‘So,’ Amanda summarised efficiently, ‘I just have to get into the house and hide there, watch what happens and get out without being seen or … hit by a stray spell or overcome by the fire and smoke?’
‘Not mincing matters, yes. I want you to understand the dangers before you agree, Amanda.’
She sat, thoughtfully looking at her hands, then into the flames. Suddenly Amanda looked up at Mike.
‘I’ll do it. I understand, you see. I understand what Lucy went through. I know what it’s like to be a child and be alone in peril. I know only a taste of what happened to Lucy. It doesn’t matter about the grimoire. Lucy, all five of them, need to know what happened that night. I can do this, Uncle Mike. For Lucy. I can do this for Lucy.’
‘My dear.’ He came over and hugged her. ‘Thank you. From all six of us.’
‘When?’ asked Amanda.
‘Tomorrow night.’
‘Kali moon?’
‘Yes,’ Hogarth confirmed.
‘If only,’ she said wistfully, ‘like Kali, I could destroy the forces at work that night and protect the innocent.’
‘The innocent got out,’ he reminded her.
‘Perhaps they were protected then. Yes. I'll be ready.’
‘Right. To business. You’ll need to get some black clothing. Thomas will help you. He remembers the Flamgoyne get-up. Alright, Thomas? Outfit for Amanda.’
‘And for me,’ Trelawney responded firmly, ready for the inevitable protest.
‘Why, Inspector?’ demanded Amanda, with echoes of her grandmother’s imperious tones.
‘I’m coming with you,’ he stated.
‘Oh no, you’re not,’ she countered hotly.
‘Oh, yes I am.’
‘It’s too dangerous,’ Amanda insisted. ‘And that’s your timeline too.’
‘I was already born,’ he pointed out, irrefutably. ‘It’s actually safer for me than for you.’
Amanda was reduced to, ‘Yes, but —’
‘No “buts”. I need to be there. Look what happened last time you —’
‘Yes,’ she agreed hastily. ‘Very well, but just inside the time portal.’
‘Agreed.’
‘Fine.’
Hogarth grinned, having watched this school-playground exchange with considerable amusement. ‘I anticipated as much. Here’s the budget.’ He handed an envelope to Thomas.
Trelawney opened it and showed it to Amanda. She looked at Hogarth.
‘Good grief. We shan’t need all that.’
‘Get whatever you require,’ Hogarth replied soothingly.
‘We’ll bring back the change,’ said Amanda correctly.
‘And I’ll get receipts wherever possible,’ added Trelawney.
Hogarth laughed. They were like two children sent off to buy a pint of milk at the local shop.
‘If you wish. Now. I must get on. I have another coat to get on the dining-room walls and the skirting to do before bedtime. Feeling rested, Amanda?’
‘Yes, thank you, Uncle Mike.’
‘Good. Thomas, if you’ve nothing urgent on at the station, take Amanda for a nice drive and a nice relaxing dinner by the sea.’
‘I’m not sure how much I can eat,’ replied Amanda.
‘You’ll be hungry again. You’ll see. Ok, Thomas?’
‘Yes, of course. And I think, Miss Cadabra, I should stay with you tonight.’
‘Really?’ she asked doubtfully.
‘Yes.’
‘I was about to suggest that’ said Mike.
Amanda looked from one to the other.
‘Well … if you think it’s important. You’ll be comfortable, Inspector?’
‘Perfectly. My father’s cottages have excellent mattresses.’
She laughed. Then fell silent. Suddenly Amanda mused, ‘There was a storm that night, wasn’t there?’
‘The night of the attack? Yes,’ responded Hogarth curiously.
‘Hm. Oh well, I’ll try not to get struck by lightning!’
‘Good move. Until tomorrow night, you two. Here for dinner … and then ….’
Amanda felt better for the sea breeze and tang of salt on her lips. Clouds were gathering out to sea, sailing landward, threatening rain. But Amanda and Trelawney were in luck and not a drop fell, though the light dimmed.
Chapter 43
Gearing Up
The following morning, Trelawney conveyed Amanda and, of necessity, Tempest to Plymouth. Her familiar, however, soon proved his worth. The expedition would have been extremely protracted, if he had not conducted them to just the right stores in Drake’s Circus, the one charity shop, the one stall and the one independent down a side-street, that stocked precisely what they required. With only one tea break and the minimum of time awaiting one another outside dressing-rooms, Amanda and Trelawney amassed all of their sartorial needs for the night’s work ahead.
They soon forgot the gravity of their purpose and began to enjoy the ruse, of looking for outfits for a theme party, with which Trelawney regaled the sellers and shop assistants.
Being careful to pay in cash, so as to leave no paper trail, they purchased, for Amanda, a long black skirt and blouse, as well as an ankle-length coat with a hood. Black gloves and black boots completed the ensemble.
‘Best if you keep the hood up, if you can without impeding your field of vision,’ Trelawney advised her.
For the inspector, they found a black suit with black rollneck and a long black coat. Amanda couldn’t help remarking that it became him very well.
Tempest looked the humans up and down, and thought, hm, don’t expect me to dress in black.
During the day, the cloud cover grew thicker and the air humid, and both Amanda and Trelawney were relieved when their task was over. However, Tempest’s ulterior motive for smoothing their path became apparent. He made it clear that he desired a visit to a certain gourmet food establishment some 20 minutes out of town, and what his requirements were once they arrived.
Nevertheless, appreciating his help during the morning, Amanda willingly handed over the money for his chosen delicacies. Trelawney looked a trifle scandalized at the bill.
‘It’s all right,’ she reassured him. ‘I brought some spending money. I don’t often take holidays.’
‘I can see why. I wouldn’t be able
