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“Since you were a wee bairn yourself, lass.”

“Exactly. Any financial advice you need, I’ll give you for free.”

“None needed, lass. I’ve got everything I need.”

The monitor on the wall suddenly flashes some local news. Mary turns the volume up using the remote velcroed to the wall next to it. The segment is talking about the man who was extradited back to Scotland, and the fact that he’s walking free. “Holy shit.” I say, shocked. “How the fuck did he manage that?” I say, disgusted, and not worried about using foul language around Mary. I know for a fact that she’s got the mouth of a trucker when the mood strikes her.

“Damn bastard.”

See?

“I betcha it was one of them corrupted cops that let him loose for the right price. These authorities, they’re all the same, Freya.”

“Looks like he was better off in North Carolina, where he was in a small jail. They evidently did a better job of babysitting him.”

“You should warn Caleb, lass.”

“Oh, I’m sure he knows by now, Mary. They’ve got security so tight, and they’re keeping tabs on everything and everybody that comes and goes or comes within yards of the bairn.”

Her mouth twists into a lopsided smile, while her eyes warm. “And Ethan? How is the lad doing?”

“Oh, Mary, it’s so complicated.” I tell her nervously. She’s the only one besides Trudy that I told about him. “We could never be.”

Her eyes sparkle. “Some day, lass, you’ll see. The right man will come along and sweep you up off your feet. My James did that for me.”

“Well, it sure wasn’t Ethan.” I chuckle mirthlessly.

She purses her lips into a smile. “The lord works in strange ways, Freya. You’ll see.”

“I know, Mary.” I smile back.

She waves. “Okay, what are you having, lass? I’ve got this fresh bread and some turnovers you’ll love.”

“Sure. I’ll take some.” I grab my wallet out of my purse.

“Your money’s no good here, lass. This is on the house.”

“Mary, how do you expect to earn a living when you give your goods away for free?”

“Same as you, lass. Same as you.” She winks, stuffing baked goods into a bag for me. “How long are you staying in town?”

“I’m not sure.”

She hands me the bag. “You be sure and come for another visit tomorrow. I’ll have those sweet rolls that are your favorite ready.”

“I’ll be here.” I grin. Her rolls are the best.

As I head back to the cottage, I can’t help but feel a weight already lifted off my shoulders. Ethan couldn’t be further from my mind as I pull up to the cottage, admiring its charm. I’m ashamed that I haven’t come around in so long. It’s just too beautiful to ignore, and I find myself making a personal pact to come back at least twice a year for a visit. Where there is no wifi connection, no cable, and water strictly from a well, it’s a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of city living in North Carolina. As much as I love it out there, sometimes it’s important to come back to your roots, to feel grounded again.

Nathan Mackenzie

“Higgins. You son of a bitch.” I chuckle, seeing my old friend, waiting for me inside a car, as I walk from an abandoned building, where he instructed me to go. “I don’t know how the fuck you pulled that shit off, but I thank you, my brother.”

He shrugs modestly. “It’s no trouble. It’s what I do best.”

I sit in the passenger’s side and grin at him. “So, what’s next? A fake I.D. for me, and head back to the states to try again? That shit was way too easy, man.”

“Na, it’s too hot over there, plus, there’s something way better right here in Scotland.”

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