“Because you weren’t there, for starters.Did you mention to anyone in the hotel you’d be traveling to the isle?”
“Yes.I asked the clerk for information on the ferry.”
“Chances are they noticed you didn’t return when expected and then, with the ferry out of commission for a few days and you stuck on the isle, might have seen an opportunity for theft.”
My lips pursed.“I had nothing of real value in my room.Just some clothes and notes.”
“But thieves wouldn’t have known that.Could be they hoped for some hidden cash or jewelry.Maybe electronics.It would explain why an employee of the hotel ended up in your room so late.”
“But how would a Red Cap have managed to get inside my room without being seen?”
“How have they managed to not be caught in these modern times?”Alistair paused.“Dark creatures have access to magic to aid them in remaining hidden.”
“That’s frightening.”
“They wouldn’t still exist if that weren’t the case.Now, time to plan our next move.”
“You mean the one where I go home?”
“Home?What happened to going to Loch Ness?”
I clasped my hands to still their trembling.“I don’t know if I still want to go.It was one thing when Nessie sent her monsters after me, but now an innocent has been killed.”
“Hardly innocent if they were a thief.”
“Stealing shouldn’t be a death sentence,” I huffed.
“Agreed, but you do realize, even if you went home, Nessie is likely to keep sending her minions until you’re in her presence.”
“Ugh.”I hated that he had a point.“So what do you suggest?”
“We continue on our way.”
“We?Have you decided to keep my company?”I probably shouldn’t have questioned his change of mind, but my mouth opened before I could stop it.
“Nessie’s actions need addressing, the sooner, the better.In that spirit, I can fly us there directly.It’s a journey of just over an hour.”
“That’s too quick.”I shook my head.“I’m not ready.”
“What do you need to prepare?”
I snorted.“My mental state.Unlike you, what’s happened thus far isn’t usual for me.Red Caps and dragons and murders.It’s all a bit much.”
“And here I thought you craved adventure.”
“Adventure is one thing.This has become something entirely else.I don’t think I’m cut out for this kind of danger.”
“Going to give up?”
“No.But I would like a moment to breathe and think.I could also use a shower, a change of clothes, and a meal.I’m famished.I haven’t eaten anything since the pastry I bought back on the isle,” I sheepishly admitted.
“I should have remembered human fragility.Very well, you may have a moment to refresh and recover, but not here in Mallaig.”
“Then where?”
“Inverness.It’s close to Loch Ness, and I am acquainted with someone who knows how to keep their mouth shut and can provide us with accommodation.”
“Hold on, I thought you said you didn’t have friends.”
