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‘Sure. What can I help you with?’
‘I wonder if you would be able to check out some land. I’m curious to see if you think it has any archaeological significance.’
‘Oh, right. Whereabouts?’
‘Not far from your parents. Near the old church at Kilnarkie.’
‘I can tell you straightaway, I’m sure it does have significance. Churches like that were usually built where there was habitation, so it’s likely a settlement was there at some point prior to that. Mull is largely undiscovered as far as archaeology goes.’ Undiscovered and crying out to be investigated.By me!If only. She had no right to go digging willy-nilly and it wasn’t like people were throwing money at projects like that.
‘I live across the bay,’ Will said. ‘Just outside Dervaig. Would you mind popping along to the land with me sometime? I’d like an expert opinion.’
She checked her watch. ‘I could go now if that suited.’
∞∞∞
Twenty minutes later, Rhona jumped into Will’s maroon people carrier and he drove along the road she’d jogged that morning. When they reached a gate, she jumped out and opened it and they trundled up a stony track past some scattered holiday cottages.
‘The owner of the land has had an archaeological condition attached to their planning application and I’d like some advice on it,’ Will said. ‘I’ve never heard of that before.’
‘You’ll need a consultant. Has anyone done a field walk or a survey?’
‘Nothing so far.’
At the hill crest, the path disappeared except for a faint track through the grass, then the land opened onto to a green plain, surrounded by low hills, leading to a sandy beach with stunning views of the glistening sea and the outer isles of Coll and Tiree. She’d been here so many times as a girl, running across the machair with her friends, the wind blowing her hair. Hours had been spent on the nearby beaches, swimming, bodyboarding and collecting shells. Her chest swelled and warmth spread over her shoulders, flooding her veins with a sense of calm and well-being. This had to be her favourite place on the island.
‘It’s so beautiful.’
‘Stunning,’ Will agreed.
They got out of the car and Rhona followed Will up a slight incline over rough ground to a tumbledown bothy. ‘This view is just…’ She shielded her eyes, gazing at the emerald sea. No words could do it justice. ‘I could sit here all day listening to the waves.’
‘It’s a mighty fine spot, all right.’ Will zipped up his jacket and the breeze buffeted it.
Rhona scanned over the rambling area. ‘Is the idea to replace this bothy with a new house?’
‘Yes.’
‘And where does the land start and end?’ The undulations in the ground made her skin tingle. Possibilities lurked in those ridges and she’d love to investigate.
‘I don’t have the exact location but it goes right to the old churchyard, as far as that line of bushes.’ Will pointed to his left. ‘And right to the shore.’
‘That’s a big plot.’ The old churchyard was a favourite childhood walk and, if memory served, it was some way back. ‘You only need to excavate the part where you’re planning to build. The rest of it can be left untouched.’
‘Ah, that’s good. My friend is worried about the cost.’
The breeze lifted Rhona’s hair and she smoothed it back. Her scalp prickled and she bit the inside of her lip, twisting a strand of hair around her finger. ‘Who is this friend?’
‘Oh, you know.’ Will tossed up his palms, his tone airy.
‘It isn’t Calum Matheson, is it?’
Will nodded.
‘Then I have to go.’ Blood throbbed in her ears and she wheeled around. Heat drained from her cheeks.Must get out of here now.‘Don’t you remember what happened with Calum and Arran at school?’
‘Of course I do, but it was a long time ago.’
‘My family haven’t forgotten and my parents will skin me alive if they find out I’m here.’
