that feeling in the pit of her stomach she got when Fin was around. She never got it with anyone else.
“Okay, well maybe, but that’s actually not the question.”
“It was a good one though.”
“Got me there,” Maggs said. “Do you know Linda Foster, Miss Marla?”
“Of course, she tramps with us. Fit and healthy type. She ran your gallery for years before you took over.”
“I know that, but what’s she like?”
“Why do you ask?”
“Just curious, really. I saw her outside, and she seemed a bit off.”
Miss Marla thought about that. “Odd sort, really. A bit uppity, if you know what I mean. She used to spend time with the rich and famous in town, as much as we have rich and famous.” She laughed. “She’s always nice enough, but kind of standoffish. Never socializes with us after tramping or the exercise classes.” Miss Marla leaned her hip on the counter. “She spent a lot of time with the Linbars. Always at parties there. Her and her husband, Alan. Of course there were rumors.”
“About what?”
“Affairs, wild parties, that kind of thing. Never substantiated though.”
“Affairs with who?”
“Linda liked the young men.” Miss Marla winked. “But you keep that to yourself, Maggie.”
“Of course, and I was just curious. See you at the musical chairs.”
Why had Linda told Maggie she didn’t know the Linbars? This is just getting weirder.
Remembering her brother’s caution about getting involved in this, she said goodbye to Miss Marla and hurried back to Nash—and ran straight into Noel Linbar.
“Hi, Maggie.”
“Hi, Noel. Y-you entering the musical chairs?” She felt jittery suddenly looking up at him. Was he A.J., or maybe Simon? Was she being ridiculous even thinking that?
“It’s not something I’d enjoy. Are you all right, Maggie?”
“Of course. I need to go, bye.” Running with her head full of questions, she headed to where Nash waited for her. She’d find Chief Blake as soon as the musical chairs was done and tell him everything she knew.
Chapter 35
“You should all go and find a place to stand where you want to watch now, because soon it will be packed. Any festivity in this town is usually one hell of a spectacle,” Fin said to his family.
“Will do, son, and maybe we could have a meal after?” His father looked happy, and Fin had to say he was pleased about that.
They’d talked over the last two days. It was still tentative, but something was growing between them, and Fin could feel some of those cold dark places inside him getting lighter.
“Sounds good.” He tugged Mallory’s braid.
“And maybe Maggie could come?”
“I’ll ask her,” he told his father. But I need to find her first.
As if he’d conjured her up, suddenly there she was with Nash. Nerves in every line of her face as she looked around her.
“Maggie!” Bailey called to her. Fin stayed where he was, letting his heart settle back into his chest. He needed her, he realized. Needed her to be part of his life; he just had to figure out how to convince Maggie she felt the same way.
“I wasn’t sure you were coming.” Bailey gave her a gentle hug.
“I—ah, I just got back.” She shot Fin a look.
“Did you have a nice visit with your family?”
She’d been with her family. When he’d asked no one had known where she’d gone.
“I did, yes.”
“Ready for the battle to commence?” Luke said, wandering up. “Those chairs aren’t wide, and the ground beneath icy. I foresee bruises in my future.”
Around them, people talked, but all he had eyes for was her. She wore a silver scarf, no hat, her hair in a long tail, and the green duffle coat. Boots and jeans, and at least she had the sense to wear gloves. Her cheeks were pink, and she looked like a ripe apple he wanted to take a large bite out of.
Someone nudged her in his direction. Nash, he thought, meeting the guy’s eyes.
“Hi,” he said, his eyes running over her face.
“Hello.”
“How are you?” She was uncomfortable, all that lovely familiarity they’d always shared gone now. Before they were lovers, they were friends, and he’d never wanted to lose that. He wanted it back.
“Okay.”
“Entertaining though this is, I think some grass needs me to watch it grow,” Nash drawled from over her left shoulder. “I’ll be cheering you on, Tigger, but right now I need a coffee.”
Fin watched Nash kiss his sister on the forehead. As he passed Fin, he stopped to whisper in his ear.
“Hurt her and I’ll kill you.” Nash then walked away.
“Maggie,