Page 66 of Savage Warrior

“Not used to flying?” Megan remarks from the seat next to mine.

I shake my head and cling on.

“Don’t worry. Jimmy’s a fine pilot. It’s only a short hop over to Caraksay.”

“Caraksay?” I play with the unfamiliar word on my tongue. “What is that?”

“It’s an island, in the Outer Hebrides,” Jack supplies. “Very quiet. And safe. No one will touch you there.” He leans across me to grin at Megan seated on my other side. “Maybe we should set up a rest home for retired drug dealers and forgers.”

She grins back. “I’ll raise it with Ethan.”

The journey passes in a blur. It’s perhaps an hour later when Megan nudges my elbow. “There’s Caraksay, dead ahead.”

I peer through the window and let out a gasp at my first ever sight of an ocean. The scene below me is nothing short of stunning. The island is laid out below, a kaleidoscope of greens and greys surrounded by choppy waves that crash into soaring cliffs, sending huge plumes of spray into the air. And atop all this dramatic beauty perches the most amazing castle. It’s ancient, majestic, dominating the entire landscape.

Scattered around are other buildings, a collection of barns and cottages in the main. A network of narrow roads and footpaths connect it all together, and I can even see people milling about.

“Do they live here?” I ask.

“Yes. The island is our headquarters, and it’s where our boss and his family live.”

I gaze down on the scene below. “Are those children? On the beach?”

Jack follows my pointing finger with his gaze. “Yes. Ethan’s son and nephew. I wouldn’t call it a beach, exactly.”

I’ve never seen a beach before but I suppose he’s right. The two boys are clambering over rocks on a shingle shoreline. They both gaze up as we pass overhead, and they wave.

Jack waves back, then continues to provide a commentary. “Our men live in the cottages, and some have wives and children here, too, though they mostly live in the castle. That’s divided into offices and apartments. The biggest barn over there was built in the fourteenth century, or so Ethan says. It’s been converted into a leisure centre. There’s a swimming pool and spa, a gym, and a cinema. We like to keep the troops amused. And fit.”

I am in awe. I had never dreamed of something like this. “How many people are there?”

“Usually around thirty or forty,” Megan tells me. “Over there is my clinic. Most of the cottages date from the thirteenth or fourteenth century, but the clinic was purpose-built just over a year ago.”

“It seems so old…” I breathe, taking in the weathered appearance. The castle itself looks to have seen its share of battles over the years.

“Yes. Ethan insists on keeping the place unspoiled, so we only use traditional materials and design when we build or restore. But he runs a global company from here, so we need mod cons. We have state-of-the-art Wi-Fi, our own generator, renewable energy and so on.”

I have more questions, but by now we’re circling the turrets of the castle. Jimmy is bringing the helicopter down in a cobbled forecourt in front of the main entrance. As soon as the runners settle on the giant X painted on the stones, Jack opens the door and drops to the ground.

“Wait there. I’ll fetch a wheelchair.” He strides away in the direction of the clinic.

Megan’s private clinic is nothing like any facility I’ve seen before. Her consulting room has all the usual equipment, as far as I can see, and exudes an efficient, clinical vibe. There are gadgets for checking blood pressure, taking blood tests, providing first aid and the usual care. But it’s small, for a start, just two beds for patients, in rooms more akin to a hotel than a clinical setting. She directs Jack into the consulting room where he parks my chair then leaves us to it.

Megan checks me over and pronounces me fit. Well, as fit as can be expected. “Let’s get you settled in,” she suggests. “This way.”

She wheels me out and along a short corridor, then into one of the private rooms. I take in my new accommodation.

The bed is inviting, with a lavender coverlet and a massive pile of pillows at one end. The curtains and carpet are a matching shade of pearl grey. I have a television on my wall and a fridge for drinks and snacks.

“Meals come over from the main kitchen in the castle,” Megan tells me. “Mrs McRae sees to all that side of things, and she’ll be popping in soon to see you and find out what you like to eat. She’s my aunt, so I happen to know that she’s been reading up on Belarus cuisine, so you’ll be well fed.”

“There’s no need. Really, I—”

“She’ll want to make you welcome,” Megan insists. “I’ll let the other women know you’re here and I expect you’ll have plenty of visitors. If that’s okay with you, of course. If you prefer to be left alone, just say so.”

“I do not want to be any trouble. I will not be here for long, after all.”

“It’s no trouble. We just want you to relax, take it easy, and get better. When you’re stronger you can use the pool and the spa. Maybe take in a film. Just let someone know, and we can order in anything you fancy.”

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