“No need to continue protesting, Ellen. I grasped the point.”
She wanted to smack that grin from his face. Instead, she changed the conversation. What happened with her and Gray was between them.
“I’ve been thinking about that book, Alex,” Ellen said. “If someone was aware it was in George’s shop and they murdered him to get it, then how is it they knew to find it in the box?”
“You and Gray found the box,” Alex said.
“True. But who, beside the seller of the book and that Mr. Brownly, knew it was in Nicholson’s bookshop?”
“Do you think George told his family he had it?” Alex said. “I wish he’d pay me a visit and show me something that could help us find out who murdered him.”
“Perhaps like Father, he won’t?”
Alex shuddered. “I’m pleased Father hasn’t. Gray’s aunt, however. She’s persistent.”
“Do you think that’s because she was like us?”
“Very likely, but I also believe she’s trying to tell us something about him. I haven’t grasped what as yet. It’s still a bit hazy and confusing with the colors she always brings with her.”
Ellen giggled.
“What?” Alex asked.
“Us. You and me talking like this. If some of them”—she nodded to the patrons before them—“knew what we were, they’d lock us in Bedlam.”
“And yet we’re saner than most of them, sister dear.”
“I wonder what Gray found in the rest of those ledgers you told me were in the box?” Alex said.
“Gray is struggling with our interference and the knowledge that we know so much about the case. The man is a stickler for doing things correctly,” Ellen added.
“But as we don’t have secrets, he will just have to get used to it and our help,” Alex said.
“Agreed.”
As if mentioning his name summoned him to her side, Ellen found the big, disturbing detective with his cousin coming her way.
Gray introduced Ramsey to her family.
“Mr. Greedy told me to inform you there will be another event coming soon, Gray,” Alex said. “With more pickled whelks.”
Gray visibly shuddered.
“I must come next time to learn more about this event. Could I come as a guest of the Nightingales also?” Ramsey asked.
“But of course, I will send word,” Alex said.
“Gray loves pickled whelks,” Ramsey added. “Once, when we were children, I dared him to eat six, and he relieved his stomach of its contents for many hours after.”
“I had reservations about introducing my cousin to you, Alex, as you are alike, which concerns me that you could become friends, and no one will be safe,” Gray said.
Ellen laughed at that.
“Friends, what an interesting concept, don’t you think, Alex?” Ramsey said.
“Extremely.”
“What makes a good friend, do you believe?” Ramsey continued. “Someone who likes a good joke? Conversationalist? Happy and friendly?” he continued.
