“My fault.” Margaret smiled. “I wanted to spend a little more time in the woods before he picked me up. I didn’t tell his officer, and it led to … disturbance.”
“Yes, it did.” He met her gaze. “And it could have been worse … or better. Don’t play games with me again, Margaret.”
“I won’t.” She smiled as she lifted her chin. “I learn from my mistakes. Do you, Nalchek?”
“Yes, but that doesn’t mean I don’t repeat them. It depends if it’s worth it. I asked you a question, then allowed you to sidle out of answering. Next time, you will answer, Margaret.”
“What’s going on, Nalchek?” Eve asked.
His gaze shifted back to her. “I’m not sure, but I’d bet that you’ll know before I do.” He turned to leave. “I’ll call you after the story comes out tomorrow. If you need me, you have my number.”
Eve nodded and watched the door close behind him.
She turned to Margaret. “Did I detect friction?”
“Among other things.” She handed Eve her carry-on bag. “I know you wanted to change before you went to the hospital.”
Eve nodded. “I only had one change of clothes, and I ruined those when Joe was wounded.”
“How is Joe?”
“He’ll be back in action within a few days.” She headed for the bathroom. “And that might be too soon. I’ll be right out. There’s one of those beverage servers on the dresser. Help yourself.”
“I will. Maybe some tea. I could use a little caffeine.”
“You don’t look it. You look … charged.”
“Appearances can be deceiving,” Margaret said.
But she didn’t think that was true in this case, Eve thought. Margaret’s cheeks were flushed and her eyes sparkling. Whatever had gone on between her and Nalchek, it didn’t require the aid of stimulants.
Eve quickly changed clothes and washed her face and hands before she went back into her room. Margaret was sitting curled up on the couch, cradling a cup of tea in two hands.
She looked up and smiled. “I love the scent of Earl Grey. I got used to drinking it while I was on the island.”
“It does smell wonderful.” She folded her arms across her chest. “But I don’t have time to discuss tea, Margaret. I have to get back to the hospital. I’ve been gone most of the day.”
“Go on. You’re in a hurry. I’ll curl up here and see you in the morning.”
“No, I’ve arranged a room for you. Your key is on the coffee table.” She took her handbag from the coffee table. “But I do have time to have you tell me if there’s something I should know about why Nalchek is so pissed off at you. Does it concern Walsh?”
“Sort of … in a roundabout way.”
“I’ve discovered that’s not unusual with you.”
“Yes.” She took a sip of her tea. “But then what can you expect?” Her expression was suddenly sober. “Well, it’s not really about Walsh. At least, only on the outer edges.”
“Margaret.”
“Nalchek is hiding something.” She shook her head. “I think it’s bad. Though I can’t be sure. Sajan was pretty confused. He kept comparing Nalchek to the other one.”
“What other one?”
“The one at the little girl’s grave,” she said simply. “Sajan thought that he was like him. Angry. Violent.”
“Walsh.”
“Yes, it must have been him. But I don’t know how true it was. As I said, Sajan was confused, and he’s not a reliable witness.” She grimaced. “And that damn coyote was pretty angry, too. He didn’t know why he was supposed to be there, but he didn’t like it.”
“You said that before.”
“He kept repeating it. Sajan is definitely not a stoic.”
“Are coyotes supposed to be?”
“No, but I got tired of the whining.”
Eve’s gaze narrowed on Margaret’s face. “You’re talking a lot about this coyote and waltzing around Nalchek. Is it because you think that your furry friend may be all bullshit?”
“It could be.” She was silent a moment. “I hope it is. But Nalchek can be angry. And I think he can be dangerous. He showed that side to me tonight.”