Two Kinds Of Truth(18)

“Aye, and a godsend she is, too. She brings us our supplies and gives the place a quick spruce at the same time. What she cannae do with a mop isnae worth knowing.”

I laugh as I gather four china mugs from the cupboard.

After going to the fridge for the milk, I return to find Jamie and Callum already at the table, Alasdair standing by the fire. I pour the tea and offer a drink to each man in turn. Jamie puts his hand in his pocket and pulls out a small silver hip flask.

“A wee dram to warm the cockles of yir heart,” he says to me.

I shake my head, but Alasdair and Callum are quick to offer him their cup. He pours a good measure into each.

I turn my attention back to Alasdair.

“So, did Hetty bring you any news from the outside world?” I ask as I sit down and take a sip of hot tea.

“Aye, lass, that she did. Told me young Ally, the vet, is back. She caught sight of her up at Mary McEwan’s farm last week when she visited.”

To my surprise, Callum chokes on his drink.

“Are you okay?” I ask, concerned.

He looks startled. “What? Oh, yeah, I’m fine. It went down the wrong hole.”

My gaze shifts to Jamie. “Ally? She’s the woman I met this morning, right?” and although I’ve directed the question straight at Jamie, it’s Alasdair who replies.

“Aye. Nice looking lassie, clever too. She left a few years ago; sudden it was. I thought she’d met a nice wee man but Hetty says she just couldnae settle.”

I turn towards Callum and notice he’s avoiding my gaze. Minutes later, I finish my tea.

“Okay, boys, I’m off for that hot shower I promised myself.”

I take my empty cup over to the sink, wash it and put it away. All the while, the silence that surrounds me is deafening.

“So, dinners at six o’clock sharp,” I reiterate to granda. He nods. “Okay, see you all then.”





Chapter 5


Jamie



I watch Maddie leave the kitchen. I don’t know all the ins-and-outs of what’s going on between her and Callum, but I sense it’s bad. As his brother, I want to help, to reach out to them both, but he’s closed that door between us, made it clear I have no right to interfere between husband and wife. He’s always been a stubborn bastard, the one who slaps the hand of friendship away. If he wasn’t my kin, we would have parted ways many years ago.

I let out a deep sigh, for all I can see is a man drowning in his own misery.

“Is there any more whisky?” Callum asks, breaking my train of thought.

I reach straight into my pocket and pull out the flask. The metal feels cool around my fingers and I quickly unscrew the cap and pour a stream of golden liquid into his cup.

“Will that do for ye?” I say with a forced smile, but Callum’s expression stays sombre. He takes a large mouthful and then hesitates before downing the rest. I watch him swallow.

“So, ye dinnae know Ally was thinking of coming back, then?” I ask.

He shakes his head then slams the empty cup onto the table.

“No, and why should I? What she does with her life is none of my business.”

I nod and replace the flask back into my pocket.

“Och, I was just asking.”

“Well, I’d prefer it if you didn’t.”

My gaze doesn’t waver, staying direct. “So, maybe you’re the reason why she left in the first place?” at which he balls his hands into fists.

“I have no idea; I was never her keeper. It’s her life and she can do what she likes with it.” He glances down at his watch. “No offence, but I think I’ll skip dinner tonight, maybe take the Range Rover into town.”

“You mean go to the pub?”

“Yeah, why not. It beats sitting around here all evening.”

Alasdair comes and sits beside him.

“What’s eating ye up, boy? What’s wrong? Somehow, you’ve changed.”

I switch my gaze to Alasdair, then back to my brother. I want to urge him to answer, but push him too hard and he’ll do the complete opposite. I can see he’s struggling with his emotions, but he’s tenacious and holds everything inside, just like always.

I’m taken by surprise when he jumps to his feet.

“Nothing’s wrong, granda,” he declares, defensively. “Why can’t you just leave it alone, eh?”

I rise to my feet. “Hey, take it easy and calm down. There’s no need to lose yir temper. If ye so desperate to get out of here, I’ll drive ye myself.”

His glower is one that would have suggested guilt had I not known him all my life. As I watch him closely, his glare slides without effort into a sulk. He turns towards me. “Come on, then, drink up and let’s go.”

“But what about Maddie? You’re not going to go without telling her, are ye?”

Callum doesn’t reply; he’s already halfway out of the door.

“Cal, wait,” I cry, and hurry on after him.

By the time I catch up, he’s standing by the Range Rover. I have the car keys in my hand and the doors are unlocked.

“Are ye sure ye don’t wannae tell Maddie where you’re going?” I ask, glancing towards the cottage.

He shrugs. “No, granda can have that privilege,” and he opens the passenger door and climbs inside. I feel like shit taking him to the pub without Maddie’s knowledge, but I’m aware that if I don’t, he’ll drive himself, anyway. I’ve seen my brother fall into a drunken rage on many an occasion. Although he’s been a different man since he met Maddie, I sense the demon is pushing its way back to the surface once again. I’ve no wish to witness that side of him, so I’ll do everything in my power to avert the violent monster from showing its face.