‘And she’ll show you her workshop magic … one day. Just not yet. And maybe she’s not the one with the secrets.’
‘Oh?’ asked Thomas a shade defensively.
‘Have you told her what the Cardiubarns and Flamgoynes planned for you both?’
‘No.’
‘Ah well, I think you’re right to keep that one to yourself for now.’
‘Thank you for that at least,’ replied Trelawney with a touch of humour. He thought for a moment. ‘Well, what about that creature from the nether regions that she hangs around with? The one she refers to as Mr Fluffikins. I promise you, I’d rather swim with a shoal of sharks than be left alone with the thing. She’s never told me where it comes from. All I know is, it doesn’t seem to age.’
‘Ah.’
‘And another thing,’ went on Thomas, warming to his theme, ‘one day, I’d have sworn I’d seen it in the churchyard when I drove past, and the next minute — literally — it was with Miss Cadabra when she opened her front door. Even when it seems to be miles away, it’s as though it can flash through space or something equally weird and unsettling.’
‘Regardless of his somewhat sinister aspects, I have no doubt that Tempest regards you as, in some way, under his protection.’
Trelawney shuddered.
‘Perhaps. Though I’ve no doubt that cat has done things any human would be locked up for. And they’d throw away the key.’
‘Fortunately, he falls outside your jurisdiction. Tempest need not concern you, I am sure. I believe it is safe for you to trust him. Speaking of which, have you entrusted Amanda with the information that your mother hates magic, the very suggestion?’
‘Does it matter? There’s no reason why they should meet.’
Hogarth chuckled. ‘It’s just a matter of time. That is an incident just waiting to happen.’
Mike knew the day was won as Thomas grinned and replied, ‘Oh, I do hope not. All right. Not yet. Not for a long time yet!’
Chapter 50
Summoned
The morning post brought an unusual envelope. Amanda frowned in puzzlement at the Victorian monogram on the top left-hand corner.
‘M.D.?’ she said aloud to Tempest, as she returned to the breakfast table. ‘I can’t make out the postmark. Better just open it, I suppose. OK, here goes:
Dear Miss Cadabra,
Consequent to the issuing of death certificates for your great-grandmother, parents, aunts, uncles and cousins, there are now matters upon which an urgent consultation is of the utmost importance. I would be grateful if you could attend my offices at your earliest possible convenience.
If you receive this letter outside of business hours, please leave a message on my answering machine, to let me know when I might look forward to receiving you here at Mortlake, Dowr & Keast.
Yours sincerely,
George Keast
Partner
‘Oh dear. Granny! Grandpa!’ They appeared at once on either side of her.
‘Yes, dear?’
‘Morning, bian.’
‘Look at this. What do I do?’
‘Why you go, of course,’ Senara declared decisively. ‘No granddaughter of mine ever shirked her administrative responsibilities.’
‘But you made me promise never to cross the Tamar unless you were both with me,’ Amanda objected indignantly.
‘And we shall be,’ Grandpa assured her. ‘You’ll feel much better, Ammee, once you know what’s what. You don’t need to stay long. You can go one day, see him the next and come straight home if you want.’
‘Yes … of course.’
‘Mrrrrowwl,’ pointed out Tempest. Amanda immediately gathered up her familiar and cuddled him.
‘Oh I know, I’ll have you with me, my darling Tempy-wempy.’
‘That’s settled then,’ declared Senara, eyeing the creature in her granddaughter’s arms with dislike.
‘When do you think I ...?’
‘Surely the sooner, the better, love,’ Perran encouraged her. ‘Your piano job is finished, for the most part. I know there’s more touching up to be done, but you’ll still have time. And anything else needing to be done before the May Day Ball, well, that’s a long way off, if you can’t get everything just so before this coming dance.’
‘You’re right. The Grange ladies and Moffat won’t mind waiting for a bit for me to finish off. I suppose then …’
‘Call the inspector. He’d want to know. Cornwall is his bailiwick, after all.’
Amanda nodded, feeling a little less numb, and dialled.
‘Inspector?’
‘Miss Cadabra. Is something wrong?’
‘Oh dear, is it obvious?’
‘You sound troubled.’
‘It’s arrived. The solicitor’s letter. I am summoned. To Cornwall.’
‘It was only a matter of time. Do you want to tell me what the letter said?’ She read it out. ‘It’s just paperwork most likely,’ Trelawney said calmly. ‘Is tomorrow too soon?’
‘It’s what I had in mind.’
‘I will collect you first thing, if that’s all right?’
Amanda was relieved. ‘Thank you. I’d prefer to have … some escort.’
‘I’m your man. I have no doubt Mike would insist in any case. I’ll arrange accommodation for you.’
‘I appreciate this, Inspector.’
‘Not at all. I can’t go losing my former chief witness immediately after solving the case. How would that look, now?’
She laughed unwillingly.
‘True.’
‘6.30 too early?’
‘That will be fine. Thank you. I’ll be ready.’
***
The following morning, darkness still lingering, found Amanda, by the courtesy light, laying Tempest’s tiger-print fur travel blanket on the back seat of Trelawney’s car. By the time the inspector had loaded and closed the boot on her luggage, Tempest was installed, Amanda’s seatbelt was fastened, and they set off in the pre-dawn glow.
After a disturbed night, secure in the inspector’s car, Amanda leaned her head on the cushion he had brought for her and fell asleep.
Noticing her silence, Trelawney glanced across and, seeing Amanda at peace, allowed his mind to wander. He recalled the last caution Mike had given him.
Hogarth had been pretty sure his friend was now resolved to take up his new post. However, there was something he had needed to tell him.
‘Just one thing, you should know, lad. And this is from Maxwell. If you do this, it will finish you.’
Thomas had raised his eyebrows. ‘I beg your pardon? He thinks I may not survive?’
‘He means it will kill your career. No one wants or will
