CHAPTER 2- A CHANGE OF SCENERY

Frank was breathing hard, his leg muscles burning, trying to keep up with Joe as they ascended the mountain. Frank, at 6 foot 1, was an inch taller than his brother and just as fit as him, if a little less muscular around the chest and shoulders, but Joe was stretching him. He was setting a blistering pace, running up all but the trickiest sections of the climb. This wasn't the relaxing hike Frank had had in mind at all!

The boys had been in Scotland for three days now. They had spent two days in Edinburgh, the country's capital city, with their father, doing the obligatory touristy things. Frank had loved it, especially the castle and the old section of the town leading up to it. The narrow, cobbled streets wound up and down, to and fro across the slope leading up to the back of the rocky crag the castle clung to. The architecture seemed trapped in time- a stark contrast to the vibrant contemporary culture of the area.

Joe appeared to have appreciated it too, although he wasn't saying much. He seemed down again. Distant, distracted and introverted. But, then again, his mood still tended to nosedive if he wasn't busy- it could be that the hanging about between flights while they were travelling hadn't helped. It perhaps wasn't surprising Joe was treating their hike as some sort of military training challenge. For all he was getting better, he was still a hundred miles from being the exhuberant, care-free youth with the quick sense of humour that had been Frank's best friend for so many years. He would give anything to see Joe smile again, the way he used to.

Frank had been feeling pretty grumpy himself since his argument with Callie. They hadn't parted on good terms. The argument had flared up again, despite Frank's best efforts to distract her. She had shouted. He had shouted. She had finished with the inevitable 'It's him or me' ultimatum, then marched out of the house.

He did love her but she could be selfish at times. There was no way he was going to set up house with her- they were only 19! And the idea of having to drop Joe to stay with her was absurd. He hoped she would see how unreasonable she was being while they were away, otherwise it could be the end for Frank and Callie. He did need to pin Joe down to talk about their plans for the future though. Tonight, their first night together under canvas, seemed like a golden opportunity. He would feel happier when he knew where they were going in life.

Looking ahead up the rocky path, he saw Joe. He'd reached the summit of the mountain, which was marked by a small pile of stones called a cairn. He was standing stock still, looking away from Frank. Frank pushed himself into a last burst of speed and caught up with him.

Joe turned, shooting him a lop-sided smile. 'Took you long enough, Grandad!'

'It's not a race, Joe, what's the hurry! We're meant to be on holiday!' Frank panted, glowering at his brother.

Frank stepped alongside Joe and his bad mood evaporated. They stood together in silence, appreciating the view. The scenery was extraordinary. Rolling hills and jagged peaks, interspersed with ribbon-like lochs in deep valleys, stretched as far as they could see. The hillsides were streaked with purple. The heather that covered them was beginning to come into flower and seemed to glow in the bright sunlight. It was beautiful. The ruins of deserted settlements, telling tales of crofting families uprooted from their homes back through the mists of time, were dotted around the landscape lending it an almost eerie atmosphere.

They were standing on the highest point of the Sgurr nan Ceathreamhnan in the North West Highlands of Scotland. The boys hadn't attempted to pronounce the Gaelic name, but apparently it meant 'Peak of the Four Quarters'. It had been recommended to them as a great place to head to as part of their week-long hike through the Highlands.

Inhaling the crystal clear air, Frank felt himself relax. He smiled, turning to his younger brother. 'Come on Joe, let's get going. If we hurry, we should to make it to Castle Sinclair before the weather breaks.' Rain and wind were forecast for a few hours that night- not for long enough to have put the boys off their trip, but they would be better to be safely ensconced in their tent before it started.

Joe nodded. He set off down the other side of the mountain at a steady jog, this time heading westwards, towards the sea. Frank rolled his eyes and ran a hand through his dark hair, then pulled out his map to double check they were heading the right way.

The boys had decided to spend the night near a ruined castle sited on a low cliff by the sea. Frank in particular had a real fascination with historical monuments, which Scotland was abound with. Having seen a picture of Castle Sinclair on a website, he had decided it was a must. Smiling in anticipation, he folded his map back up and set off after Joe.

….

It was twilight by the time the brothers reached the castle.

The dark, brooding ruin seemed to hang over the edge of the narrow cliff promontory, defying gravity. The land it was on was almost an island, jutting out into the sea, but a narrow stretch of ground joined it to the mainland on one side. The remainder of its circumference was defined by high cliffs, the sea crashing around their base. A stone gatehouse was built across the narrow land bridge, controlling the only point of access. It towered in to the sky, as if daring them to try to enter. Yawning holes in the walls of the main castle building behind it spoke of six hundred years of relentless attack by the elements. What stories the place could tell of the lives that had begun and ended here!

Joe seemed impressed. 'Wow. It's kinda spooky isn't it! Do you think it's haunted….?' He said, almost able to believe it could be.

Frank smiled. 'I wouldn't have thought so. Although it is meant to be. Supposedly it has a Grey Lady and a Green Man.'

'Not that surprising. It's got some atmosphere!'

The boys walked down to the cliff edge, looking up at the castle. They spotted a narrow path just before the castle entrance. It was cut into the cliff and lead down to a small, sandy beach below. Joe turned and scrambled down it, hoping to find an angle from which they could see more of the ancient building. A skeletal pier ran across the beach from the foreshore out to sea, only the timber uprights surviving. It added to the ghostly feel of the place. Joe wondered if the pier as old as the castle. Had the inhabitants set sail to fish and fight from here?

The two brothers walked to the edge of the sea. The tide was quite far out and they found could make out the most of the length of the castle.

'It's huge! It must have been quite a sight when it was all standing. You wouldn't attack that in a hurry would you!' said Joe.

'Yeah.' Frank nodded, lost in thought. He shook himself. 'Anyway, it's getting a bit dark for exploring. We better get the tent pitched and well tied down before the weather changes. We can look round tomorrow. Okay?'

Joe agreed, butterflies suddenly materialising in his stomach. Ever since he made his life-changing decision, he had avoided talking to Frank. He was still sure he was doing the right thing, but he was going to miss Frank immeasurably. The idea of going it alone made him feel hollow. Not scared, just like something vital would be missing. He was dreading having that conversation. There would be no going back.

So, while they were travelling he'd stuck in his headphones and listened to music, or feigned sleep. Today he'd marched ahead of Frank. But tonight…..conversation would be unavoidable. He prayed that the subject of their future just wouldn't come up. He didn't want to spoil their holiday by announcing he wanted to end their partnership. He wanted to wait until they were on their way home, so he could make the most of his last few weeks with Frank. But it was a subject that would probably be high on Frank's agenda. He hoped vehemently that Frank would take his decision well and not as a rejection. Maybe he would even be pleased!

The boys picked out a sheltered spot for their tent, nestled in a hollow on a steep slope overlooking the castle. They built a small campfire and cooked up some sausages.

'Reminds me of when we were kids. I can't remember the last time we did this kind of thing!' Frank remarked.

'Yes. One difference though.' Said Joe, pulling two bottles of beer out of his rucksack with a grin and passing one to Frank.

The boys sat round their campfire as darkness drew in, talking about safe things- the places they had been and the cases they had tackled together. Joe started to relax, enjoying his brother's company. Then, out of a comfortable silence came the dreaded question. 'So, little brother, what are we going to do with ourselves now? We've had all these great offers. What should we go for?'

When Joe hadn't replied after a moment, Frank looked up, over the campfire at him.

Joe was gazing into the flames, a sad look on his handsome face.

'Joe? You okay?'

Joe shook himself and smiled weakly.

'Sure, sorry, I was miles away. Yeah, lots of options. What about you and Callie, though? You thinking you might, I don't know, move in with her or something? She's a great girl!'

Frank frowned, puzzled at the change of subject. 'Well, no. Actually…..we had a bit of a fight before we left. I'm not sure if things are going to work out with us.'

Joe's face fell. He did not want to be the reason for Frank and Callie splitting up. 'No, no, no Frank, no! Please no. She's so right for you. You've always said she was.'

'I know, but she gave me an ultimatum which I didn't appreciate.'

Joe didn't know what to say. He already knew what it was. He so didn't want to talk about it. Not now. But there was no way around it. He would have to ask or he would seem uncaring, disinterested. He cleared his throat. 'Oh?'

'She wants me to move in with her. She wants us to go to college together. She….'

Joe cut in, plastering a big grin on his face. 'Sounds great, what's the problem? Go for it!'

'Joe, stop it. I've not finished. She thinks you and I should be doing something different. As in not together. She thinks…you're too dependent on me and it's not healthy. Isn't that crazy?'

Joe didn't answer for a moment. He looked down at his beer bottle. He wanted to say 'Yes, it's crazy, we're a team! We're fine, she's the one with the problem' and stay in his happy bubble, catching baddies with his beloved big brother till they were too old to chase them anymore.

But he knew he couldn't. He had a speech all prepared. He was meaning to sound happy and positive about the exciting independent future he had planned for himself. But this was Frank. Now it had come to the crunch he found he couldn't bring himself to lie like that.

'Joe?'

Joe's mouth opened and closed. He couldn't find the right words. Concerned, Frank stood up and moved around the fire, crouching by his brother. He reached over to put a hand on his shoulder. Joe raised his own hand and stopped him. 'Please don't, you'll just make this harder.'

Frank looked down at Joe's hand, then up at his tense face. Joe's blue eyes were avoiding his gaze. 'What? What's going on?'

'Maybe…..maybe she's right. I've decided. I…..I think we should go our separate ways. Doesn't need to be forever. Just, you know, do our own things for a few years. I thought I might take a couple of years out, go travelling by myself. Something like that. Give us both some space. I have got way too dependent on you. And I really appreciate your support, don't get me wrong. But it's no good for either of us. It has to stop.'

Frank's jaw dropped. He had not seen this coming! 'What? But we're partners! You'd do the same for me! You're not over-dependent. You've just had a bad time, that's all.' His eyes narrowed. 'Joe, did Callie talk to you too?'

Joe still looked away from his brother. 'Callie? No. Why? Last time I saw her she was surgically attached to your lips. Anyway, it's important to me to get some independence. I'm not a kid.'

Frank didn't know what to think. He couldn't believe Joe was wanting to do this after everything they'd been through together! 'I never said you were! Joe, where did this come from? We've always wanted to do the detective thing together. Always! Since when have you wanted to go travelling? Where? Why?'

'I don't know…..to find myself?'

Frank raised an eyebrow. 'Find yourself? Seriously?'

'OK, that's bullshit.' Joe took a deep breath. He glanced at Frank's rich brown eyes. He saw the hurt and confusion in them and looked away hurriedly, over towards the castle. 'OK. Frank. I overheard you and Callie talking. Fighting. I didn't mean to, it just happened. I'm sorry.'

Frank processed the information and shut his eyes as he remembered the content of the conversation.

'I heard you say it's not easy being there for me all the time, that you feel you have to look out for me.' Joe said softly, trying to hide the hurt look in his eyes.

Frank shook his head, frowning in consternation. 'Joe, I'm so sorry. I know I said that, but... that's just not quite what I meant. I… I meant it's not easy seeing you suffer when life kicks you in the teeth yet again. Being there for you is the easiest thing in the world! I don't want to stop doing that! And maybe I do feel like it's my responsibility to look out for you. But that doesn't mean I don't want to do it!'

Joe wavered for a second, but then found his resolve. He had to do this. For Frank. 'Frank, you've been the best brother anyone ever had and I don't think I'd even be here today if it wasn't for you. But Callie had a point.'

'No she didn't, Joe! She was being petty and jealous.'

'Well, I think she had a point. And I think if I don't go off to do my own thing I'll always feel like I was holding you back from doing what you really wanted to.'

Frank's jaw dropped. 'Joe, that's bullshit!' he snapped. 'I'm always honest with you! Don't you think I'll tell you want I really want to do? Don't I get a say in this?'

Joe set his jaw, still determined he was doing the right thing. 'No. I'm sorry. My mind's made up, Frank.'

Frank shook his head in disbelief and stood up, putting his hands on his head. He turned away from his brother. 'Oh right, so that's it then. And when are you planning to take this….trip?'

'I'll leave as soon as we get home.'

Frank turned back. He knelt down again, trying to get Joe to make eye contact, but failing. 'Joe…this is crazy. Why can't we travel together? I'd be up for that if it's really what you want to do.'

Joe raised his voice in sudden exasperation. 'Frank, don't you see, that's the problem! I feel like you'll do anything if you think it's what I want to do. What I want is for you to do is….. what you actually want to do! The only way for me to know that's happened is for me to get the hell away from you and let you get on with your life without having to worry about me.' He saw Frank opening his mouth to protest and shook his head. 'Please, there's nothing you can say. Don't make it harder.'

Joe stood up and walked away into the night, leaving his brother reeling.

He stared after Joe. 'What the hell just happened?' he murmured.