Back at the cottage, choice Spanish sausages, ham and smoked fish were unloaded from suitcases into the fridge. Lucy was delighted.
‘We’ve got so used to eating these delicacies, we have to admit.’
‘I know you’ll be back soon and for frequent visits, but you’ll have to source something here. We can’t deliver your shopping every week,’ said Vera.
After they’d settled in, Hogarth and Lucy brought the visitors up to date. Zoe then took Harry into the garden to explain where the new swing was going to be, and for advice on how to get a treehouse into a less-than-suitable tree. Also, Peter wanted to explain where the new studio was going to be built.
Meanwhile, Vera and Hogarth took a stroll along the clifftop.
‘So, how does it stand between our young people?’ she asked.
‘Hm ... well, I think I’ve been able to give things a little encouragement.’
‘Oh dear,’ replied Vee, in a voice of foreboding.
‘Yes, possibly just a soupçon too much.’
‘Harry said you wouldn’t be able to resist giving it a prod. He also said that if a romance between them takes off like a rocket then crashes and burns, it could be disastrous for us all. And I couldn’t agree with him more.’
‘Hm well, he’s usually right. You married a wise one there, Vee. What else did he say?’
‘That the transition from detective and witness, to working partners is quite enough for now. That we should let them find their own way.’
‘Very well. Behold me all contrition,’ Mike responded meekly.
‘Ha!’ His sister gave him a knowing look. ‘Well see that you are, or Harry’ll ration your cheese-puffs.’ Mike grinned.
Vee linked her arm through his, and they walked a while in companionable silence. At last, she spoke again.
‘Hmm, feels good to breathe the Cornish air again.’
‘You brought the painting?’
‘Yes, of course. You really think Elodie’s Crimson Lake may contain some subconscious clue that could help us?’
‘I know it’s tenuous but possible. Too possible to leave it lying around in an unattended studio. Although Lucy will be back to work there until their new studio is ready. They still have commissions to complete. But you could have just kept it at the villa until I could collect it, or Lucy could bring it. Are you sure it’s a good idea for you to be here so openly, sis?’ asked Mike.
‘I don’t see why not. We’ve never used our own names, dear. It’s a long time since we were under surveillance. Our main purpose, among other things, has been to keep Lucy in hiding and now .... Besides, you never know, wind of our presence may help draw them out. On the other hand, we’re here for such a short time we may well pass unnoticed.’
‘But you believe, then as I do, that the remnants of the Cardiubarns and Flamgoynes will regroup.’
Vera stopped and looked out over the Channel. Her voice was unusually serious. ‘At this moment, I have no proof. It is just my belief, and I think, Harry’s too, that as long as those two mansions stand, this is far from over.’
‘How can we be sure?’
‘There is one, whose radar, I think is more powerful, or let’s say could be powerful, than any of ours. One who could tell us if they are out there still or not. Tell us whether we’re being paranoid or have every reason to be on our guard and to prepare ourselves.’
‘Ah ... “could be” .... Yes ... with practice ... and confidence. And I’m sure Amanda could give him that, if he’ll let her,’ said Mike.
‘Yes, then that’s our way forward. But if I’m right ....’
‘And the Romans are now desperate to retake Carthage?’
‘Let’s hope,’ answered Vera, ‘that any surviving clan members, dreaming of assuming the dominion of their estates, have as little success. But imagine it, a dazed deserter of a Flamgoyne or Cardiubarn, creeping back to Bodmin, seeing a great house that they lust after to be theirs. Believing that if they could just take the mansion, they could assume the clan’s lost power.’
‘But we are now stronger than ever, with Lucy’s return and the new knowledge we have gained,’ countered Hogarth. ‘Plus the new alliance, however tentative and if only between two people.’
‘We heard about that. Who could have foreseen that Amanda Cadabra and Pasco Flamgoyne would pal up?’
‘We’ve been lucky,’ Mike remarked.
‘When we heard, Harry said. “Luck or something is on our side.” And Harry does not believe in luck. Either way, the dice, for the time being, has fallen in our favour. The next move is theirs.’
‘Perhaps. On the hand, what if we acquire their weapons before they have a chance to use them?’ suggested Mike.
‘The things that were taken from Growan House on the night of the attack?’ asked Vee.
‘Yes, at least one grimoire.’
‘The Grimoire.’ Vee put in with emphasis.
‘And the other objects. One of which may be the more powerful,’ speculated her brother shrewdly. ‘If we can learn what they are. And where they are ....’
‘Yes. Also, where they came from. Objects of themselves can carry some energy but this candlestick, bell and whatever, may have been imbued with power in the making. Or acquired it though arcane use,’ she pointed out.
Mike looked up at the sky and declared with certainty,
‘Somebody out there must know something.’
‘Or perhaps left traces of information about them .... So, what is our next step, Mikey?’
‘For now: none but the most subtle. We must let the dust settle. Lucy’s return will have kicked up some. Her power as a witness of any of the Cardiubarns or Flamgoynes who were present at the attack will perhaps hold them in check.’
‘While Thomas Trelawney, heir to Flamgoyne, and Amanda Cadabra, Cardiubarn Arlodha, can find
