Page 56 of Midnight Sun

“The police seem to believe it was Mister Edmonton,” Peter offers. He doesn’t sound convinced.

“Do you remember when my grandfather’s ring went missing?”

“Of course. We were staying in Beverly Hills at that time. That was just after the premiere ofBloodlust.”

“Over a year ago,” Jamie whispers.

“Yes, sir.”

Jamie buries his face in his hands. Fear and betrayal are making him feel sick.

Peter sighs. “It’s probably the wrong place and time, but there’s something I have to tell you, sir.”

“What is it?” Jamie normally doesn’t have much patience for Peter’s ramblings, but anything that could take his mind off Finn is fine for him.

“I’m not sure if Edmonton was the culprit.”

“What?” Jamie feels like he’s drowning in icy water.

Peter flounders, but pushes on. “I felt so bad when I seemingly booked you to the wrong flight for Reykjavík. You know it’s not like me to mess up your schedule.” Peter’s thumb draws soft circles over Jamie’s knee. “I did everything to find out how the error occurred.”

“And?”

“Someone tampered with the reservations. I wasn’t able to find out who, but still–”

“Finn was on the flight,” Jamie says. His head is spinning. He feels numb.

“That could’ve been a coincidence,” Peter says dubiously.

“He sat right next to me.”

Peter’s lips form a surprised O.

“He was conveniently there when I was almost abducted, and later when the head of the ram was placed.”

“The what?” Peter squeals.

“Not important right now.” Jamie brushes Peter’s hands away and stands. The shock is gradually replaced by anger. How dare Finn do this to him? Jamie paces the living room. The smell of incense hits his nose. Where is that coming from?

“Are you saying you think Mister Jónsson killed Mister Edmonton and made it look like he was the stalker?” Peter asks. “Would he even have the opportunity to do it? I mean he was with you after he left the set, right?”

Jamie’s dizzy. He feels like he’s stepping over thin ice that keeps shifting under his feet. The smell of incense gets more pronounced. Something doesn’t add up, but he can’t tell right from wrong anymore. Would Finn have been able to stage everything, to kill Edmonton, even? Hell, yes. Jamie has seen him talk to elves and kill a Viking zombie with a fucking sword. But still… Finn creeping after him in the shadows doesn’t feel right.

“He may have. I’m not sure.”

Peter’s hand closes around his wrist. A new wave of dizziness hits Jamie.

“It’s all right, sir. I’m always here for you.”

Jamie fumbles in his left pocket for his mobile while he forces himself to look Peter in the eyes.

“I appreciate that,” Jamie lies. His tongue feels heavy in his mouth as if he drank a lot more than just one glass.

“We should get out of here. If Mister Jónsson really did all these horrible things, you shouldn’t be in a place where he can find you, sir.”

Peter’s words make sense, but at the same time Jamie doesn’t want to leave. He takes an unsteady step. Why does he feel so drunk?

“I’ve prepared everything. Just follow me.”