Page 20 of Death at a Scottish Halloween

“Actually, I’m a convert,” Angie said. “Thanks to you, that’s all I watch now.”

“Me, too,” Abigail admitted.

“See. Not such a bad night.”

“But less chance of meeting the opposite sex,” Angie said.

I shrugged. “I’m OK with that. But I do enjoy a good night at the pub with you all. Wait. Did you see Mara? I should ask if she wants a ride down the mountain.”

“I talked to her earlier,” Angie said. “She has to stay here and help some of the people changing out their rooms. Some of the church folk, who couldn’t come tomorrow morning,” Angie explained.

“Ah. Hopefully, she won’t be too late. She’s running herself ragged.”

“She has more energy than the three of us put together,” Angie said. “And that’s saying something with little-miss-does-it-all in the back seat. How is university going?”

“I’m all right,” Abigail said.

“By all right, she means top of her class,” I said. I didn’t have to see her face to know Abigail was blushing.

“That’s our girl.”

“Woman,” Abigail said. “We should be saying women instead of girl’s night.”

“Doesn’t quite have the same ring to it,” Angie said.

“Agreed,” I chimed in. “But she’s right.”

“Well, after working every day a month straight, I’m ready for a woman’s night,” Angie said. “Oh, texted Jasper. He’s joining us. As he is an honorary gir—woman.”

We laughed. He was definitely one of our little gang.

After a quick change, and remembering to take off my ghoulish makeup this time, we walked down to the pub. We could have worn our costumes as there were several people dressed up. A band played out on the back patio, but the music was loud enough that we could hear it in the pub.

Angie grabbed some pints from Mara’s granddad, and we headed out to the patio. Jasper had nabbed our favorite table by one of the heaters.

“You all look gorgeous,” he said.

“You’re looking mighty handsome, love the jumper,” Angie said. The sweater was a deep green and it did look good on him.

“Of course you do, it’s one of yours.” He winked at her.

It was hard to hear over the band, but we chatted and caught up with one another. It had been a few weeks since we’d all been in the same place. About an hour later, Mara came out. She looked exhausted. Though, I would never say that to her.

She picked up one of the chips we’d been eating and stuffed it in her mouth.

“I can get you some fresh ones,” Jasper offered. “You look knackered.”

She blew out a breath. “Remind me to never volunteer again,” she said.

“You know you like being in charge,” Angie said.

“Shhh. Let me complain.”

There were smiles around the table.

“Did everything go OK at the haunted house tonight? We were busy, at least,” I said.

“Yes. There were a few groups looking for info or to see where the poor man died. People are so macabre. I don’t understand it. But Ewan was right, it ended up being good for business.”