Pulling The Wool: A Magic Garden Mystery (Book 1) by Demy Watts Page B

for killing the sheep was particularly painful for them. We hope to reassure the residents of Thackery that the police department, led by Constable Willie Gordon, is doing everything they can to solve this crime as soon as possible.”
    Alana came back onto the screen and continued the script.
    “ Shortly we will showing an interview we had conducted earlier with Sir Chesterton and Lady Cecily, but first, we’d like to introduce you to Owen Gordon, who was called in by Lady Cecily upon discovering the deceased sheep.”
    Fern watched the screen closely as Owen came into view. The interview must have been done earlier as Fern recognised the shirt he was wearing in the restaurant. Stewart had interviewed him.
    “Mr Gordon, first of all, a public welcome to Thackery.”
    “Thank you, Stewart, I’m happy to be here, even though the circumstances are unfortunate.”
    “Indeed. Can you tell us a little about azalea poisoning?”
    “Certainly.” He faced the camera straight on. “Azaleas contain substances called grayantoxins, which are present in all parts of the plant. Grayantoxin blocks normal function of the muscles in people and animals, including the heart, and can impair nerve function.”
    “So it can affect humans as well?”
    “Definitely,” Owen continued, “in fact, People who have consumed honey made from azaleas have suffered from vomiting, irregular heart rhythms, convulsions and mild paralysis.”
    “So potentially a very harmful shrub,” Stewart concurred. “Can you tell us how it would affect animal consumption, particularly in this case, for the sheep?”
    “Well, even a small amount of ingested plant foliage is highly toxic and can result in poisoning. Which is unfortunately, how these sheep passed away.”
    “Was there evidence of any other traces of azalea found on Sir Pince-Wittington’s paddocks?”
    “No, upon further investigation, there is definitely no more azalea present. Just to be extra safe, the sheep have also been moved to a separate and monitored paddock now.”
    “Dr. Gordon, thank you very much for your time today and for the vital information on the everyday, pretty, but harmful shrub. Alana, back to you.”
    Fern, Zinnia and Essie watched as the camera cut back to Alana, this time, in the company of Sir Chesterton and Lady Cecily. They were being interviewed in the front room of their Manor. Lady Cecily looked nervous, glancing at the cameras and back to her husband.
    “Sir and Lady Pince-Wittington. Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. First of all, we are all shocked and sorry to hear of the poisoning on your property. The villagers are keen to hear your thoughts at this sad and worrying time.”
    The camera zoomed in on the couple. Sir Chesterton ran a hand over his balding head.
    “Well of course, my wife and I are very upset about this. We are working closely with the police and hope to get to the bottom of it soon.”
    Fern noticed he squeezed his wife’s hand for reassurance. Lady Cecily spoke next.
    “It’s awful what’s happened. I mean, everyone knows how much Chesterton loves his sheep.” A nervous laugh escaped her. “Sometimes I think he loves them more than he does me!”
    Fern looked at Sir Chesterton’s response and noticed a flash of pain cross his features. His lips tightened at her response. Alana quickly broke the awkward silence.
    “Well, all the villagers are behind you and we do hope this mystery is solved soon. Thank you for taking the time to speak with us.”
    The interview ended and once again, Alana and Stewart were back in the studio, continuing with the other news segments.

    Z innia was the first to speak. “Well, that was interesting! Of course, we know about azalea and its harmful toxins, but I’m glad Owen brought it to the general public’s attention.”
    Fern was deep in thought, vaguely listening to Essie and Zinnia’s conversation in the background.
    An idea began to hatch and a plan slowly formed in her