Death Swipes Right, page 5
“If that’s true,” Yousef said, “then the question is, if she hasn’t killed since her arrival, why begin now?”
“Who says she hasn’t killed?” Talin asked. “I’m hearing stories in my head of her having murdered lots of Trini men. HOLMES might not have a record of them all.”
“Who’s that?” Yousef asked, with a surprised laugh. “Sherlock Holmes?”
“It’s an acronym for our police database,” Judith explained. “It’s pretty thorough.”
“My people weren’t always a priority,” Talin said. “Also, before HOLMES came along, the various police units across the country acted like silos. There was no unified tracking and trending system.” He glanced at Judith. “Systemic racism still exists. They could have labeled these crimes as random acts or gang-related violence.”
“If there have been such killings,” Judith said, “there have to be reports somewhere. Trouble is, it’s hard to research while both the internet and HOLMES are down.”
“Let’s take this step by step,” Abbie said. “First, Talin needs to gain control of his talent. If he can do that, he can help repair the broken systems around Kent, including HOLMES.”
Talin nodded in agreement with that.
“Once that happens,” Abbie continued, “then you two can do online searches on these old murders and see if they give us clues to Mama D’leau’s current whereabouts.”
Talin released a sigh of relief. “I like that plan.”
“Meanwhile,” Abbie said, “I’ll contact eOrbit and follow up about Talin’s auntie’s activities with that agency.”
“I wouldn’t advise that, Abbie,” Judith said. “Turner is likely doing the same thing. She has the business card you found. That’s why I didn’t call them.”
Abbie’s resistance surged. “As a single gal, why shouldn’t I exercise my options to get a date?”
Judith chuckled. “Not making headway with Radford?”
“Uncle Cal?” Talin asked, looking troubled. “You’re not getting serious about him, are you, Abbie?”
“If I were,” she said, “would you object?”
“He already asked her on a date,” Nica piped in. “Remember, Abbie, he called when we were in Rosie and asked you out.”
“Oh, right,” Abbie said, “That was back in February, but I turned him down because we were working on finding Granny Chan. After that, he ghosted me.”
“Ghosted?” Robert said. “What is that?”
Abbie grinned at her resident ghost. “He never asked me out again until today.”
“He asked you again?” Judith asked, grinning. “Did you accept this time?”
“I was unnerved to find him at St. Michael’s,” Abbie said. “Then his offer to fix up the church left me speechless. He followed that by suggesting he’d be open to me taking him out as a thank you for fixing up the church.”
Talin sat back, following this conversation with a deepening frown that worried Abbie.
She’d never thought to ask him if he’d object to her going out with his uncle. Not that her relationship with Callum had ever grown to be worthy of discussion.
“I’ve never told him about my ability,” Talin said. “I was never sure how he’d react. Are you planning on telling him you’re a Grimm?”
“No!” Abbie said vehemently, though he had tempted her to do so today. “I want to get at least one date with him first.”
“When you do, he might be angry that I wasn’t open with him about you,” Talin said, with a frown. “Us. About me. My auntie is the only one who knew about my ability.”
“How did she react?” Abbie asked, curious.
“She said energy magic is an old family trait. One that skips generations. Auntie said the last example she’d heard of such an ability was my great-grandfather, her grandfather on her father’s side. He was a shaman in our village in Trinidad.”
“And he could work with energy?” Yousef asked. “How did his people react to that?”
A valid question from a man whose family had labeled Yousef’s magical ability as a curse.
“He died in 1896,” Talin said, “after he accidentally burned a man who punched him. People shot and killed him because they believed he was a bad omen or possessed or some such thing. Auntie Niara was the one who advised me to keep my talent to myself.”
“That must have been hard to do at school,” Nica said, surprising Abbie.
The young girl had never mentioned that she was having trouble keeping her powers a secret. Abbie had lots of talks with Jimi about his ability to talk to any object and how not to do that at school. Since Nica’s power involved speaking to gods, she hadn’t thought the young girl needed as much guidance. How often would a child need to call on a god for help?
As soon as the question popped up, Abbie groaned at having overlooked the possibility of someone bullying Nica. She made a mental note to have a long talk with the young girl about that before school resumed.
“I worked hard at keeping my temper under check,” Talin admitted, “so I wouldn’t end up like my great gramps. That is, until I met you lot.”
“I’m glad I don’t have to lie to my gran,” Judith said. “I wouldn’t want to be in either of your shoes when Callum learns the truth.”
“Getting back to our case,” Yousef said, “I can follow up discretely on the name written on the eOrbit business card. I have contacts around Kent. I can find out what connects this bloke to your auntie.”
“What should Jimi and I do?” Nica asked.
“I plan to check again in Klaus about Mama D’leau’s activities since leaving Trinidad,” Abbie said. “Would you two and Robert work with me on that tonight?”
“How?” Nica asked, ever the practical one. “When you’re over there and we’re here.”
“Klaus can facilitate that,” Abbie said. “I’ve been wondering if reading him could be like going through that portal in Granny Chan’s bedroom chimney to reach her study hidden inside this house. If so, then maybe we can all read him together, even though we’re separated.”
“What a cool concept,” Judith said.
“Fun,” Nica replied.
“Klaus says he can do it,” Jimi put in.
Had the book not only listened to this conversation, but spoken to Jimi about their plan?
“Okay,” Yousef finally said. “Wow.”
Abbie mirrored his amazement. “If that’s all...”
“Not quite,” Talin said. “Abbie, coming to grips with my powers might take a while. But I want you to know that I haven’t forgotten about that computer key you gave me this morning. It’s simply on the back burner for now.”
“Thanks,” she said, touched that he’d remembered her request despite the horror of all he’d gone through since. “Nica and Jimi,” Abbie said, “finish your homework and have your supper, and I’ll contact you later.”
That reminded her that her mother had been home schooling her kids. Abbie made a mental note to check with her mother about how she was coping with sharing the parenting duties of Abbie’s kids with a witch. Although her mother had technically given up being a Grimm, those old Grimm-witch conflicts must carry some baggage.
“Oh, and how are you two getting along with Granny Chan?” she asked.
“Great,” Jimi said, sounding happy. “Every day, she shows us a magic trick...”
“... and teaches us a recipe,” Nica said. “I love her.”
“Me, too,” Jimi agreed.
“Good to hear,” Abbie said, thrilled they were getting along. Though she didn’t object to cooking lessons, their learning magic was a little troubling. “Be nice to Granny Chan. She’s probably homesick.”
“She’s not,” Nica said. “We go to her study where Judith and you now live all the time. She opened a portal to there from this cottage. While we’re there, we’re not allowed to go outside that study, though, to see you.”
Abbie glanced at Judith in shock. The kids had been in this house?
Judith shrugged as if this was news to her, too.
“Well, both of you follow her guidance, all right?” Abbie said. “I’ll get in touch at bedtime when it’s time to read Klaus.”
“’k,” Nica said. “Love you.”
“Me, too,” Jimi added. “Bye, Abbie.”
“I love you both,” Abbie replied absently, her thoughts moving on to the next step. “Bye, everyone.”
Abbie shut off her Grimm cord’s connection and glanced at Judith and Talin. “While you two begin your training session, I plan to clean up the kitchen.”
After Judith and Talin left, Robert gestured for Abbie to wait a moment.
She flopped back in her seat. “What’s wrong?”
“Talin’s insistence that Mama D’leau is responsible for Mrs. Fisher’s killing,” he said.
“I can’t sense what he hears,” she said. “So, I’m unsure what to make of it.”
Robert came over to sit on the high-backed chair Talin had recently vacated. “He is traumatized, which makes his judgment suspect. There may be no supernatural threat except for Talin.”
She gave him a sharp look. “I was with him, Robert. He didn’t kill Niara Fisher.”
“I did not accuse him, but while we chase after Mama D’leau and Turner shuts out the Chipstead nick from this case, the murderer might go so deep into hiding that we never uncover the fiend.”
He had a point. “I’m glad Yousef’s checking on the name written on the eOrbit card.”
“That could be our firmest lead,” Robert agreed.
“As for Mama D’leau,” Abbie added, “even if she didn’t kill Talin’s auntie, Talin believes she’s been killing Trini men. Therefore, it’s up to us to stop her.”
THE NEXT MORNING, TURNER called to furlough Talin until she concluded her investigation into Niara Fisher’s death.
He seemed more relieved than disappointed at that news. He was glad that they planned to still cover his wages so he could contribute toward room and board here.
Abbie suspected he was also looking forward to coming to grips with his unbound magic without the distraction of going on patrols.
She left her two friends to their morning training session. Judith planned to give Talin exercises to practice with while she was at work.
Robert had gone to wish good morning to Nica and Jimi. Lacking corporeal essence, he was free of all COVID visiting restrictions.
Though Abbie was off from EMT work for the next two days, she had a morning shift scheduled at the local grocers. Buckling into Rosie, she checked on the kids using her cord.
Nica and Jimi reported they’d finished their breakfast and were gazing out the front windows waiting for Abbie’s parents to arrive and begin their morning homeschooling session.
“Granny Chan is meditating in your room, Abbie,” Nica added. “Then she’s joining a friend for a ramble.”
“There’s a big lorry here,” Jimi said.
“It’s packed with stuff,” Nica added.
“Appears to be building material,” Robert mused.
About to turn on Rosie’s engine, Abbie paused. She’d expected Callum to purchase a few cans of paints, brushes, and rollers to do cosmetic work, not extensive remodeling.
“They’ve brought lots of wood,” Nica told Abbie, “and big, round, white plastic bags. Those have Insulation printed on the sides. And a few long narrow panels wrapped in bubble wrap.”
Was Callum planning to rebuild her whole church? She couldn’t afford to front that cost.
“Is Callum there?” Abbie asked her kids.
“Nope,” Jimi said. “But men are taking stuff off the lorry now. I want to go see.”
“No!” Abbie and Robert said together.
She could almost feel Robert’s hand on the enthusiastic child’s shoulder, restraining his dash through the front door. She sighed in relief that Robert always checked on the kids while she went to work. It took a huge worry off her shoulders.
“Robert,” Abbie asked, “after my parents arrive, would you please check on Callum to see what he’s up to?”
“Understood,” he said, and she shut off the connection, seriously unsettled by so much building material arriving at the church.
Chapter Five
Abbie would have to rely on Robert’s ghostly inquiry on Callum’s activities at St. Michael’s, because she didn’t have time to go over there, or she’d be late for work. She was in disbelief as she drove down Judith’s drive to the main road.
What could Callum be thinking?
She arrived at the grocers still fuming.
The shop’s lights and tills were working, so the manager opened the store to a line of anxious patrons.
Halfway through her shift, a customer lowered her mask to sneeze. The woman had done it instinctively, not maliciously. Still, shaking her head, Abbie took a water bucket with disinfectant soap to wipe down the shelves and merchandise around where the customer had stood.
By the end of the morning, she finished work dead tired, hungry, and ready for a hot bath. Despite being masked and socially distanced, she felt thoroughly contaminated.
She headed directly to Judith’s home. Once there, she checked on Talin and found him sitting cross-legged on the living room floor, eyes closed and muttering a soft, rhythmic chant. Pleased to see him look so peaceful, she quietly left him.
Judith was absent, likely at work.
On her way upstairs to wash up, Abbie tried her mobile. It was working, so she dialed Yousef to ask how he fared and if he needed help.
“I’ve found an address to match the bloke mentioned on the eOrbit card,” he said, sounding rushed. “The landlines are working again, so I called and made an appointment.” He texted her the address. “I’m on my way over there now. I will let you know when I have info after I talk to him.”
“Great,” Abbie said and disconnected. Since Yousef’s message came through instantly, she assumed Talin was making progress with re-starting electrical systems.
Robert was nowhere around. Odd. He should have returned. His absence was like a missing limb. What would she do if he ever left her? Though Abbie dearly wanted Robert to reunite with his family, his help, counsel, and company were invaluable. Like the rest of her Standard Bearers, he did important work.
According to Goddess Kali, the SB group had a villain to vanquish and a world save. Her grandmother, too, had hinted at that purpose when she mentioned a time-traveling Grimm.
This past spring, Abbie and her mother discussed the possibility of Abbie having a higher purpose in life.
Margaret Grimshaw had said the best thing her daughter could do was to live every day not worrying about the future. It would come to meet her soon enough.
Abbie then conveyed a message she’d brought back from the past. Words Ruby Grimshaw hadn’t lived long enough to say in person to her daughter.
Tell my baby that I love her.
Abbie’s eyes teared at that memory as she went to turn on the boiler. It was working. Yay! Next, she headed to the loo. Lights worked and, after sputtering, clear hot water gushed through the tap. She washed her hands with vigor before plugging the drain. While the tub filled, she used her cord to reach Robert.
“Good evening, Miss. Grimshaw,” her ghost companion responded in her mind instead of appearing beside her. As good as a working mobile.
Smiling with fondness at his continued unshaken formality in addressing her, she sat on the edge of the tub and said, “Glad you’re still on this earthly plane. I’d miss you if you ever left.”
“What I am here to accomplish is not yet complete.”
“Did someone tell you that you’re here to accomplish a mission?” she asked, adding bubble bath and Epsom salt to the bathwater. She thought he didn’t know why he’d re-awoken after death, let alone why he remained awake.
“No higher power has contacted me or lured me to enter another phase of my existence,” he replied. “That I am here on a mission is simply my conclusion.”
Abbie sighed in relief. “Where are you?”
“At St. Michael’s. DCI Radford and two of his chums are pulling up floorboards in the antechamber.”
“He couldn’t sand and refinish the old wood?”
“Some yes, some no. His current workers are the coroner and a forensic expert. This morning, it was a police constable who had spoken to eOrbit’s president, and a furloughed desk sergeant from Major Crimes. They discussed the murder case while working.”
“Now we know why he’s there,” she said, and chuckled, relief washing over her. Her tense shoulders dropped. “If it looks as if all he’s doing is a charity renovation, there’s less chance of DI Turner shutting him down.”
“Clever,” Robert agreed.
Not only was Callum on this murder investigation, but he was using St. Michaels’ renovation as his excuse to do it with colleagues on the sly. For this noble cause, she’d find the money to cover those renovations, somehow.
“Have the police uncovered any useful evidence?” she asked.
“The recent power outage also took out eOrbit’s systems. The current theory seems to be that it was a solar flare that emitted an electromagnetic pulse striking Kent, though the Home Office is also looking into the possibility it might have been a new type of weapon testing.”
“At least they don’t suspect Talin’s involvement,” Abbie said and turned off the bath’s hot water as the tub was three-quarters full and frothy.
“Not yet,” he replied, which wasn’t comforting. “eOrbit’s phone lines are working again and they have brought in a temporary worker to handle callers. That change enabled DI Turner to make an appointment to speak to eOrbit’s president.”
“Anything more about the murder victim?” Abbie asked.
“The coroner believes a hammer that the forensic team found near the murder site is the murder weapon. It had two sets of discernable fingerprints. What are those?”
“Marks our fingers leave on objects.” Abbie fetched a music player. “Distinctive to each person.”
“Amazing,” Robert replied, sounding impressed.
Abbie ended the conversation by asking him to report back if he learned more information. Then she disrobed and sank into the hot bubble bath with a sigh of utter pleasure.
