Witch Is When Stuff Got Serious (A Witch P.I. Mystery Book 11) Read Online Free PDF Page B

was a large crowd gathered around the front of my building. What was going on? As I got closer, I noticed a number of small signs which had been pushed into the grass. They read: ‘Yard Sale Today’ .
    I enjoyed a good yard sale. Obviously, most of what was on offer was usually rubbish, but you could occasionally pick up a bargain. This one had certainly attracted a crowd; there were dozens of people milling around. It was only when I got closer that I realised the person running the yard sale was none other than Betty Longbottom.
    My heart sank.
    I took a quick look around the tables, and sure enough, there was all the contraband which she’d had stashed in her spare bedroom. The contraband which I’d managed to hide from the police when they’d caught her shoplifting. I’d made her promise that she’d return all of these goods, and stop the shoplifting. So why was she selling it in a yard sale?
    “Betty!”
    “Hi, Jill.”
    “Or should I call you Miss Longbottom?”
    “Betty’s fine. I only insist on Miss Longbottom when I’m on duty.”
    “I thought tax inspectors were always on duty. Did Luther get in touch with you?”
    “He did. Everything is sorted now. Nothing for you to worry about.”
    “Good.”
    I would have loved to be a fly on the wall when Betty met Luther. She’d probably thrown herself at him. Poor old Luther—having to fight off a rampant Longbottom.
    “Hi, Jill.”
    Speak of the devil.
    “Hi, gorgeous.” Luther planted a kiss on Betty’s lips.
    What? How? Why?
    “Morning, Luthie.” Betty was positively glowing.
    Luthie?
    Was this some kind of practical joke? Had they staged this little charade for my benefit?
    “Are you two—err—I mean—are you?” My brain had turned to mush.
    “We are!” Betty gushed. “And it’s all thanks to you!”
    “Yes. Thanks, Jill.” Luther flashed that sexy smile of his.
    How had Betty Longbottom gone from Norman AKA Mastermind to sex god, Luther Stone?
    “I’ve got to dash, Betty.” Luther planted another kiss on her lips. “Bye, Jill.”
    I was still too stunned to speak.
    “Don’t you think he’s sexy?” Betty said, once he’d left.
    “I suppose. Can’t say I’d really thought about it.”
    “Do you see anything you’d like to buy, Jill?”
    She was doing a brisk trade, but that was hardly surprising. There were designer shoes, dresses, coats and handbags. Plus, jewellery and expensive perfume. All at rock-bottom prices.
    “No, there isn’t anything I want to buy. What do you think you’re doing selling this stuff?”
    “It’s taking up room in my flat.”
    “You promised me you’d take it all back to the shops.”
    “I know, but it would have taken too long. I thought the best thing I could do would be to sell it, and give the proceeds to charity.”
    That was something, at least.
    “Which charity?”
    “Crustaceans Rescue And Preservation.”
    “C.R.A.P?”
    “Yes.”
    You couldn’t make this stuff up.
     
    ***
     
    A brand new bar had opened in Washbridge, so I decided to check it out. It was called Bar Fish, which I thought was an unusual choice of name, but when I walked inside I could see why. One whole wall was a gigantic fish tank filled with every size and shape of tropical fish imaginable. I was absolutely mesmerised. But it didn’t end there. Glass tubes ran along the walls, and below my feet were large tanks which ran the full length of the building. It was amazing!
    The barman greeted me with a smile.
    “This place is spectacular,” I said.
    “It is kind of amazing, isn’t it?” The man’s waistcoat was covered in pictures of tropical fish.
    “Could I have a small, white wine, please?”
    “I’m sorry, madam. We only serve fishtails.”
    “Fishtails?”
    “It’s our version of a cocktail.”
    “Oh, right. I see. Could I have the drinks list, then.”
    Every drink was named after a tropical fish. “What would you recommend?”
    “The Silver Shark is very nice. It’s not too strong for