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With rumours circulating that the real Howling Gail had returned, several television crews had appeared as well.

Edward stayed with her for most of the day but at about six o’clock he told her he needed to visit his father at the hospital.

‘I heard you’re leaving tomorrow,’ he said as they stood outside the Howling Gail Inn, watching the celebrations further up the road.

‘I’m afraid so,’ Kelly replied. ‘I was only sent here for a week. I have to go back to Brentwell.’

Edward looked down. ‘I hope this isn’t the end,’ he said. ‘Do you think it’s possible I could see you again?’

Kelly couldn’t help smiling.

‘I think it’s possible,’ she said. ‘If you can find your way out of this warren of country lanes, it’s only about a thirty-minute drive to Brentwell.’

‘It’s true,’ Edward said. ‘I’ll probably have to take Old Ned’s van, though. It gets much better fuel economy than my Audi. That way, if I get lost, I’ve got a better chance of making it out before I run out.’

He smiled.

‘Thank you, Kelly … for showing up. Thank you for everything. It’s been a week I’ll never forget.’

He took both of her hands and slowly leaned towards her. Then he paused, glancing from side to side as though checking for any potentially disruptive toads.

Seeing none, he leaned in and gave her the gentlest of kisses.

Kelly felt a little shiver pass through her, as though perhaps the ghost of a dead journalist, a thwarted lover, or even a ghostly toad had just walked over her grave.

She looked up at Edward. ‘You’re not a ghost, are you?’

Edward laughed. ‘I most certainly am not.’

Then he kissed her again.

A couple of hours later, after the festivities had begun to die down, Kelly headed back to the inn to get some rest.

The bar downstairs was still full, but upstairs the corridor was quiet.

Outside her room she found a small, wrapped parcel lying on the floor.

She carried it inside and carefully unwrapped it.

Inside was a tiny corn doll, woven almost entirely from dried maize leaves, apart from the hair.

Kelly reached up and touched the lock of her own hair, then smiled.

The doll, rather than looking sinister, seemed to be smiling back, its mouth formed from a tiny ear of corn.

Inside the box was a card with her name written neatly across the front.

She opened it.

* * *

Dearest Kelly,

Thank you for your visit to our inn. Please find enclosed a local good luck charm, which we hope you’ll take with you with our compliments.

Yours sincerely,

Martin, Opaline, Esmeralda and Miranda