A Nice Clean Murder Part 3

I flew a.s.s over end into a garbage can and went sprawling on the pavement, knocking the wind out of myself. I lay there for a moment, staring at the blue sky. I got up with a groan and rubbed my a.r.s.e.

aYoung woman, what is the matter with you? You almost killed my dog!a I wasnat listening. I was still looking in all directions.

Maggie came running up to me. aAre you all right?a aDammit, I lost him,a I said. The woman was still yelling at me. I looked at her. aOkay, okay. I get ita"I almost killed your dog. Iam sorry,a I said, waving my hand at her.

She walked away in a huff with her little ball of fur waddling behind her.

aYou ripped your shirt,a Maggie said. She reached over and lifted my arm. aAnd of course youare bleeding. Christ, Kate.a I looked down at my elbow. aItas nothing. Letas go back.a When we got back to the restaurant, a waitress was standing at our table. aYou left your credit card, miss,a she said and handed it to Maggie.

They had cleared our table. aHey, I wasnat finished.a aSit down, you dope,a Maggie said and cleaned my elbow. aWould you mind telling me what in the h.e.l.l you were doing?a aIt was the guy from last night, Iam sure of it. He had on the same navy blue coat,a I said quickly and continued, ahe was at the window, and I wouldave caught up to him if I hadnat tripped over the d.a.m.ned dog.a The waitress had retrieved a first aid kit, which Maggie was rummaging through, looking for her implements of torture. aYou tripped over a dog?a aYes, I tripped over a dog,a I mimicked defensively and winced again as she continued to clean my elbow. aGeez, leave some skin.a aSit still,a Maggie said and finished. aThere. Should I kiss it, make it better?a For a moment, we looked at each other. aWould it?a I asked.

Maggie smiled slightly. aIt just might. Camon, letas get you home before a herd of water buffalo roam by.a As we walked into my living room, Teri came out of the kitchen and took one look at my ripped shirt. aGood grief, now what?a Maggie gasped dramatically. aTeri, it was horrible. Your sister was attacked by a killer poodle.a I glared at her as I told Teri what had happened. aIt was the same guy who came by last night, Iam sure of it. I wouldnat be surprised if my backyard visitor is one in the same.a During the late afternoon, Mac and Teri decided to go home and call in the morning. Maggie offered to stay another night.

aYou sure you donat mind staying? You can have the spare room. I feel better when youare here. I mean, if anything happens to Peter,a I finished lamely.

She gave me a half smile. I think it was more of a smirk. aI donat mind at allafor Peteras sake, of course. Iall check on him and turn in. Good night, Kate.a I started to say something, G.o.d only knows what, but I stopped.

She turned back to me. aSorry, did you say something?a she asked with a slight grin. aI thought I heard you grunt.a aN-No, I didnat say anything. Good night.a aHmm. Good night.a I heard her mumbling something as she walked down the hall to the bedroom. I watched her small figure disappear as the door closed. I stood there for a moment and started down the hallathen stoppedathen started againathen stopped again.

I glanced over to see Chance staring at me. aOh, shut up.a Feeling like an idiot doing a one-woman cha-cha in the hall, I finally went to bed.

Chapter 5.

I was pacing like a caged lion. Mac and Teri were still at the lawyeras. aItas almost noon. How long could this take?a Maggie was sitting on the couch. aYouare going to wear a path in your carpet. Relax, theyall be here soon.a aI wonder what they inherited.a I glanced at Peter. aDo you have any idea?a aHonestly, Kate, I do not. I know Brian talked about Mac a good deal in the last six months or so. I know he wrote to him a few times. He told me Mac was a good, honorable man.a aYes, he is a good, honorable man, and I wonat have anything happen to him or Teri. Not for all the emeralds in your Emerald Isle,a I said, knowing I sounded threatening, but I wanted him to understand.

Peter nodded. aUnderstood. I donat want that, either.a I walked out into the kitchen and got a gla.s.s of water. Maggie was on my heels. aDid you have to threaten the poor guy?a aWas I threatening? Hmm. I meant it, though. I donat care if he knows Macas uncle or not.a I thought about it and continued, aCome to think of it, we donat know anything about this kid. How do we know heas not in with whoever tried to break in? Sorry, Iam just not that sure about Mr. Sullivan.a aYou can be very suspicious sometimes. Did you acquire that from your private investigation business?a she asked, looking at the counter.

I knew Maggie wanted to know about it. She overheard enough the night before. aThatas a part of my life I want to forget. Ia"a All of the sudden, I was sweating, and when my hands started shaking, I put them in my pockets.

Maggie put her hands on my shoulders. aLook, I may have just finished my internship, but I know the beginning of an anxiety attack when I see one. Youare worrying me, Kate.a aWeave got a stabbed Irishman in the living room. Some guy tried to break into my house. This place is crawling with men. Watch where you step.a I looked around the floor.

aSomeday youall need to be serious,a Maggie said.

And the wall goes up. aMy neurosis will have to wait. I donat like whatas happening here. You might be better off at home,a I said evenly.

I knew I was pushing her away. I avoided the stunned look on her face as I walked past her, leaving her there. A pang of regret hit my stomach, but I walked away.

When Mac and Teri finally returned, they told us about the inheritance. I was shocked.

aHere, read this. Itas from Uncle Brian,a Mac said with a sad smile.

I took the letter and read it.

I know we donat know each other well, you being a Yank and all, but I know youall do as I wish. Keep the land; itas now part of your soul. But if you donat feel it, donat keep it, for itall do you no good. I know youall do the right thing if you do whatas in your heart.

There will be many who will try to take it from you. If you decide to give it up, I trust you will hand it over to the right one.

The mill belongs to the people of Duncorrib. This is my only last wish: Go to Ireland, meet the people, and work the mill. If it isnat what you want, do as I ask. There are more important things in this life than money. Thatas what you said to me all those years ago, and I never forgot it or you.

I know Iam asking a great deal from you, but I remember how you looked when you spoke about the land. Itas in your soul, Iam sure of it.

Take care of my land, your land. For heavenas sake, take care of the ponies, theyare b.l.o.o.d.y expensive!

Donat worry, if the good Lord will allow, youall see me around.

G.o.dspeed to you, Michael.

Brian McAuliffe Teri had tears in her eyes as I handed it to Maggie. aSo what exactly did you inherit?a I asked.

Mac took a deep breath. aThirty acres of farmland and all thatas on the property. A main house, a small cottage, stable, and four Connemara ponies. Here, you read it.a Mac thrust the doc.u.ment into my hand.

As I read it, my eyes bugged out of my head. Maggie gently pushed me into a nearby chair. aOkay, Kate. Take a deep breath and read it aloud,a she said and sat next to me.

I cleared my throat and started. aBrian McAuliffe owned fifty-one percent of the Oceanview Woolen Mill. He has bequeathed that to Michael Matthew McAuliffe. Should you accept the terms of this will, you will be the controlling stockholder of this business. There are terms to this codicil: The bequeathed must stay on the property and work the mill for at least one year. After that, if Mr. McAuliffe decides not to own this company, he must sell his controlling interest back to the people of Duncorrib as it represents the entire village and their hard work. If you, Michael Matthew McAuliffe, should still desire to sell the Oceanview Woolen Mill, it must be according to this will.

aIn the event of Michael McAuliffeas, death, or for any reason Michael McAuliffe refuses the inheritance, the entire estate would be sold and the monies therein divided between the brothers of Brian Martin McAuliffe. The fifty-one percent of the Oceanview Woolen Mill will be handed over to Bridget Donnelly, who is to divide the shares accordingly to the townspeople. The other forty-nine percent is divided equally between James E. McAuliffe, Brianas younger brother, and Timothy M. Devereaux, husband to the late Colleen McAuliffe, Brianas younger sister.a Maggie stared at them in awe. aYou have to be joking. You own a woolen mill and his estate?a Peter whistled. aI knew he wanted ya there for somethina, Mac, but saints above, I had no idea.a He scratched the back of his head. I watched him. He looked surprised enough.

aWhat are you going to do?a I asked Mac.

aI donat know,a he said. aItas mine, so I guess weare going to Ireland. I know absolutely nothing about running a woolen mill.a He looked at Teri and they both laughed. aGood grief. What have I gotten us into here?a aBrian didnat run the mill,a Peter offered. aHe owned it, but Rory Nolan runs it and has for twenty years. Most of the villagers work the mill. Brian stopped in every day to see them all, but he didnat have an active hand in running it.a aThere would be no reason for me to change anything,a Mac said. aThe intent of Brianas will was to make sure if I decided to sell my share, it had to be given back to the village. However, I have to keep it for a year. Iam sure he wanted me to take the time to get to know the people and the business.a aIt says here you own Connemara ponies. Theyare rare,a Maggie said and looked at Peter. aYou take care of them?a aTake care of what?a he asked.

aThe Connemara ponies. You take care of them,a she repeated slowly.

He frowned for a moment. aOh, yes. Yes, I do. I apologize, my mind was elsewhere, Maggie darlina,a he said, smiling. aYes, theyare fine animals.a I gave him a skeptical look. Oh, Mr. Sullivan, something smells here.

Teri broke in on my thoughts. aWe have to decide when weare going. I donat see why we should wait. We can go for a few weeks and take it from there,a she said.

aThree weeks,a Mac started, athat should be enough time to get a lay of the land and at least get all the legalities out of the way.a aI hate to be the bearer of bad news, but weare forgetting that someone stabbed Mr. Sullivan here and is still on the loose. Iad feel better if we all stayed close and were careful for the time being,a I said.

aWith all this, I had forgotten about that,a Mac said and looked at Peter. aHave you any idea who it was?a aNo, it happened too fast, but he did wear a heavy dark coat. I remember that,a he said.

Maggie stood suddenly. aIad better be going. I have to clear my luggage out of the residence quarters by five.a Mac and Teri exchanged curious looks. aYou canat leave yet.a They looked at me.

aCanat you stay longer? Iall take you over there later,a I offered. Why is she leaving?

aNo, really. I havenat been over there since Sat.u.r.day. You could drive me if you would,a she said coolly.

aWell, sure. If thatas what you want.a I watched her.

aYes. You were right, Kate. I need to go home,a she said. Thatas why sheas leaving, you a.s.s.

Teri gave me a scathing look I tried to avoid.

Maggie kissed Teri and Mac. She shook Peteras hand. aNow you have a doctor take a look at those st.i.tches. They should come out in a week. And stay out of alleys.a He leaned over and kissed her cheek. aI will, my angel of mercy.a We drove back to the hospital in silence. I pulled in by the apartments and Maggie opened her door.

aI hope everything goes well with this. Call me if you need me.a She patted my hand, and I watched her enter the building.

aMaggie, wait,a I called and walked up to the building. She turned around as she opened the door. aLook, I donat want you to leave like this. We need to talk, I know.a Have you ever tried to sound reasonable while your heartas beating out of control?

She turned to go and I grabbed the jacket she was holding. She tugged at it. aKate, please. I understand.a She tugged at the jacket again.

I tugged back. aMaggie, will you quit with the jacket?a We were now playing tug-of-war on the doorstep. I gave it a healthy tug. The sound of ripping material echoed in the hall.

She let go of it then. aSatisfied?a she asked dryly.

I stood there with the ripped jacket in my hands. aIam sorry. Ia"a I sighed heavily. aLook, stay,a I said as I rubbed my forehead.

aStay for what?a she asked earnestly. aWhy should I stay?a aFor the fun of it, Maggie,a I said. aThereas something going on and I, well when youare around, itasa I mean, you and I, weare... Donat you feel thereas something going on?a aBetween whom?a she asked flatly and leaned against her door sporting that d.a.m.nable smirk.

aW-Well, with this Sullivan guy and Mac, of course,a I said.

Maggie rolled her eyes and walked into the building and I followed. aYou can be the most obtuse person. You want me to stay but wonat tell me why. I get close and you push me away. Christ, itas like pulling teeth,a she said loudly.

I winced and stepped back. Her fiery temper was about to blow. The left eye was twitching. aI donat mean to push you away. I-Itas just that I have so mucha"a I stopped and threw up my hands in a helpless gesture.

All at once, I didnat want her to go, but I had no idea how to make her stay. G.o.d, I am a mess. It isnat fair of me to unload my baggage on anyonea"especially Maggie.

I felt her watching me intently. aI could help you with whatever is haunting you, Kate. Perhaps, someday,a she said and leaned over and kissed my cheek. aNow you go and help Mac sort out this inheritance thing.a Then she turned and walked into her apartment and closed the door.

I stood there for a moment staring at the door. Finally, I turned and walked away.

Chapter 6.

They were all still sitting at my kitchen table. Teri gave me a scowling look as I sat down.

aSheas leaving?a Teri asked. I nodded but said nothing. aAnd youare going to let her,a she said. It was not a question.

aTeri, sheas better off at home. Iam nota"a aI donat know which is worse, your sarcasm or your self-pity,a Teri said with a caustic bite.

I shot a look at her. Geez, first Maggieas leaving, now Terias mad at me. What the h.e.l.l is going on?

Peter looked confused and stood. aWell, maybe Iad bettera"a aOh, sit down,a Teri and I said in unison. Poor Peter sat.

aIall figure this out. Iama"a I stopped. I didnat want to start blubbering. I buried my head in my hands.

Teri put her hand on my arm. aI know itas hard, but Maggie is the best thing thatas happened to you.a We had forgotten Peter was there. He listened with raised eyebrows. Now he knows.

He cleared his throat. aIs that the way of it then?a He smiled and gave an understanding nod.

aWell,a Mac started, aletas get back to the situation at hand. Peter, youare going back to Ireland later today. My uncle trusted you, and now Iam going to, as well. I hope Iam doing the right thing.a aMac, youare an honorable man, I can see that, sir. What do you want me to do?a aFirst, weall take you to the airport, and I want you settled in. Weare going to see if we can leave on Friday morning. Give me a number where you can be reached. When weare ready, Iall call you to pick us up at ShannonAirport and give you the flight information. We can go from there to this Bridget Donnelly in Donegal,a Mac said.

aBoy, when did you decide all this?a I asked as I listened.

aWhen you were talking to Maggie. We decided to go as quickly as possible. Why wait? We have a lot to do in three days. Our pa.s.sports are in order, and we need to go to the bank,a Teri said, making a list. aAnd youare going with us. I already called the kennel. You can drop off Chance on Friday morning. I know your pa.s.sport is in order, as well. Thereas no reason you canat go. I think itall be good for you.a It was settled, I guess.

We took Peter to OaHare Airport, and I spent the rest of the day getting myself ready for Friday. I called my editor to check in. I had to laugh when I heard Connie Branniganas gruff voice. I visualized her sitting there, puffing on her cigarette.

aIreland? Good, we need photosa"a aConnie, Iam on vacation,a I reminded her.

aa"of Ireland for an article weare doing,a she finished. I heard her take a drag off her cigarette.

aWhen are you going to quit smoking?a aWhen you wear a dress, you nature freak. Check in occasionally,a she said.

I listened to the dial tone and shook my head. I decided to call Maggie.

Hannah answered. aSheas not in, Kate.a I could hear the hesitation in her voice.

aOh,a I said. aI told her I would call.a aMargaret was going out for a ride and Allison showed up. They left about an hour ago. Sorry, dear,a Hannah said.

aOh, thatas all right. Tell her I called, will you?a I told her what had been going on that weekend and that I would be leaving on Friday for Ireland. aIad like to talk to her before I leave. If she wants,a I said. aPlease tell her I called. I love you.a aAnd I love you, dear. Donat worry,a Hannah said, and we rang off.

I called again on Wednesday. Maggie was at some function at the clinic. On Thursday, she was in Galena with her father. Thursday night, I called, and Hannah answered the phone again.

aHannah, I love to hear your voice but, geez, sheas not in again?a I asked, completely exasperated. aDid you tell her Iam leaving tomorrow?a aYes, dear, I did,a Hannah said.

aWhere the h.e.l.l is she?a I asked angrily. aI apologize. I have no right to be mad.a aThis is true,a she said simply.

I sat there like a dope as her words sank in. It was true, I had no right.

aSheas at a charity dinner in Galena with Charles. Allison got invited. I have no idea how. Heavens, sheas a pest,a Hannah continued.

aWell, Maggie doesnat seem to mind,a I said, trying to hold the anger in my voice. aPlease let her know I called. Iad still like to talk to her before I leave.a aIall tell her. Give Mac and Teri my love and have a wonderful trip, dear.a aI will,a I mumbled childishly.

I was sound asleep when the phone rang. I jumped and fumbled for the phone, knocking it and the clock off the nightstand. aDammit,a I cursed, rubbing my eyes. I picked up the phone and glanced at my clocka"four thirty. aThis better be good.a aWhat did you knock over?a Maggie asked.

aGeez, you scared the h.e.l.l out of me.a I sat on the edge of the bed and flipped on the small light. aYouare just now getting home?a There was silence for a moment. aNo, I couldnat sleep. Sorry, I know I woke you.a aIam glad you called,a I said. aDid Hannah tell you I was leaving?a Again, silence. aYes, this was kind of sudden. You must be excited.a aItall be interesting,a I said to break the awkward silence. Theread never been an awkward silence between us. aThis is a first. Neither of us saying anything.a aA first time for everything. Look, go back to bed. I wanted to talk to you before you left. Iam sorry I didnat get back to you sooner. I-I was busy. Have a good timea"give Mac and Teri my love, will you?a aOf course I will.a aPlease take care of yourself. Donat go doing anything foolish. I know you. Youall wind up with a broken something or other. I mean it,a she said.

aYouare a nag,a I said softly.

aYes, I know. Go back to sleep. Call us when you get settled.a aI will, I promise.a Again, there was silence. I stared at the ceiling, not knowing what to say.

aGoodbye, Kate,a she said. aTake care.a aSee ya, Maggie. Iall call you,a I added as she hung up.

I looked up to see Chance lying on the bed, looking at me.

aDonat start,a I grumbled and turned off the light.