Amanda Cadabra and The Strange Case of Lucy Penlowr by Holly Bell (best english novels for beginners .txt) 📕

‘Thank you. Marielle.’

‘Do sit, Chief Inspector.’

‘Mike. Michael,’ he found himself saying.

She leaned back and ran a hand down her thigh as though smoothing the fabric of her clothing, yet it served only to draw attention to her legs and, somehow, every curve of her body. Marielle exuded confidence. Harry and Vee had not sufficiently prepared him, and uncharacteristically, Hogarth found himself a little off balance. Yet he also sensed that she didn’t care if he was or not. However, suddenly she became more business-like.

‘So, you’re here about the children.’

‘That’s right.

‘And you’d like the input of all of us.’

‘That would be ideal — more than ideal,’ Hogarth responded hopefully.

‘Zoe has something to say to you.’

Hogarth was not quite sure how to respond to the sudden introduction of another member of the family.

‘Oh, good.’

‘Ready?’ asked Marielle.

‘Ready’

Zoe tucked herself into one corner of the sofa, drawing her knees up to her chest. She looked at Mike as though peering out from behind a tree, like a woodland pixie.

‘Hello, Zoe,’ he said gently. ‘I’m Mike.’

‘’Lo,’ she said shortly in reply. ‘Right then. I jus’ wanna say. I doan wanna talk ’bout it. I doan mind if the ovvers do but I doan,’ she stated in a very definite, low little voice.

‘Very well, I respect your wishes,’ Hogarth replied wisely.

Zoe continued to regard him steadily. Then, as though she had reached a decision.

‘Tha’s awright, den.’ Her face became less guarded, and then she got to the point. ‘Have you got ice-cream?’

Hogarth smiled and admitted,’ No, but we can go and get some … somehow.’

There was the slightest echo of his smile on her face, together with a hint of mischief.

‘Good. I like ice-cream.’

‘So do I.’

‘I like chocolate,’ stated Zoe, with a note of challenge, tucking her hair behind her ears.

‘Me too.’

She nodded in approval. ‘Good. I fink we might get on jus’ fine.’

‘I’d like that,’ replied Hogarth, relieved to have achieved a measure of acceptance from, apparently, the most exacting member of the family.

‘You met Geoffrey?’ asked Zoe.

‘Not yet.’

‘I’ll get him. Bye!’

And she was gone.

Vee and Harry had told Mike that Geoffrey was in his mid-twenties. Peter had a slight stoop as though, at 18, he was still a little ill at ease with his height, and tended to put his hands in his pockets. However, this man stood tall, arms relaxed by his sides. Geoffrey spoke with a solemn, serene voice.

‘Greetings. Welcome.’ There was a stillness about him. The eyes were kind. Eyes as old as the hills, patient and calm. Hogarth stood up and thanked him, as they shook hands.

‘Let us sit,’ suggested Geoffrey. ‘We deliberated carefully over whether to confide in you, Mike. The decision was unanimous.’

‘Even though Zoe has some reservations?’

‘There is no need for her to talk about it. Elodie can do it. She is an able storyteller.’

‘Anyway that any of you prefer,’ Hogarth replied obligingly.

‘It is not a story for a day or an afternoon,’ Geoffrey cautioned him. ‘You are able to take time off to return, or stay for more days?’

‘I can return as often as it takes,’ Hogarth assured him rather rashly, hoping he could square it with his team back at the Parhayle Police Station.

‘Good. We can make a start today, if you so desire, Mike.’

‘I would like that. I have waited for years to learn more about what happened. Even if I have to wait until my next visit, I would still consider myself singularly fortunate and privileged,’ replied Hogarth, ceremoniously, as seemed appropriate for conversation with this man.

‘You are gracious. Your sister and brother-in-law speak highly of you. I hope to know you better.’

‘And I hope to know you all better.’

‘The story then. Elodie?’

She settled herself upright on the sofa, her hands neatly in her lap.

***

‘And so … A Tale of Three Houses commenced. To be continued tomorrow evening.’

Amanda suppressed the urge to groan.

‘Uncle Mike, this is Lucy’s story, isn’t it?’

‘It is,’ Hogarth replied.

‘So Elodie is telling it for Lucy?’

‘Yes.’

No more was forthcoming.

Amanda thanked him, they finished up, and Trelawney drove her home.

‘So,’ she recapped to the inspector, ‘we have Peter the Earnest, Zoe the Small, Elodie the Hostess-Storyteller, Marielle the playful and Geoffrey the Wise. But where, where —’

‘— in all this is Lucy?’

‘Exactly! We know it’s her house because her name is on the bell. Well, the Spanish version and surname anyway. So, she must be either around somewhere or going to turn up. I don’t know how you can be so patient,’ Amanda marvelled.

‘It’s part of a policeman’s lot. The story of what we need to establish as the truth, or as near to it as possible, can emerge only over time, and sometimes that’s an exceedingly long time. Look at the Cardiubarn Case.’

‘Good point,’ acknowledged Amanda. ‘You’ve had a lot of practice then.’ She smiled. ‘And I suspect you have a natural talent too, Inspector.’

Trelawney chuckled. ‘About that, I’m not so sure. But it’s only until tomorrow evening. Meanwhile, what are you looking forward to for tomorrow?’

‘Looe Island, if the weather is fine.’

Chapter 15

A Tale of Three Houses

Much as Amanda enjoyed the trip to the island, it was difficult to keep her mind off the strange saga Hogarth was unfolding. She was counting the hours until she and Trelawney were back in Mike’s sitting-room, ready to hear the next instalment. At last it came.

‘Three houses,’ she could not resist prompting.

Hogarth smiled. ‘Just so ….’

***

Elodie settled herself comfortably, feet together, hands in her lap, tucked her hair behind one ear, and turned her clear eyes upon Hogarth.

‘Have I made the tea as you like? Not too much milk, I