A World Apart by Cd Brennan

Author:Cd Brennan
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kensington
Published: 2014-03-01T00:00:00+00:00

8

Hamish

From the north, the evening sun splayed into the kitchen from the large bay window, washing the hard lines of the table out like a watercolor. For the hundredth time today, Hamish thought of Lizzy.

Neither had spoken of the incident on Dumyat and, as he’d predicted, she had shown up for work that morning. So much for terminating her position. Perhaps he had been rash to want to dismiss her. But then, she had totally disregarded his previous insinuation that she needn’t bother to return, anyway.

He peeked under the foiled plate in the oven, and was glad she had. A nice piece of lamb, roasted potatoes and pumpkin waited for him after his walk. Both dogs hovered near his legs as the smell wafted from the refrigerator.

He skirted around the wolfhounds. “I’m sure the lovely Lizzy already gave ye a treat, so dinnae be giving me those eyes.”

Hamish grabbed an energy bar from the pantry and headed to the door. Rennie and Charlie wagged their tails, hoping to be invited along. “Yer no comin’ with me tonight. Dad’s too old to worry about tripping over yous.”

Less than a week from the summer solstice, and Hamish made full use of the light. He was to meet his dad for a walk along the Allan Water River, an enjoyment that hadn’t lessened over the years, one that had only grown as he matured.

When Hamish had been overweight as a youngster, his father walked with him after work and on weekends, which ultimately led to his love of mountaineering. As a teenager, Hamish had chosen time with his dad in lieu of going out with his friends, who made trouble in Stirling and followed the girls around town, cornering them at the back of the bus on the return journey to Bridge of Allan, coercing kisses and copping a feel if they were lucky.

“Sit,” Hamish commanded. Both dogs sat.

Grabbing his fleece, he bolted out the door before the dogs rushed it. It was only a five minute fast walk downhill to the bridge where he was to meet his dad, so he’d be on time, once again.

As Hamish neared the main street, he could hear traffic and people conversing as they passed on Henderson Street and then the loud clang of a hard metal door shutting. It was tea time, yet there was plenty of activity on Bridge of Allan’s main street. The time on the clock in front of the Westerton pub was still wrong. Having stopped at eleven-fifteen, it had remained stuck like that for the past two weeks.

The owner of the Crooked Arm, Sam, wheeled a keg of beer down a small flight of stairs just pass the bookstore toward the pub door. As their eyes met, Hamish waved, Sam returning the greeting with a wink.

Nelly, the owner of the cafe, was outside, leaning on the white-washed building. A rolled cigarette bobbed in his hand as he fiddled with his phone. He nodded at Hamish. “Hi, ciamar a tha thu.” How are you?

A smile twitched at Hamish’s mouth.

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