Tristan Merryweather, Cheltenham's Finest Supernatural Detective: The Brag of Gold

Tristan Merryweather is a man of many talents, unfortunately these are currently limited to such accolades as: "The only Man in England to be in Debt to a Housekeeper" and "Owner of Cheltenham's Dirtiest Flat". Jobs for such peculiarly talented men are few and far between, and the supernatural citizens of Gloucestershire have been worryingly quiet lately...

And then, just as a potential lawsuit for failing to pay the housekeeper beckons, a new opportunity for employment suddenly falls into Tristan's lap. Charlton Kings' finest horse-trainer has a problem of the particularly curious sort... an equine investment with the tendency to appear in places where he absolutely should not, and cannot, be. Called into action, our foppish, coquettish investigator sets out with the promises of payment for service ringing in his ears, to get to the bottom of this remarkable problem as swiftly, and as professionally (it is always advisable to start with the best of intentions) as possible.

This short story, the first in the Illustrious Investigations of Tristan Merryweather: Cheltenham's Finest Supernatural Detective, introduces readers to our peculiar hero. A gangly, rather arrogant (though self-aware enough to admit it... usually) dandy, whose wealth of knowledge on Britain's folklore is his single greatest source of pride. Herein he shall consort with man, woman, beast and fairy-tale creature, and will, with a little bit of luck, earn enough money to pay off that darn housekeeper. The stakes are high: food on the table and a spotless abode, the sort to which all people can aspire!

Note: While this story is suitable for almost all ages, there are a few references to ladies' bottoms, a couple to alcohol, and a single insinuation relating to adult entertainment.