— Ready for our big Scottish adventure?
Jane’s voice makes me start. I turn to find her standing in the doorway, dressed like she’s about to summit Everest: brand-new hiking boots, cargo pants, a bright yellow waterproof jacket, and… is that a walking stick?
— What is that? I ask, pointing at it.
— A walking stick, she replies, as if it’s obvious. Keira said it was essential to avoid slipping in the mud and falling into a ravine.
I suppress a smile.
— We’re going into the hills, not climbing a mountain in the middle of a storm.
— Well, I prefer to be prepared. Between Hamish the demonic sheep and my embarrassing encounter with your kilt, I’ve learned that Scotland is hostile territory.
I shrug.
— If it makes you feel better.
I glance at my watch again. 7:30 sharp. I sling my backpack over my shoulder.
— Perfect. We’re right on time. The car’s ready.
— The car? Jane repeats, following my gaze to the Land Rover parked out front. I thought we were going hiking.
— To reach the starting point, we need to drive for about forty-five minutes first.
— Oh! she exclaims, relieved. I was afraid we’d have to walk all day.
— Don’t worry, the hike will only take about two hours. Three if we go at a relaxed pace.
Her expression shifts from relief to horror in a fraction of a second.
— Two hours? In the mud? With sheep?
— Without sheep. Well… normally.
— Normally?
— It’s the Scottish countryside, Jane. I can’t guarantee a complete absence of sheep, but I can promise none of them will be Hamish.
She doesn’t look reassured.
— Okay. But just so you know, I haven’t hiked since… well, ever, actually. In Los Angeles, walking from the parking lot to the restaurant counts as intense exercise.
— I’m sure you’ll do just fine.
I open the passenger door for her.
— What about Ewan? she asks as she gets in. I thought he was coming with us?
— He had a “distillery issue,” I reply.
— Oh, that’s too bad. I hope it’s nothing serious.
— It’s mostly suspicious and entirely in character.
— What do you mean?
I start the engine, carefully avoiding her gaze.
