Page 99 of Death at a Scottish Halloween

“Yep. I fell off the wagon.”

“Water it is.”

She went back to the kitchen.

I felt eyes on me and turned to see McClendon and his pals staring.

Ugh. I really didn’t care for these guys. Then McClendon came toward me.

Now what?

“I heard Baird was a murderer, seems I was on to him from the start.”

“He’s a patient of mine, and it’s an ongoing investigation.”

He chuckled. “Right, Doc. We all know he was never a good guy.”

I really didn’t like this jerk.

“I have a question about the other guy who died.”

“Again, an ongoing investigation. You’ll have to talk to the Constable.”

“He and I aren’t exactly on speaking terms. I just want to know if you found anything when you examined his body.”

I turned then. Annoyed by his callousness. “If I did, you would be the last person I’d tell,” I said. “Again, it’s an ongoing case, and I have no comment.”

Mara came out of the kitchen and looked from him to me. “That’s it. Pay up and get out. You don’t get to harass my customers.” She set the food in front of me.

He just stood there and stared at her.

She pulled her cell from her pocket. “Constable, I need some help.”

I knew it was a fake call. Ewan was on his way to Edinburgh. He and Henry had taken Baird there. Even though the party was at Ewan’s estate, he had great people working for him. At least, that’s what he told me before he left.

“We’re gone, lassie.” He threw some bills on the bar and motioned for his guys to follow him.

“Grandad and I are going to have words over those guys. I’m taking over the pub and men like that are no longer allowed.”

“Maybe we’ll get lucky, and his wife will tear him a new one tonight,” I said.

“We can only hope. That reminds me. I have to take lots of pictures, and we have to do a video chat for Jasper. He’s so upset he’s missing the party.”

“Of course. Poor guy, he was really sick. Hey, I have a question, and I know the police probably asked before, but I wondered if I could look at your security tapes. The ones on the front and back cameras.”

“Sure.” She pulled a laptop from under the bar. “Which night?”

I told her.

“OK. Here you go.”

“Thanks.” I ate my food and watched the cameras. Fast-forwarding every once in a while. I almost missed the moment I needed. I backed it up. There was Duncan. He was stumbling around. Obviously, the poison had taken effect. Then a woman stopped him. They had a heated conversation. She wagged her finger at him. Then she glanced up at the camera.

“What is she doing here?” When she pulled out a gun, I gasped. He took off running and stumbling. She followed him. But she must have lost him at the corner. I didn’t see her on the tape when he arrived at my place. But yes, it was definitely her.

I texted Ewan.As soon as you get back, I need to talk.Right away.Please.

I’d barely sent the text, when my phone rang.