Susan Evans McCloud - Storm and Deceit

Chapter One

They crawled along the A87 toward Invergarry with a fierce Highland squall nipping at their heels, driving into a black cloud as dense and inky as midnight, which hung like a witchs net over forest and loch. Callum MacGregor missed the turn and veered north rather than south, so that after another hour of tense driving they emerged at the mouth of a little village called Invermoriston, a fourth of the way up the storm-stirred flank of Loch Ness.

They were tired. Callums eyes stung from peering through the thick birch woods of the glen, trying to follow the narrow, uncertain road. The inn that rose up almost in front of them was dark and indistinct. He let up on the accelerator and glanced toward Laura, huddled in the passenger seat. Should we stop, then?

Might there be something nicer in the village?

Might, might not. At least I see lights and a bit of smoke from the chimney.

As he spoke a gust of wind tore at the exposed trees, its force bending them back upon themselves and rocking the frame of the car with its cold breath. Rain slashed at the windows, and Laura shuddered visibly. Lets try it, she said.

Callum edged the black Magnette up the thin, muddy lane that led to the age-blackened structure. From what little they could see the yard appeared bleak and largely deserted. A loose shutter somewhere on the second storey banged noisily and insistently, while the loud wind complained.

Looks just the thing for a romantic such as yourself, Callum teased.

Laura smiled to herself. Every honeymoon needs one place like this, she quipped back, if merely to add spice to the telling of the adventure afterward.

Callum reached across for her hand. Honeymoon . To hear the word applied to himself still caught him up short with an almost uneasy sense of wonder and joy. This is an unlikely marriage for a crusty old Scotsman to make, he thought for the hundredth time. Unlikely, yet so perfectly suited. Had he not pursued this woman across the length of Great Britain, impersonated an earl of noble blood, harrassed and wooed her, and then foolishly let her go? Now, despite his own awkwardness, she was beside him, and her presence felt as natural to him as if he had spent the last twenty years with her, rather than in the isolation and loneliness that had for so long been his life.

Ill dash up and see if I can rouse someone, he said, bracing himself for the onslaught of the elements as he pushed the car door open and slid outside.

The shape of him disappeared into the general murkiness as Laura strained to look after. Her ears rang and she felt a bit lightheaded; she knew a cold was coming on, though she had done her best to discourage it. Any bed, she thought. Tonight Im not fussy. Just some place to lay my head.

She jumped, startled at Callums knock on the window. Cozier than it looks, he called above the sound of the wind. Theyve room, and even some leftover supper!

He helped her to her feet, shielding her body with the bulk of his own as he led her to the low, open entrance. Laura blinked as she stepped through the door, blinded momentarily by even the dim glow that greeted her. Light and warmth, albeit damp, reached their friendly tentacles, and she groped toward them gratefully, holding fast to her husbands arm.

Why had she expected to be alone? Laura squinted in consternation as her gaze focused and she saw half a dozen faces peering at her with ill-concealed curiosity. There was a chair by the firehad someone kindly vacated it when they saw the newcomers approaching? She sank back against the cusions and attempted a grateful smile, but no one seemed to notice. A middle-aged gentleman was already questioning Callum, and a young girl with a fountain of ash blonde hair was leaning over her.

Weve kidney soup and warm scones, maam, the girl suggested.

That would be heavenly, Laura sighed.

Stornoway? You been up on the isles in this weather? The tone of the question was one of obvious disapproval. Im a Glasgow man, myself. Ive no more use for the Skye and Lewis folk than I do for the Sassenachs.

Laura knew Sassenach was the Scotsmans somewhat derogatory term for an Englishman, and she wondered what Callums reaction would be. He hesitated for a moment, then a grin spread across his strong features. I grew up not far from Glasgow, he returned brightly. And I share the Scots fondness for my ain folk, though Ive lived in London these many years.

Laura was amused at how thick Callums native burr had become, perhaps a subconscious response to a challenge. But he was honest. That was one of the things she liked about himone of the many things.

And the wee wifeis she Highland born? the Glasgow man persisted.

Callum arched a dark eyebrow, and Laura nearly laughed aloud. Just then their food arrived, and he drew up a chair beside her so they could share a tray.

With conversation silenced, the sound of the wind, like an unwelcome intruder, rattled through the large drafty room.

I have nae seen it this bad since nineteen-one, Gordon Chisolm, the innkeeper, muttered.

Hes a surly sort, Laura thought. Could the pretty girl with the corn silk hair be his daughter?

Elisabeth Mae, where be ye? The query was a growl that set Lauras sensibilities on edge.

Right here, father.

Laura turned to see another young woman emerge from one of the shadowy corners.

Carrying on wi that lad o yours again, are ye? the innkeeper growled.

His daughter laughed lightly, less disturbed by her fathers crudeness than Laura expected. Enoch is in the library preparing his lessons.

As though the mere sound of her voice was a signal, a young man appeared in one of the low doorways, standing taut and expectant. He was slight of build, with the high brow and delicate bone structure of a poetor a dreamer. Laura wondered which. His gaze took in the newcomers, and when his eyes met hers they softened with an expression of welcome.

You maun help Mrs. Chisolm ready that large room at the end of the right wing for Mr. MacGregor and his wife. Bella yet has work in the kitchen, Mr. Chisolm ordered.

Of course. Maes voice was low and pleasant. She cast a quick smile in Lauras direction before turning to do her fathers bidding.

Hold on a minute. You be stopping the night, too, Doctor? Twould be the wise thing. It appeared Chisolms curt manner was lavishly bestowed upon everyone.