Two Kinds Of Truth(59)

“At least that sounds positive. Callum sounded in a panic when he phoned. He asked if I was willing to hold the fort a little longer. As if he needed to ask.”

I head over to the farmhouse and open the front door. “He’d have wanted to put my mind at rest. But I know you’re always there for us.”

“That goes without saying. And the shop should be the least of your worries.”

“It is,” I admit. “I need to focus on supporting my family the best I can right now.”

“Exactly. It’s going to be a rough ride for everyone.”

“I know, and I pray he makes it through.”

“He will. He’s made of stern stuff.”

“For once, I hope you’re right.”

I hear the distinct tinkle of the shop bell in the background.

“I have to go, there’s a customer waiting,” Keira says. “Ring me, as soon as you have an update.”

“I will,” I promise, and Keira ends the call.

I look around the empty kitchen. The fire has gone out and all the warmth of the house seems to have disappeared along with Alasdair. I realise, perhaps not for the first time, how important granda is to the farm, to all of us.

I pick up an old wicker basket and go outside to where a pile of firewood is stacked high against the wall. I shiver and stare up at the sky. It’s overcast and leaden. My gaze follows a single snowflake as it lazily falls to the ground. I’m surprised when it doesn’t melt away. It’s followed by another, this one too drifting idly along on the breeze before it lands by my feet. I gather the logs into the rattan basket as a multitude of snowflakes now fall from the sky, and I’m soon back inside, closing the door against them with a shiver.

I busy myself at the hearth, lighting a fire, enjoying watching the kitchen come back to life, then I wash my hands and go over to the fridge. I take out two slices of Gammon and a couple of fresh eggs. I’m hunting around for a frying pan when I hear the front door open.

“Perfect timing,” I say, bending down to open a cupboard door and pushing a pile of old pots to one side, trying to locate the elusive pan. “I’m just about to make us something to eat.”

“Great, I’ve been on the road all day. I’m famished.”

I jump to my feet in surprise. “Callum, is that you?” and I accidently bang my elbow on the handle of the oven door. “Ouch, that hurts,” I cry out.

“Sorry? Are you okay? I didn’t mean to startle you.”

I rub my arm and smile. “I’m sure I’ll live. How did you manage to get back so soon?”

“I put my foot down and thankfully the traffic wasn’t too bad. Is there any news on granda?”

I hurry over and plant a warm kiss on his lips. “The nurse says he’s stable. If he’s the same in the morning, they’ll wean him off the ventilator.”

“That sounds promising. But I need to see him for myself.”

“I’m sure they wouldn’t mind you popping in under the circumstances. They’d understand. It’s just the nurse said he needs as much rest as possible.”

Callum’s shoulders appear to sag, and I read the disappointment written all over his face.

I put my arms around him and give him a hug. “Why don’t you go to the hospital and put your mind at ease?”

“I want to. I’m scared he might die.”

I stroke the back of his hair, as though comforting a child, and then let him go. “And you’re worried that you never got the chance to say goodbye?”

He drops his gaze and I give him yet another hug.

“I understand. But have something to eat before you leave.” I go back to the fridge and pull out another slice of gammon, then reach inside a cupboard and pull out an extra tea cup.

“Where’s Jamie?” Callum asks.

I fill the kettle, put it onto the stove and switch on the gas. “I think he went to feed the horses.”

“No, I doubt that, not now snow’s falling. He’ll be bringing the fold closer to the farm.”

“Oh, I didn’t realise.”

Callum takes a step towards the hallway. “There’s an area of sheltered land closer to home, where the snow doesn’t drift. I should go and help him.”

“What about granda?”

“I’ll go once the fold has been brought to lower ground.”

I nod and switch off the gas. “Sure. Shall I come with you?”

He shakes his head. “No, there’s no need. The snow’s coming down hard. Stay indoors and keep warm.”

I smile at his thoughtfulness. “Okay, and I’ll cook as soon as you both get back.”

Callum’s phone goes off in his pocket. I can tell by the sound it’s a text message. He delves inside and pulls out his Smartphone and glances down at the screen.

“Work stuff?” I ask.

He nods and thrusts the mobile back inside his pocket. “It’s nothing that won’t wait,” and he leaves the house.

I switch on the radio and busy myself by peeling potatoes and chopping green beans and carrots. My occasional glance outside the kitchen window confirming the snow is falling thick and fast. But then I see a dark silhouetted face within the glass, one that’s not mine, but Ally’s. I desperately want to talk to Callum about her, to put this unexpected episode to bed, but granda’s our main priority right now and so it must wait.