Page 62 of A Scottish Country Escape

Around us, the darkness was like spilt ink and the only spots of colour now were from the house and the diamond sparkles of water in the stream as it rode over the stones.

‘Well, whatever their motive, I think we need to report this to the police,’ said Dexter, looking to me for affirmation.

Grandma let out a ‘Harrumph!’, but didn’t argue the point.

‘We should,’ I agreed. ‘Just in case there are any repercussions.’

‘This isn’t the Bronx, darling. The worst crime that’s been committed in Fir Haven of late is Audrey Dunbar painting her front door that hideous shade of lime green.’

Dexter moved to speak, but Gran’s gimlet gaze made him reconsider. ‘Elle will tell you that this town is a peaceful place.’

‘Then all the more reason to report it,’ I answered, indicating the note gripped in her hand. The fact that the local crime rate was non-existent made this evening’s events take on a far more concerning edge.

I answered Grandma’s defiant expression with one of my own.

‘All right,’ she sighed. ‘We’ll ring Phil now.’

Dexter’s brow creased. ‘Phil?’

‘Phil Drysdale is our local bobby,’ I added by way of explanation.

Dexter took a moment to process this. ‘You’ve only got one copper around here?’

‘And very good he is too,’ answered my Gran protectively. ‘I know his grandfather very well.’

As we went back into the house to ring Phil at the local station, I caught Dexter’s appalled expression. ‘One police officer?’ he repeated.

‘What did you expect? A full SWAT team in riot gear?’

* * *

Police officer Phil Drysdale came quickly and took copious statements from the three of us, while Gran insisted on making him tea. He also took details of the ‘getaway vehicle’ (although we were limited in what we were able to tell him).

‘It’s a pity it hasn’t been muddy around here,’ muttered Phil, pacing backwards and forwards into the undergrowth and then back out and onto the top of the lane. ‘They would have left tyre marks then.’ He glanced around. ‘I’ll ask some of the other bobbies in the neighbouring stations about the vehicle description and see if anything similar has happened in their area.’

I shot a glance at Gran. It didn’t sound to me like we stood much chance of finding out who the person was.

When Phil had gone, leaving words of reassurance, Dexter rose up from our buttery leather sofa. ‘I’m taking you ladies home with me.’

‘Now there’s an offer you don’t get every day,’ twinkled Gran. Dexter flashed her an irresistible smile.

I hugged myself. ‘No. Sorry, I mean no thanks. That’s very kind of you, Dexter, but we’ll be fine.’ No way was I returning to Hawk West Hall

I had to keep my distance. My feelings were developing fast for Dexter without sleeping in close proximity to him. The very thought of it triggered my mouth to dry up.

Things between us had to be kept on an even keel. I swallowed and set my shoulders. I didn’t like this. I didn’t like the feelings that he was stirring up inside of me.

I was relieved when Gran agreed with me. ‘Thank you very much, Dexter, but I’m not having yobs drive me out of my own home either.’

Dexter blinked those ebony lashes of his. ‘OK, ladies. Then you leave me no alternative but to stay the night here.’

‘What?!’ My mouth hung open.

‘I can sleep on the sofa,’ he reasoned. ‘I’m sure that idiot won’t come back, but it will give us all peace of mind if I stay over.’

‘There really is no need,’ said my grandmother with appreciation. ‘You’ve done so much already.’

Dexter dismissed her praise. ‘Not at all, Clara.’