Page 55 of Death at a Scottish Halloween

“It’s … he’s … we get along better than we used to. And I think we understand the importance of the work.”

“That sounds so official,” Jasper snorted. “Your husband died a long time ago, so why can’t you have a little fun?”

“Any chance we could change the subject?”

“No,” they said in unison.

“You are always asking about our love lives,” Mara said.

“How is your dentist friend?” I asked.

“Stop. He’s good, by the way. He’s my plus one for the dance. But don’t change the subject. You and Ewan are great together. There’s the fact that since you arrived in town, he hasn’t really been on a date with anyone else. He invites you to everything.”

I shook my head. “I—uh. We’re two busy professionals, it’s just easier to be each other’s plus one.”

“Right.” Jasper said. “But you aren’t dating anyone else either, right?”

“No. You know that. Besides the last time I went on a date who wasn’t Ewan, he ended up being a killer.”

“I still feel bad about that,” Mara said.

“It wasn’t your fault. None of us knew. He seemed like a perfectly nice guy at the time. I wouldn’t say Ewan and I were dating. More like friends helping each other out.”

“And the fact that he hasn’t really been on a date with anyone since you two started going out doesn’t mean anything?” Mara asked.

“Ya know what? We should be focused on the case. Aren’t you guys at least a little bit curious, my supposed Scooby gang?”

They both sighed dramatically.

“Whatever,” Jasper said. “Tell us about your plan.”

“I just need to find out who sold a puzzle box. I’m hoping they have some kind of inventory record.”

“Wouldn’t that be more the people who put on the estate sale?”

“Yes. I reached out to them, but because I’m not the client, they wouldn’t share anything. I mentioned to Henry that they should ask for the inventory lists.”

“Poor Henry. If he had any idea how you use him to get information,” Jasper said.

“It goes both ways. I help him with Abigail, as well.”

“That’s fair,” Mara said. “If it weren’t for us interfering, I’m not sure either of them would have ever made the first move.”

I grinned. They were both so shy, but they’d come a long way.

“Anyhoo, Henry has to get a warrant for that sort of thing, so it was going to take time. I thought this might be an easier way, and it’s only a few hours out of our day.”

“Will they talk to you?”

I pulled up my badge. It was from the police and had my name on it.

“Oh, that is official looking! Is it real?” Jasper asked.

“Of course, it’s real. Ewan gave it to me last month. I’m just asking for information on a case. Low key. I’m within my rights to follow up on any case that comes across my desk.”

“What does the puzzle box have to do with his death?”

“I don’t know that it does.” I explained why I thought the ring might have been in there.