8 Sweet and Soured Dreams
It was a slow morning in bed. Archie was sitting with his knees up. Lexie was lying on her side, the only position still comfortable in mid pregnancy.
"Lexie, if you could live anywhere in the world where would you live?"
"Glenbogle."
"I mean besides here."
"Oh...Tahiti might be nice."
"I'd live in California. The Napa Valley. Have a vineyard and a winery."
Lexie shrugged, then caught a look from Archie. "Is that your first choice or second to Glenbogle?"
"I don't know. When I became laird, I thought I was going to be laird for life. But then Paul came, and Lizzie. And with them all the memories of Jamie, and the guilt. I realized Paul would make as good a laird as me and maybe he should be. I don't deserve it."
"Why on earth no'?"
"Don't you see? I was never meant to be here. It only happened because I killed Jamie."
"You didna kill Jamie. It was an accident."
"That's the way I've always felt inside," he said placing his hand on his chest. "And Father, too – that's what he really thought."
"Your father thought a lot of crazy things. That didna make them true."
"Listen, I'm just asking you to think about it. I wouldn't expect us to make a move until after the baby's born. And it doesn't have to be California. It can be anywhere we decide upon together. Okay?"
"Archie, I'm your wife and I love ye. If ye have any sensible reason for wantin' to leave here, I'll consider it. But sayin' you killed Jamie just doesna make sense. I think yer the one who needs to think about it."
--------
The day began overcast with rain clouds on the horizon. A thunderstorm was predicted for later. Not surprisingly, there weren't many visitors to the Wildlife Centre. Archie walked through the park, an umbrella under his arm, to let everyone know that once the rain had emptied the place of visitors, they had the rest of the day off. He then continued to the estate office, feeling as heavy as the approaching clouds, thinking about what he was about to say to Paul.
-------
Molly and Lexie were lingering over breakfast. "Amsterdam was wonderful," Molly was saying. We went to the Van Gogh museum, to an outdoor cheese market, had some marvellous meals..."
"But Molly," Lexie pressed. "What about yew and Andrew. This was a big step, the two of ye takin' a trip like this together. Are things progressin'?"
"To be honest, I think they are," Molly smiled impishly. "For a while I thought he was going to propose to me right there. I think he visited a diamond merchant. But tomorrow we are having luncheon together. It's the anniversary of our first meeting. He says he has a surprise."
"I hope it is what ye think," Lexie said.
"I hope so too," Molly said. "I think."
"Ye think? Is there any doubt?"
"It's such a big step. And it's been less than a month since I took off Hector's ring. But Andrew does make me happy."
"Then go fer it. It's not often you get a chance for happiness."
--------
Paul walked into the estate office. "Hello Archie," he said cheerfully.
"Paul, sit down," Archie said, trying to appear positive. "I'll be honest. This is a great proposal. I'd really like to fund it."
"But," Paul said, already realizing the worst was yet to come.
"But it's between this and the beaver acquisition that Jess and I have been working on. We can't afford both. The beavers are more in line with what we already do. I'm sorry Paul, maybe next year."
"What, and next year you decide you want to start breeding Shetland ponies, and it's 'Sorry Paul'. You know, I don't think you're ever going to fund a project of mine no matter how good it is, because you really don't want me around."
"That's not true."
"And you know why? You feel threatened because I know what I'm doing and I'm prepared to act independently. Probably because I remind you of Jamie. You're a little brother with a Napoleon complex. You have to push your weight around to feel big."
"Screw you, Paul," Archie said leaning forward. "You don't know the first thing about Jamie and me. And you don't know what I had to do to pay off our debts and keep the bank from turning us out onto the streets. So if you don't like the way I run things you can just get the hell out of here."
Paul leaned forward, too. "Okay, I will," he seethed, baring his teeth. He stormed out.
--------
Outside lightning cracked and the sky opened up. It was pouring buckets. Everyone scurried for shelter or for the mackintoshes or their umbrellas. It wasn't long before the visitors cleared out and the park staff were free for the day.
Rosie and Duncan ran to Duncan's house. They were both soaking wet by the time they got inside.
"I'll get you somethin' to change into," he said. He went to his room and came back with a kilt, a jersey and some wool socks. "You can change in the toilet." Duncan returned to his room to change and came back looking essentially the same as he did when he went in. Rosie emerged from the toilet laughing. The jersey came down to her thighs, but that was just as well, as the kilt was too big for her waist and was riding on her hips. It hung at mid-calf length.
They arranged their wet things on the radiators.
"Come sit on the lounge with me," Duncan said.
"What's this?" Rosie said as she sat down. "Yer readin' a book, Duncan." She picked it up and read the title. "Human Re-pro-duc-tion." She looked puzzled.
"That's about havin' babies and stuff," Duncan explained.
"Right, like Archie and Lexie."
"Right."
She opened the book to the first page. Duncan put his arm around her.
"That's the woman," Duncan said. "But ye know all aboot that."
"Nice." Rosie said.
She turned the page. "Very nice... but ye know all aboot that, don't ye Duncan," she smiled and gave him a sideways glance.
"Yeah," he said with a chuckle.
She turned the page. "Oh, I've heard about this." She paused at this page for a while.
She turned the page again. "I never heard about that!"
"We don' have to look at that page if you don' like."
"Naw, I didna say that."
Duncan was now fingering Rosie's matted curls that were beginning to spring to life again. "Take as long as ye like, then" he said.
--------
Lexie stormed into the estate office. It was raining hard outside and the rain was dripping off her Mac and her shoes were soaking.
"Archie, Paul said ye fired him."
"No, I didn't."
"He's packin' his stuff and bringin' it out to his camper van in the pourin' rain."
"Sounds like he's quitting."
"It sounds like ye told him you couldna fund his climbin' school today."
"Yes, he didn't take it well."
"Archie, ye can't just let him leave."
"It's his choice, Lexie."
"Did ye have a proper talk about it or did ye just yell at each other?"
"We yelled."
"Then go talk to him Archie. He does the work of two people around here. Ye can't just let him go."
"The thing is, I can't offer him anything. He wants that climbing school. I can't afford it along with our other things."
"Why don't we get a loan?"
"Oh no, and be in debt to the bank again? I won't have the Stellas of the world breathing down my neck again."
"It wouldna be as much as before. There would be much less to lose. And besides, ye said his plan is sound. It would be a good investment.
"I don't know. I like being solvent."
"Archie, this mornin' you were talkin' about leavin' Glenbogle and lettin' Paul become laird. Now you're not fundin' his very sound proposal and forcin' him to leave. What's goin' on with ye?
"I don't know, Lexie, I guess I don't know what I want."
"It seems to me that livin' and workin' with Paul is a problem for ye. If Paul's here, ye want to be somewhere else. If he leaves, then ye have to stay. Is that it?"
"I guess so."
"Does that make any sense?"
"To me it does."
"Can ye explain it so it makes sense to me?"
"It's complicated. Because I killed Jamie, I feel I shouldn't be laird. I became laird only because there was nobody else to fill the role. Now that Paul is here there is somebody else. Consequently I feel like I should leave and let Paul become laird. However, if he leaves first, that lets me off the hook because once again, I'm the only one... You're right Lexie. I can't do that to Paul. I'd be getting rid of another brother just so I can be laird. What a bastard I'm being. I'll go tell him right away that he can have the climbing school.
--------
"Duncan, I've never seen a book like this before. I didna know they had them." Rosie turned the page. "What's this?" she asked.
"That's about what to do if ye don' wanna have a baby."
"Ohh. My mum would of liked to know about this," she said. "But then me and Callum would never be born."
"No way," Duncan protested.
"Well maybe Callum would of been. Mum always favoured him because his father was a gentleman. Mine was only a lollipop man," she said with tears in her eyes. "But who went and looked after her when she was old and didna know who we were anymore. It was me." Now she was sobbing.
"Oh Rosie, Rosie," Duncan drew her close. "I don' care who yer father was. I'm glad ye were born." He started kissing her cheeks, her eyes, her nose. Anywhere there were tears. "I love ye, Rosie."
"Oh," said Rosie, sniffling and wiping her eyes. "Nobody's ever said anythin' like that to me before. I love ye too, Duncan."
The two embraced for some time before Duncan started kissing her face again. "Ye know what I'm thinkin'?" he asked.
"Let me guess," said Rosie. "Ye want to do human reproduction with me?"
"Aye," said Duncan. "I do if ye want to."
"Aye," Rosie said, "I think I do."
Duncan was now kissing her neck and stroking her back.
"But Duncan?"
"Uh huh," he said between kisses.
"I think we should do it the not havin' a baby way."
"Aye," he said. He kissed her mouth, she responded in kind, and that was the end of their conversation for a while.
--------
Archie found Paul at the camper van, loading his stuff. Paul was wet enough wearing a mackintosh, but Archie had run out without even his umbrella and was already soaked through.
"Paul, may we talk?"
"What?"
"I don't want you to go."
"I thought I was fired. You told me to get the hell out of here."
"I was angry."
"I told you some things back there that probably made me deserve to get fired."
"You can't get out of it that easily. You're a MacDonald. We have to take you as you are whether we like you or not on any particular day."
"Thanks, Archie. But I have to think things over. I have to decide if this is the best place for me to be in terms of a career. I need more responsibility than I've been getting."
"I understand. I've been talking things over with Lexie. As usual, she's the one with the clearer head. We're debt free now. There's no reason why we can't borrow money to start the Climbing School."
"Really?"
"I'll make the initial contact with the bank to introduce you. You'll be in charge of the whole shebang after that."
"That's fantastic, Archie. I won't let you down. And I'm sorry about those things I said. They were uncalled for."
"That's okay. I deserved some of it. And Paul, if ever you feel like you need some more responsibility let me know. I'd be happy to offload some of my things, especially after the baby comes.
Thanks Archie.
Archie was wetter than he had been since that day in the loch, but he felt good.
--------
"Rosie, here are your clothes. They're dry," Duncan said entering his bedroom. Rosie was sitting up in bed, the covers to her chin, with a contented cat sort of look. Duncan was about to sit on the bed next to her when he heard a knock on the door.
"I'll see who that is," he said.
It was PC Callum McLean speaking in his most official voice. "Duncan McKay, ye have three outstandin' parkin' tickets and two outstandin' speedin' tickets datin' back to last March 17 of this year."
"Och, Constable, I keep meanin' to pay them." Duncan dug into his sporran and pulled out a few notes. "Will £7 do fer noo?"
PC Callum McLean continued his litany. "Although ye have been sent a total of 10 reminders and two warnings, you have sent no payment. As it states clearly on the reminder notices, every 30 days ye do not pay, the fines double."
Rosie popped out of the bedroom and approached the two men. "Hi Callum, what are ye doin' here?"
"What are ye doin' here, Rosie?"
"I'm visitin' Duncan, what d'ye think?"
"We can discuss that later. Right now I'm on official business." He turned to Duncan.
"As of noo ye owe £375. If you do not pay the amount in full, ye will be placed under arrest."
"Callum." Rosie protested. "You canna do that."
"Let me see what I have," Duncan said. He went to his grocery jar on top of the fridge, and pulled out £35. He found another £5 in a jacket pocket. He and Rosie pulled out the lounge cushions and found another £3 for a total of £50.
"I'll check my purse," Rosie said. "Here's £40."
"Rosie ye shouldna be abettin' this scofflaw."
"What are you talkin' about, Callum, I'm only tryin' to help Duncan."
"I canna take this money from you, Rosie," Duncan said.
"Why not? I don want ye goin' to jail."
"It's not enough anyway. It's time for me to face the music and give myself up," Duncan said. "I'll go quietly, Callum." Duncan put on his Mac and put his hands out expecting to be cuffed.
"Ach, I don't need to do that with ye, Duncan. Come along. Rosie, ye come too. I'll drop ye off at home."
"I don't wanna go home," Rosie pouted.
"Suit yourself."
--------
Rosie was knocking on Golly's door.
"Come in lass, Get yerself out of the rain."
"Golly, Duncan's in jail. Callum took him in for not payin' his parkin' and speedin' fines. He owes £375."
"Serves him right," Golly said. "That lad drives too fast. How much did ye say he owes?"
"£375."
"We can't let him stay in jail. He's never goin' to pay the fines that way." Golly said. "Come with me, lass. We're gonna talk to Archie. Then we'll go down to the jail."
--------
When Golly and Rosie arrived at the jail, Callum was at his desk and Duncan was sitting diagonally across from him. They were playing go fish.
"Duncan," Rosie said concerned. "Are you awright?"
"Does it look like I'm giving him the third degree?" Callum guffawed.
"I'm all right, Rosie, but I'm arrested and I'm gonna hafta stay here until I pay my fines or until my trial, which is next week. I'll need to get a solicitor, which I canna afford, and I'll still probably be given another fine or jail time."
"Oh no," Rosie wailed. "Callum, how could ye do this to him?"
"It's the law, Rosie," Callum said solemnly. "A policeman's duty is to uphold the law."
"Well Duncan," Golly said. "You don't deserve this, but we're gonna help ye oot. I must have caught Archie in a good mood because he's agreed to save yer neck."
"He's gonna pay my fines?"
"Aye,"
"Ach," he's too easy on the boy." Callum said.
"I have the cash right here," Golly said taking the notes out of his pocket. "But yer gonna hafta pay it back."
"That I will," Duncan promised.
"Yer right ye will," Golly laughed. "Archie's takin' it out of yer wages. £50 a week."
"Ew," Duncan frowned.
"Well if ye don't like that offer, ye can always stay here," Golly said, beginning to put the money back in his pocket.
"No, that's awright," Duncan said, pulling at the neckline of his jersey. "50 quid it is."
Golly handed over the money and Callum filled out the necessary forms.
"Can I go noo?" Duncan asked half rising from his chair.
"Not yet," PC Callum McLean replied. "I'm still waitin' to get a response back from Scotland Yard. They have to run yer prints through the computer and make sure yer not wanted fer anythin' else."
"That's all right," Duncan said. "I'm not wanted fer anythin' else. How long should it take?"
"Should be anytime now... or a few days. You know how it is in those big government offices. They canna even change a light bulb without fillin' out six forms. Heh heh."
"Callum, why don't ye show us that new computer ye been talkin' about," Rosie suggested. "The one that has stuff from Scotland Yard, and Interpol, and all those other places."
"It's right here," Callum said. Everyone gathered around the computer on his desk. "Ye click on this wee thingy here and ye go to the bank." He clicked and the words "CRIME BANK" appeared.
"Then let's say ye want the criminal database. You click on this wee thingy here."
Another screen appeared, this one looked like a form with a lot of empty spaces to be filled out.
"Lucky, you don't have to fill in all these thingies. Let's just say we want to see if anyone named Duncan McKay was in the computer." Callum filled out Duncan's name in the appropriate space. "It takes a minute. It has a lot of names to look up."
"Ach look! It says Duncan McKay is wanted for mail fraud," Callum gasped.
"It also says he has brown eyes, is 57 years old, and is 5 feet 11 inches tall," Golly said.
Callum looked at Duncan suspiciously then back at the photo shown on the computer screen. "Awright, it's probably not you."
Just then the phone rang. Callum picked it up.
"Glenbogle Police Station," he said. "Oh, now ye tell me. I'll send it right over." He hung up the phone. "It was Scotland Yard. They never got Duncan's prints I faxed over. Come on Duncan. I hafta keep an eye on ye. The fax machine is in the other room," he explained to the others.
"I'm comin' too, Rosie said.
The three went out, leaving Golly alone in the room. Golly looked at the computer. He had never used one before, although he had seen Archie and Jessica use them. Golly knew what he wanted to do. He wanted to get back to the place with the empty spaces and type a new name in. He fiddled with the clicker and discovered it worked a little like a TV remote. It brought him to the place he was looking for. Where it said name he typed in A N D R E W B O O T H. Eureka.
Callum, Duncan, and Rosie trooped back in. "It's faxed. This time I'll call and make sure they got it. Callum picked up the phone and dialled.
"PC Callum McLean from the Glenbogle Police Station here. Just checkin' to make sure you received the finger prints... You did?... Good... What?... Are you sure? Awright. Goodbye." He hung up the phone. "Oh, blast it," he said. "They don't do finger print checks on traffic violators. You can go Duncan." PC Callum McLean looked very disappointed.
Golly, Duncan, and Rosie made a hasty retreat.
"Rosie, where do you think yer goin'?"
"Home with Duncan."
"Ye are comin' back tonight, aren't ye?"
"Aye,"
"Rosie, I don't want you drivin' home with that speed demon."
"I've learned my lesson," Duncan said. "I'll never speed again."
"He never does when I'm in the car, Callum".
"Awright, go ahead," Callum conceded. "I've given up on guidin' you doon the straight and narrow path. Duncan, you take good care of my sister or I'll find some reason to haul yer kilted little bum back in here."
"Don't worry. I'll take good care of her."
Golly went out with the starry eyed lovers and drove them back to Glenbogle. "Thanks for gettin' me outa there, Golly," Duncan said.
"Oh, I couldna let you rot in jail," Golly said. "I have some stalkers comin' this weekend, and there's heather to be burned, and we hafta make sure we have enough wood for the winter."
"I get it, I get it," Duncan said. "Ye need yer work horse."
---------
Callum sat alone in front of his computer, feeling rather low. He had no one to play go fish with, a sister who was no better than she ought to be, and his potential criminal, Duncan, turned out to be no more than a traffic violator.
He tried a game of patience, but lost as usual. He was about to turn the computer off for the night when he glanced at it and noticed that the picture was different. The name was different. It wasn't Duncan Mckay anymore. Someone had been tampering with the police computer in violation of Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 2001 (c99). It was the only person left alone in the room. It was Golly MacKenzie.
Callum had found another criminal, and he wasn't going to let this one go free. He put on his full length policeman's raincoat and his plastic coated hat and went out into the night, happy in spite of the rain. He was about to catch a crook.
--------
Golly dropped Duncan and Rosie off at Duncan's house and continued on along the estate to Andrew's House. He parked some distance away, and took out a pair of binoculars kept in the glove box. He checked to see that Andrew was home and alone. He was.
Golly walked to the house and knocked on the door. Andrew welcomed him in. "Sit down. May I get you something?" Andrew offered.
"I won't be stayin' long," Golly said. "What I have to say, I can say standin'. I was just at the police station on the matter of Duncan's traffic violations. They have a new computer there that the constable was showin' us. You know PC Callum McLean, don' ye?"
"Yes, I see him almost every time I go into the village. Pleasant chap. He always waves to me."
"Aye, that's the one," said Golly. "His new computer is most interestin'. It has information from Scotland Yard, and Interpol, and other places, as well. I came here to tell ye that last time I looked, the computer was showin' a picture of an art forger called Andrew Booth. This chappy also went under the names Ross Andrews and Paul Freeman. He's wanted in three countries."
"That's most interesting." Andrew said carefully. "Coincidences like these are quite common place, actually. Thank you for telling me Golly. Was there anything else you wanted to say?"
"No, that's it. I'll be takin' my leave now. Goodnight Andrew."
"Goodnight, Golly."
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Golly returned to his croft to find PC Callum McLean waiting in the patrol car. He got out and announced: "Golly MacKenzie, I hereby place you under arrest for violation of PC (Scotland) Act 2001 (c99) known as the Police Equipment Protection Act. You do not have to say anythin' unless you wish to do so, but what ye say may be given in evidence. If you come peaceably, I won't handcuff ye."
"I'll come peaceably," Golly said.
When they got to the station Golly said. "Callum, mebbe you can tell me in plain English what I'm bein' arrested for."
"You used the police computer, didna ye?"
Golly was about to explain and then thought better about it. "I do not wish to discuss it."
"Very well, that is yer right under Scottish law. Never-the-less, I am gonna charge ye, and fingerprint ye and put ye in a cell before the night is through. Maybe this time Scotland Yard will be interested in the prints I send them."
"That's fine, Callum. Ye do all that. But I have just one favor to ask ye first. Would ye come here with me and just look at what's on the computer."
"Aye," Callum said. He and Golly looked together. Callum recited "It's an art forger by the name of Andrew Booth, also know as Ross Andrews and Paul Freeman. He's wanted in the UK, France, and the Netherlands. Present whereabouts unknown. Nice lookin' bloke. Looks about 40."
"The picture's over 20 years old," Golly pointed out. "The man is in his 60s now."
"So he is," Callum agreed amicably. "Hey, I know this guy. He lives on the MacDonald estate. Are you in cahoots with him, Golly?"
"If I was, would I be showin' ye this?"
"That's a good point. Do you think he could be the same one?"
"It's not fer me to say," said Golly. "All I can tell ye is that they have the same name, that our Andrew is an artist, and that the picture and the man look rather alike. So what are ye gonna do, Callum?"
"I think this requires a police investigation. But because it is a crime of international proportions, I need to contact Scotland Yard." He shook his head. "More paperwork... Sit down. This might take awhile." He dialed. "Yeah, I'll hold." He turned to Golly. "Do ye know how to play Go Fish?".
--------
Lexie was reading in bed. She checked her watch, gave a perturbed look and turned out the light. Shortly afterwards Archie tiptoed into the room. Lexie turned on the light and blinked. "Yer up late."
"I was catching up on some work. I thought you'd be asleep."
"No, I was waitin' up. What's that yer carryin'?" eyeing a manila folder in Archie's hand.
"Just some work."
"Let me see what's so important." She took the folder from him. "Immigration policies for the United States, Australia, and New Zealand?"
"I thought we should stick to English speaking countries."
Lexie shook her head and handed back the folder.
Archie stuck it on his bedside table, undressed, and slid into bed next to her. Lexie turned off the light.
"Archie," She was lying on her side to face him. He was on his back.
"Yeah." She put an arm around his middle and he took her hand in his.
"Mebbe I'm missin' somethin'. Why do ye hold yerself responsible for Jamie's death?"
"Because I capsized the boat. Because I didn't try to save him. Does that answer your question?"
"No' really. I can see that ye were responsible for capsizing the boat, but Jamie could swim. Ye couldna know that somethin' very unlikely and very tragic was gonna happen. Yer no' responsible fer that."
"I am for not rescuing him."
"Oh Arch. Ye wish ye could of rescued him but ye probably couldna if ye tried."
"Why not, I was a good swimmer.
"But ye were 14. Remember when ye rescued Paul from the river last year?"
"What about it?"
"Ye said that you just barely had the strength to do it. That's when ye were a man. Just think if ye had tried to do that when ye were a kid."
"You mean I might have drowned?"
"Good thinkin', Einstein."
"I used to think about that after the accident. I thought if I had drowned, at least I would have tried to save him. At least I'd be dead with Jamie. At least nobody would blame me for his death. At the time, drowning didn't seem like such a bad idea."
"But ye know noo that drownin' would of been a terrible idea, doncha?"
"Yes."
"Just imagine, two empty places at the table, two bedrooms zoned off as memorials, no one to inherit the estate and turn it around the way ye did. It might have killed them."
"Lexie, stop. I get your point."
"And who knows what would have happened to me without yew to fall in love with. I might have ended up with Duncan."
"Lex, it's getting late."
"Well, think aboot it. Yer brother Jamie loved ye. He wouldna wanted ye to be torturin' yerself like this."
Lexie gave him a goodnight kiss and rolled over. Archie stared at the ceiling for some time before he was able to surrender to sleep.
---------
It was the middle of the night when Archie awoke. Lexie was there next to him. There was a dim light in the room, although they hadn't left the light on. Archie sat up and saw his brother.
"Jamie? Jamie! I can't believe it's you." Jamie sat down at the edge of the bed. Archie threw his arms around him and they embraced. " I'm so glad to see you, but what are you doing here?"
"I thought you might have something to say to me."
"Yes, I do," Archie said turning instantly sombre. "I'm so sorry for what I did. It was damn stupid of me to capsize the boat with Sheba in it. It was cowardly not to dive in and help you when you needed it." His voice began to crack. " I'm sorry that I got to live and you didn't. I'm sorry I got to be laird when it should have been you. If I could change places with you right now, I would. I think of you every day and I miss you so much." He shuddered and wiped the tears that were streaming down his face. "Can you forgive me?"
"I can't forgive you Archie, because there is nothing to forgive. You didn't do anything that day that I wouldn't have done."
"What do you mean? You didn't capsize the boat."
"No, but I would have if I had thought of it first. Besides, once you started it, I went along with it. I even shifted my weight at a critical moment. You know you couldn't do anything without a little help."
"Jamie," Archie said indignantly. He punched his brother on the arm. "Show some respect. I'm older than you now."
"Indeed, you are. You have a wife and a child on the way. The estate's looking good. You must be very happy."
"I am, or I would be. Jamie what am I doing here in your place? It was never meant to be me. I didn't even try to help you. Paul should be laird. That would make Dad happy. Lexie and I could go live somewhere else and I would feel I had rectified matters a little."
"Well don't do that on my account. I'm glad you didn't try to save me."
"I wished so much that I had."
"It wouldn't have done any good. I swam down too deep and didn't have enough air to get back. Talk about foolishness - I had an overblown sense of what I could do. You were the responsible one. You stayed alive for Mum, Dad, and Lizzie." Archie was about to protest but Jamie continued.
"And I don't think Paul wants to be laird any more than you did when we were kids," he said.
"But I did want to be laird sometimes," Archie admitted.
"I know," Jamie said. "Paul probably does too, but I think he wants a brother more."
"I don't know what to say, Jamie."
"You don't have to say anything. Just live your life the best you can. Don't waste it on pointless regrets - appreciate what you have, okay?" Jamie nodded at the sleeping Lexie and Archie followed his gaze. "And know that whenever you think of me, I'll be there."
"Okay."
"I'd like to stay longer," Jamie said apologetically, "but you know..." Archie nodded sympathetically as if he did know.
Jamie stood up and squeezed Archie's hand. "Bye now." He receded from view and the room returned to darkness.
"Bye," Archie said to the empty room. The next thing he knew, it was morning and Lexie was nudging him awake.
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The whole family was together for breakfast this morning: Molly, Archie, Lexie, Lizzie, and Paul. For reasons of their own, everyone was in an especially good mood.
"What do you say we take the day off," Archie said to Lexie. I just have a few things that I can finish in under an hour and then we can do whatever we want. Are you free?"
"The only thing I have to do is the hoose tour at 1:00. That comes in the middle of the day. Molly you couldna...no, you're seein' Andrew. It doesna look good until 2:00."
"I can do it," Lizzie offered.
"Really!" Archie said. "Thank you Lizzie."
"Your welcome," Lizzie said. "I have to go now. The horses are hungry."
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Archie was in the estate office just getting off the phone, when Paul came in.
"That was the insurance company," he explained. "They say they will pay Gordo's claim" he said glumly."
"That's good, isn't it?" Paul asked.
"Yes and no." When I told them we thought the part about permanent disability was bogus, he said the claim wasn't high enough to be worth litigation. Even so, our insurance goes up considerably next year because of having filed the claim."
It almost makes sense to pay the amount ourselves and have lower insurance rates for the future," Paul suggested.
"We can't afford it."
"Then maybe we should increase the bank loan to pay for it."
"It doesn't make sense. Either we pay the money to the insurance company or we pay it to the bank."
"I'll sell my camper van."
"Oh, Paul, I don't know."
"I'm the one who shot Gordo, I should take responsibility."
The phone rang and Archie picked up. "Glenbogle Estate...Hi Lexie. Oh no. We'll be right there." He hung up. "Speak of the devil," he said to Paul. "Gordo's here and he wants to talk to me. I'd like you and Lexie to be there.
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The meeting took place in the little used laird's room. The walls were covered in opulent fabric and the only piece of furniture was a throne. Archie sat on the throne with Lexie and Paul standing on either side of him, looking as formidable as possible.
Ewan ushered in Gordo and his mate, Camden. Gordo was limping.
"What can I do for you?" Archie asked stiffly.
"I wanted ye to see what yer man done to me.
"This man is my brother," Archie said. "Mr Paul Bowman."
"Awright then, it's all the same to me. This is what he done.
Archie grimaced, expecting Gordo to pull down his trousers and show him the scar. Instead he hobbled around the room for effect.
"I've seen ye at the Ghillie's Rest," Ewan piped in. "You seem to play billiards and order drinks just fine without a limp."
"That's because the pain is interminable," Gordon explained. "It comes and goes."
"I think he means intermittent," Paul whispered to Archie. Archie nodded his head.
"Mr Laird," Gordo said. "I'm here to offer you a deal. Because I need the dosh right now, I'm willin' to accept half the claim amount if ye give it to me in cash today."
"I couldn't give it to you today even if I wanted to. I don't keep that kind of money lying around."
"Well, I could wait until tomorrow."
"What's to say that if I give you the money you won't pursue the claim anyway? I refuse to deal with you on this. I'll speak only to your solicitor."
Gordo looked indignant and was about to speak when Molly entered with a woman. "Oh here you are. This is Janet Strachan. She was looking for her husband."
"Gordon, what did I tell ye about not botherin' these nice people? Oh hi, Lexie." Lexie allowed herself to smile.
"Hi Janet. How did ye get here?" Gordo asked petulantly.
"I hitchhiked, Gordon. Shame on you for poachin' on MacDonald land and then demandin' money because you happened to get in the way of one of their bullets."
"Poaching, were you now, Gordo?" Archie said sternly. "That's a criminal offence."
"You canna prove it," Gordo said defiantly.
"What do you mean he canna prove it when I'll tell anyone who asks that I skinned and cooked those two rabbits that came out of your rucksack." Janet said. "I'm sorry," she said turning to the three MacDonalds. "It would be a shame to let them go to waste."
"This is my offer, Gordo," said Archie. We'll ignore the poaching, this one time only, if you drop the lawsuit."
"Awright," Gordo said glaring at his wife. "Let's go." He walked out without a limp, Camden trailing behind.
Once alone, Archie, Lexie, and Paul gave each other high fives all the way around.
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With the rest of the day off, Archie and Lexie planned a short hike and a picnic. They found a blanket and went to the kitchen to fill the basket. Walking hand in hand on one of the marked trails, they were headed for a (hopefully) secluded spot not far off the trail.
"So what brought this on all of a sudden," Lexie asked. "This desire fer a day off?"
"I wanted to tell you how much I love you," he said. "I don't think I've done that often enough lately."
"No, you havena. No reason no' to make up for lost time, though."
"I wanted to tell you how much I depend on you for helping me to think things through."
"Ye mean like with Paul?"
"Yeah, Paul and other things. That's all."
"That's all? How aboot my kiss?"
"Oh, right away Madam," Archie said deferentially. He put down the basket and blanket so he could put his arms around her and do it properly.
They were having a right proper kiss when some young people came upon them.
"Ew, rent a room why don't ye," one called out, as the others hooted and whistled.
Archie and Lexie looked over to find three teenage boys with pimply faces staring at them. They had either funny coloured or no hair, piercings in sensitive places, and spike jewellery round neck, wrist, or waist. Archie gave them a lairdly look and wagged his finger at them. That stopped them for a moment. He picked up the basket and blanket and he and Lexie walked on.
"Father was right," Archie muttered. "The oiks have descended."
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Except for Ewan, Molly was home alone. Paul was at the estate office, Lizzie was still out with the horses, and Archie and Lexie were enjoying themselves. Molly had expected to hear from Andrew about their luncheon date but by 11:00 he still hadn't called. She went to the telephone and dialled but got no answer. She looked at her watch and dialled again. Still no answer.
She was dressed casually but elegantly in a long blue skirt and a teal blouse. She went upstairs to change into something almost as nice: the khaki pants and blouse with the red belt. She dialled again. When she got no answer, she went to fetch her bike and rode to Andrew's.
By the time she reached Andrew's house she was sweatier than she would have liked. The first thing she noticed was that his car wasn't there. She reached under the drainpipe stone for his spare key and let herself into his house.
Things looked almost normal. His easel was missing. Some Dresden figurines that had been his mother's were gone. Molly went into his bedroom and opened closets and drawers. Most of his clothes were gone. Then she returned to the dining area and looked at the table. There was a letter on it addressed to her.
My Dearest Molly,
More than anything, it is important for you to understand that my love for you is real. I think you guessed that I was going to propose to you today. I was anticipating that you would say yes and that would have made me the happiest man alive.
As you may already have been told, it is my past that has come between us. As this letter could come into the hands of others, I am not going to give you a complete accounting of that past. Suffice it to say it concerned the way I made my living.
Last night I learned that my whereabouts and activities were known to those who would send me to jail. I'd be no good to you in jail, so I am leaving now for I'm not sure where yet.
A thousand apologies for how I have hurt you. The only justice is that I am hurting as well. I will spend the rest of my life missing you. For your sake, I hope you find someone who is more deserving of you than I.
With All My Love
Andrew
PS I deed to you my home. I also give you the item in the sound of music.
Molly stayed outwardly calm but inside she felt like everything was slipping away. Nothing felt real. She watched herself as she followed the instructions in Andrew's letter. The sound of music referred to the radio Andrew kept in his shower. It had surprised her once when she went in to use the loo and it was on.
Molly went to the shower and pulled out the radio. She opened the battery case and there it was wrapped in soft cotton wool. It was the most beautiful diamond ring she could imagine. It was twice the size that Lexie's had been but still tasteful. It would have suited her perfectly.
Molly took the ring and put it on her finger. It seemed the safest way to carry it home. She rode back to Glenbogle House, amazed at her outward composure, but feeling a kind of seasickness. When she arrived home she propped the bike up against the house and went inside. There she nearly bumped into Paul.
"Hello Molly," he said. "I didn't think you'd be home now. I was just going to have my lunch outside."
"Hello Paul," she said.
"Congratulations," he said, eyeing her ring. "Let me see it." She automatically lifted her hand for him to inspect. "That's beautiful."
Molly pulled her hand away from Paul. "No, it's not what you think." She pulled the ring off. "He's gone Paul, he's gone." Molly started to sob a torrent of tears. Paul took her in his arms and she let him comfort her.
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It was a hectic afternoon. First the police came and headed for Andrew's house. Lizzie began the house tour at 1:00. Then they came back and talked to Paul the estate office, but he had very little to tell them. When the tour group was gone, Molly talked to them in the parlour, with Lizzie and Paul present. She showed them the letter. She showed them the ring. She claimed no knowledge of anything, which was true.
The police wanted to take the letter and the ring as evidence. Paul was very firm about the ring being appraised before it was taken into police custody. The police relented on this point.
The police left. Archie and Lexie came home. Paul apprised them of the situation. Archie gave Paul a quick thanks and he and Lexie hurried upstairs to see Molly. Molly told them of her concern for Lizzie. "I think she saw him as a kind of father figure," she said. "I think she's upset."
Archie found Lizzie in her room. Lying on her bed, staring at the ceiling, she had a big blue book by her side. She had spoken to or left messages with half a dozen friends, most of whom she knew through Alcoholics Anonymous. They were good at helping each other through crises.
"I don't think I have half a dozen people to call in a time like this," Archie said. "I'm impressed."
"There are some advantages to be a recovering alcoholic," Lizzie said.
The phone rang. It was for Lizzie. She ran down to answer it. Archie followed down the hall far enough that he could hear a bit of her conversation. "Hello...Oh Lance, the most dreadful thing happened...
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That night when Archie and Lexie were in bed, Lexie reached for the baby name books.
"Do we have to look through those things again tonight?" Archie asked. "I think I've had enough of stalking the wild baby name for awhile."
"No, we don' hafta if ye don' wanna," Lexie said. "Lights out?"
"Yeah, lights out." The room grew dark. "Lexie, is the Bairn kicking tonight."
"Aye, it's kickin' up a storm." Lexie said. "It always gets more active when I lie doon."
"Let me feel," Archie said. "Oh, I felt it. Let me try over here… Yeah I can felt it there too. "How about over here?"
"You're no' gonna feel it there, ye bampot."
"No? Then maybe over here." He moved over to kiss her.
"Mmmm Archie, you little sneak… You do know how to keep a girl awake."