I nodded then headed in Trilby’s direction.
Chapter
Thirteen
If Trilby was aware of Penelope’s warning, which was entirely possible since I’d recently learned that Trilby could occasionally read my mind, they didn’t show it. As I drew near, they looked up and smiled widely. ‘Kit!’ Their voice was warm. ‘And cat!’
She Without An Ear blinked up at them then gathered her muscles and jumped onto their stall table. I knew exactly what she was looking for, and clearly so did Trilby. ‘Ah, I’m afraid there is none left. I would check your mother’s pocket if I were you.’
I met their eyes unflinchingly. I wouldn’t pretend that I hadn’t taken their magicked catnip. ‘Do you want some money for the catnip?’
‘No.’ They winked. ‘I left it there for you and I am glad that you found it.’
Uh-huh. ‘You don’t need it for your own cat?’
‘I don’t know what you mean, Kit. I don’t have any cats.’
I made a show of looking around. ‘Silver. Maine Coon. Handsome fellow with a big appetite.’
‘He’s not mine.’
‘Really.’ My voice was flat.
Trilby grinned. ‘Really.’
I sighed: this was getting me nowhere. Beating around the bush wouldn’t work here; I had to employ a direct approach. ‘Did you conjure up a monster last night and order it to attack me?’
Trilby didn’t laugh at my question but neither did they appear to take offence. Instead they regarded me seriously. ‘I like to think that I am your friend, Kit. I do not harm my friends.’
‘Who do you harm, then?’ I shot back.
They grimaced. ‘No-one – not deliberately. I try to help people. It doesn’t always work out that way but I can’t control every outcome or every person.’
They spoke with considerable gravitas, which suggested they were taking my accusations seriously. I doubted I could accuse any other living being in Coldstream of attacking me and receive a similar response. It was curious, but I didn’t think they were lying.
Or perhaps, a small voice whispered inside my head,you don’t want to think they are lying.
Trilby raised a single eyebrow. ‘I have never lied to you, Kit.’
‘That’s exactly what a liar would say.’
‘And it is exactly what someone telling the truth would also say.’
I couldn’t argue with that.
Already bored with the conversation, She Without An Ear started batting a small glass vial, intent on pushing it off the table. She nudged it several inches until it tottered at the edge then looked directly at me and flicked it a final time. The vial toppled off the side.
Without looking, Trilby reached out one long arm andsnatched it out of the air. ‘Impressive reaction time,’ I murmured.
They bowed. She Without An Ear tossed her head disdainfully and turned her attention to another vial. ‘No,’ Trilby said gently. ‘No more.’
To my astonishment, She Without An Ear flicked her tail and sat down. Usually she treated my instructions as a command to do the exact opposite.
‘You know,’ Trilby said conversationally, thankfully choosing not to give the tabby cat a stroke and lose their fingers in the process, ‘you can’t put too much faith in any of the MET’s spells, embargoed or otherwise. There are many opportunities for abuse, even with new spells.’
I stared. Bloody hell. How did they know? I’d deliberately guarded my thoughts so I didn’t unwillingly reveal what I knew about the echo spell. ‘Trilby…’
They raised their hands. ‘I know, I know. You can’t speak of such things. But think about what I have said.’ They flashed me a smile. ‘Tell me, Kit. Have you ever wondered where vampires come from?’
