Part 13 of 18
Back home
"Haggis?" Dwayne looks up at Fidel, "What in the world is a 'haggis'? I'm Googlin' it!"
Fidel speaks up, "It's Scottish, some kind of horrible national dish. Anything happen in Scotland recently?" He prods Dwayne's shoulder. They scan the screen and see it at the same instant.
"A yacht? Blown to smithereens right outside the G12 Summit? And here's a photo of someone in a suit of armour and…" Dwayne peers closer, "Hey! It's Johnny! And there's Angus in front of him. And look way in the background there! Isn't that the Chief?"
Fidel leans down and stares, "How can you tell which is which?"
"Easy," Dwayne scoffs, "one looks like he's married to Celeste and the other looks like…"
"Ah," Fidel nods. Nothing more needs to be said. In fact, since Camille is just now coming into the station, nothing more had better be said very loudly! The three of them get the magnifying glass and go over the grainy photo pixel by pixel.
Fidel finally stands up and frowns, "Yep, that's the Chief, all right. Looks like he's trying to stay out of sight but something must have drawn him out of hiding. Knowing Johnny, it was probably something pretty dire."
"Why is Angus curtsying?" Camille wonders.
Fidel and Dwayne look to one another. Oh, they can't wait to hear all about it… as soon as Camille pries it out of the Chief and tells them. Too bad for the Chief but inquiring minds have to know, you know?
Apropos
The story of The Polite Man (or men) and his cohort (or càraid bhràthair) never makes it into the Sasannach world but the knowledge flashes out in all directions and many a toast is quaffed in great pride in many a drinking establishment. The sale of white handkerchiefs doubles then triples as many a young suitor wins his maid with just such a humble offering.
In a small pub just a few miles away from the castle on Loch Nevis, a framed square of snow-white linen is jealously guarded into the next generation.
Beneath the waters
Second-in-command cousin Jeremy introduces Johnny, Angus, and Richard to Captain Lydia Ogilvie who is thrilled to be involved in possible derring-do. "I hate pencil-pushers and mealy-mouthed politicians! Men of action, that's what this country needs more of!" she booms.
Later, after a very entertaining lunch in the mess, she sees Angus go over at the tea urn and steps up to him quietly, "I like the cut of your jib, sir! The strong silent type, that's you. Any chance of joining forces and becoming better acquainted?"
Angus stares at her over the rim of his mug for a long stunned moment, translating, then stammers, "I'm afraid not, sir, ma'am, Captain… married… with children."
She frowns, "Well, blimey, you might give a warning shot. Where's your wedding ring?"
"Agents are not allowed to wear it on a mission, sorry, sir, ma'am, Captain."
She sighs sadly, "Just as well, I suppose. Romance and duty don't always mix. Often rough head-winds to contend with, don't you know."
Angus manages a knowing nod, "Oh, undoubtedly. This is my last mission and I'm only here in order to keep Agent English alive."
Captain Ogilvie casts an eyebrow towards Richard who is trying very hard to be invisible against the far wall, "What about the other cove… the frightful sprog in the mustache?"
Angus smiles, "Ah. He's here to keep ME alive. Comrades-in-arms and all that."
"Hmm, I see. So, married, eh? Oh, well, can't be helped. Glad to have met you, sir. Fair sailing and calm seas to you."
Just as she turns away, Angus speaks up. He hates having misinformation out there. "Just so you know… I AM a pencil-pusher in real life, not a man of action at all. I am neither strong nor silent, not in the sense you mean."
She swings back to him and gives him a critical eye, "Hmm again. Perhaps I need to change my bearings then. You've given me something to think about, young fella me lad. Well, carry on, mind your baffles, and good luck."
Angus gets a soft tap on the aft-deck and almost drops his tea as she strides away. He sets his mug down hurriedly and glances about. No one seems to have noticed. He slumps and sighs. He can't wait to return home where he has only Celeste, the children, the office, the island, Sir and Mrs. Sir, and the Loa to deal with.
END – part 13