Two Kinds Of Truth(62)

I head for a row of trees that I know will take me to the woodland. Covered in snow, they look majestic, reminding me of a picture I once saw on a Christmas card; all that’s missing is a light dusting of glitter. It feels warmer here, protected by the trees, but still I stumble over invisible clods of earth and decaying branches.

Leaning back against a thick tree trunk I catch my breath, recognising nothing around me. The trees appear the same in all directions.

A gust of wind knocks snow off one of the branches, but there’s other movement between the trees and my heart lurches in my chest. I catch sight of a figure in the distance and hold my breath, unsure whether it’s Callum or a deer. With my breath back in me, I dash off in the opposite direction, hastening between light snow drifts and frozen undergrowth, and finally I manage to get away. Out of breath once more, I slump down near a large boulder and gulp in the freezing air, sharp within my throat. Something’s above my head and I fend it off with my hand, touching nothing more than a frost encrusted lowlying branch. I’m cold, and sit as still as the night, listening to the sounds of the woodland.

A twig snaps and I take off again, like a startled deer, away from the sound, deeper into the darkness, no longer able to see where I’m going. Panicking at another sharp sound behind, I flay my arms out in front of me and let out a scream as I glance back over my shoulder.

The ground underfoot dips unexpectedly beneath my feet, and I turn sharply, only to suffer an almighty thwack against my forehead. Glittering silver stars fill my vision as I feel myself go light for a moment, before I thud painfully into the deepening snow, finally lying there, dazed. As I shakily reach up and touch my head, the stars fizzle ever brighter and more densely before my sight, until I sink through them into the depths of an utter darkness.





Chapter 12


Jamie



The snow’s made moving the herd difficult. It’s falling so fast I’ve had to move quickly. I could have left them there. There’s plenty of dead grass and forbs sticking up from the ground that they can nose away with their muzzles and eat, but I can’t afford to take the risk.

I guide them from the glen on foot, as I always have. The bad weather makes my vision blurred, but the fold moves easily from the high ground to where they will be much safer in the lower field. I check the water trough hasn’t frozen over before I leave. Satisfied they’re safe, I bolt the gate and head off down the track to one of the sheds that holds the hay.

I’m busy stacking the bales when Callum comes rushing in.

“Hey, bro,” I say, “I’m glad you’re back.” I hurry over and slap his shoulder. “’Tis guid to see ye. Did Maddie tell ye granda’s stable and the staff seem hopeful he’ll recover?”

I notice Callum’s hands are pushed deep inside his pockets and his mood is subdued.

“Hey, dinnae worry yir head. Ye can visit him anytime ye like.”

Callum opens his mouth just as Ally rushes in behind him. “I can’t find her any— Oh, Jamie. I didn’t realise you were back.”

My shoulders tense at the sight of her. “What are ye doing here?” I hiss.

“Ease off, bro,” Callum says, standing there with his hands now outstretched in a gesture of supplication. “Let’s calm down and I’ll explain.”

I pick up a pitchfork and head back towards the hay. “I’m not interested in anything ye have to say if it involves Ally.”

I hear Callum let out a sigh. “Jamie, I need you to listen to me. Maddie’s missing.”

I spin around and glare at him. “What are ye talkin’ about?”

Callum licks his lips.

“Maddie overheard me and Ally talking things over earlier and everything got out of hand.”

I feel my eyes narrow.

“What kind of things?”

I watch Callum closely as he struggles to swallow. “I don’t have time to explain, but I need you to know that Maddie found out that Ally and I…that we…”

I turn away, to stab the pitchfork into a bale of hay, little strands of gold falling to the floor.

“That you’re having an affair?” and my anger rises.

“No, well, not exactly.”

I throw the pitchfork to the floor and swing around to face him. “What then?”

Ally pushes her way towards me, her eyes wide, defiant.

“It’s time you also knew the truth. We have a child together, a son.”

I let out a bark of laughter. “Nice try. Quit foolin’ around.”

“It’s no joke,” she snaps, turning towards Callum. “Go on; tell him.”

I stare at my brother, a slight smirk resting upon my lips.

“She’s right,” he says, his eyes dark with shame. “Ally fell pregnant just months before I became infertile.”

My smile slides off my face. “And ye ne’er told Maddie any of this?”

He shakes his head. “No. How could I tell her something that would break her heart?”

I struggle to find the right words. “You’re an arsehole,” I eventually hiss. “All that talk about nae willing to adopt for Maddie’s sake. Aye, now I ken why.”

“I’m sorry I deceived you,” Callum whispers. “I wouldn’t have done it if I’d realised Ally was going to force my hand.”