Scots on the Rocks

“Elise wouldn’t leave her post in the sitting room. I might need her at any moment.” Moira gave a start. “I hear voices. Who is it?”

Judith listened but couldn’t hear anything.

“They’re outside,” Moira said. “Look out the window. But don’t part the drapes and don’t open the casement.”

“I don’t have X-ray vision,” Judith said, getting up and crossing the room to the two tall windows. “You should’ve hired Superman.”

“Ohhh…” Moira wadded up the sheet in her fists. “Just see what’s happening. I can’t endure a disturbance.”

Judith peeked between the drapes. The boudoir opened onto a balcony overlooking the front of the house. She slipped through the door between the two windows. Directly below she saw a parked car that hadn’t been there earlier. A male and a female voice sounded as if they were arguing. A moment later, Jimmy moved into Judith’s line of sight.

“Just tell her I’ll be back when I’m able,” he said impatiently.

“She needs you,” the female voice called. “Don’t be so selfish!”

Judith saw Beth step out into the drive. Jimmy kept going, long strides taking him to the car that was parked behind the Daimler. Without looking back, he got in and started the engine. Beth ran up the stairs and disappeared under the overhang.

“Your brother is going away,” Judith said, closing the balcony door.

Moira sat up. “What do you mean?”

“Ask Beth.” Judith sat down again. “She tried to stop him.”

“Why was he here again?” Moira’s voice was shrill. “Why didn’t he come to see me? Where’s Beth?”

“Probably bringing your tea,” Judith said.

Moira sank back onto the pillows and covered her eyes with the back of her hand. “Go find her. Get Elise. I’m in pain.”

And I’m in a pickle, Judith thought. She wished Renie had come along. Her cousin would have some sharp words for Moira. It wasn’t in Judith’s nature to be rude, but her patience was wearing thin.

“I have an artificial hip,” Judith said calmly. “It’s not easy for me to go up and down stairs. Don’t you have an intercom or some way you can contact your servants?”

“It doesn’t always work properly,” Moira said in a sulky voice.

“Where is your pain?”

Moira grimaced and rubbed the right side of her abdomen. “Here. Why would anyone want to kill me?”

“Would it have something to do with your petroleum company?”

“People don’t kill people over business issues.” Moira bit her lower lip. “Or do they?”

“It’s been known to happen.”

“Maybe in the States,” Moira said. “Certainly not in Scotland.” She sat up again. “Where is Beth? Where is Elise?”

“I don’t know!” Judith snapped. “What can I do for you that doesn’t require searching all over this very large house?”

“Nothing.” Moira avoided Judith’s gaze. “Why did you come?”

“Beth asked me,” Judith replied. “She knew we’d met.”

Moira slowly turned to look at Judith again. “You told her you were here yesterday?”

“Of course.”

“Did you tell her anything else?”

“Such as how chipper you seemed? No. I tend to be discreet.”

Relief swept over Moira’s face. “Thank you. Harry’s death hadn’t sunk in yet. My emotional responses are often delayed.”

“That happens. I knew you weren’t feeling well enough to attend Mass at the castle,” Judith added innocently.

“I couldn’t face seeing where Harry died,” Moira said. “Or his grandparents. Too, too difficult.”

That was possible, Judith thought, but it didn’t explain Moira’s vivacity with Patrick the previous day. Before Judith could speak, Beth entered the bedroom. She was out of breath and looking annoyed.

“Those press people followed us to Hollywood,” she announced. “They’re trying to climb over the fence.”

“Call the police!” Moira cried. “Those predators must be stopped!”

“The police are on their way,” Beth replied. “That detective phoned a few minutes ago to say that he was coming to interview you again.”

“No!” Moira pressed a hand to her breast. “Send him away!”

“I can’t,” Beth asserted. “Don’t you want to help the police find who killed Harry? And who may have wanted to kill you, too?”