Witch Is Why Time Stood Still (A Witch P.I. Mystery Book 13) by Adele Abbott

“You’re meant to be the most powerful witch in Candlefield.”
    “That’s what some people say.”
    “So, what does the most powerful witch in Candlefield want with a mere vampire?”
    “I wanted to speak to you in your capacity as captain of the Blue Flags BoundBall team.”
    “I wouldn’t have had you down as a BoundBall fan, although now I come to think about it, didn’t you organise that women’s game?”
    “I did, yes.”
    “What are you after? Free tickets for the big game? I can get you a few of those—no problem.”
    “No, nothing like that. Have you heard that two of the Eagles’ players have been taken ill?”
    “Yeah. Some sort of virus, isn’t it? A bit unlucky.”
    “The timing is very unfortunate. And a bit of a coincidence, wouldn’t you say?”
    “Wait a minute. Have you been talking to Eddie Wonder?”
    “I have, yes.”
    “I might have known. What exactly has he accused me of? Trying to nobble his team? How exactly does he think I managed that?”
    I ignored his question because I didn’t want to use the word ‘poison’ in public.
    “Did you have anything to do with it?”
    “Of course not. How am I supposed to have given them a virus? You can tell Eddie from me, that the Blue Flags are going to win the league, but we’ll win it fair and square. On merit, and not because we’ve sabotaged his team.”
     
    ***
     
    After my meeting with Teddy Barr, I was walking through Candlefield Market Square, when I spotted a familiar face; it was Eddie Wonder. He stepped inside a small shop. It was one I’d walked past several times, but I’d always assumed it had gone out of business. The faded sign above the door read ‘Candle Launderette’.
    As I got closer, Eddie re-emerged.
    “Hello, Eddie.”
    “Oh? Hi there. ”
    “Getting your smalls washed?”
    “Sorry?” He looked puzzled.
    “The launderette? Are you doing the weekly wash?”
    “I—err—get my BoundBall kit cleaned there.”
    “Where is it?”
    “Where’s what?”
    “Your kit?”
    “I—err—just took it in.”
    “I see.”
    “Anyway, I’d better get going.” He started to walk away. “I’m meant to be meeting someone.”
    “Okay, bye.”
    How very curious. I was almost positive he hadn’t had anything with him when he’d gone into the shop. And why had he been in such a hurry to get away? Surely, I wasn’t so scary? I peered through the window of the launderette. There was no sign of life inside—just a row of washing machines—all with their doors wide open.
     
    ***
     
    At my request, all of the jewellers except Are Forever had agreed to close for thirty minutes starting at one-forty-five.
    “I still don’t really understand why we’re doing this, Jill.” Arnold, the owner of Are Forever, said.
    “You’ll just have to trust me on this one.”
    “ What do you want us to do?”
    “ Just carry on as usual. Serve the customers as you would do normally.”
    “What about you? What will you be doing?”
    “I’ll be in the back office. If I leave the door ajar, I’ll be able to see into the shop. Is that okay?”
    “Of course. Is this going to be dangerous?”
    “Only for the thief. You, your staff and customers will be perfectly safe, I promise.”
    He managed a smile, but I could see he was nervous.
     
    It was ten minutes before two. If my hunch was right, things should start to happen within the next few minutes. I took the tin out of my pocket, and headed towards the door.
    “What’s that?” Arnold said.
    “Brown chalk dust.” I began to shake the chalk onto the floor around the door. I’d chosen the colour closest to the shade of the wooden floor.
    “Is that necessary? What will the customers think?”
    “I doubt they’ll even notice it.”
    Once I was in the back again, I fixed my gaze on the area immediately in front of the door.
    The doorbell chimed, and an elderly couple walked in leaving two sets of footprints. I kept watching, and sure enough, a moment later, a third set