Page 82 of Scotch on the Rocks

Alistair: Do you know where Dad’s medical notes are? Mum can’t find them.

The text from Alistair was time stamped five minutes ago.

Callum: Top drawer of the desk.

Alistair: That was quick. Thought you were headed to Portree?

Shit.

Callum: Fuel stop.

I hated lying. It didn’t come easily to me, even with the screaming voice that told me lying was the safest course of action for now, given the tangled history. I felt especially bad using the time having Alistair home freed up to spend with Juniper.

Callum: I left some leaflets in the kitchen for daycare facilities and carer support groups, can you ask Mum to look at them? I think it will help coming from you.

Alistair: Leave it with me.

The car door opened and I dropped my phone into the cup holder. All thoughts of my dad and Alistair melting away as Juniper slid into the passenger seat. The beanie I’d bought slipping low on her forehead, sunglasses so dark you might mistake her for a funeral attendant balanced on her slightly upturned nose.

“Worried you might be seen with me?”

“Aren’t you?”

“No.” I held out a Brown’s takeaway cup and started the engine.

“You brought me coffee?”

“Nope, it’s empty. I know how much you like collecting the little cups.”

“You’re extra funny in the mornings, Macabe.” Her words dripped with sarcasm. “I meant … you live right next door.” She pointed at the tree line. “Why drive all the way into the village just to get coffee?”

Because I know you love Jess’s coffee. Cheeks threatening to heat, I shoved the cup into her hand. “Enough questions. Just drink it.”

She took a sip and grimaced. “It’s cold.”

“Yeah …” I winced, choking down another long sip of my own. “It would have been warm if you’d been ready on time. Now we both have to suffer.” Starting the engine, I gestured to the centre console. “It’s a bit of a drive, put on that sad music you love so much.”

23

Juniper

Isle of Skye Guidebook

The Fairy Pools

Distance: 8km.

Time: 3 hrs.

Terrain: Rough moorland path. Narrow bridges between pools. Undulating hills.

Visitors can enjoy the stunning walk bordered with

flowering heather and peat. Follow the crystal-clear burn in the shadow of the Cullin mountains. Pause to explore the many enchanting pools and waterfalls, those who feel brave enough can even enter the icy water.

“You didn’t say we’d be hiking.” The stupid trainers I’d chosen, built purely for aesthetic purposes, slipped on flat rock, tossing my weight.

Callum caught my elbow, steadying me before we continued. “We can still see the car.”

---