Witch Is When Life Got Complicated by Adele Abbott Read Free Book Online Page A

that?
    “And load and unload the dishwasher.”
    “I could sweep the floor at the same time if you like?”
    “Yeah—that would be good.”
    Irony hadn’t yet found its way to Candlefield.
     
    It wasn’t until I’d finished my training that the twins informed me that there would be another assistant working alongside me.
    “I wish you’d told me that earlier. I’ve been panicking like mad.”
    “It was our revenge for you bullying us earlier,” Amber said.
    “I didn’t bully you.”
    “You did, but in a good way. We needed someone to make us see sense.”
    “And you’re okay now?”
    “Yeah, we’re fine now that we know you’re going to get to the bottom of the Candlefield Cup mystery.”
     
    The other assistant had experience of working in a coffee shop. Next to her, I looked like the class dunce. By the time I’d finished for the day, my head was spinning.
     
    “Barry!”
    When I crouched down, the crazy dog threw himself at me, and began to lick my face.
    “Enough! Barry, that’s enough!”
    “Where have you been?” he said. “Can we go for a walk? Please! Please! Can we? Can we?”
    How could I refuse? I felt guilty at leaving him for days at a time even though I knew the twins and Aunt Lucy doted on him.
    “Sure, where would you like to go?”
    “The park. Can we go to the park? I love the park! Can we? Can we?”
    “The park it is.”
     

Chapter 7
     
    “If I let you off the lead, you have to promise not to stray too far away.”
    The cool breeze had kept most people at home. The only other people in the park were dog-walkers and some young boys riding their bikes.
    “I promise, I promise.” Barry strained at the lead.
    “Stay close by where I can see you.”
    “Okay, okay. I promise. I want to run. Please.”
    “Stay nearby. Got it?”
    “Got it!”
    I unclipped the lead.
    “Barry! Wait!”
    Within seconds, he'd disappeared behind a clump of bushes in the near distance. I was dead on my feet from my day in the tea room, and now I had to chase after a stupid dog. What was it with me and animals? Why did they all run rings around me?
    “Barry!” I reached the bushes.
    “Is he yours?” A man was watching Barry and another dog take turns to chase one another in circles.
    I nodded, trying to catch my breath. “Sorry about that. He just took off.”
    “No problem. You're doing me a favour.” The man smiled—it was a killer smile. “I get to take a break while these two wear one another out. My name’s Drake, Drake Tyson.” He offered his hand. He had a firm handshake.
    “Jill Gooder.”
    “Nice to meet you, Jill Gooder.”
    The man was serious eye-candy. Aunt Lucy had told me that I’d be able to sense what kind of sup someone was, and I was definitely getting a wizard vibe off Drake. Was I right? What was the etiquette? Was it okay to ask? Best not to.
    “What’s your dog’s name?” I said.
    “Chief. Yours?”
    “Barry.”
    “Barry?” He laughed. “Sorry. Barry is a great name.”
    “No it’s not.” I laughed too. “It’s a terrible name, but I didn’t choose it. He was a present.”
    “I haven’t seen you in the park before.” Drake threw a ball, and the two dogs charged after it.
    “I only live here in Candlefield part-time.”
    “Really? You are a witch though, right?”
    “Yes, but I only found out a few weeks ago.”
    Drake looked confused.
    “It’s complicated.”
    “Maybe you can tell me about it sometime?”
    “Maybe.”
    Drake checked his watch. “Is that the time? I have to go. Chief!”
    Instantly, the dog turned back, and within seconds was at his master’s side. Are you watching this, Barry?
    “Good to meet you,” Drake said. “Maybe I’ll see you in here again?”
    “Maybe.” Definitely if I have anything to do with it.
    I watched Drake and Chief until they’d disappeared out of the park gates.
    “Barry?” Where was that crazy dog now?
     
    I’d arranged to meet the twins at Aunt Lucy’s. They must have been looking