Thankfully, the snowstorm is short-lived,and we’re back up to speed and on track in no time. The rest of the journeypasses uneventfully and under the cover of darkness we eventually reach Kyle ofLochalsh; the bridge over to the Isle of Skye. We cross this and head in thedirection of George’s house near Portree and I am grateful he has offered tofeed me – I’m ravenous!
His house is locatedon the outskirts of Portree and even in the darkness I can see how impressiveit is. I imagine the views are spectacular across the bay because he hasuninterrupted views. As we enter the house, I am not surprised to see he hasmade full advantage of the view. Off the main living area there are bifolddoors which seem to span the width of the living room and open plan kitchenarea. I approach them and see they open out onto a huge expanse of decking.
George excuses himself and asks me to makemyself comfortable whilst he prepares supper. I say a mental thank you to thatfemale officer for providing me with these painkillers. It hurt like hell but,without them, even stumbling over the length of the living room would’ve beenan insurmountable task. However, taking little baby steps and lots of breaks, Imanaged unaided. I then take his advice and relax onto the sofa. I close myeyes and think about what a day it’s been. I never envisioned any of this whenI set out this morning! A car crash, Juliet’s appearance, and then spending theevening with George having supper!
Whilst George isn’t in earshot, I take theopportunity to chat with Juliet. “Were you just saying that in the car forGeorge’s benefit so you didn’t hurt his feelings?”
“Not at all. Don’t look a gift horse inthe mouth. He is offering to put you up and look around, Thomas, you’re notgoing to be badly off here! You are not in a position to look after yourselfright now and have you thought about how you’d get out and about? You don’tcurrently have access to a car and, even if you did, you’re in no fit state todrive one right now. It makes sense.” I couldn’t argue with that and no, Ihadn’t even given it any thought, the fact I’m unlikely to be able to driveanywhere. She wasn’t offering up any other possibilities, so I didn’t push it.
“Thing is, Juliet, how do I know if I’lleven get on with him?”
“You don’t but, let’s face it, you’re notgoing to know unless you give it a shot.”
Supper was ready much quicker thananticipated, a dish of langoustines with lemon and pepper butter and crustybread on the side. Clearly freshly caught, they were delectable. I hadforgotten about the amazing selection of fresh fish on Skye. We eat in acontented silence, savouring our meal and devouring every last piece of theshellfish and bread. It gave me a chance to think about George’s proposal.
“George, if the offer still stands for aplace to stay I’d like to take you up on it.” A smile spreads across his face.
“Wonderful, you’ve made the right choice.When we’re finished up here, I’ll show you to the guest room and you can relax,I’m sure you’re in need of it after the day you’ve had.”
I certainly was and I was also gratefulfor the fact I’d have some time out on my own. I had no energy left for makingpolite chit chat and had a feeling the minute my head hit the pillow I wasgoing to go out like a light which is exactly what happened. It was adrug-induced sleep with all the painkillers I’d been on and, as a result, Ididn’t rouse until after 10 a.m.
Inoticed the pain in my head had eased somewhat (a result of the rest?) but as Itried to prop myself up into a sitting position in bed, I realised every boneand joint in my body was stiff as a board. My plans for doing a littlesightseeing seemed unlikely unless I were to be driven somewhere and I didn’twant to see mother until I was feeling more agile. Thoughts then driftedtowards George, perhaps I had no input in any itinerary? He brought me here toconfront my past, not to visit Skye’s tourist spots. This is a wakeup call asI’m reminded of why I’m here. I need a clear head for what’s ahead of me …
CHAPTER 10
Janey
M
y concern yesterday that something was wrong had nowescalated and all sorts of horrifying thoughts and scenarios were playing outin my head. He knew I would be anxious to hear from him, to let me know he’darrived safe and sound, yet nothing. I’d tried repeatedly to contact him viaphone and text with no success and when he eventually did make contact laterthat night, he said something about his phone having no signal, but I feltcertain the Thomas I knew would’ve found a way to get in touch and let me knowhe was OK long before he did. I’d also tried to reach him this morning firstthing but again his phone just went to voicemail. You have left me no choice,Thomas!
I look the number up online. A politewell-rehearsed voice chimes, “Good morning, Gibson & Mason, how may Idirect your call?”
“Morning, I’m not sure who I need to speakto, but my husband works as a financial adviser from your Scottish Bordersbranch and he’s travelling to your branch to carry out some recruitment overthe next couple of weeks. I’ve been trying to contact him repeatedly over thepast day or so, but his phone seems to keep losing connection. Perhaps youcould pass a message on and get him to call me?”
“Of course, what is his name?”
“Thomas Taylor.”
“I’ll be sure to passthat message on,” and with that she ends the call.
I hear nothing from Thomas for theremainder of the morning but an unknown caller ID flashes on the phone aroundmid-day and, when I answer the call, I recognise the polite femalereceptionist’s voice from earlier this morning.
“Mrs Taylor?”
“Speaking.”
“It was just to letyou know that I’ve checked with some colleagues and we’re not
