Page 69 of Death at Inishmore Castle

“Why are you crying?” Alex asked, as they came into the room.

“Did you not notice?” Sally answered.

“Notice what?”

“How they were all staring at me? I’m certain they think I’ve done something.” She sounded hysterical. And technically, she had stolen several items.

“Take a breath,” he said. “I’m sure it’s your imagination.”

“Don’t do that. I know what I saw and felt. Especially that couple from Shamrock Cove, Rob and Scott. They were watching me like hawks eyeing prey.”

“I was right there beside you and didn’t notice any of it.”

“Because you were distracted by that beautiful supermodel sitting beside you.”

He sighed. “She isn’t a model. She’s a photographer. We were talking cameras.”

“Still, you didn’t notice how those two men kept staring at me like I was a criminal.”

“That is your guilty conscience,” he said. “And you have been stealing. They may have seen you.”

She sobbed. “You aren’t helping.”

“You’re lucky the detective inspector hasn’t arrested you,” he said. “I thought the therapy was helping. I certainly spend enough on it.”

“It was. At home, I could control it. But here there are so many shiny things…and it isn’t like they will notice.”

“Oh, no. We are not going home with all that stuff. Can you imagine what will happen if you are caught by customs trying to sneak those items into the U.S.? You have to claim it all. And if anything is reported stolen…you’ll be in jail for a long time. And then what will your ladies who lunch crowd think?”

“You’re just trying to scare me, and you know that doesn’t work.”

“I’m being honest with you. Maybe, a stint in jail is what you need.”

She sobbed. “Why are you being like this?”

“Because I’m embarrassed, Sally, and I’m tired of covering up for you. I love you, but this has got to stop. Don’t you realize this could ruin our business if you’re found out? What will Nora and Gordon think? They’re good people, who are trying so hard to do great things. How disappointed and angry do you think they would be if they knew what you’d done?”

She cried more, and then sat down on the bed.

I was embarrassed too, that I was privy to such an intimate conversation. I also worried about how I’d be able to get out from under the bed.

“Go clean yourself up,” he said. “They’re playing games tonight and I want to go.”

“I don’t feel like it,” she said.

“Too bad. I mean it. The very least you can do is go play a game with me. Besides, I’m not leaving you alone again. There is no way I can trust you.”

His tone was mean, but it was more like he was disappointed. I couldn’t imagine what the stress of living with someone who stole the way Sally did. I’m not sure I could have held my temper either.

They didn’t speak for several minutes, but then water started running in the bathroom.

I took a deep breath when I heard the door click closed. Then I waited to make certain they had really left.

After nearly being caught, I decided to head back to my room. But, of course, I got turned around again. I was about to give up and just go through whatever room I found next when I finally found the right stairwell. I headed upstairs and turned to the left.

What I didn’t see coming was the man, who grabbed me and put his hand over my mouth.

EIGHTEEN

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