Nobody would have suspected what the old woman living at number ten was doing.
Over a period of just a few short months, she had won several large amounts in the national lottery. Each time this was accomplished a donation was made anonymously to the various cat havens and charities that operated locally.
Naturally, an activity such as this doesn’t go undetected for very long and the inevitable investigation that followed uncovered enough evidence that an undercover agent from the Fraud Squad was assigned the case. Although he felt that he had enough evidence to question her, he would approach her informally at first. Taking her in for questioning would not work. She would clam up. He decided to call on her.
At the door, he said, “I hope you don’t mind my calling in on you like this, it seems a bit of a cheek, I know, but I’ve heard that you’ve been winning big time on the lottery draw of late”
“You have?”
He looked embarrassed. “Well, I know it’s supposed to be confidential, but I have a friend you see, and he… well, anyway, I’ve had wins myself. I’ve been quite successful with my system really, but you can never stop learning, can you? I thought we might compare schemes.”
She nodded happily. “Oh! That sounds lovely. I just love buying the tickets, it’s such a wonderful hobby. Do come in.”
After making cups of tea, they sat in her lounge discussing the special thrill that comes with winning. Eventually, he asked, “Have you been doing it long?”
She smiled mischievously. “You wouldn’t believe how long. Anyway, I’m sure you want to know what I put my success down to, don’t you?”
“Well, yes, I’d be most interested.”
“Witchery.”
“Sorry, I don’t understand.”
“You know, witchcraft. The ancient art of spell casting.”
He gave a small smirk. “Spell casting, you say.”
She went on, “Yes. When casting spells we do have to follow the Wiccan rules, you know.”
“Really?”
“Oh! Yes. There are strict rules of conduct, rules that all witches must follow when practising their art. Didn’t you know that?”
He began to feel uncomfortable. “No. I can’t say I did. However, I feel obliged to tell you at this point that I’m not really here to…”
“No, of course you’re not,” she interrupted, “I knew that the moment you rang my bell.”
He raised his eyebrows. “You did?” He produced his ID. “I think we need to have you come in for questioning regarding the recent…”
She waved him off. “Oh! That won’t be necessary.”
“It won’t?”
“No.” The finger that was pointed at him made small circles.
He began to purr.
She threw up her hands. “What a lovely colour.” She picked him up and stroked him gently. “I think we’ll call you Marmalade. Yes, we’ll drop you off at the Cat Haven near the bus station.”
It was time to move on.