Page 35 of Lochlan

He shakes his head. “On foot, with your gun and a pack for essentials. Geordie and Harris were fair hunters, but I had a problem with the killing and gore of the sport. When I was finally able to push my bile down, I performed well enough.

There was a day, late in the evening, when the four of us were hunting together. We had brought down a doe and were about to bring it back to the small hunting cabin we used. We were about to truss the animal to transport, when Granda said I was to bring the doe back to the cabin myself and dress the animal. I won't describe what that entails. I could do it, but he also said I was to stay in the cabin that night alone.”

I'm having a difficult time keeping my emotions in check. “How old were you?” It comes out like a mother questioning her son.

He hardens his features at the interrogation. “Thirteen, maybe fourteen. I was big for my age and strong, but to survive even for a night alone was unsettling. The cabin was not more than a wooden shack with no plumbing and a fireplace for warmth. It was just a structure that would protect you from the elements. I remember Harris and Geordie standing on either side of my granda with no expression. There was no use arguing with him and pleading not to be left behind. It would do no good. I watched them pack up and leave me to my fate.”

The thought of a teenage Lochlan alone at night in the wild was chilling, but maybe a rural rite of passage we don't have in the city is hard to understand. “How was that night for you?”

The waiter comes to the table with our beers, then Lochlan asks me to order for him. I search the menu for something a man would like and order a meat pizza. The waiter turns away while I give my attention to Lochlan.

“I did what they expected with clear-eyed focus guided by my training,” he begins, defending what he endured. “I had to fight not to lapse into despair or rail at the unfairness. This was about my passage to manhood; it was time to put my childhood aside.” He takes a drink, glancing away. “They came early the next morning. My granda was the first one through the cabin door. He glanced around at what I'd done, then clapped me on the shoulder and said, ‘You did well, lad.’ They packed the animal and me into the rover and we bumped down the road to the main house. I can't tell you what happened the rest of the day; life went on as usual.”

How do you react to a story that would be considered child abuse now? “I was hoping for something a little less dramatic, like your teacher didn't believe you could score higher on a test.”

“I don't have a story for academics. I excelled at my studies.” He sees my frustration. “I've monopolized the conversation with my life long enough. You said your mother lives in Edinburgh. When did your parents divorce?”

I'm surprised by the question, but I shouldn't be; he barely has a social filter. “My parents aren't divorced. It's a long-distance marriage. My father and I spent summers with my mother until I started college.”

“I would imagine it's difficult to keep that relationship alive. It must involve a tremendous amount of trust for one or both not to stray, or is that allowed in the marriage?”

“I never thought my parent's relationship was unusual, but somehow it works for them. They're my parents. I don't ask those kinds of questions.”

The pizza comes and I realize I haven't eaten since breakfast. I devour the first slice in a few bites and wash it down with beer. Lochlan must be starving as well, as he's already reaching for a second piece.

“I read over your notes for the presentation,” I say, taking a break from shoving more pizza in my mouth. They don't need to be changed, just match them with the correct slide, work on a story for your opening, and you'll have the interest in your project you need. Call me after the luncheon. I'd like to know how it went.”

He takes a drink of his beer. “I won't need to call you; you'll be there. I already informed them that you'll be one of my guests. Granda will attend with his protégé Fiona. I want you to meet them at the meeting.”

“What's Fiona like? Do you know her?”

“She's the daughter of one of Granda's oldest friends. I hear she's been working on projects for MacTavish Distillers. She's probably here to observe, since this is a new venture for the company in California.”

We finish the pizza and a second beer. Lochlan asks for the check when our meals are removed.

“Would you like to listen to music or take a walk to see the decorations?” I ask while we're putting on our jackets.

“I think I'll ride with you back to your apartment, then I'll go home.”

We spend the ride back to my apartment gazing out the window to avoid more conversation. It was my idea to drag him out for some fun to loosen him up; instead, I get a peek into his bleak childhood.

“We're here, miss,” the driver says.

“Thank you for the pizza,” I say while opening the door.

“Could you wait?” Lochlan asks the driver. “I want to walk her to her door to make sure she's safe.”

“Sure, I'll wait, but if you're not back in ten minutes, I'm leaving.”

We stand in front of my door while I fish inside my bag for the key to my apartment. Lochlan rests against the door frame, watching me, and all I want to do is get inside and finish this day.

“Are you having trouble finding what you need?”

“I can't seem to find my key. It's probably on the table. If Pru was here, I could just call her, but she's in another state.” I start a search for my phone. “I'll call the office to let me in. You don't need to wait with me. I'll be fine.”

He gives me anAre you an idiot?look. “I promised to see you inside, and that's what I'll do.”

I find the number and place the call.

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