‘They’re supposed to be here for a week. At least, that’s what they said at the beginning, before all the excitement happened. With Stratton, that could change on a whim. Add in a murder scene, who knows? Maybe he’ll organize sightseeing tours,’ Greg said with a grimace.

‘I doubt DI Snyder would be happy about that,’ Malcolm said. ‘I assume you’ve met him?’

Greg nodded. ‘He was the one who did the interview.’

‘He was adamant about taking over the hall,’ Malcolm told him. ‘We could have cancelled the ceilidh, but we’ve waited a long time for this, so I decided we’d go ahead here. Space is restricted, so no “Strip the Willow”, but we’ve got live music and Karla’s already made the stovies. We’ll use the paper plates and plastic forks from the hall as usual, so no giant washing-up. As for the bar, it’s bound to be lively, so I’m glad you’re still willing to help. Will your friend Joanne be coming?’

‘She’s not local.’

‘We’ll make an exception for you.’ Malcolm smiled. ‘The folk at Ard Choille do know it’s locals only?’

‘They’ve been told,’ Greg said firmly.

Malcolm nodded. ‘Good. There’ll be a private party sign out front for any visitors still around later. Plus we have our police guests on hand if anything goes wrong.’

‘They’re staying here?’ Greg said.

‘DI Snyder and DS Reid are in the hotel. The rest are next door at the Rowans with my mother.’

‘Keeping it in the family?’ Greg joked.

‘At their request. Apparently they didn’t want to be spread too thin.’

‘So they know about the last time?’

‘Looks like it.’

The intrusion of the police after Ailsa’s disappearance had created more than just gossip and flying accusations. It had also caused some folk to show their annoyance by sabotaging police vehicles in B&B accommodation outside the village.

‘So they’re staying with the chair of the community council for safety’s sake?’

‘I may live to regret it.’ Malcolm smiled back. ‘At the next election or even before.’

They were both making light of the current situation, while knowing it was anything but a laughing matter.

Greg rose. ‘Right, I’ll go check in with Caroline before I head back.’

‘You two all right working together?’ Malcolm didn’t need to add, ‘in view of Joanne being around’.

‘We’ll be fine,’ Greg said, aware that wasn’t entirely true. ‘I’ll see you later.’

He’d been right to call Caroline immediately about the body, he thought as he headed along Main Street. Although excusing himself to Joanne by telling her that Caroline and Ailsa had been best friends had been a lie. One that it would be easy enough for Caroline to expose. And expose it she would if she thought it would help get rid of Joanne.