Page 55 of Nora
The crew all agreed, then ended the call. No sooner had she hung up, though, than a text came in from Six. Nora read it. Then read it again.
“What’s that?” Lucian asked.
Nora glanced at her phone, then to Lucian. “I don’t know if you’re going to like it.”
“Try me.”
“Our big birthday celebration is on Saturday night. Six wants me to invite you.”
CHAPTERTWENTY-ONE
“Anyone for a game of pinochle?”Angelo asked the room in general. Nora, Jurgen, Jean, Sophie, and Angelo had all opted to stay in for the night and were relaxing in the lounge. The others had decided to cram another outing into their schedules before a big storm hit Friday night. Even Lucian and Ingrid had gone out. Although she suspected the reason Lucian had joined in was so he could spend time with Collin. She wasn’t sure how she felt about him being part of the investigation. She appreciated the help, but this wasn’t his cross to bear.
“Nora?” Angelo asked, reminding her he’d asked a question. She really didn’t want to play a card game. But with each day that passed, they were closer and closer to another murder. Getting to know the suspects was all a part of the process. Probably the biggest part.
“Of course. Can we play here, though?” She indicated the side table to her left. “I’m awfully cozy in front of the fire.” And she was. She had her feet curled under her and a blanket draped over her lap.
“May I join?” Jean asked, leaving Sophie and Jurgen to a quiet game of pool.
“So long as you don’t make me move,” Nora responded with a smile. She wasn’tthattired, but she was exceedingly comfortable. The only thing that would make it better was if it were her own fireplace at home and she had her dogs surrounding her. Oh, and she’d stopped the murderer.
Angelo moved the side table, then Jean shifted a couple of chairs. Once they were seated, Jean shuffled, then dealt the cards.
“I’m surprised Lucian went out with the group tonight,” Jean said.
It didn’t take an intelligence agent to know he was fishing.
Angelo smiled. “He does like to stick close to you, Nora.”
Nora shrugged and played a card. “It’s been fun catching up. He’ll be coming to the birthday bash this weekend, too, and will get to see his cousin, who is one of my best friends. He’s never been to Six’s home, and she’s looking forward to seeing him.”
She didn’t miss the look the two men gave each other. It was possible one of them was a murderer, so she didn’t put too much stock in their opinions. “I meant to ask you, where did you go to Mass on Sunday?” she asked as Angelo took his turn.
“There’s an old monastery not far from here. They do one Mass that is open to the public. We went there,” Jean answered.
“Is that the place…” She pointed vaguely in the direction of the monastery Michael Kelly had lived at. Both Jean and Angelo nodded. “I’ve heard it’s beautiful with some very unique stained glass.”
Jean smiled. “Yes. Not quite so good as in France—but nothing ever is. Still, it was beautiful,” he said with a teasing laugh.
“Is that the monastery that recently lost one of their brothers?” she asked. “I read something in the news. I figure there can’t be too many monasteries around here.”
Angelo sighed and Jean bowed his head before answering. “Yes, it is very sad. The Mass was in his name.” Nora was curious to hear more, but neither man elaborated. Not wanting to sound prurient, she changed the subject.
“What do you think about the upcoming storm?” As the question formed, she realized that the next murder would most likely be the burning. It was hard to burn something—or someone—while the ground was covered in snow. And although the storm was only predicted to last no more than thirty-six hours, everyone believed it would be the official start of winter. Whatever fell this weekend wouldn’t just melt away as the dusting had done the prior week.
Jean smiled. “My mother is Swedish. We used to visit her parents during Christmas in Sweden. I admit, I feel like a small child at the prospect of so much snow.”
Nora smiled at the image of Jean as a young boy frolicking in the Swedish winter. “And you, Angelo?”
He gave a dramatic shiver. “I like to see it from inside, but I am not looking forward to training in it. Although I heard James and Ingrid discussing whether to call off the Sunday session. We can work in the snow, but a day off after nearly fourteen days of work or travel is not a bad thing for us or the dogs.”
“All work and no play…” Nora said. She actually agreed with Angelo. The dogs adored working, but it was the handlers’—and trainers’—responsibility to ensure they didn’t work too hard. Dogs, especially these dogs, would wear themselves to the bone before stopping. “I can’t say I’ll be disappointed if they do. I’ll get to stay in Cos Cob and sleep in my own bed.” The party was at Cyn’s, and she’d probably stay there because Six tended to bring more tequila than she should. But it was nice to think about her own bed. Speaking of bed…
“I know we just started this game, but I’m feeling very tired. I think I’ll retire for the night.” As she spoke, she set her cards down and slid the blanket off her lap. “I don’t know how that group does it,” she said, gesturing toward the front door. “I couldnotstay up so late so many nights in a row.” It was only ten o’clock, but she was an early-to-bed-early-to-rise kind of person.
“In Italy, we are up late, but not so much at the bars. Especially not now with my son. It’s not the hour, but the activity that does not appeal to me,” Angelo said.
Jean grinned. “I will tell you a little secret, despite thebon vivantreputation of the French, I much prefer an early night as well. I know,” he said with a Gallic shrug. “It is not very exciting. But I have enough excitement in my life during the day. I do not also need it at night. The mind needs its rest, no?”
