A Nice Clean Murder.

By Kate Sweeney.

A Nice Clean Murder, the second in the Kate Ryan Mysteries series, finds Kateas brother-in-law, Mac, heir to a small family estate in the wild west of Ireland; bequeathed to him by an uncle he barely knew. Kate finds this a little suspicious, but as her family, she too is excited about Macas inheritance.

When a young Irishman collapses on Kateas doorstep, her suspicions are justified. She is now sure that Macas Uncle Brian did not aaccidentally fall off the cliffa as reported. So, she agrees to accompany Mac and Teri on their trip across the Atlantic.

Itas good timing too, since things between Kate and Dr. Maggie Winfield are a little tensea"it seems the elusive Kate is still chasing her demons.

Join Kate Ryan and her family on a historic, merry romp of murder and betrayal along the romantic, rugged coast of the Emerald Isle.

Dedication.

This book can only be dedicated to my Aunt Dor. She epitomizes Aunt Hannahas character in the Kate Ryan series. Many years ago, she took me on a merry romp through Ireland. We certainly left our mark on the Emerald Isle, and with G.o.das blessing, maybe theyall let us back one day.

No aunt has loved her nieces and nephews morea"Thanks, Aunt Dor.

Acknowledgments.

Iad like to thank Tara Young, who edited A Nice Clean Murder. I hope the fates will allow more of the same in the future. I think she did a fantastic job, even if she is nocturnal.

Next, I owe a great deal of thanks to my invaluable beta readers: Den, Mercedes, Maureen, and Tracey. It would have been a very long haul without your keen eyes.

Also, to Sheri Payton and Becky Arbogast, who will take Intaglio into the future. I look forward to tagging along. Thanks for taking the chance on Kate Ryan once again.

And finally, to Kathy Smith, who made me feel at home at Intaglio from the onset. If home is truly where the heart is, then Katas heart will always be with Intaglio. She taught me a great deal this past year. She is not only an amazing publisher, but a true friend. Thanks, Kat. Now, start writing that sequel!

Prologue.

The cold Atlantic gale that blew across the coast of Ireland seemed to chill Brian to his very marrow as he turned his collar up against the howling wind. He started once again down the rugged path that led to his cottage. For a moment, he stopped and gazed out at the vast ocean before him, listening to the waves crashing below. He felt as though he was standing on the edge of the world.

Shivering, he thought how he should have taken Maryas offer and let Sean drive him home. Feeling old and tired, he sighed heavily and continued along the path as the cold wind whipped around him.

aSwift ships are sailing in from the sea, and the banshee is wailing alone by the lea,a he whispered, remembering the poem from his childhood. Then he shivered again, but it wasnat from the cold.

It was then he heard the soft keening mixed with the wind. He looked over his shoulder and stopped. Looking behind him, he saw nothing. ab.l.o.o.d.y banshees are all over this fine night,a he said and whistled as he continued on his way, hoping to G.o.d they werenat wailing for him. He remembered back when his mother died. He swore he heard them calling for her.

He heard something behind him again. He stopped and listened. Not a sound. For some reason, he walked a little faster now and stopped whistling. Though it was cold, he wiped the perspiration from his forehead and looked over his shoulder once more. The keening now turned to a low haunting wail. Something, someone was behind him, right at his heelsa"he could feel it.

As his thatched cottage came into view, he breathed a sigh of relief but kept his quickened pace. Through the wind, he could still hear the low wail. He stumbled over the path and righted himself on the short stone wall that surrounded his property. He looked over it and peered down at the rocks. There was no moon this windy night. He could see nothing, yet he heard the Atlantic waves crashing below. Again, he heard the low wail, or was it the wind howling over the cliffs as he strained to see through the dark pitch of night?

He whirled around, then sighed with relief. aItas you. For the love of G.o.d, ya scared the lifea"a he started to say and was grabbed by his collar and tossed over the short wall. He screamed as he tried to hold on to the edge of his world.

aWhere is it? Tell me now, or I swearaa the voice hissed.

Brian tried desperately to gain a foothold, clawing at the loose rock wall that separated him from the sea below. He looked up and cried, aWhere youall never find it.a Now the shadow was all around him, and in a voice so close it seemed to be inside his head, he heard, aYes, I will.a A heavy boot unmercifully kicked him in the face and his old body gave way. His screams echoed and mingled with the low haunting wail and the Atlantic wind, as he crashed on the rocks below.

Chapter 1.

It was a long flight from Wyoming and I was glad to catch a little sleep most of the way. As I walked through Chicagoas OaHare Airport, I realized how much I hated crowds. People were everywhere, pushing and shoving. I had spent two glorious, quiet weeks on the Snake River in the Teton Range on a.s.signment. It was depressing to come back to the hustle and bustle.

aKate Ryan!a I heard the familiar voice call out. I turned and lookeda"it was Bob Whittier. I dropped my bag and almost jumped into the arms of my ex-partner.

aWhat a surprise. G.o.d, you look good,a he said, stepping back and looking at me. aSame green smiling eyes and lopsided grin. Hmm, a little more gray perhaps.a I smiled back into the blue watery eyes and smirking smile. aSmart a.s.s. You look well, Bob. How are Helen and the boys?a aFine, fine. You must be on a.s.signment. Are you still freelancing?a he asked and picked up my bag.

aYep, just got back, and nope, Iave settled down with one magazine. I love it. No more freelancing.a I glanced down at his leg. aHey, you lost the cane.a We both were silent for a moment. Bob Whittier had retired from the Chicago Police Department after my father died. It was then I had the great idea to follow my first love, and I could think of no one else but my fatheras partner with whom to start my private investigation business.

We had a good business and built a solid name for ourselves until that last case. When the dust cleared, Bob almost lost a leg. I lost my hearta"nearly lost my heada"and carried the scars to remind me. Looking back on it, we were lucky to survive. Instinctively, I felt the back of my neck, my only visible scar. In my reverie, I nearly missed what Bob was saying.

aYeah, I lost the cane. However, when this nasty Chicago weather kicks up, I tell you Iam as stiff as a board. G.o.d, Kate, itas been what, three years since Iave seen you? That was a long haul back for you, kiddo.a aBut both of us are fine now,a I whispered in a convincing tone.

aGot anyone in your life?a he asked in fatherly fashion. He was not convinced, it seemed.

I gave my patent, noncommittal shrug. aIam not sure. Ia"a aThen youare not fine. Look, we had no way of knowing on that last case. At least you figured it out before we were killed. When I think how close she came toa"a he stopped short. He put his arm around me as we walked through the terminal. His limp was still noticeable, but I said nothing. aTrust me, Kate, let it go. Find a nice girl and get on with it.a aDonat you start, too,a I said.

aYouare too d.a.m.ned independent. Your father was right,a he said with a wry grin.

aSo Iave been told. What are you doing at the airport? You havenat moved back?a I stopped and gave him a hopeful look.

He laughed and pulled me along. ah.e.l.l, no. Arizona is great. The climate is perfect for a broken down P.I. I was in New York. Iam on my way to my plane.a We walked toward his gate in a comfortable silence. aWell, Kate, I gotta go. G.o.d, it was great seeing you.a He pulled me into a fierce hug. aWrite or call me if you need anything, kiddo.a aYou do the same. I love you, Bob.a He smiled and I felt his hand on the back of my neck caressing the scarred area. He lightly touched his forehead against mine. aClose shave there, Irish.a aToo close,a I said and kissed him.

aIall be in touch,a he said. aWe were a good team, werenat we?a I nodded through my tears. aThe best. Take care of yourself.a I watched him as he limped out of sight. My heart ached for him when I remembered how we almost died saving each other. I started walking back and felt like a salmon going upstream. Did I mention how I hate crowds?

As I walked out of the terminal, forgetting I was no longer in the pristine Wyoming air, I took a deep breath and let out a hacking cough. I was ready to hail a cab when I saw Maggie Winfield leaning against her car. I hadnat seen her in almost a month.

aCan I give you a lift, lady?a she asked, smiling.

I smiled in return. When Maggie Winfieldas sparkling blue eyes smiled, you had no choice but to smile back. Well, I didnat anyway. aWhat in the world are you doing here?a I asked as I tossed my luggage in the trunk.

aI called Teri. Your sister told me when youad be coming back since you didnat bother to tell me. My shift at the hospital starts in an hour, so I thought Iad pick you up.a She gave me a scornful look. aGet in. I donat want a ticket.a We drove in relative silence for a minute or two. aThanks for picking me up. I-Iave thought about you,a I said, suddenly feeling warm. Geez, has she got the heat on?

Maggie watched the road. aReally? I thought about you, too. I was on call in the emergency room. A man came in who stepped on a rake and the handle came up and broke his nose. I said to myself, now this is something Kate would do.a She gave me a sidelong glance accompanied with that d.a.m.nable sarcastic smirk.

I said nothing as I looked out the window. She was right, though, I was terribly accident p.r.o.ne. I tried to ignore her contagious chuckling but soon it grabbed me and we both laughed. We were still laughing as she pulled into my driveway.

Out of the blue, Maggie reached over and took my hand. aI really have missed you,a she said softly.

I looked down at her small warm hand covering mine. aMe too,a I replied. I knew there were a few mature sentences rolling around in my empty cavern, but I couldnat think of anything appropriate. It was becoming an annoying habit.

aWanna come in?a Oh, much better, Ryan.

aIad love to, but I have to get back to the hospital. Iall be on call till tomorrow at noon, then Iam done for good,a she said.

aMaggie, your internship is done? Is it that time already? I almost forgot,a I said, trying to sound amazed.

The adorable feistiness showed for an instant. Sheas about to blow!

aWell, I donat expect anyone to remember,a she answered. aItas been a long six months, but it seemed to pa.s.s so quickly, didnat it? We havenat seen much of each other, with you traveling and me at the hospital. Christ, I havenat seen anybody. I have to call Aunt Hannah.a aYes, it has. Boy, six months, hmm,a I said absently. I glanced at her angry face as I retrieved my luggage. aThanks for picking me up. How about I call you later tomorrow? Maybe weall go out for dinner or something and celebrate.a aThat sounds fine. Dinner would be greata"if you have the time. Iam glad youare back.a She got in her car and pulled awaya"too quickly.

I winced as I heard the tires squeal. Shead be totally surprised the next day, if she didnat kill me first.

I got myself all settled in and called my sister.

aHey, youare back. How are you?a Teri asked.

aFine, Iam p.o.o.ped.a I looked over at my wonderful mutt, Chance, who was happy I was home as wella She was sound asleep, sprawled out on the couch.

aDid Maggie pick you up?a aYes, she thinks I forgot tomorrow is her last day of internship. What a goof.a I balanced the phone against my ear. aYou havenat spilled the beans about the party, have you?a aOf course not. Oh, I called Hannah. She told everybody and theyall be there tomorrow about two oaclock.a Teri let out a hearty laugh. aHannah is a riot. By the way, she said to say thanks again for letting her use your house for the party.a aWell, Doc and Nathan are already here at the university, and Charlieas flying in to OaHare. So it made sense,a I said, looking out the window. I thought about Hannah and all the trouble we had nearly six months before. Cedar Lake, Illinois, would never be the same. aI still canat believe Charlie is Maggieas brother. What a mess that was,a I said. aIam glad they came through it safe and sound.a I let out a short laugh. aI miss Hannah. Itall be good to see them all again.a aI still canat believe what we went through last fall. I canat believe you got shot.a I heard the amazement in her voice. aCanat believe you solved a twenty-year-old murder and got a girl, too.a Now I heard the hopeful tone.

aMaggie is not my girl. Weare becoming great friends. Besides, I-Iam no good at relationships, you know me.a I quickly changed the topic. aYouall never guess who I ran into at the airport. Bob Whittier.a aNo! How is he? G.o.d, you havenat seen him sinceaa aI know. We talked about it. I canat believe itas been five years since that nightmare.a aHow are Helen and the kids?a aFine. He looks happy. Iam so glad Helen made him quit the P.I. business. His security business seems to be doing well,a I said. aHe deserves a good life.a aSo do you. I know that whole mess with your P.I. business is still haunting you. Youave got to get it out in the open someday. You and Maggie have become close friends in the past few months. Maybe you could tell her,a Teri suggested. aAt least you can get your head out of your log cabin and join the human race again.a aTeria"a I grumbled.

aOh, hush. Have you ever told Maggie about it?a aNope,a I said and watched Chance sleeping. I yawned in empathy.

aWhy not?a aIave tried on a couple of occasions, but h.e.l.l, how do I start a conversation like that?a I stopped and thought for a moment. aHow about this, aHey, Maggie, did I ever tell you about my P.I. business that went bust over a lying murderer I fell in love with? Oh, by the way, she about blew off my partneras leg and sliced me wide open from my neck to my shoulder.a So how about a movie?a aDonat get sarcastic with me,a Teri said in motherly fashion. aYou canat keep hiding behind sarcastic remarksa"or your log cabin.a I put my hand to my forehead. I felt the wave of nausea start as it does whenever I think of that time. aG.o.d, Iam a mess of a woman.a aYou are not. Look, I know itas hard, but Maggieas a good person. You might do well to tell someone whoas objective. She might be the one.a I remembered five years before and a differenta"someone.

aSoa"you love me, right?a I asked playfully and Liz snuggled closer.

aMore than I thought possible,a she replied.

aWeall figure this out, Liz.a I looked down into her brown eyes and kissed her. A wave of contentment rippled through me as I pulled her close. aI love you,a I whispered.

I thought she was the one, too.

Chapter 2.

I was sound asleep the next morning when the phone rang. It was Teri.

aWhat time is it?a I asked, rubbing my eyes.

aYou sleepyhead, itas almost nine. You have to come over right away, I canat believe this,a she said, and I heard the excitement in her voice. aHurry. Everything is fine, just hurry.a I never got ready so fast in all my life. After nearly tripping over Chance a few times, I bounded out the door. I was there in fifteen minutes, completely out of breath.

Teri answered the door with a big smile. aGood grief, did you run?a aYou said hurry. What in the heck is going on?a Mac came out of the kitchen. aHey, Sherlock, want some coffee?a aSure,a I said warily as I looked back and forth from grinning sister to smirking brother-in-law. I gave them both a suspicious look and followed them into the kitchen.

As I sat at the table, I noticed a letter lying there. Mac casually put a cup of coffee in front of me and sat down, and I drummed my fingers on the table. Patience is not a strong point of mine.

Teri drank her coffee and looked at Mac. aOkay, you tell her.a aSomebody better tell me something,a I said with my best threatening tone, which rarely works.

aWell, you remember me talking about my Uncle Brian from Ireland?a he asked simply and I nodded. aWella"a Teri interrupted him. aHeas dead,a she said morbidly.

My eyes flew open and I gaped at them. aNo! When, howa"?a aWe have no idea,a she said slowly and looked at Mac.

aCan I tell her this?a he asked.

Teri winced apologetically. aSorry, sweetie, go ahead.a Mac cleared his throat. aItas from an attorney in downtown Chicago. Read it.a He handed me the letter.

I read it and when finished, I looked at them in amazement. aYouare in his will?a I asked and looked back at the letter. aIt says he died in an accident a week ago, but doesnat say what kind. Poor guy, I wish you had known earlier, Mac, you couldave gone over there.a aI only met him a few times when I was younger. I was over in Ireland before I married Teri. We hit it off and I liked him. Weave been corresponding back and forth ever since, but I never got back to see him again.a Mac stared off for a second. aHe was a kind old guya"full of the devil and always smiling. I loved to be around him. I have no idea what in the world Iam doing in his will.a aYou obviously left an impression on him. You have to go downtown and see this Marty OaShea on Monday. I wonder what you inherited,a I said.

We sat there staring at the letter. With that, the phone rang and Mac left to answer it.

I looked at Teri and whispered, aHow old was this guy?a Teri leaned in and whispered, as well, aMac said about seventy. However, he wasnat sick. I have no idea how he died.a aWhy are we whispering?a I whispered with a grin. Teri glared at me.

Mac came back to the table sporting a deep frown. aThat was the attorney. He wanted to make sure the courier delivered the letter. He called me Mr. McAuliffe four times and wanted to know if I needed a car to take me to his office.a aThey want to send a car?a I asked, wild-eyed.

aI canat believe we have to wait the weekend,a Teri said in a deflated voice. aLetas get over to your house and make sure everything is set for the party.a By noon, Operation Dr. Winfield was in motion. Maggie would be completely surprised. Everyone would be in town and at my place by two that afternoon. I was to pick up Maggie and think of a reason to come back to my place. That shouldnat be too hard, should it? I dismissed the nagging feeling that Maggie wouldnat want to come back to my house. G.o.d, explain that to a houseful of guests.

aDid you have it delivered?a Teri asked.

aShe got it this morning about nine,a I said, not able to control the d.a.m.nable fluttering in my stomach.

aKate, that was so thoughtful of you.a aThe poor kid is a doctor now. I thought shead like it. I hope it reminds her of her mother, but I donat want her to be sad.a I glanced at my watch. aOkay, Iam going to go get her. Iall be back by two.a As I drove up to the hospital, I saw Maggie standing outside the emergency room with several people. Being five-foot-nothing, she looked dwarfed. I couldnat help but smile when I saw her. She was certainly attractive. She had her thick auburn hair pulled back, and her smile lit up her face.

She looked up when she heard my voice. aExcuse me, Iam in need of a doctor,a I called out in a grave voice.

She smiled wildly and I grinned like a fool. She had the purple hyacinth plant in her arms and a sarcastic grin on her adorable face. aYes, miss, the Psychiatric Department is on the second floor.a Dr. Winfield was the queen of sarcasm. I laughed. aHey, wheread ya get the gorgeous plant?a The gentle fragrance wafted my way. It instantly brought back the memory of six months before and how we met.

aOh, some considerate woman gave it to me. I donat know how she knew it was my favorite.a She looked at me with tears in her eyes and put her hand to my cheek. aThank you,a she said and kissed said cheek.

aYouare welcome and congratulations, Dr. Winfield,a I said. I looked down into her eyes and had a wild idea to kiss her. Instead, I ruffled her hair as I opened the car door for her. aI think Iam gonna like having a doctor in the family.a Maggie raised an eyebrow. aWhose family?a My face was red hot. aUha"a Maggie laughed and mercifully changed the topic. aWhere are we going?a she asked as she settled in beside me. I heard the excitement in her voice.