Page 45 of Chasing a Highland Dream

Olivia pulled her from her daydream. ‘How are things going with your granny’s house?’ she asked. ‘Have there been any updates?’ Before Bella could reply, she added, ‘Not that I’m rushing you out of the apartment, though; you can stay as long as you need to.’

Bella sighed. ‘I spoke with the contractors this morning. They’re at the stage of rewiring now the dehumidifiers have been removed. Then there will be plastering and decorating. It may be a couple of weeks yet, depending on when people can come in to do the work.’ Bella twiddled her mug in her hands. ‘I feel so bad we’re taking up space.’

Olivia nudged her shoulder. ‘Stop worrying, Douglas. The insurer is paying your rent now, so it’s fine. I’m not losing anything. And you’d do the same for me if I ever needed help. And if I can’t help my best friend, who can I help?’

‘I hope you know how much my granny and I appreciate you.’

‘Actually, there is one thing you could do for me.’

‘Name it,’ Bella said, happy there may be a way to pay her back.

‘Coppercaillie are playing at the opening, but could you possibly ask Harris if he could arrange a police presence to be around too? This business with Kerr is worrying me.’

Bella nodded. ‘Consider it done.’

Later that evening, Bella and her granny were watching Singin’ in the Rain when she received a text message.

Hey Bella, it’s Harris. Wanted to check yr managing ok without yr car. If not, let me know how I can help.

She hit reply.

Hi Harris. Thanks ever so much but I’m not going anywhere this week. Lots on at the castle so needed here. I hope you’re well.

A few moments passed but then a reply arrived.

Good to know. I’m gr8 thanks. I may see you tomorrow as heading to castle on business.

Bella remembered what Olivia had asked her about asking him to be at the event.

Okay, great because I have a favour to ask. B x

As soon as she had hit send, she regretted the kiss at the end of the message. She hoped he wouldn’t read anything into it.

Sure, what is it?

Bella hit reply.

Olivia was wondering if you could ask some of your colleagues to be around at the opening on Saturday. She wants to make sure everything goes smoothly and feels a police presence would help so Kerr doesn’t cause trouble.

There seemed to be a long pause this time, but eventually a reply came.

Hopefully he’ll stay away. I’m off duty on Saturday and playing at the event so will mention at station to see if I can get a patrol car to be close by or maybe some uniformed officers in grounds. Don’t worry, we may be off duty but we’ll keep an eye on things. I’ll let you get back to your evening. Bye for now. Harris.

Bella smiled. He was so willing to help and she liked that about him. Aiden popped into her head, and she wondered if all was okay with him as she hadn’t heard from him since the evening of their meal, and after what he’d told her, she presumed Harris was paying him a visit to discuss his book. While she had her phone in her hand, she typed out a message to Aiden.

Hi neighbour. I hope the words are flowing. You must have been busy as I haven’t seen you leave your apartment! Bella xx

About half an hour passed until she received a reply.

Hi Bella. I’ve had my head down working all week. Sorry I haven’t been in touch. Maybe we can do coffee here tomorrow? Let’s say noon if you can get away from work for a while. Aiden xx

Bella’s stomach flipped and she smiled as she typed her reply.

That would be good. I’ll see you at noon. I’ll take it as my lunch break, so you’d better have biscuits in. B xx

She finished off the message with a winking emoji and two kisses.

‘Hey, it’s coming up to the best bit, Arabella, put your blasted phone away,’ Isla said.