Two Kinds Of Truth(30)

“Oh, now you tell me,” I say, and my attention flicks over to Callum.

I don’t know why, but I expect him to be watching me, but he’s too busy talking to granda, thanking him for the champagne.

Jamie offers me a tissue, which I readily accept. His gaze jumps from me to Callum and then back to me again.

“Mark my words, he’ll be head of the company by the end of the year.”

I nod. I don’t doubt it for a second.

“So, are we still on for tomorrow night?” I ask.

To my surprise, Jamie chokes on his champagne, but he’s quick to regain his composure.

“Er, sorry, what do ye mean?”

My brows knit together. “The quiz night at the Scran and Sleekit.”

The tension in his face dissolves and he lets out a light sigh.

“Och, aye, that’s still on the cards if ye wannae go?”

“Yes, of course I do. I’ve been looking forward to socialising with the locals.”

“Aye, they’re a friendly bunch,” he declares, “and it’s guid you’re keen to mingle. Tell me, though, how did ye get on at the memorial stone today? Ye ne’er did say how ye ended up covered in mud.”

Heat flushes my cheeks, only this time it isn’t from the fire. I laugh again, take a gulp of champagne and give a dismissive flick of my hand. “Oh, it was nothing. I just wasn’t looking where I was going and ended up in a heap.”

Jamie’s forehead creases with concern. “Ye sure ye dinnea hurt yourself?”

I rub the back of my head to find the lump is still there. “I’m fine, if not a tad embarrassed,” I admit and quickly change the subject. “Besides, I saw a golden eagle on the way and took a photo to prove it.”

I search for my mobile, but I’ve left it in the cottage and let out a sigh. “Oh, never mind. I’ll show you tomorrow.”

“And what of the stone? Was it as ye imagined?

“Oh, no. The memorial wasn’t what I expected at all.”

“And what did you expect?”

I shrug. “I can’t quite put my finger on it, but the words…they…well, they struck a chord. All those brave clansmen and women who lost their lives.”

“Aye, and all we have left are ghost stories to scare the wee bairns. Many say they can feel the clansmen’s presence. Did ye?”

“I’m not sure,” I confess. “Although, it was as though the dead knew I was there remembering them. To be honest, I found the place a little eerie. And, I met this…”

Jamie interrupts my flow with a nudge from his elbow. “Talking of eerie, did ye ken it’s a new moon this Saturday? There’s a festival this weekend, and the local witches are holding a pagan ritual down by the water at dusk.”

My eyes grow wide. “No, you never said.”

He grins. “Aye, well, ’twas Claire who got me interested in paganism. She liked having flowers in her hair and nothing on her feet. She said it made her feel closer to nature.”

“Oh, I have to agree. I visited a pagan festival once. I was still at college and got invited by a friend. It was held near Stonehenge, and I confess, the music stole my heart. Such haunting melodies. The drums they used were soulful, and the guitars… Everyone was swaying to the beat and dancing. Some wore homemade sandals, whilst others went barefoot. It was uplifting to see young and old mixed together in perfect harmony. And when I left, I felt so at peace with the world.”

“Aye, it can have that kind of an effect on ye.”

“Will there be a priestess performing the ritual?”

Jamie’s voice turns into a whisper. “Och, aye. Usually, she makes an altar close to the stone, then welcomes in the new moon. Most of the local women dress in long flowing robes and chant a few wee spells. It’s a great evening if it doesnae rain. Then they have a cake and ale ceremony; that’s my favourite part.”

I’m intrigued. “I’ve never seen practicing witches before, or witnessed a cake and ale ceremony. Would you take me, please?”

Jamie nods and sips his champagne. “Sure, if ye can handle such excitement, and all in one night.”

***

It’s late by the time I ring Keira again. “Hey, it’s me. Sorry, did I wake you?”

“No, of course not. I’ve been sitting here waiting for your call.”

“I’m sorry…about this afternoon. I shouldn’t have burdened you with my mess-of-a-life.”

Keira’s tone changes in an instant. “Seriously, if you hadn’t and I’d ended up hearing it from somebody else, I’d physically kill you.”

I chuckle because I know she would.

“So, how was tonight?” she asks.

“Much better. But that’s mainly due to Callum receiving a phone call offering him the Fornhill account.”

“Wow, that’s great news. Does this mean you’re coming home?”

“Well, Cal says he’s leaving for work first thing Thursday morning, but wants me to stay on until after the weekend. I said I’d come home, but he insisted. I’m just concerned he might be delayed and you’re left—”

“I seriously hope you’re not worrying about the shop?”

“No, but I wouldn’t want you thinking I’m taking advantage of you, that’s all.”