‘Come to me, my dearest boy, come to me,’ she bellowed, beckoning Chester over. Stephanie noticed her hands were spotted with blood and grime; no doubt that meant another sheep had met its end and was heading for her cooking pot. ‘Have I got some news for you!’ She threw her arms around Chester and squeezed him while he just regarded her impassively. ‘Well, have you?’ he asked. ‘Yes, I have!’ she cried. ‘One of my fairies seems to have picked up the scent trail of your nasty man.’ ‘Danforth? You’re sure?’ Chester said, his whole manner transforming. ‘You’ve really got him for me?’ ‘Yes, my fairy can take us to him,’ she replied. ‘Oh, you wonderful woman,’ Chester shouted, only now responding to Martha’s embrace. He pressed his cheek against hers. ‘I could eat you!’ he said. Be careful what you’re saying, Stephanie thought wryly to herself. She could eat you too! Stephanie had been told about Martha’s penchant for human flesh, but hadn’t thought too much about it until she’d actually met the woman.
