Chapter 23 #2
“Okay,” she said, sliding into professional mode with an ease Bert admired. “Let’s talk strategy. What do we know about Colin, what do we suspect, and what do we need to find out?”
Bert settled into the desk chair, accepting the coffee she handed him.
“We know from Sadie’s research that Colin moved in with Diane about three and a half years ago.
We know there have been significant changes to Diane’s accounts over the past eighteen months…
liquidation of holdings, transfer of funds, lots of charges.
Since her husband died, he has been listed as her only heir, so that’s no change. ”
“All with her signature,” Mary added. “Which means either she authorized them and genuinely doesn’t remember, or—”
“Or Colin is keeping her compliant enough to sign but not alert enough to remember.” Bert’s jaw tightened. “Sisco thinks benzodiazepines would be the most likely choice if he is drugging her. They create short-term memory issues without obvious impairment.”
“Which would explain why Diane seemed confused yesterday morning but was bright and alert at dinner,” Mary said. “He could adjust the dosage based on what he needs from her.”
“Exactly.” Bert pulled up the timeline they’d been building. “We also know that George Watson got food poisoning that nobody else experienced. Was that real, or was that something that Colin gave him to keep him away from Diane?”
“Or is George’s behavior suspicious?” Mary asked. Her face scrunched, and she groaned. “I had such a feeling of caution about Colin, but maybe he is just looking out for his aunt’s welfare.”
“To what end?”
She hefted her shoulder. “Anyone who dates Diane would be a threat to Colin if he hopes to stay the sole heir. Maybe George is looking to cash in on dating a wealthy widow. Colin might see him as an impediment. Which makes me wonder if Diane has dated anyone since becoming a widow. And if so, what was Colin’s reaction. ”
“That would give Colin a reason to isolate Diane and possibly drug George as well.”
“You’re right. My first intuition about Colin still makes him suspicious,” Mary said grimly. “Keeping her away from anyone who might notice what he’s doing or form a genuine friendship with her.”
“Which makes you a potential problem,” Bert pointed out. “You’ve spent time with Diane, you’ve noticed inconsistencies, and you’re intelligent enough to put the pieces together. Colin has to be aware of that.”
Mary’s expression turned thoughtful. “Which is why your arrival as my fiancé is actually brilliant timing. It gives Colin a reason for why I might be less available to Diane since I’m spending time with you instead.
And it makes me less of a threat because I’m focused on my relationship rather than observing his behavior. ”
“That’s one way to look at it,” he agreed. “Though I’m also here to make sure he doesn’t see you as a threat that needs to be eliminated.”
“You think he’d hurt me?”
“I think it appears that he’s stolen hundreds of thousands from his aunt.
He may be isolating her and positioning himself to not have to wait to inherit everything when she dies.
” Bert’s voice was hard. “People have killed for a lot less, Mary. If Colin realizes you’re onto him, you become an obstacle.
And I’m not going to let anything happen to you. ”
She reached out and took his hand, her fingers warm and steady. “We’re in this together.”
“That’s how we operate,” Bert agreed, squeezing her hand. “So what’s our plan for today?”
Mary pulled up the ship’s daily schedule on her tablet. “After breakfast, there’s a shore excursion to a historic lighthouse this morning. Most passengers will be off the ship for about four hours. Colin and Diane are signed up for it.”
“Are we?”
“Yes, if you want to go.”
Bert’s eyebrows rose. “Going anywhere with you is exactly what I want to do.”
Her smile widened. “I’d love to explore the area with you.”
“Then let’s get ready to head to breakfast.
Mary looked up at him, and despite the seriousness of their mission, her eyes were warm. “Just promise me something?”
“Anything.”
“When this is all over, we finish the conversation we started this morning. About us. And about what happens when we go back to Montana.”
Bert cupped her face, his thumb stroking her cheekbone. “I promise. And Mary? What happens when we go back to Montana is that I take you on a proper date. No fake engagements, no pretending, no more dancing around how we feel. Just us, being honest about what we want.”
“And what do you want?”
“You,” Bert said simply. “I want you.”
Her smile was bright enough to rival the morning sun streaming through the window, and he kissed her again, quick and sweet and full of promise. Then they headed out to face whatever the day would bring, together.
His hand lingered on her shoulder as they moved through the ship’s corridors, and Mary leaned into his touch with obvious contentment. They looked at each other like people who were genuinely together, not acting.
That was just the truth, finally spoken after months of silence.