Mary Daheim - Scots on the Rocks

SCOTS ON THE ROCKS

A Bed-and-Breakfast Mystery

Mary Daheim

Contents

Judith McMonigle Flynn put a fifty-dollar bill on the table,

The rest of the week passed quickly, but that following

Good Lord! Judith gasped. Its real? Its not a mirage?

It wasnt surprising that Renie wasnt on hand when Judith

As Judith and Renie finished a lunch of smoked salmon

The fire was burning brighter. Judith and Renie were transfixed.

Alpin MacRae didnt miss a beat. Its early days to

The rest of the evening proved uneventful. Renie retreated to

Moira Gibbs and the man named Patrick were holding hands

Barry borrowed Judiths cell and called his father to rescue

Mrs. Gibbs looked as if shed aged ten years in eight

To her surprise, Judith slept soundly that night. Despite being

Moira! Beth cried. Why would anyone want to kill you?

The house Kate Gunn had confiscated from her late husbands

When the cousins reached the guest quarters, they went into

Chuckie? Renie said under her breath. I dont know. Judith

That bunch was in the dark in more ways than

Jimmy Blackwell had disappeared in the vicinity of the dumpster,

Moira let out an anguished wail. No! Not Harrys parents!

What do you mean, missing? Renie responded with an anxious

Renie looked dubious. Now you have the sight? No, Judith

I really do feel sorry for Moira, Judith said as

J udith McMonigle Flynn put a fifty-dollar bill on the table, glared at her husband, Joe, and said, Ill take that bet.

Sucker, said Joe, the gold flecks dancing in his green eyes. Since when has your mother ever called me by name? Itll be Knucklehead or Lunkhead or Dumbbell before she ever refers to me as Joe. Weve been married almost fourteen years. If you can remember when she ever used my real name, Ill give you fifty bucks right now.

I cant. But, Judith went on, crossing her arms and looking mulish, Mothers mellowing. Last night she said your barbecued spareribs were delicious.

Joe chuckled. They came from Nicky Napolis rib joint.

Mother didnt realize that, Judith countered.

Joe pocketed his fifty-dollar bill. Why bet against each other with our own money? Change the stakes. Who gets to choose our next vacation?

Judith was still glaring at Joe. Vacation? Whats a vacation?

Joe pulled out a kitchen chair. Sit. Look, he said earnestly as Judith reluctantly eased herself into the chair, I realize youve been under a lot of pressure lately. Except for St. Valentines Day, Februarys always a slow month at the B&B. March wont be much better, with Easter not until mid-April. Why not take some time off to go somewhere wonderful?

Judith grimaced. My state B&B board review is next week.

Joe had sat down at the kitchen table opposite his wife. Its Tuesday, right? Well have the rest of the month for a getaway.

Judith looked glum. If I feel like it. For all I know, theyll yank my innkeepers license.

Dont think negative, Joe admonished. Its not your fault youve found a few dead bodies in your career. Its happened to me, too.

You were a cop, Judith pointed out.

True. Joe looked down at the green-and-white-striped tablecloth. He seemed to be having trouble finding the right words.

Ive never gone out of my way searching for victims, Judith asserted. They usually come to me. Furthermore, she continued, gathering steam, not that many people have been killed on the premises in the sixteen years since I turned the family home into Hillside Manor. Id guess that any inn, motel, or hotel would have a similar fatality ratio.

Youve had your share of bad luck. Joe didnt sound convinced.

I could use some good luck. Judith reached across the table. Ill take that bet. I want to go somewhere with sun and a beach and rooms fit for royalty. What about you?

Joes high forehead creased in concentration. Somewhere I can fish. Fresh-or saltwater. Ill research possibilities.

Judith nodded. Done.

The Flynns shook hands.

Done was probably not a good choice of words for Judith.

I figured, Cousin Renie said late Tuesday morning, you needed cheering up before you get the verdict from the B&B board later this afternoon. Ive made lunch reservations at Queen Besss Tea Shop.

That sounds nice, Judith said in a small voice.

Im paying.

Thats nice, too.

Renie, formally known as Serena Jones, glanced at Judith. Hows the bet coming?

Its not, Judith replied as they crossed the bridge that spanned the citys ship canal. Mother hasnt called Joe anything since we made the bet. Shes so quiet lately. It worries me.

Renie turned right off the bridge. Face it, she said, our mothers are old. They cant live forever. She frowned as she braked for a five-way stop. Or can they?

They may outlast us, Judith responded with a wan smile. When my artificial hip bothers me, I get so worn out going back and forth to the toolshed with Mothers meals and medications and whatever else, not to mention my job at the B&B and keeping track of Mike and his family and going up and down, down and up all those stairs in a four-story house

Tell me about it, Renie broke in. At least your mother is on the premises. Mines almost a mile away and you know how she phones me six times during my waking hours and expects me to jump whenever she needs a spool of thread or has a twinge in her neck. I average one trip a day to her apartmentand still work as a graphic designer.

You sound as if you need a vacation, too, Judith noted.

Heading east, Renie steered the Joneses Toyota Camryaffectionately known to its owners as Cammyabove the citys main freeway. I probably do. January and February are always hectic with annual reports. But once my concepts are ready to be filled with useless, boring copy, things slow down. Did you choose your spot yet?

Judith nodded. Dana Point. Why dont you two come with us?

Renie made a face as she headed past the tree-lined streets north of the University. I may not be a sun-and-sand person, but Bill, as a native Midwesterner, gets glum when the days are still gloomy. Ill think on it.

Itd be fun, Judith asserted as Renie started down a narrow street on a steep hill. Dana Point has a whale watch during March. The beaches are wonderful and we could go over to Catalina.

Its still California, Renie said, and yawned. I prefer a swanky mountain resort at Bugler in British Columbia.

At Dana Point, Joe and Bill could charter a boat, Judith argued as Renie made a quick turn to park on the verge of the cemetery that was located by the tea shop. The deep-sea fishing there is excellent.

Renie parked across from the tea shop on the edge of the Catholic cemetery where both of the cousins fathers and several other Grover family members were buried. Well toast them with an Earl Grey, Renie said. Lets eat.

The tea shop was busy, but Judith and Renie were seated almost immediately. The cozy comfort lifted Judiths spirits only a trifle. Her dark eyes scanned the surroundingsflowered draperies, framed photos of English royalty, past and present, sketches of famous castles, stuffed animals, and live doves in a cage by the front window. Dana Point seemed a world away.

Tea, Renie said. A brisk cup of tea will do you wonders. Stop acting like youre on a permanent trip to the cemetery.

Judith smiled weakly. Sorry. Im kind of tired.

Renie glanced up at the white-aproned waitress. A pot of Earl Grey with steak and kidney pie, she said, closing the menu.

Uhthe same, Judith said, not having studied the selections.

Okay, Renie said, after their server left. Pay attention, heed my advice. Cheat.

Judith was aghast. Coz! Our parents taught us never to cheat!

The waitress returned with a bone china teapot that had a pattern of purple flowers. Get your mother in on it, Renie said, pouring tea through an antique strainer. Cut a deal.