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“We will,” said Melville. Then, “Who’s buying the next round?”

“I’ll get it,” said the young voice. A chair squeaked on the floorboards and someone stumbled toward the bar. When the others started talking about soccer, I tuned out.

Casper said, “You’re very quiet.”

I could tell by his expression that he knew I’d been eavesdropping. I felt like a naughty kid caught out by my teacher.

“I’m gathering information,” I said innocently.

Casper seemed amused rather than censorious. “Heard anything useful?”

I shrugged. “What do I do next?”

“I can’t help yo—”

“Yes, I know that,” I said. “It was a rhetorical question. I don’t expect you to help.”

He looked disappointed. Apparently he liked to think I wanted his help even if he couldn’t give it.

I began to play with a coaster. It had the word Mac’s written in white italics on a tartan banner.

“My next step,” I said tapping the side of the coaster on the table, “will be to visit Maitland House. I think it’s time I met Sir Alastair.”

“Sounds like a good plan,” said Casper.

I smiled at him. “Are you trying to help me?”

“Endorsing what you’ve already decided isn’t help.” He was very serious. I guess he had to be when breaking the rules could see him shut out of Heaven indefinitely. “Will we go to Maitland House first thing in the morning?” he asked.

“You’re coming with me?”

“I think I should.”

Apparently he could see trouble ahead, but that was no reason to change my plans. My job always involved some kind of trouble. That’s why I needed a guardian angel.

“We’ll go in the afternoon,” I said.

“Wouldn’t it be better to go in the morning?” asked Casper. “I’m not trying to offer help or anything but—”

“We’ll go in the late afternoon,” I said stubbornly, “and we’ll make sure we stay until dark. With luck, Sir Alastair will offer us a bed for the night.”

“Offer us a bed?”

“What?” I said. “You don’t want to sleep with me?”

“I think I need a beer.”

“I was kidding, Casper.”

“I know. I was kidding about the beer too.” But he didn’t object when I bought him half a pint.

I had never seen Casper get even a little drunk, and I have to say I was curious to know what kind of drunk he would be. But, true to form, he had half the drink then told me it was time for us both to get some rest.

I went outside with him.

“Take care, Allegra. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Where will I meet you?” Stupid question.

“I’ll find you,” he said.

As he began to disappear I whispered, “Goodnight, Casper.”

When he had completely disappeared, I stared up at the night sky wondering which bank of clouds included 9. I figured it would look pretty special, but there was nothing special about any of the clouds. They just drifted around trailing white mist over the moon.

“Are you all right, Allegra?” It was Douglas. “I noticed you weren’t inside and I thought you might…that you might need… What are you doing out here?”

“Saying goodnight to Casper,” I replied.

“Och.” He sounded disappointed. “Where is he?”

“Gone.”

“He could’ve had a room at Mac’s.” It was a generous offer, considering Douglas didn’t seem to like Casper. “Has he got a room in one of the other pubs?”

“Not exactly.”

“Where is he sleeping?” asked Douglas.

Think of something. Fast. You can’t tell him Casper sleeps on Cloud 9.

“Casper likes to…um…” Think. My brain wasn’t working. I tried harder. Suddenly it kicked into gear. Bingo. Got it. “Casper likes to sleep outdoors.” I gestured vaguely at the forested hill behind Furness. “He’s pitched a tent somewhere out there.”

Douglas nodded as though he understood, “He looks like an outdoors type.” Apparently satisfied that I hadn’t been out here having a bit of heavenly hanky-panky, he said, “I’d better get back inside. We’re busy tonight. Everyone wants to hear the latest gossip about McEwen’s death.”

“I’m surprised they believe he’s dead, considering there’s no body.”

“Of course they believe it. They all heard the banshee.”

I shuddered at the memory of the horrible wailing.

“I’m tired,” I said, touching my cheek, which was hot and achy from Leith’s attack. “I think I’ll have an