Page 67 of Hexed Up

“What are you doing?” I ask them both.

“We’ve had a conversation about his behaviour,” Horatio says, “and he’s decided he’s going to try harder.”

McGruff yaps in agreement.

“Well, good luck with that. I’m sure it’ll only last about three seconds.”

“We’ll see,” Horatio says, peering away from the dog and towards me. As usual, his blue gaze sweeps my body, landing on my feet and stopping. “Trainers.”

I peer down at my feet too.

“Um, yes,” I say. “Trainers.”

He shakes his head. “I’ve never seen you wear trainers before.”

“My mum’s organised a hike after breakfast.”

“Even when we walked round the Heath, you wore your boots. I didn’t think youowneda pair of trainers.”

“Of course I own a pair of trainers,” I say. “Everyone owns a pair of trainers.”

“I’ve never seen you wear them before.”

Has he really been paying that close attention to my outfits?

“This is likely to be a much longer walk than the one around the Heath. Trust me.” I roll my eyes.

“So is that the plan for today?” he says. “Hiking.”

I shake my head. “Hiking this morning. Then you’re off to golf this afternoon with the boys and us girls are soaking in the spa.”

I grin.

He considers my words, then nods. “Better get changed then.”

“Yep,” I say, skipping to the bed and flopping myself down. McGruff, as predicted, forgets all about his manners and jumps up to sit next to me and demand some chin tickles. I think he’s feeling neglected after last night, although I’m under no illusion that he probably spent the evening having the time of his life.

While Horatio is in the bathroom, I flick through the messages on my phone. Tiggie’s trying to get out of the hike, but despite her emotional blackmailing, pleading and begging, for once my mother is putting her foot down and not letting my little sister get her own way. There’s a three-line whip and no one is escaping this morning’s hike. Not even Prim, who’s already been on a forty-five minute run with Norman.

We find them all gathered around the table that’s spread with an array of delicious-looking breakfast items: toast, eggs, bacon, pancakes, croissants, and even coffee.

As I slide into my chair, Horatio this time claiming the one next to me, my mother looks up from her phone, peers over the top of her reading glasses at me and then claps her hands together.

“Oh good. Now that we’re all here, a little announcement.”

Me, Prim, and Tiggie all groan together. My mum’s announcements signal bad news. They always do.

“Girls,” my mum tuts, taking her reading glasses off her nose and tucking in the arms. Then she addresses everyone around the table, including our aunt, uncle, and cousins. “I’ve had a message from the hotel manager.” We all stare at her, wondering where on earth this is leading. “There was a report of an unexplained explosion of magic at the hotel last night, and a Magical Enforcement Officer was sent out to investigate. The matter was logged, although the details haven’t been shared, and the hotel manager isn’t exactly happy. Safe to say, we donot want a stain on our reputation. We’ve been coming here for years,” – they have? – “and not one complaint against us. It must be a mistake. Does anyone know anything about this?”

Everybody shakes their head, including me – although I’m sure my burning cheeks must be a dead giveaway.

Tiggie’s gaze automatically lasers my way. It may have been Prim that achieved top marks at the academy, but I think my little sister would have actually made a much better enforcement officer. She can sniff out a lie ten miles away as well as any mischievous deeds. I’m sure she has a good idea exactly what that unregistered explosion of magic was all about, especially if Prim’s been blabbing about her recent visit to my flat.

“No idea, Mum,” she says, “how about you, Molly? Any ideas?”

“No,” I squeak, kicking her under the table.

“I know what it must have been …” Tiggie says, nudging me back and leaving everyone hanging in suspense and my heart beating at a million miles an hour. “Aunt Jane’s spell to remove that dreadful smell from the dog.”