MacTavish & Scott - The Mystery of the Locket E-Book

Gitta Edelmann

• Herausgeber: beTHRILLED
• Kategorie: Krimi
• Serie: Scottish Murders
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 192

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2025

Beschreibung

The MacTavish & Scott Detective Agency has a new case. Finola’s mission is to trace the rightful owner of an ancient Celtic knot locket she’s discovered at the Castle Hotel in Aviemore, nestled in the Scottish Highlands. It’s the perfect opportunity for the young detective to disguise herself and go undercover once again, this time posing as a chambermaid. But what appears to be a simple, routine assignment quickly turns into a perilous game of cat and mouse, involving a secret that must be guarded at all costs.

About the series:

Young Scot Finola MacTavish has moved from the picturesque Isle of Skye to Edinburgh to work as a private detective in Anne Scott's agency. Along with computer whiz Lachie, the two lady detectives solve a series of baffling cases. Finola soon realises that she has a knack for investigation and shadowing people - preferably in disguise. What's more, she always has her granny's herbal medicine to hand, and the drops in question are much more than just a headache remedy ...

About the author:

Gitta Edelmann worked as a translator in Bonn, Rio de Janeiro, Freiburg and Edinburgh before moving back to the Rhineland, Germany. In addition to children’s stories and historical novels, she published a five-volume cosy crime series before starting on the mystery series MacTavish & Scott. The author also goes by the name of Lady of Glencoe and Lochaber as she owns a few square feet of land there.

Leseprobe

Contents

CoverMacTavish & Scott – The Lady Detectives of EdinburghAbout this EpisodeTitleChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 4Chapter 5Chapter 6Chapter 7Chapter 8Chapter 9Chapter 10Chapter 11Chapter 12Chapter 13Chapter 14Chapter 15Chapter 16Chapter 17Chapter 18Chapter 19Chapter 20Chapter 21Chapter 22Chapter 23Chapter 24Chapter 25Chapter 26Chapter 27Chapter 28Chapter 29Chapter 30Chapter 31Chapter 32Chapter 33Chapter 34Chapter 35Chapter 36Chapter 37About the AuthorNext EpisodeCopyright

MacTavish & Scott – The Lady Detectives of Edinburgh

Young Scot Finola MacTavish has moved from the picturesque Isle of Skye to Edinburgh to work as a private detective in Anne Scott’s agency. Along with computer whiz Lachie, the two lady detectives solve a series of baffling cases. Finola soon realises that she has a knack for investigation and shadowing people – preferably in disguise. What’s more, she always has her granny’s herbal medicine to hand, and the drops in question are much more than just a headache remedy …

About this Episode

The MacTavish & Scott Detective Agency has a new case. Finola’s mission is to trace the rightful owner of an ancient Celtic knot locket she’s discovered at the Castle Hotel in Aviemore, nestled in the Scottish Highlands. It’s the perfect opportunity for the young detective to disguise herself and go undercover once again, this time posing as a chambermaid. But what appears to be a simple, routine assignment quickly turns into a perilous game of cat and mouse, involving a secret that must be guarded at all costs.

The Mystery of the Locket

Chapter 1

Finola MacTavish glanced at her watch and quickened her pace. Anne would be waiting – and she was a stickler for punctuality. But the bus from Waverley Station to Morningside had just pulled away as she reached the stop, and the next one was running late. Typical!

Thankfully, the garden gate was open, saving her a few precious seconds. Finola hurried along the gravel path and up the stone steps, fishing her key from her jacket pocket at the same time. As she unlocked the front door with her right hand, the fingers of her left brushed the smooth forehead of the elephant-head door knocker. A little extra luck never hurt.

‘Hi, I’m back!’ Finola called as she entered the house, setting her overnight bag down in the hall. She could take it up to her room later.

The double door to the office was open, and Olga was perched in front of it like a living feline statue. Her tail flicked back and forth, and she looked distinctly offended.

Finola heard Anne reply, ‘No rush!’

‘Do you think your furry grey bodyguard will let me through?’ she shouted.

Hanging up her jacket, Finola bent down to remove her shoes. As she did, she stretched her hand out slightly and rubbed the tips of her fingers and thumb together, normally a surefire way of attracting Olga. True to form, the cat got up, but then immediately turned on her heel and disappeared into the kitchen.

Anne, who must have been watching from her desk, chuckled. ‘Get yourself a cup of tea first – there’s a fresh pot ready. Do you need more time?’

‘No, no. I’ll be right there,’ Finola assured her.

Her conscience was bothering her. She’d promised to return by yesterday evening at the latest, but Andy had insisted on taking her out for dinner again. So, instead, she’d sent Anne a message and stayed an extra night.

Anne sounded surprisingly relaxed, though.

Finola glanced into Lachie’s office on her way to the kitchen, but the chair sitting in front of his desk was empty. The screens which formed part of his huge PC setup were black, too. How unusual.

Holding a mug full to the brim, Finola finally entered the office of the MacTavish & Scott Detective Agency.

Anne looked up. The lines on her forehead smoothed out, and she smiled. ‘So? How was York?’

Finola sat across from her, sipped her brew and leaned back.

‘It’s a very interesting city,’ she remarked seriously. ‘The Viking history of the area is fascinating, and you should make a point of visiting the National Railway Museum next time you’re there—’

Anne’s laughter interrupted her tourist spiel. ‘You know exactly what I mean!’ she said.

Finola shrugged and drank some more tea. ‘I thought we didn’t discuss personal matters in your office.’

‘We can go into the kitchen if you’d feel more comfortable talking about Andy there.’ Anne started to rise, but Finola waved her hand dismissively.

‘Fine! York was wonderful. Day and night.’

‘And?’

‘Just how much detail do you want about my nights, boss?’ Finola grinned.

Anne shook her head. ‘Um, I think you’ve misunderstood. You’re my business partner, not my underage daughter! Keep your nights to yourself. I just wanted to know if you were thinking of moving to York. You know, because that would have consequences for our agency.’

Ah. So that was it.

Finola shook her head. ‘No. I’m staying here in Edinburgh with you. The time I spent with Andy was amazing, but it was never going to last forever. Maybe I’ll go back for another weekend, maybe not.’

Anne let out an audible sigh.

‘Not that I believe in forever anyway,’ Finola added.

‘Neither do I.’

In Anne’s case, that was perfectly understandable. After Anne’s husband’s tragic, accidental death in York, Finola had uncovered some information that had seriously shaken both her and her boss’s faith in the concept of a happy marriage and everlasting love. Finola believed that the only true silver lining of the case, apart from the picturesque city, was that she had met Andy and enjoyed some relaxing days – and nights – with him. Nothing serious, but pleasant enough.

‘Good. Then we can officially close the York chapter.’ Anne reached for the computer mouse and looked at her screen. ‘Two new cases have come in today. One involves thefts in a small business, and the other, a missing wedding ring. Surveillance or treasure hunt? Take your pick.’

‘Hmm, given the choice, I’d rather look for treasure than hunt down some coffee cup thief.’

‘I was hoping you’d say that. I think we can solve the theft case pretty easily with electronic surveillance. Lachie has the equipment and will brief me later so I can install it discreetly on site. There’s more at stake than just coffee cups, by the way.’

‘Where is Lachie anyway?’ Finola asked. ‘I was wondering why his office was empty.’ She set her mug down on the desk.

‘He went to the doctor’s.’

‘Oh, nothing serious, I hope?’

Lachie and his computer skills were an essential element of MacTavish & Scott. Over the past few weeks, Finola had come to appreciate his calm demeanour, unwavering reliability, and knack for digging up all sorts of information online.

‘Just a routine check-up, he said.’ Anne stared at the monitor and moved the mouse, then seemed to hit upon the file she was looking for. ‘So, it’s about a ring. The jewellery belongs to Brenda Montgomery, who also happens to be our client. She lost it on Saturday when she was in Aviemore.’

‘And now you want me to look for the ring? In Aviemore?’

‘In a word, yes. Or better still, find it! Before her husband notices the family heirloom is missing.’ Anne raised her eyebrows. ‘Ms Montgomery already searched the Castle Hotel thoroughly on Sunday without success. But when she returned to Edinburgh last night, she remembered spending Saturday in the hotel garden and taking a walk in the woods.’

‘Oh, come on! The ring could be anywhere, then. Wouldn’t it be easier just to admit she’s lost it?’

Anne shook her head, smiling mischievously. ‘Our client desperately wants to avoid that. She was supposed to be on business in Glasgow, not Aviemore, and she wasn’t alone. The gentleman sharing her double room wasn’t her husband – she confessed that to me with considerable embarrassment. So, if Mr Montgomery were to ask his wife’s business contacts in Glasgow to keep an eye out for the ring, or if he called the hotel …’ She shrugged.

Finola rolled her eyes. ‘So what now? I can’t imagine finding the ring by sheer chance.’

‘You get a metal detector, of course,’ Anne explained. ‘Lachie will bring one later. You can also take the company car. That will give you more flexibility.’

‘When do I start?’

‘If Ms Montgomery had her way, you’d start immediately.’

Finola winced. She’d only just got back!

‘But I think …’ Anne leaned in, a conspiratorial glint in her eyes. ‘One more night of stewing in her guilty conscience won’t hurt.’

Finola breathed a sigh of relief. ‘Then I’d rather leave tomorrow morning. That will save us paying for accommodation too. The Castle Hotel doesn’t sound particularly cheap.’

Anne nodded. ‘I agree.’

‘How long is the drive to Aviemore? Two and a half, three hours?’

‘Is that too tiring? Would you rather take the train?’

Finola shook her head. ‘The metal detector will be easier to carry in the boot of the car. It’s probably bulky. Does the hotel know I’m coming to search for treasure?’

‘Yes. Ms Montgomery assured me she’s informed the hotel management. They’re expecting you.’

Finola picked up her mug of tea, took a sip and pulled a face. ‘It’s gone cold,’ she noted. ‘I might as well go and unpack then.’

Anne arched her eyebrows. ‘How did you manage in York – I thought you were only going for a day and didn’t take any luggage?’

‘And I was under the impression that discussing personal matters in the office was inappropriate.’

‘This isn’t personal,’ Anne insisted. ‘It’s purely about assessing your ability to improvise in an emergency.’

Finola giggled and winked. ‘Emergency, huh? Okay, I’ll let you in on a little secret. York doesn’t just have museums; it has shops too!’

Chapter 2

‘No, Laurie, definitely not tonight. I have to get up at the crack of dawn tomorrow to travel to the Cairngorms.’ As if to confirm this, Finola covered up a yawn with her hand. She hoped the coffee Laurie had poured for her at the counter would give her some energy.

Laurie pouted. ‘You’ve just got back, and you’re leaving again? You haven’t even told me about York!’

‘And I’m not going to, not here!’ Finola declared, looking pointedly around Laurie’s Café.

All three tables were occupied. Just then, a woman in a damp silver-grey raincoat came through the door, greeted everyone and peered around the room. A man waved from the farthest table, and the woman smiled and hurried over to him.

‘There’s not even room for an extra chair,’ Finola observed. ‘And you’ve got enough to do.’

The door opened again, and two elderly ladies entered the café. Finola picked up her coffee cup and stepped aside, leaving the display of colourful cupcakes clearly visible. She sipped on her drink while the customers made their choices and paid for several items to go.

She didn’t find the hot drink particularly tasty though. Finola rarely ordered anything other than a latte at Laurie’s, but today, she’d made an exception and opted for an old-school black coffee, hoping for a more intense caffeine kick.

‘What if you just came to the pub for an hour? I deliberately moved our date with Evan and Scott to today because you weren’t back on Saturday.’ Laurie looked at Finola pleadingly.

Why was Laurie so keen for them to meet up with Evan and Scott from Scottish country dancing? At the last ceilidh, Finola had sensed more of a connection between her friend and the accordion player, Daniel.

She put her empty cup on the counter along with a five-pound note. Laurie immediately pushed it back toward her.

‘Keep it! You didn’t even sit down!’

‘Which is good for you.’ Finola winked.

Laurie laughed. ‘Indeed. It hasn’t always been like this, though. See you at seven then.’

‘No, we won’t see each other at seven. I still have to prepare for tomorrow, read the files for the new case and other stuff. But when I get back, we can arrange something. Even with Evan and Scott if necessary.’

Laurie rolled her eyes. ‘I’m only trying to look out for you. At the end of the day, this Andy is miles away now, and long-distance relationships never work.’

‘We’ll see!’

Finola squinted through the glass of the front door. Heavy rain was now falling outside. She zipped up her jacket with a soft sigh and pulled the hood over her head.

‘Anyway, time for me to swim to Albert Terrace and have Lachie show me how to use a metal detector! See you later!’

Before Laurie could reply, Finola was already on her way down Morningside Road.

Lachie was back. Finola felt a wave of relief hearing his and Anne’s voices as she hung up her wet jacket and placed her equally soaked shoes on the slats of the shoe rack to dry.

As usual, Lachie’s office door was open. When Finola entered with a cheerful ‘Hi!’, Anne was sitting next to Lachie at the vast desk, apparently absorbed in studying something minute.

‘Ah, the prodigal daughter returns!’ Lachie looked up and winked at her from behind his horn-rimmed glasses. He was wearing one of his gorgeous hand-knitted jumpers, which Finola couldn’t help feeling envious of. She was feeling quite chilly after her brief walk in the freezing rain.

‘And I still made it in before you today – despite the long journey!’ she teased.

‘I had to pick up the new cameras. My absence was work-related.’

‘You also went to the doctor’s. Nothing escapes me – I’m a detective! Well, except for the result. So?’

Lachie grinned. ‘All good. It was just a routine check-up, as I’m sure Anne told you.’

Finola nodded, leaning over Anne’s shoulder. ‘Oh … They really are tiny!’

‘As agreed with our client, I’ll install a visible surveillance camera with a large blind spot during working hours. That’ll give the thief a false sense of security. Then, after closing, I’ll install these tiny ones so we can keep a close eye on everything.’

‘Because of the missing coffee cups? Sounds good.’

‘Um, no. Not coffee cups. The case concerns several pieces of art and an envelope containing confidential documents.’

‘Art in an office?’

‘The boss is a collector.’

Finola shrugged. ‘Then I guess you got the right case. Art is your thing. Searching for boring old gold is more my style.’

‘Silver!’ Lachie corrected. ‘The lost ring you’re after is silver.’

‘Whatever, if I find any gold along the way, I’ll take that too. We can share it,’ Finola promised.

Lachie raised his eyebrows and opened his mouth to speak.

‘Don’t take her so seriously,’ Anne interjected. ‘Just tell me if there’s anything else I need to know.’

‘Nope, I think that’s it.’

‘Good, then I’ll leave you with your little toy over there and get back to my accounts.’ Anne pointed to a large brown box in front of one of Lachie’s shelves.

‘Is that it, there?’ Finola inquired. ‘The detector for the detective?’

‘You’re in an extremely good mood today,’ Anne remarked. ‘I hope it lasts while you search the garden in Aviemore tomorrow. It’s supposed to rain again!’

Chapter 3

At around half past nine the next morning, Finola turned off the A9 and followed the narrow side road into Aviemore that ran parallel to the main road. The River Spey, which gave the Speyside region its name, could just be glimpsed behind a line of trees, but even without a direct view, she could appreciate the valley’s scenic beauty.

She’d been here once with friends years ago but couldn’t quite remember the details. The steam train ride had stuck in her mind, though. Maybe she’d find the ring quickly and have time to relive that classic pleasure this afternoon? It wasn’t raining yet. Surely that was a good sign.

To get a feel for the place, Finola drove around the entire town from south to north, past banks, shops and, of course, the railway station. It wasn’t exactly swarming with hordes of tourists, but that was to be expected in early November. By winter it would be heaving again. After all, Aviemore was Scotland’s oldest ski resort.

The town was still popular though, especially with walkers, and the shops reflected that. As she drove past, Finola noticed several outdoor clothing stores. One even had a huge red sale sign out in front, advertising generous discounts.

It was only when it looked like there was nothing left to see but a few residential streets that she headed back. Turning off at the roundabout where a modern establishment proclaimed Aviemore a tourist destination, she crossed the Spey, keeping her eyes peeled for the road leading to the hotel.

Surprisingly quickly, she spotted a sign saying Castle Hotel 1 m on a narrow, freshly tarmacked road. One mile. On the internet, it had looked like the hotel was only accessible via a long, winding road, but the map was probably out of date.

The road climbed steeply and was extremely narrow. With no passing place, the possibility of oncoming traffic had clearly not been considered. When Finola eventually reached a car park, she could make out the corner of a sandstone building behind bushes and trees. She parked next to a dark green Jaguar and couldn’t help but grin.

The detective agency’s car was on the older side, moderately sized, a nondescript shade of black, and just the right level of dirty – ideal for covertly following a suspect in Edinburgh or any other major city. But here? It stuck out like a sore thumb among all these high-end vehicles.

Fortunately, she wasn’t here to spy on anyone but to locate a ring somewhere on the grounds. And hopefully, this Brenda Montgomery had at least recalled her route correctly.

She got out of the car, locked it and walked briskly towards the hotel. Despite its grandiose name, it wasn’t a castle, a fortress or even a traditional Scottish tower house. Still, it had a certain grandeur. The many chimneys conveyed a sense of cosiness, while the white paned windows softened the harshness of the clean sandstone exterior.

Entering the lobby, Finola couldn’t help but admire the refined decor. Thick carpets, discreetly patterned grey and white armchairs arranged around dark, antique-effect wooden tables and an open fireplace all added to the room’s ambience. There was a suit of armour in one corner, a shield featuring a coat of arms on the wall and a huge floor vase filled with fresh flowers. To the right, a tall wooden counter with a bell – the reception desk.

As Finola approached, the young woman sitting behind it got to her feet. A grey ribbon pulled her dark shoulder-length curls from her face. Wearing a name tag that read ‘Edwina’ pinned to her white blouse, she smiled attentively.

‘Good morning. How can I help you?’

‘I’m Finola MacTavish, and I’ve come on behalf of Ms Montgomery, who lost a piece of jewellery here over the weekend.’

Edwina nodded. ‘Yes, I know about that. You want to search the grounds, is that right?’

‘Yes. I’ve brought a metal detector, so I’m hoping to find it quickly.’

‘A metal detector?’ Edwina’s eyes widened in surprise. ‘Can I see it?’

‘Of course. It’s still in the car, but I’ll fetch it in a minute. Perhaps you could show me where the rose garden is? Ms Montgomery said she spent most of her time there.’

Edwina smirked. ‘It’s the most secluded part of the estate. And she and her husband seemed very much in the mood for, erm … romance. I don’t think they’d been married long.’

Yes, she had been, thought Finola, just not to the man who accompanied her to the rose garden. But that was none of the receptionist’s business.

Stepping out from behind her desk, Edwina pointed to a corridor connecting the lobby to the hotel interior.

‘Come on, I’ll show you the quickest way. We’ll go straight through the building.’

Finola followed her, passing a narrow, thickly carpeted staircase and a glass lift. As they entered the conservatory, Finola caught sight of a well-manicured lawn through the glass and, further on, a wooded hillside. The start of the Cairngorms. Was there a hiking trail direct from the hotel grounds?

‘The rose garden’s over there, behind that hedge. You can’t see it from here,’ explained Edwina, pointing diagonally to the left where dense greenery concealed the rest of the garden like a wall. ‘You could also walk around the building and access it straight from the car park. But maybe you want to follow the same route the Montgomerys took? They likely came through here.’

‘Yes, I think I’ll do that. The ring might have been lost along the way.’

‘I don’t understand how you can lose a ring that easily.’ Edwina glanced at her hands, and Finola noticed with amusement that she wore several rings on most of her fingers.

‘I’ve never lost a ring,’ the young woman declared, ‘only earrings.’

‘Oh, I know that feeling.’ Finola instinctively reached for her earlobes, and they both laughed.

‘Hello – is anybody here?’ a voice called from inside the hotel.

‘Sorry! Guests probably checking out.’

‘No problem. I’ll manage. Thanks, Edwina.’

‘Eddie!’ she corrected, rushing back to reception.

Finola stepped through the conservatory door into the chilly air. She regretted not wearing a jumper under her jacket. Who knew how long this search might take? With any luck, it would at least stay dry for a while. The black clouds gathering over the Spey Valley were an ominous sign of imminent rain.

Finola hurried around the hotel to the car park, where a white-haired lady in a classic tweed suit was getting into her car. Through the open driver’s side door, she called out brightly, ‘Good morning and welcome!’ But her smile faltered, and her expression soured as she saw Finola heading for the detective agency’s car. The woman had clearly realised Finola was not a paying guest. With a sharp slam of the door, she started the engine.

Finola grinned as she popped open the boot and retrieved the metal detector. Time to see just how effective this thing was. She’d start by switching on the discriminator to filter out low-conductivity iron objects. After all, she was on the hunt for a silver ring. And maybe some secret gold treasure to share with Anne and Lachie.

Her grin widened. This was a far cry from tracking down the missing daughter of a respectable family or shadowing an unfaithful husband. Although Craig Erskine hadn’t been …

Pushing the memory of her first, far-from-glorious case to the back of her mind, Finola walked purposefully back to the hotel entrance.

There was no sign of Eddie inside. Perfect. She could start her search immediately.