Grimoires and Where to Find Them Raconteur, Honor (read along books TXT) 📖

Lady Radman groaned, clearly upset and not at all trying to hide it. “I cannot believe this. Which volume was stolen from the faire?”

“The fourth volume,” I supplied. “I was informed it once belonged to Secilia Bardoff?”

Her outrage cleared, but only slightly. “Secilia Bardoff. She recently died, I’m afraid. Her health was always poor. It could be her family was unaware of the understanding between us and sold the volume while liquidating her estate. Oooooh, I really should have followed up on that more quickly. I was trying to give them space and time to grieve. I apparently gave them too much of both.”

If she’d had the physical health to do so, I had no doubt she would have already been out of the chair and heading to the Bardoff family to have strong words with them.

“May I ask, what was the understanding?”

With a sigh, she focused on us again.

“It’s quite the burden, being the descendent of Kerey Radman. For all the man’s brilliance, he was terrible about common sense. He wasn’t one who handled life well, if you take my meaning. He was absorbed in the puzzle, in his research, and only when he was called to war did he realize what he’d crafted. What his legacy would be, I suppose.

“So much of his work could be twisted to very dark ends, and especially in a war, the temptation is strong. He was afraid of what people would do with the spells and hexes he’d created. It’s why he enclosed the volumes into the wall of the house, so they couldn’t carelessly be stumbled upon.

“His descendants understood, too, what damage these books could do. But there was so much good to be found in them, we couldn’t bring ourselves to destroy them. When I sold or gifted a volume, I impressed upon each recipient that, if they could no longer safeguard the grimoire, they were to give it back to me. I would find a new caretaker for it.”

All said, that was a very wise approach. I mentally applauded her for the caution.

“I take it that all agreed to this provision?”

“Yes. Each person was very aware of the pros and cons of owning such a powerful book, and they were careful with the grimoires. Or, I thought they would be, at least.”

She seemed peeved that the grimoires had been so easily stolen. I couldn’t blame her for that.

Jamie piped in with, “Each of them put their volume in a secure place. The locks were broken by the thief. I assure you, no one was being careless with them. But does this mean you can give me a list of who has each grimoire? Jere told us all the names he could remember, but his intel might be out-of-date at this point, as it’s years old. I assume your list will be current.”

Lady Radman did not seem assuaged but nodded readily. “I do. I’ll be happy to give you a list. I want this madness stopped. Do you have any leads on where the grimoires have gone?”

“Only tentative ones at this point.” Jamie gave her one of those professional, confident smiles. “We’re still trying to wrap our heads around who all the players are in this case. I have colleagues combing through the book brokers’ stands and shops in the city, looking for grimoires and spreading word of the theft. I hope the thief is stupid enough to try and sell the volumes to someone.”

“That’s a good thought. I’ll spread the word as well.” A shark-like expression crossed her face. “Us old people, we only have time and energy to talk to people. I’ll leave the legwork up to you.”

That seemed fair enough to me. I did not underestimate this woman’s determination or contacts.

“Two more questions of you, if we may. You still have Kerey Radman’s diary?”

“I do. I’ll confirm the location for you before you leave.”

“I’d love to look at it,” Jamie said with a winsome smile. “We only have descriptions of what the set looks like. Seeing one of the volumes would help me identify the others.”

Lady Radman nodded firmly. “Consider it done. What else?”

“Have you been contacted by anyone wishing to buy the diary from you?”

She shook her head immediately. “No, I have not. But I doubt most collectors would be interested. The diary is very personal and contains no spellwork or magical information in it. It’s part of why I kept it in the family. It’s technically not part of the Reaper’s Set, aside from being penned by the same man.”

“Fair enough.” Jamie pulled out her notebook and made a note. “If that changes, do let us know.”

The maid came back in with a tea set, which she set on a low coffee table before pouring us each a cup. I took mine with two sugars, relieved to have a beverage. My throat was dry after so much talking today.

“Mildred,” Lady Radman directed as she accepted a cup and saucer. “Fetch me the black portfolio from my study, please. And the engraved box from the safe. It should still be open, as I was in it this morning, but tell me if I need to come and unlock it again.”

“Yes, ma’am.” The maid gave a nod before scurrying back out of the room to fetch the requested items.

Clint sauntered out of Jamie’s lap and headed straight to the distraught woman. He lifted up onto his back legs, tapping one paw delicately to her thigh. Lady Radman looked down at him with open curiosity.

“I’ve heard of them,” she mused, her eyes trained on Clint. “Felixes, correct? The creation of Jules Felix.”

“You’re well informed.” I approved of and was somewhat surprised by her knowledge.

“Old people gossip all day. It’s all that we have energy for.” She lowered a hand and touched it lightly to the side of Clint’s cheek. He rubbed back, purring at her. “How soft you are.”

He introduced himself. “I’m Clint. Pets?”

“Oh! I didn’t realize you were sentient. How clever you are. Here,