Page 18 of Coming Home to Winter Island
I nod and shake my head at the same time. We stand and look at each other awkwardly for a moment. I seize the opportunity to ask what she knows about Lachlan.
‘Look, I’m sorry, but I was just wondering—’
‘Sorry,’ she says at the same time, ‘did I just hear you mention Lachlan? Lachlan from Teach Mhor?’
We look at each other again. She has pale, soft skin, really pale, the colour of the white foam from the sea, and deep red curly hair.
‘Yes.’ My eyes widen, realising Isla could be just the ally I need. ‘Do you know him?’
I’m suddenly aware of three pairs of eyes staring at me from behind the counter. I look back at them and hold up a hand in greeting. One of the three short, stout people nudges the next, and I can’t help but think of the three wise monkeys in a row. They’re all wearing matching thick glasses and warm knitted jumpers stretched over their barrel-like bodies.
‘I told you,’ she says. ‘As soon as Isla said there was a guest at the big hoose, I knew it must be a friend of Lachlan’s.’
‘You said Lachlan must have a new girlfriend,’ says the one next to her.
The man on the end by the till nods. ‘Lachlan’s new girlfriend, y’say.’
‘Oh no, I’m not...’ I hold up a hand and blush, wondering how I’m going to explain my presence at the house without arousing too much interest. ‘I’m just...’ What?! What are you, Ruby? Who are you and why are you here... still? I look at the expectant faces. ‘I’m here helping Lachlan out for a few days.’
‘Helping Lachlan out?’ says the middle wise monkey. From inside the café, a woman in a bobble hat, long padded coat and worn sheepskin boots cranes her neck to get a glimpse of me. I feel like Exhibit A in a courtroom.
‘Yes, just helping him out,’ I repeat, hoping this leads me to finding out a bit more about what he’s up to, particularly in that big red-brick shed.
‘You’re a friend of Lachlan’s then?’ says the third wise monkey.
‘A friend?’ I hesitate. ‘Yes, I suppose I am a sort of friend.’
‘See, I told you it was Lachlan’s new girlfriend,’ says the first woman, and they all smile in agreement.
Isla says nothing; just looks at me.
‘So, this lovely shop, is it yours?’ I ask the three wise monkeys.
‘Oh, this is a community shop, we all take our turn here,’ says the man.
‘Even Lachlan,’ says the first woman. ‘I expect we’ll see you here if you’re helping out.’
‘Not here,’ says the second. ‘Up at the hoose, helping out at the hoose.’
‘But everyone takes a turn. Here and in the café. Then we split the profits,’ says the first. ‘We’re the Cruickshanks. I’m Lena, this is my sister Lexie and my brother Lyle.’
‘Not that there’s much profit,’ says Lyle, looking down at the old till.
‘Same for the café. We don’t get many customers these days, though Mrs Broidy is a regular.’
Ah, so that’s Mrs Broidy, still trying to get a good look at me. I wonder whether I could join her for a cup of tea, maybe find out more about Lachlan that way.
‘You have a look about you,’ she says, narrowing her eyes. ‘You remind me of someone.’
I turn away quickly.
‘I must be going,’ says Isla. ‘Enjoy your stay,’ she adds, sounding a little more reserved. ‘How long did you say you were here for? I thought you were just here on business.’
‘Yes, some business with Lachlan,’ I say quickly, and smile. ‘Taking a bit longer than we thought.’
‘See!’ says Lena, nudging her sister again, making her knock into her brother. I think of Weebles.
Isla turns to leave.
