This is his 3rd visit.

He never speaks to Mikaere, he only holds his hands behind his back and looks out at the garden. I think that’s what he’s doing anyway… I can’t see under that veil of his.

His car is unnecessarily extravagant and the windows are tinted black. From his and his driver’s outfits, he must abhor colour.

He also has this black walking stick with a carved silver handle at the top. I doubt it is for any discomfort in his legs as his strides are strong and quick. I imagine it conceals a weapon but I haven’t voiced this concern to Mikaere yet.

His driver is also a man of few words. He only speaks his greetings and goodbyes. He has a deep voice and doesn’t even ask Mikaere how much the potions cost. Only a briefcase is exchanged. In all his visits, Mikaere laughs and makes jokes with the driver and greets this mysterious man in black, but he never calls me down to introduce me as he does for other customers.

It was not the promise of sweets or compliments on how “smart” I looked or how “young” I was to be studying under Mikaere, but curiosity that would shame any cat that lead me downstairs. Only then did Mikaere introduce me to the driver.

“Neil, this is my new ākonga, Lottie. Lottie, this is Neil. He works for Mr Dragecivich,” Mikaere said.

Neil said nothing and kept his blue eyes on me. He is an older man, perhaps in his 50’s or 60’s. I didn’t like his blue eyes. They reminded me of a reptile. His boss refused to come into the house and didn’t even turn in my direction despite my best curtsy.

After they left, and when I shuddered from displeasure, Mikaere told me we can’t pick and choose customer and we shouldn’t. I took his words of wisdom with a grace reserved for royals and retained it even when he refused to divulge the amount in the briefcase or what kind of potion he sold.

The goose bumps aren’t fading even after two cups of bayleaf tea.