Murderous Matrimony(15)
“It’s probably not a big deal. You know how the people at Polo’s take everything personally. They want me to arrest Merlin because he refused to pay for lunch.”
“Maybe he thought it was free lunch day.”
Chase frowned. “You know they never do that kind of stuff at Polo’s. They never even let the residents eat leftovers for reduced prices after the Village closes.”
“Is Merlin there now?”
“He’s waiting. You know he’s not upset about it. Nothing bothers him.”
“And they want you to sort it out?”
He shrugged. “That’s my job. I’m sure I’ll end up paying for his lunch, and I’ll have to be reimbursed. I thought we might as well eat while we’re there.”
We left the lush green grass and got off on the cobblestones at Polo’s Pasta. It was a small restaurant dedicated to the travels of Marco Polo, serving Italian food at the highest prices in the Village. But I had to admit, it was always a good meal.
Merlin was there with the owners, Lynda and Morris Bell.
Merlin was our resident wizard. He wore a purple robe with gold stars on it and a matching cone-shaped hat. He looked like you’d expect a wizard to look. His gray beard was scraggly, and his head was a little grizzled. He had a large nose and inquisitive brown eyes.
He was also the CEO of Adventureland, though most people who lived in the Village didn’t know that. I only knew because Chase had told me. Merlin looked much different in a suit and tie.
He loved the Village more than anyone else I knew. I think he liked living there because he could truly be who he was—that and the occasional chance to flash people with his robe.
“I’m glad you’re here, Sir Bailiff.” Merlin held himself erect and brandished his staff. “These people are accosting me. I wish them removed.”
Chase was nothing, if not diplomatic. “Hail, good wizard.” He also had to be aware of the crowd of visitors in the restaurant. “Let us adjourn to the back room to work out a solution to this problem.”
“There is no solution, Bailiff,” Morris Bell stated flatly. “This is twice he’s tried to stiff me on his lunch tab. I want my money. It’s hard enough to make a living here.”
“I am simply eating for all the other residents of the Village who would occasionally appreciate a free or reduced price meal. Can I get a Huzzah!?”
He turned to the people around him who resoundingly yelled, “Huzzah!”
This was something no one liked to have happen in the Village. It was worse than asking visitors for Lady Visa or Sir Master Card. It took them out of the mystery of traveling to another time and place.
The odd thing was that the visitors loved it.
“Get him out of here!” Morris, a short man with a mound of curly black hair on his head, yelled at Chase.
The restaurant crowd continued to chant, “Huzzah! Huzzah! Give them food!” They pounded on the wood tables and stamped their feet. The situation was rapidly getting out of control.
Morris shoved Merlin, and Lynda went to hide behind an empty table. Merlin retaliated by striking Morris in the chest with his staff.
To make a bad situation even worse, Wanda decided to find out what was going on. I saw her come through the gondola at the front of the restaurant. She laughed out loud as she did what she could to make matters worse.
Cups, bowls, and plates began to fly through the air. They smashed against the walls along with glasses, silverware, and pasta.
At first, no one seemed to notice—or they thought the tiff had become a food fight. It didn’t take long to realize that food and eating utensils were independently taking flight.
“What the—?” Morris first looked angry and then fear took over. “Is this your doing, wizard?”
Merlin was just as mystified. He watched, open mouthed, as the restaurant seemed to come alive. “I can’t do anything like this. I’m not a real wizard, you fool.”
Wanda laughed as visitors began to run from the restaurant. Her abilities had increased. She was able to lift a man and toss him through a window. She didn’t have to touch him to do it either.
Morris picked up a broom and held it before him like a sword. “I’ve heard people talking about this kind of thing today. They think the Village is haunted. It’s just a trick. There is no such thing as ghosts.”
“Oh no?” Wanda grabbed a large, metal coffee urn and smacked him in the head with it.
Morris dropped like a rug. Lynda ran to his side.
“I’m out of here.” Merlin grabbed his hat and ran out the door. “Take care of it, Chase.”
“Yes, Chase,” Wanda urged. “Take care of me, won’t you?”