Page 78 of Death at a Scottish Halloween

He left out the front door. I sat at the table trying to think if I’d spoken to a posh Scottish woman who would have that much money to carry around.

I came up blank.

Our last patient was in the early afternoon, another high school student with strep, which had spread well beyond the rowing team. That had been most of our cases that morning. After he and his mother left, the funeral service folks arrived. We’d run all the tests and had taken the evidence we needed.

One of the companies was just outside Sea Isle, the other was from Glasgow. We double-checked to make certain the right man went to the correct funeral home. With the same names, we couldn’t take any chances. Abigail and I worked together to make sure everything checked out.

I blew out a breath when we went back inside.

“It’s sad but a relief,” she said. “Do you think Flora and her daughter will return to Glasgow, now?”

“I would imagine. They took the train here, I wonder if I should offer them a ride home?”

“What about the party tonight?” The whole town would be dancing and partying in a giant white tent behind the church. Then on the weekend, there would be another charity event at Ewan’s place.

“It’s hours away. I can go and get back. I hate for them to have to take the train, though it’s a wonderful ride. They may not be in the mood for our storytellers.” The train, which had been recommissioned several months ago, had become popular for tourists. “Then they’d have to take another couple of trains to get home. I remember her saying that when they arrived.”

“Still, I hope we’ll see you at the dance. Tommy is staying at Ewan’s. They are making candy bags for the children on All Hallow’s Eve.”

“Ewan’s housekeeper is like a fairy godmother,” I said.

“She is that, for the both of us. She’s become like a grandmother to us. She actually asked if Tommy could come and help her. She said she loves her time with him.” Her voice caught at the end.

“We all love him, and you,” I said.

“Ewan has always been there for us, but now, I feel like, with you and the others we have real family.”

I hugged her. “Sorry. I know I shouldn’t do that as your employer, but you are my family, Abigail.”

She hugged me back. “You know I feel the same way about you. Please be careful today. I worry about you being on your own.”

“I’ll be fine. She may prefer the train, or they could have already left. I’m going to call the B&B to check.”

“I’ll see you later.”

I waved goodbye.

Mrs. Beatty didn’t answer her cell when I called, so I decided to take a trip up the mountain. Ten minutes later I parked in front of the B&B. She had her porch decked out with jack-o-lanterns and cute pink ghosts. Before I could ring the old-fashioned bell, the door opened.

Mrs. Beatty was there. “Is everything all right dear? I was talking to my friend Glenda on speaker and had my hands on some dough. I couldn’t pick up.”

“No problem. I wanted to find out if Flora and Elsie were still here?”

“Yes, luv. They are upstairs packing. Ewan says a car is coming to get them in an hour. I’m sorry to see them go. It’s been lovely having a little one in the house.”

Well, that answered my question. If he already made arrangements, they wouldn’t need me. “Do you mind if I go up and say goodbye.”

“Oh, luv, you are always welcome. Go on up.”

Akif was in the front room playing checkers with Elsie.

“Hey,” I said. “Who’s winning?”

“I am,” Elsie said proudly.

“Of course, you are.”

“Ma and I are going home. I’m sad. I love Mr. Akif and Mrs. Beatty. He knows how to play all the games, and Mrs. Beatty makes the best treats. She knows how to do princess tea every day.”