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“The Trai Amulet has been in the care of Aldea women for at least eight generations, possibly more. This, here”—she tapped on the tree design at the center of the photograph—“is our family sigil.”
If the Fernsbys had a family sigil, it would likely be the same. Did the resemblance mean something more? Was Cornelius Kurnbottom’s visit to my mother’s magic shop connected to the amulet?
“I had lent the amulet to the show hosted by the local museum at the castle. After the order came in from the library to turn it over, I contacted the curator. He said it was missing, and had been stolen.”
“If the amulet had been stolen, why wouldn’t Mr. Kurnbottom reach out to you immediately after the theft?” I asked.
“That’s exactly what I asked,” Silas said under his breath.
Edwina took a sip of her tea. “He must not have realized it was missing until I asked for it back. He’s a secretive man, certainly struggles with his own vices, but he’s not a liar.”
“You seem confident in that assessment,” I said. “How well do you know Mr. Kurnbottom?” Well enough to have trusted him with her family’s prized possession, it seemed.
“This is a small village,” Edwina said. “You’d be hard pressed to find a secret everyone doesn’t know.”
“Any locals known for their sticky fingers?”
“Noah Darie. Though he only steals livestock. He’s human. Wouldn’t know the value of the amulet even if he held it in his own hands.”
Sounded like Noah Darie was mine and Imogen’s driver. His penchant for livestock theft explained the sheep we’d found in his trunk.
“That’s very useful, thank you,” I said. “Could you share what exactly is the true value of the amulet? Is there anyone else who would have a reason to steal the amulet? Or could you perhaps share with me why the library is interested in collecting it in the first place?”
“Reason? It magnifies. Everyone has a reason, if they realize what it does. Now if you’ll excuse me, it’s time for my nap.” She rose from her seat.
“Magnifies?” I asked.
“You will leave now,” she said.
“Of course,” I said. “Thank you for your time.”
I headed for the door. I could feel the heat of Silas next to me, silent. It was a shame that once we stepped outside, his mild-mannered charade would be over.
Edwina ushered us out, leaving Silas and me standing on her doorstep. She closed the door after us.
I turned to Silas. “What was that?”
“It was quite clear Edwina Aldea is a sexist…” He furrowed his brows and scowled somehow even more deeply than before. “Elf?”
“I’m not talking about her. I’m talking about you. Why would you tell her we were married? You had no idea I was going to show up.”
“Of course I did.I know you, Lily.”
I shook my head. “You shouldn’t have led by laying your hands on me. I could just as easily have shoved the palm of my hand into the bridge of your nose, breaking it. Or worse, I could have done the same to your manhood.”
Something flashed across his eyes. “But you didn’t.”
“I should have. You deserve it. You’ve stolen everything from me, and you’re trying to steal more, to take what little I have left.”
“I’m not.” He ran a hand through his hair. “I swear to you, I’m not.”
“Then you’re failing terribly.”
“Let me explain.”
“I’m all ears.”
He glanced up at the house, and to the window where Edwina spoke on her telephone as she watched us. “Not here.”
