A Dream of Death by Connie Berry

Author:Connie Berry
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books

Chapter Twenty

Dusk was settling on the island when I pedaled down the long drive toward the hotel, alive and unscathed. Not a phrase I use often.

Things hadn’t ended as badly as they might have. With Margaret Guthrie looming over me, I’d scrambled awkwardly from beneath the desk, mumbled something about the delicious cake, and beat a swift retreat.

The humiliation had been worth it.

If Elenor had been sharing sleeping pills with her fiancé (illegal, of course), it might explain why she’d been asking the doctor for more. And, even more tantalizing, someone really had been stealing things from the Historical Society.

Stealing them and putting them back.

I walked my bike over the gravel parking area. Tartan Cottage was still dark, and there was still no car. Maybe Tom had checked out. Nothing to do with me, of course. I’d have dinner in the cottage, read more in Guthrie’s book, and get a good night’s sleep for once.

I found Nancy and Frank in the kitchen. Frank stood with his back to the sink. Nancy slumped at the oak table. I got the impression they’d been arguing and remembered that one of them had lied on their police statement. I’d forgotten about that. As much as I liked Nancy, I had to admit she’d been cagey about the night of the ball, and there’d been something behind those clear gray eyes when she denied having a clue about the identity of Elenor’s killer.

Frank nodded and resumed his scrutiny of the floor.

Nancy tucked her hair into place and stood, smoothing her skirt. “Detective Inspector Devlin phoned. He said to call him back if you got in before five. Nothing urgent.”

It was almost five thirty. I’d phone him in the morning. “Did Bo’s sister call?”

“She has not. Frank’s been trying to contact her as well.”

“Would you mind if I had dinner in the cottage tonight?”

“Not a’tall, lass.” Nancy opened a drawer and pulled out one of her snowy white aprons. “Mr. Mallory won’t be joining us either. I’ll send Sofia with a tray, shall I? Six thirty?”

“Perfect.” I wanted to ask why Tom wouldn’t be having dinner that night. Instead I said, “Any news about Bo?”

“They’ve assigned a public defender,” Frank said tersely. “Probably some eejit fresh out of university who doesn’t give a—”

“Frank.” Nancy stopped him.

I refrained from comment. In my experience, most recent law school graduates still wore the shiny halo of truth and justice for all.

I walked the bike back to Applegarth. The sky had cleared. The sun’s dying rays laid a shimmering path on the dark surface of the Sound.

In the cottage, I slipped out of my shoes. Applegarth was beginning to feel like home.

At six thirty sharp, Sofia arrived with a tray of dishes covered with silver domes. Nancy had sent beef stroganoff with apple cobbler and ice cream for dessert. I sighed. Lean Cuisine for me when I got back to Ohio.

“Please to put your tray on the bench outside when you are finish.” Sofia turned to leave.

“Stay for a minute.

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