Epilogue
Some months later, a cold day found the two women cozily ensconced before the fire in Katherine’s cottage. A gentle mist of fine snowflakes was settling against the windows, and Buttons and Mittens dangled from the curtain rod, batting their reflections.
“I’ve had a letter from Ruben,” Mrs. Chrysler said, setting down her tea and picking up her knitting.
“Things are going very well at Saint Percival’s.
The Eagle Heights folks are all settled in, his friends are doing well, seems he’s got himself a nice lady friend, and he’s just loving that paint set you sent him, Katty. ”
Katherine nodded, stroking Tilly behind the ears on her lap and watching Ember and Mr. Scruffles snuggle on the hearthrug. “Out of the proceeds of the Storage-pressed plop. I still think it’s very generous of Sister Agatha to cut us a percentage.”
“More than enough to set up the Ruben Hoode Commemorative Old Folks’ Tax Relief Fund.”
“I’m still not sure about the name, Imogene. It’s quite a mouthful.”
“A work in progress, Katty. A work in progress. And a temporary measure anyway. We shouldn’t need it for long, right? Not after your appointed audience with the pirate king in the spring.”
Katherine nodded again. “I have a feeling he’ll listen to me.”
Mrs. Chrysler raised a brow. “Any special reason why?”
Katherine shrugged, and with a small smile, Mrs. Chrysler pressed on. “Anyway, the tonic Sister Agatha sent me for Harvey is doing wonders. He’s much better now. And the plop income should suit us for quite a while. Less need for seamstressing, more time for adventuring, eh?”
“You have something in mind?”
“I do. Seem’s word’s gotten out—I don’t know precisely how—that Hornsboggle and Dodge are back in business.”
“You’re joking.”
Mrs. Chrysler nodded emphatically. “I’ve had at least a dozen inquiries. You know I always keep my ear to the ground. And there’s one in particular that has very much piqued my interest.”
“Really?” Katherine adjusted her tone to not sound so eager. “What is it?” she asked.
Tilly sighed heavily and hopped to the floor, squeezing between her two friends for comfort.
“Someone wants us to steal a book that can apparently control people’s destiny… or something like that. I think there’s magic at work there, Katty.”
“Hmm, tricky stuff, magic.”
“Bet you wish you still had your sword, eh?”
“No. I’d rather face tricky matters in sturdy boots.”
“Well, I’d feel better if I could wield mine. I think we should go see Peggy.”
“Peggy—the blacksmith? You think she’s still around?”
“I’m sure she is. She can resize my Chauncey. I admit I could use a lighter saber. You know, for the elderly thief on the go?” She gave Katherine a cheeky wink.
Her friend laughed heartily and shook her head.
“But don’t bring the cats,” Mrs. Chrysler advised. “They’d make Peggy nervous.”
Katherine looked down at her beloved trio. “Why?”
“Don’t you remember? Peggy? She’s a dog person.”
Katherine laughed again. “Oh, right. I’ll tell them to stay at home.”
Ha! Mr. Scruffles nudged his companions and flicked his tail excitedly. Another adventure? Just try keeping us away!
***
If you loved Dragons, Heists and Other Retirement Plans, get ready for the next thrilling adventure!