“Why? What’s the hurry? I get the job done, don’t I?”
“If you want to carry on eating your expensive food, you’d better buck your ideas up. Otherwise, it’s back to the slop for you.”
“You drive a hard bargain, lady.”
That evening, it was my turn to take Florence to bed. By the time I was halfway through the second reading of her favourite book, she’d fallen asleep, so I crept out of the room and down the stairs.
“I could kill a cuppa, Jack.”
“Me too.” He looked up from the book he was reading. “You know where the kettle is.”
“I bet you’d make a cup of tea if Miss Soap wanted one.”
Chapter 15
The next morning when I left the house, Florence didn’t see me off at the door because she was in the garden, playing with Buddy. The dog was dashing up and down the lawn like greased lightning. My threat to bring back the ‘slop’ had clearly done the trick.
I was just about to get into the car when my phone rang; it was Freda Pearldiver.
“Jill, I hope I haven’t called too early, but I wanted to catch you before I went to work.”
“No problem. I was just on my way out.”
“I spoke to Maxine yesterday and mentioned that you’d like to talk to her. She said she’d be happy to meet with you. In fact, it sounds like she’s something of a fangirl. Apparently, she has your picture stuck to the inside of her locker.”
“That’s a little embarrassing. Still, I’m glad she’s agreed to talk to me. When do you think that could be arranged, Freda?”
“She can meet with you tomorrow afternoon if that works for you. Maxine has a free period at two o’clock.”
“That’s great. I’ll pop over then. Will you let her know?”
“I will.”
“Thanks again, Freda.”
That was great news. I was eager to hear how Maxine felt about not knowing she was a witch until she was eleven years old. Maybe that would help me to come to a decision regarding Florence’s future.
***
I’d just parked the car in Washbridge when my phone rang again. It was Pearl, who sounded frantic.
“Pearl, slow down. I can’t tell what you’re saying.”
“I’ve just called Mum, and something’s not right.”
“What do you mean, not right?”
“She sounded like she was trying not to cry. I asked her what was wrong, and she said it was nothing, but I’m worried. I can’t get away from the shop because I’m the only one here. I’ve tried calling Amber, but she isn’t picking up, as per usual. I don’t suppose you could pop over there and see what’s going on, could you?”
“Sure. I’ll go straight over there now.”
“Call me back and let me know what’s happening, won’t you?”
“Of course. I’ll phone you as soon as I know, but don’t worry. I’m sure it’s nothing.”
I made sure no one was around, and then magicked myself over to Aunt Lucy’s house. There was no answer when I knocked on the door, so I let myself in.
“Aunt Lucy? Aunt Lucy? It’s Jill!”
There was no sign of her, but Barry came charging down the stairs and nearly knocked me over.
“Not now, Barry. I’m looking for Aunt Lucy. Do you know where she is?”
“She isn’t here.”
“I can see that.”
“Maybe she’s gone for a walk. Lucy loves walks.”
“Hmm. Let’s try the garden.”
I hurried through the house and out of the back door. Aunt Lucy was standing next to the wall, in tears. She was being consoled by her neighbour, Charlie Roundtree.
Barry, who was much quicker than me, dashed over to her, jumped up and began to lick her face.
“I’m alright, Barry.” She pushed him down gently.
“What’s wrong, Aunt Lucy?” I took her hand. “Pearl called me.”
“It’s nothing, honestly. Pearl shouldn’t have bothered you.”
“It’s no bother, but I do want to know what’s going on.”
“I’m just being silly.”
“She’s not being silly at all,” Charlie said. “Lucy’s upset, and she has every right to be. Take a look over there.” He pointed to the far side of the garden.
I’d been so focussed on Aunt Lucy that I hadn’t noticed the flower bed near the gate. Most of the flowers had been pulled up by their roots and thrown everywhere. The rest of them had been trampled underfoot. It was a disaster area.
“What happened?”
“Vandals did it,” Aunt Lucy said through her tears. “They came in the early hours of the morning.”
“Did you see them?”
“I didn’t, but Charlie did. Didn’t you, Charlie?”
He nodded. “I was in bed and I thought I heard a noise. When I looked out of the window, I could see them, trampling all over the flower bed, laughing their heads off. When I shouted, they ran away like the cowards they are. I should have gone downstairs and tackled them.”
“I’m glad you didn’t,” Aunt Lucy said. “Who knows what people like that are capable of?”
“Did you get a good look at them?” I asked.
“I’m afraid not. It was barely light; they were just shadows.”
“I really thought I had a chance of winning the competition.” Aunt Lucy sobbed. “I’ve spent so many hours on this garden.”
“Come on.” I put my arm around her. “Let’s go inside.”
“Is there anything more I can do?” Charlie asked.
“No, thanks. I’ve got this now.”
Once she was seated in the lounge, I went through to the kitchen to make her a cup of tea.
“Is Lucy alright?” Barry said.
“She will be when she’s had a drink.”
“Do you think she’d like one of my bones?”
“That’s very thoughtful of you, but I don’t think that will be necessary.”
By the time I took the tea through, Aunt
