Page 47 of A Skirl of Sorcery
‘I’m hoping you’ll find out.’
Montgomery ran a hand through his hair. ‘And what will you be doing while I’m running around the city asking questions?’
I blinked innocently. ‘Me? I’ve raised my concerns with the appropriate authorities, Captain. Now I’m simply going home to Danksville.’
‘Would you like any help with that?’
I’d started to suspect Wilberforce Montgomery was smarter than he let on. I hesitated then spoke aloud the thought that had been bothering me. ‘A list of all the properties where residents have recently reported burglaries would be useful.’
‘Why? Do you think there’s a connection?’
It was tenuous: a nervy trow, a stolen shellycoat and a broken Barrow wolf window were all I had so far. ‘Honestly? I’m not sure yet.’ But I soon would be.
Chapter
Twenty
Trilby was packing up their stall for the day by the time I arrived at the riverside market. They were placing several pretty coloured vials into a chest but the clinking of the glass wasn’t enough to drown out Trilby’s whistling. My eyes narrowed: that was the tune for ‘The Lion Sleeps Tonight’. Hmm.
‘Hello, Kit,’ Trilby burbled without looking up. ‘Having a stressful day?’
I crossed my arms and waited until they’d finished with the vials and raised their head to smile at me. ‘That’s quite the ear-worm tune you’re whistling,’ I commented.
Trilby grinned. ‘It’s been stuck in my head all day. I can’t think why.’
Uh-huh.
‘Is there something you want? I’ve sold out of silver-coated clover.’
That wasn’t a surprise – and it certainly wasn’t what I wanted. ‘I need some information.’
‘I’m afraid I don’t know the way to a lone werewolf’s heart. Perhaps try a candle-lit dinner and sexy underwear.’
Ha. Ha. I rolled my eyes and got to the point – even though I suspected Trilby already knew exactly why I was there. ‘What do you know about people who’ve had their magical powers stolen from them?’
‘Stolen magic? That must be a peculiarly nasty thing to happen to someone.’
That was something of an understatement. ‘Potentially lethal in some cases,’ I said.
Trilby abandoned their packing to give me a long look. Their expression was sombre and there was a dark ferocity in their eyes. ‘Yes, that much is true.’ They drew in a deep breath. ‘I have heard of some cases.’
‘You didn’t think to mention them?’
‘They only came to my attention in the last day or so. Unsurprisingly, those afflicted don’t want to advertise what has happened to them. Nobody wants to appear weak, whether they are or not.’
That was as much true everywhere as it was in Coldstream. ‘What exactly do you know?’ I pressed.
Trilby’s mouth thinned. ‘It happened suddenly and there was no prior warning. The victims are from a range of different Preternatural groups and there’s no apparent connection between them. In fact, I’d say they are notably disparate.’
‘Is that important?’
‘Perhaps.’ They continued to eye me. ‘Whatever has taken their magic has done it deliberately. I don’t believe these events are the result of accident or illness.’
‘Good to know.’ I paused. ‘I don’t suppose you know if these people were also burgled recently?’
Trilby straightened slightly. ‘You have a suspect in mind?’
Yet again, an image of Bin the trow flashed into my mind. ‘I have a theory,’ I agreed. ‘That’s all.’
