by Adele Abbott
“What on earth was going on over there?” Aunt Lucy asked when we were back with her.
“You may well ask.” I rolled my eyes. “I’ll let the twins explain.”
“What will Alan and William say?” Aunt Lucy was horrified at what the twins had done. “Don’t you think you should have consulted them first?”
“They’ll be fine with it,” Amber said.
“Yeah. They both love dogs.” Pearl backed up her sister.
Aunt Lucy soon realised that there was no point in arguing with them. They’d made up their minds, and nothing she or I might say would make any difference.
The rest of the day was wonderful. We spent most of the time on the beach, leaving it just long enough to grab lunch in a pretty little café in the town. Fortunately, there was no sign of any sand demons.
“Support the Candle Lighthouse.” A wizard with a red collection box was making his way along the beach.
“There you go.” Aunt Lucy dropped some coins into the box. The twins and I did the same.
“Is the lighthouse still operational?” I asked.
“Yes. When I’m not trying to drum up contributions, I’m actually the lighthouse keeper.”
“Don’t you get funds from the authorities?”
“Some, but not enough to keep it going. If it wasn’t for the generosity of visitors to the resort, the lighthouse would have closed down years ago. Our candle bill is horrendous.”
“Candles?”
“Yes. This is one of only three lighthouses to be powered entirely by candlelight.”
“You must get through a lot of them?”
“Thousands, hence the need for the collection. I’m Duncan, by the way. Duncan O’Nuts.”
“Nice to meet you, Duncan. I’m Jill. That’s Pearl and Amber, and this is my Aunt Lucy.”
“We’re getting puppies!” Amber blurted out.
“They’re so cute.” Pearl gushed.
“That’s nice for you,” Duncan said. “I usually bring my dog, Bonny, out with me when I’m doing the collection—you’d be surprised how many more donations I get when she’s with me.”
“Is she poorly?”
“No, but she is very pregnant. In fact, she’s due to give birth any day now. You’re all welcome to take a tour of the lighthouse if you’d like. I’m just headed back there now.”
“We’d love to,” Aunt Lucy said. “But we really have to get back home.”
“Maybe next time you visit, then.”
Chapter 5
Jules was by herself in the office, and quite obviously upset about something.
“What’s wrong, Jules?”
“I’ve had some terrible news about a friend of mine. They say she’s gone insane, and she’s been locked away in a high security hospital.”
“That’s terrible. Had she been ill for long?”
“That’s just it. I was with Jasmine only a couple of days ago, and she was perfectly fine then. I don’t believe what they’re saying about her, Jill. I think her mother is behind this.”
“How do you mean?”
“Jasmine is a bit wild. She loves a night out and a laugh, but her mother can’t handle the fact that Jasmine isn’t her little girl any longer.”
“Even so. It’s a bit of a stretch to suggest she’d have her own daughter locked away, just to stop her going out.”
“I know, but something’s going on. There’s no way Jasmine should be locked up. Can you help her, Jill?”
“How do you know Jasmine?”
“We worked together at the black pudding factory. She still works there. Please, Jill, I’m really worried about her.”
“Wouldn’t it be better if you talked to her mother?”
“Me? No. Her mother hates me, and all of Jasmine’s other friends from the factory. She blames us for corrupting her daughter.”
“Okay. I’ll check it out. What’s her full name?”
“Jasmine Bold.” Jules began to scribble on a sheet of paper. “Her mother’s name is Christine. This is her address.”
“If I have time, I’ll go and talk to her later today.”
“Thanks, Jill. I really appreciate it.”
I started towards my office door.
“Jill?”
“Yeah?”
“Why are you covered in sand?”
Oh bum! “I—err—fell into the sandpit.”
“You have a sandpit?”
“Yeah. We had it put in recently for when Kathy’s kids come over. I was in the garden this morning, and I tripped and fell into it.”
“Oh? Right.” Jules looked confused, and who could blame her?
“Sandpit? Is that the best you could come up with?” Winky shook his head.
“You shouldn’t be listening.”
“Why not? I’ve got nothing better to do. Where have you really been?”
“If you must know, I went to the seaside.”
“It’s nice for some. Why didn’t you tell gorgeous, out there, the truth?”
“Because she would have asked where I went, and I could hardly tell her I’ve been to Candle Sands in the sup world, could I?”
“And yet, you’re telling your cat.”
“I don’t know why. It’s not like I have to report to you.”
“How come I didn’t get to go to the seaside?”
“Cats don’t like water.”
“I could have relaxed in a deck chair and soaked up the sun.”
“You can’t travel to Candlefield. You’re not a sup.”
“How do you know? How can you be sure I’m not really a shape-shifter? Maybe I’m really some sad, old geezer who just turns into a cat whenever you’re around.”
“That’s ridiculous. I’d know if you were.” I hesitated. “You aren’t, are you?”
“That’s for me to know, and for you to fret about. Anyway, where is it?”
“Where’s what?”
“My stick of rock, of course. You may have left me here all alone while you were at the seaside, but even you wouldn’t have been heartless enough not to have brought me back a stick of rock.”
“Rock? I—err—how about some salmon?”
“Red, not pink?”
“Obviously.”
I watched Winky as he gobbled down the salmon. He’d obviously been joking about the old man; I’d know if he was a shape-shifter.
Wouldn’t I?
“Have you checked if you’ve had any more quotes?” He licked his lips, and jumped onto my desk.
“Yuk, you stink of salmon.”
“It smells better than that perfume you wear. So? Have you had any more quotes for decorating the office?”
I’d actually forgotten all about that, but when I logged in to check, there were five more quotes waiting for me.
“They’re all too expensive. This one is even higher than the ones I got yesterday.”
“What about that one at the bottom of the list?” He pointed with his paw. “That looks a reasonable price.”
“Dectastic? What kind of name is that for a company?”
“Never mind their name. Look at the price.”
Dectastic’s quote was just under half the next lowest, and even better, they’d said they could do the job immediately.
“That seems too good to be true.”
“You don’t want to pay the higher prices, but you’re wary of the lower price. You can’t have it both ways. What kind of reviews do they have?”
I clicked on the link to the company’s profile. “Very good, actually. An average of four-point four out of five.”
“There you go, then.”
“I don’t understand how they can quote such a low price?”
“Maybe they’ve had a cancellation, and need to fill the gap? Who knows? But if you hesitate, they may get another job, and then you’ll be stuck with the higher prices.”
“Do you think so?”
“I’m positive.”
“Okay, then, I’ll do it.” I wa
s just about to click on the button to place the order when I spotted a note included with their bid. “Hold on. It says that the quote is for carrying out the work during the night. That’s a bit weird, isn’t it?”
“Not necessarily. Maybe they work twenty-four seven. I imagine some customers prefer the work to be done overnight. That way there’s much less disruption.”
“I guess you’re right. It would mean we wouldn’t have to close down the office while they do the work.”
“There you go then. What are you waiting for?”
“Okay.” I clicked on the button. “All done!”
Thirty minutes later, Kathy showed up unannounced; she caught me sharpening my pencils.
“I can see you’re busy.” She grinned.
“I hate blunt pencils.”
“How many pencils do you have?”
“Thirty-one. One for each day of the month.”
“Can’t you use the same one on more than one day?”
“No because then it would be blunt.”
“You could sharpen it.”
“I prefer to have just the one pencil-sharpening day per month. It’s more efficient.”
“And I take it that today is—?”
“Pencil sharpening day? Yes. Anyway, how come you aren’t at work? Have you got the day off?”
“Kind of, but not through choice.”
“What happened?”
“I had a call from your grandmother last night, to say she doesn’t need me, Chloe or Maria to go in, and when I walked past the shop just now it was all boarded up.”
“What? Has it closed down?”
“There’s nothing to say so, and that’s not the impression your grandmother gave me on the phone. She said she’d be in touch in a few days.”
“Do you think it has something to do with Yarnstormers opening?”
“Could be. Your guess is as good as mine.”
“How has she taken the whole Yarnstormers thing?”
“Remarkably well. I expected her to go ballistic, but she hasn’t mentioned them once. It’s all a little unnerving. Do you think you can find out what she’s up to?”
“I can try, but I doubt I’ll have any more success than you would.”
Just then, Jules came through with a tray of tea and biscuits.
“Thanks, Jules.” Kathy took one of the cups and two biscuits. “I asked her to make us a drink, I hope you don’t mind?”
“Of course not. Make yourself at home. You usually do.”
Jules handed me my cup of tea, and then turned to Kathy. “How do the kids like the sandpit?”
“Which sandpit?” Kathy looked confused.
“The one at Jill’s house.”
“Jill?” Kathy turned to me.
“I—err—Jules has rather let the cat out of the bag. I’ve had a sandpit put in the back garden. I thought it would be nice for the kids to play in when they come over.”
“Sorry, Jill,” Jules said. “I didn’t realise it was a secret.”
“That’s okay. Thanks for the drinks.”
“You’ve had a sandpit put in?” Kathy was open-mouthed.
I nodded.
“For the kids?”
I nodded again.
“But you don’t even like them coming over to your place.”
“That isn’t true.”
“When was the last time you had them over?”
“I—err—I don’t keep track.”
“Have you really had a sandpit put in for them?”
“Err—yes, but maybe it wasn’t such a good idea? They might trip and fall into it. I probably should take it out.”
“Don’t do that. A sandpit is a great idea, and a lovely gesture. Maybe I misjudged you after all. Just wait until I tell the kids. They’ll be thrilled.”
“Great.”
“Talking of the kids. Pete’s mum has said she’ll have them on Saturday, so we’re good for paintball.”
“Nice one. Prepare to be annihilated.”
“Dream on.”
As soon as Kathy had left, Winky came out from under the sofa. “Watching you is like watching a train wreck in slow motion.”
“Be quiet.”
“You just don’t know when to stop digging, do you?” He was rolling across the floor, laughing. “Sandpit? Priceless!”
“Shut up.” I grabbed the Yellow Pages. “What would sandpit suppliers come under?”
After Kathy had left, Jules came through to collect the empty cups. “Sorry about the sandpit thing, Jill. I honestly didn’t realise it was meant to be a surprise.”
“It’s okay. I should have said.”
Just then the outer door crashed open.
“It sounds like we have a visitor. Am I expecting anyone, Jules?”
“Not as far as I know. I’ll go and see who it is.” Moments later, she was back. “It’s that policeman, Detective Riley. He insists on seeing you straightaway.”
“You’d better show him in.”
“Shall I make him a drink?”
“No. I don’t want to waste a good teabag on him.”
“You can go through, Detective.” Jules held the door open for him.
He brushed past her without so much as a thank you.
“Hello, Leo.”
“It’s Detective, to you.”
“Sorry. Hello, Detective Leo.”
He scowled. “You think you’re funny, don’t you?”
“I have my moments. How are your hands?”
“Hands?”
“I thought they might still be sore after the whupping we gave you in the tug-of-war.”
“I don’t have time for your idle chit-chat. I’m here because there have been reports that you are keeping an animal on these premises.”
“I did have a kangaroo in here earlier, but it had to skip town.”
“Do you or do you not have a cat in here?”
Fortunately, Winky was back under the sofa, out of sight.
“What business is that of the police? The terms of my lease are a matter between me and my landlord. I fail to see what business it is of yours.”
He began to walk around the room, so I quickly cast the ‘hide’ spell to make Winky invisible.
“What are these?” Riley was pointing at the waste bin.
“What are what?”
“All of these empty salmon cans?”
“I like fish. So, sue me.”
“I believe you are hiding a cat in here somewhere.”
“You’re right. It’s in here.” I pulled open the top drawer. “Here it is. Catch.” I threw him the mini-Winky toy.
“Very funny.” He dropped it into the bin.
“There is no good reason for you to be here, so unless you have a warrant to search these premises, I’d like you to leave now.”
“I’m going, but you haven’t heard the last of this.”
With that, he left, slamming the door behind him.
“What’s eating him?” Winky said.
I almost jumped out of my skin because he was still invisible, and I hadn’t realised he’d jumped onto my desk.
I quickly reversed the ‘hide’ spell.
“He was checking if I had any animals in here.”
“Is there so little crime in Washbridge that the police have nothing better to do?”
“It’s not that. He’s up to something, and I intend to find out what it is.”
Chapter 6
I didn’t call ahead because I was fairly sure Jasmine Bold’s mother would have refused to see me.
When she answered the door, I could tell she’d been crying.
“Yes?”
“Mrs Christine Bold? I’m Jill Gooder.”
“What do you want? I never buy at the door.”
“I’m not selling anything. I’m a friend of your daughter.”
“I’ve never heard her mention your name. How do you know Jasmine?”
“I work at the black pudding factory; I haven’t been there
long. I was just wondering if she’s alright?”
“Of course she isn’t alright. That’s why they’ve locked her up.”
“She seemed okay the other day at work.”
“She was, but then she wasn’t. She changed just like that. I’ve never seen anything quite like it. She scared me.”
“Do you have any idea what might have caused it?”
“I blame that boyfriend of hers.”
“Jasmine has a boyfriend? She’s never mentioned him.”
“She only met him very recently. That’s why I think he must be responsible. Probably gave her drugs or something.”
“Do you know his name?”
“Billy Bhoy. I knew as soon as I saw him that he was bad news. All those tattoos and piercings, and his shaved head. I tried to warn Jasmine, but would she listen? No. She never does.” At that, Mrs Bold broke down in tears.
“I’d better be going. Sorry to have upset you. Tell Jasmine I hope she gets better soon.”
Jules had been convinced that Jasmine’s mother had somehow had her daughter locked up for no good reason. Even though I’d spent no more than a few minutes with Christine Bold, I was convinced that wasn’t the case. The woman’s distress had seemed genuine, and I was now far more interested in talking to the boyfriend. His looks might have disturbed Christine Bold, but that wasn’t what worried me. I was far more concerned that he and Jasmine had only recently got together, which in my book made him someone I needed to talk to.
***
Back in Washbridge, I thought I should check out what was happening at Ever. Even though Kathy had warned me, I was still shocked to find the shop boarded up.
What was Grandma up to? She surely hadn’t thrown in the towel just because Yarnstormers had opened up across the road. She was many things, but a quitter wasn’t one of them. I tried her phone, but got only her recorded message: Mirabel here. I’m too busy to talk to you. Don’t bother to leave a message because I can’t be bothered to check them.
“That was even easier than I expected,” a familiar voice said.
I turned around to find Ma Chivers standing there; she had a huge grin on her face.
“What are you talking about, Ma?”
“I thought your grandmother would have put up more of a fight. I guess I over-estimated her.”
“I wouldn’t go counting your chickens just yet.”
