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“I’ll drink to that.” Oscar held up his wine glass.

“Here, here,” Freddie clinked his glass against Tosh’s.

And, in fact, it was a very lively and pleasant evening, full of recollections and laughter.

Of course, it was hard to go wrong with beer and pizza—or wine and pizza. And there was plenty of everything, including a large green salad and chocolate-raspberry gelato for dessert.

Twice during the meal, the lights flickered and went out, but each time they came right back on, followed by a collective sigh of relief.

“Even if the power goes out, we’ve got plenty of flashlights and candles and firewood,” Ellery reassured.

“Do you think the power’s going to go out?” Lenny asked Jack.

Interestingly, even though Ellery’s friends hadn’t known Jack long, they already recognized him as a point of authority and accurate information. But then, that was Jack. He exuded competence and reliability. Qualities Ellery hadn’t particularly valued in a potential partner until he’d met Jack.

Jack, always measured, replied, “I think it’s likely we’ll lose power at some point. It wouldn’t usually be for long, and the power company will work like hell to get us up and running again.”

Which again was honest, but not really what anyone wanted to hear.

After the meal, they headed once more for the library. Ellery’s friends seemed to have decided the library was the heart of the house, which was funny given that Ellery and Jack rarely used that particular room. They typically gravitated toward the front drawing room with its many windows and beautiful views, especially at sunset. Now Ellery congratulated himself on having the foresight to splurge on the long leather couches and wide comfortable chairs because, with its large fireplace and enough seating, the library made a very cozy hangout.

Flip brought up their “investigation” into the Dourdos Aquamarine and Edwin Dolph.

Jack heard him out gravely. He glanced at Ellery and smiled wryly. “Proof that you’re a carrier.”

“Me?”

“You.”

“Yeah, but does it make sense from the standpoint of a professional investigator?” Flip persisted.

“Does what make sense?” Jack asked cautiously.

“Do you think the aquamarine is what brought Dolph back to the island?”

Jack seemed to weigh the question. “You know we’re not dealing with a rational intellect, right?”

“Right, of course.” Ellery’s friends nodded to each other like this was typical of ALL their cases.

“It makes as much sense as anything,” was Jack’s final, if unsatisfying, verdict. Seeing he had disappointed his audience, he added, “I can’t think of another explanation for his decision to sail out here. He’d have a much better chance of evading capture on the mainland. It was a dangerous trip, given the weather conditions, and even if he managed to survive it, the island terrain isn’t hospitable this time of year. If he’s out there, he’s not enjoying himself.”

Ellery said, “If he did survive the trip, he’d probably try to make it to the tunnels beneath Pirate’s Cove. That’s Nora’s best guess as to where Cyril Dolph would have hidden the pendant.”

“The tunnels.” Jack thought that over. “It makes sense for him to try. The tunnels would provide shelter and, if he knows much about the island, he knows there are emergency supplies stored there.” Jack glanced at Ellery. “But the tunnels are harder to get into now.”

After the events of July, new locks and other security measures had been installed to discourage trespassers in the tunnels once used for smuggling by the not-always-law-abiding citizens of Pirate’s Cove. These efforts had not goneunchallenged and were still a source of contention, since most islanders considered the tunnels public property. Which they were, of course.

And, given the fact that a number of the oldest buildings had “secret” passages, long-used shortcuts, leading into the tunnels beneath the village, it was understandable not everyone was enthused by Jack’s precautions.

Oscar, who had been idly glancing through Tosh’s box of photos, suddenly grinned and leaned over to show Freddie a snapshot. “Hey. Your Datsun 280ZX. That was one sweet ride.”

Freddie glanced at the print and laughed. “I loved that car. But man, she guzzled gas like a newborn baby.”

Tosh teased, “You’re going to make an alarming parent, Freddie.”

Everyone laughed, including Freddie, though his gaze held Tosh’s. Her cheeks got a little pink before she glanced away.

Freddie handed the photo to Jack. “What did you drive in college, Jack?”