The Private Eye

going to get. She had to try to keep it contained, she told herself. She didn't want it spread ail over Peregrine Point. But even as she frantically tried to figure out a way to control something as uncontrollable as gossip in a small town, she knew her efforts were futile.
    “Hello, Clay. Yes, the car belongs to Josh. He had to come into town for some things so he gave me a lift.” Maggie hoisted another sack into the vehicle. Mentally she toyed with the notion of telling Clay the truth.
    “You know, Maggie, I've been thinking about that guy.” Clay's handsome features shaped themselves into serious lines. “I don't want to alarm you or anything, but does it strike you as a little strange that he showed up when he did?”
    Startled, Maggie straightened quickly. She frowned as she turned to face Clay. “Strange?”
    Clay shrugged and braced one hand against the roof of the Toyota. “Well, here you are, closed for the winter and all, and then he lands on your doorstep for a month. I bring you home from a date and he's waiting at the front door. The next thing I know the two of you are seen having dinner in town. And now he's shopping with you. Seems to me he's really made himself a part of the family in a hurry.”
    Maggie chewed on her lower lip. “You know how it is. Clay. He's the only guest at the manor these days, so we've just sort of made him a part of our household for the month. Most of the time we don't see all that much of him. He's always upstairs working on that book of his.” That statement certainly had the ring of truth about it now, Maggie reflected grimly.
    Clay eyed her thoughtfully. “Have you ever actually seen any evidence of that book?”
    “Yes, as a matter of fact, I have.” Maggie was relieved to be able to tell the full truth for once.
    Lately there had been far too many half-truths and downright fabrications. “It's a mystery novel. Very exciting, from what I saw of it.”
    “Hmm.”
    “What is it. Clay?”
    He gave her his charming, crooked little smile. “Hell, don't pay any attention to me, Maggie. Sheer jealousy motivating me, that's all.”
    Maggie felt wretched. And slightly guilty. “Clay, I'm sorry if you feel I, well, if you think I implied that my feelings were stronger toward you than they actually are. I mean, I've enjoyed your company very much but I wouldn't want you to think that I...”
    Clay's charming smile turned wistful. He touched her mouth with his fingertips, gently silencing her.
    “Hey, don't worry about it, Maggie. I'm a big boy. I know that for you our relationship has been casual so far, but I plan to change all that. In the meantime, I can handle a little competition.”
    Maggie began to seethe with annoyance. This was so awkward. “Clay, it isn't exactly competition. I wouldn't want you to think I'm trying to play games. Josh and I, well, we've become quite friendly since he moved into the manor. That's all.”
    Clay's smile widened into a grin. “I'm not worried. I figure I've got the edge. After all, January will be gone in a couple of weeks and I'll still be here, won't I?”
    “Clay, that's very sweet of you—really, it is.”
    “Remember that I'm a sweet guy by nature,” he advised ruefully. Then his expression sobered.
    “Maggie, I meant what I said earlier. You really don't know all that much about January. If he says or does anything that makes you nervous, promise you'll call me immediately.”
    “But, Clay-”
    “Just promise, honey. I want to know you'll feel free to call me if anything happens at the manor.”
    “Like what?” Josh asked in an icy drawl as he materialized from between two parked cars.
    Maggie jumped at the unexpected sound of his voice.
    She turned her head and saw that he was carrying a small, white paper sack in his hand, It bore the logo of the Peregrine Point Pharmacy. “Oh, Josh, there you are,” she said weakly. “I was wondering what had happened to you.” She made a show of glancing at her watch. “Good heavens, just look at the time. We'd better hurry. It's starting to rain.”
    Josh ignored her. He absently dangled the little white bag while he smiled at Clay with faint challenge. “Did I hear you say you were worried about something going on at the manor?”
    Clay took his hand off the Toyota's roof and shoved it deep into his pocket. “Maggie and I were just having a friendly little chat. We've been friends for several months now, haven't we, Maggie?”
    “Uh, yes. Yes, we have.