Page 50 of Death at a Scottish Halloween

“It happens to us all,” I said. “But let’s definitely plan one of our nights of fun. We haven’t done it in a few weeks.”

“After All Hallow’s Eve, I’ll have a lot more free time,” Mara said. “I don’t know why I volunteered for so many committees. I should know better.”

“You can’t help yourself,” I said. “And you did an amazing job with the haunted house.”

She sighed.

“What?”

“You were right about people being curious about that poor man dying in there. We’ve grossed more in the last few days than they did the last four years. But I don’t like thinking people are so macabre.”

Jasper shrugged. “I mean, we’re just as guilty. We watch all the murder shows and listen to the podcasts. It’s human nature to be curious.”

“He’s right,” I said. “Being scared like that is a safe way to experience those emotions but knowing you won’t be hurt.”

“Except in this case, someone was,” she said. “I guess whatever helps the charities isn’t a bad thing, but it still makes me feel uneasy. Do you have any more info about the case?”

“No. Not really. And that isn’t me keeping info from you. In the pub, you saw the worst of it.”

“She told me about that on the way up,” Jasper said. “The boss sounds like a nasty piece of work.”

“I don’t know him, but I won’t disagree. Hopefully, Ewan will learn more tomorrow morning. Which reminds me, anyone want to go on a road trip tomorrow afternoon?”

They both cocked their heads and their eyebrows went up.

I giggled.

“What time?” Jasper asked. “And where are we going?”

“I’m off tomorrow,” Mara said. “I’m in wherever it is.”

I told them about the estate sales.

“But the sales are over,” Jasper said and was obviously confused.

“Right, but I thought I could speak to the families of the estates or the companies who ran the sales. Just to see if they noticed anything unusual. Likely, nothing will come of it, but Ewan’s a bit short-handed. I thought I could help. Besides, it gives me a chance to see more of Scotland, which I promised myself after we were so busy this last year.”

“Has this been sanctioned by Ewan?” Mara asked curiously.

“I don’t need his permission to ask questions about anyone in my autopsy suite, but I will probably text him when we’re on the road to let him know.”

They burst out laughing.

“And I figure there is safety in numbers.”

“I’m in,” Jasper said. “I had planned for the assistants, Tommy and Suzi, to close tomorrow anyway. She’s doing it all this week, so I can work on new recipes.”

“Um. Don’t forget one of your best taste-testers, here.” I raised a hand.

He grinned. “I’ll bring a few in the car for us to try.”

“Excellent,” Mara said. “The Scooby Gang rides again.”

A few minutes later, we were down the hill. I thanked Mr. Wilson, Mara’s grandad for driving us.

“Always a pleasure, missy. And you all be careful with your snooping tomorrow.”

“Always.”