Page 81 of Death at a Scottish Halloween

When we walked outside, I stopped. After looking around, I followed my friends. But I had the sense someone watched from the shadows.

Or I’m being paranoid.

I stood there for a few seconds trying to see into the darkness. If it weren’t against the town policy, I would put more lights out here, but there were rules in a historic town like Sea Isle. I was lucky to have the outdoor lights on my practice. Those only happened because Ewan was the mayor as well as the Constable, and had insisted on them.

The shuttle heading up the mountain was crowded. Poor Jasper ended up having to stand because his puffy costume wouldn’t fit on the seats.

“Definitely didn’t think this through,” he grumbled again.

A short ride later, we were in front of the church. There were people in costumes all over the place. I loved that everyone was so involved when it came to this town.

I went down first and helped Jasper with the narrow shuttle steps. I did my best to hide my grin.

“Do you need help?” a familiar voice said behind me.

I turned to find Ewan dressed in a pirate costume. He even had a patch over one eye, and his coat was navy velvet.

“Wow.”

He smiled. “I could say the same. With that Queen of Science banner, I’m guess you are Mary Somerville.”

My cheeks heated. “Mara told you beforehand, right?”

“I didn’t,” she said.

“She’s right,” Ewan said. Then he took my hand and put it through the crook of his arm. I tried not to notice the warmth spreading through my body from his touch.

We followed the crowds to the side entrance of the church that led to the Great Hall. The wind and rain made holding the dance in the streets impossible. The old gothic place was the perfect spot for a Halloween party. Since the town rented the space, it was also good for the church funds.

“Any news on the cases?” I asked. “Did Flora and Elsie make it home safe?”

“They did. How about we put everything aside for the next few hours?” he asked. “I think we could both use a break, right?”

“You aren’t wrong.” We entered through the decorated entrance, which was over-the-top gothic style. There were menacing gargoyles stationed on each side of the entrance. Everything inside was black, red, and deep purple. It all worked together to make it look like a party taking place hundreds of years ago.

“I need to check on something quickly, but then I’d like to dance,” Ewan said. “With you.”

Once again, the heat on my cheeks felt like they were on fire. “OK,” I said in a squeaky voice.

He walked off.

“Mara, these decorations are amazing.” There were battery-operated, black candelabras all around the room, adding an eerie but beautiful light. The band on stage was dressed in old horror movie standards. The mummy sang, and the drummer was painted green with bolts in his neck. The lead guitarist had fangs. I loved it all.

“If you had any idea the arguments over the battery-operated candles, you would be surprised, but the minister won out. He was worried about the safety of the building if we used real ones.”

“I can’t blame him,” I said. “And they work.”

“Thanks.”

“I need to check out the dessert tables,” Jasper said.

“We’ll come with you,” I said. We followed him to the other side of the room.

“I love having a team,” he said. “They’ve done a splendid job.”

There were plates of petit-fours, macarons, and other delicacies covering four tables.

“Yes, they have,” Mara and I said in unison. We picked up plates. I handed one to Abigail, who seemed to have fallen back in her shell.