She examined the eclectic variety of bits and pieces for sale on the stall, then picked up a small glazed jar that appeared to contain silvered clover leaves. She replaced it and gazed at the stallholder.
‘Mr MacTire,’ they said. ‘It’s been a long time since you’ve honoured us with your presence.’
‘Hello, Trilby.’
The stallholder doffed their hat and glanced at Mallory, who smiled nervously. ‘I’m Trilby,’ they said. Their eyes twinkled and Mallory immediately felt more at ease.
‘Mallory,’ she said, ‘Mallory Nash.’
Trilby’s smile broadened. ‘Ah!You’re Ms Nash! I’ve heard about your exploits.’ Mallory steeled herself for the inevitablesquib comment. ‘You’re very skilled and incredibly powerful. There is much to be admired about your work.’
She felt her cheeks turning pink. ‘Thank you.’
Alexander took her hand. ‘I certainly admire her a great deal,’ he said softly and Mallory felt her stomach flip.
Trilby smiled, as if they expected nothing else. ‘Well, what can I do for you today?’
The warmth she was feeling faded, replaced by anxiety. ‘I desperately need a bellarmine jug.’
‘A real bellarmine jug?’
She nodded. ‘One that is empty and can still be used effectively. It’s really important.’
‘Indeed.’ Trilby stroked their chin and considered the matter. ‘Alas, I don’t have any in stock.’
Although Mallory wasn’t surprised, she still felt deflated. ‘I figured.’ Alexander’s hand tightened around hers. ‘Do you know anyone who might have one? Someone who would be willing to part with it for a fee?’
‘I’ll pay whatever it costs,’ Alexander added.
‘I don’t believe that will be necessary,’ Trilby told him. They looked at Mallory. ‘I can tell you where to find a bellarmine jug but I will ask for a boon in return for this information.’
‘Anything,’ Mallory said. ‘Anything at all.’
The stallholder raised an eyebrow. ‘That’s a rather dangerous promise.’
‘I know,’ she replied. ‘I don’t care.’ Mallory meant it. Finding a bellarmine jug meant much more than fulfilling her favour to Chester Longchamps; it meant she could guarantee Alexander’s safety – at least from the vampires.
Trilby gazed at her. ‘Well, I don’t expect this will be dangerous to fulfil. It should be rather easy, given your contacts.’
‘Go on.’
‘There is a ban sith who is having some … difficulties. She needs somewhere safe to stay for an undisclosed period of time.’
Mallory blinked: thatwaseasy. ‘No problem. She can stay with me. I have a sofa bed and…’
Trilby was already shaking their head. ‘No.’
‘I have plenty of room,’ Alexander said. ‘She can come to the MacTires.’
‘No,’ they said firmly. ‘That won’t work either. The ban sith requires space and privacy. It would be preferable if you were to call in a favour with another client who has a self-contained flat to rent.’ They shrugged. ‘Or something like that.’
There was something that Trilby wanted specifically, but they weren’t willing to say aloud. ‘There’s an ogre on my books who owns several properties in Bellsworth,’ Mallory offered.
‘That’s an option,’ Trilby said. ‘But I think this particular ban sith is keen to reside somewhere here in Danksville.’
Kit McCafferty immediately flashed into Mallory’s mind. ‘Does this ban sith like cats?’
Trilby smiled. ‘Doesn’t everyone?’
