Pack of lies a green wit.., p.1
Pack of Lies: A Green Witch Mystery, page 1
P L Matthews
Pack of Lies
A Green Witch Mystery 2
Copyright © 2024 by P L Matthews
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission.
This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.
P L Matthews asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work.
First edition
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To my dad, a hopeless romantic. I spot you twinkling among the stars.
Contents
Foreword
1. CHAPTER 1
2. CHAPTER 2
3. CHAPTER 3
4. CHAPTER 4
5. CHAPTER 5
6. CHAPTER 6
7. CHAPTER 7
8. CHAPTER 8
9. CHAPTER 9
10. CHAPTER 10
11. CHAPTER 11
12. CHAPTER 12
13. CHAPTER 13
14. CHAPTER 14
15. CHAPTER 15
16. CHAPTER 16
17. CHAPTER 17
18. CHAPTER 18
19. CHAPTER 19
20. CHAPTER 20
21. CHAPTER 21
22. CHAPTER 22
23. CHAPTER 23
24. CHAPTER 24
25. CHAPTER 25
26. CHAPTER 26
27. CHAPTER 27
28. CHAPTER 28
29. CHAPTER 29
30. CHAPTER 30
31. CHAPTER 31
32. EPILOGUE
Notes to Readers
Acknowledgements
Also by P L Matthews
About the Author
Foreword
You might notice that the spelling here is a bit different – that’s because we’re speaking Aussie English, where “colour” has a “u” and “realise” gets an “s.” Plus, it’s set in the beautiful city of Sydney, Australia. So don’t be surprised if you catch the occasional “mate” slipping through the pages. Consider it a free lesson in Aussie slang, but don’t worry, I’ll try to keep the kangaroos and koalas to a minimum. Enjoy the read. Cheers!
Footnote: Later in the book, an Aboriginal character refers to his ‘mob’. For those of you not fluent in the dialect of ‘Down Under’, ‘mob’ doesn’t mean he’s involved with any gangsters. In Australian Aboriginal terms, it’s a colloquial way to describe the group of people they’re connected to, often linked to a specific place or ‘country.’
1
CHAPTER 1
The evenings had started to cool down as autumn took over from summer. Rhianne’s “Tea Leaves” landscape and garden business gleamed with a kaleidoscope of orange and yellows amidst the greens. The sunset painted additional layers of gold across the scene. Rhianne couldn’t help but find it kind of funny that being a green witch didn’t come with a built-in way to stay warm. Shouldn’t nature magic cover that? Of course, she was also half-elf, courtesy of an elven father she had seen a total of five times in her thirty-six years of life.
She’d been doing a pretty good job of ignoring that side of her heritage until recently. Except said heritage wouldn’t leave her alone. Out of the blue, some elven spy, they called them Shadows, had been sent to tail her. And no, their mission wasn’t to bump her off, although they had plenty of chances. Nope, here she was, shivering like a wet cat, but still very much alive. It remained a mystery to be solved at a later date.
It had been nearly two months since the Parkes murder case. A case that had inspired her to do more detective work as a side hustle. Nel, however, had not given her an investigation to dive into, and she couldn’t decide if she was relieved or itching for more action. Her incubus best friend was likely busy with the running of his nightclub. The Devil’s Advocate had a reputation as the best club in town. And naturally, like any nightclub worth its cover charge, The Devil’s Advocate was a hotbed of secrets and behind-the-scenes drama.
Toto, who many assumed was her familiar—though his true backstory remained as enigmatic as a magician’s disappearing act—and Kai, her very recent boyfriend were firmly in the relieved camp at the lack of action. Toto because he considered himself her protector, in all his fluffy Maltese dog glory, and Kai because he didn’t trust or like Nel.
Living in the same place as you worked had its perks and she only had a short walk back up to her apartment. Having locked the entrance to the plant nursery, she headed up the stairs. The scent of eucalyptus and lemon myrtle filled the air and she took a deep breath. She was eager to slip into a cosy cardigan and start preparing dinner. As she opened the door, a strong magical presence tingled her senses and she froze in her tracks. Leaning against the opposite wall, the silhouette of a man became distinct. She switched on the light, and he blinked. He wore a traditional green elf vest, tights, and long boots. Leather bands crisscrossed his strong arms, but they were otherwise bare. A long single braid of blond hair hung over his shoulder, and his emerald green eyes shone.
His beauty was ethereal and Rhianne bit her cheek. “What are you doing here?”
“Hello, Daughter.” His voice resonated like the depths of a well.
She’d seen the beauty before, she’d heard the cocooning effect of his voice too, and it had as much impact on her as a fly in a snowstorm. She wasn’t an easily impressed child anymore. She closed the door behind her and stepped inside. “And how did you even get in here?”
His smile faded as he peeled himself off the wall. “Is that the way you greet your father after so long?”
His choice of attire hinted he had no intention of staying for an extended period; otherwise, he would have opted for more contemporary clothing. Nothing new there. Rhianne massaged her neck, her fingers working to soothe the tense knots that had built up. She crossed her arms over her chest. “Well, it’s been five years, four months, and twelve days without even a message, Cael. What kind of reception did you expect? A red carpet and a marching band, perhaps?”
Rhianne moved over to a sofa and plopped herself down. Grabbing a cushion, she placed it protectively over her chest as she fixed her glare on her father.
Cael walked to the armchair nearest Rhianne and took a seat. He frowned. “Is that human sarcasm? I do not recall you using it the last time.”
Rhianne arched an eyebrow. “Maybe you would have noticed it before if you’d stuck around long enough.” She inwardly cursed herself for allowing her emotions to surface.
He pulled at his braid, inadvertently mussing it. “I deserve that, and no excuse I give you will ever satisfy, I suspect,” His tone was soft, almost pleading.
“A bit late for that, considering I’m thirty-six years old. This isn’t a heartwarming father-daughter reunion, complete with tears and a hug because that would require you to actually visit me on a semi-regular basis.” She paused to compose herself. “I’m going to assume you want something, so let’s skip any obligatory niceties and get straight to the point.”
Cael got up and returned with Rhianne’s black cardigan. He handed it to her without a word. Rhianne considered refusing the cardigan out of sheer stubbornness. She didn’t want him to act like he cared. It was hard enough to accept the fact she had an absent father, but for him to pretend during his brief visits was simply too much to bear. These visits were punctuated by his unsolicited advice and his arrogant views on humans. Well, she was a grown-up witch now and she didn’t need his pity or filial duty or whatever it was that kept him turning up. Besides, her plants provided better company, and they didn’t come with polite condescension or awkward family reunions.
But she took the cardigan and draped it over her shoulders.
“Well, I see that some things haven’t changed. Unlike your mother, you never hesitate to tell me the unvarnished truth.”
“My mother wouldn’t acknowledge the truth even if it came with a neon sign. Unless it suited her agenda, of course,” Rhianne retorted. “I think that would make the two of you quite compatible, actually. I believe the fae are known for their talent in evading direct answers and dancing around the truth.”
He let out a weary sigh. “Perhaps. But I didn’t come here to reminisce about your mother.”
Rhianne snorted. Rarely did her parents mention each other.
“I came to talk to you,” he added.
“What on earth could possibly interest you about me? Or is this about the Shadow?”
Cael’s demeanour underwent an instant transformation, his body becoming rigid. She swore she saw some silver sparks flickering from his fingertips. His eyes narrowed into mere slits and he gripped what might have been the invisible hilt of a sword. “A Shadow here? Are you certain?”
Rhianne rolled her eyes, though secretly she couldn’t deny her father looked rather impressive and dangerous in that moment. “Of course, I’m certain. Toto told me. He was lurking in my personal plant nursery,” she began and then realised her father had never met Toto. Instead of questioning it, his posture grew even more unyielding. He closed his eyes, and once more, t
“Wait! Where are you going?” Rhianne called after him, leaping to her feet to follow in his footsteps.
Cael moved with such speed, he was a blur, effortlessly bypassing her locks and wards. The door to her plant nursery stood open and unlocked as Rhianne headed inside. When she caught up to him near her workbench, she wondered how he had managed to penetrate her defences, including her magical signature. All magical beings had one, a little like a residue barrier, and hers was meant to help keep intruders at bay. She made a mental note to have a discussion with Toto about it later.
He grasped her shoulders. His eyes burned with a fury she’d never seen before, leaving her unsure of how to react.
“Did the Shadow hurt you?” he demanded. The intensity in Cael’s eyes sent shivers down Rhianne’s spine.
Nope, not going there. He wasn’t showing he was worried. Maybe he had a beef with the Shadow, nothing to do with her. “He’s long gone. Toto said he used a portal,” She shoved the emotions down and tried to think logically. Did Cael have the same ability to detect the Shadow or was he simply relying on her account? It had been a while since they had found the spy’s footprints in her secure area.
Cael’s shoulders relaxed, but he maintained his grip on her shoulders. “I can sense he was here. Not many can detect a Shadow though. I apologise if I frightened you. I should have exercised more restraint,” he admitted, his teeth clenched. It was evident he was struggling to maintain control.
“Okay, so I guess that answers one of my questions,” Rhianne said. “It wasn’t you who sent the Shadow my way.”
Cael withdrew his hands from her shoulders, taking a step back as though she had scorched him. “I would never stoop so low as to send a Shadow to spy on you.”
“But would you send one to harm me? To kill me?” She was pushing his buttons but she didn’t care.
He flinched; a nearly imperceptible reaction that might have slipped past her notice if she hadn’t been paying close attention. Darn it! Deep down she knew he would never hurt her.
Cael took a deep breath, regaining his composure as he regarded her. “I would go to any lengths to protect you,” he said and his words resonated with sincerity. “It’s uncommon to use the services of a Shadow just for spying. Shadows are rare and difficult to procure. To send an assassin your way! I will uncover the truth behind the Shadow and ensure those responsible face the consequences.”
Rhianne took hold of her father’s arm. His eyes widened as he looked down at the hand offering support.
“I don’t think the Shadow had any intention of hurting me,” she said. “If that was the case, he would have done it already. The question is who would be interested in spying on me, and what could they possibly hope to gain?”
A loud voice echoed behind her. “Cael, what enemies have you brought to the child’s doorstep?”
Rhianne spun around to face Toto, who had transformed into his eagle form. He knew her father?
Cael inclined his head in Toto’s direction. “I assure you; I have no part in this.”
Toto’s eyes narrowed. “How else do you explain this invasion? The significance of someone sending a Shadow cannot be underestimated.”
Cael paced within the garden enclosure, lost in thought, before finally speaking up. “I am well aware of how difficult it is to secure a Shadow. It implies someone with significant resources and influence is involved, likely tied to the politics of the Fae Realm. However, I am struggling to understand their ultimate objective. I have been extremely cautious, timing my visits to avoid all suspicion. No one should be aware of her existence.”
Rhianne’s eyes widened, her confusion evident as she switched between glaring at her father and Toto. “What do you mean, careful with the visits?”
Cael turned around to face her, his jaw firmly set, and deep lines furrowing his forehead. “It is a father’s duty to visit their offspring and ensure their wellbeing. Do you not believe so?”
Rhianne closed her eyes, overwhelmed by a surge of emotions. This was not happening. She had never asked him before about his prolonged absences, too afraid of the answer. Opening her eyes, she fixed him with another glare. “What am I supposed to believe? I rarely see you; you have no clue about what is going on with my life now or ever.” Her breathing quickened, and her voice escalated to almost a shout.
“Let us all calm down,” Toto said.
Rhianne lasered on him. “And you! You seem to know my father quite well. In fact, he trusts your word implicitly. Care to explain?”
Toto opened his beak to respond, but his gaze shifted, staring into the distance. “A portal is about to open nearby. Cael, assist me in hiding our presence.”
Without a moment’s hesitation, Cael responded, and she sensed the magnetic pull of his magic. The warmth of his power enveloped them, carrying a scent reminiscent of a forest after rainfall.
A flickering light source caught her attention, and she held her breath. Not that she was an expert in portals, but it was taking a long time for the intruder to step forward. And then it hit her. Of course! Toto must have anticipated the intruder would first check to ensure there was no one around before fully emerging. And Toto had known what her father’s powers could do. Had asked him to help enhance his magic. Secrets upon secrets, Ugh! It was clear both of them had been keeping a lot from her, and it was about time they had a serious conversation about trust and transparency.
Her father’s magic surpassed anything she had encountered before. Not only was their magic concealed, but the three of them became invisible. She couldn’t see herself, let alone her father and Toto. Her senses failed to pick up on any traces of their essences.
The subtle light formed an arch and her stomach knotted. A silhouette emerged and stepped forward, crossing over to their side of the portal. The portal dimmed, revealing the stranger in clearer detail.
He stood almost as tall as her father and wore a midnight-black outfit that absorbed the light. A hooded cloak with a deep cowl and a mask concealed his identity, leaving only his sharp, observant eyes visible. The clothes hugged his well-defined muscles, showcasing a balance between strength and agility.
Her father materialised right next to the Shadow, his long knife pressing against his throat. In one fluid motion, he had deftly removed the Shadow’s hood, exposing his face. “Greetings, Alvador,” Cael said in a velvety whisper.
“Greetings, Lord Caelan,” the Shadow responded, his voice calm and steady despite his tense posture.
“I believe an explanation for your presence is in order,” Cael said as if they were simply engaged in a casual conversation.
“And I suppose the same goes for your presence?” the Shadow retorted, a hint of cockiness coming through in his tone.
The lights came on and Rhianne assumed Toto must have switched them on with his magic. Cael remained silent, but a trickle of blood appeared on the Shadow’s throat. Rhianne gasped at the casual show of violence, and the Shadow’s gaze turned towards her. Darn it! Rhianne’s heart sank. She had revealed her presence.
A slow grin crept across Alvador’s face. “Well, well, it seems you have been keeping the halfling under wraps. I am certain the queen would be delighted to learn about your secret rendezvous.”
Toto transformed into his dog form, became visible, thrusting out his chest. “Oh, I think not, Shadow,” Toto replied, his voice shifting to a higher pitch. “Unless, of course, you think the court would be thrilled to learn about the halfling’s remarkable talent for tracking your footprints.”
Rhianne blinked, realising Toto was spinning a tall tale.
“And let us not forget the nobles. They would absolutely adore hearing how Caelan caught you off guard and emerged victorious. It would do wonders for his reputation,” Toto raised a paw as if inspecting his nails. “You see, the pixie network is incredibly efficient. Without us lesser fae, how would the nobles manage all their menial tasks?”
Alvador’s gaze shifted towards Toto. “A halfling would never have been able to —”
“I have tolerated enough insolence from you,” Cael interrupted, applying more pressure with the knife. Rhianne was impressed by the Shadow’s lack of response, though the tension in his eyes was clear.
