01 A Large Measure of Snow by Denzil Meyrick

Author:Denzil Meyrick
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: Birlinn
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 13

On board the Evening Star, McMichael was becoming increasingly concerned by the turn of the weather. Unlike Hoynes – who thought such a thing an unnecessary indulgence, not to mention an unthinkable expense – he had a radio.

‘Evening Star to the Kinloch fleet, come in, over.’ He waited for a few moments, but there was nothing but static on the crackling line. McMichael was about to give up when a faint voice sounded through the wooden speaker above his head. ‘Aye, Jim, it’s Davie here.’

‘Davie who?’

‘Davie Robertson, who do you think?’

‘You’re supposed tae say, “Roger, the Black Isle receiving, over.”’

‘Och, I canna get tae grips wae this radio stuff at all. You knew fine who it was as soon as I opened my mouth. You only saw me this morning.’

‘That’s no’ the point. We should be observing the correct protocol on the wireless. You never know who’s listening.’

‘It’s hardly Radio Caroline, Jim.’

‘Clyde Coastguard, they’ll have their lugs roon this, and no mistake.’

‘You’re worried about who’s listening to your radio protocol when we’re out here about tae crash intae Arran in a blizzard. You’re a brave man, right enough, McMichael, but I’m no’ so sure about your priorities.’

‘It’s why we’re speaking! I think we should turn roon and make back for Kinloch.’

Apart from the crackle of static, there was silence on the other end of the line. ‘Davie, are you there?’

‘You’re supposed tae say, “Come in, Black Isle”!’

‘Well, what dae you think?’

‘Roger. I’ve been conversing wae the crew, and we’re o’ the same mind as yourself, over.’

‘And you’re certain sure, Davie?’

‘I’m in no hurry tae land on the Cock o’ Arran. We’ll make oor way back hame. I’ll pass it doon the fleet.’

‘What about Hoynes?’

‘No’ even a radio on board, has he?’

‘No, nor a glimmer o’ one. The man’s too tight.’

‘It’s for the good o’ the many. He’ll have tae take his chances. In this, who knows if any of us will make it back.’

‘Aye, you’re right. I’ll try and get the Coastguard and tell them he’s out there somewhere.’ McMichael squinted into the gloom. He’d never been the best of friends with Sandy Hoynes – the man was overbearing at the best of times; still, he wished him no harm. He lifted the radio to his mouth again and called Clyde Coastguard.

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