Page 99 of A Scottish Country Escape

‘They’re apparently going to put forward some proposition that if the locals agree to buy the reserve, the council will consider pulling the plug on the deal.’

My heart banged. ‘How much are we talking?’

Gran eyed me steadily and announced a figure that made me cough.

‘You have got to be joking! The folks of Fir Haven don’t have that sort of money.’

Gran sighed as the carriage lights in the sitting room cast a sleepy hue around her. ‘We know that and so do they. They’re playing with us.’ She let out a sigh. ‘I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I think we might have to face up to the possibility that the reserve might not survive.’

* * *

The following day was a busy one in Paper Roses.

Cate offered to help out, but I knew she had a last-minute bracelet to finish for a bride, which had been commissioned by her anxious groom. Grandma, however, was more than happy to step in, though by late afternoon I could tell she was desperate to get into her slippers with a glass of something chilled and catch up on the latest mini-series crime drama which had her riveted. ‘Do you mind if I slip away a bit earlier this evening, darling?’

I shook my plait. ‘Of course not. I’m more than happy to close up.’

She watched the raindrops chasing each other down the windows. ‘Are you out this evening?’

‘No, not tonight.’

She loitered for a moment, while she belted up her red raincoat. She appeared hesitant, opening and closing her mouth for a few seconds.

‘Is there something wrong, Gran?’

‘No! No.’ She gave me an odd smile. ‘So, usual time home then?’

I folded my arms. ‘Gran, are you sure you’re all right?’

She responded a little too quickly. ‘Yes. Absolutely. Of course I am.’

I was debating what could be going on when she delivered a swift kiss to my cheek and vanished out of the shop. Her sky-blue umbrella disappeared along the rain-slicked cobbles as she made her way back to her car.

I was still wondering whether she was feeling all right when my mobile rang from under the counter. I reached for it, not recognising the mobile number glowing up at me.

It was Elsa.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, she lowered her voice. I could hear the odd door closing behind her. Then came random snippets of Shelley’s voice from somewhere in the background. She must be ringing from Hawk West Hall. My heart performed an odd thud. ‘How is Dexter?’

‘He’s all right, considering he’s got Imelda Marcos breathing down his neck.’

‘And Nadia?’

‘She’s as wild as ever,’ answered Elsa with affection. ‘But adorable with it.’ There was a pause. ‘I’m getting more worried about Dexter. He can’t carry on like this.’

Concern clutched at me too. ‘Is he OK?’

‘He’s pretending he is. I overheard him talking to his agent and publisher on a conference call this morning. They were threatening him with breach of contract proceedings for not turning in his latest novel. Then there’s Shelley making all sorts of financial demands on him.’

I could hear Elsa’s footsteps shuffling along the tiled hall floor, then there was a sharp click of a door.

‘I’ve just gone somewhere a little more private.’

‘Where?’

‘The cloakroom.’

I couldn’t help but smile at the picture of Elsa talking to me whilst concealed by Dexter’s military coats and leather jackets.