“What story?”
She sighed. “I put Connor down to bed at six, like usual, then came out here to watch telly.” Her fingers grasped the edge of the chair. “I had a glass of wine –two glasses, and before you say anything I’m formula-feeding, so it’s okay – and I was falling asleep, when I realizedMidsomer Murdershad just started, but I hadn’t heard Connor cry yet. That was odd. He doesn’t settleeasily, so I usually only get forty-five minutes to myself, and this had been two hours. I went to check on him. The door was shut, which was odd because I usually left it halfway open, but at that stage I thought a draft had just pushed it closed but then…” she took a deep, shuddering breath. “Then I pushed the door open, and I saw these…thesethingslifting Connor out of his bed.”
“What did they look like?”
Jane rubbed her head. “Look, just so you know, the police think I was so drunk I can’t remember what I saw. But Iknowwhat I saw, and that was these weird little creatures – like enormous dragonflies with clear wings that buzzed a mile a minute. Their bodies were long and green with skinny forearms and hind legs, and faces that looked eerily human, with hair like moss. They almost looked like tiny fairy sprites from story books, which I know sounds mad, but?—”
“It doesn’t sound mad at all,” I whispered. “What happened next?”
“They flitted around, lifting my baby out of his crib, but they seemed a bit listless, maybe like they were in pain. I tried to grab Connor off them, but they bit or stung me, and it hurt so bad.” She rolled her sleeve up, showing me a scattering of nasty gashes and bites on her arm. “I kept fighting and fighting, but they were so strong. They got him out of the window. By the time I’d run out the front door after them, they were completely gone. And they left behind a…a pumpkin in the crib.” She scowled. “A pumpkin with a smiling face painted on the side, in blood.”
“Yikes.” I shivered. What a horrible thing to witness.
Jane shrugged. “The police think the kidnapper might have used a drone to scoop Connor up through the open window. Apparently, there’s been a similar case of drones used in a kidnapping case up in Scotland. They’ve taken Rory – that’s Connor’s father – in for questioning. But that’s bollocks, too. Rory’s a complete tosser, no argument, but he wouldn’t do this.It’s too… dramatic, toogothic. But that only leaves me with two possible explanations – my tea was drugged, or I’ve gone crazy.”
I leaned forward and touched her knee. Jane jerked back as though I’d slapped her, but then she relaxed. I withdrew my hand. “I believe you. About the creatures.”
“You do?” Suspicion crept into her voice.
“I’ve been living up at Briarwood House. I’ve seen some weird stuff around here, too.”
“Like what?”
“Like a guy who attacked me in the field beside the castle. He had claws instead of hands. That’s why I wanted to talk to you. I think we may be able to help each other.”
“How?” She was sounding suspicious again.
“There’s lots of old books in the library at the castle. They’ve got information about things that look like the creatures who took your baby.”
“So show them to the police,” Jane snapped, but her dark eyes sparked with interest.
“If the police were trying to convince you that you were drunk, then I don’t think they’ll take these books seriously.”
Jane tilted her head to the side. “AmIgoing to take these books seriously?”
I shrugged. “Back in the United States, I was a physics major. I was going to MIT. I don’t believe in anything I can’t scientifically measure. And I’m taking these books seriously.”
“MIT, huh?” Jane gave me a sardonic smile. “You certainly are a Jill-of-all-trades. I’d like to see these books.”
“Sure. Come up to the castle any time. Tell the ticket office you’re there to see Maeve Moore and they’ll point you in the right direction.”
“I thought you said your name was Crawford?”
I sighed. “It’s a long story, and I’ve got to meet some friends. If you feel like getting out of this place, just stop by at Briarwood. I’m there all the time.”
“Thanks.” Jane couldn’t quite stretch the corners of her mouth up into a smile, but she made a real effort.
I stood up, making as though I was about to leave. I glanced toward the narrow staircase at the rear of the room, and the hallway beside it. A mother wouldn’t have a nursery up that steep staircase. That meant Connor’s room would be downstairs. I knew Jane wouldn’t appreciate me looking in, but maybe… “Do you mind if I use the bathroom before I go?”
She nodded. “Sure. It’s out the back door.”
I was totally confused about her instructions until I headed down the short hallway and realized there was no bathroom in any of the other rooms – only a small alcove that contained a sewing machine, and another doorway that was closed. Bright red wooden letters on the door spelled CONNOR. I tried the handle, and it clicked open. I pushed the door open as quietly as I could, and peered inside.
A white crib sat under the mullioned window, which was now locked up tight. Toys lined the bureau, and old-fashioned bunnies in coats and bonnets and capelets romped across the wallpaper. Another old iron horseshoe hung over the crib. With a pang, I noticed a selection of story books lined up on a tiny bookshelf. The first book was titled FAIRY STORIES.
I couldn’t see anything that seemed like a clue, but I focused on taking in all the details, so I could describe them to the guys later. My heart pounded. All it would take was Jane to come back here and I’d destroy all the trust I’d just built with her.
I backed out of the room, pulling the door shut behind me. I grabbed the back door and opened it as I clicked the nursery door shut to disguise the sound. At least I’d found the bathroom.
