Hidden Mortality by Maggie Mundy

go?”
    “Interesting.” Cara bit her bottom lip not knowing where to start without sounding like the world’s worst daughter.
    “Interesting, that’s it. I’m due a coffee break and with what I’ve managed to sell today the boss shouldn’t complain. See you outside in five.”
    Shona slipped her arm in Cara’s as they walked down the narrow side street and entered a little cafe.
    “The coffee’s really good, but the queues are long. It’s worth it though if you can’t live without your caffeine like me.”
    “I don’t think I’m quite as bad as you, but I’m working on it.” Cara followed Shona to a table in the corner. It wasn’t quiet, but at least they were sitting down.
    “So what happened?”
    “The food was wonderful, of course. As usual, Mother had her normal collection of cronies plus a couple of marital candidates for me.”
    “So, tell me more.” Shona sipped on her long black.
    “One was an accountant, who I’m sure thought the whole concept of the Irish having an official cuisine was a contradiction to the laws of physics. The other one was, well, I’m not sure what he was? His name was Vincent and he’s moved next door to them, and he kissed my hand.” The comment caused Shona to choke on her coffee.
    “He kissed your hand. Now come on, that has to be a first.”
    “Yes it was, and he complimented us on our cooking. His eyes were strange though, like he was looking right at you. I don’t know. It was like he could see more than you wanted him too, you know?” It sounded ridiculous but these days she usually did anyway so what was new.
    “No, I don’t know, but he sounds the most unusual candidate your mother has found so far. If he is rich and you are not interested, send him my way. Not that I’m saying you should take up with any of her choices. Did you do the herb thing?” Shona leaned forward eagerly.
    “Yes I did.”
    “Did you use the aphrodisiac ones?” Shona giggled.
    “Hell no. I used the combination that draws out honesty. It was more appropriate in their case. I don’t think I should’ve done it. I’m messing with what Aunty Eileen and Nanna gave me.”
    “From what you have told me Nanna Kathleen had a great sense of humor and would have loved it.”
    “I finished the book on immortality and witchcraft.”
    “And?”
    “It didn’t answer any of my questions. It just rambled on about ancient sects and bloodthirsty young bloods in the seventeenth century. There was a load of medical stuff I didn’t get, plus a section on witches with different colored eyes being sacrificed. I can’t say I enjoyed reading that bit.”
    “That kind of stuff was done hundreds of years ago. People don’t do that now. What with forensics and everything, they’d never get away with it. You’ve got it out of your system and you’re to become a boring person like the rest of us again, or are you still going to try the odd spell?”
    “I’m going to drop the book off at the address of the guy from the shop. Then I’ll return to my incredibly exciting life of cooking and slowly going insane.”
    “Do you think that’s wise just going up to some strangers home?” Shona said as she raised an eyebrow and pursed her lips.
    “It’s a nice country drive and I thought I’d just place it on his doorstep.”
    Shona glanced at her watch. “Shit, I’d better get back. I’ll call you tonight.”
    As they walked out Cara remembered about Vincent’s business card. “I forgot to tell you, this Vincent guy is into antiques and I told him about your shop. I hope you get something out of it, he looks like money.”
    Leaving Bath, her heart raced with excitement. She loved these autumn days. They were cold, but the sky was clear and sunny. No grey clouds to dampen her feelings. It hadn’t been a hot summer. Leaves were returning to their luscious varieties of gold, amber and dark green.
    Trowbridge hadn’t been too busy. Smithy Lane was just outside of town. Cara’s heart