“I can do it myself, you know,” she admonished softly.
“I know you can,” Bert said, moving to give her the space and support she needed without taking over. “But if I’m here, there’s no reason for me not to help. Let me be useful, Mary.”
Her expression eased. “Okay. But if I tell you to back off, you back off.”
“Deal.”
They worked together in the practiced synchronicity of people who’d spent months learning each other’s rhythms. Bert pulled her hands to help her sit fully upright, then moved her legs to the edge of the bed, carefully supporting but not controlling. Mary reached for her wheelchair, which Bert held steady, and watched as she transferred with smooth efficiency. She adjusted her position, lifted her legs to the footrests, then rolled toward the bathroom.
“I’m going to shower,” she called over her shoulder. “Make yourself at home. There’s coffee fixings on the desk if you want to make some.”
Bert watched her disappear into the bathroom, heard the water start, and finally allowed himself to process what had just happened. He’d kissed Mary. She’d kissed him back. They’d admitted feelings that had been building for months.
And he felt lighter than he had ever felt.
He made coffee using the small stateroom coffee maker the ship provided, then set about organizing his things. His tactical bag went into the closet safe, his clothes into the small dresser, and his toiletries lined up neatly on the shelf for when it was his turn in the bathroom. He pulled out his laptop and phone, checking for any updates from Logan or the team.
There was a text from Sadie. Canadian authorities are moving but slowly. Ship security is briefed and monitoring. Stay safe.
Bert replied. Roger that. Will check in tonight.
The bathroom door opened, and Mary emerged looking freshly showered and beautiful in comfortable pants and a soft sweater. Her hair was still damp, pulled back from her face, and she wasn’t wearing makeup, but Bert thought she’d never looked more gorgeous.
“Your turn,” she said, gesturing to the bathroom. “I left you some counter space.”
“Thanks.” Bert grabbed his toiletries and headed in, trying not to think about the fact that the small space still smelled like her shampoo, clean and floral and entirely distracting.
He showered quickly, and by the time he emerged, dressed and ready for the day, Mary had the coffee ready and was pulling up files on her tablet.
“Okay,” she said, sliding into professional mode with an ease Bert admired. “Let’s talk strategy. What do we know about Colin, what do we suspect, and what do we need to find out?”
Bert settled into the desk chair, accepting the coffee she handed him. “We know from Sadie’s research that Colin moved in with Diane about three and a half years ago. We know there have been significant changes to Diane’s accounts over the past eighteen months… liquidation of holdings, transfer of funds, lots of charges. Since her husband died, he has been listed as her only heir, so that’s no change.”
“All with her signature,” Mary added. “Which means either she authorized them and genuinely doesn’t remember, or?—”
“Or Colin is keeping her compliant enough to sign but not alert enough to remember.” Bert’s jaw tightened. “Sisco thinks benzodiazepines would be the most likely choice if he is drugging her. They create short-term memory issues without obvious impairment.”
“Which would explain why Diane seemed confused yesterday morning but was bright and alert at dinner,” Mary said. “He could adjust the dosage based on what he needs from her.”
“Exactly.” Bert pulled up the timeline they’d been building. “We also know that George Watson got food poisoning that nobody else experienced. Was that real, or was that something that Colin gave him to keep him away from Diane?”
“Or is George’s behavior suspicious?” Mary asked. Her face scrunched, and she groaned. “I had such a feeling of caution about Colin, but maybe he is just looking out for his aunt’s welfare.”
“To what end?”
She hefted her shoulder. “Anyone who dates Diane would be a threat to Colin if he hopes to stay the sole heir. Maybe George is looking to cash in on dating a wealthy widow. Colin might see him as an impediment. Which makes me wonder if Diane has dated anyone since becoming a widow. And if so, what was Colin’s reaction.”
“That would give Colin a reason to isolate Diane and possibly drug George as well.”
“You’re right. My first intuition about Colin still makes him suspicious,” Mary said grimly. “Keeping her away from anyone who might notice what he’s doing or form a genuine friendship with her.”
“Which makes you a potential problem,” Bert pointed out. “You’ve spent time with Diane, you’ve noticed inconsistencies, and you’re intelligent enough to put the pieces together. Colin has to be aware of that.”
Mary’s expression turned thoughtful. “Which is why your arrival as my fiancé is actually brilliant timing. It gives Colin a reason for why I might be less available to Diane since I’m spending time with you instead. And it makes me less of a threat because I’m focused on my relationship rather than observing his behavior.”
“That’s one way to look at it,” he agreed. “Though I’m also here to make sure he doesn’t see you as a threat that needs to be eliminated.”
“You think he’d hurt me?”