The Seventh Star by Mark Hayden

Author:Mark Hayden [Hayden, Mark]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: urban fantasy
Publisher: Paw Press
Published: 2020-04-20T16:00:00+00:00

16 — Fall Guy

Conrad had wondered why I had bought a new saree for this trip to the Alchemical Society, but as usual he was too polite to ask. He thinks that I would look good in a bin liner, and has said as much on several occasions, which just goes to show that he is either very much in love with me or that he just wants a quiet life. Or both, I suppose.

I hope that some of you are already saying, ‘Why shouldn’t Mina have new sarees? It’s her money!’ and you would be right, but that is not the whole story. The whole story is that I wanted to set myself apart and be something more exotic than an accountant from London with no magick. It worked, too.

When Conrad and Karina swept out of the Agora, I suddenly found myself the centre of attention in a most unwelcome way. Meredith Telford at least had the decency to ask straight out. ‘I didn’t know Conrad was on an active case,’ she said.

‘For such a tall man, he can normally move about quiet stealthily,’ I replied. ‘He doesn’t normally rush out of social occasions quite so dramatically, or leave me on my own in a strange place, miles from home.’

‘If he hasn’t come back when we’re finished, my daughter can give you a lift home,’ said Meredith. ‘She almost passes the gates of Middlebarrow, so it’s not an imposition.’ She noticed that both Seth and Lois were coming over and raised her voice, ‘Now you two, don’t forget that Mina doesn’t have a vote and that she will be impartial at all times.’

Seth and Lois stood about six feet apart, which seemed like a good idea to them. To me, it meant that I had to keep turning my head. Seth spoke first. ‘But you and Conrad have friends in high places. A little bird tells me that you even had royalty at your party recently, Princess Birkdale, no less, along with the Keeper, the Constable and the Mistress of Masques and Revels.’

I smiled, but before I could think of something to say, Lois picked up on his little list. ‘And how is my old pupil? Or should I say, how is my potential rival?’

I tried to remember who that might be. Aah. Conrad told me that Lois Reynolds is an expert with all forms of illusion. ‘You mean Selena? She enjoyed letting her hair down and afterwards she helped with the washing up. She is more than welcome to come back next time.’

‘Mina’s got our measure, Lois,’ said Seth. ‘I don’t think we’re going to get any gossip out of her. It is intriguing, though. Princess Birkdale and Lady Selena go to your house on Saturday, then on Monday morning, not only does Cora Hardisty pull out of the race, the Constable announces that we have a new Deputy. Makes you think.’

It was time to fight back. ‘This is so not fair, Mr Holgate. You have pictures of my party, yet all that Conrad could find out about you and Ms Reynolds was that you live here.

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