Page 54 of Under A Sicilian Sky
Shelby’s eyes lit up. ‘I’dloveto do that for you. Let me grab my coat and purse. Jot down what you need, your sizes, fave colours and styles and I’ll go see what I can find.’
Relief flooded Ruby at how amenable Shelby was, and she decided that perhaps she had got the wrong end of the stick when she had overheard her on the telephone. ‘Thanks. You’re a star.’
Shelby tapped her lightly on the arm. ‘Oh no, that’syou.’
Ruby scribbled all the necessary info on a piece of paper and handed it to Shelby.
Next, she found Dougie in the conservatory reading a James Patterson book.
She cleared her throat. ‘Ahem, Dougie, sorry to disturb you.’
He looked up over the spectacles perched on the end of his nose. ‘Nae problem, lassie. What can I do for you?’
She knotted her fingers in front of her. ‘I was thinking I’d like to have a wander around the village, get some fresh air. I don’t want to bother you, so if you’re engrossed in—’
‘Och, it’s nae bother. I’ll grab ma coat. But first, let’s go over the plan, eh?’
Ruby inhaled and cringed. ‘There has to be a plan?’
He smiled warmly. ‘It’s not a big deal. Basically, I will let you walk ahead alone, and I’ll hang back. I don’t want to overcrowd you. In such a small place, it would look tae obvious to dae that. But, I’m there if you need me. I suggest a hat, scarf and maybe sunglasses as it’s quite sunny oot anyways. Tuck your hair away like you did when you went to the computer bloke’s house.’ He winked. ‘Then the job’s a good yin. Oh, and I got you this, you know, just in case.’ He handed her a small black box that on closer inspection turned out to be a panic alarm.
It sounded reasonable and doable. She popped the alarm in her pocket and a wave of excitement fluttered over her. ‘Thanks Dougie. Can we go now?’
He placed his book down. ‘Aye, course we can, lassie. That’s what I’m here fae.’
Moments later, with the same hat she wore before and a borrowed scarf, Ruby popped on her sunglasses and headed out into the crisp early April air. She walked down the driveway and onto the main road into the village. A quick glance over her shoulder showed her that Dougie was wrapped up too and looked like a man on a stroll rather than a man on the lookout for security issues. She smiled to herself.
There was a pub called the Coxswain on the corner and further along a grocery shop. She guessed that must be where Morag worked. An elderly man came out with a small shopping bag and she heard a voice from inside shout, ‘Bye just now, Hamish!’
Ruby walked over to the inlet, which was surrounded by what appeared to be a newly constructed barrier with padlocks on the openings for access to the boats. She leaned there for a moment and gazed out at the water where a light breeze played on the surface, causing ripples to glint in the sunlight. The sky overhead was vivid blue again, but there was that nip to the air that made her breath appear in little white puffs when she exhaled. Across the other side was a café called Tea for Two with several people sitting inside and a bakery called Caitlin’s Cakes & Bakes that she could smell from her vantage point. She decided she would call in and treat the people back at the house to something delicious. If it tasted as good as it smelled, then they were in for a real delight.
Further along, there was an outdoor gear shop. She surmised that perhaps she could’ve sent Shelby there for the warm coat on her list. Mitch had said something about Archie owning an outdoor wear shop and she guessed that must be the place. It was a shame he didn’t sell smart clothing too; it would have saved Shelby a journey.
A bus pulled up outside the bakery and several children got off. One of them walked into the bakery, others wandered off in different directions, all shouting their goodbyes to each other. She smiled as she watched them playing around; a game of tag began after the bus had pulled away, and she thought to herself that this would be such a lovely place to bring up children.
She walked on and at the end of the slipway was an old building, strange in shape with a glass panelled door. An image of an old lifeboat was made from coloured glass and took pride of place in the centre. The sign saidThe Lifeboat House Museumand again she remembered Shelby saying something about this after seeing a painting in her room. She wandered down and read the noticeboard. The museum was closed today but there was a poster about the upcoming village hall opening event. The poster stated that a surprise local celebrity would be there to officially open the building and her interest piqued.I wonder who that could be…
She sauntered back over to the bakery and, after a deep breath for courage, she pushed through the door. She hadn’t purchased anything for herself in so long and was glad that she still had some UK currency after her last visit home.
‘Hi there. What can I get you?’ a red-haired woman, whom she presumed to be Caitlin, asked from behind the counter.
‘Ooh… I think I might have to buy one of everything. The cakes look amazing.’
The woman laughed. ‘Aye, not so great for your waistline, sadly.’ She patted her tummy.
‘Yes, but there are worse ways to gain weight,’ Ruby said with a grin.
‘For sure.’
‘Seriously though, I could eat one of everything, but I’d better not. So, I’ll take four pieces of shortbread, four tray bakes, you can choose which, a chocolate cake. Ooh and a clootie dumpling, just because I love the name.’ Ruby giggled.
‘Coming right up,’ the redhead said as she began to package up the sweet treats. ‘So, are you passing through or are you here for a wee break?’
Ruby glanced outside to see Dougie standing by the inlet, watching the water. She turned back to the shopkeeper and replied, ‘Just a break really. Not sure how long.’
‘Well, you’ve chosen a grand wee spot. Glentorrin is a lovely place. Friendly folk and surrounded by stunning scenery. I’m sure you’ll love it.’
Ruby smiled and glanced outside again. ‘I think I already do.’
