Bewitching Boots Read Online Free Page B

my assistant. We’d become good friends. “I’m still hearing jokes about it.”
    “People find the oddest things humorous here,” he remarked. “On my way in, I saw a woman dressed as a spider. Everyone was laughing and taking pictures of her.”
    “It’s the week we take on new actors for the Village.” We walked toward the museum. “You’re going to see all kinds of strange costumes and acts.”
    He adjusted his large glasses. “As though that doesn’t happen every day here, Lady Jessie. Where is everyone going?”
    “We may have a problem with the cobbler.” I told him quickly about Princess Isabelle and my belief that Bill had been at the castle.
    His dark eyes widened. “Magic from elves? Can this be true?”
    Manny was a little naïve after spending years out of touch with the world. Growing up as a prince was isolating. He’d had to run away from home to experience the world without the royal cotton batting his parents had used to protect him.
    “I doubt it—though anything is possible. He believes it.”
    The Big Bad Wolf joined us. The costume was hot so he’d removed the headpiece. “I s’pose you two know about Isabelle?”
    “We know.”
    “It’s a tragedy.” Manny sighed. “She was so beautiful.”
    The new bookstore and print shop owner, Paul Samuels, gave us each a single sheet of paper. His shop was called Rare Books. “Have you seen the latest issue? It’s the first edition of my Village newspaper.”
    The wolf examined it closely, perhaps needing spectacles. “Princess Isabelle murdered by Shoemaker? What shoemaker?”
    Manny stared at me. “Is that true?”
    “No. Of course not. Bill didn’t murder anyone.”
    Paul grinned. “People saw him with her only moments before she died. It’s a scoop!”
    “My good man,” Manny advised. “ Scoop is not the proper term for this news, not here at the Village. I’m not sure what would be. You should consult a historian.”
    “I think scoop is okay,” the wolf said. “What do you think, Jessie?”
    “I think I have to find Bill. I’ll talk to you later.” I continued on my path. There was no one at the museum. Bill’s stall was closed.
    “Wait for me!” Manny was huffing along behind me. “Do you think something happened between Isabelle and Bill?”
    “I don’t know yet. I have to talk to him. He’s going to be a perfect suspect if Detective Almond decides to call Isabelle’s death a murder.” I changed course and headed for Peter’s Pub. I had to find Bill and talk to him before the rumors got any worse—and to assure myself that everything was okay with him.
    “I’ll be happy to be of assistance. I could take the pubs on the left side of the Village, and you could take the pubs on the right.”
    “Thanks. Sorry to get you caught up in everything right away before you even have a chance to settle in.” He was still holding the canvas bag he’d traveled with. He had to be the least prince-like person in the world. Our Village royalty could learn a few things from him.
    He smiled. “It feels like home now, Lady Jessie. What would the Village be without a bit of intrigue and the aroma of roasted turkey legs in the air?”
    “Okay. If you find Bill, let me know. We can use our cell phones since the Village is closed. I’ll stop by the Dungeon and get mine.”
    He frowned. “I did not buy a cell phone while I was gone. I’m sorry. It simply seemed impractical since we can barely use them here.”
    “All right.” I thought about it. “There’s bound to be someone you can send to find me. Or bring Bill with you. Just don’t let him out of your sight!”
    He made a beautiful bow. “Your servant!”
    I was happy with that plan since it meant I wouldn’t have to check for Bill at the Lady in the Lake Tavern. The new owner and I had a few hard feelings between us. I avoided it like yesterday’s mutton.
    Manny and I separated, and I went into Peter’s Pub.
    The tavern and eatery was crowded with