Malcolm didn’t say anything else, so Joy stepped in. “I imagine part of thatis due to his current wife and part has something to do with his relationship with Cameron’s mother, but any more than that, I can’t tell you because I don’t know.”
Holly studied the man. He had orangey-red wavy hair that was sprinkled with a significant bit of white and thinning as well. His eyes were a grayish-blue and he sported a goatee that was all white.
Joy couldn’t help but comment onLorna’s looks. “She has her father’s coloring, but her mother’s facial features and body.”
“You know what Cam’s mom looked like?” Holly floated higher to avoid being walked through as Cam’s sister offered cookies to everyone.
Joy widened her eyes. “Don’t you?”
Holly shook her head. “Cam didn’t talk much about her because he was so young when she died. I don’t think there are any photos of her.”
Joy locked gazes with Malcolm. This was more cause for concern. Why hadn’t Cam shared the photos with Holly? Were they not supposed to say anything, or did he want them to? The deeper they delved into this assignment, the more she felt as if she were walking through a mine field.
As if sensing her dilemma, Malcolm stepped in. “Your husband has pictures of his mom given to him by his aunt anduncle.”
Holly’s brow furrowed. “If he has them, then why did he never show them to me?”
Malcolm kept silent. Even Joy had nothing to offer as it would only be conjecture.
“Where are they?” Holly faced Malcolm.
Joy cringed. If Malcolm told, would Cameron’s wrath cause him to lose his job? He already jeopardized it by telling her about them. Or was he supposed to because Cameron’s superiorswanted him punished in some way? Or would the higher ups use Malcolm as a scapegoat, knowing his penchant for using shock and bad news to help his living clients.
She couldn’t let him take all the blame, if that were coming. “I think you should ask Cameron that. You did say he will visit you later, right?”
Holly nodded, but she was clearly upset.
Maybe she shouldn’t have mentioned Lorna’s looks.“Lorna has a brother and a sister. Her sister is the one whose baby was about to eat the ornament.”
“And that has to be her brother.” Holly pointed to the young man on the other side of the grandmother.
“You’re right.” Joy moved next to the young man. “Of course, with his red hair, it wasn’t that tough to figure out, was it?”
Holly’s smile returned. “They all look so happy.”
“It’s Christmasday spent with family.” Joy opened her arms wide. “What could be better?”
“Hogmanay.” Malcolm’s grin was mischievous.
“Oh no, I disagree.” Holly shook her finger at Malcolm. “You Scots may like to celebrate the New Year, but I convinced Cam that Christmas was just as good.”
Joy held her breath as Malcolm spoke. “From your actions over the last couple years, I wouldn’t have known.”
Holly’sarms came across her chest. “I’ll have you know I lost my husband. I’ve been grieving. Do you have any clue what that’s like?”
Joy stiffened.Oh, no.
Malcolm’s jaw tensed. “As a matter of fact, I do.”
Holly didn’t back down at all. “And what did you do? Did you go off partying with your friends? Celebrate Christmas with your family? You seem to know so much about what I should be doing. Whatdid you do?”
“I killed people.”
