Page 80 of Death at a Scottish Halloween

She shrugged. “I know this is where he died, but everyone has been so kind. It’s been nice having someone to look after us. Once I walk into the shop, it’s going to be more real. Everything is on my shoulders now. To be honest, I’m scared.”

“Of course, you are. Anyone in your place would be. I had a feeling you would be. Before I found out you had a ride, I was going to offer to take you. So you didn’t have to go in alone.”

“Oh, that is kind. You’ve been so wonderful. I hope you’ll come visit us.”

“I will. I love a great shop. I’d also like to come to Duncan’s service when you have that information.”

“That is so sweet of you. I’ll let you know.”

“I’ll be sending your medical records to your doctor, so don’t worry about that.”

She smiled.

“What?”

“He was going to be so surprised. Duncan and I have been trying for a few years. We were beginning to think Elsie was going to be an only child, and we were all right with that. She’s such a dear. But now …”

She blew out a breath.

I pulled one of my cards out of my bag. “I gave you one of these, but this one has my private cell. You call me for any reason, OK? I consider you and Elsie friends.”

“Is it OK if I hug you?” she asked.

I reached my arms around her.

She sighed against me and squeezed tight. “I keep wondering why you are so kind,” she said.

I took a deep breath. “I was a little bit older than Elsie when I lost my father. We were close, like she was with your husband. I miss him every day.”

She squeezed me again. “I’m sorry for you. We adore you and really do hope you come to visit.”

“I will.”

I told the truth. I was invested in this little family, and I wanted to find better answers for them.

Chapter Twenty

Since I had the biggest space, my friends, including Jasper, came to hang out and get ready for the costume dance. It was a tradition that we get ready together for these bigger events in town. My costume wasn’t going to be easy for people to guess. I was dressed as Scottish scientist Mary Somerville, who was born in 1780. She was a writer and a polymath. She also had the distinction of being one of the first females voted into the Royal Astronomical Society.

I hadn’t heard about her until I moved here, but she was such an interesting and intelligent woman, I’d become a big fan. I wore my hair up on top of my head. My black dress, with the ruffled sleeves, was fashioned as though it could have been made in 1800 or so, and had many petticoats.

“You look amazing,” Mara said, as she finished piling my hair on top of my head.

“No one will figure out who I am, but I’m OK with that. I don’t know about these petticoats, though.”

She grinned. “You could be Jasper in his Stay Puft Marshmallow Man costume.”

“I didn’t think these rolls through,” he complained as he tried to get up off the couch.

“I feel like I should wear a coat,” Abigail said. “I can’t believe I let you and Lulu talk me into this Warrior Woman outfit.” Her costume fit her petite body perfectly and was goddess-like.

“Don’t you dare cover that gorgeous body of yours,” Mara said. “You look like an ethereal princess. I bet you will be fighting the men off with sticks. ”

Abigail grinned. “Oh, I hope not,” she said shyly.

“I think we all look awesome,” I said. “I love that we all went for it.”

Mara was dressed as Mary Queen of Scotts, and her huge lace collar almost hid her face. She pushed it out of the way.