Chapter 17

Joel

The manor house was busier than I had ever seen it. Duncan had drafted in extra members of staff, and it seemed like they were everywhere.

We were preparing for Casper’s 23rd birthday party which was being held here tonight.

“Where should I put these?” Mark asked me. Yes, Mark was one of the extra pairs of hands that had been brought in for tonight. I was grateful to have him around today.

Mark was holding some silver balloons. “Give them to Simon, over there.” I pointed.

Simon was halfway up a ladder, cursing at the balloons that wouldn’t pin into place on the pillar.

I chuckled to myself, and carried on preparing a huge bowl of punch. And yes, there was plenty of alcohol in it.

I hadn’t seen Casper at all today. In fact, I’d barely seen him since the night Miss Hartley came to visit a couple of weeks ago. I shuddered a little at the memory. Luna had not left me alone all evening. I felt like she was a huge cat, and I was her toy mouse that she could bat around at will.

I