Witch Is Where Cats Always Win by Adele Abbott

Author:Adele Abbott [Abbott, Adele]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Implode Publishing Ltd
Published: 2023-10-05T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

I was about to return to the office when I received a call from Aunt Lucy, asking if I could pop over. I asked if everything was okay and she assured me it was, but there was something in her voice that made me suspect she wasn’t telling me the truth.

“I baked some cupcakes yesterday. Would you like one with your tea?”

“I probably shouldn’t.”

“Okay.”

“Hold on. That wasn’t a no.”

“It sounded a lot like one.”

“No, it was a guarded yes.”

“O—kay.” She rolled her eyes. “Why don’t you go through to the lounge while I make the tea?”

Five minutes later, I took a bite of one of the most delicious cupcakes I’d ever eaten.

“This is amazing, Aunt Lucy. What flavour is it?”

“Waddle berry.”

“Waddle?”

“They’re only found in the forests that surround CASS. I was lucky to get hold of them. It’s over twenty years since I last saw any on the market.”

“Those forests are full of dragons and goodness knows what else. Who would risk their life to collect berries?”

“I have no idea but I’m jolly glad they did. I hear Grandma has recruited you to help with that festival of hers.”

“I assume the twins told you?”

“Yeah, I don’t imagine they’re best pleased at having to supply the cakes for the festival.”

“They’re not, but they are looking forward to spending the day in Washbridge.”

“I’m just surprised that Grandma allowed the catering company to renege on their commitment like that. She’s usually such a tough cookie when it comes to business.”

“Hmm.” Aunt Lucy grinned.

“What?”

“Think about it for a second and you’ll understand.”

“There never was a catering company, was there? She always planned to get me and the twins to do it for free, didn’t she?”

“That would be my guess.”

“And I fell for it. Hook, line and sinker. Does that woman have no scruples?”

“If she does, she keeps them well hidden.”

“Are these cupcakes smaller than usual?”

“Is that Jill-speak for can I have another?”

“Go on, then. If you insist.”

After Aunt Lucy had handed me a second waddle berry cupcake, she said, “While you’re here, do you think you could have a chat with Rhymes? He’s not been himself lately.”

“I knew something was wrong when you called.”

“I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about, but he won’t open up to me. Maybe, you’ll have more luck.”

“Where are the other two rascals today?”

“They’re at my friend, Geraldine’s, house. She has two corgis who are good friends with the boys.”

As soon as I’d finished the second cupcake, I went upstairs to see Rhymes, but there was no sign of him in the spare bedroom where he spent most of his time.

“Rhymes?”

“Under here.” The tiny voice came from under the bed.

As he showed no sign of coming out, I got down on all fours and peered underneath.

“What are you doing under there? Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” He sighed.

“It doesn’t sound like you are. Can you come out here, please?”

“Okay.” He sighed and made his way out at a snail’s (or should that be tortoise’s) pace.

“Aunt Lucy is worried about you.”

“She doesn’t need to be.

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