The Medium

"No thank you, I'll be fine once I get some rest."

"Tell him you're here because Maree Finch left Culvert's employment after stealing a book and you need another servant," Jacob said. "Mention what the book was about too. I want to see his reaction."

I did and watched Blunt's face. All that facial hair made it nearly impossible to gauge his thoughts but his eyes gave away his sharp interest.

"I see," he said, thoughtful. "Demonology you say. An unusual topic."

"Mr. Culvert and I suspect Maree stole the book for someone else," I said. "Her brother perhaps."

The ragged ends of his beard twitched as his lips pursed. "You ask a lot of questions for a girl."

I wasn't sure if that was a slight on my age or my sex or both. Either way, it rankled. "Professional curiosity," I said.

His eyes widened. "You think Tommy Finch has something to do with the haunting here?"

I put my finger to my lips. "Lower your voice please, Mr. Blunt. We wouldn't want to alert the spirit to our suspicions."

"You're very good at this," Jacob said. "Have you considered performing on the stage?"

It really was difficult to ignore him when he was in such a good mood. Actually, it was difficult to ignore him at any time. He was simply so...obvious. "I need to consider all possibilities," I said to Blunt, "particularly where a book on demonology is concerned."

"Yes, of course." The schoolmaster clasped his hands behind his back and rocked on his heels. He appeared to be thinking hard, deciding whether to say something or not. Finally he spoke. "So you think the stolen book has something to do with the haunting?"

"Perhaps. It is a remarkable coincidence. The book goes missing then Maree goes missing and a disgruntled spirit pays you a visit."

"You are wicked for letting him think there's a link," Jacob said with a grin. "I like it."

"So tell me about Tommy Finch," I said. "Has he returned to the school since his departure?"

"Absolutely not." Blunt's beard shook with the vigor of his denial. "We don't allow pupils who've left us to return. Not ones like Tommy Finch. He's no good. A bad seed. I hope his sister hasn't joined him in his illicit pursuits. She was a good girl, reliable and quiet. I like the quiet ones."

Jacob bared his teeth in a snarl, all hint of humanity gone.

"Let's hope she's safe somewhere," I said quickly, keeping one eye on Jacob. I didn't think he would hurt Blunt but I couldn't be certain about anything where Jacob was concerned. He was proving to be unpredictable.