Magic Outside the Box Read online

  Table of Contents

  Report 01: A Visit From the Queen

  Report 02: Murder, Murder Most Foul

  Report 03: Bullets and Bouillabaisse Jamie's Additional Report 3.5

  Report 04: Unanswered Questions

  Report 05: A Study in Bullets

  Report 06: The (un)Helpful

  Report 07: Strange Clues

  Report 08: Magical Theory

  Report 09: Location, Location, Location

  Report 10: #Witnesses

  Report 11: Magic Bullet

  Report 12: Target Practice

  Report 13: Speed

  Report 14: Four for a Funeral

  Report 15: The Archives

  Report 16: Dead-ends

  Report 17: Finally, a Lead!

  Report 18: A Break in the Case

  Report 19: At Least Things Can't Get Worse (Oh Wait)

  Report 20: Confession

  Jamie's Additional Report: Aftermath

  Jamie's Notes to Herself

  File X: Author

  Published by Raconteur House

  Murfreesboro, TN

  THE CASE FILES OF HENRI DAVENFORTH: Magic Outside the Box

  Case Files 3

  A Raconteur House book/ published by arrangement with the author

  Copyright © 2019 by Honor Raconteur

  Cover by Katie Griffin

  Vintage metal texture pattern of medieval gate by Prostock-studio/Shutterstock; Vintage keyholes collection isolated on white background by Chones/Shutterstock

  This book is a work of fiction, so please treat it like a work of fiction. Seriously. References to real people, dead people, good guys, bad guys, stupid politicians, companies, restaurants, cats with attitudes, events, products, dragons, locations, pop culture references, or wacky historical events are intended to provide a sense of authenticity and are used fictitiously. Or because I wanted it in the story. Characters, names, story, location, dialogue, weird humor and strange incidents all come from the author’s very fertile imagination and are not to be construed as real. No, I don’t believe in killing off main characters. Villains are a totally different story.

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights.

  Purchase only authorized editions.

  For information address: www.raconteurhouse.com

  My chocolate was missing.

  I stared at the vacant spot with a mixture of resignation and bemusement. Mostly resignation. I had no need to question who the thief might be. I knew quite well my erstwhile partner had taken the liberty. No doubt she’d make some blithe comment to cover her theft if I confronted her about it. I felt more bemused on when she’d absconded with the box. I’d barely put it in place two hours ago and I’d been in my lab most of the morning. Really, I knew professional thieves who would envy her skills.

  Giving up, I assuaged my taste buds with the promise of stopping by Kingston’s Chocolatory during lunch. For now, I had work to do.

  It had been two weeks since the charms case that had unleashed an epidemic on the city. Kingston had not truly recovered from it—not yet—and areas of the population were still getting back on their feet. The Kingsmen were only at half strength. I’d participated in more than a few favors for Seaton, assisting as necessary, which doubled my work load some days. I’d not found it in me to complain. There was simply too much work for any one person, and if my assistance lessened another’s suffering? Then of course I should render all aid. Jamie had stepped in several times as well, assisting the Kingsmen. It meant we hadn’t seen much of each other, even though we lived in the same building.

  I had hope we’d pull through this rough patch and find our equilibrium soon enough. It would just take a little more patience, a little more work, and we’d set the world to rights again.

  The lab work Sanderson had not seen fit to do in my absence was piled up around me, and I patiently sorted through the thick pile of requests. Some of the work needed to percolate, and I was able to get three different things started, then run herd on them until I had the results. I lost time as I worked, writing up reports in a neat hand. The lab around me remained utterly still aside from the scratch-scratch of my pen against paper.

  So, when my door abruptly opened, I just about leapt from my stool, heart trying to beat its way past my sternum. “Stonking deities, woman, are you trying to give me heart failure?”

  Jamie quirked a smile at me as she paused at the safe line at the floor. “Not my fault you’re easily startled. We have a guest.”

  “A guest?” I stood automatically to greet whoever waited behind her. Then I nearly swallowed my tongue. On my partner’s heels stood Queen Regina, looking smartly put-together in a day dress of deep purple, her dark hair pinned simply up on her head, and a determined set to her jaw. Having grown up with both sister and mother, I knew the look of a woman vexed and internally groaned. This boded ill. If the queen herself had come down to my lab, I couldn’t imagine it was to impart good news.

  “Your Majesty. Please, do be seated.” I pulled out one of my stools from underneath the table and offered it to her, which was a mediocre seat, but the best I could offer. She took it, looking about her curiously. I imagined she’d not seen the inside of a Magical Examiner’s workspace before. My walls were lined with shelves harboring all sorts of chemicals, magical ingredients, books, and different forms used in reporting evidence. Her gloved hands rested lightly on the scarred worktable.

  Raising her chin, she said in her cool contralto, “Dr. Davenforth. I realize it must be quite shocking to see your sovereign sitting here.”

  Shocking was a gross understatement. I managed a smile for her somehow. “Not at all. Well, to be frank, I am rather alarmed. The expression on your face inclines me to think something dire has occurred.”

  “You’re quite correct. I came directly to Jamie because I’m quite wroth at the moment and I need her expertise. She maintains she’ll not work the case without you, and indeed, you two have proven to be a formidable pair. I’m inclined to think you’ll get to the bottom of this.”

  I took ‘inclined’ to mean we had no option but to give results. Or heads would roll. I gestured for Jamie to take my other chair. “Indeed. Might we have the particulars?”

  “Royal Mage Burtchell is dead,” Queen Regina informed us flatly.

  A sharp breath tore out of my throat. That was preposterous!

  Jamie held up a hand, stalling us both. “Wait, I don’t know who that is.”

  “Joseph Burtchell was the Royal Mage who formerly held Sherard’s position,” Queen Regina said, a tic in the corner of her mouth. I’d seen kinder eyes on professional killers. “He was retired, had been for several years. A few health complications sent him into a semi-early retirement in the country, near the sea. He was one of the best and brightest—a joy to us. I counted him as my friend and confidant all through my childhood and into my young adult years. We still saw him on a regular basis via different social events.”

  I still mentally reeled. Joseph Burtchell was a legend—a powerhouse of magical power and excellent example of intelligence well applied. He was the epitome of what a Royal Mage should be. The man was not without his flaws—I understood him to be a terrible gambler, even in his sixties—but magically speaking, he had few peers. I couldn’t wrap my head around the loss. “Forgive me, Your Majesty, this might be an obvious question. But your presence here inclines me to believe him murdered?”

  Her head dipped in a sharp nod. “Yes. He was at home this morning and foun
d by his housekeeper. You know of Sheffield?”

  I winced in immediate understanding. Mercy, no wonder she was so hot under the collar. To Jamie, who had little experience of the world outside Kingston, I hastily explained in an undertone, “Sheffield is a very small community along the sea. It’s more a vacation spot for the rich, in truth, and doesn’t have much in the way of crime. Excellent for safe holidays, but bollocks for actual investigation. The police on hand would be quite out of their element for anything outside petty theft.”

  Queen Regina appeared satisfied I understood the depth of the problem. “No one there can give me any hint of what happened. They have no suspects, no clues, nothing. I’d send my Kingsmen, but as you well know, half of them are still recovering. Even if I had someone to spare, murder is not truly their specialty. I’d much rather send the two of you.”

  I quite understood her point. Jamie and I were much better equipped for a murder investigation than anyone in Sheffield. “If the murder occurred this morning, I hope no one has disturbed the scene overmuch or removed the body?”

  “Joseph was removed to the nearby hospital, or so it was reported to me. But I gave strict instructions to leave everything as it was.”

  There was that, at least. I exchanged a glance with Jamie, not sure how she wanted to approach this.

  “Your Majesty.” Jamie leaned against the table’s edge, her eyes level with the queen’s. “We’re of course willing to investigate and get you some answers. I want two things. No, three. I want Sherard, a coroner from this station, and Officer Penny McSparrin.”

  “Done. You can have anything and everything you deem necessary to investigate. I’ll speak with your captain myself. I want you in Sheffield by this evening.”

  Jamie nodded, not bothered by this order. “We’ll need to be. The longer we wait, the colder the case becomes. I can’t promise you we’ll find the murderer, but we’ll do our best.”

  Snorting, our queen gave her a dark smile. “I’ve seen your best, Jamie Edwards. I’d not wager against you. Dr. Davenforth, I’ve heard what she needs. Have you any requests?”

  Did I dare ask to get rid of Sanderson? No, that was likely too petty. “I won’t know that until I’m on scene. Do you know if he had any magical protections up around the property?”

  “I believe he did. But the police were able to enter, so you should be able to as well.”

  That wasn’t why I inquired, but I doubted anyone other than a magician would be able to supply the answers I needed. I’d wait and ask Seaton when he joined us. “If you’d kindly relay the order for RM Seaton to join us? I’ll confer with him about our time for departure.”

  “Of course.” She was still outraged, but the tension that had brought her to us appeared lessened to a slight degree. She wasn’t as clenched, her hands no longer forming fists her lap. She seemed less likely to burst to her feet and order executions in a burst of rage, at any rate.

  “You’ve got your pad with you? Charged?” Jamie inquired. “We’ll give you updates through it.”

  The queen softened another degree and managed a smile. “Thank you, Jamie. Dr. Davenforth. I know it’s upsetting to have a mad queen drop in on you like this. I apologize for my behavior.”

  “Think nothing of it,” I assured her gently. “We’re used to sudden cases dropping in our laps, are we not? And I know the death of your friend is very distressing.”

  Her eyes became bright with unshed tears for a moment, her voice hoarse. “Indeed it is. Thank you. I’ll leave now and speak with your captain. Please leave as soon as possible.”

  “We’ll be on the road within the hour,” Jamie promised.

  “Thank you.”

  We all stood, exchanging bows. With a brittle inhalation of breath, she stormed out of my lab as suddenly as she’d entered it.

  Jamie let out a low whistle. “I have no idea what idiot thought it a good idea to kill a retired royal mage, but when we catch him, his head is going to roll. Regina will make sure of it.”

  “If she doesn’t hang, draw, and quarter him first.” My money was more on the latter. “When you requested a coroner from here, I assume you meant Weber?”

  “Yes. I know you trust his eye, and judging from your description of Sheffield, they probably don’t have a coroner on hand.” She quirked a brow at me in question.

  I nodded. “From my understanding of the place, likely not. It doesn’t have enough murders to justify keeping one. Very well, if you’ll go and fetch Officer McSparrin? I’ll collect Weber.”

  “Sounds fair. How far is Sheffield from here?”

  “A good four-hour drive.”

  Lips pursed, she suggested, “Then we should stay there while we’re working on the case. We’ll burn too much time driving back and forth otherwise. There’s hotels or something over there, right? You said it was a holiday spot.”

  “Yes, hotels aplenty. I’ll get an expense stipend issued for us.” It was better that I do such paperwork. Jamie’s grasp on the written word was still a project in progress. “We’ll all need to pack, then I suppose meet back here?”

  “In an hour, if we can manage it. I really don’t want to let the trail get any colder than it already is.”

  I did understand her point. “Yes, quite. Go. I’ll meet you out back in an hour.”

  Her stride was smooth and quiet as she left the room. I’d not been able to make the comparison before, prior to meeting Clint, but I realized now she moved like a Felix. All economy in her movements, with an inherent grace I couldn’t begin to emulate.

  Not sure why my mind focused on her in such a manner, I shook the odd thought off and moved out the door. I had a great deal to do and a short time to manage it in.

  Normally coordinating several adults to meet at a specific time and place took a small miracle and more than a little patience. The random holidays I’d taken with my family through the years bore testament. I was pleasantly surprised when I entered the parking lot of the station to find everyone already assembled. As I watched, Seaton put a suitcase into the boot of the car.

  Weber stood nearby, in front of his own vehicle of choice—a larger touring sedan with a tall, enclosed back. We’d just gotten the first shipment of them in, although I’d yet to sit inside one. The coroners preferred them, as it was easier to manhandle a corpse into the larger compartment. Or so Weber once told me over coffee.

  “Davenforth,” Weber greeted, lifting a hand. He was not in his usual overalls of white, but instead dressed in a light suit, suitable to the warmer weather we currently suffered through. It set off his dark mahogany skin, giving the illusion he was about to drive off for holiday instead of work. “I thought I would drive in separately. After I give you my report, there won’t be much need for me to stay.”

  “Quite right,” I agreed. There was no need to keep the man out in Sheffield when he had work of his own waiting for him here. “I imagine you can do the necessary work tomorrow and return in the evening.”

  “My thought exactly. If it’s all the same, I’ll follow you in.”

  I gave him a nod and towed my suitcase along with me. As I came in close, my heart fell a few rungs. Oh dear. Jamie had chosen a touring car, the longer sedan meant to hold four people (five at a push), with a larger boot in the back. It was meant for people to use on extended trips, and indeed this qualified, so it gave enough room for all four of us to travel. The part worrying me was that Jamie held the keys. I glared at Seaton in silent recrimination. Why hadn’t he stopped her?

  Oblivious to my unease, McSparrin greeted me smartly. “Doctor. We’ve room in the boot for your suitcase. Jamie and I loaded up your usual equipment already, but tell us if we missed anything.”

  “Thank you. Let me check.” I glared at Seaton again as I passed him, and he grinned back at me in amusement. So he’d known what he’d done, but didn’t regret it? He was in quite the mood, then. He knew as well as I what a madwoman she was behind the wheel.

  I checked over the packed bags
but could find no fault with the ladies’ selection. I couldn’t think of anything they’d missed. Satisfied, I loaded in my suitcase and tied it all down with the net. As I worked, a certain purple Felix hopped onto the back of the seat and watched me curiously. Startled, I paused and looked at him oddly. “Clint? Why are you here?”

  “I can’t leave him home alone for however long this takes,” Jamie pointed out to me. “You remember what he was like after I was quarantined for so long? The separation anxiety was no joke. And he’s promised to be good, haven’t you, love?”

  Clint preened at her, attempting to look angelic. I say attempt because he utterly failed.

  Eyeing him, I debated putting my foot down. But in truth, he was a magician’s familiar, and he likely wouldn’t be in the way. Jamie wouldn’t stand for that sort of nonsense.

  “Lonely,” Clint whined at me pitifully, as if sensing my internal debate.

  I knew very well anyone in our apartment would have watched him in a heartbeat. He’d squirmed his way into all their hearts, Mrs. Hudson’s especially. It wasn’t him I worried about. Jamie, on the other hand, still suffered from night terrors. She slept better with him at hand. I sensed he’d been brought along more for her sake than his.

  In the end, I decided to trust her judgement. “I’ve no objection. Ladies, I believe you gathered everything I need for this. Shall we get on the road?”

  McSparrin was obviously excited to work a murder outside our precinct, as she immediately loaded into the back. I attempted to do the same—surely the back was safer than the front—but Seaton beat me to the other seat. In the end, I was stuck in the front, where I could see the danger coming.

  Well, perhaps she’d be more sedate with a full load of passengers and delicate equipment. Consideration for Clint’s safety alone might make her slow down. Wouldn’t it?

  I saw the wicked gleam of anticipation in her dark brown eyes and groaned. No, of course I wouldn’t be that lucky.