Tori smiled. “Perfect timing. I trust you enjoyed the rest of your afternoon.”
“It was very…productive,” Mercedes said.
“I see.” Tori lifted an eyebrow as Patrick materialized from the hall and pulled out Mercedes’ chair.
She gave him a quick sideways glance. “Thank you.”
He moved to Carlita’s chair and pulled hers out, waiting for her to have a seat. “I hear they’ve opened the bridge now that the storm has passed.”
“Wonderful.” Tori clasped her hands. “I think we dodged a bullet this time around.”
Mrs. O’Brien and Iris marched into the dining room, each carrying a large platter filled with food. Mrs. O’Brien set her tray on one of the tables and Iris the other. “We’ll wheel the kitchen cart in and then join you.”
The women stepped back through the swinging doors, returning moments later, pushing a cart laden with food. “Along with the shepherd’s pie, I made a couple loaves of soda bread, a pot of potato soup and a salad for good measure.”
Iris and Mrs. O’Brien made quick work of unloading the cart and then Mrs. O’Brien steered it off to the side while Iris took the empty seat next to Patrick and the older woman, next to Byron.
Carlita not only thoroughly enjoyed the food, but also the conversation, a lively discussion of the Merry Masquerade party. Everyone was careful to avoid discussing Ava’s death, except for one mention by Tori.
They also discussed the storm and Lucien reported he had already walked the grounds, checking for damage and downed limbs. “The water has flooded the yard, but not enough to disturb the stones,” Lucien said. “Thanks to the partial seawall you installed a couple of years ago.”
Mercedes perked up. “Do you mean the location of the Indian burial grounds?”
“Yes. The area is marked with clay garden markers and surrounded by a hedge of bushes.”
“I would love to check it out,” Mercedes said. “I’ve never seen ancient Indian burial grounds.”
“I’m going out again after dinner if you would like to join me,” Lucien offered and turned to Carlita. “You too, if you’d like to visit the site, Mrs. Garlucci.”
Mercedes wrinkled her nose. “Won’t it be dark?” The idea of tromping around a burial ground after dark wasn’t on Mercedes’ bucket list.
“Or you can go after breakfast in the morning,” Tori suggested. “It will give the ground a chance to dry out overnight.”
With a plan in place to view the grounds in the morning after breakfast, the discussion drifted to Montgomery Manor’s schedule for the week ahead. It sounded as if Tori stayed busy with various charities and projects.
At one time, Tori had mentioned to Carlita she’d become a recluse, but it appeared she was becoming more involved in the local community.
During the meal, Carlita and Mercedes oohed and aahed over Mrs. O’Brien’s shepherd’s pie. The savory chunks of meat, mixed with corn and English peas was the perfect blend for the creamy mashed potato topping.
Mercedes scooped the last morsel from her plate and then licked the spoon. “The pie was delicious.”
“And so was the potato soup,” Carlita added. “Thank you for making it.”
“You all are too kind,” Mrs. O’Brien beamed. “You’re welcome.”
After they finished the soup and the main course, Patrick and Jenny cleared the table, loading all of the dirty dishes onto the cart and then returned with a tray of decadent sweets.
“I hope you don’t mind that we’re serving leftovers from the party. I hate to waste food,” Tori apologized.
“Of course not.” Mercedes reached for a slice of cherry cheesecake. “Dinner was delicious. The food at the party the other night was delicious. You outdid yourself Mrs. O’Brien.”
“Thanks Mercedes. I love to cook.”
Jenny poured coffee and then set the carafe on the side table before resuming her spot at the table. “Iris and I will polish the rest of the silver in the morning and make sure it’s locked in the case before I head back to the mainland.”
Tori smiled. “Thank you Jenny. You’ve been a huge help these past few days and I appreciate all you’ve done.”
“I enjoyed every minute of it,” Jenny said. “I meant to tell you that you received a call from someone at the security company who was here the other night.”
“EC Security Services,” Carlita said.
“Yes. The woman’s name was Vera, I believe. I wrote it down and left the message in the box outside your office.”
“I wonder what she wants,” Tori mused.
Carlita opened her mouth to tell Tori about Elvira’s investigation, but thought better of it. All of the people seated at the table were suspects in Ava’s murder and she didn’t want to tip her hand, quickly deciding it was something they could discuss after dinner, when they were alone.
Tori stood first, her signal that dinner was over. The others followed suit and all of the employees pitched in to clear the table.
“Would you like to join me in the library for a nightcap?” Tori paused when she reached the dining room doors.
“Sure,” Mercedes nodded. “Ma and I have something to run by you while we’re at it.”
The women strolled through the grand hall and crossed over to the library on the other side. The French doors were open. A roaring fire welcomed them and Tori waited until mother and daughter were inside before closing the door behind them.
Tori made her way over to the side table and a brandy decanter where she pulled the stopper and poured a generous amount in an empty glass. “Would you care for a brandy?”
“No thanks,” Carlita shook her head.
“I’ll pass,” Mercedes said.
They waited until Tori sampled her drink and then eased into one of the chairs near the fireplace.
Carlita perched on the edge of the nearby settee. “Before I forget, I must warn you EC Investigative
