Page 48 of Death at a Scottish Halloween

“I’m sure that won’t be a problem,” I said. “Now, you two look after one another, and I’ll come back to let you know as soon as he’s ready to go home.”

She sniffed again. “Thank you, doctor.”

“Just call me Em. And if anything comes up you have my number, and you know where I live. My office and home are inthe same place. Don’t hesitate if you need anything.” I took out a couple of packets from my bag.

“Use these natural hydration packets in your water. It will help your body absorb what you need and give you a bit more potassium.”

I left them and then went down to chat with Mrs. Beatty.

“I’m so glad you came by. I hurt for her and that poor child. I want to help in any way I can.”

Then I mentioned the requested food. She cringed at the idea of a cheese and pickle sandwich. “But I remember when I had my children. All I could eat was pasta and salad the first several months.”

“I’m grateful they have you to look after them. You are a sweetheart.”

She blushed and waved a hand. “Anyone would do the same. I’ll take them up some pickle and cheese sandwiches.”

In the entry way, Akif and Henry switched places.

“Hey Doc, you headed over to the event? I’ll walk you over.”

“Akif, I’m sorry you’ll miss tonight,” I said.

“My family will be there,” he countered.

“Oh, don’t you want to be there?” Henry asked. “I don’t mind staying on. The doc can help Abigail with Tommy if the need arises.”

Akif laughed. “No. I’ll be fine here. I’m not a fan of witches. My mother told me stories when I was younger. Please do not tell my children, they will use my paranoia against me.”

We chuckled.

“Noted,” I said.

Henry and I walked toward the library. The event and the fête would take place in the large field behind the beautiful stone building.

“Anything happening with the cases?” I asked.

“You probably know as much as I do,” Henry said. “The constable is bringing back some of the guys the first Duncan worked with on the rig. There were some things that showed up in the victim’s personal belongings that made the Constable wonder about the man’s boss.”

“I had the unfortunate opportunity to witness his bad behavior. Though he was provoked.”

“Oh, that’s right. You were at the pub. We have corroborating statements from the victim’s sister and friend that Duncan was what you Yanks call a whistleblower. Or he was about to be.”

“That certainly is motive.”

“It is.”

“And what about the other Duncan and the estate sales?”

“That one has been a bit hard to track. With everything going on here in town, we’ve a shortage of staff. I’ve been trying to make calls about the estate sales, but I keep getting the runaround. I told the Constable one of us needs to meet these people face-to-face, but things keep coming up.”

“I could maybe help with that,” I said. “I have two afternoons off this week. Abigail had several tests, so I insisted on it. If the estates aren’t too far away, I could maybe visit a couple.”

Henry made a face. “I do not think the Constable would like that much.”

“I’ll bring it up. Besides, he can’t stop me. I can be a curious medical examiner and wanting to follow up.”

He laughed. “It’s your head, Doc.”