2. A Visitor Returns
A camper van drove over the bridge and onto the Glenbogle estate. It parked in the empty camping area. Out came a man in his mid to late thirties - tall, good looking, with rugged features. He strode towards the big house with a look that showed both determination and apprehension. He rang the bell but nobody answered. He tried the door and walked through the entry into the great hall. The house was quiet, except for the sound of Useless panting as he scampered down the stairs.
"Hi there", Paul said, patting the dog. "Is anyone home?" His question was answered by footsteps from above. Molly was half-way down the stairs when she saw Paul and stopped. She stared at the man whom she had been trying to forget for some time.
"Hello, Molly. It's good to see you again," he said with a slight Yorkshire accent."
"Hello, Paul," Molly said. She didn't move from her mid-stairs position.
"I'm out of the army, now. I was in the area. I thought I'd stop by," he said uncomfortably.
"Archie and Lexie are out I'm afraid. They won't be back for another hour. You can wait if you like."
"No thanks. I think I'll take a walk. I'll be back in an...
Molly had turned around and walked back upstairs before he finished speaking.
"hour."
--------
Golly and Duncan were at the loch. The sun was shining and the water was sparkling, although, it was cool, being early spring. They had no time to admire the view, as they were trying to lift an uprooted Scots pine that had fallen into the water. Even with ropes tied around it, it was too heavy.
"Ach," Golly said. "This willna do. We need another man."
"I'll get Archie," Duncan volunteered.
"He's not here," Paul said approaching the two men. "Can I help?"
"Hi, Paul," Duncan said, clapping him on the back. "What brings ye here?"
"I'm out of the army," Paul said. "I came for a visit."
"Do they know yer here?" Golly asked.
"Only Molly's home. She said I could wait for Archie and Lexie, but it was a little chilly in there, if you know what I mean."
"Aye, I think I know what ye mean," Golly said sympathetically. "We could use yer help. First let's get ye some waders to put on."
------
When Archie and Lexie came home Molly was there to greet them. "How did everything go?" she asked.
"I'm due January 21," Lexie said. Everythin' looks fine, and I have these vitamins to take."
"That's lovely," Molly said. "You will be here when the baby is born, won't you, Archie?"
"Right by Lexie's side. I wouldn't miss it for the world."
"How unlike your father," Molly said lovingly.
"Did anything happen whilst we were gone," Archie asked. "Did we get any calls?"
"Nothing," Molly said. "It's been quiet all morning."
"We noticed a camper van in the camp grounds," Lexie said. "Is someone stayin'?"
"That's Duncan's department," Molly said, uncomfortably. "Now I must finish some things before dinner." She made her escape.
"Right, I'll go talk to Duncan and see who our visitor is," Archie said.
--------
Archie went out of the house to look for Duncan when he saw his half brother coming towards him.
"Paul, what a surprise," Archie said. The two shook hands. "Are you here for a visit?"
"Yes, if that's okay with you."
"Yeah, it's fine. More than fine. Are you on leave?"
"I've taken the big leave," Paul said. "The army and I have parted company. I'm a free man now."
"Then you can have dinner with us. That must be your camper van in the campground."
"Yes, that's all right, isn't it?"
"No problem. Let's go in. Mother and Lexie will be glad to see you."
--------
Four were seated at the dining table.
"How long will ye be stayin' Paul?" Lexie asked.
"That depends on how long you will have me," Paul began nervously. "I want to be honest with you so please hear what I have to say with an open mind."
"When I returned to the army after visiting you last year, I was charged with being absent without leave. I was found guilty and was given three months in prison and a discharge. After 18 years of honourable and sometimes hazardous service I was discharged because of one mistake. Well, maybe that's not so bad. Every time a door closes a window opens, so they say.
"So now I'm out on my own looking for a job and a place to live. I came here hoping that maybe I could find both. I have a variety of skills, I'm a hard worker, and responsible. There seems to be a lot of work to do around here. I think I could help."
Paul sat back in his chair. At first there was no response from anyone. All eyes were on Archie. "Molly's eyes seemed to be saying, "Don't you dare." Lexie's eyes seemed to be saying, "He's yer brother." Paul's eyes seemed to be saying, "Let's see what kind of man you are."
Archie looked directly at Paul. "Paul, I'm glad you came to us, first. After all, we are family, and we'd love to find a place for you here. We do have a lot of work. I'm not sure it's what you have in mind, but if it is, that would be great." Paul relaxed a little.
"Having said that," Archie continued, "Even though we are family, we are essentially strangers. So tonight I'd like to talk this over with Lexie and Mother. Tomorrow you and I can talk about some work possibilities. Then maybe we can try something on a trial basis, to see how it works out for all of us."
"All right, I guess that's fair," Paul said. But his hardened face suggested he was not expecting to get fair treatment under this plan.
"Somehow, I'm not hungry anymore," Molly said as she got up. "Please excuse me." Now, all eyes watched awkwardly as Molly left in a huff.
"Paul, did ye know we're havin' a baby? Lexie asked when Molly was gone.
"No I didn't. That's great, he said with genuine interest."
"I'm glad. You didna know, that is," Lexie said. "Yer the first one in the whole village I been able to tell."
--------
After dinner, Paul got into his camper van and headed towards the village. He parked in front of the Ghillie's Rest and went inside. He received the suspicious stares awarded any stranger. He ordered a beer and wandered into the billiard room.
The billiard room was a seedy affair. It had a small fan going to keep it from being unbearably stuffy. The felt on the table was worn beyond being a good playing surface. The only adornment on the wall was a 10 year old advert for The Cinder Path, starring Catherine Zeta Jones and... the second name had been torn off.
Two men were playing. They both were about Paul's age, and a little rough looking. One was bald, with an earring. The other had a bushy red beard and a plaid cap. The men nodded at Paul as he entered the room and continued to play.
Paul could see that they were about average players. The bald one turned out to be named Gordo; the bearded one, Camden. Gordo won a close match. "Who's next?" he asked of the few people standing around. "Who dares take on the Great Gordo?" No one responded, so he looked directly at Paul "How about yew, Jim?"
"Why not," Paul said. "The name's Paul Bowman." Paul put down his glass and took the cue from Camden.
"Would ye like to make the game more interestin'?" Gordo asked. "By, Say £10."
"Okay, you're on."
--------
At Glenbogle House, Archie knocked on a bedroom door, Lexie by his side.
"Mother, may we come in."
Molly opened the door. "Come in," she said.
"We'd like to talk about Paul," Archie said.
"What's there to talk about," Molly said. "It seems your mind's made up. Paul is staying."
"Only on a trial basis," Archie said. "He is my brother. I have to give him a chance."
"Of course you do, dear," Molly said sympathetically. "You let me know how it works out. Meanwhile, I'll move into one of the crofts."
"Mother, don't be ridiculous." Archie said angrily. "There are no more available crofts."
"And besides, we want ye here, Lexie added.
"Very well, I'll just have to consider my options."
"Mother, please don't do anything rash," Archie said wearily. "I know it's difficult for you to have Paul around, but maybe once you get to know him..."
"I don't intend to get to know him if I can help it."
---------
In the billiard room at the Ghillie's Rest, most of the Paul's balls were gone from the table. Paul took a shot and knocked his last ball into the pocket. He then aimed the cue carefully and pocketed the 8 ball.
Paul smiled and turned to acknowledge his opponent. Gordo wasn't smiling, but shook his head. "I don't know what's wrong with my game tonight," he said. "I usually play better. Tell ye what. I'll play ye again for another £10."
"Okay," Paul said.
--------
Molly entered the great hall, looking over her shoulder to see if anyone else was there. She reached for the ancient black rotary telephone and dialled. "Hello Andrew. I have to talk to someone." Andrew, a handsome but somewhat mysterious man living in one of the estate's crofts had become a friend of Molly's since Hector died. "I don't know what to do. Paul is back. He seems to want to stay permanently."
"What does Archie say?" Andrew asked.
"Archie says he's his brother. He can't turn him away."
"I can see Archie's point. Do you have a problem with Paul?"
"I can't bear to look at him. He looks just like Hector as a young man."
"And you can't bear to be reminded of Hector."
"I can't bear to be reminded of Hector with Paul's mother."
"I see your point. Tell you what. I'll pick you up tomorrow at noon. We'll have luncheon, drive out to Kingussie to see the ruins, then come back to my place for dinner. "You won't have to think about him all day. What do you say?"
"Andrew that's so kind of you. You'll just have to let me help with the cooking."
"Certainly. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Bye." She hung up the phone and headed upstairs. She met Archie, carrying a cup and saucer, on the landing.
"Have you been taking care of Lexie?" she asked. "What a good boy you are," she caressed his cheek lightly. By the way, I won't be here for lunch or dinner tomorrow."
--------
At the Ghillie's Rest, Paul had just won his second game of billiards. "Sorry Gordo." Paul said. "You owe me another £10."
Gordo looked at his feet, then handed Paul the note. "Yer good, but I've done better. What do ye say to one more game at £50?"
"You're on," Paul said. "
--------
Archie and Lexie were sitting up in bed: Archie was reading something by Compton MacKenzie; Lexie had a baby name book.
"Arch," what do you think of "Cameron" for a boy?
"It's a nice traditional name. I don't think the MacDonalds fought any clan wars with the Camerons, so Father won't be rolling over in his grave."
"Oh, Cameron's a girl's name too. We could call her Cammie."
"Nah, I don't like it for a girl. It's a boy name."
"Then what about Chloe?"
"Chloe," Archie repeated, mulling it over. "Chloe's nice".
--------
The final billiard game between Paul and Gordo was taking a very different tone from the other two. Gordo had a new confidence before he even began. Now he was getting ball after ball in the pockets. Paul played well under pressure, and he knew his game wasn't changing. Gordo's had. In a very short period of time Gordo had pocketed all his balls and the eight ball. He turned to Paul with an easy smile. "I believe you owe me 50 quid."
Paul's eyes narrowed. "You tricked me." Camden and some other of Gordo's friends stood up and began to draw close. "Here's your 50 quid." Paul reached into his pocket and handed over the cash. "So this is the Glenbogle welcome, is it? I suppose all the newcomer's get it."
"No hard feelins, I hope," said Gordo. "We unemployed have to do what we can to earn a little extra dosh."
Paul walked out without answering, and went straight to the camper van. He couldn't believe he was stupid enough to fall for that old trick.
--------
Paul slept in the van and got up early the next morning. He had breakfast and wandered over to the estate office. Archie wasn't there yet, but he looked around and found Golly.
"Duncan and I are doing a bit of stalkin'. Would you like to come along?"
"I'd love to." Paul said. "But I have to meet with Archie and sort out what I'm doing here. Are you leaving right away?"
"Duncan isn't here, so I'm not goin' anywhere just yet."
"I'll see if I can find him. Maybe he's at breakfast."
--------
Archie and Lexie were in the dining room having a breakfast of porridge and fruit.
"I have the library committee this morning," said Lexie, "and after the hoose tour I go to little Matty's hoose to help his mum fill out his school forms, so I'll be needing the car."
"You can have it. I plan on being here all day."
Paul walked into the room. "Hello, there," he said.
"Good morning, Paul," Archie said. "Were you in your camper last night?"
"We expected ye to spend the night here," Lexie said.
"I thought it made sense not to bring all my stuff in until we had sorted things out about whether I'm staying or not."
"Paul, you're welcome to stay here as long as you like. It's just a question of whether there's work for you."
"As long as I like? Yesterday you said I was here on a trial basis. Which is it?"
Archie sighed. "You misunderstood."
"Well then explain it to me," Paul said.
"First of all, why don' ye sit down", Lexie said.
"I really just came her to get a time for our meeting today. My job interview," he said looking at Archie.
"We can have it right now, if you like," Archie said. "Have you eaten?"
"Yes." Paul sat down next to Archie.
"Want some coffee?"
"No thanks."
"Okay Paul, is there anything in particular you think you'd like to do at Glenbogle?"
"I was hoping I could work in the mountains, maybe lead parties up and down, and supervise camping trips at the higher levels."
"That sounds interesting. Do you have any experience with that?"
"As a matter of fact the army sent me to climbing school. I'm a certified instructor."
"Well, as it is, we have extensive trails for day hiking throughout the estate. However we've had the most of Ben Bogle off limits because we thought it was too dangerous and we didn't want the liability."
"Well, then. It sounds like I'm your man."
"I think so," Archie smiled.
"One more thing, Archie," Paul said. "Once we get things set up, the family trippers may not even need a guide. Just someone roaming the area. What I'd really like to do is set up a climbing school and lead people up the sheer side of the mountain, with ropes and clips and all the gear. Here, let me show you something I worked out." Paul pulled a wad of folded paper out of his pocket and opened it up to show Archie.
"You've been thinkin' about this for awhile," Lexie observed.
"You may recall, I recently had some time on my hands," Paul said.
"Paul," Archie said. "I'm impressed you would do this. But a climbing school would cost a lot of money. Did you include cost estimates in this proposal?
"No, I couldn't do that in prison."
"So for now let's stick with what we've talked about. Let's see how that goes. If you want to add cost estimates to this, we can talk about it then, okay? But I'll be honest with you. We don't have a lot to invest right now." He handed the papers back to Paul.
"All right, Archie. Thank you." Paul said stiffly, putting the papers back in his pocket.
"You report to me. If you need to buy anything, clear it with me first. Once we work out a budget, you'll have a freer hand in spending."
"Okay," Paul said. "Unless you have anything else for me, I'll be on my way and start familiarizing myself with the place. Golly's invited me to go stalking."
"Sounds good," Archie said.
Paul got up and turned to leave.
"Paul," Lexie said. "Welcome to Glenbogle."
--------
Paul found Golly and Duncan outside the supply office. "You're still here," Paul said. "Thanks for waiting."
"Do you have a game license?"
"I'm afraid not."
"Then I'm afraid I can't give you a rifle. Ye should get one if yer stayin'."
"It looks like I am."
"Good. Do you still want to come with us? I'll let ye hold the binoculars."
"Hey that's my job," Duncan objected.
"Ye can hold the telescope, Duncan," Golly said. "And the bullets. Ye have the bullets don't ye?"
"Aye, I have the bullets right here," Duncan searched around in his pockets until he came up with a dirty handkerchief. "I'll go get them," he said, running into the supply office.
"Actually," Paul said, "I'm especially interested in Ben Bogle. Are you headed that way?
"I'm headed that way but after that I follow the deer."
--------
Paul, Duncan, and Golly trekked through the woods looking for the small Roe Deer, for whom shooting season had begun. They carried walking sticks and wore bright orange vests.
"You must be a good shot, with your army trainin'," Duncan said to Paul.
"I'd say I'm better than most." Paul said. "I had sniper training."
Duncan whistled. "You ought to be able to hit the broad side of a deer, then."
"I never have," Paul said. "But I reckon I could."
"The deer have been here," Golly said. They've been browsin' some of these Scots Pine." He pointed to where the branches had been pulled bare. "Over here are tracks in the mud." Paul examined the tracks thoughtfully. They wandered a little farther.
"Ah hah," Golly pronounced. "Duncan, I see you found the deer scat."
"Ew", Duncan looked down at his boots with disgust and rubbed them on some moss.
"Here's some more browsing of the pine needles." Paul added.
They were climbing higher and the trees were thinning. "Look through the binoculars and tell me what ye see," Golly said when they came to open moor.
"I think I see something at the outcropping of rocks," Paul said.
Duncan looked through the telescope, "Those are our deer awright.,"
They trekked through the rough grasses with patches of rock and heather. They leapt over a tiny stream. They passed small thickets of trees and bushes. They were getting closer to the deer and had to be sure that they were downwind of their quarry. They crawled to a bush they would use as a blind and stood up.
Golly took the telescope from Duncan and surveyed the area. The herd was about 100 meters away, in the vicinity of a rocky hillock. He handed the telescope back and un-slung his gun from his shoulder.
"Duncan, the ammunition," Golly whispered.
Duncan reached around in his pockets and took out a handkerchief and the ammunition box. He took out a bullet and handed it to Golly. He put the handkerchief to his nose to suppress a sneeze.
Golly inserted the bullet in the cartridge and took aim.
Duncan sneezed with a loud kerchoo. Golly stopped himself in mid action. The deer picked up their heads and stampeded out of the area.
"Damn it Duncan," Golly said. "Couldn't ye control yerself for another 10 seconds."
"Sorry Golly. I have a bit of a cold." Duncan hung his head.
"Well, I'm in no mood to spend the next few hours stalkin' those deer just to have ye sneeze again. "Let's go home," Golly said.
They turned around and headed back.
--------
Molly stepped out of Glenbogle House just as Andrew pulled up in his car. She was carrying a bag with her sketchpad and pencils inside. "Andrew, it's so kind of you to rescue me," she said.
"My pleasure," he said, as he opened the door for her to get in.
"You'll love the Ruthven Barracks," she said, once they were driving. They're full of local history and legend."
"Luncheon first," Andrew said. "I thought we'd try this new little place called Jacobs' Larder."
"What kind of food do they serve?"
"According to the advert, a delightful blend of Scottish, Jewish, and Nouvelle cuisine."
"Sounds not to be missed."
--------
The three thwarted stalkers made the trip home mostly in silence. They passed small thickets of trees and bushes. They leapt over a tiny stream. They trekked through the rough grasses with patches of rock and heather.
"You'll have to show us how you shoot, when we get back, Paul," Duncan said breaking the silence.
"I'd be glad to.
"Can ye hit a tin can on a fence post?"
"Yeah, I can do that."
"Then ye can hit the target at the practice range."
"I should be able to hit the bull's eye five times in a row," Paul said. "If not, I'm out of practice."
"Och," Duncan said. "There must be somethin' here ye can hit. He surveyed the area with the telescope. "How about that big pinecone on that wee tree up ahead?"
"Which one?" Paul said, looking through his binoculars. There was a thicket ahead with a small Scots Pine out in front. A particularly prominent looking cone was hanging from the lowest branch. "Yeah, I see that one. I can do it."
"Let me see." Golly took the telescope from Duncan and looked. "All right, Paul," he said, handing over his rifle. "Let's see what ye can do." Paul gave Duncan the binoculars.
"Bullet, Duncan," Paul said. He loaded the rifle, took aim, and fired.
Golly and Duncan, looking through the binoculars and the telescope could see the pinecone fall. They all could hear the sound of someone crying out in pain and indignation.
--------
Jacobs' Larder proved to be a small, attractive eatery with a small clientele. Stuart Jacobs greeted them as they came in. "Our main establishment in Glasgow has been very successful," he explained. "We're branching out here."
They studied the menu and Molly ordered a bowl of chicken soup; Andrew, a plate of venison with a sweet vegetable dish, called tsimmes. They shared a slice of cheese cake for dessert with their coffee. They vowed to come back another time to try the stuffed pupik, the purported Jewish haggis.
"Now we work this meal off by climbing the ruins," Molly commented.
--------
Paul, Duncan, and Golly were running across the moor to see who Paul might have hit. Paul was first to reach the thicket. He followed the sounds to the far side of a hummock where he found his victim, a bald man with an earring, dressed in green camouflage. He was on his hands and knees trying to get up. A heavy rucksack on his back made it all the more difficult. A rifle was beside him.
"Did I hit you?" Paul asked. Gordo just growled at him.
"Oh no." Blood was seeping through the seat of his pants. "I'm sorry. I didn't see you."
Golly and Duncan came on the scene. "Gordo, I see ye been poachin' again," Golly said. He pulled out the walkie-talkie. "Archie, can you come get us in a vehicle. We have a bleedin' man here, a poacher we hit by mistake. He'll need to be taken to the hospital. Naw, I don't think he's too bad, but call 999."
"Do we have any first aid supplies?" Paul asked.
"Here, said Duncan, pulling a kit out of his rucksack.
"Gordo, if you let me take a look, I can clean you up and maybe stop the bleeding.
"Awright," Gordo groaned. "But get those two out of here."
Golly and Duncan removed themselves from the vicinity. They winced at the sounds of the yelps and moans coming from behind the hummock.
After a while Archie appeared in the Land Rover. "Where is he?"
"In there," said Paul said pointing. "He's awfully burnt up. It may not be easy for us to help him into the car."
"I'll go with you," Archie said. He and Paul went into the thicket and found Gordo behind the hummock, still on all fours.
Paul squatted to look Gordo in the eye. "Gordo, this is Archie MacDonald with me. We're going to lift you up and help you to the car. Is that okay?"
"Aye," Gordo whispered.
Archie and Paul stood on either side of Gordo. "One, two, three, heave." Gordo roared with pain but they got him up. They all linked arms around shoulders and slowly made way to the car. They helped Gordo into the back where he could lie on his side. They drove back through the estate and down the long drive and over bridge. It was not very long before the ambulance arrived.
--------
Arriving at the ruins, Andrew and Molly parked at the bottom of the grassy mound and began the climb. "Ruthven Barracks was built in the 1700s by the government to contain the growing Jacobite rebellion," Molly explained. "The Jacobites captured the barracks for a short time, but set fire to it after the defeat at Culloden. This is all that's left." she said, pointing to the shell of a stone fortress before them.
The day was becoming warm and there were many people about. They spent over an hour wandering through buildings, peering through windows, and looking up at the sky through the roofless structures.
As they were leaving they noticed someone new at the entrance. A man dressed in black, complete with black cape, mask, and beard, was sitting at a portable card table with a chess set. "Would either of you like to play," he asked. The sign said he was charging £1 for a game.
"No thank you," Molly said hastily. She took Andrew's arm and tried to go.
"Wait a minute," Andrew said. "I haven't found anyone to play chess with me since I arrived at the Highlands. I'll gladly give you a £1. Mr...
"Pocker," the chess player said. ''Lu Pocker."
"Nice to meet you, Lu. I'm Andrew Booth." The men shook hands and started to play.
Molly looked on nervously but took out her sketch pad and began to draw the scene before her.
--------
Lexie was standing at the front door of a little cottage. It looked like some of the small crofts on the estate, but it somehow housed a family of six.
The door was opened by a careworn woman not much older than herself. "Hello, Janet," Lexie said.
"Come on in, Lexie," Janet ushered her in. Soon they were sitting at the kitchen table their fingers curled around cups of tea."
"Here," Janet said, handing an official looking paper to Lexie. "I don' understand it."
Lexie looked the paper over. "It says that Matty has a learning disability which means he's probably no' gonna learn to read unless he gets some extra help."
Janet nodded.
"The district says they think they can help him by havin' a readin' specialist come into the classroom twice a week for half an hour."
"That's better than nothin'." Janet said.
"But the psychologist who tested him thinks he needs to be in a small classroom with a full time readin' specialist."
"Where are we going to find somethin' like that?" Janet asked.
"There's a classroom that would be perfect for Matty in Duthbridge. That's a 45 minute drive away, but the district should provide a van to take him there and back."
"What do we hafta do to get him into that school?"
"Check this box here, and sign your name here," she said pointing to the spaces."
Janet laboriously printed her name on the form.
"Now this may take a while, but we'll keep at them until they give Matty what he needs,"
There was a knock on the door and a red faced woman burst in. "Janet, yer man's been hurt. He's in the hospital in Inverness. They called me because you've no phone."
"How bad is he?" Janet gasped.
"They didna say, but they want you to come pick him up, so I guess he's not bad. I told them ye didna have a car but that my Charlie would pick him up when he gets home but that willna be 'til 8:00."
Janet sagged. "Thank you, Doreen," she said. She clutched at her apron nervously.
"I can take ye there noo," Lexie offered.
"And I'll watch oot for yer boys when they come home from school."
"Thank ye, both of ye," Janet said, as they all left the house.
-------
"Mate" Lu Pocker said as he moved his knight to Andrew's king.
"Good game," Andrew said.
"You're not a bad player," Lu said. "It took me twenty minutes to beat you. I usually win in under ten."
"Let's go," Molly said, practically dragging Andrew away.
"I'm sorry, was that boring for you?" Andrew asked peevishly.
"That's not it," Molly said in a low voice. "I know this sounds silly but that man made me uneasy."
"Why?" Andrew asked. "The silly costume he was wearing.?"
"It's the legend," Molly explained. "Before the barracks were built there was a castle here. It describes it in this brochure. 'In 1394 a visitor dressed all in black arrived at Ruthven Castle and challenged the Laird of Badenoch to a game of chess. By morning, no-one was left alive: for such are the perils of playing chess with the Devil.'"
"Ha, Andrew laughed. "That explains why he was dressed all in black."
"And his name. Pocker is a name for the Devil."
"That rascal. So that wasn't even his real name."
"Andrew, it gave me the shivers when you shook hands with him."
"Molly, you don't really believe that silly man back there is the Devil, do you?"
"Oh no," Molly protested.
"Let's go into the town to check out the shops," Andrew suggested with a bemused smile.
--------
Back at Glenbogle House, Archie, Paul, Golly, and Duncan were getting out of the Land Rover, when they saw a police car coming down the drive. They stood waiting for what was to come next. The police car stopped at the house and PC Callum McLean got out.
"Good afternoon," he said. "I'm here to investigate a shootin'."
"We can discuss this in my office," Archie suggested.
--------
In the office, PC Callum McLean was sitting in Archie's chair with his feet on the desk while the rest were seated around him in folding chairs.
"So ye tell me that three of ye went stalkin', but you had only one gun between ye."
"Aye," Golly confirmed. "I'm the only one with a game license. Duncan was trackin'. Paul was observin'."
"Hmm," PC Callum McLean said taking notes."
"And yew, Mr. Bowman," had the additional assignment of shootin' pinecones."
"No," Paul said. "It's something I did on the spur of the moment, for target practice."
"But I thought ye didna have a gun," PC Callum McLean said, trying to trip up the suspect.
"Golly lent me his," Paul explained.
"Let me get this straight," PC Callum McLean said trying a new tack. "The bullet went through a pinecone, through a hummock and hit Mr Gordon Strachan in the bum. If ye'll excuse me, Mr Bowman, that doesn't make sense."
"Gordo was squatting behind the bush, turned away from us."
"Why do ye suppose he might have been doin' that?" PC Callum McLean mused.
"I believe he was answering the call of nature," Paul said using the strictly neutral tone he had learned when speaking to his superiors in the army. Duncan guffawed and clapped his hand in front of his mouth.
"Call of nature," PC Callum McLean wrote methodically. "Awright, I have no further questions at this time. I'll be talkin' to Mr Gordon Strachan, of course, assumin' he is still alive and we will proceed from there," he said getting up from the chair.
"Still alive?" Paul said incredulously, showing the first sign of emotion of the interview.
"Mr MacDonald," PC Callum McLean advised, "I hope your insurance is up to date." He scanned the faces in the room until he got to Duncan. He glared at Duncan and left.
"I'm sorry, Archie," Paul said. "Obviously, I didn't mean for this to happen."
"Of course you didn't," Archie said sternly. "But we're lucky he didn't get more seriously hurt or worse. "
"And Golly. How could you let him shoot into a thicket. You never used to let us do that. 'Never assume a thicket is unoccupied.' Remember you used to drill that into us?"
"I got careless. I'm sorry Archie."
"I'm the one that put him up to it," Duncan confessed. He was so used to being the one chewed out that he felt left out when it was someone else's turn.
"Okay," Archie said. "Does anyone else have anything to add. If not, I need to check the insurance policy."
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Lexie and Janet made good time getting to the hospital. Finding Janet's husband once they got there was another matter. They finally spotted him seated in the cafeteria sipping from a Styrofoam cup. He eyed them suspiciously as they approached.
"How'd ye get here?" he asked.
"This is Lexie MacDonald, who's been helpin' me with Matty and the school. Yew know, the laird's new wife," she said.
He eyed Lexie suspiciously and grunted.
"This is my husband, Gordon. What happened Gordon?"
"I'll tell ye later," he muttered and struggled to his feet and slung the backpack over his shoulder. Golly had kept his gun.
"This way to the car," Lexie said.
They walked to the car park, a little slowly for Gordo's benefit, and found the car. Gordo dismissed any offers of assistance and gingerly eased himself into the passenger seat.
"Everyone buckled?" Lexie asked. She began to drive. That's when the moaning began.
"Gordon, are ye all right?" Janet asked.
"Fine, dear, I'm just in a wee bit of pain."
"Didna the doctors give ye anythin' for it?"
"They did but it's wearin' off. Ohhh. It's worse when ye go over a bump."
"I'll try to be more careful," Lexie said. She noticed that Gordo's reaction to a bump was somewhat delayed.
"Ach, so yer the laird's wife. I have a bone to pick with the laird," Gordo said.
"What's that?" asked Lexie, genuinely hoping she could help.
"Nothin' to do with you, lady," he said. "It's between me and the laird. He'll hear about it soon enough."
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Molly and Andrew were strolling through the village centre. They were just coming out of the doll house store when they saw someone waving at them. It was the Chess Man, Lu Pocker.
"Don't look at him", Molly said. "Walk fast."
"Why? He's perfectly harmless." But he quickened his pace to keep up with Molly.
"He makes my flesh crawl," Molly said, walking even faster. They turned a corner.
"Why don't we go in here," Andrew said when they passed a tea shop, but Molly hurried on. "Okay, we'll go home," he said. Molly let him guide her to the car. She was just getting into the passenger seat, with Andrew closing the door, when Lu Pocker reached them. He was dressed as before but had taken off his mask.
Andrew stood between Molly and their pursuer to protect her from whatever it was she was frightened of. "What do you want?" Andrew asked, by now, a little frightened, himself.
"You left so fast," Lu Pocker said. "I hoped I could see the picture Mrs MacDonald was sketching of us."
"How do you know her name?" was all Andrew could think to say.
"I was on the Glenbogle House tour last week with my students. She was a wonderful guide. Even the kids appreciated her. I saw some of her watercolours for sale but I didn't have a chance to really look at them because I was too busy with the kids."
Molly rolled the car window down and peeked out from behind Andrew's back. "What did you say your name was?"
"My real name is Hal Innes." Andrew stepped aside and Molly got out of the car.
"Of course, Mr Innes. I'm so sorry I didn't recognise you in your costume. You asked the question about the coat of arms."
"Yes. I was hoping I could see the sketch you did today. I did so like your watercolours."
"Oh, I couldn't," Molly said, suddenly embarrassed.
"Molly," Andrew chided, "Mr Innes is an admirer of your work. You're not going to disappoint him because of shyness, are you?"
"I'm sorry, it's not very good" she said uncomfortably.
"Here, let's just take a look," Andrew said, reaching for the sketch pad in Molly's open bag. Molly did not protest but she stared daggers at Andrew.
Andrew flipped through the book to the correct page and started to laugh. Mr. Innes looked over his shoulder and he, too, started to laugh. So, finally did Molly. At least no one was offended.
The picture she had drawn was a perfectly good likeness of Andrew playing chess with Hal Innes/aka Lu Pocker. You could see their hair ruffled by the breeze. Andrew was studying the board while his opponent was in the process of lifting a pawn. It was a perfect likeness of Mr Innes except that he was shown with horns on his head and cloven hooves for feet.
"Mrs MacDonald, I must have this picture," Mr Innes said. "What can I pay you for it?"
"Nothing" Molly said. "I think I'd pay you to get it off my hands. Here." She tore the sheet carefully from the pad and handed it to him.
"Thank you," Mr Innes said.
"Thank you again for the game," Andrew said.
"Good bye," Molly said sweetly. "Do come back to Glenbogle and ask for me."
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Dinner at Glenbogle House was for three. Paul and Archie told Lexie about the accident and subsequent police investigation.
"If Gordo takes legal action, I not sure the insurance will cover it," Archie said gravely. "It depends on whether they consider a pinecone a legitimate target for target practice." He gave Paul a sideways look. The air was thick with tension between them.
Molly entered the room, looking irate. "Andrew and I just came from the Ghillie's Rest, where all the talk is of Paul shooting a poacher."
"It was an accident, Molly," Paul said. "I couldn't see him."
"Indeed." She turned to Archie. "I trust that you will tell him, that's not how we do things around here. This isn't the Wild West."
"It won't happen again." Archie said.
"Hmm," she said as she exited the room.
"How was your day, dear?" Archie asked Lexie in a faintly sarcastic tone.
"Strangely connected to yers," Lexie said. "This Gordo Strachan Paul shot is the father of the little boy I've been tryin' to get special schooling for. I was there when his wife got word that he was in the hospital, so I drove her there and brought him home."
"That's good," Paul said. "Maybe he won't sue us because you're a friend."
"I hope yer right," Lexie said. "But Gordo said ye'd be hearin' from him, Archie. He sounded ominous."