“No. Mother thinks too much of him.”
***
I arrived at the office to find Mrs V sporting the poncho I’d seen her knitting the previous week.
“What do you think of it, Jill?” She gave me a little twirl.
“It’s very colourful, isn’t it?”
“I decided to use all the oddments of wool I’ve had lying around the house. I think it’s turned out rather well.”
“Who’s it for?”
“Me of course. Do you think it suits me?”
“Err—it’s—err—lovely.”
“Mr Edwards called in about half an hour ago.”
Oh, bum! Did that mean he’d not yet given up on the case?
“What did he want?”
“He popped in to settle his account, but I told him that his invoice hadn’t been prepared yet. He said not to worry, and that if we put it in the post, he’d pay it by return.”
“He really needn’t have come into the office just to pay the bill.”
“The main reason he came was to bring you some flowers. They’re in your office. He said they were by way of a thank you for the work you’ve done.”
Now I felt even worse. Rusty was such a nice old man, and I couldn’t help but feel that I’d let him down. But, in all honesty, I didn’t know what else I could have done.
The flowers were in a vase on my desk; they were beautiful and must have cost a pretty penny.
“Far be it from me to interrupt your busy day,” Winky said. “But there are three cats over here who are dying of hunger.”
Agent Ricardo and Officer Lulu were taking a break from their surveillance and were resting on the sofa.
“Sorry, I was just admiring the flowers.”
“Never mind the flowers. We’re starving. What time do you call this to start work?”
“I had to call in at Tweaking Manor.”
“That’s all very interesting I’m sure, but it doesn’t get us fed, does it?”
“Okay, okay.” I went over to the cupboard, took out a can of salmon and emptied it into the bowls. “How much longer is this operation likely to last? Any idea yet?”
“Still hard to say. We’ll keep you posted.”
I’d only been at my desk for a few minutes when Mrs V came through.
“Why are those cats still here?”
“I—err—they’ll be leaving soon.”
“I’ve got the lady from Bubbles here to see you.”
“Oh?” I followed Mrs V through to the outer office.
Farah Close was wearing a green smock with a huge paw print on the front.
“Jill, I hope you don’t mind me popping in like this. I just wanted to apologise for Monday. I didn’t expect so many people to take up the opening offer. I understand they were blocking the stairs for most of the day. I’m really sorry for any inconvenience that might have caused you.”
“Don’t give it a second thought, Farah. I’m sure it was only a one-off.”
“It definitely was. As a token of my appreciation for your understanding, I’d like you to have this voucher. It entitles you to half-price grooming for the rest of the year.”
“That’s very generous, but it really isn’t necessary.”
“It will make me feel better. You can use it for either of your dogs.”
“Thanks very much.”
“Right, I’d better get back. I mustn’t keep Fluffoo waiting.”
“Fluffoo?”
“She’s a beautiful little Pomeranian. It’s just a pity about her temper.”
***
I’d been giving some thought to what the bank robber, Darren Black, had told me about his accomplice. ‘Romeo’ apparently considered himself to be something of a ladies’ man; he’d admitted to Darren that he regularly used a dating agency here in Washbridge.
It was several years since I’d been in contact with the good people over at Love Spell. The last dealings I’d had with them was when Hilary had called on my help because Armitage, Armitage, Armitage, and Poole, who had moved into the same building, were trying to force her out of her offices. I’d been only too happy to help, and I’d soon put a stop to Gordon Armitage and his evil designs.
I wasn’t sure if Love Spell were still at the same address, or if they were even still in business, but I figured a walk in the fresh air would do me the power of good. It turned out not to be a wasted journey because Love Spell’s name was on one of the many plaques at the entrance to the building.
The last time I’d visited their offices, the reception desk had been manned by a delightful young man named Nathaniel. Today, though, it was a different young man who greeted me with a warm, welcoming smile.
“Welcome to Love Spell. Do you have an appointment?”
“Actually, no. Does Nathaniel still work here?”
“Nathaniel? No. He left two years ago. My name is Raymond.”
“Pleased to meet you, Raymond. I’m Jill Maxwell. I wonder if I might have a word with Hilary, if she’s in. We’re friends from way back.”
“She is in today, but she’s with a client at the moment.” He checked his watch. “She should be done in another five or ten minutes, and her next appointment isn’t for another hour after that. If you’d care to take a seat, I’ll check if she can see you as soon as she’s free.”
“That’s great, thanks.”
I took a seat and picked up one of the magazines. It turned out to be an arts and crafts magazine. The cover article on decoupage brought back bad memories, so I put it back on the coffee table.
A few minutes later, a young witch came out of the door behind Raymond. As soon as she’d left, he got on the phone and told Hilary that I was in reception. Even before he’d put the phone down, she came charging through the door.
“Jill Maxwell, it’s so lovely to see you. How long has it been?”
“A
