Chapter 7

Angela anxiously watched the banshee and hoped she wouldn’t disappear because of Jackson’s arrival. Regardless, she could never be angry with him.

He had come because he would always have her back. The fact that he had followed her made her smile. It underscored his determination to not only be the best damned partner professionally but also the greatest life partner.

The banshee chose not to disappear. Jackson moved forward, joining Angela. They stood at the dais below the banshee, and Angela asked her softly, “What is going on here?”

“I don’t know!” the banshee wailed softly, a slight Irish lilt to her words. “I…came when I knew Colleen’s time was coming. It was right. Her life had been beautiful, full of care and service for and to others. I took her gently home, trying to let Moira know that her grandmother was loved. She…Moira is a special woman, gifted. And I was here for her. But then…”

The banshee paused, seeming distressed.

“We don’t know everything,” she whispered. “We sense much… I felt the heartache of the elderly gentleman who drowned, and I…I knew his fear. I felt a shuddering thud when the man fell to his death. This time, I knew a woman was in distress and felt an evil presence entering the castle. I tried to warn the others, but only Moira could hear me. And when she came, it was too late. But I knew it wasn’t right. We sense things, as I said, and I knew…I knew evil had entered the castle.”

“Do you know who is bringing it in?” Jackson asked.

The banshee shook her head.

“It’s a bit like watching smoke disperse. Sometimes, it blows away. Other times, it remains. Locked in. This…I still feel it. I have the sense that it lingers. Not strong at the moment, the greatest amount seemed to sweep away that night, but a hint of it is still here as if it could summon a greater darkness.”

“We may have discovered something. People who came here and brought part of that darkness with them. But do you know why? Why would someone want to kill anyone here?” Jackson asked. He glanced at Angela and continued with, “Angela and I can speak with the dead when they remain and wish to reach out to the living. Yet here we are in this ancient castle, and we haven’t been able to see or reach anyone from the past.”

“Because they can rest. Because I helped them move on,” the banshee said softly. “I am the only ghost here, and I remain for the others. The lady who died…she was stunned, shocked, and her soul was in pain. So, I brought her onward as quickly as possible so she could find some peace. But you say you may have found those responsible for the darkness? They don’t deserve to die. Instead, they should pay for what they’re doing to those innocent of evil. Those who care for others.”

“We are doing our best to find the people responsible for this evil,” Angela told her.

“You’ve been around for years, I imagine,” Jackson said gently. “And I believe you know how years roll forward, how things must be done, and…”

“You need proof,” the banshee said softly.

“We do. And we are working on it, I promise,” Angela assured. “If you’ll allow us, we’ll bring you everything we discover. And—”

“You need my help,” the banshee said passionately. “Listen, and I will warn you. I feel evil when it’s about to strike. I feel it, and if you heed my call, I can help.”

“We will listen,” Jackson vowed. He glanced at Angela and told the banshee, “My wife hears you more clearly than I can, but we are together in this, and we will come when you call.”

The banshee nodded.

“If you please,” Angela said softly. “How… I mean, as a child, I was taught that a banshee came to warn of death and was a ghost herself, a lamenter for those who needed help to understand loss and grief.”

“You ask if I am really a ghost?” the banshee asked. “Indeed. As I said, I am. Here by choice, to warn, yes, but also to help others. My name is Lady Doreen Darien. I was killed in 1565 after the Acts of Supremacy and Uniformity were passed. My husband resisted, and they came after him. I ended up between him and an arrow, and…we both perished. When I’m not here, I’m with him, and we are grateful to learn there is a time and place for all where hatred has ceased, and forgiveness reigns. But as for what is happening here…there is a time and place for that, too. And more innocents may well be taken before their time.”

“We will work together,” Jackson told her.

“I am ever watchful,” she vowed.

“Thank you again,” Angela whispered, and Jackson nodded.

The banshee disappeared.

“Lady Doreen Darien,” Angela murmured.

“She must have been a beautiful human being,” Jackson said, “A truly beautiful person. She didn’t say so, but I imagine the kindest souls are chosen for this, even if some think of the banshee’s cry as nothing more than an evil warning that death is on the way. But speaking of all of this, we need to get some sleep. Even with her help, our days will only grow longer and harder before this ends.”

Angela nodded, then looked at him and smiled. “She’s real. And she’s beautiful, isn’t she?”

“Absolutely,” he said, slipping an arm around her as they headed for the door that led back to the hall. “If she’s real, what do you think about leprechauns?”

“I don’t know. I haven’t seen any. The idea is that if you can catch one, they might try to escape you by giving you their pot of gold.”

“That would be nice.”

“Would it?” Angela asked. “How would it change our lives? Would we quit and just go off and do whatever we wanted? No, right? We live the lives we chose, kind of like…”

“Like the banshee choosing her role,” Jackson finished.

“Kind of, yeah.”

He nodded. “A pot of gold wouldn’t change anything. Except we wouldn’t have to worry about college funds for the kids.”

Angela laughed softly. “We already have accounts set up for them that we add to regularly. And if something ever happens to us, Adam will see to the kids. So, hmm…a pot of gold. Vacations in Hawaii? Traveling?”

“Well, we’re in a castle in Ireland. We travel,” he reminded her with a grin.

“Yeah, but when this one is over, maybe we’ll let the McFadden brothers keep control of the office for a bit longer and take a week in Hawaii. What do you think? Not that I don’t love Ireland, but the castle doesn’t come with a beach.”

“Hmm,” Jackson murmured. “Maybe. That way, we can have the best of the old and new worlds. We’ll see. Right now, let’s go see about our delightfully comfortable pillows.”

Angela nodded, happy to lean against him as they returned to their room and curled up together for the remainder of the night.

* * * *

They received the call from Bruce before they left their room the following morning.

“Well, we searched credit card records and came up with nothing. We can’t find anything anywhere that indicates any of the people on your list might have purchased a poison dart frog from a pet store somewhere.”

“Thanks, Bruce,” Jackson said. He had the phone on speaker so he and Angela could both listen. “I never thought our person, determined enough to manage a lethal, doll-sized transdermal patch, would have used a credit card to buy the frog. They would have likely used cash so they left no paper trail.”

“Right. But we aren’t giving up. We found residences for all our people, and we’re checking security and traffic cams to see if we can find anyone going into a pet store. With special attention, of course, given to the Miller couple,” Bruce told them.

“He’s a doctor,” Angela said. “And she teaches geography at the college level. That makes me think if we happen to be on the right trail, she’d know about the research being done in the Amazon, and he would know what is needed to kill someone.”

“You trained us well. We’re also following up on passports—”

“Neither of them will have been down to the Amazon themselves,” Angela said. “I think we need to check into Professor Miller’s students.”

“We’re on that, too. Like I said, you trained us well.”

Angela smiled at Jackson. “Thanks,” she said quietly to Bruce.

“Of course. We’re doing every bit of research humanly possible. I’ve even got artificial intelligence working on some of this, except A.I. doesn’t have instinct or gut reaction. From the information you provided, we are working on the theory that the Miller couple killed Mrs. Robertson. Now, we need proof, or at the very least, additional clues for you to investigate. Why, though? The motive’s the kicker. I can’t figure it out.”

“Yeah, we’re working on that here, too. The theory is that someone wants Moira out of the picture. But again, the question remains. Why. Anyone trying to stake a claim to the castle would be in a battle for years. Even with as distant as she is,” Jackson said, “Angela would be in the running to inherit the place. Naturally, historical societies would love to take it over, but that wouldn’t benefit anyone with a massive cash flow or anything of the sort. Moira is doing all the right things to stay afloat and keep the castle as historically accurate and relevant as possible,” Jackson told Bruce.

“I’ll get back to you,” Bruce said. “We’re busy researching Doctor Miller’s patients and Professor Miller’s students. We’ll find something for you. We’re working as fast as we can.”

“We know you are,” Angela assured him. “Thanks.”

They ended the call.

“Breakfast with the family?” Jackson said to Angela.

“Sounds lovely,” she said.

They headed down. When they arrived, Stewart and Elizabeth were helping Nellie lay out the many dishes that made up her famous Irish breakfast.

Daniel was talking to Moira. The two were seated, and Moira was helping Daniel prepare his dish, warning him he didn’t have much time before he had to head out for school.

“This is amazing. Again,” Angela told Nellie when she appeared with a giant bowl of fluffy scrambled eggs cooked with bits of pepper, bacon crumbles, and cheese.

Nellie smiled. “Aye, lovie, thank you.”

“I keep thinking,” Moira said, smiling at Angela, “that when we do open as a hotel or bed and breakfast, we’ll likely be world-famous with Nellie’s amazing cooking.”

Nellie smiled. “We be gettin’ there, luv.”

“Of course, we are,” Moira agreed. She looked at Angela curiously but didn’t say anything. Jackson had a feeling she’d want to talk to her cousin alone later.

“Can I do anything?” he asked.

“You may sit down and enjoy,” Stewart told him. “Please.” He grew serious as he took a seat himself. “We’re grateful you’re here. Well, we’re not grateful there was a murder, but—”

He broke off.

“I was so upset I was driving everyone crazy,” Moira said.

“The banshee,” Elizabeth murmured.

“Okay, okay. I’m a little crazed,” Moira admitted.

Jackson sat back and looked at Elizabeth. “I take it you don’t believe in banshees?”

“Nor ghosties, spookies, leprechauns, or fairies,” Elizabeth said. She shook her head. “And you’re law enforcement. Scientists—”

“Oh, no, we are not scientists,” Angela assured her. “But we have a wonderful forensic department with great scientists, and we’ve been incredibly impressed with the speed and accuracy of the department here. So, scientists have my total admiration.”

“They would never believe in spookies, ghosties, or banshees,” Elizabeth said knowingly. “I mean, I fully understand Mark Meadows and his ghost tours. They are very profitable, and if it helps the castle, I’m all for it.”

Daniel reached across the table and put his hand on Moira’s. “I’m so happy I get to live in a castle,” he said.

Moira squeezed his hand. “And you are the best kid. I’m grateful you and your mom and dad live here.”

Daniel grinned.

“Eat up,” Elizabeth told her son. “We need to leave for school soon. Although, since there are no real steward duties today, maybe—”

“All right, all right. I’ll drive Daniel to school,” Stewart said, grinning. “No problem. Of course, if anyone needs anything, just let me know. I can make a stop on my way back.”

“I think we’re fine, thank you,” Angela told him. “We can’t eat any better than we are here.”

“Right, excellent,” Stewart said.

“How long have you been here?” Jackson asked him.

Stewart laughed. “Believe it or not, my dad worked for Colleen. When he retired, I took over.”

“Stewart was already working here when we got married,” Elizabeth said, smiling in remembrance.

“And when I was born,” Daniel added.

“My grandfather worked here, too. Families have a way of going way, way back,” Stewart told her.

“And I’m grateful,” Moira said. “Stewart has a business degree with a minor in history. And that beats a theater and film degree when it comes to doing the right things to keep a castle afloat in the modern world.”

“That’s wonderful. Here’s to both of you,” Jackson said as he lifted his cup in a toast. “Or to all of you,” he added, grinning at Elizabeth and Daniel.

“Thank you,” Stewart said. “All right, lad, let’s get going.”

Daniel took one last bite and finished his eggs. He looked at Angela and Jackson and asked, “You’ll still be here tonight, right?”

“Yes, we’ll be here,” Angela assured him.

He grinned and looked at his father, ready to head out.

“Back soon,” Stewart said. He left the dining room with his hand on his son’s shoulder as he propelled him forward.

On his way out, he looked at his watch as Moira looked at hers.

“Inspector McCray has arrived?” Angela asked. “Great watches. Do they alert you both every time someone shows up?”

“No, only when they’re let in. The gatehouse notifies us,” Moira said. “If it’s just a drop-off or the like, they don’t bother notifying us.”

Nellie walked back into the dining room. “The gatehouse. Time for me to take a wee trip down there. I do have a bit of a problem cooking for small numbers.”

Jackson laughed softly. “Small numbers? Nellie, you cooked breakfast for all of us—Moira, Angela, Stewart, Elizabeth, Daniel, me, and I hope…you. Certainly a greater number than the usual family,” he told her.

“I still like big numbers,” she said. “In me mum’s day, many a family had eleven children or more. But since I have so much, I’ll run a nice plate on out to Sam.”

“Sam?” Jackson interrupted. “That fellow has really been working overtime.”

“He’s worried. He loves Moira like the rest of us do, and he’s dedicated,” Elizabeth told them.

“Very dedicated. But even the most devoted man needs sleep, and it’s not that easy being the guard at a gatehouse when you’re sleeping,” Angela pointed out.

“Ah, well, you see,” Nellie started, “no one gets through the gate without the gatehouse keeper pressing the right button. And if the guards fall asleep, they’re hunched over the board. The gatehouse locks, and the glass was just put in a year ago and is bulletproof,” she assured them.

Jackson looked at Moira. “Were you expecting something bad to happen? I mean, this isn’t the Wild West like the U.S. You needed bulletproof glass?”

Moira waved a hand in the air. “Stewart did most of the work with the company. It was just as cost-effective to use that glass. And who knows?” She smiled, but it quickly faded. “No, all the bulletproof glass in the world wouldn’t have helped Mrs. Robertson.”

“Moira, we’re on it,” Jackson assured her as he rose to walk across the hall to the Great Tower.

He’d thought Angela would be right behind him.

She wasn’t. But then he remembered Moira’s look, as if she wanted to speak with Angela. And Angela, of course, would want to know what her cousin wasn’t saying.

He opened the large doors to the Great Tower and discovered that Inspector Angus McCray had indeed arrived.

“Welcome,” Jackson told him. “If we hurry, I think Nellie might have left some breakfast out. That woman is a trooper. She always wants to make sure the guards have eaten, too,” Jackson said.

“Nice. Aye, she’s a fine old bird. She’s been here for as long as I can remember,” McCray said lightly. Then his tone changed. "Have you gotten anything?” he asked anxiously.

Jackson shrugged. “Well, we’ve gotten the fact that no one bought a pet poison dart frog with a credit card, but I still think the lab robbery down in the Amazon has something to do with this. I’m just trying to figure out what.”

“Not just someone’s pet? I mean, they could have missed something, right? We use cash in Ireland sometimes, and I’ve been to the States, so…”

“Yes, people do use cash. Our people have gone through the credit cards, and now they’re sifting through all the security camera footage and traffic cams they can find.”

“That’s good. That’s good. Still, it’s hard to imagine someone buying a toxic frog and fooling with it enough to create the tiny patches. I mean, you wouldn’t be wantin’ to touch the damn things, would you? And to properly manage any of that, you’d truly need to know what you were doing, right?” McCray asked.

“I would assume,” Jackson said with little more to give the inspector.

“And the household,” Angus said, shaking his head. “I can’t imagine. We did what you all call wellness checks on Colleen while Moira was getting everything together to move in with her granny. These people here…they’re all so loyal. The thought that someone might be involved is hardly imaginable.”

And yet still not just possible, but probable. Jackson thought.

He was saved from having to give the man an answer.

As if on cue, his phone rang.

Bruce. He excused himself and answered.

“You find something?” he asked.

“I did.”

“Bruce. What?” Jackson demanded.

“All right. We discovered you were right. Adam paved the way again, getting me through to one of the cops who worked the robbery. They’re, um…well, they don’t have the resources down there that we do. And they’ve never discovered who broke into the laboratory. The lab was a good thing—children sometimes get poisoned. Working on a real antidote was a great undertaking. But as we all know, labs sometimes use animals. And at that lab, they used rats for testing.”

“I feel sorry for the rats,” Jackson said. “But, Bruce—”

“I’m getting there as quickly as I can while explaining and making sense,” Bruce assured him. “Rats are small. And that transdermal patch Angela found was small—teeny-tiny given the images you sent along and the description. The thing of it is, Jackson, they had to be small. The tiny patches were being used on the rats, each dosed with the poison dart frog toxin and in different doses.”

“So, the patch did come from the Amazon lab,” Jackson said.

“Yes. The authorities down there are worried sick. When the lab was inventoried after the robbery, they discovered that five of the tiny patches were missing. Tiny, Jackson. Because they were made for rodents, not Barbie and Ken dolls. Rats. And the doses were high because the antidote was being tested.”

“So, someone who lived in South America or visited somewhere along the Amazon was in on that robbery,” Jackson murmured.

“That’s what you were thinking, right?”

“Yeah, it is. Now we need to discover who was there and who that person has seen since that might have shown up in Ireland.”

“Something else, Jackson,” Bruce said.

“What’s that?”

“Whoever stole the patches could wind up being in trouble themselves.”

“What do you mean?”

“As I said, five of the patches were stolen. But when the inventory was checked, the antidote doses were all still there. There are four more of those patches floating around somewhere, without the antidote. And I’m willing to bet the ones with the poison are in Ireland. Maybe even at the castle itself.”