Page 76 of A Scottish Island Summer

Kathleen glanced at Julie and subtly tilted her head towards the door, as if to suggest they should leave us to it. Julie nodded and they quickly vanished out of the lounge, explaining quietly that they had admin to deal with.

‘My search for this thing robbed me of my professional reputation, but now I’ve a chance to rescue that.’ Campbell hesitated. ‘But I’ll need your help … and Logan’s.’ Campbell gazed into the flames, lost for a few moments. ‘I’ve done my homework. I’ve read up about Logan. He has an excellent reputation as a geologist. And as for you…’

‘Campbell—’ I started.

‘You have an amazing media profile, Darcie. You have a platform.’

Campbell’s expression twisted into one of sudden pain again. ‘I’ve lost so much professional credibility through looking for the Skye Lovers’ Cross and never finding it.’ His eyes echoed with memories. ‘My family thought I was looking for something I had no hope of ever finding.’ His mouth twitched into what could almost be a smile. ‘I bet you think I’m the local nutcase.’

I thought about Logan’s admiration for Campbell. The way he spoke about him in reverent tones. ‘No. I don’t think that at all.’

Campbell pushed himself further forward in the armchair. ‘In that case, Darcie, will you help me?’

‘I don’t see what I can do,’ I blustered.

His face collapsed with disappointment.

‘I’m a travel blogger and social media influencer, not a historian.’

‘You don’t need to be. You just need to support me, be my eyes and ears with Logan and feed out the information to your followers once we have all our ducks in a row. If I can prove that the cross is real, that would be one hell of a story for you to write about. Forget about travel guides. You’d have publishers breaking down your door to write a tell-all about the discovery.’

I stilled and digested what Campbell had just said. I took a thoughtful sip of tea.

Maybe he had a point.

The publicity would be one hell of a boost to my career and maybe Justine’s editor friend would offer me a multi-book deal? There could be a lot of opportunities that could arise out of this. Perhaps even a TV show documenting how I got involved in tracking down the cross?

That would surely boost my chances of getting a regular writing spot with Horizons?

I was lost in rampaging thoughts as my imagination and excitement both took off like a rocket.

I could write a go-getting fiction series about a female archaeologist protagonist and her sexy colleague in search of hidden treasure around the globe. It could even be turned into a series on TV or film adaption! That would put River Banks’s snub nose in a sling.

Of course, Logan would have to agree to get on board with assisting Campbell too, but I was sure he wouldn’t refuse. We were talking about his childhood hero, for goodness’ sake! I was certain he’d jump at the chance.

I snatched up my cup and saucer and excitedly drained the remnants of my tea.

There was a faint rap on the lounge door and then Kathleen’s head appeared. ‘Sorry for interrupting, but I just wanted to ask: where are you sleeping, Campbell?’

He blushed under his fug of black beard. ‘In a tent just outside Portree, in one of the fields.’

‘A tent?’ echoed Kathleen in horror.

‘My sister and I aren’t on the best of terms—we haven’t been for a long time—and I didn’t check into any of the local hotels or bed and breakfasts because I was trying to keep a low profile.’ Campbell finally picked up on Kathleen’s stricken expression. ‘It’s fine.’

A zing of sympathy for Campbell butted me in the chest.

‘You’re not sleeping in that tent tonight,’ announced Kathleen, coming over to the table and beginning to bustle about, clearing up the teapot and crockery. ‘I’m afraid we don’t have any spare guest rooms—that’s the effect of the spring booking season for you—but we do have the linen store room. It’s a decent size, it’s warm and I can pop a sofa bed in there for you.’

Campbell blinked up at Kathleen. ‘Are you sure? I wouldn’t like to impose.’

‘You’re not.’

Campbell shot to his feet and pumped Kathleen’s ringed hand up and down. ‘Thank you, Kathleen. I appreciate it.’

Kathleen brushed away his gratefulness. ‘Just promise me that when you find the Skye Lovers’ Cross, you’ll send the media and tourists our way.’

‘I’ll go and sort out some nice, fresh bedding for you and a towel,’ added Julie from the doorway, before hurrying off up the stairs.