Page 31 of Journey to the Scottish Highlands

Chapter Seven

Evan instructed me to park Marlene round the back of the property.

Once I’d driven into a space and killed the engine, Evan jumped out and fetched our bags from the boot of the car.

While he was doing that, I pulled my phone from next to the handbrake and called my grandpa to tell him about the bomb discovery in case he didn’t know about it already or hadn’t heard it on the news, and also to reassure him I was ok and to tell him where I was staying. ‘Hopefully they’ll have it all sorted in a day or two, Gramps. But as soon as it is, I’ll be on my way to you, ok?’

‘Och. Don’t you fret, sweetheart. As long as you’re safe and sound, that’s all that I’m bothered about. Hold on a second and I’ll switch on the news. I had no idea all this was going on.’ I heard him rattling the TV remote control and the volume rising. There was the sound of a live broadcast from the area. Grandpa fell silent while he listened to what the TV reporter was saying. Then he jumped back on the phone. ‘But I think you’re being a wee bit optimistic about it all being sorted in a day or two, if this reporter is right. This isn’t a stray firework they’re dealing with.’

I groaned. So much for escaping quickly from Evan.

‘So, a fancy place you’re staying, is it?’

I gazed up at the swirling detail of The Ramblings, its pointed roof and beams shooting upwards. ‘It’s lovely. I’ll take a photo of it and send it to you.’

‘And it’s this Evan’s house?’

‘It’s his parents’.’

‘Oh, I see. Right. Well, no disgracing the family name and creeping over to his bedroom in the wee small hours.’

My spine stiffened. ‘Grandpa! No. No! It’s not like that. I mean, I’m staying as a guest. Evan wanted to thank me for driving him all the way up here after the airplane issues.’ I took a quick breath before I rambled on again. ‘It’s nothing like that whatsoever.’ I could hear my voice picking up speed. I sounded like I was inhaling helium.

‘You’re a grown woman, darling. You don’t have to explain yourself to me. As long as he treats you proper, otherwise he’ll have me to answer to.’

Around me, the abundance of trees sashayed in the sunshine. I gripped my mobile. Evan was lingering with our two bags several feet away, looking at his phone. ‘I appreciate that Grandpa, but there really is nothing to explain.’

There came a deep chuckle down the line. ‘Alright sweetheart. If you say so.’

My eyes locked on Evan again, who glanced up from his phone screen. I spun away from him. I hoped he hadn’t heard any of that. ‘I’ll call you tomorrow, ok Grandpa? I’m so sorry about this.’

‘It’s not your fault, chicken. You just behave yourself, send me a photo of this posh house when you get a moment and we’ll speak tomorrow.’ His crumbly voice softened even more. ‘Love you.’

‘Love you, too.’

I slipped my phone into the back pocket of my jeans and walked over to Evan.

He pushed his mobile into his jeans pocket, and I reached for the handle of my case.

‘Your grandfather ok?’

‘Yes, thanks. Disappointed at not seeing me today, but he’s good.’ I pulled a disgruntled face. ‘I was so looking forward to seeing him, too.’

Evan squinted down at me against the sun. His sunglasses were dangling from the top of his T-shirt. ‘You’re close, aren’t you?’

‘Like two coats of paint.’

He grinned at me. It was the first time since I’d met him that he’d smiled like that; a big, genuine one that made his eyes crease. It lit up his entire face. ‘Is he retired?’

I found myself appreciating that smile for longer than was necessary. I gave myself a mental check. ‘Yes, he used to work for the local council, maintaining their parks and gardens. Very green-fingered.’

Evan pulled a wry expression. ‘I wish I was. I’ve just got to look at a rose and it withers.’

I buried a smile. ‘That doesn’t come as any great surprise.’

Oh no. There was that killer grin again. ‘Come on then, Miss Daisy. Let’s introduce you to The Addams Family.’

‘I thought they were The Munsters?’