The chain of coincidences 11/11

Jennifer Jane grabbed a roll of self-adhesive tape from one of the kitchen drawers, ran out into the garden and wrapped layers of tape round his fingers and hands, at the same time tying his wrists together. When that was done she made sure he couldn't run away, by rolling several turns round his ankles as well.

Mary at least had some idea of what was going on but Peter was absolutely flabbergasted.

"He's the wicked wizard who kidnapped me before," explained Jennifer Jane. "He had another go today but purely by coincidence I recognised where he'd sent me and was able to get back. I must go and fetch Abigail as quickly as possible. Whatever you do don't let him get away or wiggle his fingers."

She ran off into the woods. Mary tried to explain to Peter what was happening but it was all a bit too much for him.

Not only was he in another world but he'd seen magic demonstrated right in front of his eyes. He was even more amazed ten minutes later.

There was a sharp crack of thunder and a lady holding Jennifer Jane by the hand, appeared on the lawn near the house.

She took one look at the man lying trussed up on the ground and started to wave her fingers about. The mans’ appearance changed, he lost his beard and looked a lot younger.

"Thought so," said Abigail, "it is Malcolm. Well done my girl, I'll soon sort him out. The witches have already decided what to do if we ever caught him, so that's the last of his magic powers. From now on he'll be an ordinary human. We'll keep him at the Witches' Home, he can help Robert service clouds. He'll think of it as an ordinary job and won't be aware of his magic surroundings."

She wiggled her fingers again and Malcolm's look of terror faded to one of slight bewilderment. One more wiggle and all the restraining tapes fell away.

Then she looked at Mary. "I'm afraid we can't open a door to Peter's world with any certainty of it being the right one. Would you mind looking after him for a week until his Father does the business from his end?"

Mary looked at Jennifer Jane, who nodded enthusiastically. Then she looked at Peter. He didn't seem too sure about what was happening.

"If Abigail says she can't open a door, then he'll have to stay," said Jennifer Jane. "Come along Peter and I'll try and explain it all to you."