Part 10 (1/2)

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.