Page 35 of Snowy Surprises in the Highlands

Bella nodded, ‘Yes… yes, please.’

Kendric addressed the audience who would be watching at home. ‘We’re putting the telephone number of Glentorrin Police Station on the screen right now, everyone.’ He turned back to Bella. ‘Bella, go ahead and speak right into the lens there, take your time.’

Bella cleared her throat, wiped her eyes and straightened her spine before lifting her chin to look at the camera. ‘Granny and Maeve, if you’re seeing this, please could one of you get in touch? You can call the police station number and you’ll be diverted to Harris’s phone. We’re so worried about you and we miss you both very much.’ Her voice broke and her throat ached. She forced a smile. ‘We just want you home again to make us laugh because life’s no fun without you. And… and Beau misses you too. We have him here with us so he’s safe. Please just get in touch as soon as you can. We can come and get you, wherever you are, and we’re not upset with you or anything like that. Just worried.’

The camera was turned once again to focus on Kendric. ‘There you go, viewers, Maeve Donaldson and Isla Douglas, both in their late eighties, missing for two days. Their family and friends are incredibly worried, as you can imagine. Please take a good look at the photo on the screen and keep a look out. Call the number shown with any information, no matter how small or insignificant you think it may be, it could just be that vital, missing piece of the puzzle. Back to the studio.’

‘And clear,’ the producer announced. ‘That went well. Thank you both for your time and I wish you well,’ the man said. Then he and the camera operator began to gather their equipment together.

Once they were done, the camera operator walked over to where they sat. ‘I hope they’re found safe and well, they sound like real characters.’ She smiled and then turned to Kendric. ‘We’ll see you over at the Coxswain. We can have a bite to eat and then get back,’ she said before she, and the producer, left the house.

Kendric stood and held out his hand and Bella and Harris shook it in turn. ‘Thank you both. The piece will go on air during the lunchtime programme and hopefully you’ll get some leads.’ He rubbed his chin. ‘Just a warning though, you may also get some idiots who think it’s funny to call and give either false sightings or just to say stupid and pointless things. It’s par for the course, I’m afraid. But I’ll be in touch once it’s aired. I’ll be thinking of you both and praying for a positive outcome.’

‘Thanks, Kendric. We really appreciate you doing this,’ Harris said.

‘It’s no bother at all. Best of luck to you both. I’m hoping the lovely ladies are home very soon,’ he said as he turned and walked to the door with Harris following behind. ‘Bye just now.’

Harris and Bella stood at the front door and watched as Kendric walked away in the direction of the village centre.

Once the door was closed, Harris pulled Bella into his arms. ‘This is all so surreal. I know you said we’re not upset with them for their disappearing act, but I might have a few choice words to say when they are home after what they’re putting us through.’

Bella clung to him and inhaled his familiar scent. He was her safe space and just being in his arms somehow made things feel a tiny bit better. ‘No, it’s okay, honestly. I just want them home safe.’

‘Me too, sweetheart, me too. Come on, I’ll put the kettle on.’