Page 46 of Death at a Scottish Halloween

“No. I’m—as well as can be expected. Do you have any more information about …”

“Not yet,” I said. I handed the first package to Elsie.

“Is it OK?” She looked to her mother.

“Of course, love.”

She pulled the doll and little book from the packaging. “It’s a fairy,” the wonder in her voice was worth the few awkward moments at the door.

Her mom picked up the booklet. “A dream fairy.”

“I love rainbows,” Elsie said.

“Me too,” I said. “They make the world feel magical.”

“Unicorns live by them, did you know?”

I nodded. “Isn’t that cool?”

Elsie smiled sweetly.

“This is very kind of you,” Flora said.

“I saw it and thought of you two. I know life has been—a lot. I want you to know you aren’t alone. I know Ewan offered, but are you sure there isn’t any family we can call to be with you?”

She shook her head. “I have an elderly aunt, and she’s in a home. My husband and I didn’t have any family.” She put her hand on her belly. “He would have been so excited. He wanted a brother or a sister for Flora. We’ve been trying for years.”

I put my hand on hers. “This is for you. And I mean it when I say, you are not alone. When my husband died—there was so much to deal with, and it was like walking through a fog because I was alone. We don’t know each other, but I’m here for you and Elsie. Whatever you need, medical, or just support. I have a great group of friends here, and we will look out for you.”

Her shoulders shook, and she grabbed a tissue. “Thank you,” she said with a warbly voice. “I’m so lucky to have my Elsie. Looking after her helps. But I’m grateful. I have a few friends in Glasgow, but my time is consumed by the shop. I share a text or two with them a few times a year.”

“Well, you have a friend in me. I hope you don’t mind. I picked this up for you.”

I handed her the small gift of the needlepoint sign.

She put a hand to her chest. “It’s lovely and so sweet. Thank you.”

“Is there anything I can do for you? Do you need clothes or snacks? You’ve been here much longer than you expected.”

“Everyone has been so kind. Mrs. Beatty went shopping for us. She’s such a dear. I don’t think I’ve ever eaten so much food. Every few hours she’s feeding us. And your constable and his officers have been looking out for us as well.”

She paused, then asked, “Is there anything I can do to help with the investigation? I mean, I don’t know what, but I’d like to provide as much assistance as I can.”

“Your husband’s car was full of items I assume he picked up from the estate sales. We’ve been testing things to make certain they are safe. I’m sure once everything is settled those will be returned to you.”

“That’s understandable, but did you find how he died?”

“The honest answer is that we are still running tests. It seems to be a combination of things. I asked you about the diabetes.”

“I don’t think he knew he had it. He had been saying he was thirsty all the time. And he was constantly napping. I readabout it on my phone when you asked me. He had a few of the symptoms, but he would never go to the doctor.”

That wasn’t the first time I’d heard that about a man in Scotland, though I had a feeling it happened all over the world.

“Did Ewan ask you about the ring?” I was taking a chance, and he’d probably kill me.

“What ring?”

Now I’d done it. “Ewan and I found a beautiful diamond and ruby ring among his personal possessions. Did he mention that to you?”