The Private Eye

suggested he stay here?”
    Maggie experienced a moment of panic. It was a perfectly natural question under the circumstances and she ought to have been prepared for it. Darn it, she would have been prepared if Josh had taken the trouble to tell her his cover story before Clay's arrival. But, no, he had to try to impress her with his cleverness. She would speak to him about that later, Maggie decided.
    “Oh, just someone we both know in Seattle,” she said airily. “To tell you the truth, as long as Josh doesn't mind staying at the manor while we're refurbishing, I don't mind having him there. Things are going to be a little lean this winter without any paying guests. Usually our weekends are booked solid, even in November and December,”
    Clay nodded with obvious concern. “I know. It's going to be rough for the next few months, honey. Sure it's worth it?”
    Maggie sighed. “I have to try to save the place. Clay. I've told you that.”
    “Honey, I admire your kind heart, but take it from an expert – that old mansion is a white elephant. You'll wind up pouring all your income back into it and in the end, you'll probably have to sell, anyway. You'd be better off dumping the place now and clearing some profit.”
    Maggie's mouth tightened. This was not the first time Clay had suggested she sell the manor. She had to admit that from his point of view, it made perfect sense.
    Clay was in the real-estate business, after all. He knew about this kind of thing. “I know you're probably right, Clay. But the thing is, I've made a commitment to the Colonel, Odessa and Shirley. I have to try.”
    Clay took one hand off the wheel to reach over and pat her hand. “I understand, Just remember that if you change your mind, I'll be glad to help you find a buyer.
    And I won't even charge you my usual commission.
    How's that for a deal you can't refuse?”
    Maggie smiled ruefully. “Thanks. I'll keep it in mind.”
    AT ELEVEN O'CLOCK that evening, Maggie was back on her doorstep, saying good-night to Clay. Unfortunately, it was getting harder and harder to find polite ways of getting rid of him.
    Maggie knew in her heart that all she had ever wanted with Clay was a casual friendship, and she was starting to feel a little guilty about that. Clay was beginning to push for a much more intimate relationship. She wondered how much longer she should go on accepting his invitations when she knew she was never going to fall in love with him. Perhaps it was time to gently end it.
    “Clay,” she began as she fished her key out of her purse. “I've been thinking.”
    His mouth curved in amusement as he hovered close.
    “So have I. I see the lights are off in the parlor, which means the Colonel and the others have gone to bed. Why don't you invite me in for a nightcap and we'll do our thinking together?”
    Maggie bit her lip. “The thing is – ”
    Before Maggie could get her key into the lock, the door opened. Josh loomed in the shadows.
    “Thought I heard someone out here,” he said as he reached out to flip on the hail light. “I was watching television in the study. Come on in. We can all have coffee or something. You play cards, O'Connor?”
    Clay's eyes narrowed with obvious annoyance.
    “Sorry, I don't care for cards. Maggie says she has to get to bed early. I'd better be on my way.” He nodded stiffly to Maggie. “Good night, honey.”
    Maggie smiled anxiously, aware that Clay was upset by finding Josh at the door. “It was a lovely evening, day.”
    “I'll call you.” Clay stalked back down the steps and out to where his Mercedes was parked.
    Josh shook his head sadly. “They all say that.”
    Maggie glowered at him as she stepped into the hall.
    “In Clay's case, it happens to be true. He will call me.”
    “Yeah, he probably will.” Josh helped her out of her coat. “Come on into the parlour. I've fixed you a nice cup of hot chocolate.”
    “Chocolate. Josh, were you by any chance waiting up for me? The answer had better be no. Because if I thought for one moment that you deliberately staged that little scene at the door in order to make Clay go home early, I'd be furious.”
    He gave her an injured look as he limped into the parlour and turned on one of the lamps. “I thought you might want to discuss the progress I've made so far on your case.”
    Maggie stared at his broad-shouldered back, “You've actually made some progress?” “You don't have to sound so surprised. It is my job, you know. How