“What about your necklace. I notice you’re not wearing it anymore.”
“What’s the point now you’ve told everyone in town it’s fake.”
“I didn’t tell everyone.”
She pointed her finger at me. “Gotcha.”
I was getting tired of this game. The sun would soon be up, and I still didn’t have the answer I most wanted. “The necklace.”
“I had a duplicate made, and sold the original stones for cash.”
“Without Claude’s consent?”
“It’s my necklace. But, yes, without Claude’s consent. He would’ve given the money away.”
“What did you do with the money?”
Carrie gave me a sly, sideways once-over. “Is that relevant?”
“You promised you’d answer my questions.”
She folded her hands behind her head. “I gave the necklace to Claude’s brother, told him he could sell it, if he needed the money so badly. He threw it back in my face after he had it appraised.”
I copied her position, although I didn’t feel as relaxed and confident as the stance implied. “That was cruel, Carrie.”
“I knew he’d blame his dear brother for duping us both with the switch, and I was right, of course. I ended up with enough money to cover Mom’s residence fees for the next year, the necklace to flaunt as a symbol of Claude’s betrayal, and Edouard’s sympathy. He wouldn’t be back begging for help any time soon.”
I was left in stunned silence.
“I have to admit, Gailynn MacDonald, you’ve surprised me. I never expected you to have enough smarts to figure this out.”
If that was her idea of a compliment…
“So tell me this, have you got enough smarts to keep running Hum Harbour Daze? Because the whole town will expect you to keep the tradition going once I’m gone.”
I dropped my hands. No, Lord!
44
Despite everything that happened, Hum Harbour Daze was a success. Attendance was up—maybe because of everything. And when it was all over—the parade, the dance, the races, the fireworks—Geoff and I took a long walk with Geoff’s new dog.
Caber really wasn’t a beach dog, but he’d adapt. He waddled along the shore ahead of us, nose to the ground, checking out every new smell.
“I’m proud of you,” Geoff said.
I picked up a chunk of pale blue sea glass the same color as his eyes. “For what?”
“Pulling off Hum Harbour Daze. Catching Claude’s killer.”
“Not making a spectacle?”
Laughing, he drew me close. “There was still a spectacle.”
“But at least I didn’t cause it. This time.”
“Will you chair Hum Harbour Daze again next year?”
I shook my head. “I told the committee what I’d told you. Next summer I’ll be too busy with my new husband to worry about the festival.”
“I like the sound of that.” He kissed me thoroughly.
So did I.
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Death of a Highland Heavyweight Page 21