‘In other words,’ Mallory said, as the thrall appeared with Longchamps’ copy of the contract, ‘anything you do to hurt me will be reflected back onto you.’ Many years earlier it had cost her a great deal to invoke that particular contract witchery but this wasn’t the first time she’d been glad she’d gone to such expense. Unfortunately, sometimes it was necessary.
She waited patiently as Chester compared his version of the contract with hers. ‘You bitch,’ he hissed. ‘You tricked me from the beginning. This entire thing was a scam designed to take advantage of me while I was vulnerable.’
‘I assure you that’s not the case. As far as I am concerned, our contract remains in place and I will continue to search for a bellarmine jug. My intention is not to antagonise you but to clarify the situation – I still believe I can find a jug that will enable you to use the Clouded Map. I’m not giving up.’
She smiled at him to emphasise the truth of her words then hardened her voice. ‘But I didn’t trick you. The contract protects both of us and those clauses are there for a reason. They were not hidden from you.’ She drew breath. ‘If you are still unhappy, we can come to an agreement and end our business now without consequence.’
Chester Longchamps’ cold eyes sparked with malevolence; this was a very different person to the one she’d met during their first meeting. Mallory wasn’t surprised, but she hoped he’d see sense; despite his aggression he was her client and she wouldrather see the contract through to completion. She was, after all, a professional.
She waited; it took a moment a two but eventually he calmed down. ‘There is no chance of obtaining the Clouded Map without a bellarmine jug?’ he asked.
‘None. Once the map leaves the controlled environment where it’s currently stored, it won’t survive without the jug’s protection. Even the best preservation spell will only last a few minutes and the map is simply too delicate.’
His tone was cool but even as he asked, ‘And you truly believe you can find a bellarmine jug?’
‘I do. I’m aware that time is an issue and the Clouded Map must be returned to the Witches Council by August, and I am also aware that there are very few unused bellarmine jugs in existence. Even so, I think I can find one. I wouldn’t have agreed to this contract if I hadn’t believed it was possible.’ She met his eyes. ‘We can set a time limit, if you wish. Perhaps four weeks from today?’
It was Longchamps who looked away first. ‘That is acceptable to me.’
‘Good. I’m glad that we’ve ironed out our differences,’ she said amiably. ‘I can see that this was nothing more than a misunderstanding.’
He grunted, but he got it.
‘All that remains are the threats of violence that you sent me,’ she went on and Longchamps’ head jerked up. ‘I am willing to let them pass if there are no more and…’
‘Done!’ he barked.
She wasn’t finished. ‘And you give me your word that you will inflict no more violence on your staff. Especially Eric.’
Longchamps looked at her blankly; he clearly had no idea what she was referring to.
Mallory sighed and indicated the poor, bruised thrall who was still hovering in the doorway. ‘Him?’ Longchamps appeared genuinely astonished. ‘But he’s just a thrall. Why would you care about him? He’s nothing.’
Eric winced and dropped his head.
‘He’s a loyal servant who deserves your respect and your protection,’ Mallory replied.
Baffled, Longchamps nodded. ‘Fine,’ he said. ‘Whatever.’
‘I need your spoken vow.’
‘You ask a great deal for someone who’s nothing more than a pathetic squib,’ he snapped.
When Mallory didn’t respond, he huffed and folded his arms. ‘Fine. I give you my vow that I won’t hurt any members of my own staff.’
‘Great.’ She scooped up the bag and started replacing the items inside it. ‘I’ll tell you as soon as I find a bellarmine jug, otherwise I’ll provide a report every Friday morning so that you are apprised of my progress.’ It was more than she was required to do but she understood that Longchamps was desperate and communication was essential.
‘Good,’ he said shortly. Mallory glanced at him. ‘Thank you,’ he added with considerable reluctance.
‘You’re welcome.’ She smiled. ‘Good night, Mr Longchamps. I’ll see myself out.’
Chapter
Fourteen
Late the following morning, Mallory sat cross-legged on her sofa frowning and muttering as she flipped through the pages of her notebook for the umpteenth time, searching for someone who might own a bellarmine jug that they’d be willing to lend out.
It was starting to feel like a needle-in-a-haystack situation and she was very aware that she was fumbling. To be successful, she needed a more focussed approach: wandering around Coldstream asking random strangers if they could help was unlikely to produce results.
