Witch Smuggled in Westerham

By Dionne Lister

Book 21 in the bestselling Paranormal Investigation Bureau mystery series.

When murder is on the menu in the French Riviera, MI6 sends Lily to uncover clues. But will she become the next victim?

When an MI6 agent is murdered and Lily is put on the case, she and Imani must travel to Cannes in France to search for the killer. But soon, she’s drawn into an arms-smuggling plot she knew nothing about.

Not wanting to let Angelica down, Lily and Imani hunt for clues, all while trying to fly under the radar and with little support from MI6. With their magic locked down most of the time to avoid detection from other witches, they’re struggling to get to the bottom of things.

But when someone tries to kill them, they realise it’s all been for nothing. They decide to go all in, which gives them a false sense of security. Just when they think they’re getting somewhere, mobsters get the upper hand, leaving the PIB reeling.

Can they salvage the situation, or has one of their beloved team members cast their last spell?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dionne Lister
• Release date: Jan 19, 2024
• ISBN: 9781922407580

Dionne Lister

I love writing and sharing my stories but I wish they wouldn't keep me awake at night.I'm from Sydney and when I'm not writing I'm tweeting, reading or doing sporty stuff.I'm a USA Today bestselling author, and I've been named by iBooks as "One of 10 emerging fantasy authors you must read." Shadows of the Realm, the first fantasy novel in my Circle of Talia series, has been number one in it's genre categories on Amazon and iBooks, reaching number 1 overall on iBooks Australia. The series is complete with A Time of Darkness and Realm of Blood and Fire.

Book preview

Chapter 1

C ome on, Lily. We’re going to be late. Will stood at the kitchen door of Angelica’s house in Westerham, staring at me impatiently. As if that would hurry me up. After our amazing time in Australia—well, my friend getting murdered wasn’t amazing, nor was Agent Bothers, but our wedding and staying in my childhood home was—instead of returning to England with everyone else, Will had whisked me off to a surprise honeymoon in Spain for a week. We’d since returned to the freezing cold of December in Westerham.

I gave Abby one last squeeze and put her next to her food bowl. Enjoy breakfast.

She meowed. Are you sure you have to go already?

We’d been back since yesterday morning, and today was Will’s first day back at work. I was only going in to see my squirrels since they were happily living in the park at headquarters. So far, MI6 hadn’t contacted me about coming in for anything, so I was technically a free agent today.

Yes, but I’ll be back soon, and you can sit on my lap while I read. She tilted her head to the side as she looked up at me through narrowed eyes. She didn’t have to say anything for me to know she was upset that I’d been gone so long, and I’d been home for approximately no time, and then off I went again. Promise.

She turned her back on me and put her nose in her bowl. With a flick of her fluffy tail, I was dismissed. I looked at Will. Okay, I'm ready.

He shook his head. Let’s go. He made his doorway, and I made mine. I happy sighed as I stepped through. I’d really missed using magic in Australia. Thank goodness England wasn’t banning magic use.

Hello, headquarters reception room.

Will stared at me, one eyebrow raised. Are you feeling all right, Lily?

I smiled. Yes, why? I knew why, but it was fun to annoy him.

He gave me a withering look. Never mind. He turned and buzzed the intercom.

Within a minute, the door opened, revealing a grinning Gus.

Congratulations, and welcome back! We’ve missed you… well, me and the squirrels. I’ve been feeding them just as you asked. One of them accidentally bit me, and you should’ve seen the yellow pus that oozed out within a couple of days. My finger was red and swollen, and I had to have antibiotics, but I’m all good now. He held up the offending digit while I swallowed the half-digested pancakes trying to escape. Ah, Gus. Some things never changed.

Will’s lip twitch turned into a small smile. It’s good to be back. Glad to hear your finger is fine.

I stepped into the corridor. Speaking of squirrels, thank you so much for taking care of them. I got you this. He collected fridge magnets, so I reached into my jeans pocket and pulled five out. Here you go. A Harbour Bridge, an Opera House, a koala, a kangaroo, and Uluru. Not that we went to the Red Centre, but they were selling them at one of the shops in the city, so I grabbed it. Totally random.

Gus’s grin widened as he took possession of the trinkets. Thank you so much! That’s so kind of you. My wife is going to love these. I’m slapping them onto the fridge as soon as I get home. He lined the magnets up on the floor, took out his phone, and snapped a pic. I’m sending this to my wife now.

I bit my lip and smiled. What joy. I’d been worried he wouldn’t like them. Silly me.

Ah, there you are. Angelica approached us. She looked at her watch, then at us. It’s about time you two got here.

I wrinkled my forehead. But I’m only here to see the squirrels. I’m not supposed to work today, am I?

No, but I need to show you both something. It’s important. Come on. You’re holding us up.

How did I manage to get in trouble for not being here on time for something I didn’t even know about? I must just be lucky.

I looked at Will. His slight head shake and serious face told me to zip it. It was difficult, but I kept my mouth closed. I’d do my best not to get myself in Angelica’s bad books on my first day back. Yes, she loved me, but she also left our home relationship at home. I understood why—I had enough trouble with some agents disliking me working at the PIB because I wasn’t a properly trained agent, and if I looked to also receive unfair treatment or get away with what would be considered disrespect by someone else towards Angelica, my life would be worse around here. Goodness knew, I didn’t want a repeat of my war with Chadiot. I’d won in the end, but the road to that had been long and painful. He was one of the most irritating and stupid people I’d ever met.

We followed her to the lift and went up a floor. After getting out, we passed a few office doors along the corridor, until we got to one that had a small squirrel emblem on the door. I smiled. Are my squirrels getting their own office? I wasn’t sure they could look after an office, but if Angelica stripped the carpet and all the soft furnishings out, maybe it could work. But why would the squirrels need an office?

She gave me an are you mad? look. No, dear. Of course not.

Um…. Are they getting an inside bedroom or something? Have you put a little ladder on the outside of the building and a squirrel door?

Now, even Will was staring at me as if I needed some time in a quiet room… by myself… with no sharp objects in sight.

Again, no, dear. Come on, and let’s put you… and us… out of our misery.

I didn’t like the sound of that and eyed the empty hallway over her shoulder. A portal would fit there, and I could be away in a jiffy. Will smirked. He could probably tell what I was thinking. We had the ability to talk to each other mind to mind, but I wasn’t projecting right now. My face always said all it needed to. I was yet to take the poker-face training I sorely needed.

Mrs Blakesley, don’t look so worried. He grinned and took my hand. I turned to mush. He’d started calling me Mrs Blakesley as soon as we got married, and I liked it. I was his, and he was mine—in the best way. Not in the I get to tell you what to do way, but in the I’ve got your back, and you’re my number one person always way.

I held in my contented sigh.

Angelica raised a brow and stared at our joined hands. We’re in the workplace. Her tone was enough to have Will dropping my hand and me stepping away from him. If I had any doubt that her fairly new relationship with Phillip would soften her, I’d been duly schooled. We’d have to save the newlywed stuff for out-of-office hours.

She gave a satisfied nod, turned, and magicked the door open. We stepped into the reception area that all the offices at HQ had. The walls were a pale blue, the floor polished concrete with a natural-looking woven rug. There was a desk and a chair. A phone sat on the desk, and three chairs sat against one wall for people to wait in. I looked around and nodded. Hmm, nice… really… interesting.

Angelica scowled at me. We can do without the sarcasm, dear.

I wasn’t trying to be sarcastic. Sorry. Oops. The office looked like any other office, and I’d been surprised by the lack of whatever special thing Angelica wanted to show us. My brain forgot to tell my mouth to keep its opinions to itself. It was just… there was only so much excitement I could have about a plain office reception area. In any case, there were no squirrels as the sign had suggested there might be. Angelica had been telling the truth, and I was disappointed. What’s behind door number two? My eyes popped wider. It better not be Chadiot.

Angelica threw her poker face to the wind, and horror expanded her mouth and eyes. Are you mad? Did you lose all sanity in your three weeks off? Did that stint in jail in Australia traumatise the good sense out of you?

I smiled. No, but you’re good at giving bad surprises, and that would be the absolute worst thing I could think of.

For goodness’ sake. She spun around and opened the door between the reception area and the inner office.

Surprise! a chorus of voices shouted.

Angelica stepped inside and smiled at me. Welcome to your new office, Lily.

I sucked in a breath. My brother, mother, Liv, Beren, Imani, Sarah, Lavender, and Millicent stood inside. Grey the Brave and Dusty were on Imani’s shoulders. As soon as they saw me, they shot down her body, across the floor, and scurried up my jeans and top until they were both nuzzling under my neck, chittering crazily. You’re back! We missed you.

I missed you too. I rubbed my face on both of their backs, my eyes shut. Ah, I’d missed this. Someone cleared their throat, and I opened my eyes.

So, what do you think? James asked.

I took in my new office. Soothing grey-blue walls enclosed the space. White built-in bookshelves took up one wall while the other was covered in photos of me with everyone. They stared at me as I perused them. It was a brief history of my time here, from our group wedding photo to a selfie of me and Will, to a photo taken of Liv and me at her birthday, to one of Imani, Liv, and me at a pub, and then one with Mill, James, me, and Annabelle with GTB, Dusty, and a few of the other Team Turmoil members. There was me with Mum and James, and me with Will, Liv, and Beren, plus a few more. Wow, you guys did all this?

Will placed a hand on my shoulder. Do you like it?

I glanced at the large timber desk, comfy-looking brown-leather chair, and the blue-and-white floor rug, then at everyone. Thank you so much. I love it!

Grey the Brave chittered. Did you see our squirrel door? We can come and go whenever we want. He leapt off me, hit the table, then bounced to the windowsill. A cat-type door had been placed into the lower corner of the windowpane.

Angelica cocked her head to the side. Yes, you can, but only when Lily’s here. She turned to me. Lock it with a spell when you’re not here. Your army has the potential to make a terrible mess.

But I can just magic it away. Them making a mess didn’t bother me. It was nice to think they could snuggle in here when it got too cold or wet outside. Although, there were a couple of the squirrels in Team Turmoil who were a bit wilder than the others, and if they destroyed paperwork or chewed my chair to pieces, I couldn’t bring any of it back. I could only banish the dirt or tidy.

I don’t want them becoming soft. They’re wild animals and should spend most of their time outside, as nature intended.

GTB stood on his hind legs and angry squeaked, his tirade telling Angelica exactly what he thought about being called a wild animal. I pressed my lips together to keep from smiling. So cute, but he was an outside creature. Angelica was right, but also, I didn’t want them to lose the essence of what they were. If they lost their capability of looking after themselves and something happened to me, or the PIB decided not to fund the army any more, they’d be in danger, and as much as I loved them, I didn’t want them moving into my bedroom because there was no way Angelica would allow them to roam free in the house.

I patted GTB’s furry head. It’s okay, buddy. No one thinks you’re out of control. You have to admit there are a couple of our recruits we probably can’t trust to always be on their best behaviour.

He sniffed the air for a bit, then harrumphed. I’d take that as agreement.

I picked the desk and chair. Do you like them? Liv asked.

I turned and hugged her. They’re perfect.

I just turned up to say surprise. Beren grinned.

I laughed. Ha ha, thanks, B. You did a smashing job of it too.

Everyone stayed for a short chat, but then it was time for everyone to get into gear.

Sorry we have to go, Lily, but we’re working on a time-sensitive case. Millicent gave me a quick hug, as did Sarah and Lavender; then they left via a doorway Mill made in the reception area… my reception area. I smiled at the thought. Not that being an agent was my passion, but I was contracted to MI6 for another eleven months, give or take, and this was like a mark of respect from my peers, the people I looked up to. This was my own space. I didn’t have to feel like an outsider or inferior, even though I knew I was less experienced. I didn’t have to sit in Imani’s office or Millicent’s office and feel like I was intruding. My heart was full. The people who loved me were awesome.

Bye, Lily. James turned to Will. I need help with something in the field.

Not a problem. Will gave me a quick peck on the lips and left with B and James.

Mum gave me a tight hug. It’s good to have you home. I missed you, even though it was only a week. I hugged her back. Okay, time to hit the phones. I have some things to organise. Bye, sweetie.

Bye, Mum.

Imani and Liv patted the squirrels and waved goodbye. Then it was just me, Angelica, and my tiny comrades. Angelica was giving me a look. I narrowed my eyes. She was about to tell me something she wasn’t sure I’d like. Hmm…. Just spill, please. Was it about Chadiot this time?

Her face resumed its pokerness. MI6 is sending you an assistant. She’ll be here in about five minutes.

What do I need an assistant for? I didn’t ask the obvious question of why it wasn’t great news. I couldn’t see the point of having one, but it didn’t seem like the worst thing ever.

Angelica drew her magic and made a bubble of silence. Interesting. MI6 will require reports when you’re working their cases. Rather than spend a lot of time teaching you the ins and outs, they thought it would be preferable to have someone helping you full-time. You can learn as you go.

Her expression gave nothing away, but she emanated a vibe of annoyance, and I thought I knew why. They’re spying on me and maybe a little bit on the PIB as well?

I wouldn’t call it spying, dear. We did agree to merge forces, after all, but yes—they want to make sure you’re doing as they ask, and if they learn more about us in the process, they’re going to file that information away for a rainy day.

Is this assistant a witch?

Yes. There are only a handful of witches in their employ, and she’s one of them. It’s not necessarily a bad thing to have her here. I wouldn’t trust her fully, but in terms of merging our organisations somewhat, we must learn to work together in harmony. Please do your best to gel with her, but don’t give too much away until you’re sure you can trust her.

Why not have James question her motives? His truth-telling skill was one I wished I had.

Because that would be offensive, and we don’t want to get off on the wrong foot. If you have any concerns, come and see me, but she’s been working with MI6 for fifteen years, so I’m assuming she’s professional, and her knowledge will be an asset to you and, by default, to us.

Ah, okay. What else aren’t you telling me? Does she know my secret? Grey the Brave had returned to my shoulder, and I absently patted him.

Nothing, dear. Absolutely nothing. And, no, she doesn’t know your talent for seeing the past or channelling other witches’ magic. I’ll leave that up to you once you know her better. Just make sure you play nice with her, and everything will be fine. She glanced out the window, then back at me. I have to go now, but I’ll see you at home tonight. Oh, and her name is Natalia Campbell.

Okay. Bye. I wasn’t going to ask if I had to stay to meet the MI6 woman—it was a given—so as Angelica left, I sat in my plush new chair and adjusted the height. And for good measure, I spun around in it a few times, a squirrel on each shoulder, chittering in laughter.

That was when my new assistant appeared in the doorway. At least, I had to assume it was her and not a thirty-something-year-old runway model in pricey threads. Her navy tailored suit jacket skimmed her slim waist, ending mid-curve of her hip. Her slimline matching skirt hit an inch above a perfectly proportioned knee, and her nude-coloured patent-leather high heels screamed expensive. I wouldn’t bet my house on it—ooh, that’s right, I had a house—but I’d bet that if I glimpsed the soles of her shoes, they’d be a deep, designer red. The sandy-tan Christian Louboutin tote on her shoulder with studded detailing at the base of the red-and-tan handles gave it away.

The displeased intensity in her eyes disappeared as soon as I noticed it.

I stopped spinning.

The tightness around her eyes was probably because her smile was forced. Are you Lily Bianchi?

I stood and stumbled to one side because the dizziness hadn’t worn off yet, but the squirrels held fast. I righted myself and smiled. Yes, hi. Well, actually, it’s Lily Blakesley. I just got married. I grinned. That was the first time I’d had to correct someone. It was strange to have a different last name, but I loved it since it meant I’d gotten to marry my soulmate. Sorry. I’ve just met my office… well, not met it, but you know. I had to take my new chair for a spin. I chuckled at how funny I was. She didn’t. That was enough to kill my mood.

Did Angelica know this woman was more like her than me? Maybe that’s what the looks were all about—she knew I’d have trouble getting along with her.

Okay, I don’t understand that, but anyway. I’m Natalia Campbell, your new assistant.

I managed to make it to the doorway to shake her hand. She took it, all while eyeing the passengers on my shoulders. It wasn’t good eyeing, more like, ew. She must be another on the tree rat side of the fence. Well, she’d just have to get over it. I started to smile at my joke, but I didn’t want her thinking I was totally mad and have her leave before we even had a chance to try this arrangement. Angelica would be displeased, and that was putting it mildly.

Thanks for taking the assignment. I’m glad you’re here to help me with all the MI6 stuff. It’s all very new to me.

Would you like me to call you Agent Blakesley or Lily?

Lily is fine, thanks, Natalia.

I’d prefer it if you called me Miss Campbell. Now, I’m assuming this is my desk.

I tried to keep the surprise from my face. I hated when I was nice to someone, and they threw it in my face. I should’ve told her to call me Agent Blakesley, even if I didn’t feel like I deserved the title. It was too late now. Damn it. She turned and put her bag on the table in the reception area.

Yes, that’s your desk. Even if she’d asked that rhetorically, I wasn’t taking any chances. Argh, I’d have to be on full alert with this one. I'm sorry, but I don't have any work for you today as I haven't been assigned any cases yet.

She smiled, and I wasn’t sure if it was friendly or snarky. Her magic—a mixture of self-assured, loyal, efficient, and haughty—tingled my scalp, and a blue manilla folder appeared in her hand. Stamped on the front in huge orange letters was Confidential. She gave it to me. Now you have. Go and read it, and I’ll get organised here. When you’ve finished, let me know. I report to Agent Prentis’s PA, Huxley, and I’ll operate as your liaison in most instances—Agent Prentis can’t have every agent coming to him every five minutes with questions or issues. She sat and pulled open one drawer after the other. Where can I get supplies?

Um, let me know what you need, and I’ll get it for you. We have supply closets, but you need the authority to take supplies. I can get Ang— Ma’am to send me one if you let me know what you need.

I’d prefer to do it myself. I am your assistant, after all, not the other way around. I’m here to make your life easier. This time, her smile seemed genuine, but whether she would make my life easier or harder, I couldn’t say. At this stage, one was just as likely as the other.

I gave her Ma’am’s details and stepped back into my office, shut the door, and stared at the blue folder in my hand. Grey the Brave, still on my shoulder, chittered in my ear.

Yep, I whispered to him. I don’t know if I like her either, but whether we do or not, I have a case to work on. I’d better get to it.

He flicked his tail and sent me an image of him leaving a present on her desk.

I laughed. No. I don’t want you to make a mess on her desk. It would be funny, yes, but Angelica would likely ban you from being inside. I appreciate you want to stand up for me, but it’s okay. We touched noses, and I sat at my desk. GTB and Dusty made themselves at home on the top of it. I would’ve loved to have grabbed another coffee, put my feet up, and caught up on squirrel goings on while I was away, but the folder’s contents meant I didn’t get to enjoy my new office today.

It was time to get to work, and I hadn’t even been outside to visit Team Turmoil. Come to think of it,