Part 14 (2/2)

Emilia glanced at him sharply. She was a sorceress of her own kind, true enough. But he had her in the end. Maybe he told her too much, I don't know. All I do know is that when Helen Winter lost her head to anger, and came storming back across the fields to Lennocks, and shut herself away in the farm house, and no-one, but no-one could get her out again, soon the trouble came. She caused it, we all think that, but still, we had to protect her because it was what he would have wanted.'

Strange you should remain loyal to a man who abandoned you,' Othman said.

If we went back on our loyalty, he would never come back,' Emilia said.

Othman put his elbows on the table, cupped his chin in his hands. So, how do I get into the house?'

There're more than bolts and boards shutting the place up, that's for sure. You'll have to convince the place to let you in.'

Othman sighed. Have you ever been inside it since it was closed up?'

Emilia shook her head. No. It wouldn't let me in, but you, you're one of them, aren't you? It might listen to you.'

Othman remembered his experience outside the house when he'd visited it with Barbara. It had not felt completely hostile, but very wary. He wondered what had become of the Murkasters. Emilia's talk of monstrous, spectral beasts suggested Kerubim to him, which reeked of intervention from the Parzupheim. The Kerubim were the Grigori's angelic army, and, true to the cliche, they were creatures that took no prisoners. It seemed unlikely that many of Kashday's people would have survived such an attack, and even if they had, the survivors would not have escaped the subsequent round-up by the Parzupheim. If they still lived, they'd be under Parzupheim control now. The Murkasters must have seriously transgressed in some way, but clearly Emilia had no knowledge of that. The truth might just reside in the hidden memories of the Winters, though. Helen still lived in them.

He stood up. Finish your drink, Emilia. I'll walk you home.'

No need,' said the old woman. I'm quite safe to find my own way back. You get to the cottage. I'm thinking you'll be more eager to get there now.'

Othman paused. Thank you for what you've told me, Emilia. You've been most helpful.'

She shrugged. There's a cost, Peverel Othman. You know that. A debt to be paid.'

I shall, of course, do what I can, but I am only one man. You must protect me from the greed of your friends.'

Emilia cackled. Think I want to share you? No. Don't worry. I'll brush your tracks. Give me back my life and power, and there's nothing I won't do for you.'

Othman smiled. He felt a faint stirring of respect for the woman. Then I shall look upon you as my right-hand woman.'

Left hand,' said Emilia, lifting her gla.s.s. Let's get that right.'

Chapter Eleven.

When she'd got back from The White House, Lily had told Owen about Peverel Othman's behaviour with Barbara. Owen had reacted strongly. Seems like he's playing with all of us!' It was the first time he'd alluded, however thinly, to what had transpired in the parlour when Othman had looked on.

I wonder what he wants,' Lily said. She told Owen about how Othman had been planning to take them out to dinner.

So he could come back here afterwards?' Owen snapped. We must be careful, Lil. I don't want a repeat of that.'

Lily felt ashamed, as if she was personally responsible for what had happened.

Lily and Owen were sitting watching television in the parlour when Othman arrived. Both seemed flummoxed to see him, but it was now after nine. I would have come earlier,' he said, but I took a lady out for a drink.'

Barbara?' Lily demanded, looking sad she'd been unable to prevent the word bursting from her.

Othman laughed. Emilia Manden, actually.'

Lily frowned. Why?'

Oh, I'm very interested in local history, and Emilia is a mine of information.' He sat down in a chair before the fire.

Owen was studying him carefully, as if unsure of what to say or do. Little Moor seems to be a source of fascination for you,' he said. I can't think why.'

Othman gestured with open hands. The world is a fascinating place, and I travel within it. I come to places like this to unearth their secrets. There are always plenty.'

I'll make some tea,' said Lily, getting up.

Othman waited for her to go into the kitchen. Owen, I think you can help me.'

Oh?' Owen would not sit down. How?'

I'd like to see inside the church you took me to the other night.'

It's locked.'

Then perhaps we can break in.'

Owen grinned in a tight, guarded way. All right. But why?'

Othman leaned forward on his seat. I'm finding out interesting things about Little Moor. Things that I think will interest you too.'

He noticed Owen looked wary immediately. Clearly he had his own secrets. Such as?'

Othman shrugged. It can wait. Do you know anything about the family that used to live in the manor house, Long Eden?'

Owen pulled a face. No. They've gone. Have you unearthed some scandals about them, or something?' He didn't seem that interested.

There's more to them than you think.' He decided, for now, to keep the information about the Winters' connection with Long Eden a secret. He wanted to observe the twins for a while longer before he told them about it.

So what's in it for you?' Owen asked, sarcastically. Other than an academic interest, of course.'

You seem to have a poor view of me,' Othman said.

Owen shrugged. I can't help it. I wonder what we got into with you, the other night. You were playing with us. I'm not too pleased about that. It's upset Lily.'

I don't want to upset anyone, least of all Lily.'

What are you, some kind of sick pervert?'

Othman had not expected such a hostile reaction from Owen. He felt he was losing ground with the boy.

At that moment, Lily came back in, carrying a tray. She obviously sensed the atmosphere, but chose to ignore it. Owen still stood belligerently next to Othman's chair. Othman wished he could put him at his ease. He'd seemed fine when Othman had arrived.

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