“What’s going on over there?”
“We’re not at liberty to divulge that information, but suffice to say, it involves organised crime.”
“I see. How long will you need to be here?”
“Hard to say. We hope to be out by the end of next week.”
“End of next week?”
“Hopefully. Is that okay?”
“I—err—guess so.”
“Now, about that salmon,” Winky said.
“Err, sure. Coming right up.”
***
I was paying another visit to Tweaking Manor, this time to speak to Caroline’s sister, Elizabeth Judge. Mulgrave met me at the door and led the way to the Marble Room where Elizabeth Judge was already waiting. If I hadn’t known the two women were sisters, I never would have guessed. The contrast between them was remarkable: Caroline seemed to care very little about her appearance. Her sister, on the other hand, looked as though she was ready to pose for a fashion shoot. Her clothes were well tailored and clearly extremely expensive, and she was dripping in jewellery. Her makeup and hair were both immaculate.
“Thank you for seeing me, Mrs Judge,” I said.
“Call me Elizabeth, please, and it’s my pleasure. I’m happy to do whatever I can to help my sister.” She turned to the butler. “Mulgrave, would you be kind enough to make us a drink? Is tea alright for you, Jill?”
“Tea’s fine, thanks.”
“Very well, madam,” Mulgrave said, and then he left the room.
“I do apologise that we had to meet in this dreadful room, Jill. It’s so cold in here. I had hoped we might be able to use the dining room, which is much warmer, but it seems that my sister has a meeting in there with her lawyer.”
“That’s okay. I’m perfectly fine in here.” As long as I kept brushing the icicles off my nose.
“I assume you want to discuss the missing goblet.”
“That’s right. I’ve already spoken to your brother about it.”
“Between you and me, you need look no further than Ransom to solve this particular mystery.”
“I’m not sure I understand. Are you suggesting that it was your brother who stole the goblet?”
“I’m not suggesting it. I’m saying it loud and clear.”
“What reason could he have for doing that? As I understand it, the goblet has no real value.”
“It doesn’t, but this is just the sort of thing he would do. He’s an idiot. He’s always been an idiot. If you’ve spoken to him, you must surely have reached the same conclusion. I’m ashamed to call him my brother. He and Dominic were playing billiards in the games room that night. He probably waited until Dominic had left the room and then grabbed the goblet.”
“I knew Ransom had been playing billiards, but according to your sister, she checked the games room just before she turned in for the night, and she’s adamant the goblet was still in there.”
“That’s as maybe, but I still think Ransom’s behind this. He has a massive chip on his shoulder.”
“About what?”
“He believes that he should be lord of the manor, but as Caroline has no doubt told you, the title doesn’t actually exist. Our father left the house and grounds to Caroline, and that’s what really riles Ransom. Father knew what Ransom was like and that he’d probably sell off the house to fund the lifestyle he aspires to.”
“I see. When I spoke to him, he was clearly unhappy at the current state of Tweaking Manor.”
“That’s understandable. We all are. None of us enjoys seeing the house in this state of disrepair, but I honestly don’t know what he expects my sister to do about it. She can’t magic money out of thin air.” Elizabeth managed a weak smile. “What we really need is for the Tweaking legend to prove to be true.”
“What legend is that?”
“Has no one told you about the parchment?”
“No.”
“In that case, you’d better come with me, and I’ll show you.”
We bumped into Mulgrave on our way out of the door.
“Mulgrave, would you be a dear and pour out the tea?” Elizabeth said. “I’m just taking Jill to see the parchment.”
“Very well, madam.”
Elizabeth led the way back to the hallway, and then down yet another corridor.
“This is the Cedar Room.” She opened the door onto an empty room. “As you can see, it’s no longer in use. The parchment is over there on the wall.”
I walked over to get a closer look. The parchment had been mounted behind glass in a wooden frame. The writing was faded, but I could just about make out the words, which I read out loud, “The first one to unlock the vault. And find riches beyond your wildest dreams.” I turned to Elizabeth. “Is it okay if I take a photo of this?”
“Of course.”
I snapped a photo with my phone. “Is there a vault in this house?”
“Not that anyone is aware of. If you ask me, the parchment is no more than a practical joke, played on us by one of our ancestors. It’s a shame because, goodness knows, the family could do with the treasure. Between you and me, if my sister doesn’t come up with the money to pay the tax bill soon, she’ll lose the house, and that would be a tragedy.”
Chapter 11
I was beginning to flag, so I magicked myself over to Cuppy C for a coffee and a blueberry muffin. As I approached the counter, I spotted Daze and Blaze seated by the window. They were deep in conversation and hadn’t even noticed me come into the shop.
“Hi, Jill.” Pearl was by herself behind the counter.
“Hi. Can I get a caramel latte and a blueberry muffin, please?”
“Coming up.”
“Those two look busy.”
“They’ve been like that for the last half hour. I don’t think either of them is in a particularly
