Page 23 of A Scottish Country Escape

Both were immaculately turned out as usual. May was in a pair of slate-grey linen trousers and a crisp white shirt that fluttered loose, while Douglas was wearing a mustard polo shirt and beige trousers. They looked like they’d just been for a relaxing jaunt around the golf club.

Their sweeps of soft white hair gave them both an added air of authority.

I complimented May on the delicate pearl earrings she was wearing and enquired after their three grandchildren. Once May had enthused about their various skills at cello, ballet, and basketball, I mentioned Linda Carlucci.

My eyebrows rocketed up when I noticed the charged look Douglas aimed at his wife.

May became suddenly fascinated by the swilling soft-pink liquid rocking against either side of her glass. ‘Why are you asking about her?’

I glanced over my shoulder at Dexter, who had desperation etched into his expectant gaze. He was bobbing his dark head up and down over the sea of the increasing number of visitors, in an attempt to get a clearer view of what was unfolding.

‘I was just curious,’ I went on to explain. ‘Mrs Carlucci has been seen again recently in the area.’

I clung to the hope that May hadn’t already been informed of this by the Fir Haven gossip brigade, who, although few in number, moved with impressive speed and stealth.

The response I got wasn’t the one I was expecting. ‘Elle, you don’t want to get involved with the likes of her,’ blurted Douglas, taking a swig from his glass.

May delivered a sharp dig of her elbow and it connected with her husband’s side. He winced. ‘Ow!’

I pretended not to notice. ‘What makes you say that?’

Chatter and sweet classical music mingled with the scent of iced cupcakes and new stationery.

May’s long face tightened. Now it was her turn to gulp her champagne and avoid eye contact with me. What on earth were all the meaningful glances and pinched mouths for? Where Linda Carlucci was concerned, it seemed to be catching.

During the couple of times I’d come across Mrs Carlucci, she had seemed a very pleasant woman.

‘Oh, you know what this place is like,’ May forced out. ‘If folks around here don’t know something, they make it up!’

Douglas Davenport dropped his eyes to his leather loafers.

‘Like what?’

May clutched at the stem of her flute. ‘Fanciful nonsense.’

‘Yes, but what?’

They exchanged more glances before turning back to me with forced smiles. Neither of them answered.

What on earth did the charged looks and strained smiles mean? And why all the secrecy and mystery?

I shrugged, still channelling what I hoped was a casual air of interest. ‘Nobody seems to know where she lives. I know she used to stay here in Fir Haven.’

Douglas and May didn’t reply. They waggled their flutes at the other curious shoppers milling around them. ‘You’ve got a wonderful turnout.’

Like my gran, they were trying to move the conversation on.

But why?

‘The town needs some cheering up after the news about the nature reserve. Isn’t it terrible?’ Douglas Davenport’s voice interrupted my thoughts.

A feeling of foreboding reared up inside me. I blinked at him. ‘Sorry?’

May frowned at her husband beside her and took a genteel sip of her champagne, while she admired one of the new rose prints hanging up on the walls. ‘From what we’ve heard, unless the footfall improves, the council have said they will have no alternative but to sell off the land for holiday homes.’

Chapter Fifteen

My mouth formed a series of odd shapes, but nothing came out.