What power did it have? Could it control a person? Could it channel evil motives into a person? Jack wanted to get a surveillance team onto Gill Watts, but wondered how he could justify it. His superiors wouldn’t be into the voodoo hogwash. Jack would need to come up with a feasible reason and quickly.
His next call was to Ruby.
No answer.
“Cath, do you have a contact number for Zoe?”
“Sure we do. Why do you need it, Jack?”
“Could you contact her and find out how Ruby is? I just tried Ruby’s number and got no answer. Just want to be sure things are okay.” Jack stood up. “I’m going to grab some water. You want some?”
Catherine looked up at Jack. “Nope. Didn’t drink as much caffeine as you so I don’t need to wash it away.”
She was right. He had a taste in his mouth that he wanted to get rid of and it wasn’t coffee. It was more metallic. He knew anxiety affected the taste buds.
He got the news when he returned. Ruby was on the island.
59 – A man in a long black coat
CHRISTOPHER’S HOUSE WAS SMALL AND CUTE. The kitchen was furnished with a potbelly stove, a small wooden table and four matching chairs. Ruby looked outside. A wind chime hanging on the porch sang in the wind—its soft harmonies reaching inside—and a few potted palms swayed with the wind. Their own private party. A pee-wee called, and she watched as it flew down a gap between what looked like large bamboo plants. Her eyes followed the path of the bird and watched as it changed its trajectory and flew upwards. She looked back at the track and wondered where it went. Was that a person’s shadow there? Ruby forced a smile and told her imagination to settle down.
Christopher whistled softly as he went about his kitchen tasks. Ruby looked at the small potbelly. She could hear soft crackles coming from within and she felt the warmth of the stove as its heat floated through the house.
“Do you need a hand?” Ruby asked.
“Nope, you sit tight. You’re my guest.”
Ruby’s phone vibrated in her coat pocket. There was a knock on the door.
“And another guest. Be back in a sec.”
Ruby ignored the call on her phone as she had to deal with a rush of anxiety. Who could it be at the door? She was out of her comfort zone, and edgy. She relaxed somewhat when she heard the guest’s accent as she and Christopher made their way into the kitchen. It was the good doctor.
Ruby got out of her chair. The doctor was hugging her before she knew it. A bear hug. Once she released Ruby the doctor stood back and looked at her.
“Yer looking good, Ruby.”
“Thanks, Doc.” She couldn’t remember the doctor’s name—or if they’d been officially introduced.
“And a bonnie lass in a house with a single man is not a good thing.”
Ruby caught a glimpse of Christopher’s bright red face. Funny, she never thought about that, but he was a good-looking man. Just a bit old—maybe mid to late thirties, at least ten years older than her.
“Yep, and I’m moving in.” Ruby said. “But not before he puts in a pool and improves the interior décor.”
Christopher’s face went even redder.
“Lovely. A pool is a good idea.”
Christopher walked over to the kitchen bench. “Okay, ladies. Enough of the banter. Coffee or tea?”
“Tea, please,’ Ruby said.
“I’m gonna have the same, thanks.”
At least, Ruby hoped the doctor had said ‘gonna’. It sounded more like goanna, which got Ruby concerned about the types of tea available on the island.
Christopher brought over a plate with a mixture of pastries. “Pig out. I’m gonna make the teas.” He gave Ruby a wink. “She speaks funny.” Leaning his head towards the doctor.
“Aye,” Ruby said, getting into the spirit of things.
“Nae, it’s youse.” She lifted her eyebrows and waited for the next challenger.
With no more language challenges and disputes, the doctor and Ruby engaged in small talk while Christopher made the tea. He brought the cups over and sat down at the table.
“Thanks, Churchie,” Ruby said.
“Churchie? Where did ye get that name from?” the doctor asked.
“Just a regular churchgoer, used to be involved with a lot of church things. Picked up a nickname.”
Ruby decided it was up to Churchie if he wanted to disclose any more.
The doctor looked towards Ruby and placed her hand on hers. “I hear the investigation is drawing near a close and those responsible have been or are being dealt with.”
Ruby looked into the doctor’s caring eyes. “It’s nearly behind me now. I do feel stronger and more confident.” Ruby felt a build-up in her throat. “It was all puzzling and frightening at times.”
The doctor gave her a nod.
