Page 39 of Chasing a Highland Dream

With an indignant fold of her arms, Isla said, ‘I’d ring Harris, obviously.’

Of course you would. ‘I’m sure that won’t be necessary, but I appreciate your concern. Now I’m off up to see Liv to figure out what I’m going to wear for my non-date with the serial killer, whoops, I mean author.’ She stood and walked away, chuckling as she went.

Bella selected a pair of tailored black trousers and a silver-grey shirt from Olivia’s extensive wardrobe. That was one definite positive about having a fashionista as a bestie. She chose heels that matched her top, a black clutch bag and a black and grey pinstriped jacket.

‘Oh, my word, Bells, he’ll have to pick his tongue up off the floor!’ Olivia said as Bella stood in front of Olivia’s full-length mirror.

‘Oh no, he didn’t even mention the word “date”, remember!’

‘Wait until he sees you, the word “date” will definitely crop up then!’

Back at the apartment and once she had finished her hair and make-up, Bella made her way through to the living room, where her granny was watching a quiz show. She was blurting answers at the television and then having one-sided arguments with the show host when they – incorrectly, in her opinion – gave out the answers.

When she realised Bella was standing there, she pointed at the TV. ‘They don’t do their research on this programme. You look nice, dearie.’

Bella smoothed down her shirt. ‘Do you think? I don’t look like I’m going for an interview, do I?’

‘I should hope not, you’ve far too much cleavage on show for an interview.’

Bella glanced down at her chest self-consciously and gave a nervous laugh. ‘Gee, thanks, Granny.’

There was a knock at the door and Bella went to answer it. Aiden stood there in black jeans, a wine-coloured shirt and a black suit jacket.

He pointed down at his clothes. ‘I don’t look like I’m going for an interview, do I?’

Bella laughed. ‘Well, if you do, we may be fighting for the same job.’ It was clear by his blank expression he didn’t understand what she meant. ‘I said the same to my granny about my outfit.’

‘Ah! You look great,’ he replied, and Bella relaxed a little. ‘Come on, the taxi’s waiting for us. Good evening, Mrs Douglas!’ He raised his hand in a wave to the elderly lady, who had appeared in the living room doorway.

‘Aye, and yoursel’,’ Isla replied rather unconvincingly before returning to her chair.

‘One sec.’ Bella dashed back to the living room, kissed her granny’s head, scratched a sleepy Beau behind his ears and said, ‘See you later, Granny, don’t wait up.’

As she reached the door Isla blurted, ‘Code word banana! Did you hear me? For the WhatsUp! Banana!’

Bella closed the door, giggling to herself about Isla’s choice of code word and wondered how on earth she could casually insert ‘banana’ into a conversation that wouldn’t look suspicious if her companion saw it.

The taxi stopped outside the Glenmoriston Town House just before 7.30 that evening. It was an attractive stone building with a large bay window to the left, which glowed amber from inside with atmospheric, dimmed lighting. Bella had only ever been once before for a family birthday celebration, but it had stood out in her memory as being somewhere she would love to visit again, and now here she was.

As Bella and Aiden climbed out of the car, Bella glanced up to see Harris, in uniform and on duty, walking towards them. He was accompanied by the female officer, Mel, who had attended on the night Aiden had been detained.

‘Evening, Bella. Evening, Mr O’Dowd,’ Harris said with a nod of his head. His hands were slotted into his high-vis jacket pockets, his expression remained stoic, and he had an air of professionalism about him.

Bella’s companion raised his hand. ‘Please, call me Aiden.’

‘Hi, both of you. My granny said you were working tonight,’ Bella said, a strange knot of discomfort tightening in her stomach as she glanced between the two men. ‘Hi, Mel, how are you?’

Mel beamed. ‘I’m great, thanks. I hear you’re letting my Neil loose on your car,’ Mel said with a chuckle.

‘I am. Just need to save up to pay for the repairs now.’

‘Get a horse, they’re far more reliable.’

Bella laughed. ‘I’m not brave enough for transport that has a mind of its own!’

Mel laughed. ‘Fair enough.’

‘So, have you been busy tonight?’ Bella asked out of politeness.