Page 66 of A Scottish Country Escape

Apprehension grew inside of me. ‘And if you don’t?’

Dexter’s broad shoulders hunched. ‘If I don’t, they will terminate my contract with immediate effect.’

Chapter Forty

Dexter was so deflated.

I moved a bit closer to him. ‘But they can’t do that! All the successful books you’ve had and the loyal readers you’ve got… Don’t they count for anything?’

Dexter let out a long rush of air. ‘It doesn’t look like it. You’re only as good as your next book and, seeing as I’ve not met two of their deadlines now, that hasn’t helped either.’

‘But you had started work on your next novel before all this Linda Carlucci thing?’

I heard the shop doorbell jangle through the crack in the kitchen door.

‘Yes, I had. I was about halfway through my first draft when all this happened.’ Dexter carried on talking in despondent tones. ‘Although my publishers were delighted with what I had written so far of Killing Time, they were growing increasingly frustrated with me to finish it.’ He shot me a panicked look. ‘Angie’s done a fantastic job so far of buying me some extra time, but I get the impression that even she is getting fed up now.’

Dexter slammed his hand down hard on the kitchen table top. ‘How the hell can I tell them the truth? Everyone will think I’ve lost my mind!’

He sank down into a nearby chair, his tall frame hunched with worry under his charcoal T-shirt. ‘Not being able to write, Elle… it’s like a living nightmare.’ He blew out a cloud of air. ‘I feel like I’ve lost a part of me and I have no idea how to get it back.’

My stomach sank at the hollowness in his clear blue eyes.

‘I know the press portray me as some sort of self-absorbed party animal, and maybe I was like that, but I feel like I’ve changed.’

‘Maybe?’ I teased him, trying to raise a smile.

It worked for a few seconds.

I lowered myself into the chair opposite, while Grandma served another customer and bid farewell to Hilary and Stephanie. ‘The radio appeal gets its first airing this afternoon and I bet we get something from that,’ I cajoled, mentally crossing my fingers. ‘Someone must know something about where she is.’

Dexter pushed his legs out under the table and waggled his trainers. ‘The longer this goes on, the more pessimistic I am.’ He rose to his feet. ‘I’m going to head back home. Take a walk and try to clear my head.’

‘Stay positive please, Dexter, and listen out for the radio appeal on Fir Haven Radio at 3pm.’

Dexter managed a nod before disappearing out of the shop. He didn’t look positive at all.

* * *

Lunchtime saw a late flurry of members of the local Women’s Institute, asking us if we would be prepared to donate a few raffle prizes in order to raise money for the nature reserve campaign fund.

I was more than happy to help and packed up half a dozen paperweights, four notebooks, five assorted picture frames and two pen and pencil sets in silver and rose gold.

There had been no more news from the police about the prowler and the note they had left. Whoever they were, they had vanished into the night and not left any clues.

I ventured to the baker’s a while later and fetched a toasted tomato and pesto panini for both Gran and me. ‘I’ve never seen Dexter so despondent,’ I said, as I picked over my lunch.

My grandmother made sure the Closed for Lunch – Open Again in Thirty Minutes! sign was up on the door, before surveying me across the Formica table. ‘Have you spoken since this morning?’

I shook my head. ‘I’ve tried calling him a couple of times, but his phone keeps going to voicemail.’ I took a thoughtful bite of my panini. ‘And even if I reached him, what could I say?’ I stared at the glass of water beside me. ‘If I could get my hands on Linda Carlucci right now!’

As soon as the words burst out of my mouth, I reddened.

Grandma angled her head to one side. ‘Well, that wouldn’t be very helpful, since you’re trying to get the curse lifted – not extended indefinitely!’ She examined me. ‘You really like him, don’t you?’

‘No!’ I snatched up my glass of water. ‘I just feel a bit sorry for him.’

‘Uh-huh.’