Chapter 18
When Jamie had an email that afternoon cancelling a job for later in the week he was sure the excuse about a family member having offered to put up the shelves was just that – an excuse. Word was surely spreading that he wasn’t competent.
It probably also wasn’t a coincidence that Moira messaged him that evening asking if he had time for a video call. He guessed that word had also reached her in New Zealand. Presumably, he had some questions to answer. He only hoped Moira wouldn’t be too upset with him.
At least Violet would be happy if he was told to pack his bags. He’d had a message from her earlier saying that if things weren’t working out as he’d hoped there was no shame in coming home. His brief reply had reassured her that everything was fine. He said he’d call her before bed.
“You can’t be around for this,” he told the cat in his lap, and removed her to the living room. He closed the kitchen door before settling back down for the call.
Moira was waiting for him, and the bright blue sky behind her was almost dazzling. Sunlight spilled across her face and gave her auburn hair extra shine.
“Wow,” he said, looking at the lush green plants at the edge of the screen and then farther behind her. “Is that a pool?”
Smiling, she shifted the screen to give him a better view of the clear water, barely a ripple on the surface.
“This lovely patio is where I have my morning coffee. It’s not a bad spot.”
“It looks fantastic.” He was acutely aware of the darkness pressing at the kitchen window and the wind which faintly rattled the pane. “It’s been grey and miserable here all day.”
“The weather’s always unpredictable in North Berwick at this time of year. Though you can probably say that any time!”
“How’s New Zealand treating you?”
“It’s incredible. Such a beautiful country. It’s been great catching up with my old friend.”
“Glad to hear it.”
“How’s everything there?” she asked, her wrinkled brow and slight twist of her lips suggesting she was up to date with what had been happening in North Berwick.
“It’s been an interesting couple of days,” he said slowly.
“So I hear. I’ve been speaking to Emma. She filled me in on everything. Told me the two of you have met.”
“Yes.”
“I’m so sorry,” she said, the sympathy in her eyes taking Jamie by surprise. “You must wonder what you’ve got yourself into. It was supposed to be a relaxing break. I promised you the work would be easy.”
“It was pretty easy,” Jamie mused. “I don’t think anyone could have foreseen what happened to Mrs Langford.” He paused, contemplating how much to tell her. “I should probably also let you know that I’ve had a couple of people cancel jobs.”
“I’m not surprised.”
“Right . . . yeah . . .”
“Only because I know what people are like, believing every bit of gossip they hear,” she added in a rush. “I didn’t mean to imply they’re right to cancel. I know your skills aren’t to blame.”
“Really? Because I’m sure I fixed that rail but . . .”
“Emma agrees it wasn’t your handiwork that was a problem. She also says there are witnesses to verify that.”
His features scrunched up. “There are?”
“Yes. Both Heather and Edward said the banister was sturdy after you fixed it.”
“That’s good.”
“I thought you’d spoken to Emma?”
“Yes. Briefly. Not properly. She interviewed me after I found Marguerite.”
“I see. She was in police-officer mode then?”
“I guess so.”
“She takes her job very seriously. I’m sure you’ll see a different side to her when you meet her off duty.” She pushed her hair from her face, revealing the lines around her eyes. “I hear you and Cal are getting along well.”
“Yeah. He’s an interesting guy. I’ve met Skye too.” He leaned back in the chair. “I’m sorry about the cancelled jobs.”
“Don’t worry about it. Everything will work itself out. I’ll be interested to hear what the forensic results are from Marguerite’s death.”
“It was probably just a nasty accident,” Jamie said uncertainly.
“I’m not so sure. I thought there was something funny going on the last time I was there.”
He straightened his spine. “When was that?”
“Just before Marguerite went in for her op. I only called in to say hello. I was passing and hadn’t seen them in ages. Anyway, while I was there Marguerite was complaining about Edward, saying he wanted to get rid of her. She told me he’d been looking at care homes for her.”
“Had he?”
“He said he’d been gathering information, in case he couldn’t look after her at home after her surgery.”
“That makes sense.”
“Marguerite was all wound up about it one minute and the next she waved the whole thing away and said it didn’t matter.”
“I had a similar experience with her,” Jamie said. “I wondered if she was on strong painkillers or something. She seemed really switched-on one minute and then slightly nonsensical the next.”
“I didn’t consider that, but I suppose it’s a possibility.
She was always a little quirky. Larger than life.
” She blew out a breath. “Anyway, don’t you worry about any of this.
I’m sure Emma and her colleagues will get to the bottom of it.
And if we lose a few customers, it’s not the end of the world.
Tell me how everything’s going apart from this drama. ”
“It’s all fine. Your house is fantastic. I love being so close to the sea. And I really like the town. People are friendly and there’s a good atmosphere.”
“I’m glad you’re settling in well. I hope Misty isn’t causing you any trouble.”
“No,” he said, hoping his cheeks weren’t as red as they felt. “We’ve been getting along well.”
“I’ve no concerns there, anyway. Skye already told me that Misty’s being well looked after.”
“Doing my best,” he mumbled, while being quietly grateful to Skye for covering for him.
“I should let you get going. It’ll be getting late there. Thanks for getting on a call with me. After I spoke to Emma I panicked that you might pack your bags and do a runner. Couldn’t really blame you for it either.”
“No need to worry about that. I’m having a good time.”
Which was odd, considering.
It was true, though. He had absolutely no desire to leave anytime soon.