The Dead Man of Storr by J.M. Dalgliesh

Author:J.M. Dalgliesh [Dalgliesh, J M]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-11-18T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Duncan walked briskly back to his car, keen to get out of the snow although it was falling more as sleet now, driving at him almost horizontally with the increase in wind speed. Remind me why I thought it’d be good to be back on this accursed island again? He slammed the car door, shaking ice and snow off his head as he rushed to get the engine started and turn on the heaters. Rubbing at his eyes he heard his mobile beep several times in quick succession. Glancing at the screen he saw messages from the station, from Angus and Alistair. They could wait a minute or two.

He dialled Becky’s number, but the call cut straight to voicemail. He hesitated as the automated voice suggested leaving a message but then hung up without saying a word. Drumming his fingers on the steering wheel, the wind and sleet battering the exterior of the car, the whirring of the fans circulating air in the cabin, he pondered what to do. The earlier conversation with Davey was still playing on his mind. The whole situation was unsettling for many reasons.

A quick search on the internet, working slower than usual through his phone, produced the hospital’s telephone number. A quick call later and he was passed from the switchboard through to Eilidh’s ward.

“Hello, it’s Detective Inspector McAdam calling… I’m inquiring as to the wellbeing of one of your patients.”

“Which patient, Detective Inspector?” the nurse replied.

“Eilidh Mcinnes.”

“Ah… yes, wait a moment please.”

He wasn’t placed on hold, although sound became muffled, and he guessed she had the phone pressed into her shoulder or chest. He didn’t have to wait long.

“Mr McAdam?”

“Yes.”

“Eilidh’s condition is still listed as critical, but she is stable and had a good night following the operation. Her consultant hasn’t finished his morning rounds yet, but in an hour or so we should have another update for you, if you’d like to call back then.”

“I’ll do that, thanks.”

Duncan was pensive. Should he ask or not?

“Is there anything else, Mr McAdam?”

“I… was wondering about the family.”

“Ah yes… Eilidh’s brother was also in overnight, wasn’t he?”

“That’s right. Do you know his status?”

“He’s on another ward, but I can check for you.” This time he was placed on hold, the telltale double beep repeating every five seconds confirming it. The nurse came back soon enough. “Callum has been discharged already,” she said.

“Right, thanks. That’s good news. Tell me, is Eilidh’s mother with her?”

“She is. I can see her from my station. Would you like to speak to her? I could—”

“Er… no, no that won’t be necessary. I was just checking,” Duncan said. “Thanks very much for your help.”

He hung up but remained staring at the screen for a moment. The screen lit up. Alistair was calling.

“Hey, Alistair. What’s going on?”

“All good here, sir,” Alistair said. “How did you get on with the good lady of Duntulm?”

“Okay,” he said. “She was remarkably calm when I challenged her on her omissions yesterday.”

“On the level, do you think?”

Duncan looked across to Lorna’s house.

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