waiting for something terrible to happen. Do you know what I mean?”

  “I do.” I took the cup that Brin passed my way and said thank you to her. “We’ve experienced that same feeling a lot in Brimstone recently. Do you know about the black magic that was forced into our town?”

  Jeremy gave me a grim smile. “I do. All the season witches know about it. I also know that Blythe and Esther have left Brimstone and gone after Blythe’s cousins as she thinks they’re responsible for the black magic.”

  My cup shook in my hands. “Have you heard anything about them? Are they okay?”

  “They will be. They’re not alone.” Jeremy took a sip of his coffee. “The other season witches are on their way to help Blythe and Esther as we speak. They’ll be back home before you know it.” He shot me a reassuring smile. “In the meantime, I’d like to help you with the possible trouble at Brimstone Beach. When you had your problem with the black magic here, some of it made its way to the beach. I was hoping it wouldn’t affect anyone there, but it seems I may be wrong. We can head that way after our lovely coffee and I’ll explain everything on the journey. If that’s okay with you, Cassia? I don’t want to get in your way.”

  There was a reassuring presence about Jeremy and I felt instinctively that I could trust him. I looked down at Stanley and said, “What do you think?”