Page 85 of Tattered Huntress
I shrugged. ‘I knew it would take me a while to get to Cramond from Loch Arkaig, and I couldn’t be sure if I was right about Humphrey or what he was planning. So I took out a little insurance.’
Billy nodded. ‘I picked up the chests from Cramond last night with instructions to deliver them here at 10am precisely.’
‘He’d have brought them earlier, but deliveries are only permitted between the hours of ten and four.’ I winked at the doormen. ‘See? I do pay attention.’ They stared at me.
‘What about the gold that Humphrey took?’ Hugo asked.
‘Fake. Billy delivered fake pirate chests bought from a fancy-dress supply shop. They were pre-filled with gold coins fashioned out of aluminium. He delivered them to Cramond at low tide and took the real treasure away with him.’ I spread my arms wide. ‘Daisy Carter saves the day.’
Billy frowned. ‘With Billy’s help,’ I added hastily.
‘Oi!’
I looked towards a pouting Hester. ‘And with the invaluable aid of the two bravest brownies in the kingdom.’ I turned to Hugo. ‘Admit it. I’m magnificent.’
There was the loud sound of running feet and a moment later a posse of police officers barrelled into the room. ‘Everyone down!’
I was starting to lower myself as instructed when an older officer appeared in front of me. His face twisted as he yelled, ‘Drop the weapon! Now!’
Oops. I was still holding Gladys. I straightened, released my grip on her hilt and she clattered to the floor. Humphrey’s blood still clung to her blade. That probably didn’t look good for me.
‘Hands behind your back!’ the policeman screamed. I did exactly as he ordered. ‘No magic!’ he added.
‘I’m not using any,’ I told him. ‘I admit I stabbed that man, but it was in self-defence. I promise.’
A paramedic was already by Humphrey’s side. ‘He’s been stabbed in the back,’ she said.
Shit. That didn’t look very good for me, either. As the policeman hauled me away, all I could hear was Billy mumbling, ‘I only need a signature. Then I’ll get out of everyone’s way. Daisy promised me this would be an easy job.’
My shoulder banged painfully into the door frame on the way out. Hmm. Maybe my magnificence could dowith some work.
‘You’relucky that so many people were willing to vouch for you,’ the desk officer told me. ‘Especially when those people include Sir Nigel Hannigan and Lord Hugo Pemberville.’
I opened my mouth to tell her that they were lucky I’d been around to save their sorry arses. Then I thought better of it, signed the piece of paper and grabbed my belongings. I needed a hot shower, new dressings for my hand and some spider’s silk. Not in that order.
Shielding my eyes from the bright sunlight as I tripped down the steps of the police station, I looked around for anyone I knew. It didn’t take long to spot Hester and Otis hovering anxiously by the exit. Beside them stood a familiar figure. I pretended that I wasn’t disappointed that it was Eleanor who was waiting for me. There was no reason why Hugo would have come. He probably had far better things to do.
‘I’m so glad they released you without charge.’ She held out her arms and I stepped forward, enjoying the hug. Hester and Otis joined in, squashing themselves between us.
‘Are you okay, Daisy?’ Otis asked anxiously.
‘Peachy.’ I grinned and stepped back.
‘Are you sure?’ Hester sniffed. ‘Because I can go in there and beat up those nasty police officers if you like.’ She held her fists up. ‘I’ve got your back.’
‘Not a good idea,’ I told her with a small smile. ‘Everything’s fine.’ I looked up. ‘But what about you? Areyoualright, Eleanor?’
She sniffed and nodded. ‘I feel so stupid. I should have seen what Humphrey was like. I knew he was desperate to get his hands on that gold even though he didn’t act that way in public. I should have realised what sort of man he really was.’
‘He fooled all of us. It’s not your fault.’ I gazed at her. ‘Is he…?’
‘Humphrey’s alright. It wasn’t a serious wound. You didn’thit any major organs. He’s lost some blood but he’ll be released into police custody later today.’
Good. I smacked my lips in satisfaction. All was well that ended well, then.
Eleanor bit her lip. ‘He’s going to get into a lot of trouble. All that stuff he did…’ She shivered. ‘And the blood magic too.’
I gave her a curious look. ‘How did you know it was blood magic?’
