Night of the Dark Horse (An Allegra Fairweather Mystery) (11 page)

“Hey, Wanda,” I whispered, “who’s the creepy guy? Twelve o’clock. Tall, slim, dark hair. Pointy nose.”

Somehow Wanda managed a discrete glance. Her face paled when she saw who it was. “Shh. He’s a wizard of the First Rank.”

Wanda’s mentor, Mac, was only Second Rank, which didn’t mean she was second rate. Mac had worked long and hard for her title and she deserved it. I’d hate to have to go through W&W as they called Witches and Wizards training. Mac and Wanda were braver than I was.

Keeping my voice low, I said, “He might be First Rank, but he seems very interested in us lowly unranked persons. Oh wait, he’s not eavesdropping on
us
, he’s checking
you
out.”

Wanda’s cheeks flushed a delicate pink. “He wouldn’t be interested in me.”

“Oh, he wants you bad.”

“Stop it,” she giggled.

“You’re not interested?” I asked innocently.

“He’s a wizard of the First Rank for Pete’s sake. And he’s...” Their eyes met across the crowded room. A chubby cherub detached itself from the wall above the fireplace, released a couple of arrows and froze back in place. Wanda touched her chest. “...actually, he’s kind of cute.”

The guy did nothing for me, but I shouldn’t have been surprised. Wanda and I had totally different taste in men. Being the good friend that I am, I decided to help her out a little.

“Want me to introduce you?”

Her eyes were round as puff-ball sprites. “Do you know him?”

“I will in about five seconds.” Leaving Wanda opened mouthed I headed toward the wizard. A few minutes later he and Wanda were in conversation.
My
work
here
is
done
.

As I headed out of the great hall, I sensed someone watching
me
from across the room. An older guy with a long beard and flowing gray hair, who looked like a middle-aged Gandalf. He seemed kind of familiar, which was weird since I don’t know many wizards. When I started to make my way toward him, intending to find out who he was, he immediately turned away and melted into the crowd. Trying to avoid me? My curiosity, which had been mildly piqued, ramped up. I took off after him.

More than once I had to shove a witch or wizard out of the way. It was a miracle I got out of there without someone casting a spell on me. Gandalf reached the opposite side of the great hall and exited through a stone archway. I bolted after him and ended up in a dimly lit corridor. Electric lights that mimicked flaming torches lined the narrow thoroughfare. A few people strolled or hurried along, some heading for the great hall, others going deeper into the castle. I searched the faces, but Gandalf wasn’t among them. Had he gone right or left? I chose left and ran along the corridor past the open doors of a library and a sitting room before I reached the enormous kitchen with its team of caterers.

“Did anyone see a guy?” I yelled over the clatter of pots and pans. “Middle-aged, gray beard, long hair, looked a bit like Gandalf?”

A guy who seemed to be in charge put down the spoon he was using to taste the sauces bubbling on the stove. “The guy looked like Gandalf? Is this a joke?”

“No. I need to talk to him.”

“Well, if you’re referring to a real man, he hasn’t been in here.”

I waited a beat in case any of the other workers contradicted him. When no one did, I left the kitchen and headed down the corridor in the opposite direction. I didn’t have much hope of finding him, but I went all the way to the end, which culminated in a kind of conservatory. Three witches were huddled around a copy of
Witches’
Digest
featuring an article that claimed to reveal the love spell Angelina had used on Brad. Yeah, like she needed a spell.

I asked the witches whether they’d seen Gandalf.

“Yes, I have seen this wizard,” said the oldest witch in a European accent I couldn’t place. “I do not know his name.”

“Oh sugar,” said the blonde witch. “Ah know the guy you mean. His name is...something with an H—”

“Did he come through here?” I asked.

The old witch said to the blonde, “Was his name Howard?”

“No, that’s not it.”

“Never mind the name,” I said. “Which way did he go?”

Ignoring me, the third witch joined their game of
Name
that
Wizard
. “Henry?”

“Ah don’t think so. Ah think it was a movie star’s name.”

“Hugh?” said the old witch.

“Hey—time out,” I yelled. “I don’t care what his fricking name is. Which way did he go?”

“He hasn’t been in here, sugar. We’ve just seen him around the castle. Right, ladies?” The others nodded.

I swallowed my anger. You don’t yell at three witches for wasting your time. Not if you want to avoid a lifelong curse anyway.

As I headed out of the conservatory, the blonde called after me. “Hey sugar, Ah’ve remembered the name. Harrison.”

I froze.
No
,
it
can’t
be
him
.
Impossible
.
He’s
not
a
wizard
. Anyway he looked nothing like... My cell phone began to ring. I yanked it from my pocket.

“What?” I yelled.

It wasn’t good news. The pooka had struck again and this time Casper had been called to ride. Payback for disturbing Sharina’s grave. My fault. And Casper had paid the price.

Chapter Nine

Casper had been taken to Dr. Gallagher’s house. I screeched to a stop outside, vaulted over the garden wall and hammered on the doc’s door. Mrs. Gallagher let me in and took me to a bedroom. Dr. Gallagher sat at Casper’s bedside, taking his pulse.

I was frantic with worry, but the doc merely regarded me with kind eyes and kept doing what he was doing. When he was satisfied with his patient’s condition, he stood up and headed for the door. He closed it behind him, giving us privacy.

Ignoring the bruises and scratches on Casper’s face, I said, “Are you crazy? Why did you ride?”

His expression said,
Dumb
question
,
Allegra
. What he actually said was, “To avoid further destruction.”

“Who did the pooka threaten this time?”

“Liam O’Reilly.”

“Crap. This is the first time he’s threatened a kid.”

“It’s also the first time he’s called someone to ride during the day.”

In criminal terms, the pooka was escalating. “Tell me what happened.”

“There was a freak storm. I was in the woods with Liam.”

“Why? Liam can’t help with the case. We’d already established that he’s not the pooka.”

“It’s not all about the case, Allegra. We were looking for bird’s nests.”

“Okay, okay, I get it, Liam needed a friend and you were doing the good angel thing and hanging out with him.”

“Yeah. Messing about in the woods reminded me of my youth, before I became a warrior. When the storm blew up, the pooka appeared. Liam was terrified. I had no choice but to ride.”

“Where’s Liam now?”

“At Siobhan’s. They’re sketching each other.”

I sat in the chair by his bed and brushed a lock of hair from his bruised forehead. “How badly are you hurt? Don’t tell me what Dr. Gallagher says—I’ll bet you’ve even convinced him your heart’s beating—tell me how you really are.”

“Dr. Gallagher’s diagnosis is correct. All I need is a good night’s sleep.” His answer was little more than a whisper.

“You are so lying.”

“Angels don’t lie.”

Even so, I figured it wouldn’t hurt to get a second opinion.

Dr. Gallagher wasn’t happy about Casper leaving, but there wasn’t much he could do short of giving Casper a sedative. He gave up that idea when I told him I was taking Casper to a specialist. I didn’t mention that the specialist was Dexterous Dermot.

I bundled Casper into the car. Soon I’d driven into the hills and was helping Casper hike to the day spa. We made it to the rock shaped like a four-leaf clover and I hunted around for the invisible door. When I bumped into it, I knocked loudly. Nothing happened.

Casper sagged onto the clover shaped rock. “This isn’t going to work. We don’t have an appointment. They won’t open up. You know what elves are like.”

“I’m not giving up,” I said, hammering on the door and yelling for Dermot to come out. I hammered so hard my hands ached. Even when they started to bruise, I refused to give up. Persistence eventually triumphed and the door cracked open.

The receptionist was wearing a full yellow skirt with a green top that made her look like an upside down daisy.

She said primly, “You don’t have an appointment, Ms. Fairweather.”

“I have to see Dermot. It’s a matter of life and death”

“I’m sorry, but—”

I barged across the waiting room and flung open the door to Dermot’s treatment room. He was sitting in a comfortable chair. I knew it was comfortable because I’d sat in it myself. In his hands was a delicate porcelain cup and saucer. The scent of tea filled the room.

“Settle down, sweetcheeks,” he said through a mouthful of cookie. “What’s the problem?”

“It’s my—um—partner. He was thrown by the pooka. You have to take a look at him.”

“Well...” he sipped his tea, “...I suppose I can fit him in, but only because he’s your partner. I wouldn’t do this for just anyone. You can bring him in after I’ve finished my tea. No, not a moment sooner. You can wait in the waiting room. Close my door on your way out.”

“Sure.” I banged it shut. The whole place shuddered. Dermot took his revenge by making teatime last for what seemed like hours.

When he finally reappeared, he insisted on seeing Casper alone. I paced up and down in the waiting area. The receptionist ignored me. After what seemed like an unusually long time for one of Dermot’s treatments, the elf reappeared.

Drawing me out of range of the receptionist’s hearing, he said, “You didn’t tell me your friend was an angel.”

“Because he’s not.”

“Don’t insult my intelligence, Allegra. I felt the wing nubs on his back.”

“You mustn’t tell anyone, Dermot.”

“I never gossip about my patients. We take an oath, you know.”

“For massage?”

“We do a lot more than massage.”

Cutting to the chase, I asked, “Can you heal him?”

“We’re not talking about a few bumps and bruises here. Your friend is infected with something I haven’t encountered before. Some kind of evil.” He put his hand on my shoulder. “Perhaps you’d like to sit down.”

“Just spit it out.”

“I have done the best I can. You won’t get better treatment for him in this world. But you should prepare yourself. He won’t be with you for much longer.”

“There must be something you can do.”

“I’m good, but I’m not that good,” he said, with a flash of his usual charm. Then he sobered. “I’m so sorry.”

Tears pricked my eyes. I turned away, hoping he wouldn’t notice.

He groaned. “I hate to see a tough PI cry.”

“Then don’t look at me,” I snapped.

“Sweetcheeks, sweetcheeks, I pains me to see you so miserable.” He chewed on his full red lips before seeming to reach a decision. “Oh, alright! But
do
not
get your hopes too high. This is a long shot—and you absolutely did not hear it from me.”

Despite his warning, my heart fluttered with hope. “Swear I’ll never tell.”

“Good girl.” He lowered his voice even further. “There is a place called the River of Dreams.”

That old tale? Bathing in the river cures all ills, makes your dreams come true. Blah, blah, blah. Out loud, I said, “It’s just a legend.”

“That’s what the Fae want you to think.”

I leaned forward. “The legend is true?”

“Well, it worked for my great aunt’s second cousin’s son-in-law’s mother’s friend.”

“Have you actually met this person?” I asked, as my hopes crumbled. “Have you seen the results?”

“Not exactly. I did warn you this was a long shot.”

I sighed. “But I’ve got no other options, right?”

“You said it, sweetcheeks.”

I was tempted to walk away, but, if there was a chance to save Casper, no matter how slim, I had to pursue it. “Where is the River of Dreams? I’ll bet it’s not marked on any map.”

“Very astute. You’ll go far.”

“As far as the river will be just fine,” I said wearily. “Where is it?”

“West. A long journey.”

“No problem. I’ve got a car.”

He shook his head. “The only way to reach the river is to travel across the Land of the Fae.”

My heart sank even further. “The border of Fairyland is sealed.”

His eyes sparkled. “That’s what they want you to think.”

Chapter Ten

“Will you come with me to Fairyland?” I asked Casper as I drove back to Ronan’s.

“I don’t think so.” His voice was laced with exhaustion. “I’ll only slow you down. You’ll learn more about Sharina and the reason for her banishment on your own.”

That wasn’t the reason I wanted him with me. “Dermot says bathing in the River of Dreams is the only chance for you to be healed.” Yeah, I know I promised Dermot I’d keep the information to myself, but Casper had to know. Besides, he wouldn’t tell anyone.

“Did Dermot tell you what happens to angels who enter Fairyland?”

“They get healed in the River of Dreams?”

“I see.”

“What does that mean?” Anxiety clawed my stomach. “What will happen to you?”

“Nothing much. Just a little temporary weakness.”

“Temporary is good.” Although weakness wasn’t. It would make our journey much more difficult. “I’ll understand if you decide not to come. Dermot did say the River of Dreams was a long shot.”

“The alternative is that I’ll leave you forever.”

I really wished he hadn’t said that, but I toughed it out. “Look on the bright side. You’d get to go to Heaven, which is what you’ve always wanted.”

“What do you want, Allegra?”

You
! screamed my mind, but my lips were silent. I couldn’t make this choice for Casper. That wasn’t fair. “You have to decide for yourself.”

He lapsed into a pensive silence. Two thousand years is a long time to pursue a goal. I wouldn’t blame him if he chose Heaven instead of me. He was ominously quiet all the way back to Ronan’s.

When I parked in the driveway, the lights inside were blazing. Music drifted on the still air. Not traditional Irish music, which I half expected, but an indie band I didn’t recognize. Silhouettes moved behind the drapes. Did Ronan have company? Excellent. He needed to socialize. Especially as I wouldn’t be around for a while. As soon as I’d packed some supplies I’d be off to Fairyland.

As I got out of the car and started up the path, I called to Casper, “You coming?”

When he didn’t move, I called, “Need help getting out of the car?”

“No, I’ll wait here and conserve my strength. I’ll need it for the journey across Fairyland.”

I whirled around. “You’re coming with me? To bathe in the river?”

His eyes met mine with a promise that was so much more than his simple reply. “Yes.”

Hoping that the river would fulfill our dreams, I left him in the car and headed for the front door. It was opened by the pretty girl who had featured in so many of Ronan’s photos. I hoped she was here for more than a casual visit.

“You must be Allegra. I’m Nessa.” She extended her hand, which I barely touched. I didn’t have time for a meet and greet.

“Where’s Ronan?”

“In there with the others. Come on, I’ll introduce you to Connor and Tomas.”

I pushed past her and into the living room. Ronan sat in his favorite chair his leg resting on an ottoman. He had a faraway look in his eyes as though he was reliving some past theatrical glory. He rubbed his leg. The two other guys—Connor and Tomas—were sprawled on the sofa beers in hand. They were as young and fit as Nessa. It was no surprise that all three had worked with Ronan in
Irish
Dance
! There was a touch of schadenfreude about this visit. Not that I blamed them for feeling lucky they hadn’t suffered an injury like Ronan’s.

“We had some time off before the next tour,” said Nessa. “We thought we’d come down here and surprise Ronan.” She probably meant well, but Ronan wasn’t in the right headspace to spend time with dancers. Just like I wasn’t in the right headspace to spend time with anyone standing in my way of getting to Fairyland.

“Ronan, you got a backpack I can borrow?”

“Sure, it’s in the cupboard in the hall. Bottom shelf.”

“Thanks.” I headed off to get it, taking a detour by the kitchen to check on the availability of bottled water and energy bars. Survival in Fairyland meant bringing in my own supplies. Fae food and drink were poisonous to humans.

I was loading the backpack when I heard Ronan say, “We need more whiskey.” I’d heard that tone before and I didn’t like where it was heading. I hurried back to the living room. The first thing I saw was Nessa leaning her head on Connor’s shoulder. I really couldn’t let her get away with that. Not in front of Ronan.

“Um—Nessa, I could use some help in the kitchen.”

She stood up immediately, smiling. “I’m at your disposal.” When we reached the kitchen, she asked, “How can I help?”

I handed her the backpack. “Hold this open for me.”

She looked at me curiously like,
You
couldn’t
do
this
yourself
, but all she said was, “I bought this for Ronan. At a market in the south of France. Our relationship was new and...” She smiled her eyes full of memories. “Happy times. There’s nothing like the beginning of a relationship is there? Ronan was my first love.”

“But not your last.” I couldn’t keep the snark out of my tone.

She didn’t take offense. “Sure, how many times have you been in love?”

I was tempted to say, So many I’ve lost count, but something made me answer honestly, “Once.”

“You’re a late starter,” she said, but there was no malice in her tone. “I guess we’re all different. Don’t worry, you’ll fall in love more than once.”

Gee, I really hoped so, because my current love interest was forbidden by the Powers-That-Be. While we talked, I’d been filling the backpack with bottled water and whatever long-life items I could find in Ronan’s pantry. Mostly nuts, cookies and a packet of out-of-date energy bars. This was not the time to be choosy.

“You don’t mind me borrowing this,” I said as I zipped the backpack.

She seemed surprised by the question. “Why should I?”

“Oh, I don’t know, sentimental value?”

“To be honest, the sentimental value is minimal. Ronan and I were very much in love, but we grew apart. It happens.”

“Did you break up because of his injury?”

“Does Ronan blame the injury? I hope not. He should know I’m not that shallow. I’d have stuck by him if I still loved him. Sure, if Connor was injured, I’d give up my career—stay home and nurse him in a heartbeat.”

“Okay, I get that. Good for you. But here’s the thing. Ronan’s not in a great place at the moment and, well, he might know you and Connor have hooked up, but he doesn’t need to
see
it.”

“Ronan doesn’t mind. We were finished ages ago. No bad feelings. On either side.”

“You sure about that?”

Nessa arched an eyebrow. “I’ve known Ronan for three years. We were together for more than two of them. How long have
you
known him?”

“I’m just saying, he’s really vulnerable right now—be gentle.”

“Ronan’s problem is that he can’t dance, but there’s nothing I can do about that. Believe me, I wish there were. But here’s the thing. Dance isn’t a lifelong profession. Every dancer knows they’ll have to give up sometime. It’s just happened sooner for Ronan.”

“Sure, dancing’s a big part of it.” Maybe the biggest part. “But...” I knew I was breaking a confidence, but it was the only way to get through to her. “He’s still in love with you. He was hoping to get back together.”

“Bollocks. Did he tell you that?”

“Not in so many words, but it’s so obvious.”

“I repeat, bollocks. He’s been with plenty of other women since we broke up.”

“But no one serious, right? Look, I’m not asking you to get back with him out of pity or anything. Just cut him some slack. There’s no need to rub your new relationship in his face.”

I left Nessa in the kitchen pouring snacks into a bowl. I’d done what I could to protect Ronan. Now I had to do what he’d hired me to do and get rid of the pooka. In my bedroom I put on a jacket, zipped my two remaining wish-pebbles into the pocket and shouldered the backpack. I was heading through the living room eager to join Casper in the car, when I heard Tomas say, “What will you do now, Ronan? Teach dance?”

Ronan shook his head, lips tightly compressed. “I don’t know what I’m going to do. The insurance will cover me until I can walk properly again. I’ll reassess after that.”

“You won’t need the walking stick forever will you, darlin’?” asked Nessa, who had returned to the living room and was still sitting way too close to Connor.

Ronan forced a smile. “The doctors say I might even walk without a limp if I work hard at the physical therapy.”

“Well, that’s grand,” said Nessa, shooting me a glance that said,
See
it’s
not
so
bad
.

“A toast,” said Tomas, “to the village of Dingaleen and all who sail in her.”

Nessa giggled and glanced at Connor, “To love.”

“To physical therapists,” murmured Ronan.

“To the future,” said Connor.

“To you,” said Nessa raising her glass to Connor. “Should we announce it?”

“Why not?” he said. “We’re among friends.”

Nessa had conveniently forgotten our discussion in the kitchen. “Connor and I are engaged.”

Even Tomas seemed surprised. “You guys,” he said. “How long have you been keeping this quiet?” He raised his glass. “To Connor and Nessa.”

Talk about kicking Ronan when he was down. I really wished I didn’t have to leave right away.

Ronan said, “Congratulations.”

I wanted to say,
You
don’t
have
to
do
this
.
Tell
them
to
fuck
off
and
good
riddance
.

Ronan said, “I’m sure I have champagne in the fridge. Can someone check?”

“I will,” I said putting down my backpack. Lucky no one noticed the steam coming from my ears. I didn’t bother looking for the champagne, I had a better idea. Returning to the living room, I said, “Ronan, I need your help.”

He gestured at his knee. “I can’t. Ask one of the others.” Tomas was already on his feet. I told him to sit down.

“Come on, Ronan,” I said. “Lean on me.” As I put my arm under his shoulder, I whispered in his ear, “Don’t make this any harder for me. I’m about to give up something really precious.” He didn’t argue again.

When we got to his bedroom, he said, “What’s going on?”

“Don’t question me. I’m already having second thoughts.” But I knew what I had to do. Ronan might lose the girl. I couldn’t change that, but I sure as hell could change something else. I unzipped my pocket and took out a wish-pebble.

“What’s that?” he asked.

I couldn’t answer. If I used this pebble on Ronan, I’d only have one left. One chance to kiss Casper...supposing I got through Fairyland without having to use another wish. Holding a pebble in my hand, I took a deep breath, and said, “I wish Ronan’s body to be strong and healthy again so he’ll have a long and successful dance career.”

Ronan thought I was mocking him. “Don’t...”

“This is for real,” I said.

I waited for something to happen. Last time I’d used a wish the result had been pretty dramatic, but then changing into a fly was a bit different to what was happening to Ronan. At least I hoped it was happening.

“Do you feel any different?” I asked.

“How should I feel?”

Looked like we were going to have to test this the hard way. I knelt and began to remove his brace.

“That’s not a good idea,” he said.

“Sure it is. You still have your cane. If you fall I’ll catch you.” But before he could take a step, the door opened and Nessa walked in.

“Oh shite,” she said.

Why was she blushing? Oh right, I was kneeling in front of Ronan with my face level with his crotch.

Nessa babbled, “I didn’t realize you were. I just wanted to...never mind...” She hurried out and closed the door.

I gave a soft chuckle, but I didn’t have time to fully enjoy Nessa’s discomfort. I got to my feet. “Take a step, Ronan.”

Leaning heavily on his cane, he moved forward. So far so good.

“Put your cane down.”

“Allegra, I really don’t think... I’m doing okay without the brace, which is a miracle in itself. Let’s not push this.”

“Oh come on, push it. Live dangerously.” I snatched the cane out of his hand.

When he didn’t fall, he took one step forward then another. “I’m not in pain.”

“Try a few dance steps, something simple. I’ll do them with you. I’ll even hold your hand.”

Ronan attempted a simple sequence. I knew exactly how simple because I was able to copy them. We repeated the sequence. I felt just like a parent helping a kid balance on their first bike. I released my hold on Ronan, who seemed not to notice. I stepped away. He danced on alone, while I silently cheered from the sidelines.

Ronan stopped dancing and collapsed on the bed. “What did you do to me?”

I held a finger to my lips.

“Okay,” he said. “I don’t need to know, but thank you. You’ve given me my life back.” Tears glistened in his eyes. Then he totally surprised me by reaching for his brace.

“You don’t need that anymore.”

“How will I explain my sudden improvement? Even Nessa won’t believe it’s due to a really good shag. Much better if I improve gradually, let them think it’s from physical therapy.”

Sure, I got it. You didn’t tell people—even Irish people—that you’d been healed by a wish. You also didn’t tell them you were going on a visit to Fairyland. I made up a lie about going into the hills to search for the pooka and told Ronan I’d probably have to sleep out for a few nights.

He insisted on driving Casper and me into the hills, but first I made sure we swung by Siobhan’s place.

“Wait in the car,” I told him. “I won’t be long.” I didn’t need any questions about why a couple of the costumes from Siobhan’s studio were essential for “camping out in the hills.” If Casper and I had any chance of moving around Fairyland undetected, we’d have to blend in with the locals. Siobhan didn’t mind me borrowing the costumes.

“I’m not going to ask why you need them,” she said. “All I ask in return is for you to show up at Liam’s prize-giving. He’s so looking forward to you being there.”