The Millionaire and The Witch

Chapter 7

Samson came back into the room and settled himself on the sofa. Miss Blackgale was seated on a high-back seat facing the fireplace and everyone.  Broody was perched on the arm of the chair. Duke and Nina sat in a cozy leather two-seater and waited for their cups to be refilled. Miss Blackgale had rung for a fresh pot and scones.

Broody began the story, “As you know, I started a quest to find my mother and bought that parcel of land as it was her last known location. Jefferson and his team were trying to find out what was unique around the location. So far, he said there were rumors that it was a sacred location, but there was no evidence.”

He took a minute to sip his tea before continuing. “I’m not sure what exactly lead to Jefferson’s death. Some of the team members had left without good reasons, even when I offered more money. No one is talking as to the real reason they left. Other members have died in mysterious ways. I believe I’m next on the hit list.” Broody picked up his tea cup once again.

“When Broody told me he would buy that land, I didn’t think much of it. Later, I realized that he bought it because he thought that his mum might be buried somewhere on it. He’s too polite to tell you this. Professor’s team did not find any human remains. There were remains of some small animals that may have been sacrifices.” Lucy picked up the story telling.

“The last time I saw my sister was a few years after Broody was born. We kept in touch but not that much. My sister felt that our past was too much of a burden and opted to live like a human.” She turned to Broody before continuing.

“Your father made your mother happy and my family was okay with that.” Lucy turned to address the room again.

“As my father grew old, he began looking over our family legacy. At first, it was small things like pets that got lost and a weird look on his face.”

She paused for a second and her eyes were lost in thought. Everyone sat quietly waiting for her to resume.

“Then he started asking us to join him when casting spells. He was trying to open something or see something from the past but we were never strong enough. That’s when he reached out to my sister and told her he needed her help. She refused, but he was a persistent man.”

Lucy rose and walked to the fireplace. Duke was trying had to see whether she was hiding emotion or staging the scene before delivering the end of the story.

“She promised to come here one day for the spell and go back to her family. As far as I can tell, father must have thought that casting the spell at the clearing will boost their power. He came back disappointed and said that my sister didn’t show up. Her husband called the following day to see why she hadn’t gone home. It was then that we knew she was missing.”

She walked back to her chair.
“I don’t know what happened to her, but I’d like to find out. I want to find her alive, but if that’s not possible, she needs to come home and rest next to her kin. My other siblings are with me on this. We have the financial muscle to get this done if you have any clues.” Lucy finished her story and sat back waiting for feedback.

Samson cleared his throat before speaking, “I do not believe in the occult or magic. Everything in this world must have a logical explanation. What I know is that the people who’ve committed the recent murders are skilled. They can get in and out of places without leaving a trace. The causes of death can be traced to substances or circumstances that happened physically.”

He looked at Lucy before he continued, “It’s almost as if they were eliminated by highly trained assassins. I’m guessing that someone with the ability to kill someone with a spell wouldn’t need an assassin, right?”

“I guess so. But, there are many secret organizations that hunt down anything that they consider non-human. Also, there are other things apart from witches and wizards in this world.” Lucy responded.

“So I’ve heard. I choose to focus my investigation on the murders and the methodology. If I get anything, I will notify Broody. I hope I have your consent to look into the murders Broody?” Samson asked.

“Of course Samson, and don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. What about you Nina? What do you think?”

“Obviously I have a lot to think about. Duke and I will reach out in case we find anything. We’d like to excuse ourselves. We are tired and we won’t be of use to you until we get some rest.” Nina and Duke stood up and headed to the door.