Page 69 of The Dark Hiss of Magic
The witch’s dead body lying in the thick mud by the side of the River Tweed flashed into my head. It was quite possible he’d taken that secret to his grave. ‘Have you given any of this away?’ I asked, indicating the box of samples.
Adrienne shook her head. ‘No. Knox handed some to a few highly placed druids. Simon gave some to a couple of witches in similarly high positions…’
‘A Fetch?’ Thane interrupted. ‘Fetch Daniel Jackson? Was he one of them?’
She wrung her hands helplessly. ‘I don’t know who he gave them to. I don’t know who Ian gave them to either. He said he knew someone who might be interested, but I don’t know who it was.’
‘A troll?’
‘I don’t know!’ Suddenly her face crumpled. ‘They’re all dead? All three of them?’
‘I’m so sorry, Adrienne,’ I said.
‘Oh God.’ She scooped up He Who Guards and ran out of the room. A moment later we heard a loud, anguished sob.
Thane winced, reached for my hand and squeezed it tightly. ‘Adrienne might not have given away any of her silphium but she’s still a target. We found her, which means the killer can find her too. They might think she has some silphium seeds as well as dried leaves and come here.’
My mouth flattened. ‘It seems a likely scenario.’ I glanced around the well-appointed room then smiled coldly. ‘In fact, if it happens it will be theperfectscenario.’
Thane and Adriennewent out via the back door, leaving the small wooden box of dried silphium leaves in full view on the coffee table. I stayed and took several moments to acquaint myself with the layout of the house. I wanted to know the potential exit and entry points, together with any good hiding spots. I probably wouldn’t use them, but it was sensible to consider all possibilities.
Once I knew my plan and had established the variables and back-ups, I returned to the living room. I felt good; it had been a long time since I’d been this prepared for different outcomes. It was almost like old times.
‘You and me now, bud,’ I said to He Who Guards.
Nonplussed, the tabby flopped onto his back and rolled on the burnished oak floor. I obliged by crouching down and offering him some scratches. ‘It won’t hurt,’ I promised.
His tail flicked from side to side.
‘Yes,’ I said. ‘I know you’re strong and capable and I’ve noticed those beautifully sharp claws that you take such good care of. But we don’t know who will come through that front door or when. It’s better if I deal with them.’
He Who Guards rolled again then returned to a standing position. He blinked at me once and I blinked slowly in return. ‘Thank you,’ I whispered. ‘When this happens –ifthis happens – it’s better if you keep out of the way.’ His yellow eyes narrowed a fraction. ‘Please.’
He looked away.
I exhaled. ‘Good.’ I stroked his back then reached for his sleek haunch and plucked out a tiny tuft of fur. A second later I swallowed it.
The transformation was harder than it had been with Tiddles but that wasn’t surprising because He Who Guards was an older cat who’d been more resistant to the idea than Thane’s youngling. My body spasmed in familiar agony before spinningin mid-air, and I was dimly aware of a muffled crash as my foot caught something. Then I was panting, four paws planted on the floor.
I flexed my claws and stretched while He Who Guards watched me with slit-eyed suspicion. He hissed and batted a paw to establish that this house remained his territory and I was only a temporary guest. I blinked at him again in wholehearted agreement and he backed off, disappearing out of the room with a warning chirrup. That was for the best; I hoped he’d heed my warning and stay away.
I stretched my back, enjoying the flexibility of my feline body. Belatedly I realised that the crash had been a nearby vase that had toppled off a shelf as my shifting body had snagged it. It lay in pieces on the floor. Oops. I hoped it hadn’t been expensive, but from what I’d seen of the house and its contents it was probably a pricey antique.
I grimaced and debated trying to clear up the shards so they were out of sight, but there were too many of them for my feline teeth and paws so in the end I left them where they were.
Padding towards the nearest chair, I jumped up and curled into a corner. The chance to have an extra snooze was a real bonus. I wrapped my tail around my body and snuggled down, but it didn’t feel quite right so I stood up again and tried a different position, burrowing my head into a soft velvet cushion. That didn’t quite work either.
I stood up again and tried to stretch out with my front paws dangling over the edge of the seat. Mmm. Comfortable. I sighed happily, closed my eyes and relaxed all my muscles…
Three seconds later, there was a faint snick from the front door and a waft of magic as somebody broke in. Damn it: I’d thought I’d have enough time for a proper nap.
I twitched once but otherwise didn’t move. I wanted to seeexactly who I was dealing with first before I acted. I wouldn’t get a second opportunity to assess my target.
Quiet footsteps sounded from the hallway. This was the nearest room so Adrienne’s would-be killer would check in here first before heading upstairs to see if she was asleep in her bed after her long night shift. The silphium box ought to be enough to draw them deeper into this living room where I could see them properly.
The footsteps paused momentarily at the threshold and I heard a masculine sigh.Come on, you greedy bastard,I projected. Get in here already.
The steps continued as the intruder walked in.
