Page 88 of The Dark Hiss of Magic
‘Did you find anything else?’ I asked. ‘Any seeds, perhaps?’
‘Funny,’ Montgomery murmured. ‘That’s exactly what the witches and the druids asked me, too.’
‘Oh?’
‘The answer is no. There are no seeds but we did find a small nosegay that contains an interesting substance. Dried leaves of some sort. They appear to be quite powerful.’
‘Is that so?’
‘Yes, Ms McCafferty, it is.’ He continued to watch me. ‘It’s quite extraordinary what you’ve achieved. You have tracked down a prolific murderer and ensured they will never kill again.’
‘Me?’ I placed a hand on my chest. ‘Oh no, none of this was me. I was only tagging along. The real hero is Quentin Hightower – he is truly extraordinary.’
We both turned and looked at Hightower. He had gathered a small crowd around him and his arms were wide as he regaled his rapt audience with his tale. ‘I discovered a lethal blade concealed inside Fitz Williams’ cane. As soon as I saw it, I knew the truth. I knew he was a stone-cold killer who had to be brought to justice.’
‘Extraordinary,’ Montgomery agreed. ‘Extraordinary indeed.’
I smiled, then I spotted a pair of emerald green eyes gazingat me from beyond where Quentin Hightower was standing. Thane doffed an imaginary cap and bowed. I curtsied. We both straightened and grinned at each other.
‘I’ll take my leave, Ms McCafferty,’ Montgomery said. ‘But I expect our paths will cross again before too long.’
Before I could respond, he turned on his heel and walked away. I didn’t bother watching him go. Thane had missed all the action yet again and would want to hear what had happened, but this was about more than a mere update report. I wanted to enjoy a long, celebratory drink with my copper-haired werewolf. Suddenly nothing mattered except that.
Chapter
Thirty-Two
When I pushed open the door to the Mathers Street mortuary on Monday morning, Cindy was already at her desk. Perched next to her, licking his paws, was He Who Roams Wide. I gave my cat a long look. In return, he purred.
‘You again?’ Cindy asked. ‘What now? I thought you were done with us and this whole palaver was over.’
I offered her a bright smile. ‘Almost done,’ I said cheerfully. ‘There’s one small matter to clear up.’
She sighed. ‘I’ll fetch Dr Singh,’ she said reluctantly. ‘He’s through the back.’
‘I don’t need to talk to him, Cindy,’ I told her. ‘It’s you I’d like a wee word with.’
She eyed me warily. ‘What? If you’re here to complain that I’ve stolen your cat, I can tell you that he’s chosen to be here. He can leave at any time.’
‘I know. I’m not worried about him – and thank you for looking after him. I’m sure he’s enjoyed more of your excellent chicken.’ As I glanced at him, He Who Roams Wide rolled onto his back and presented me with his belly. From his sleek fur andcontent expression, he’d been enjoying far more delicacies than chicken. Lucky boy.
‘What then?’
‘Have you had a pay rise in the last few days?’ I enquired.
She started. ‘How do you know about that?’
I wasn’t going to diminish her pleasure by telling her that I’d suggested she deserved more money, so I simply nodded and put my hands into pockets. I wanted to look unthreatening; I wasn’t here for a fight. ‘Is it enough?’ I asked.
‘Enough for what?’
When I didn’t respond, Cindy narrowed her eyes. ‘It’s very generous,’ she said when it became clear that I wouldn’t answer her question.
‘Good,’ I said. ‘Because if you’re earning enough money, you won’t need to steal from the dead any longer.’
‘What?’ she exclaimed indignantly. ‘What are you talking about?’
I pointed to the scarf around her neck, the same expensive silk scarf she’d been wearing the first time I’d come here. ‘That’s not yours,’ I said.
