Once Upon a Crime Read Online Free Page A

“Hah hah! What a foolish creature ye be, young Gretel. Here, come inside my humble dwelling and rest your poor sore feet.” The ancient woman added another cackle for good measure as she creaked inside the house, bent almost double, her steps apparently every bit as painful as Gretel’s.
    Gretel followed into the tiny room, falling into the first available chair.
    â€œOkay, Agnes, you can drop the act,” she said, gasping as she pulled off her shoes. “You know it brings me out in a rash.”
    Agnes straightened up, rubbing the small of her back.
    â€œThank goodness,” she said in a surprisingly musical voice without a trace of crone in it. “Much more of that stooping and carrying on and I really will have a wonky spine.” She paused to remove a set of false black teeth from her mouth, revealing a perfect set of her own. “Tea or something stronger?”
    â€œStronger, definitely. Though none of your home brew.”
    â€œStill don’t trust me, then?”
    Gretel let her gaze rest on the cauldron simmering on the range. It bubbled menacingly, and the fumes that emanated from it were of a worryingly meaty yet nothing-you-would-want-to-eat nature.
    The crone wordlessly placed a heavy lid on the pot.
    â€œWith or without the cackle, Agnes, your chosen profession presses buttons I’d far rather leave unpressed.”
    Agnes fetched two bottles of local beer, uncorked them, handed one to Gretel, and sat at the small kitchen table. “So,”she asked, “what brings you all the way out here in those silly shoes?”
    â€œSilly! I’ll have you know these shoes—”
    â€œWere ridiculously expensive and have rubbed holes in your feet.”
    â€œThey are Timmy Chews!”
    â€œAs I said, silly shoes. Let’s hope you haven’t spent all your money on them, or there won’t be much point in your coming here, will there?” Agnes swigged off a couple glugs of beer and waited.
    Gretel shook her head.
    â€œNot so fast,” she said. “I’m not parting with any money until I’m sure you’re going to be of use to me. I’m not some dewy-eyed girl who wants to hear a lot of guff about tall, dark, handsome strangers.”
    â€œAre you not?”
    â€œI’ve taken on a new case. I want information to help me get started on the thing. No more, no less.”
    â€œâ€˜Hmm, and would this new case have anything to do with the fire at Herr Hund’s carriage workshop?”
    â€œNice try, Agnes, but no. At least, not directly. That is, I don’t think so. Or it may. Possibly. But not probably.”
    â€œGood to see your powers of deduction are as sharp as ever, Gretel.”
    â€œIt has to do with cats.”
    â€œCats?”
    â€œYes, cats. You know, horrid furry things with claws, teeth, and fleas. Surprised you haven’t got one yourself,” she added, glancing around the little room.
    â€œI know what they are,” said Agnes. “I’m just surprised you’re having anything to do with them.”
    â€œMy client is in despair and needs my help.”
    â€œYour client must be paying you very well.”
    â€œYou’re the onewho sees things and knows things.” Gretel drained her bottle of beer and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. “No need for me to tell you the details of a private financial arrangement.”
    â€œThat much, eh?”
    â€œLook, three of the woman’s wretched cats have done a bunk. Have you heard anything?”
    â€œWill you be paying in gold or notes?”
    Gretel sighed and pulled two folded notes from her cleavage. Agnes stood up. “I’ll fetch the cards,” she said.
    Agnes, Gretel had long ago realized, made a pretty fair Old Crone when she put her mind to it, but it was indeed an act. What was beyond question, however, was her talent with the tarot. She was well known for her accuracy and had proved a