Chapter 8: Cartier and the Three Scots

"Josie Cartier?"

A knife could have sent into Josie's gullet when her name was called, and it wouldn't have snapped her from the fear. She made one terrified gawk to Suze before their hands drifted apart. She shut down every apprehensive thought. Any notion this was some sick government experiment and she would be walking to a gas chamber. Or that it was some kind of prank. And the most unbelievable of all. That she was genuinely being led to Davey Rennick. Capitaine.

Their relationship was a short flame that burned hot and was blown out faster than she was prepared for. She had hoped to return to the Beira after her hospital stay and things would keep growing between the two. He had visited her in the hospital and encouraged that. Then two weeks later, the remains of the Beira on the news broadcast. A love she never admitted, neither would he. Not until he was dead did she have to accept she had loved him. Find comfort in solace so she could grieve. She grieved for years. Even putting her off other men – desperate to find something that mirrored the intensity. Nothing ever had. So, she became a wayward wanderer for the cheapest thrills. Got so used to disappointment, love had lost its meaning. She was ready to give up. Just as she had, it's as if a higher power took pity. Ten years later and he could be alive. Back so suddenly that it felt like no time passed at all.

As she walked the empty hall she was startled to the abrupt voices in the rooms. She glanced to one window. She saw someone – someone else she thought she'd never see again – holding his adult son and mother.

"Gibbo?"

The woman ahead called, "Ms. Cartier?"

Josie realized she had stopped in the hallway like a dope and peeping in on a reunion. She swore it was Gibbo. She knew him well from Engineering. They were usually slotted to work down there together. Not best mates, but friends, nonetheless. Seeing him greater confirmed she was soon to see a face she thought of fondly for ten years. So fondly he could entrap her in the thoughts. Take her away from reality. Laughable for Josie to think Davey and herself hated each other for months. Then a sudden flip switched. The growing feelings being repressed was surrendered one night on the Beira. A decision she never regretted. Likely the decision that created Noelle. Could it be possible she may have gained her father back?

The woman stopped before the door. Josie greedily tried to take a peek through the window. There were white slip-on shoes on the door side wall, hiding his face. Her stomach climbed up, pushing her heart to her throat. Josie's eyes started to water as she crept a chill. She went for the doorknob and Josie quaked, "Wait."

"Yes?" The woman asked.

"I just… need a minute." Josie mumbled. She turned back to the wall behind her and took a few deep and steady breaths. Her hands on her hips and her head bowed, she prepared for whatever was in that room waiting for her. Then Josie wiped her eyes. Blew air from her mouth and turned back to the woman (who had been waiting patiently).

"You ready now, Ms. Cartier?"

"Oui."

The door opened and Josie nearly fought herself past the woman behind her. She turned the corner of the doorway to see his face. And any resolve or strength Josie had to hold back her fear, spilled out like a waterfall. She slapped her hands to her mouth and lost her breath. Still the tears came. Far more than the entirety of the night. A cry she hadn't had in months. For her roles in life demanded her strength and stoicism in character. When she saw Rennick stand before her, the floodgates broke open. Her knees nearly buckled her over.

He said her name so defeatedly, "Josie?" He was soon to cry, too. A true rare sight for Davey Rennick. Hearing his voice again was like hearing it for the first time. But it struck core memories. For years she tried to recall his voice. She forgot it years ago. Hearing it again, it resonated memories of it fully. Even so, Josie was still skeptic. She was certain she'd wake up from a dream and kick herself to try and get back to sleep to see him. Rennick held out his arms, but she dove forward and clasped her hands to his face. Feeling her fingers into his cheekbones and rim of his glasses. She pinched his nose, and he backed away instinctually. He still kept a smile. "I'm real." He took her hand and brought it to his chest. Hoping if she felt his heartbeat she'd believe. "I swear I am."

Josie choked on her tears. Quavering a wail like a child. She gripped his scrub top and could feel his pulse on her fingers. The chest hair and skin rustling behind the fabric. There was no refuting it. He was before her just like in his office. Or in Administration or Utility. In the hospital lying next to her after her accident. He was undeniably and miraculously real. She collapsed against him, and he caught her before she fell down to the floor. Rennick pulled her in tightly as if they had just done the same thing yesterday. Josie's arms gripped along his waist. She buried her face into his shoulder as her cries grew louder. They fell to the floor and he cradled her. Her voice only barely saying his name through a mewl in his chest.

Josie's weeps were not alone in the hallway. They extended to Jane Innes as she leapt into the arms of her father. Elizabeth Gibson holding her son and swearing to herself she'll never let him go. Mary O'Connor praising God and every prayer she had uttered in the last ten years to finally have her husband in her arms again. Advik and Damini Sunil cherishing their son who tried to console the two of them with only his two arms and his assurance he was okay. For any orderly or staff or soldier that walked that hall it was hard not to tear up themselves. To see the reunion of so many families broken for ten years, only for the truest act of God to happen. If any statement to prove to that he was real, it was this. Everyone in the building was humbled. Curious but wouldn't dare to question. Fearful their gift would be taken away if they weren't unconditionally grateful.


"Dad? How… how did you…" Jane quavered through shock, clasping onto Innes' arms. Looking him up and down as if she'd find a clue he wasn't real, after all.

"I donnae know, love. I'm sorry… I'm just as confused as you. We figured we were on the rig still. Then… these choppers rain out of the sky and take us back here and…" Innes ceased his rambling, "It doesn't matter anymore. I'm just… so happy you're alright. That you're here! God… you're all grown up, my girl." Innes started to rattle, and Jane helped him to a seating.

"Dad…"

"I'm sorry," muttered Innes, "They said it was ten years. I… I don't think I really believed em' till now. How old you are… twenty…?"

"Twenty four."

Innes fell into himself. "Ten years. I missed your… graduation. University. I…"

"I donnae care about that, dad. I'm just happy your alive, I missed you so much!" Jane wept and leapt to Innes with another embrace. He took it holding tears of his own. She muttered, "I've missed you everyday."

He patted her back and said, "Listen, pet. There's… something I gotta ask you. It's a lot."

"You too," said Jane as she gently released, "There's something… I need to know."

"We'll talk about it later, Jane. First, I need to ask you… A few of my mates on the rig they didnae have anyone come for em'. If you agree to take them into your home, they wonnae have to stay here. I'll take care of them, believe me. I just… I promised I would ask."

"Mates? Like… how old?"

"Young, mostly. One is twenty-eight, the other in his mid thirties. But they're good lads. They just need to get back on their feet, right? They cannae leave if they have nowhere to stay. You have room for three of us?"

"Who are they?"

"One is a mate I worked with, I'm very close with him. His name is Ewan Muir, we just call him Muir. Got another lad named Brodie who has nowhere to go. They're alright, and hard workers. You'll have some good help around the house, aye."

Jane went nervous, "I donnae know, Dad. I mean, I was gonna give you the second bedroom. I've got a basement they can bunk in but… I don't even know these blokes."

"I promise I'll deal with them. They wonnae be your problem, and if they give you any, I'll see to it they're out, myself. These are good lads, I swear they'll be good to you. And your home."


Roy sat up from the chair as Caz helped Suze back to her feet. Suze glanced to Roy and a smile filled her teary face. "Oh, Roy!" She dove at him with a hug, cracking a gleeful chuckle from his belly. Caz warmly watched the reunion in silence.

"Oh, love, you haven't aged a day. Still lovely as ever." Roy said as he patted her back.

Suze jested, "Oh, shut it, eejit. Look at the state of me compared to you two. If you've got the moisturizer you've been using with you, I'll gladly have a try. I've only aged ten years."

"You donnae look different, Suze. You're still beautiful." Caz said softly. Suze wilted at the compliment. Roy, like a nervous child, looked from Caz and Suze sensing the blaring elephant in the room.

"Right. I'll head back to the bunks, pack up what we can. You sure you're alright to have me shack with you, lass?" Roy asked Suze as he nervously stepped to the door.

"Of course, Roy. You're more than welcome."

Roy nodded, "Righto," he knocked on the door for the guard to take him back, "You two should have a minute to talk alone. See you soon."

Caz and Suze were left to themselves. Suddenly an awkwardness that resembled their first date rushed back. For Caz it definitely did, but Suze was harbouring a sad reluctance she knew would have to be said.

Caz said lightheartedly, "You really do look good, you know. You grew out your hair, looks nice. It's got the curl again. Always looked good on you."

"Your beards grown out," said Suze in a soft smile.

"Aye. Keeps me warm on the North Sea."

The two shared a small laugh. Suze avoided his eyes and twiddled her fingers. Then she asked sullenly, "What happened, Caz? The rig exploded. How are you… back? Ten years, no less."

"I donnae know, Suze. Ha, you're asking the question we all are. It was December 26th in 1975 before it wasn't. Trust me, if I had the answer, I'd at least tell you."

Suze rubbed her eyes, "Doesnae feel real, you ken that? You here… I… feel like I'm in some movie. Just waiting for the pull of the rug."

"I'm not waiting for it." Caz scoffed in an effort to fight his tears, "I hope to God this is real. I've missed you so much. The girls. How are…"

"Cait and Maidie are good. Cait's starting university, she's pretty excited. Wants to be a lawyer."

"Far out, you're kidding me?" Caz beamed a grin, "She must get that from you. Fucking hell, she's the first McLeary to…"

"To go to university? Aye. That's what we keep telling her. Maidie's just started grade 10, she's doing well."

Caz noticed the ring on Suze's finger. She caught his eyes and hid it behind her right hand. He asked, "Who's the bloke?"

Suze sighed, "Edward Kaine…"

"The doctor at your clinic? He was your boss?"

"Aye. Donnae start it, Caz."

"I'm not starting anything, I'm just asking."

Suze scolded, "You are. I ken that. You were gone for ten years. Ten. What did you expect you'd find when you came back? You wanted me to grieve forever?"

"Of course not. I would have wanted you to be happy. I just… I guess I wanna know the man I'll be living with, aye? Edward wasn't bad. A bit… clacky. But he's a good sort. Wasn't he married, though?"

Suze said dejectedly, "They divorced a few months after the rig exploded."

Caz snorted to himself and looked down to his hands, "Of course they did."

"You what?"

"Nothing. At least I'm happy it wasn't Chamberlain."

"Oh, fuck off," said Suze angrily, "Ten years and you're still a gobshite, ain't ya?"

"You were the only one to call me out on it."

"Aye! Far more than I cared for."

Caz smiled in relief, "God, I missed this. Even arguing with you is… I missed you."

Suze's eyes drifted to her hands again as Caz continued. "I got your letter. Before Christmas. I wanted to say that… you were right. I shouldnae be running. I should have faced it the day after. I should never went after Billy. I wasn't thinking about you and I wasn't thinking about the girls. I was thinking about me. Letting my anger do the talking as always. I was on my way home to tell you that before the helicopters showed up. I actually got fired…"

Suze weakly smiled, "Caz, I…"

"I know you donnae want to talk about this now," said Caz, "We can talk about it at hame. If you let me… say what I have to say. You… think Edward would be alright with me there?"

The moment Suze was dreading was here. "You cannae come home with me, Caz."

"What?" Caz deflated at hearing it. "What do you mean?"

"Honestly, Caz," said Suze with tears in her eyes, "What did you think was going to happen? I'm… married now. This will be too much for the girls, as it is. But I cannae… cannae have you home with Edward. Try to understand."

"You were married. Married to me," implored Caz, he leaned forward, "Why donnae you understand? I'm back now. Nothing has changed for me. I still love you as the day I left you."

"You left, Caz. And I've changed. Everything has changed." Suze leaned away and flicked her eyes to the wall.

"But... Suze. What about the girls? I need to see them, Suze!"

"You will!" Suze exclaimed, "Nothing between us has anything to do with the girls. They'll be so happy, Caz. I want you there with them. But… just not at my home."

"Your feelings for me have changed and all?" Caz asked, regretting it right away. He didn't want to know the answer.

"Yes," said Suze, allowing tears to fall once more, "All of it. I cannae. I'm sorry, Caz."


"God, take a look at you," said Rennick with a fond smile, "You're all grown up."

"Just say it, Capitaine," dryly replied Josie, "I've gotten old. You looking at all zee new lines on my face."

Rennick scoffed, "Naw, you besom. You still look like the star of a stag film. Except this time, a wee less naïve. Even more sightly, you ask me."

Josie giggled in her throat and coughed it back. She kept steely, their usual repertoire coming back like first steps. Even so, her face was flushed like a school girl. Rennick wasn't oblivious to it. "Besides. The age gap wasnae doing us any favours ten years ago. It's wee bit better now, I reckon."

"Still twenty three years behind you."

"Less than half! See? Progress."

Josie jested, "Disappear in the time loop for another ten years and we may be able to go out in public."

Rennick made a gruff chuckle, giving a giggle to Josie. His hand glided to her own. "It's really been ten years."

"Oui, it has, Capitaine. Give me a week and I'll catch you up on what you missed."

"You donnae have to keep calling me that, Cartier. I'm not your boss, anymore."

"Connard, like I was calling you Capitaine for your respect. I like it. I'll never stop calling you it." Josie smiled titillatingly, "You'll always be Capitaine to me."

"Any blokes in the picture?" Rennick asked quietly. Their eyes tranced into each other.

Josie cooed, "No." She gripped his hand back. "You would be jealous?"

"Fuck off," he sighed, leaning over in his chair to her, "So, you're single?"

"Oui. No one could live up to you, old man. Is that what you wanted to hear?"

Rennick nonchalantly shrugged in agreement. Josie laughed, "You have not changed a bit, Capitaine. Good thing, too. Besides, I have a daughter to worry about. Men only get in zee way."

Then his eyes wilted, he leaned back into his chair a little. "Noelle?"

Josie smiled, "Noelle. You know of her?"

"You kidding? Been dreaming of meeting her," his voice shook saying it. Smiling in relief to finally do so.

"You want me to tell you about her?"

"Please."

Josie went excited and propped up. She slapped her hands on her thighs and pondered on where to even start. "She plays piano beautifully. She can spend all day playing. She loves music. She's had a fixation with ducks since she was a toddler. Loves everything duck. We like to go to the ponds at the park in Glasgow and feed them bread. She's got beautiful light blonde hair. I know she didn't get that from me. As well as her nose and mouth. She looks like you. She's usually so sweet but if she's upset, hell hath no fury. She can be a true stubborn mule some days. Especially in zee mornings. I know she doesn't get that from me, either."

Rennick laughed in his throat, "Aye. She sounds like mine."

"Oh, she is. She definitely is. Sometimes she's asked about you. Despite how tempting it was to tell her otherwise, I've told her only the good things." Josie winked.

Rennick asked, "Go on, then."

"That you were headstrong. Fearless. Saw what you wanted and took it. Never took shit from anyone. You were 'big boss man' for a reason."

"Aye…" Rennick grumbled to himself and rubbed his hand back his head, "Now away from there I'm starting to realize why. Just a fucking patsy. I wonnae miss that rig for a day."

"What is this?" Josie sarcastically asked, "You going soft on me?"

Rennick grazed his hand up her arm and crooned, "Soft? Not with you around, that's for fucking sure."

Josie laughed aloud, "You dirty culé. God, I've missed it."

When Rennick laid his hand on her thigh it sent a sudden shock up her stomach. Something she hadn't felt for ages. Reawakened and thought dead. Much like him. Coming back to life. They leaned in and only inches away when the door knocked and cried open. The two parted swiftly.

The woman with the clipboard walked in. Receiving no abundance of welcoming.

"What the hell do you want?" Rennick snapped.

Josie said at the same time, "Connasse! Rude timing, no?"

She glanced to each glare. Her face discontent to the mutual hostility shared between them. She said, "Yes. Ms. Cartier, you're needed out in the hall."

"Why?" She raised a brow.

"Mrs. Kaine wishes to speak with you."

Josie left Rennick in the room alone as she went to check on Suze. She was out in the hallway, pacing and gnawing down her fingernail before she rushed to Josie. "Josie, thank Christ."

Josie trotted up to her with a growing smile. It turned giddy and elated, sending her skipping to Suze in a giggle in her tummy. Suze tried to return her enthusiasm but couldn't mask it. "Suze! Incroyable! He's there!"

Suze smiled back, "You saw Rennick?"

"Oui! Oh, God, he's amazing! He's exactly how I remember! I can't believe this is happening, it's too good to be true, no?"

"Aye. I'm so rapt for you, lass," said Suze, genuinely happy to see Josie so relieved.

Josie steadied her breath and asked, "Did… did you see Caz?"

"Aye, I did. That's what I need to talk to you about, Jo." Suze said meekly.

"Why do you seem upset?"

"I'm… I cannae take him home with me, Jo. Not with Edward. I just cannae. I… wish I could but… Look, if he doesn't have a place to stay at, they won't let him leave."

Josie objected, "Well, just take him home! Edward can suck it up. Caz is the father of your girls. They should be able to see zare father."

"I cannae have him there, Jo. I canny." Suze broke out. Her eyes wilted to say it.

Josie asked, "You can't have him there because of Edward or because of you?"

Suze didn't answer but had a look. It was enough to answer. Josie considered it to be the latter.

"Right," sighed Josie, "What do you want me to do about zis?"

Suze made another look, "Jo…"

Josie's eyes went wide, "Sacrebleu, Suze. You want him to stay with me?"

"Only until he gets on his feet."

"I… I don't know if it's such a great idea."

Suze asked heatedly, "Were you two not mates?"

"We were but he won't be the only one zare, Suze! Unless you forgot, I signed the paperwork for Rennick, remember?"

"So? Have you seen your place? You can fit half the crew in there."

Josie groaned, "It's not about capacity, Suze. It's… well… Caz and Rennick… they're famously known for not exactly getting along."

Suze pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed, "You've got to be joking."

"Not many of the crew liked Rennick. He was a bit of a cunt. I even hated him at one point."

Suze sighed down to the floor, pacing back to the wall and leaning defeatedly against it. "I cannae take him home. I'm barely holding myself together from this. Seeing him is… doing my fucking head in. Like I'm losing my mind. I'm terrified it could…"

"You'd go back to him?" Josie asked.

"I cannae do that to my family. Not with everything."

Josie blew air from her lips and nodded, "Fine. I'll take him. I've missed the handyman, anyway. Him and Davey will just have to get along."

Suze pulled Josie into a hug of relief, "Thank you, Jo. Jesus Christ, thank you…"

"At least this way he can still see the girls, right? Cait and Maidie can drive over whenever they like."

"You're a life saver, Jo. I canny thank you enough."

Josie said amusingly against Suze's shoulder, "It's gonna be zee fucking Griswold Family." Suze broke into a laugh, sniffling and wiping away the tears.

Josie returned to the room with Rennick, who was drolly leaning back against the chair as if he was trying to catch a small nap. He shot awoke when she came back in. "Everything alright?"

"Everything's fine. Just a friend. Uh. So, about going home…" Josie said gingerly.

"Aye. What?"

"There's been a small change of plans."


The lobby was clearing with families. All taking the black sedans they arrived with back home. Only now with a new addition. All of their lost loved ones. Scattered to areas such as Glasgow, Aberdeen, Peterhead, and even England and Ireland. All were returning home as dawn sun started to rise. Their signatures vowed to stay to the story, and never breathe a word. A bargain to have the people they love back home. Even after ten years, the unity returned so instinctually. The crew of the Beira were simply eager to put the climate of the rig to bed and get to know their new world in 1985.

Suze and Roy were the second last to set off. With Suze dazing out the window knowing she was leaving Caz behind. However, he was assured to be close. Especially within the walls of her best friend's home. Josie and Rennick were led by a government agent to the emptied lobby. When Josie turned the corner a smile like an excited child spread to her face. The lobby wasn't completely empty. Brantley was there with Caz, who turned his head in disbelief at first. Trying to really decide if he was seeing Cartier. The French mechanic that would beat him down and rise him up his first two weeks on the rig. That taught him the rigs ins and outs.

Surely not, he thought. Especially when Rennick followed behind her. Then she stopped with her hands out and her jaw dropped. She screamed. An elated and joyous scream like a teenage girl.

"Handyman!"

Caz beamed a grin back and strode over to her running gait with his arms out. Then swooped her up in a spinning hug. She laughed like a crow into his shoulder, letting her feet fly with his turn. He set her down and she shook at his elbows. "Jesus Christ! Connard, you haven't aged a day! Look at you!"

Caz gripped her shoulder and chummed back, "Aye, look at me? Look at you! Still foxy as all get out. I'm starting to think you cannae age."

"Oh, still a dry sweet talker, I see. My God! I canny believe it! I'm so happy to see you, my friend! You have no idea how much you've been missed!"

"You too, Jo." He slapped her shoulder, "Though feels like I only saw you two weeks ago. Your hair has grown. And you're wearing a… blazer? You a fancy lawyer now?"

"Do not insult me, handyman. I'm CEO of Glasgow Technical Works, the fanciest, too! Remember when I told you about zat robot? I'm a stone throw from that dream. Oh, and I had a baby! A girl, she's ten! She's absolutely gorgeous."

Caz celebrated, "No way, you a mum? Hell must have frozen over. You got a girl; she must be a toughie like you."

"You'll just have to wait till you meet her. After you see your girls. Who are absolute heartbreakers, as well. That Cait is in need of a stern dad who can scare zee boys away with a socket wrench. Lord knows Edward isn't doing it."

"Socket wrench?" Caz raised a brow, "Naw. Buck shot."

Caz and Josie's laughter fleeted as Rennick dourly came over the reunion. Caz composed himself and uneasily said with a nod, "Rennick."

"McLeary." Rennick's glare didn't change when he grumbled it.

Caz flicked his attention back to Josie. "You sound less Gallic, Cartier. Must been living in Glasgow for a while. Got a bit of Scot spilling out."

"You take that back! I am still elegantly French! I've been hanging out with your wife too much, I sink."

Josie caught the flutter of Caz's eyelids, and small pinch of his shoulders. She amended lightly, "Ex-wife."

Brantley regrettably broke up the reunion to ask, "Josephine. I know you'll be taking Caz under your wing for the time being…"

"Oui, monsieur?"

"Well," he perked his head to the side and set his hands on his hips, "There's one more that unfortunately didn't have anyone to claim him. As far as we can tell his family are passed. He needs somewhere to go and… with you taking on McLeary I was hoping you'd have some extra room for him, as well. I think you knew him during your days on the Beira."

"I knew everyone, monsieur. Every last photo. Who is it?"

Brantley said in a small glance to Caz and Rennick, "A Jonathan Campbell."

Josie blurted it out before he finished, "Trots?! Trotsy?! Where is the Union Man? Where!" She excitedly twirled her head around the lobby, making Caz chuckle.

Rennick grievously thought to himself. Not another one.

"He should be coming out… or there he is."

Trots came out with his tote to the lobby. Wearing the scrub top and pants as everyone else. He made Rennick and Caz right away but gasped at the small redhead running at him like a bat out of hell.

"Cartier? Oh-!"

Josie tackled him with a hug, sending his tote on the floor and his glasses up his nose. She laughed, "It's like Christmas morning! I'm getting all my mates back!"

"Jesus! Josie Cartier! Aren't you a sight for sore eyes. It's been a minute!" Trots said nervously laughing along with her. As Trots and Josie quickly caught up, Caz glanced to Rennick. The question burned in his head. Knowing he was no longer his boss; he had no qualms in asking it.

"You coming and all? So… that means you and Cartier are…?"

Rennick raised a brow, still keeping his bored glare as Caz's face went stunned and said, "Someone had to pump her, right?"

"Aren't you two thirty years apart?" Caz scoffed, "Pegged you for a lot of things, Rennick, but not a cradle-robber."

"Twenty years, now."

"You say that like it makes it better." Caz pressed his luck, "How did you two… I mean did you use, like… pills or something-"

"McLeary, would you shut it."

"Right. Sorry."

Brantley called them over, "Your ride is here." The black sedan parked up to the door along the curb.

Josie slapped Trots on the arm (making him startle), "You're coming with me, Union Man! All of you! Follow Mama Jo. No fighting you two." She pointed at Rennick and Caz teasingly.

Josie was a rambling, babbling brook to the sedan. Clearly over excited and definitely experiencing a level of shock as they made way inside. She spoke of her job, her daughter, her home, and of course, all the new changes the three would be experiencing in 1985. MTV, music tapes, new fashions, and new political developments they missed. Trots, Caz and Rennick were simply trying to absorb that they were actually leaving the compound. Coming into a world foreign and foreboding. Josie's excitement was only adding to their discouragement.

She sat passenger as the three were sent into the backseat. Caz went in first.

"Right, now you." One of the agents insisted to Rennick.

"Naw. Get him to." Rennick refuted, pointing to Trots.

"Now. Let's go."

Trots pressed, "Let's go, Davey. Tuck in."

"Fuck sakes," grumbled Rennick, clearly bereaved to have the middle seat. Trots got in next and Rennick pulled in his shoulders with a grunt. The three exchanged glares to one another before Josie turned her head back to them.

"You three ready for a road trip? Suze and I came down here, took three fucking hours!"

Trots sighed grievously and Caz batted his eyes in surprise. Rennick grumbled behind his teeth, "I didnae want this spot."

The fact they'd have to be travelling three hours squished together like chicken cutlets in packaging was a damper, indeed. The agent behind the wheel started up and began their steady drive back to Glasgow. Then they'd be bunking in a home with not just Cartier, but with each other. Trots, Caz and Rennick were certain it had to be some kind of sickly joke from above. Especially when Josie talked the driver into playing a Madonna tape in her purse. It was to be feared it was going to be a long drive, only leading to a disturbing living situation following.