Leger's Foe (The Leger Hotel Mysteries Series Book 4)

‘It’s a shame we’re not on friendlier terms.  The swans might have seen Carole and been able to provide information about her whereabouts or mental state,’ Leger seethed.  ‘I was sure Annabella read an article yesterday about Sean Gilbert’s death and the friend said he was pushed, although no mention of a swan was made!  Surely the swan couldn’t have killed him.’

‘Leger, we have no choice.  We have to face up to these swans and get more information, not just about Carole’s whereabouts, but about Sean Gilbert’s passing too.  We can’t have someone going round threatening the cats of the island and killing humans,’ Lily decided.

‘You are, of course, correct,’ Leger said.  ‘If any cat or human is in danger, we must protect them.  Even cats like Massingham.  That doesn’t mean I relish the prospect of visiting the swans again.’

‘It has to be done though.  Right?’ Lily said, prodding him with one paw.

Leger emitted a noise that signalled his reluctant commitment to the idea.

‘Great!  Well, I’ll be spending the day napping on top of the kitchen cupboards.  Give me a shout if you solve this one,’ Lily declared, striding out of the room.

‘Can you believe that, Bob?  She’s not even going to come with me!’ Leger hissed.

Bob panted, struggling not to erupt into full-blown hysterical laughter.  ‘Just do what you can, Leger.  I’m sure if there’s anything to be uncovered, you’ll manage it.’

*****

Leger couldn’t remember the last time he felt this nervous about something.  He flicked through the various investigations he had carried out in his mind and came to the conclusion that coming face to face with this evil swan again was far more terrifying than any of the human criminals he had encountered during his time as a sleuth.

He padded across the grass, his eyes peeled for any sign of swans or cygnets.  He knew if he came across Iain again, the young cygnet would probably be happy to share some information with him, if he had any, but talking to the baby would be risky as if he was found by the parents, he would surely not be allowed to leave the loch without a fight.

He spied Kevin, the cob.  Leger noted that he seemed to be alone which was very unusual as swans usually swan in pairs and never left their partner’s side.  He climbed into the reeds and observed for a short time from his hiding place.  Iain was waddling by his father’s side.

‘Come on, Iain.  Hurry up.  You ate too much at breakfast time, didn’t you?’ Kevin tutted.

‘Sorry Dad,’ Iain groaned.

‘You will be when you’re too heavy to swim!’ Kevin shot.

Leger narrowed his eyes.  He knew if he could just get Iain on his own, he would help Leger and provide all the answers he needed.  He watched as the little grey bird toddled along, dragging his feet and completely lacking in enthusiasm for whatever his father had planned.  When enough distance was between Iain and his father, Leger hissed at him.

‘Psst!  Iain!’

The little grey bird turned around and looked for the source of the voice.

‘Iain!  Over here in the reeds,’ Leger whispered.

Iain waddled to where Leger was and hid in the long grass along with him.

‘Kitty!  I’m so sorry about my Dad.  He’s really over-protective,’ Iain said.

‘It’s quite alright, and my name is Leger.  Will it be safe for us to talk here?’ he asked.

‘It should be,’ Iain replied, shrugging his wings.  It was only then that Leger noticed he had one wing shorter than the other.  Of course his father would be protective of him, given that he was differently abled to most of his peers.

‘I had some questions I wanted to ask you.  You see, I’m a detective and I think you might be able to help with my investigation,’ Leger advised.

‘A detective?  You mean, you solve mysteries?’ Iain squawked, getting a little over-excited.

‘Yes, that’s correct.  Would you like that, Iain?  Would you like to help me solve a mystery or two?’ he smiled down at his new friend.

‘Of course I would!  What do you need to know?’

‘There are two cases I’m working on at the moment.  They might even be linked by the same perpetrator.’

‘What’s a perpetrator?’ Iain frowned.

‘The bad guy.  Now, there was a woman here yesterday with a black dog and a little girl.  The woman’s name is Carole.  Do you remember her?’

‘Yes!  She gave us an iced bun,’ Iain said, his eyes lighting up.

‘Excellent.  She’s a very generous lady, although sadly, she’s a dog person.  Still, nobody’s perfect.  Did you by any chance see her again either last night or this morning?’ Leger asked.

‘I did.  She was here with a man,’ Iain said, his eyes darkening.

Leger noticed the change in Iain’s mood and wondered if it would be appropriate to proceed.  Could he really interrogate someone so young?  Did he have any other choice?

‘Don’t be upset, Iain.  Just tell me what you saw.  What did the man look like?  Did you recognise him?’ Leger asked.

‘No, I didn’t,’ he replied.  ‘I heard them kissing.  They made kiss noises.  Then they had a fight.’

‘What did he look like?’ Leger probed.