Castle Murders by John Dechancie Read Free Book Online Page A

waiting for you to make your move. Oh, by the way, I saved the worst for last. He's got Helen out there."  
    "She's there willingly?"
    "I don't know. Boss, you know he's got her spelled somehow. I really think he loves her. Always has. Funny. He could have almost any woman he wants. But he carries a torch for the only one who ever jilted him. I know she loves you. Maybe that's why."  
    "I wouldn't be surprised. Anyway, so he says he's waiting for me?"
    "Yeah, and he's claiming that he's the more powerful magician now. Says you're all washed up in this town." Howland pursed his lips and shook his head. "Boss, we sure could use some dengs on our side."  
    "You inevitably lose when you traffic in the Dark Arts."
    "Pardon me, boss, but it seems like we're the ones who're losing at the moment."
    "It only seems like it. But what are you advising? Cutting some sort of deal? Give up Hellgate?"
    "Cut our losses," Howland said. "Get out with all the cash we can grab. We have areas of the city in which we're a lot less vulnerable."  
    "For how long? Tweel doesn't want any competition anywhere in the city."
    "That's true."
    "So, how long do you think we can hold him off?"
    Howland shrugged. "I grant you there's an inevitable time factor, but buying time isn't all that bad an idea for now. Besides, boss, I don't think we have any choice."  
    Incarnadine sat back. "Maybe not. Howie, you go ahead and open up negotiations with their counselor. Stall them. I'll be at the Pelican Club inside of an hour."  
    "What are you going to do, boss?"
    "While you're negotiating, I'm going to pay Tweel a visit out at The Tweeleries."
    "Are you talking alone ?"
    "That's what I'm talking. He wants a showdown, he's going to get one."
    "You'll never get near the place, boss. He's got the boys out in force, extra dengs he's conjured up, trip spells, all kinds of devices. And that place of his is like a fortress."  
    "The dengs are his trump suit. The rest is just dressing. And I can deal with demons pretty well. I happen to live inside of one."  
    "You oughta know, boss. I'll be at the office if you need me."
    "Good. Take care, Howie."
    "Good luck, boss."
    "Thanks."
    Incarnadine hung up and the screen faded to black. He let out a breath and shook his head.
    "Tyrene will have to handle it," he said. He got up and made for the door, but again was thwarted by the jangling telephone.
    "Things come in threes," he murmured.
    The man on the screen had his back to the camera (of which there was none anyway, but no matter).
    Incarnadine picked up the earpiece.
    "Yes?"
    "Is this the castle?"
    "Yes."
    "I was told to report."
    "I see. Where are you?"
    "In the village. I don't understand why I was summoned, or what I'm supposed to do."
    "Ah. Well, I'm sorry, there's no one here who can answer your questions at the moment."
    The man sighed. "It's always like this."
    "I'm so sorry."
    "It matters little. Shall I call again?"
    "It's up to you. By the way, who shall I say phoned?"
    "Call me 'K.'"
    "Uh, K., listen — again, my apologies, but we're really up to our butts in alligators here."
    "I understand. I'll wait around here for a while, if you don't mind."
    "As I said, it's up to you. Sorry to cut you off, but I have to run."
    "Goodbye, then."
    Shrugging, Incarnadine hung up.
    "Trials and tribulations," he complained. "But that's to be expected."
    He ran for the door.
    Â 

 

 
    Library
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    "There sure are a lot of books here," Melanie said.
    "You bet," Linda said.
    The library was several stories high, spiral staircases communicating between levels. The second and third levels were galleries that looked out onto the main floor. The open stacks were on the ground floor, and they seemed endless. The place was as big as the biggest city or university library, if it wasn't a lot bigger. For all that, the place abounded with inglenooks and carrels and other cozy places to curl up with a good book. There were certainly enough books; most of