‘That’s what you get for trying to escape!’ said Cat to the cursing fairy.

Shane gawped at Cat.

‘Well?’ she said. ‘Do you believe me now?’

Chapter Nine

The Clurichaun’s Riddle

For a long moment, no one spoke. Shane had gone so pale his freckles stood out against his stark white skin and made his carrot-coloured hair look even brighter.

‘What is– how can–?’ he spluttered.

‘It’s a long story,’ said Cat with a sigh. ‘And we don’t have time to go into it right now. Mikey and Jenny are in danger and time’s running out to save them.’

Shane whipped around and stared at her with wide eyes. ‘What do you mean “in danger”?’

‘That’s just what he was about to explain,’ Cat gestured to the Clurichaun. ‘Wasn’t it, Clurichaun?’

The Clurichaun seemed to have forgotten his earlier distress and was sitting cross-legged in the middle of the salt circle, swigging from the bottle of sherry. At the sound of his name, he looked up with surprise.

‘Who, me?’ he said, in a voice that was all innocence.

‘Yes you,’ replied Cat. ‘We had a deal – I stop the bells and you tell me what I need to know and a deal’s a deal.’

The Clurichaun’s face turned red with the effort of keeping his mouth shut, but Cat was right, and he knew it. He had made a bargain with her and would have to honour it.

‘Oh, fine so!’ he said. ‘You may ask me one question and then we’re done.’

Cat shook her head. ‘That wasn’t what we agreed to. You said you’d tell me whatever I needed to know.’

The Clurichaun began to slap his forehead over and over, ‘Stupid, stupid, stupid!’ he said. ‘Watch out for the wording, that’s how they catch you. Isn’t that what me dear old mammy used to say?’

‘Is he all right?’ asked Shane.

‘He’s fine,’ said Cat. ‘I think he just likes to be dramatic. OK, that’s enough. If you tell me what I need to know I’ll make it worth your while. I’ll … I’ll get you two more bottles of sherry.’

The Clurichaun stopped beating himself around the head and looked up at her slyly. ‘Make it whiskey and you have a deal.’

Cat wasn’t exactly sure how an eleven-year-old could get her hands on that much whiskey, but she figured Granny would help her out once she was well again.

If she ever gets well again. Cat pushed the terrifying thought away. There was no time to worry about that right now. One problem at a time.

‘Done.’

The Clurichaun extended a calloused hand and Cat gave it a firm shake. As she did, she felt a tingling sensation come over her. The deal was done and there was no backing out now.

‘You drive a hard bargain, Caitriona Donnelly. Now, have at it.’

‘What’s wrong my sister?’ asked Shane.

‘I don’t believe my deal was with you, boy.’