A Nice Clean Murder Part 12

aIam sorry,a I whispered, and as I raised my hand, I knocked over some books. I quickly fumbled and caught them before they went crashing to the floor. aGeez, do the aisles have to be so close?a Maggie was watching me. aGood grief. Youare a walking disaster area.a aYou should see her in a crystal shop,a my loyal sister whispered.

Anne walked over. aGood day, ladies,a she greeted us and looked around. aThis is it.a aItas adorable,a Teri said.

aWhat a great idea. I have a doctor friend of mine who thinks very highly of aromatherapy, healing lotions, and herbs. She was in Africa and China for a few years. This is wonderful,a Maggie said.

I leaned in between them. aThe lotion works, too.a Anne beamed. aWonderful, Iam glad.a Maggie laughed and looked at me. Then Anne blushed and said, aOh. Youareaa aThe pain in her neck.a She cleared her throat. aThank you. I work hard and read everything I can get my hands on. It drives Rory mad,a she said, laughing.

Teri looked at a few books on magic, superst.i.tions, and the like. aYou have a great collection here, Anne.a aIam not into that sort of thing. My mother and grandmother were witches of sorts.a She then told us about spells for the harvest and a potion they concocted for the farmers. Teri and Maggie listened intently.

aStranger things have happened, right, Maggie?a Teri asked.

aIndeed they have,a she agreed.

Anne looked interested and Maggie told her about her mother and the problem we had six months before. How Mirandaas spirit lingered until she knew Maggie was fine and how she helped me find out who murdered her twenty years before. Maggie told her of the hyacinth, how the fragrance filled the room when Miranda was present. I listened and watched Maggieas face as she talked. That was a horrible time for her but she came through it, and I admired her for that.

When Maggie was done, Anne said in amazement, aYouare not pullina my leg, are ya?a aItas the truth, scary but the truth,a I said. aLike the other night, when I thought I saw someone outside the cottage.a I watched Anne who looked at me with a thoughtful gaze.

aA few months ago,a she said, aI remember Rory telling me that Brian had some weird happenings outside the house. Rory said he looked spooked, but he didnat know who it was. I guess it happened on several occasions.a aI hope it happens one more time. Iam not letting him go this time,a I said decisively and looked at Teri. aI mean it.a We browsed for a while as Maggie and Teri bought a few items. The day turned warm and sunny as we walked to the pub to meet the guys.

aThis would be a good day to see the cliffs,a I said and looked up at the sun. No clouds, this is a first.

The guys were at a table having a beer. Over lunch, I couldnat get my mind off those cliffs. I glanced at my watch, one thirty. aEveryone done? Good, letas go,a I said and started to get up.

aWhoa, Sherlock, whatas the hurry?a aItas a gorgeous day. I want to see the cliffs,a I said frankly.

Mac got up. aGood idea. Letas go.a We stood there and no one else got up. aCamon, letas go,a I said impatiently. aIave got to go back and change.a Teri and Maggie looked at each other. aWe decided itas not safe for you two to go down there,a Teri said and Maggie looked at me.

We? I got a little indignant, well more than a little. aLook. I know itas risky, but weave got to see whatas down there. Weall be fine.a aSomeone will get hurt,a Maggie said, and I knew she meant me.

I was going to say something when Mac put his hand on my shoulder and squeezed too hard. aOkay, youare right,a he said and glanced at me before he continued, aWhatever is down there will stay down there. Peter has been going down there for months. Maybe heall find out what it is. Maybe heall let us in on it. If he doesnat, Kate will have to figure something else out. Iad hate to see Peter get deeper into trouble. Kate thinks heas in over his head. I agree,a he said frankly.

I understood what he was doing and sat down. aLetas think of something else,a I sighed and Mac sat next to me.

aDonat you see that someone might get hurt?a Teri tried to explain.

Mac nodded. aYes, honey, I see what youare saying and youare right.a Boy, Mac is good at this.

Maggie looked at me. aKate, you know if something is going to happen, itas going to be to you,a she said.

I am not good at this. I understood what Mac was doing, but I got irritated and my pride was about to take over. I didnat need anyoneas permission, being in my safe detached loop for so long. I shifted angrily in my chair.

Mac could see I was about to say something rash and said quickly, aI know how you both feel,a he said and glared at me.

I was drumming my fingers on the table.

Teri looked at both of us. aPlease, please, please, be careful,a she conceded.

Mac stood up quickly and said, aI will. I promise.a I jumped up and sent the silverware clanging to the floor.

Maggie put her hand to her forehead. aG.o.d, this is a mistake, I can feel it.a aDonat be a pessimist. It doesnat suit you, Doctor.a I laughed, kneeling next to her. I picked up the wayward silverware and looked up; our eyes locked for a moment. aIawead better get going.a Maggie grinned slightly and took the knife from my hand. aBefore you kill someone,a she offered seriously.

aWeall meet you over there in twenty minutes. We gotta change. Camon, Charlie,a Mac said, sounding like a little kid.

Charlie grudgingly got up. aI thought theyad forget about me,a he said and followed us.

As we dashed out the door, pulling Charlie with us, we heard Teri, or was it our mother? aDonat drive too fast!a

Chapter 18.

Mac drove too fast. aI hope we find something, Kate.a He was as excited as I was as he drove around the curve. aI do, too. Thereas gotta be something down there.a aWater. Weare gonna get wet,a Charlie said from the back.

We pulled up to the house and jumped out. We ran upstairs to our rooms and changed. I put on my work clothes, as I call thema"old jeans and heavy boots. A shirt and my old baggy sweater. I was ready.

I ran out of my room as Mac came out of his, pulling on a sweatshirt. Charlie was already downstairs. I made a detour and grabbed a flashlight from the kitchen drawer. We laughed like a couple of kids as we ran to the car.

As we pulled up to the cliffs, we saw Maggie and Teri were leaning against the car waiting for us. The wind wasnat too bad. That was a good sign.

aWhatas the game plan?a Charlie asked hesitantly as he took off his sungla.s.ses.

I had forgotten mine. I squinted and held my hand in front of my face to see him. aI thought I would go down first, then Mac. Charlie, would you mind taking up the rear?a Charlie shook his head. aYour ballgame, Kate. Lead on.a aOkay, letas go,a I said and turned to Maggie.

aKate, please be careful. You know how youa"a aYouare gonna jinx me. Iall be fine. Can I borrow your sungla.s.ses? I forgot mine.a She took them off and handed them to me. aThanks, Iall bring aem back.a aI couldnat care less about them. Just bringa Oh, get out of here,a she said anxiously and looked away.

aYou worry too much,a I said and put on her sungla.s.ses.

She hesitated, then hugged me around the neck. aDonat do anything reckless, Miss Ryan,a she whispered against my cheek.

I pulled back and laughed. aI cannot guarantee something like that,a I said and playfully patted her cheek.

Tim was giving instructions to Mac and Charlie. aIall tell you from experience, mind the swells and the wind. When the waves go out, do most of your movina. Stay low and watch the swells.a We all walked to the edge and looked down. It wasnat that steep. Starting out, it was a gentle slope, but it did get steep later. I looked up at the suna"still no clouds and it was almost hot.

I pulled the sweater off and tossed it to Maggie. aIf I donat come back, you keep it.a aDammit, Kate!a Maggie said.

Teri agreed, aDonat talk like that.a aSorry, I was kidding. Teri, you can keep it.a I started down the path, which was only fifty feet or so. Mac followed at a safe distance, then Charlie. It took us roughly thirty minutes to travel the short distance. Once on the sh.o.r.e, we noticed there wasnat much room to maneuver.

aWell,a I said, raising my voice. aThe cavern is over there.a I pointed south and led, staying as close to the cliffs as I could. The waves were not nearly as high as they were two days before.

We slowly made our way around the rocks. As we got closer to the cave entrance, the waves started crashing against the rocks. One good wave showered us and we were soaked.

I yelled back. aStay low. Once the next wave hits, we move.a They both nodded. We started climbing the low slippery rocks; this was where I slipped the last time. The waves ebbed and we moved as quickly as we could. When the waves came again, we almost lay on the rocks. The cold seawater washed over us, and we started again.

The opening of the cavern was about forty feet away. I was exhilarated and impatient to get there. I heard Mac yell to me to take it slow. I nodded and continued along the slippery rocks. Then it happened.

We heard Charlie cry out as he slipped. I saw the panic on his face as the wave carried him out. My heart raced and I made my way back to Mac. We both lay flat on the rocks and reached for Charlie. He floundered for a moment, getting a mouthful of seawater, then reached for us.

Mac and I caught him by the sweater and frantically pulled him onto the rocks.

We went to a high point and sat there for a moment with the waves crashing around us. aThanks,a Charlie yelled.

aYou owe me a beer,a I yelled back.

Poor Mac looked petrified. Heas not a swimmer at all, which quite possibly made him the bravest of us all.

Once we caught our breath, we started to the cavern entrance. I looked at Mac, his poor forehead bleeding. We slowly made our way until we were in front of the entrance. I looked out to the sea, and from there, Iam sure, you couldnat even tell there was a cave. aI bet n.o.body has a clue this is here. Look at how hard it was to get here. Who would ever want to come down here?a Charlie nodded. aThis is remarkable. Itas not very big.a I pulled the small flashlight from my back pocket and turned it on, grateful it survived the drenching. aThere may be bats,a I said.

aLead on, Sherlock,a Mac said and cautiously looked around.

We peered into the cave entrance, which was completely dark. The waves that crashed on sh.o.r.e flowed in and out of the cavern. We stood almost knee deep in water as we waded into it.

aHow far should we go?a Mac asked as his voice echoed in the darkness.

aI have no idea. Letas just see,a I said and motioned forward.

We trudged onward. I looked up for bats. Nothing so far. I instinctively scratched my head. I hate bats.

aKnock it off. Youare making me itchy,a Mac said absently.

We had only gone perhaps sixty yards when the cave narrowed so that we could go no farther.

aI guess weare stymied,a Charlie said.

I noticed the flashlight beginning to dim. I banged it against my hand. aDammit, the batteries are going.a Charlie reached into his pocket and took out a cigarette lighter. aMaybe itall work,a he said. The flame flickered to life.

aDo you feel the breeze?a I asked and looked around in the darkness. There was definitely a breeze coming from somewhere. aCharlie, hold your lighter there.a I motioned to my right.

As he did, the flame flickered wildly. aGuys, look at the flame on the lighter.a I took my dimming flashlight and banged it on the heel of my hand once more and it flickered to life. I pointed it in the direction of the breeze.

We were astonished to see another pa.s.sageway. aWhy not?a I said and we walked slowly. The water had receded and was now only ankle deep. As we walked, we felt the breeze getting stronger.

aDo you feel that?a Mac asked.

aKeep going,a I urged as we kept walking.

Then against the far wall of the cave, I saw a shovel and blinked in disbelief.

aGuys,a I said. They both looked at me and followed my gaze.

aWhat in the h.e.l.l?a Mac said and started for the shovel.

aDonat touch it,a I said quickly. aI donat want anyone to know weave been here.a Like it wouldnat be all over the village anyway.

Charlieas lighter p.o.o.ped out and my flashlight was not far behind.

aI think we need to come back with better equipment,a I said decisively.

Mac concurred. aWe need more light.a We made our way out of the cave and back through the rocks. I led, and as a huge wave engulfed us, I felt myself thrown against the rocks. I felt a stabbing pain in my side as I clung to the rock, completely soaked.

Mac and Charlie were instantly at my side. aAre you all right?a Charlie yelled and I nodded.

Mac grabbed me under the arm. I put my arm around his neck and winced painfully when Charlie pulled me up.

We got back to the bottom of the cliff and looked up. Maggie, Teri, and Tim were anxiously looking down at us and we waved confidently. Teri had her hand on her chest and I could tell she was relieved.

All of us were breathing heavily. Macas head was still bleeding and Charlie handed him his handkerchief. Tiredly, we started back up the path, getting our footholds and climbing slowly. Mac was leading now and I was in the middle.

By the time we got to the top, we were completely breathless. Teri hugged Mac.

I stood there breathing heavily holding my side. Maggie stood by me. aTake a deep breath,a she ordered.

I looked at Mac. He was leaning against the car and Teri was holding the handkerchief on his head.

Maggie knelt next to me. aAre you all right?a aIam fine. Just p.o.o.ped. Sorry, I lost your sungla.s.ses.a aYou can buy me another pair,a she said. As she helped me up, I winced.

aYouare not all right,a she said quickly.

I stretched my side. aYes, I am. Iam just horribly out of shape.a aThe way you got Charlie out of the water, you look all right to me,a Maggie said. aCamon, letas get you adventurers home.a As I was changing my clothes, there was a knock at the connecting door. aCome in, Dr. Winfield.a Maggie was smiling as she walked in with her doctoras bag. aMaking your midday rounds?a I asked. aDidnat we do this last fall?a aYes. Itas becoming an annoying habit with you. Youare my last patient of the day. I should start charging you.a She gave me a stern look. aNow what did you hurt?a She put her hand up as I opened my mouth. aNo sarcasm, no lying. Tell me.a aMy back. I felt it when I hit the rocks,a I said and she walked behind me and lifted my shirt.

aDammit,a she said angrily and opened her bag.

aNice bedside manner, Doctor,a I grumbled.

aOh, keep still. You sc.r.a.ped your back and itas turning a nice shade of black and blue, for something completely different,a she finished with sarcasm. aNowa"bend over,a she said flatly.

aVery funny,a I snapped as she lifted my shirt. I leaned on the dresser and gritted my teeth. She likes inflicting pain, Dr. Demento.

I heard her opening a bottle, and at once, an antiseptic smell filled the air. She leaned closer. aThis is goina to sting like the devil, Miss Ryan.a She tried her best at an Irish brogue.

aAnd you enjoy this far too much.a I grimaced as she held the cloth on my back. aThanks,a I grumbled when she had finished.

aYouare welcome. I hate to tell you I told you so,a she started, and I gave her a challenging glare. Maggie glared right back. aI told you so,a she said defiantly.

My outstretched hands reached for her neck as I visualized the wringing process with eyes bulging and tongue hanging out.

Mac knocked on the door and poked his head in. He noticed my strangling posture. aUh, Iam sorry to interrupt this tender scene, but Bridgetas downstairs. She needs to talk to you. Itas about the Dublin car.a aPerfect timing,a I grumbled as I walked out the door. I thought I heard Maggie say something. I turned back as she was slamming the bottle into her bag. aIam sorry, were you saying something?a I asked innocently.

aYes, I said Iall send you a bill,a she snapped.

I met Bridget at the foot of the stairs. aGood day, Kate. How are ya?a she asked, smiling.

aIam fine, thanks. Whatas the good word?a aConstable Reardon wasnat as much help as we would have liked. The car belongs to a Russell Devine from Dublin,a Bridget said, standing close to me. aThatas about all the constable could find.a aThatas it? Nothing more? Charlie is having his office check him out,a I said and looked at Bridget, who looked a little nervous. Mac and Teri noticed it also. I watched her carefully. aWell, Bridget, thanks. This is very helpful. Is there something wrong?a aNo, nothina at all. Iad better be headina back to Donegal. I hope this helped,a she stood and I walked her to her car.

Once outside, I put my hand on her shoulder to stop her. aIf you know something or think you do, please tell me. Maybe we can figure out if itas important or not.a She took a deep breath. aWhether itas important or not is irrelevant. I cannot and will not divulge any information on a client,a she said very professionally.