I could feel her watching me. aKate, about last nighta"a aHey, no problem. It didnat mean anything. Soa"a My stupidity has no boundaries.

aIt didnat?a she asked angrily as her left eye twitched.

With that, Mac and Teri came down, as did Charlie, and soon I was making breakfast for all of us. We didnat discuss much as we ate. I was too busy avoiding Maggieas glaring eyes.

As I watched her, I couldnat help that inner child again. Iave grown accustom to seeing the feisty pose. I walked over to her and gently pulled her arm. aCome on. You need some fresh air and I need to run off this breakfast. Letas take the horses out.a The sun burned off the morning fog, and as we made our way to the stable, Peter pulled up and waved.

aMaggie? What in the world are ya doina here?a he said and walked over to us. aYa couldnat stay away, is that it?a He winked at me over her shoulder and I scowled at him.

aSomething like that,a Maggie said. aKate and I thought wead take the horses out. Would that be all right?a aSure, thatad be grand. I suggest, though, not to take the ponies. Two mares might suit ya better. If anything happened to those Connemara ponies, I would never forgive myself,a he said, smiling.

aThatas fine with me,a I said and Maggie agreed.

Peter stood there with his hands in his pockets. I looked over at the English saddles. I turned to Peter. aIam not used to these saddles. Can you give me a hand?a I asked helplessly and I noticed Maggie give me an odd look but said nothing.

Peter looked horrified. aOf course I can,a he said a little shaky.

He picked up the saddle, and as I suspected, he had no clue what he was doing. He was holding it backward, for one thing. Then tried to put it on the poor mare without a blanket. The horse was no fool. It got jittery and snorted. aWhoa there, girl.a I couldnat let it go on. aOkay, Peter, get out of there before you kill yourself or the poor horse,a I said hastily.

He came out of the stall. aThis horse never liked me.a Maggie had already saddled her horse. She was watching Peter with a great deal of curiosity.

aGive me that,a I said impatiently, and he handed over the saddle.

aYou ladies seem to have this under control. Have a grand ride now. Be careful.a He smiled and quickly left the stable.

aWhat was that all about?a Maggie asked as I saddled my horse. aYou know how to saddle a horse.a aHe has no clue about horses. Heas hiding something, I can smell it.a I cautiously sniffed the air. aThen again, maybe itas these horses.a We rode for a while taking in the Irish landscape. It was beautiful, with rolling craggy hills on one side and the ocean on the other. Finally, we stopped and gave the horses a breather. We sat by a lone huge oak tree and looked out at the ocean.

aIt is beautiful, isnat it?a Maggie asked.

aItas wild and free, so untamed,a I said.

aLike you,a she said with a small smile and nudged my shoulder.

aMe?a I asked. aIs that how you see me?a She nodded, looking out at the ocean. aYou have an independent spirit.a aAlways have,a I said and stole a glance at her. She was smiling as she gazed at the water. aWhat are you thinking about?a I picked a small wildflower that was blooming by the tree. The little flower gave off a sweet fragrance as I absently put it to my nose. I looked up to see her watching me.

aI was thinking how grateful I am that you came into my life last fall and what good friends weave become,a she said and ran her fingers through her windblown auburn hair.

aIam grateful, too,a I said and offered her the flower.

She took it, and our hands touched. Maggie pressed her soft fingers against mine for a moment. She put the little flower to her nose and smiled as she looked back at the ocean. aThatas nice to know.a aLook, Maggie. IaWeaveaa I started and stopped.

Maggie grinned slightly as she played with the wildflower. She saw my frowning glance, let out an amused laugh, and patted my leg. aSorry, youare too much fun to play with sometimes.a She kept her hand on my thigh. aYou can say anything to me, you know that.a aOh, I know,a I grumbled and took a deep breath. My thigh was tingling.

We heard a car pull up and horn blare. Both of us jumped as Bridget pulled up next to us on the road.

aWell, good mornina, Kate. How are ya?a she asked, smiling, as she walked up to us.

aBridget, g-good morning. What brings you out here?a I asked as my heart rate returned to normal.

I introduced Maggie and avoided Bridgetas grin. They exchanged pleasantries and now, for some reason, I also avoided Maggieas glance. I felt the color rise in my cheeks. My detached loop screamed for me.

aI thought you might want to know I found the license tags from the Dublin car. I thought you might be interested. Maybe Reardon can check it out again,a she said.

I thought for a moment. aIt couldnat hurt. Whatas your day like?a aIave a ten oaclock appointment. Why donat we go to the police station at say, noon? Maybe I can buy ya lunch.a aGood, see you at noon,a I said and started to get up.

She waved me off. aYa look far too comfortable. See ya at noon. It was a pleasure meeting ya, Maggie. Iam sure Iall be seeina ya again,a she said and was gone.

Maggie watched the car pull away. aShe seems like a nice girl.a aShe was Brianas lawyer and now sheas taking care of all the legal stuff for Mac. Hey, why donat you come with me? Weall go to lunch and Iall show you around Duncorrib.a The moment between us was gone and I had no idea how to get it back.

She shook her head. aCharlie and I are going to take a ride into Donegal later. Heas getting a fax from his office in London. Besides, youave got to go with Brittany,a she said simply, twirling the little flower.

aBridget,a I corrected her.

aSorry.a She got up and quickly mounted her horse. aRace you back.a She took off and left me in her dust.

Bridget and I drove to the police station. Constable Reardon informed us we could have our information by late the next day.

We walked down to the same restaurant where we had dinner and sat at the same table. It looked out over the town and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. I stared absently, my mind wandering.

As I set my attention back to our table, I noticed Bridget playing with her fork. aPoor Bridget. You could have picked someone with better manners. I apologize.a aYour manners are just fine,a she said. aSo tell me where ya got the nickname Sherlock. Other than your father being a detective.a I hesitated for a moment before I told her of my private investigation business. I knew I was being vague and glossing over much, but I really didnat want to get into detail because I felt the sweat dripping down my back. aSo the business ran its course and I went back to photography.a I looked up to see her watching me intently. I quickly continued before she asked anything further. aI hope your friend can find out something fast.a aI do, too,a she replied and looked at her watch. aIave got to run. Iam sorry. I forgot I have to be in Donegal by two oaclock. See ya tonight.a I decided to take a walk to the cliffs after lunch. The day had turned cloudy, cool, and very windy as I walked over close to the edge. I watched the Atlantic and heard the waves below. My mind raced, trying to get a handle on things, when I suddenly realized I had been sitting there for two hours. I heard a car pull up and noticed it was Charlie and Maggie.

Charlie called out, aDonat jump, Kate. We can figure this out.a Maggie walked past me and stood precariously close to the edge. She peered over the cliff, then gave me an incredulous look. aYou went down there? Are you insane? Really, I know you have an adventurous spirit and I admire you for it, but for G.o.das sake, woman, you went down there all that way? Alone?a aYes, yes. Iam insane, I know. Thereas a cavern, and Peter goes down there all the time. Thereas something down there, I know it. Arenat you curious?

aYou have to admit, itas weird. I can see why no one has seen it, itas nearly impossible to get to, but I think we can if weare careful. Donat you want to know whatas in the cave?a I laughed with excitement.

Maggie looked at me as if I were nuts. aYou are without a doubt the most juvenile, irresponsiblea"a aOkay, enough with the love talk.a I stopped abruptly when I realized what I had said. aAnswer my question,a I went on quickly and gave her a challenging look.

aWell, I have to admit Iam curious. But,a she said insistently, ayou are not going down there alone. Maybe tomorrow we can take a closer look,a she said thoughtfully.

aNow youare talking,a I said enthusiastically. I looked at Charlie. aYouall go, wonat you?a aI canat let you go alone. Can I?a He looked over the edge and looked at me. aThat requires an answer, Kate.a aNo, you cannot let me go down there alone.a He gave me a sour look. aNot the answer I was hoping for. Maybe we can get Mac to come with us.a Charlie and I walked closer to the edge. Maggie grabbed our arms. aWill you please be careful? Christ, youare like two children. Camon, letas get back before one of you gets swept over.a We looked down one more time. aYou really think somethingas down there?a Maggie asked.

aYes, I do,a I replied. aAnd Iam going to find out what.a Mac and Teri were sitting in front of the fire when we returned. aShouldnat you be in the kitchen?a I asked Teri. For a frightening moment, she really looked like our mother. aJust kidding,a I a.s.sured her. aSeriously, what time is dinner?a aWell,a Teri started thoughtfully, athe cook will be here at three, the servants at five. We eat at seven thirty. Good Lord, what a production.a She looked up as Maggie and Charlie walked in behind me. aHey, howad it go?a she asked.

Mac noticed the bags Charlie carried. aOh, took your sister shopping, eh?a Charlie groaned in agreement and plopped down in a chair. aGood grief, you have a finely honed pecuniary skill, sis.a Maggie laughed. aI picked up a few things in Donegal.a She handed a box to Mac and one to Teri. aA little something for the new landlords, as Kate says. Thanks for inviting us.a She bought Teri a beautiful pair of earrings and a handsome Irish tweed tie for Mac. Teri gave her a big hug and Mac affectionately kissed Maggie on the cheek. aThanks, kiddo,a he said with a wink.

Charlie groaned. aIt took her an hour to pick out that tie, Mac. You better wear it to bed.a Both Winfield siblings then excused themselves to call Hannah. aGive Hannah our love, will you?a I asked. aAnd then we can discuss what you found out, Charlie, before the guests arrive.a I sat in the unbelievably comfortable chair and stretched out my legs. aI told Maggie last nightaeverything.a I laughed at the stunned looks of both faces.

aEverything, everything?a Teri asked slowly.

aThe whole enchilada,a I replied.

aIam glad you told her,a Mac said. aSheas a good woman, Kate.a aYes, she is and a good friend. I should have told her before.a I stood up and stretched. aWell, milord and milady, I shall ready myself for dinner,a I said and bowed dramatically. aBut youare still a landlord,a I called out as I headed for the stairs. A pillow caught me nicely in the back of the head.

I was filled with excitement as I showered, wondering what Charlie found out about The Omega Group. This could be a big break. The hot water beat on my neck and back. It ached terribly and I knew Iad be stiff. It dawned on me that my stiffness wasnat followed by thoughts of Liz, as it usually was.

As I dried off, I looked at the scar and had a moment of shivering and a wave of anxiety. I closed my eyes and it pa.s.seda"I still felt like throwing up. Well, if nothing else came from this trip, I was on my way to putting the whole ugly thing behind me. I had Maggie to thank for that.

I walked into my room drying my hair and noticed a box on my bed with a note that reada"Open me.

I felt like a kid at Christmas as I opened it. It was a gorgeous hunter green Irish wool cardigan. There was a small card with it. I noticed it was Maggieas handwriting.

This screamed, aBuy me for Kate!a Thanks for letting me in last night.

I smiled and held up the sweater. aShe is too sweet,a I said. I put on the sweater and looked in the mirror. It fit perfectly. I knocked at the connecting door.

aWow,a Maggie said as she opened the door. aIt looks even better on you. Turn around.a I did and she brushed my shoulders off and turned me around. aPerfect fit,a she smiled.

aThank you. You didnat have to do this.a I shook my head. aIt is gorgeous, though. May I come in for a moment?a I asked, smiling, and she stepped back.

aPoor Charlie followed me around all afternoon. Ia"a Without thinking, I reached over and cupped her soft cheek. aThanks, Maggie,a I whispered, and kissed her lightly on the other cheek.

Maggie looked up and blinked several times. I grinned at the fl.u.s.tered pose as I walked out.

Chapter 15.

Teri busied herself with the servants, handling them as if shead done it all her life. She was remarkably calm and ready.

As I walked over to the bar, Mac on the other hand, looked jittery. aYou look nervous there, milord,a I said jokingly, but I could tell he was bothered.

aI am a little uneasy. h.e.l.l, these people donat know me from Adam and here I am taking over Uncle Brianas estate. How do I look?a he asked and straightened his tie. He looked behind me, wide-eyed and said, aWhoa.a I turned and saw a young woman standing in the doorway. After a comical double take, I realized it was Maggie. She wore a wool skirt with a tweed blazer and an ivory satin blouse. She wore her thick auburn hair down and flowing. Christ, she has legs.

She walked over to the bar and smiled. aYou both look very nice.a aSo do you,a I said and smiled slightly as I saw the little wildflower in the lapel of her blazer. She followed my gaze and turned an adorable shade of crimson.

Mac stood next to me, prepared himself a drink, and looked up. aExcuse me, ladies.a He walked around the bar and toward the doorway.

In the doorway stood Teri in black slacks, a Kelly green plaid top that complemented her gorgeous red hair, and the earrings that Maggie had given her. She was stunning.

Charlie came bounding into the living room. He wore a tweed sport jacket and black slacks. When he smiled, he looked so much like Maggie. He walked over to us while rubbing his hands together. aOkay, letas get this clambake started. Kate, Iall have a scotch and water.a aCharlie, you look very handsome this evening. You Winfields certainly have a strong gene pool,a I said and fixed his drink. aSo before everyone gets here, what did you find out?a We all gathered around the bar as Charlie started. aIt appears that your Mr. Collins works for a company called British Isles Excavation, based in Glasgow, Scotland. Theyare one of over a hundred smaller subsidiaries of Omega. Unfortunately, thatas all weave found out so far, but my staff is still digging. Theyare going to call me later tonight,a he said and took a drink.

Maggie said, aMaybe they use this company when they buy a company and are going to level it.a Mac nodded. aMaybe they want the land for some shopping mall or something.a aWhy would you offer four million for land that wasnat worth one?a I asked and rubbed my forehead. aIf they only want the land for that, why are we having all the problems? No, that doesnat make sense. Thereas something to this British Isles whatever. Thereas something at that mill. Charlie, is your staff checking how often and when Omega uses this company?a aIall call and make sure they do. Can you think of anything else?a aCan your staff also check on people?a He gave me a curious look. aSure, we check backgrounds all the time.a aCould you have them check Peter Sullivan, I believe he said he was from Kenmare, but his girlfriend Deirdre Morrissey lives in Dublin. Also, Peter said he went to college, but I have no idea where. Maybe we can get more information out of him tonight.a I noticed Mac looking at his gla.s.s not saying anything. Teri looked upset, as well.

aI donat want anything to happen to anyone in this room,a I said to both of them. aIf Peter knows something, I have to find out what it is. The sooner we know the better. Too much has happened for us to play around.a aI know, Kate. I agree. I want this solved. You know what youare doing,a Mac said.

I looked for Charlie who was already on the phone with his office. We heard him say, aNo one goes home. Get whatever you need, do whatever you have to. I donat care about the money, please get this as quickly as possible, Jess.a Then he said a little gently, aI know, honey, I will.a The four of us looked at one another as Charlie walked back in the room.

Maggie was smiling. aHoney?a Charlie turned bright red. aItas against the law to eavesdrop on a personas phone call. Sheas the vice president of research. h.e.l.l, weare dating,a he said and took a drink. His sister laughed and playfully nudged him.

There was so much more information I needed and too many people coming here that night. Iad never be able to talk to all of them. aI need to ask you all a favor,a I said. aStart conversations if you can and listen to what they say about the mill, about Brian, but donat scare anyone. We donat know whoas who. Seriously, it could be anyone.a aI think thatas a good idea. We can all exchange notes at the end of the evening,a Maggie offered.

I walked over to the fireplace and Maggie joined me. She picked up the poker and lazily stabbed the firewood but said nothing. We stood for a moment in silence.

aYou and your fires,a she finally said. aI still think you are a pyromaniac.a aIave got a huge fireplace in my log cabin. I go through a chunk of firewood each winter,a I said. My mind was back on the previous night with Maggie lying next to me.

aYou keep talking about this log cabin,a she said and poked the fire.

I took the poker out of her hand. aGood grief, woman, you have no idea how to stoke a fire.a aBefore you go to bed, I have something that might help the stiffness in your neck,a she said frankly. aI picked up something today for you.a I knew I was smiling. aThanks. You know, I-I didnat wake up with any stiffness this morning,a I said with a shrug.

aYou didnat? Hmm, I wonder why,a Maggie asked as she stared at the fire.

With that, Charlie joined us. aI think Jess will have her staff hopping and weall have some answers later. She has a way about her, that woman.a aObviously, if sheas got you calling her honey,a Maggie said, smiling.

Charlie reddened again. aI know. Itas disgusting,a he laughed. aIam hooked and sheas reeling me in.a Maggie kissed his cheek. aAnd you love every minute of it, Charlie Winfield.a The doorbell rang and one of the girls came rushing from the kitchen to answer it. It was Rory Nolan and his wife. Mac walked up to him and shook his hand soundly. He introduced his wife, Anne, to Mac. She was a little woman with a happy face. She had dark hair, deep blue eyes anda"as my mother used to saya"alabaster skin.

In my odd musings, I missed Macas introductions, so I tended bar. aWell, folks, whatall it be?a Anne looked around the immense library in awe.

aPretty big, isnat it?a I offered.

aAs a little girl, I used to imagine what this house looked like on the inside. It is big.a aDid you know Brian?a I asked casually. I noticed Charlie talking to Rory Nolan.

Anne nodded her response. aBrian had been here since I can remember. He was a grand man, always around and cheerful. Rory said Mac reminded him of Brian in some ways. Iam glad heas not thinking about shutting down the mill. That was a load off Roryas mind for sure,a she said, looking at Rory. She looked at me and smiled. aI saw ya around town today, but ya didnat come down my way.a aYour way?a aYes, I run a little shop at the other end of the village. Itas like an apothecary, ya know, only I sell healing herbs and lotions. Maggie stopped in and bought something. She said she had a friend who,a she stopped and thought for a moment and laughed. aAh, yes, who was a pain in the neck with a stiff neck.a aYeah, thatas very funny,a I agreed and glared at Maggie.

With the ring of the doorbell, Sean and Mary Farrell arrived. Mac and Teri were talking to them. Charlie and Maggie were talking to Rory. The Brothers McAuliffe hadnat arrived yeta"thatall be interesting.

The doorbell rang again, and one of the girls scurried out from the kitchen to answer it. In walked Bridget wearing a wool dress, and she had her long curly black hair pinned up. She looked like she was ready for the opera. She had a package under her arm.

aA little housewarming present,a she said, smiling. Teri thanked her and Mac took her coat. She then saw me. aGood evening.a aGood evening,a I said.

We walked over to the bar, where everyone seemed to be gathering. Bridget said h.e.l.lo to Rory and Anne. I introduced Charlie and Maggie again.

aYes, we met earlier. Itas nice to see ya again,a Bridget said affably.

aWhat can I get you?a I asked, standing behind the bar. Why did I feel safe here?

aYa know what I like, Kate. Whiskey neat. No ice, remember?a she said, smiling at me.

As I poured her drink, I glanced at Maggie. She was watching Bridget. Thatas why.

aBridget is Macas lawyer,a I said. aWell, sheas not Macas lawyer, she was Brianas lawyer and now sheas helping Mac with lawyer things. Soaa I finished lamely, not knowing why I felt as though I needed to explain.

aI get the general idea,a Maggie said candidly and turned her attention to Bridget. aIs your practice in the village?a Charlie and I watched them as if it were a tennis match.

aNo, my office is in Donegal, but lately Iave been spending more time in Duncorrib for some reason,a she smiled, sipped her whiskey, and glanced at me. Game.

aItas a handsome village. Iam sure thereas a lot to keep you busy,a Maggie said, sipping her drink as her left eye twitched. Set.

aOh, yes. Lately, Iave grown very fond of this village.a aI hope your practice in Donegal doesnat feel neglected by your absence, Bridget,a Maggie said with a thin smile. And matcha Mac mercifully came over to the bar. aBridget, can I borrow you for a moment?a I was grateful. With Wimbledon over, it was sure to be an intriguing dinner party.

Chapter 16.