A Long Time Dead by J M Dalgliesh

Author:J M Dalgliesh [Dalgliesh, J M]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-10-14T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Duncan took the road down the east coast of the Trotternish peninsula heading back to Portree. The route wasn’t as quick as cutting west and then picking up the A87 at Uig, but it would take him past The Quiraing and Kilt Rock. Both were places he would drift away to in his mind when in need of a mental escape.

The weather was closing in around him as he viewed the Old Man of Storr in the distance. The mist was swirling around the stoic rocks, standing with the centuries-old monumental grandeur that drew tens of thousands of people to walk around them each year. It made for an impressive sight. Even at this time in the afternoon the car park was full of hikers and families making the trek up to capture the views across the Isles of Rona and Raasay with the mountains of the mainland in the west or to look south over the Storr Lochs towards Portree and the Cuillin Hills.

He was tempted to return and make the same walk he’d done many times before, should the opportunity arise before he left to return to Glasgow. Thoughts of leaving the island and Glasgow brought images of Natalie to mind. He felt guilty then. He had barely given her a thought since he’d arrived on Skye. She hadn’t called him, not that he expected her to. Finding his belongings in the street outside her flat had given their relationship the air of finality in his head. Natalie was many things, headstrong and stubborn were two of the more prominent character traits she exhibited, but she was also kind and loving. She deserved better than what he’d offered her during their relationship, particularly these past six months.

Rounding a slight bend and cresting a blind incline, Duncan was forced to slam on the brakes to avoid a handful of sheep who’d decided the road was a great place for a rest. Only two of the animals moved as he swerved the car to his left to avoid making contact. The others stayed put, rooted in fear or purely nonchalant at the sudden approach of the vehicle, he didn’t know. Cursing himself for not paying attention, he slowed the car down.

On the approach into Staffin, he came upon a small 4x4 stopped on the highway, hazard lights flashing. Pulling alongside he saw Becky in the driving seat, peering at her mobile phone screen. He drew his car in to the side of the road behind it and got out. Recognising him, Becky did the same and they stepped onto the grass verge away from the road.

“Problem?” he asked, realising the question was obvious.

“It just died on me,” Becky said, attempting to move the hair away from her face but the wind merely caught it and blew it back again. “The damn thing has been playing up for a while.”

“I’ll take a look if you like?”

“Thanks, but I think you’ll struggle. Davey has been saying the head gasket is on

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