Page 37 of Death at a Scottish Halloween

When we pulled up, someone was by the door. The light was turned on outside, so at least that had been fixed.

“Not again,” I said.

“Don’t worry, it’s Akif. I stationed him here while we were gone. I know you don’t like leaving the victims alone for long.”

“Thanks.”

“I don’t remember an Akif?”

“He’s new, only been on the team for a month or so. He moved here with his family. You met one of his daughters. She’s on the rowing team.”

“Hi Akif,” I said as we neared the door. “Is your daughter Mariel? I saw her with the rowing team, and I did her physical for school as well. Your wife, Aliya, makes amazing jewelry. I was hoping she’d be at the fête. We were so busy with all the girls, I didn’t get a chance to ask.”

He smiled. “You have a good memory, Doctor.”

“And you have a lovely family. I’m sorry you’ve been standing out here all evening.”

“I don’t mind at all, Doctor. It’s my job. Everything, OK, sir?”

“Call me Ewan or Constable,” he said.

“I’ll never get used to that,” Akif said. “It’s been quiet here. I’ve been doing perimeter checks as requested.”

“You can head home, I’ll take over,” Ewan said.

He glanced from me to the Constable. “Yes, Si—Constable. See you tomorrow. Doctor, it’s lovely to meet you in person. Thank you for taking care of our Mariel.” He took off down the hill.

“I like him,” I said.

“We’re lucky to have him. His wife wanted to live in a smaller town. Less crime and all that and a better place to raise their girls. I plan to promote him quickly, as he’s over-qualified for our force.”

“If he’s so good, why did you have him guarding my door?”

“Sense of fairness for the team. We all pitch in wherever needed.”

“Well, I’m home safe. Thank you for letting me help tonight. Abigail and I will start testing first thing tomorrow morning.”

“No.” He held up a hand. “I’m staying on your couch until we find out what’s going on. Either Henry or I will be doing overnights here.”

“I—uh. That’s not necessary, Ewan. The victims will be transferred in a few days to the funeral homes, and we have so much more security than we had in the past.”

“And yet, trouble seems to find you. No arguments. You know you’ll sleep better with one of us downstairs.”

“I’m too tired to argue. So, I’ll just say thanks.”

By the time I put away what needed to be tested and found him an extra blanket and pillow for the couch, I was about to fall on my face.

“I do have a guest room now,” I said.

“Best for me to be out here. Go to bed, Doc. You’re dead on your feet.”

“I think that was an insult, but I don’t have the brain matter to argue.”

Even with him downstairs, I had a hard time falling asleep. And then my dreams were full of people running around in plastic masks shrieking.

Chapter Ten

Coffee was the most important thing I could do the next morning. I woke up and headed straight downstairs. I’d forgotten about Ewan staying the night, but his blanket and pillow were stacked up on the L-shape of the sectional.