Driving to Murder

by SarahB

Eve Simpson slammed down the phone. She had called all of David Hearn’s phone numbers with no success in reaching him. It had been over three weeks since she had heard from him and she decided it was time swallow her old fashioned idea that a lady waits for the gentleman to call. She had believed that things were progressing well with David.

She met him in the Federalist Bar of the XV Beacon Hotel in Boston. While having drinks with friends after attended a realtor’s convention, she caught his eye across the bar. Before she knew it he was sitting next to her and buying her drinks. They talked late into the night. She met him for dinner the next night and soon they were spending every weekend together.

He surprised her with a new Mercedes sports coupe in August. He claimed that he didn’t like to drive her Cadillac when he flew up from Boston to visit her. She would have rather received a ring from him, but she wasn't about to turn away such a fabulous gift.

In October, David had confided in her that he was having business problems. He blamed it on his partners but Eve had a bad feeling about it. She followed the news about it in the business section the Boston Globe and became increasingly worried for him. She also started to feel nervous that perhaps his business had a shady side. Suddenly, David just stopped coming or even calling her in November. They had planned to spend Thanksgiving together and now he didn’t even bother to offer any explanations.

At first she was terribly worried, but as the days went by and she still heard no word from him, she became increasingly angry. With today’s failed attempts to reach him, she decided that he had unceremoniously dumped her. She had planned to stand by him through his business and legal troubles, but she was not accustomed to being dumped and she would not stand for it. She stormed out of her office onto Maine Street. She ran smack in to Seth Hazlitt.

“Eve! What’s got you all fired up?” he asked, clutching her arm to steady her.

“Oh Seth, I’m sorry, I didn’t see you,” she said, cursing under her breath when she realized that she had dropped her files.

“Well, what’s wrong? You look like the wind just went out of your sails,” he said, bending over to help pick up her papers.

“I’ve just had a bad day, that’s all.”

“Well, come on, I’ll help you put this stuff in that little red car of yours.”

When they reached her car, she popped the trunk so they could put her files in it. A thought crossed her mind, “Seth, do you like this car?”

“Ayuh, it’s a beauty.”

“How’d you like to drive it yourself?”

“Oh I couldn’t possibly. I’d be too nervous that I’d wreck it.”

Eve pressed the keys into his hand, “Nonsense. It’s yours. We’ll transfer the insurance to your name today.”

“What? Have you gone mad?”

“Nope. I hate this car and I can’t stand the sight of it. In fact, I want you to take it out of my sight right now,” she said, not caring that this was even more impulsive than her usual style.

“You’ve got to be kidding, woman.”

“No, I’m not,” she said. She removed her files from the trunk.

“You can’t just give it to me!” Seth exclaimed.

“Yes, I can, but if you’d prefer, you can buy it from me, for say, a $1,000?”

“Is there something wrong with it?”

“Of course not. It has hardly any miles on it. But if it will make you feel better, take it to the auto shop and have them check it out. You can send me a check by the end of the week and I’ll have the tags changed to your name. Deal?”

He stared at a minute and thought perhaps she’d lost her mind. “Are you sure you’re feeling alright? Maybe you ought to come by my office for a check up,” he suggested, taking her wrist in his hand and checking her pulse.

“Seth, I’m perfectly fine. Please don’t make me go into why I don’t want this car. A lady doesn’t like to talk about being dumped.”

“Er, right, I’m sorry about that,” he said, shifting on his feet nervously.

“All right, now go on. I’m serious about this whole thing.”

“Well, I’ll take it home and you can come get it if you change your mind.”

“Seth, I'm certain that I won’t change my mind.”

He tried to hold back his smile and got in the car. He pushed the seat back to fit his body a little better and started up the engine. Even though he heard the engine purr like a kitten, he felt like he was in a dream.

* * * * *

Seth gave Jessica a warm hug and kissed her cheek before putting her suitcases in the back of his new cherry red Mercedes sports car.

“Ah, you are a sight for sore eyes, Jessica Fletcher!”

“What’s this? This is your car, Seth Hazlitt? Why didn’t you say anything to me?” Jessica exclaimed.

“I wanted to surprise you,” he grinned.

“Well, I am surprised but it’s more that you’re being so extravagant to yourself!”

“I bought it used. It’s Eve Simpson’s cast off,” he sheepishly grinned.

“Seth! You know better than to trust anything cast off from Eve!”

“Ayuh, you’ve got a point. Nevertheless, I had it checked over at the auto shop and it earned a clean bill of health. Besides I got it for practically nothing.”

They drove to Cabot Cove from the Portland, Maine, airport in relative silence. Jessica thought about her agenda for the Christmas holidays. She was looking forward to being back in her precious home. She planned to catch up on housework and reading, both of which she found relaxing. She had endured a busier semester than usual, between a full class load on Tuesdays and Thursdays, a book tour plus her new romance with George. She had not been home since early October.

Jessica wanted and even needed to tell Seth about her new relationship with George. She couldn’t help but feel very anxious about it, even though Seth was her best friend. She nervously twirled the sapphire and diamond ring that George had given her in October. She was hoping it would give her good luck. She hugged herself and took in the snowy Maine landscape.

“What are you thinking, Jess?” Seth asked.

“I’m thinking that I’m glad to be home,” she replied. No, it doesn’t feel like the right time, she told herself. She admonished herself for stalling, but this was news that she knew Seth would have a hard time accepting, although she wasn’t sure why.

“Are you sure you’re feeling okay?” he asked, with concern in his voice.

“Of course, just tired after a busy semester. It will be good to be in my house for a change,” she said, smiling at him and patting his arm.

Jessica told him about the end of her semester and Seth filled her in on all the recent goings on around home. They pulled up in front of her house and Seth pulled her cases out of the trunk. Jessica stood looking at her beloved, yet somewhat neglected, house.

“Well, don’t just stand there, woman. Let’s get in out of this cold air. I’m still not convinced that you’re not coming down with something,” he said, as he hurried to her front door.

“I certainly have a lot to do around here over the next month,” Jessica said, with a smile. “Thank you for stocking the fridge for me. Are you staying for dinner?”

“When don’t I stay for dinner when you’re home, Jessica? I’ve thought of nothing else for the last week but having you home so I could beat you at chess.”

“Just be prepared to retract that statement Seth Hazlitt!” Jessica laughed.

Jessica settled down into a slower, more relaxing routine over the next few days and allowed herself the luxury to think about a new book idea. Her semester had been so busy with teaching and social obligations, not to mention George, that she was excited to start a new book It was the first time in a while that she didn’t have a deadline. Seth had been over every evening for dinner. She relished beating him at every game of chess and although he was his usual grumpy self, she knew that he was inwardly happy about it. She still hadn’t told him about George and she had a feeling that the longer she waited, the harder it would be.

It was good to be home indeed, if only for a while. She loved her cozy home that she had shared for so many happy years with her late husband Frank. She enjoyed living part of year in Manhattan but Cabot Cove was home. She had looked forward to the walks in the cold sea air, the quiet simple days away from Manhattan and especially to sleeping in her own feather bed.

Yet, despite herself, she found herself wishing that she had taken George up on his invitation to spend her Christmas break with him. Their relationship as a couple was still new and she missed him terribly. They had only been together since October.

Jessica had gone to London for her Thanksgiving break for eleven blissfully romantic days, a few of which they had spent in Paris. It had only been three weeks since she had been with George in London and she was already longing to see him.

When she thought of George, she involuntarily smiled and sighed. She still wasn’t sure how to refer to him. She felt they were too mature to call each other boyfriend and girlfriend. She had resisted admitting that she was in love with him for years and now that their relationship had finally taken this turn, she could hardly stand to be apart from him. This presented a whole new conflict. She wanted to be with George full time, but she didn’t want to give up her life in Cabot Cove and New York. Even though George had hinted at marriage, he had not indicated that he might think of moving from London to the States. She was especially not sure that she even wanted to live with George, much less remarry. In October, George had told her that they would figure it out as they went along and the subject of maintaining a long distance relationship hadn’t come up again. More than anything, she didn’t like the conflict she was feeling about having to choose between spending time with her best friend and her lover.

* * * * *

The ladies at Loretta’s beauty parlor were talking and laughing up a storm when Jessica came in for her 9:00 a.m. hair appointment. Phyllis was getting a manicure while Loretta was just finishing setting Ideal’s hair. They were Loretta’s most frequent customers, and Jessica suspected they came forr the socializing more than the grooming.

“Jessica!” they all exclaimed in unison. “It’s so good to see you!”

“And it’s good to see all of you. It’s been too long.” she laughed. “So what have I missed?”

They all laughed. Ideal said, “Jessica, it will take until next week to catch you up!”

Loretta crossed the room and gave her old friend a big hug. “You know, doll, you’re absolutely glowing. Anything you have to share with us?”

Jessica blushed but said, “Uh no, I’ve just been busy working. I’m glad to be home.”

“Hmmm, Jess, I’d say the color in your cheeks is not just from the brisk air outside. Don’t worry, we’ll get it out of you. So, I guess you’ve probably heard some from Seth already but did he tell you the latest about Eve?” Loretta asked.

“No, what’s up with Eve now?” Jessica asked, knowing that they would exaggerate and turn Eve’s escapades into a juicy soap opera. Eve definitely kept them entertained. She was also a widow and had built a successful real estate business, but she was always chasing some unsuspecting man. Jessica’s late husband Frank had worked with Eve on many real estate deals and she considered Eve to be a dear friend, even if she was exasperating.

“Well, Jessica, poor Eve has another broken heart - I know you find that hard to believe. She was dating this businessman from Boston for almost four months,” Phyllis said.

“We all thought that he might actually be The One!” Ideal added.

“What happened to him?” Jessica asked.

“His name was David Hearn. He was very handsome, but a little slick for my taste,” Ideal said.

“Oh Ideal, your taste? Please, we know all know you were making eyes at him too!” Phyllis said.

“Well, I didn’t say he wasn’t handsome!” Ideal protested. “Anyway, clearly Eve had him first. Anyway, he started spending quite a bit of time here. He even gave her that red Mercedes.”

“Wait a minute, the Mercedes that Seth bought from Eve?” Jessica asked.

“That’s the one,” Phyllis said. “Apparently, he was wealthy and was fond of giving gifts. He also didn’t care for Eve’s Cadillac and thought she ought to be driving something a little sexier, so he showed up with that little red number one day.”

“But why did she sell it to Seth?”

Phyllis said, “Well, that’s the sad part. One day, he just stopped showing up. Eve hasn’t been able to find out anything. She finally got so mad that she sold it to Seth for practically nothing and that’s why Doc Hazlitt couldn’t resist it.”

“Yeah, everybody knows how cheap he is,” Ideal chimed in.

Loretta said, “I say Eve was foolish to let the car go, but she won’t even talk about it. I think she thought David was going to marry her but he just stopped calling.”

“I think she’s broken hearted, but she’s too proud to admit it,” Ideal added.

“I see. That is interesting. Seth didn’t tell me any of this. How is Eve holding up? Has she been coming in?” Jessica asked, thinking to herself how devastated she would feel if George suddenly stopped calling her.

Loretta replied, “You’ll see for yourself in just a little while. She has a nail appointment with Corrine at 9:30. Even with a broken heart, Eve Simpson always looks her best. She’s my best customer, no offense, Ideal.”

“None taken. I say there’s something fishy about that Hearn fellow.”

“How long ago did he give her the car and when did he stop showing up?” Jessica asked.

“Well, he gave her the car at the end of August I think. Sometimes he would fly up here in a helicopter service from Boston and then use the car for business trips to Portland, at least that’s what Eve said. At the beginning of November, he just stopped coming at all. Didn’t even call. Eve sold the car to Doc just two weeks ago. Said she couldn’t stand looking at it in her garage anymore,” Phyllis said.

Just as Loretta was finished styling Jessica’s hair, Eve waltzed in with her usual style. Jessica got up to greet her. The two women embraced warmly and exchanged hellos. Jessica noted that Eve seemed drawn, but she was still as beautiful as ever. She knew that Eve was a master at hiding her emotions, unless it was lust. Eve could never hide attraction to any man. She just wasn’t capable of it.

“Hello everybody. Corrine, I want my nails painted red this week to match my new dress I’m wearing out for the Christmas party at the Charter House. I really hate red now, but I can’t give up my most flattering color, now can I?” Eve asked.

A chorus of “no’s” rang out.

* * * * *

Over steaming cups of tea at her kitchen table, Jessica asked Mort and Seth what they knew about Eve Simpson and David Hearn.

“Now Mrs. F, what brought this up? I’d bet lunch that you were at Loretta’s this morning,” Jessica’s dear friend and sometimes colleague Sheriff Mort Metzger raised his eyebrows at her.

“Ayuh, look at her hair. She just had it done. Looks pretty too. I guess Loretta does just a good a job as those fancy big city salons, eh Jess?” Seth laughed.

“Yes, I was there. They filled me in on all the gossip, of course. Eve came in while I was there and she didn’t look herself, if you ask me. The funny thing is that I’m sure I’ve heard of a David Hearn. I think there was an article in the business section of the New York Times about him. I think I remember that a number of his investment deals were questionable and the SEC was initiating an investigation against him. I wonder...” Jessica said.

“Oh no, here she goes again.” Mort shook his head.

“Hey woman, don’t you go snoopin’. I got my car because that relationship went south and I’m not giving it back to Eve,” Seth growled.

“Seth, I’m not ‘snoopin’’, I’m just curious. That’s all, honestly,” Jessica responded.

“Well, I never heard anything about him. I know he came up there every week for the first few months and then all of sudden it was as if he vanished.” Mort said.

“Did he have a family at all?” she asked.

“Not that I ever heard of. Well, Eve will be on to another man before we know it. So, Jess, what’s for dinner tonight?” Seth asked.

“Well, I thought we were all going to the Charter House tonight for the Christmas party? I certainly was counting on it. Did you forget Seth? Did the speed of that new car blow away your memory cells?” Jessica laughed.

“Ayuh, that’s right. Just forgot that tonight’s the night. And I’ll thank you to not mention speeding in his presence,” Seth said, nodding at Mort.

“Well, Doc, I’d be more worried about where you’re parking that thing if I were you,” Mort warned, with a laugh.

Jessica spent the rest of the afternoon at her computer. While researching ideas for her new book, she came across a news article about David Hearn quite by accident. She couldn’t help but dig a little further into his background.

She was pleasantly interrupted by an instant message from George.

InspectorBoy01: Awrite ma hen!

MysteryGirl02: And hello to you my George. I miss you. What have you been up to this evening?

InspectorBoy01: I miss you too. I just returned home from an afternoon with my nephew Quinn. He asked me to take him shopping for a Christmas gift for him mum.

MysteryGirl02: Let me guess. He conned you into letting him drive your Jaguar didn't he?

InspectorBoy01: Aye, and I'm afraid we never quite got around to his Christmas shopping.

MysteryGirl02: What happened?

InspectorBoy01: Well, love, you probably don't realize this, but driving the Jaguar out on the open road is a bit more rewarding experience than driving it in London

MysteryGirl02: Really? How rewarding?

InspectorBoy01: Let's just say that I'm getting my just rewards for caving to pressure to let Quinn drive, and Quinn, well he is getting his just rewards by having to make up the cost of the speeding ticket by having to do a list of jobs that I have to assign to him. We are also both in a bit of trouble from his mum.

MysteryGirl02: LOL.

InspectorBoy01: It's not that funny.

MysteryGirl02: Okay, if you say so. George, do you know anybody at Interpol?

InspectorBoy01: Oh no. I don’t like it when you ask questions like that. What are you up to?

MysteryGirl02: Just curious about a man named David Hearn. My friend Eve Simpson was seeing him and he suddenly stopped calling her. He is under SEC investigation, among other things.

InspectorBoy01: And you want to know if Interpol has a line on him? I shouldn’t find out for you. You know I don’t like it when you get curious.

MysteryGirl02: Oh yes you do, admit it. It’s one of the things you love about me, am I right?

InspectorBoy01: Sigh. Yes, you’re right. You’re my Watson and I’m your Holmes...or vice versa. LOL. I’ll see what I can find out for you. So, what’s on your agenda tonight, my love?

MysteryGirl02: We’re all going to the Christmas party at Charter House. I wish you were here to go with me.

InspectorBoy01: Aye, lassie, I wish I was too. I wish we were together for more than just a Christmas party. You know, it’s not too late for you fly over and join me for the remainder of your holiday.

MysteryGirl02: I know, I know. I want to spend some time with you. But I just need to be here, I think.

InspectorBoy01: You haven’t said, sooo I’m guessing that you haven’t told Seth about us yet.

MysteryGirl02: You’re right. I want to. I just can’t seem to get the words out. I don’t know why I’m so afraid of telling him.

InspectorBoy01: Jess, I know he wants you to be happy.

MysteryGirl02: I know you’re right about that. Sigh. George, I love you.

InspectorBoy01: I love you more.

MysteryGirl02: Impossible.

InspectorBoy01: Possible.

MysteryGirl02: No, really, I love you more.

InspectorBoy01: Okay, you win. I give up.

MysteryGirl02: Thank you for conceding. You’re such a gentleman, my handsome George.

IspectorBoy01: By the way, what are you wearing?

MysteryGirl02: To the party?

InspectorBoy01: Noooo, right now!

MysteryGirl02: Do you really want me to tell you what I’m actually wearing right now?

InspectorBoy01: Of course!

MysteryGirl02: I think you’d like it better if you’d just imagine what I’ll wear when we’re finally together again.

InspectorBoy01: Actually, I’m imagining what you WON’T wear when we’re together again.

MysteryGirl02: George! I think I better go now. I’m suddenly feeling too warm.

InspectorBoy01: LOL. Guid nicht, mah loove. Ah loove ye. xoxo

MysteryGirl02: Goodnight - I love you. xoxo

* * * * *

Late in the afternoon, Jessica took a leisurely bath and prepared for her evening out in Cabot Cove. She knew the Charter House would be bustling with friends out celebrating the Christmas season. It was always so festive this time of year plus everybody was raving about the new jazz trio for dancing. She decided to wear her new green satin Dior dress, with new Ferragamo heels. The dress was beautiful and she loved the way it fit her. All the extra walking in Manhattan had been good for her figure. The bodice wrapped around her body and tied at her waist and had a full long skirt. She decided that she would have somebody take her picture so she could email it to George since he had not seen this dress.

As she ran out to a waiting Seth, she pulled her white wool coat around her in the cold air that smelled of snow. She still couldn’t believe he was driving that bright red Mercedes. She couldn’t keep from giggling at the sight of him behind the wheel.

“What are you grinning at, woman?”

“I’m sorry, I’m just admiring the cut of you behind the wheel of this car. It’s just a little sexier than that station wagon you held on to for so many years, you know!”

He gave her a sideways look and pretended to mumble under his breath. She laughed and kissed his cheek.

“My goodness, you look beautiful, Jessie!”

“Well, you look handsome yourself. I can hardly wait to get to the party and hit the dance floor. I was used to going out a bit more in the city. Plus I’ve been craving some good Maine lobster.”

“Ayuh. You still haven’t told me who’s been wining and dining you around New York. Should I be jealous?”

“Oh please Seth, it’s nobody special. Just colleagues, my publisher, those sort of people,” she said, hoping he didn’t notice that her fingers were crossed.

“Is it that MI-6 fellow? It sounds like he was always conveniently showing up wherever you happened to be,” he inquired, pretending to drill her.

“Seth!”

“Is it that Scotland Yard inspector? What’s his name? I seem to recall you mentioning him pretty often.”

“Seth, that’s enough. Really!” she said and turned away so he wouldn’t notice that she was blushing. “Is he baiting me?” she thought to herself.

Seth looked over at her. She seemed different since she had moved to New York City. She had become more sophisticated and if it was possible, even more beautiful over the last five or so years...almost as if she had blossomed. She was still his best friend but he was feeling like she wasn’t the woman he could always read like a book as before. But he was glad to have her back if only for a month. He planned to convince her not to go back to the university next semester. He didn’t like not having her here with him all the time. He had a feeling that there was something she wasn’t telling him and that if he didn’t act fast, he was about to lose her.

Jessica, in turn, noticed that Seth looked a little different. She was pretty sure he had lost a little weight and his hair was combed somewhat differently. She patted his hand and smiled. She knew that he had missed her over the last semester and of course, she had missed him. Emails and phone calls weren’t always enough between old friends. She resolved to tell him about George the next day.

The Charter House was as festive as she knew it would be. It was good to catch up with so many friends on such a festive night. She was also glad to see that Eve was there too and asked her to join them at their table.

“Jess, how about a spin around the dance floor?” Seth asked.

“I thought you would never ask,” Jessica gladly accepted.

Cabot Cove’s new, and only, jazz ensemble had just taken the stage. They were actually quite good at the old standards even though they were just college kids home for winter break. She remembered most of them from when they were children. She would have to request a song and crossed her fingers that they would know it.

“I guess you do your dining and dancing at some pretty fancy schmancy places these days, huh Jess?” Seth asked as he led her around the dance floor.

“Well, I admit that I have been to some lovely restaurants in Manhattan, but this is where I want to be right now - with my best friend in my favorite place.” She smiled at him and placed her cheek against his.

“Jess, I couldn’t help notice that new bauble on your finger. Pretty fancy. Did you treat yourself after your latest bestseller?” he asked.

“It is gorgeous, isn’t it? George says that the sapphire matches the color of my eyes.”

“George?” he looked at her, still guiding her around the dance floor.

She bit her lip. She hadn’t meant to bring up George tonight. “Oh, you know, my friend George Sutherland from London. He gave it to me as a surprise.”

“That’s a pretty fancy gift from somebody who is just a friend,” he commented.

She saw Seth’s face redden and decided not to respond. She changed the subject: “The music is really quite good! I love these old songs. They remind me of my parents.”

“Ayuh, they are good. We should request a song. I understand they have quite a repertoire.”

She sighed inwardly that at least for now she was able to avoid talking about George. She didn’t want Seth to be upset tonight.

She let the mix of jazz standards and Christmas music take her away from her worries. She and Seth danced five in a row and then took a breather. She danced with Mort Metzger to a jitterbug as well as took a spin around the floor with Sam the mayor. Eve danced with several gentlemen too. Everybody was laughing and dancing, and Jessica noticed that Eve seemed to be having a good time, despite the sad look in her eyes. Somebody started serving champagne and it really became quite a party.

After a short break, the band started up again. Jessica was feeling a little tipsy but she was have a good time. Seth pulled her to the dance floor again before she could protest as the band played “I Could Write a Book.” She tried to ignore the words as Seth softly sang along in her ear:

If they asked me, I could write a book
About the way you walk, and whisper, and look.
I could write a preface
On how we met
So the world would never forget.

And the simple secret of the plot
Is just to tell them that I love you a lot.
And the world discovers
As my book ends,

How to make two lovers
Of friends.

She started to feel uncomfortable in the way that Seth was holding her and had the feeling that everybody in the room was staring at them. She started to pull away from him, “Goodness, I need to sit down.”

“Just one more spin around, darling Jess.”

“Seth, really I’ve had enough,” she said.

“Ayuh” he said as he followed her off the dance floor. “Are you okay?” he asked with concern in his voice.

She nodded and took a drink of water. “It must be too much champagne.”

Later that evening, they drove in silence to her house, each lost in personal thoughts. When they arrived in front of her house, he killed the engine, as if hinting that he wasn’t ready for the evening to end.

“Seth, would you like a cup of coffee?” she reluctantly asked, despite the fact that she really felt too exhausted to play hostess, even to Seth.

“Just let me walk you to the door, Jess.”

Seth hurried around the front of the car and helped her out. She took his arm as they walked around to her back door. When they stopped there she turned to kiss his cheek good night, but he caught her and instead wrapped his arms around her in a tight hug. They stood there for a long moment in the embrace.

As Jessica started to pull away from his embrace, Seth whispered, “Ah Jess, I’ve missed you so much. I don’t want you to ever leave again.” He kissed her firmly on the lips and then simply walked away, leaving her standing in the doorway, stunned.

* * * * *

“Oh my head,” she said out loud to herself as she lay in her feather bed with a pillow over her head. She knew that only a glass and a half of champagne wouldn’t do this to her. She forced herself up and into a soothing hot shower. After a slice of toast and many cups of coffee, she made a batch of fresh bread and started the shepherd’s pie for her dinner later that night. She then answered some pressing emails and worked on notes for her new book.

Unable to concentrate, she thought about Seth and the previous evening. She wondered what had come over him. She couldn’t get over that kiss he had planted on her. She really had to get her talk with him over that day. Even though she didn't normally interrupt his work day, she decided to call George at his office as she knew he would bolster her spirits and her courage.

“Sutherland here,” George answered.

“George, it’s me.”

“Ah lassie, good morning. I was just thinking about calling you. Did you have fun last night?”

“Yes, mostly. I have a little trouble over here,” she said slowly.

“Oh no, Jess, don’t tell me that. Are you okay? You didn’t become further involved in that Hearn matter, did you?”

“No, nothing like that. It’s Seth,” she said.

“You told him?” he asked hopefully.

“No, I have to tell him today. Last night he was kind of, um, amorous.”

“He was what?!” George exclaimed.

“Well, just a little. He was a little forward with me at the dance and then he kissed me on the lips when he walked me to my door. It happened so fast I didn’t have time to back away,” she said miserably.

“Jess, you’re not feeling guilty are you? I certainly trust you,” George said with a soothing manner.

“Of course I’m not, I just wanted you to know. I know I have to tell him about you and me today. I don’t know what got into him.”

“You got into him, that’s what.”

“Pardon? What are you talking about?” she asked innocently.

“Jessica, you really don’t know how beguiling you are, do you? Surely, you must know that Seth is crazy about you. In fact, he’s in love with you.”

When she didn’t respond, he continued on, “Jess, anybody can see it. I saw it when you and he were in London years ago and that was when you and I barely knew each other. Just as I’m sure he saw that I had fallen in love with you too. Women aren’t the only intuitive ones, you know.”

She still didn’t answer, so George said, “Love, I didn’t mean to upset you. Are you okay?”

“Yes, George, I’m okay. I’m just in shock, I guess. I just don’t know what to do. I’ve never thought of Seth as anything more than brother. Thanks for listening to me,” she said, with a sigh.

“Jessica dear, you can talk to me anytime about anything,” he said, his Scottish burr deepening.

“George, how long until we see each other again?” she asked quietly.

“Well, hopefully sooner than you think. Listen, I found out from my contact at Interpol that they don’t haven’t had any reports on that Hearn chap crossing through any customs.

“Thanks for checking. I guess that could mean several things: either he’s traveling under an assumed name; he’s still in the US; or, he’s dead.”

“Jessica...”

“George, I’m just curious. That’s all. Really,” she said.

“Aye, I know all about your curiosity. So, what are you doing this weekend?”

“Just working on my book, last minute shopping for Christmas presents, planning Christmas dinner, cleaning house...I don’t know what else, why?” she asked, her curiosity piqued.

“I just learned that I am flying to New York tonight. I’ll be in meetings most of tomorrow with the British Ambassador and part of Saturday. But I’m on my own time both tomorrow night and Saturday night. Spend the weekend with me?”

“I’d love to George! All of these things I’m doing can certainly wait. Won’t you come back to Cabot Cove with me for Christmas week?”

“Well, as much as I’d love that, I have to be back on a plane on Sunday afternoon for more meetings in London on Monday. I can tell you more about it in person. Shall I meet you at your apartment tomorrow afternoon?”

“Well, no, we can’t go there. Eli is staying there.”

“Ah, young Mr. Hemminger. I forgot that you told me that he’s apartment-sitting while you’re in Cabot Cove. Well, I’ll see what I can book on short notice.”

“How about a repeat performance at the Carlyle?” she said seductively.

“Sweetheart, you read my mind,” he laughed.

“I thought so. George, I can’t wait to see you.”

“Nor can I, my dear. I’ll email you with the details and you email me your flight information. Oh, by the way, bring some formal attire - you, ah, might need it. Now, I must ring off because I have yet another bloody meeting to attend and then I have to get to the airport. I’ll see you tomorrow, love,” George said.

“Until tomorrow. I love you, George.”

“I love you too. Bye Jess.”

Her heart racing, she held the phone for a minute and then dialed Seth’s number. When he didn’t answer, she left a message for him to call her. She called Jed Richardson to see if he had space on his charter plane to Teterboro Airport in New Jersey. She made a reservation with the car service to take her in to Manhattan from New Jersey, then booked her train from Manhattan back to Maine. She also booked a room at the Ritz-Carlton for her Sunday night stay in Boston. She then took some time to pack her suitcase for the weekend. She examined the Dior dress that she had worn to the Charter House party and decided that it was still in perfect