Page 30 of A Scottish Highland Hideaway

Once she’d arrived, I snatched up the girls’ business cards containing their contact information and set off for Ezra’s home in my car. The sooner I got this information to Ezra, the better. I drummed my fingers on the top of my steering wheel at the traffic lights as I headed for his place––

This must be the scandal that Zach had alluded to; Ezra fathering two daughters to two different, high-profile women.

The prospect of Zach Stern discovering my car-crash past faded into insignificance at the thought of speaking to Ezra about Caroline and Laura. I mulled over the situation, as I eased my car down the frost-tipped country lanes towards Duxbury Hall. Talk about a bolt out of the blue!

I pushed my foot a little harder down on the accelerator, not taking any notice of the meandering, toffee-coloured Highland cattle in the fields.

I pulled up outside the security gates. My stomach was flipping all over the place. How the hell was I going to tell him? I couldn’t just burst out with it.

Could you imagine? Hi Ezra. How’re things? Oh, there were two young women who turned up to speak to me today and they say they’re your long-lost daughters by two former girlfriends of yours. They’re happy to take DNA tests. Oh, have you started your Christmas shopping yet?!

I hovered for a few moments, before pressing the security intercom.

Jackson answered and we exchanged a couple of pleasantries. “I don’t suppose I could have a word with Ezra, if he’s available please?”

“Sure. Come on in.”

I got back inside my car and watched the gates swish inwards. My heart hammered a little louder in my chest, as I eased down the driveway and parked up.

Ezra was waiting for me. He was sporting a pastel-pink jumper and beige trousers.

I managed to force out a strained smile.

“Everything all right?” he asked, encouraging me inside.

I waited until Jackson vanished.

Ezra beckoned me into his sitting room and took up a seat on the opposite sofa. “You look very serious.”

I opened and closed my mouth a couple of times.

Oh God. How the hell do I get myself into these situations?

I took a breath.

Right. Get on with it.

And so out it came; about Caroline and Laura visiting me; them believing they were Ezra’s daughters and how they came to track him down to Heather Moore.

Ezra’s expression twisted from surprise to shock and then disbelief.

Then he made a noise that sounded like a gasp. “I don’t believe it.” His eyes were troubled. “I mean, I had gorgeous women flirting with me everywhere I went and I couldn’t resist a pretty face, but daughters I’ve never heard of?” He shook his head and looked thoughtful. “Technically, it is possible, I suppose, but…” He looked me directly in the eyes. “No. I’m certain it’s a ruse.”

I shot him a careful look. “Well, they seemed genuine to me.”

Ezra’s brows knitted together. “I know you mean well, my dear. But I’ll bet good money that they’ll have dreamt this up between the two of them… in all likelihood to get money out of me.” He narrowed his eyes, then. “You really shouldn’t have got involved? You’re my friend, or so I thought.”

Now it was my turn to make a wounded sound. His words stung.

“Of course, I’m your friend and you know you can count on me, but these two women asked me for help in trying to contact you.” Frustration gnawed at me. “And I can assure you I never once let on that I had ever met you or seen you in Heather Moore.” I paused. “And what if Zach Stern had got to them first, what if he’d found out who they’re claiming to be? I can only imagine what he’d do with the story.” I rubbed at my forehead. “I didn’t know what to do for the best, Ezra. You trust me and so you should, but there’s an investigative journalist lurking around and two young women who are desperate to reach out to you…” I let my hands rise and fall as I sat there. “I wouldn’t betray your trust.” It was important to me that Ezra knew he could trust me. “All I said was if you ever wandered into Flower Power, I’d be sure to pass on their details to you.”

Ezra looked away; his hawkish profile uncompromising. Bursts of a delicate, popping red poinsettia were exploding behind him from a gold pot on an occasional table. “It’s very convenient that they’ve materialised, just as my much-anticipated autobiography was released.”

He threw me another irritated glance.

They didn’t come across as money-grubbing.

“Well, they both said they’d be happy to undertake DNA tests.” I folded my arms across my chest. “I’m sorry if you think I shouldn’t have got involved, but I was trying to do what I thought was best and it’s not like I’ve told them anything. I promised you I wouldn’t tell people you’re here and I didn’t.” I rubbed at my face. “I denied I’d seen you and that you came into the shop.” I hesitated. “But Zach Stern’s presence is worrying me.” I let out a weary sigh. “Both these girls came to my shop looking for you. They were desperate.”