Footprints – Chapter 1

She searched through the data file loaded onto the computer, smiling and her eyes fixed on the screen, while she continued reading the contents. Skylar got the impression it wouldn't be something, which would catch the eyes of everyone, but it caught the eyes of her. She couldn't help but smile upon understanding she was half Scottish and that her father had spent some of his childhood years in Germany.

Her fingers drummed on the desk as she became lost in thought, staring at the screen, eyes fixed on the photo of her father's Scottish home: Skyfall Lodge. The house looked beautiful, yet somehow haunted. Her father had never spoke a word to her about his life, about his family. But now it seemed Skylar was letting light into the shadows.

Soon after, she jerked back in her seat, thoughts swimming across her mind. She could go there! Possibly. Skylar sighed deeply; aware that she was longing to visit the place she felt was part of her. A moment later she wrote down the Skyfall postcode and searched the route in Google. Upon finding the travel route, Skylar printed the map and placed it in her handbag. She smiled and closed the data file.

Straight away she headed to the living room, slumping on the sofa. She watched Henry while he sat watching cartoons, his eyes on the TV. Skylar grabbed her handbag and read through the maps, showing the route to Skyfall. Sometime later, she heard Mark strolling towards her and smiled when he kissed her on the cheek.

"Hey."

"Hi, hon."

"What's that?"

"Oh…umm…road maps to Scotland," Skylar said, "I'm still tracing my family and I found out there's connections in Glencoe."

"As in?"

"My dad spent his childhood there. Well, some of it and my grandfather owned a house up there." She glanced at Mark and put her arm around him. "This probably isn't the most exciting thing in the world but I just feel…oh God, I can't even describe it."

"Happy?"

"Yeah. Knowing I have something to look for."

"Well, Scotland does have interesting history." Mark smiled.

His wife nodded in agreement. Skylar drew in a breath and them spoke.

"Mark, I'm planning to go there…alone." She paused. "It's just a bit personal and knowing what an emotional wreck I can be, you probably wouldn't want to put up with a blubbering excuse for a wife. I just need some time to find this out and I don't want to end up boring you and Henry to death. I know that wouldn't be fair on both of you."

"It's fine, sweetheart. How long are roughly going for?"

"No more than a few days; three at most."

Suddenly, Mark and Skylar became aware of their son glancing at them.

"Mummy, you're not going forever are you?"

Skylar shook her head and kissed his forehead.

"It's just a few days, Henry. There's just family stuff I want to find out. I'll come back."

She got up from the sofa and began packing. As soon as she had what she needed, Skylar picked up her bags, maps and kissed Mark and Henry goodbye.

"You know I always come back," she assured them.

The door of their house shut on its hinges and Skylar paced towards the car.

XXXX

Her journey was peaceful, as she heard nothing, except for the sounds of cars on the motorway. That wasn't what she was focusing on. In the corner of her mirror, a dark car advanced closer. She grumbled, understanding the dangers of tailgating. Then the car quickened. At that moment, her heart thudded violently. A gun was positioned out the window, aiming for her car.

"Shit!" Skylar screamed in realisation.

The bullet fired, the car behind her increasing power. Skylar clamped her foot on the accelerator, knowing the car was close in pursuit as she darted down the motorway, rocketing between passing cars.

BANG!

More bullets. Skylar clutched the wheel, hearing only the screeching of tires and the pounding of blood in her veins. The pursing car clipped her heels as Skylar weaved in and out of passing cars that became no more than blurs in her eyes. She narrowly avoided clipping the hard shoulder as she kept her foot down, checking the mirror. They were still close, if not metres from her car. Would pulling off the motorway be enough to confuse them? It was worth trying if it meant getting out alive.

Skylar pushed her foot further, the force of gravity throwing her back as she made a sharp left off the motorway. Her heart thudded and thudded. Were they gone? She gasped while looking behind. It was still there so she accelerated into the alley, swerving down another lane. She checked in the mirrors. It didn't drive past. The car was gone. She was safe now. Everything around her began to slow, except for the thrumming of her racing heart.

Minutes later Skylar hauled her bag up, fumbling for her phone. Her body was shaking, tears spilling from her eyes and her hands trembled as she dialled 999.

"H-Hello? I need the police. I've been shot at. These men were t-trying to kill me. They chased me down the A9, but I got away. My name's Skylar. Skylar Alden."

A/N: Here's the first chapter of the sequel. Sorry it took a while to plunge into the action but I hope it was good. I'll try to update ASAP. Please post reviews.