CHAPTER ONE
LACHLAN
The wipers screech across the glass, barely keeping up with the spray. I keep one hand steady on the wheel, the other braced against the console as another swell lifts us, drops us, makes the ferry groan.
“Passengers are asking how much longer, skipper,” Kenneth’s voice crackles through the intercom.
“Ten minutes.” I nudge theCalabraeback on course as the wind shoves us sideways. “Maybe fifteen.”
Should’ve known better than to trust Scottish weather. We left Corraig late, chasing what looked like a window. The skies had cleared, wind had eased. I either took the chance or cancelled the last sailing back to the mainland, and I’d no wish to spend the night moored at the island. The hundred or so passengers onboard wouldn’t have thanked me for it either.
The hull judders, car alarms wail below, and my jaw tightens. Finn’ll be pressed to the window, wondering where the hell I am. Promised him we’d build that fort tonight. Bloody stupid thing to say.
Then, through the murk, a glow. The harbour lights, blurred but steady. At last. I ease back the throttle, the ferry shudderingonce more before the engines settle into a steadier rhythm. My shoulders loosen, just a fraction.
“Easy now,” I mutter, as much to myself as to her.
Almost there. Dry land. Finn’s smile. Gus’s wagging tail.
Home.
The front door is barely open before a golden retriever-shaped cannonball hurtles at me, paws thumping against my chest, tongue going for my face.
“Down, you daft beast!” I try to sound stern, but my hands find the sweet spot behind his ears, and Gus’s whole body wiggles with delight.
“Da!” Finn barrels in right after the dog, grinning so wide I can see every one of his gappy teeth. “You’re home! Can we build the fort now? You promised?—”
“Whoa there, laddie.” I slide Gus off me and ruffle my son’s hair, dark brown like mine but with none of the grey creeping in at the temples. “Let me get through the door first, eh?”
My neighbour, Flora, comes into the hallway at her usual steady pace, a far cry from Gus and Finn’s stampede. “The rain’s fairly lashing down out there, Lachlan. You must’ve had a rough crossing.”
“Aye, it was a bit lively, but we got in safe, that’s what matters. Thanks so much for picking Finn up from after-school club. You’re a lifesaver.”
“Oh, hush.” She smiles warmly, eyes crinkling. “I’m always happy to help, and it’s good practice for when I’ve got Finn over the summer. He’s eaten. We made a shepherd’s pie, and there’s plenty left over for you.”
On cue my mouth waters. Long day, empty stomach.
“I helped mash the potatoes!” Finn chips in.
“Aye? Well done, mate.” I hold my hand out for a high-five, and he slaps it with all his might. “You really are the best neighbour,” I tell Flora. “Don’t know what I’d do without you.”
She shrugs into her coat, but there’s something careful in the way she moves, protective almost, as if one arm is giving her bother.
“You all right there?” I ask.
“Fine, fine. Just a bit tired.”
“Flora fell over Gus earlier,” Finn blurts out. “He got all excited and knocked her right over.”
“Gus!” At my tone the dog ducks his head, ears drooping. “What did you do?” He slinks off, tail between his legs. “I’m so sorry, Flora. Are you okay? Did he hurt you?”
“No harm done. I’m tougher than I look.”
“It’s her wrist, Da,” Finn offers. “She’s been rubbing at it.”
“Och! Will you two stop fretting? I’m sure it’s nothing. It’ll be fine come the morning.”
“Nope, you’re going to get that checked out,” I say. “I’ll drive you to Raigmore.”
