Page 95 of The Moon Sister
‘So, Tiggy’ – he took a step towards me and I took one back – ‘I appreciate it is a major decision for you, but I am afraid I must have your answer by the end of the week at the latest.’
‘I’m really sorry, Zed, I honestly have been so busy—’
‘I appreciate that, Tiggy, but given what I heard through the walls last night, I would advise you to think about my offer very seriously. From what I heard last night, in my opinion Kinnaird is doomed.’ He nodded at me, gave me a brief smile and left.
Cal arrived back only minutes after Zed’s departure.
‘I spoke to the Laird and he agrees we should keep Pegasus’s presence quiet for as long as we can before making any kind of official statement.’
‘Do we know who spilled the beans?’
‘Lochie said old Arthur in the post office commented on the photos o’ the stag when he was last in there,’ he said grimly. ‘I’m sure nae harm was meant, but it looks like that’s how word got out to that local reporter. Yae can imagine that gossip like this spreads like wildfire round these parts. Anyway, I’m off.’
‘Keep safe, darling,’ I whispered to Pegasus, as I felt a shiver of fear pass through me.
*
‘Bloody hell!’ Cal swore uncharacteristically the next morning, as we heard a number of vehicles pull up in the courtyard. A TV cameramen had already climbed out of one of the cars and was filming the picturesque view of the glen.
‘Are you in charge here?’ one of the men asked Cal as he appeared at the door.
‘No,’ said Cal, ‘but how can I help you?’
‘Tim Winter,Northern Times. Word has reached us that there might be a white stag on the estate.’ The journalist dug into his pocket for a notepad. ‘Can you confirm this?’
‘I cannae say anything as I’m not the boss, but I’d be doubting you’d see anything of that description here on Kinnaird land. I certainly haven’t,’ Cal lied smoothly.
‘My source was pretty confident that one had been spotted. He said there were photos of the stag. He’s emailing them over to me later today.’
‘I’ll look forward to getting a glimpse of those,’ Cal replied, poker-faced. I was impressed with his acting skills, when I knew underneath he must be boiling with anger.
Another reporter stepped forward and introduced himself. ‘Ben O’Driscoll, STV North. Perhaps you could tell us where the stags tend to hang out? Then we can go and look for ourselves.’
‘Aye, I can do that all right.’ Cal nodded affably. ‘They’re just over there, mid-way up the hill at this time of day.’ He indicated the opposite direction to where Pegasus grazed and I stifled a giggle as he gave the journalists a set of complicated instructions.
I watched as they all scurried into their cars and vans and set off.
‘At least that’s bought us some time, Tig,’ Cal breathed as we retreated into the cottage. ‘I’m going to radio Lochie and tell him tae move the Landy away from the copse and pile some more snow on the hide. We don’t want them given any clues, do we?’ Cal said, picking up his radio and pressing the button to get Lochie on the line. ‘Hopefully, if they find nothing they’ll get bored and go and stalk someone else’s dirty underwear. Lochie? Can yae hear me? Good. I need you tae hide the Landy an’. . .’
With a sigh, I left Cal issuing instructions and went into my bedroom to feed Alice.
There was a knock at the cottage door and my stomach turned over as I saw Charlie’s pale face through the pane of glass when I went to open it.
‘Hi,’ I said, as he stepped into the sitting room.
‘Hi.’ Charlie gave me a tense smile in return. He looked terrible – I hadn’t slept all night, and obviously neither had he.
‘How are you this morning?’ he asked, out of sheer good manners.
‘I’m okay. More importantly, how is Zara?’
‘Not so good. It all got very heated last night when we told her she had to go back to school. Zara ended up going to her bedroom and locking herself in. She’s refusing point-blank to come out. Anyway,’ he sighed, ‘Zara isn’t your problem. Tell me about this white stag . . . it seems the news is well and truly out, if the number of cars and vans roaming the estate is anything to go by. Cal says you’ve seen him in the flesh too.’
‘Yes, I have. He’s far more beautiful than in the photos we sent you.’
‘And definitely not a figment of your and Cal’s imagination?’
‘No, Charlie, but now we have to do everything we can to protect him.’
