Scot Free

  “What’s Creek House?” said Roger.

  “This is,” I said, finding my voice at last.

  “It’s a boat,” he said.

  “A houseboat,” said Kathi.

  “Awaiting permits,” said Noleen. “Good luck with that.”

  “And it’s in need of a complete make-over!” said Todd.

  “No,” I said, as the sound of a siren told me Mike had heard the rockets and was on her way. “Sorry, Todd. I’ve got this one. It’s my boat. Houseboat.” I took a breath and tried it out for the first time: “Home.”

  The End

  Facts and Fictions

  I have lived in northern California for eight happy years, and the town I’ve grown to love is not Cuento. None of the places, businesses, services, or people of Beteo County are based on real locations, institutions, or individuals, except that the wholly imaginary Professor Cindy Slagle is called after the real Cindy Slagle, who won a character name with a generous donation to support the good work of Sacramento Crisis Nurseries. None of the goings-on in Scot Free are based on any real event. And I loved The Goldfinch.

  About the Author

  Catriona McPherson was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, and is the author of multi-award-winning standalones for Midnight Ink, including the

  Edgar-shortlisted, Anthony-winning The Day She Died and the Mary Higgins Clark finalist Quiet Neighbours. She also writes the Agatha-winning Dandy Gilver historical mystery series (Minotaur/Thomas Dunne Books). McPherson is the past president of Sisters in Crime and a member of Mystery Writers of America. You can visit her online at CatrionaMcPherson.com.