Free The Trouble With Pixies (Edinburgh Elementals Book 1) by Gayle Ramage Page A

the wrong babies home from the hospital.’
    ‘Sounds like quite a woman.’
    ‘Yes, she was,’ the woman said softly. She took another sip which seemed to perk her up. ‘Anyway, a strange woman shows up on your doorstep, drinks your wine, and doesn’t even have the manners to introduce herself?’ She smiled and moved towards him, extending her free hand. ‘I’m Hattie.’ Her handshake was warm but firm.
    ‘Nice to meet you. I’m Michael.’
    Introductions made, Hattie took a comfortable step back and smiled again. ‘So, is it just yourself here or is your family about to jump out and say “boo”?’
    ‘I’ve got three kids. They’ve gone out exploring,’ Michael replied. ‘I was a bit wary of letting them go out on their own, especially being in a new city, but Tom - that’s my eldest - is mature enough to look after the other two. And I admit it’s nice to get a bit of peace and quiet after such a hectic day.’
    ‘Have you managed to explore the house, yet?’ Hattie asked. ‘These old buildings are surprisingly big.’
    Michael shook his head. ‘I think I’ll leave that for tomorrow. I’m too tired to do much at the moment. In fact, I think I might have an early night once the kids get back.’
    ‘Is that a hint that you want me to go?’ Hattie asked.
    ‘Oh, goodness, no.’
    Hattie put her empty glass down on the table, and smiled. ‘Don’t worry. I’m quite tired myself. It’ll be nice to sleep in my own bed again. Thanks for the drink.’
    ‘Any time,’ Michael replied, and led her back through to the hallway. ‘Yes, nothing beats your own bed. Did you stay in hotels while you were away?’
    ‘Hotels? I wish,’ Hattie replied. Offering no further explanation, she began picking up her bags again.
    ‘Let me help you with these,’ said Michael, lifting a paisley-patterned carpet bag that smelt of lavender and iron.
    ‘Thanks.’ Hattie managed to open the front door with a free hand. ‘I live just across the road, so it’s not far.’ She disappeared into the balmy night as Michael took hold of a small leather suitcase. Three bags remained but he’d nip back for them in a second.
    The air was stale, and there was an abandoned coldness about Hattie’s home that made Michael shiver almost as soon as he’d followed her into the house opposite. He left the bags in the hallway as Hattie tried the light switch.
    ‘The meter must be out of juice,’ she explained as they remained in darkness. There was an unconcerned tone to her words. ‘I’ll sort it out tomorrow.’
    ‘Will you be alright without any power?’
    Hattie retrieved the pile of mail that had accumulated during her absence. ‘Oh, I’m used to it,’ she said with a shrug. ‘Besides, I have an embarrassing amount of candles. I’ll be fine. Thank you for help. Really appreciate it.’
    Michael told her there were still a few bags at his place, and went to get them. Once he returned to her house with them, he set the bags down with a groan. ‘My god, what have you got in these?’ He felt a twinge in his back as he straightened up.
    ‘Oh just the usual,’ Hattie replied breezily. ‘Thank you again, Michael.’
    ‘No problem. If you need anything, you know where I am.’ He smiled at her and turned to leave.
    ‘Oh, have you been told about the attic?’ Hattie called out, behind him.
    He looked back at her. ‘Attic? What about the attic?’
    ‘Michael, has anyone been in the attic?’ she asked in a controlled voice.
    ‘Just my son Ben.’ Michael barely had time to acknowledge the alarmed look on Hattie’s face before she’d ran past him, leaving her door wide open. Ever the cautious person, Michael closed it before quickly following her.
    By the time he entered his house again, Hattie was nowhere to be seen, but the heavy sound of footsteps thundering up the stairs alerted him to where she was. He went after her, and found Hattie by the door to the attic. She had both hands on the door knob, making sure