The Kilted Cowboy

Foreword

Before sending this book for publication I passed it to some of my readers in America, where there was some contention in the use of Ya’ll and All Ya’ll. I originally used You instead of Ya’ll, and Ya’ll when referring to a group. However, a friend from Texas told me that Texans use Ya’ll in the singular and All Ya’ll for a group. So with that in mind I changed the whole novel to reflect that insight. I hope this makes the use of these words clearer for all those who read further. If this is an unpopular decision please let me know through my J W Murison page on Facebook or through the comments on Amazon.

Chapter 1

The wind snapped down Union Street lifting fine particles of water from the granite buildings and whipping them into the faces of the people below. Men and women braced themselves against the biting wind. Window wipers squeaked against windscreens as there wasn’t quite enough water for them to work smoothly. It had started off a mild autumn day but the wind had changed into the north and with it came short but bitter squalls.

A woman in a red jacket squinted her eyes against the fine particles of water and took a step back into the bus shelter. A protruding rivet caught the side of the plastic bag she was carrying and ripped it open. The contents spilled across the ground.

‘Och no!’ She cried out and scrambled to pick them up. She shoved what she could back into the bag, having to hold it awkwardly to keep the contents in, and shoved a few items into her pockets. Light worry lines creased her face as she sighed in exasperation. A single tin of Baxter’s Cream of Chicken soup rolled just out of reach.

‘Come back here you wee sod.’ She cried out at the bothersome tin. Just as her hand reached out it came to a full stop against an ornate boot. A silver tip and colourful leather were in show below a bright white pair of trousers. Her eyes followed the seam upwards and she almost burst out laughing at the sight above: a white suit and bootlace tie topped with a white Stetson. It was almost too much. But it was the eyes that captivated her. They were smiling as he reached down and retrieved the tin. He stood and held it out.

‘Would this be yours Ma’am?’

Jean stood slowly and found she barely came to his chin. ‘Yes it would, thank you.’ She reached out and took it, still captivated by those slate grey eyes. When he tipped his hat she almost burst out laughing again but the bus pulled in and the people behind began to crowd her.

‘Thank you,’ was all she could manage before she was herded into the bus. She caught a last glimpse of him as she climbed the stairs and sat in one of the forward seats. It was little more than a flash of the white Stetson as the bus pulled away.

Daniel Delaque stood for a few moments more, mesmerised by the memory of those hazel eyes. A stirring deep within him began to rise to the surface. He shook it off as the bus doors closed with a hiss. As he took a step something caught the corner of his eye. A red purse was jammed under the edge of the bus shelter. It took another second for him to act but he swooped down and grabbed the purse. He was sure it would be the woman’s but he was too late. With a roar the bus pulled into the heavy traffic.

He considered chasing it but the bus moved quickly through a set of traffic lights and swung left out of sight. A local man moved to his side.

‘Did the lassie lose her purse? There's a bobby’s station jist up the road.’

Daniel blinked, ‘Sorry?’

The man took a deep breath, ‘The lady, did she lose her purse?’

Daniel grinned with relief; it was so hard to understand the locals. They did, however, attempt to speak in a more structured way when they realised he didn’t understand anything they said.

‘I’m not sure, I think so.’

The man nodded, ‘There is a police station just up the street, you can hand it in there. The police will trace her if there are any personal details in it.’

‘Ah I got you. Thanks, how far?’

‘A hundred metres or so, big blue sign.’

‘Thank you.’

Daniel began to walk up the street towards the police station. His mind was alive with flashbacks of those eyes. There was something in them that he couldn’t quite put his finger on. Outside the police station his feet dragged his body to a stop. He opened the purse; there they were staring back at him. Her driver’s licence also had an address.

A sudden light-headedness swept him and he swayed for a moment. On the spur of the moment he turned and whistled for a cab. One swung out of the moving traffic and he jumped in.

‘Where to pal?’

Daniel took out the licence and handed it to the driver, ‘This address please.’

The driver scrutinised the licence, then Daniel. ‘Ok no problems.’

He indicated to pull out and another cab slowed so he could make the manoeuvre safely in the heavy traffic. The cab driver viewed him suspiciously in the rear-view-mirror. He had also spotted the small red purse.

‘Does that belong to a friend of yours sir?’

Daniel took a deep breath, ‘Not quite. A lady at the bus stop back there dropped it; I am just going to return it to her.’

‘Why didn’t you put it into the police station? It would have been easier.’

Daniel smiled, the memory of her eyes fresh in his mind, ‘Actually, I would rather return it in person.’

The cab driver caught the look on the man’s face and smiled back. ‘You might give her a bit of a fright turning up this way. I wouldn’t expect a warm welcome.’

Daniel frowned, realising his impromptu actions might be misconstrued. ‘Damn, I never thought of that.’ But he was already committed.

‘Did the lady actually get on the bus sir?’

‘Yes she did.’

‘How long ago?’

‘A little more than five minutes.’

‘In that case we should beat her home. The bus goes all round the back of Tory before it reaches the flats. If I was you I wouldn’t try and gain entry, I would simply wait for her outside. Hand her the purse and walk away.’ He flicked a card at Daniel, ‘Then call us if you need us. Just tell them you’re the American guy Bob dropped off in Tory.’

Daniel smiled and reached for the card, ‘Thank you, that’s very kind of you Bob.’

Bob shrugged, ‘Not a problem. Are you with the oil industry?’

‘No afraid not, I am a Texas Rancher. You all seem to be real acquainted with strange looking Americans here in Aberdeen.’

Bob laughed, ‘We get a few from time to time. So you’re a real honest to God cowboy.’

Daniel laughed and tipped back the brim of his Stetson, ‘I suppose I am.’

‘Big ranch?’

‘So so... about a hundred square miles.’

Bob almost shot upright, ‘Holy shit, a hundred square miles! Man, Scotland’s only about four hundred miles long and not even that broad in some places.’

Daniel laughed, ‘There may actually be some ranches that are bigger than Scotland, but they aren’t anywhere near as pretty though. Everything is so green here, it’s wonderful.’

Bob grinned, ‘Well we have plenty water.’

Daniel nodded slowly, almost dreamily, ‘If I had the water and the grass you guys have here, I would be one of the wealthiest ranchers in America.’

‘Hey help yourself.’

The two men laughed easily for the rest of the trip. Daniel was fascinated by the buildings as they slipped past. They were for the most part solid-looking structures that seemed like they could withstand the power of a tornado. Bob filled him in on pieces of history and local lore on the short journey.

They pulled off the main drag and went up a steep hill. The higher they went the more the buildings changed from old to new or more modern housing estates. At the top of the hill Bob swung right and slowed. He was leaning across checking out a long row of flats. He pulled up and pointed.

‘There it is; that’s the block. If she hasn’t turned up within fifteen minutes she has either gone somewhere else or this is an old address.’

‘Really?’

‘Yup.’

‘Ok thanks for your help Bob.’ He handed him a ten pound note. ‘Is that enough?’

‘More than enough.’

‘In that case you can keep the change Bob.’

‘Thanks noo, mind and nae fleg the quine.’

‘Uh! Sorry?’

‘Ach, I forgot, try not to frighten the lady.’

Daniel laughed, ‘Wow, you people have a very strange accent. I will try not to Bob, see you soon ok.’

‘Bye Daniel, good luck.’

Daniel hesitated for a moment, ‘You know, I have no idea what I’m doing here.’

Bob, with the wisdom of many years driving taxis, smiled, ‘Your mind may not know Daniel but by the dopey look on your face I think your soul knows what it’s doing. Maybe you should forget the brain and follow that inner voice.’

The lazy grin returned, ‘You sure you're just a cabbie Bob?’

‘There is no such thing as just a cabbie Daniel.’

‘I get that. Thank you.’

He got out of the cab and Bob cleared his run, waited for an answer and headed off to his next fare.

Daniel stood at the top of the steps leading down to the flats thinking over what Bob had said, trying to hear the inner voice. He regarded the dirty white buildings that surrounded him. He could see and smell the sea. Dark clouds raced towards the land. Far out a red fishing boat clawed its way through the pounding waves towards the harbour. It would disappear entirely then reappear as it crested the next wave. It gave Daniel an idea of how high the waves were; he found a new appreciation for the men of this country.

For a moment he regarded the silver tip of his boots. They shone brightly and he considered them out of place in this drab grey environment. Just like himself. With a big sigh he stretched out his right foot and took a step into the unknown.

Chapter 2

Jean sat with her head against the bus window, lost in thought. It was the memory of those grey eyes that was haunting her. What was it about them that held her mystified? She had seen amusement in them, and he certainly had a nice smile, but there had been something else hidden in their depths.

She was so engrossed she almost missed her stop. She launched herself from her seat and hit the button that rang the bell in the driver’s cab. The bus growled with indignation as the driver slipped it down a gear. Jean rushed down the stairs and made it to the door as the driver pulled in at the stop.

He scowled at her and she smiled apologetically at him. The scowl turned to a smile and he gave her a slender nod. The doors opened with a hiss and Jean stepped off. The bus snarled at her once more as it pulled away and left her standing there. Her eyes cast towards the sea and she saw the bad weather approaching fast. A red fishing boat raced towards the harbour; in her mind she wished them luck.

She shivered again as the cold wind began to bite. It was only a few metres to the steps that led to her block and she began to search for her key. Then she remembered she had put it in her purse and the hunt for the purse began.

It became more frantic the nearer she got to her door. The truth began to dawn on her: she remembered putting it into the plastic bag in the shop and stopped to search the ruined carrier. She spilled the contents and emptied her pockets, setting everything on the ground. She knocked the tin of soup with the carrier and it began to roll away.

‘Och, no again!’ It stopped suddenly as it hit a silver toecap. Jean’s jaw dropped and her eyes travelled up slowly.

Daniel had barely five minutes to contemplate his own stupidity when he heard the bus growl to a stop and then take off again. He watched it pass, sure that it was the same bus. He had found a little shelter from the driving wind in the door recess. His mind tried to think of something to say as she approached but everything sounded so stupid. The approaching heels stopped and he decided to just walk up, hand her the purse and walk away.

Daniel stepped out of the recess, his heart beginning to race strangely. She was squatting, searching through the bag, no doubt for the small red purse he held in his hands. Then she knocked the tin of soup over and it rolled towards him. Daniel caught it with the tip of his boot. Déjà vu. The woman’s head turned up towards him.

Jean almost cried out in alarm at the sight of the stranger. Her heart began to trip, then a hand reached out towards her while the other tipped the brim of the Stetson.

‘Ma’am, I believe you dropped this at the bus stop.’ His words stopped but the colour in his cheeks flamed a dark red under the tan.

She stood slowly and almost snatched it from his hands. ‘Thank you.’

He smiled at her. There it was, deep in his eyes, that same damn look that had her puzzling all the way home on the bus, a look she had seen many times before, but where?

‘A pleasure to be of service ma’am, good day.’

He began to walk away on unstable legs, a strange joy washing over him.

Jean watched his retreating back, confused for a few seconds. Her eyes caught the approaching squall and she knew he would be soaked in a few seconds. He already looked cold.

‘Wait, please, excuse me.’

For a moment she thought he wasn’t going to stop, it was as though he had to force himself to halt and turn.

‘Yes ma’am?’

‘Thank you for going to all this trouble.’

‘It was no trouble.’

‘Did you get a taxi here?’

‘Yes ma’am, a cab.’

She opened her purse, ‘How much was it?’

‘There is no need to reimburse me ma’am, it really was a pleasure.’ He went to turn away again.

‘In that case could I offer you a cup of tea? It is the least I can do.’

She saw the fear in his eyes, then the uncertainty, and knew exactly where she had seen the look before.

He shook his head, ‘There is no need really, and I wouldn’t want to put you out.’

She raised a delicate hand, ‘There is a squall approaching; by the time you reach the road you are going to be soaked and freezing.’ Jean lifted her eyebrows, ‘If I may say without you taking offence, you aren’t really dressed for this weather.’

His eyes turned warm and he glanced towards the fast approaching squall, ‘I am a little over dressed, or is it under dressed? I'm not sure.’

Jean smiled and his heart took wing, ‘Both. Over dressed for the country, under dressed for the weather.’

His return smile lit up the dark recesses of her being, ‘A cup of tea sounds just the thing to take the chill out of the air. I would be grateful ma’am.’

‘My name’s Jean.’

‘I'm Daniel.’

The squall hit and they ran for the door. The recess only gave them partial shelter as Jean dug out her keys from the purse. When they were inside he took his Stetson off and banged it against his leg.

‘Wow, I didn’t expect anything like this.’

She smiled and led him to the lift and pressed the button to call it. ‘It has been quite a good summer really. The weather’s on the change now though. This is the start of it, in a few weeks time all the leaves will turn, then if we are lucky we will get a warm spell.’

Daniel put his Stetson back on. She noticed he still had a full head of hair but it was turning grey. His hands were hard and calloused, a contradiction to the rest of him.

The lift opened with a shudder and they got in. Daniel felt very uncomfortable with the journey. It clattered and banged its way to the top floor. They got out and he followed her to a tired-looking blue door.

With a bit of a fiddle she got it opened. The flat inside was in great contrast to the drabness of the rest of the building. The air felt fresh and the house was spotless. The wallpaper was bright and the atmosphere friendly. Daniel immediately felt himself begin to relax. The place was tiny... he fought to find the right word. It popped into his mind unbidden: homey.

He smiled, ‘You have a nice home Jean.’

‘Nice of you to say so Daniel. I suspect it isn’t quite what you are used to. Are you in the oil industry?’

He shook his head and removed his hat as he followed her through to the kitchen, ‘It is different, but it feels right if you know what I mean?’

Somehow that meant a lot to her and she felt her emotions rise to the surface. She put the kettle on to hide her confusion. ‘Nice of you to say so.’

‘I'm not in the oil industry, I am a rancher.’

‘Let me guess, Texas.’

He laughed, ‘You got me.’

Jean busied herself with the cups, ‘What do you take in your tea?’

‘Ice normally.’

She laughed and he felt as though he was becoming intoxicated. ‘Will we try a little sugar?’

‘I will defer to your judgment.’

Jean glanced at him and was again caught by those mesmerising eyes for a moment. ‘May I be forward Daniel?’

‘That is entirely up to you Jean.’

She hesitated only a second, ‘When did you lose your wife?’

Daniel found himself on his feet in shock, ‘How did you know?’

She looked him straight in the eye and he saw it then. It was the pain he also carried deep inside, reflected in her eyes. In that moment their souls seemed to touch.

He felt the tension seep out of him and he sank back down. ‘Five years ago. You?’

Her smile was bitter sweet, ‘Closer to six.’

‘You saw it in my eyes, didn’t you?’

She hugged herself, ‘I saw something familiar. It’s a bit creepy, I hope I haven’t upset you?’

The kettle clicked, she filled the teapot and took it to the table with the cups. They were silent for a long time as she poured the tea and put a couple of teaspoons of sugar into it. She stirred it and pushed it across. He took a tentative sip and smiled, ‘Actually that’s quite good. Warming.’

Jean lifted her cup to her lips and took a sip, ‘May I ask how?’

‘Ovarian cancer. Your husband?’

‘Strange accident, he was killed outright.’

‘Quick then.’

She nodded, ‘Yes I suppose there is that. Your wife?’

‘She fought it for two years.’

‘That must have been unpleasant.’

Daniel put the cup down, ‘We at least had a chance to say goodbye.’

Jean felt a tremor go through her and a tear came to her eye.

‘Was he at work?’ Daniel asked.

Jean nodded, ‘This isn’t where I am from, the city.’ She flicked a delicate hand to encompass the whole of Aberdeen. ‘I was brought up on a farm, out in the country. When Jimmy and I were married we rented a small croft. It was hard work but we loved it. The accident happened in the barn. There was a small downward slope into it. Jimmy had just finished putting hay into the barn for the beasts. He was cutting the string from the bales and putting it into the trough.’

She shook her head, trying to dispel the memory that refused to leave. ‘Something happened on the tractor... they say the brakes failed. There was a buck rake on the back of the tractor; he had used it to carry the bale of hay into the barn. It’s a thing with prongs you can raise up and down. They pinned him to the bale. The post-mortem said he died instantly. One of the prongs went through his heart.’

‘You found him?’

She nodded, ‘Yes. When he didn’t come in for his dinner I went to look for him.’

‘That couldn’t have been easy, I am so sorry.’

She was glad of the comforting words, ‘I think I prefer that to what you went through. At least it was quick and painless. He never suffered.’ He reached out and held her hand for the briefest of moments; the touch warmed her deep inside. ‘So what brings you to Scotland?’ She asked.

‘One of those root trips.’

‘Interesting, what is your last name?’

‘Delaque.’

She laughed, ‘That isn’t a Scottish name, it’s French.’

He grinned, ‘I know, my wife Mary was a Gordon. This was a trip I had promised her many times, we just never got here. You Brits don’t like the French do you?’

‘You are in Scotland, not England. Have you never heard of the Auld Alliance?’

‘No! What was that?’

So she told him the story of how Scotland and France had once been friends in many wars against the old enemy, England. The hours began to pass swiftly. Jean shared her meagre meal with him and the two felt replete.

The pattering of rain caught Daniel’s attention. It ran in rivers down the dark windows of the kitchen. He frowned, ‘When did it get dark Jean?’

Her head snapped round and both instinctively checked their watches. Daniel snapped upright, ‘God damn, look at the time!’

Jean was gawking at her watch, ‘Oh my God, where has the day gone?’

They looked at one another, stunned. Daniel picked up his Stetson and pulled the taxi card from his pocket, ‘May I use your phone? I will have to call a cab.’

‘Yes of course,’ she fetched the phone. He called the cab and Jean gave him her address. He put the phone down.

‘They are going to call when they’re outside.’ Suddenly he felt lost. ‘I have to thank you for this day Jean. It has been wonderful.’

She shook her head, a tear in her eye, ‘We never did anything, we just sat and talked.’

He frowned, shaking his head, ‘Drank tea, ate scones, I enjoyed it. I don’t get it.’

Jean laughed and it sent shivers down his spine, ‘And talked about cows and farming, Scotland, Texas, America, cowboys.’

He grinned, ‘We did, didn’t we? So much for the silent, mysterious cowboy type.’ He suddenly felt very awkward, ‘May I call again Jean?’

She looked up at the tall, handsome man in his unusual outfit; it had been a strange but wonderful day. ‘I would be honoured if you would call Daniel,’ she looked him up and down, ‘but please lose the suit.’

He laughed, ‘A little too much for this town?’

‘I think you look very handsome, however...’ she left the rest unsaid.

He laughed aloud, ‘Yup a little too flamboyant for this town. I'm afraid at home you kinda have to dress up a little, it’s tradition. Can I see you tomorrow?’

‘Well, as I was made unemployed a few weeks ago I find myself with a lot of time on my hands. We could meet in the city.’

‘Ten in the morning. You can show me your city.’

‘At the bus stop we met then.’

The phone rang and she answered it, it was the taxi company. ‘Your taxi awaits.’

A strange look came into his eyes, ‘Until tomorrow them.’

She opened the door and they said goodbye shyly. The lift shuddered and banged all the way down. When he reached the cab he was surprised to find Bob behind the wheel.

‘Man, you still working?’

‘No rest for the wicked Daniel. I would say your day went well.’

Daniel leaned back and put the seat belt on, ‘I reckon so Bob. Can you take me to the Alexander hotel please?’

‘Not a problem.’

‘She didn’t like my outfit much.’

Bob burst out laughing, ‘Och well, I'm sure you brightened her day up.’

‘Well, I got decent travelling clothes, but she’s just gonna have to get used to the boots and the hat.’

Chapter 3

She spotted him from a mile away; he was wearing a buckskin jacket and jeans. The Stetson he was wearing today was darker and his boots looked worn.

His smile warmed her heart, ‘Better?’ He asked, lifting his arms.

Jean couldn’t resist reaching up and touching the fringes that hung down. ‘I suppose it will have to do.’

The smile fell, ‘Shit... still bad.’

‘No, not bad, but certainly different.’

He frowned, ‘I think that was a compliment.’ She laughed and his smile returned. ‘So where to? I am in your hands.’

‘What kind of things do you like to do Daniel?’

He sniffed, ‘Um... ride, wrangle cows, rodeo, hunting, baseball. Those kind of things.’

‘Ah, those amusements may be a little hard to provide. What about museums, things like that?’

‘Really?’

‘Art gallery?’

He shifted uncomfortably, ‘Never tried one.’

‘Then you will just have to trust me.’

Suddenly Daniel wasn’t looking forward to the day as much as he had been. He seemed to be sulking a bit as Jean dragged him onto a bus. She found it hard to hide her amusement.

Daniel took little heed of where they were going and in contrast to the previous evening he couldn’t think of much to say. The couple were getting strange looks from the other passengers who seemed to be amused rather than anything else.

They both ignored them. ‘This is our stop.’ Jean told him. He got up and stood back. Jean slid out of the seat, reached up and rang the bell. He followed her down the stairs. It wasn’t until he was outside that his head came up and interest flashed in his eyes.

He sniffed, ‘I smell cows.’

Jean laughed and guided him down to the farmers’ market. Daniel suddenly seemed to come alive. His excitement built as she took him round the stalls. She thought he was like a kid in a candy store. He laughed aloud when she told him.

They had been going round for half an hour when someone caught her eye. She braced herself as the man approached. He was a big, rugged-looking man wearing a tan coverall. Daniel saw the man approach and watched him suspiciously. The man glanced his way then ignored him.

‘Hello Jean.’

‘Hello Alan, how are you?’

He nodded and smiled, ‘I'm fine. You and Mike?’

‘I'm fine, Mike joined up, he is doing his second tour in Afghanistan at the moment.’

‘Following in his father’s footsteps?’

She nodded, ‘That’s exactly what he is doing.’

‘It’s been a while. We were sorry to hear about Jimmy, it was very sad.’

She nodded, ‘I got the flowers, thank you.’

He smiled, ‘Aye we got the card.’ His eyes flicked upwards, ‘Are we doing foreign tours now?’

Jean burst out laughing, ‘Not quite, Daniel here is a rancher from the States and feeling a wee bit out of place. I couldn’t think of anywhere else to take him.’

Alan grinned, ‘Well he is quite welcome,’ and nodded to Daniel who smiled and nodded back. ‘Of course you are always welcome here Jean, a lot of people will be excited to see you. Enjoy yourselves.’

Alan walked away and Jean let out a deep sigh. Jean found Daniel looking at her strangely. ‘Have I done something wrong?’ She asked.

He dropped his eyes, embarrassed, ‘It just occurred to me how hard it must be for you to come here. I will presume you came here with your husband?’

‘Many, many times.’ Jean confessed. ‘I haven’t been able to come back since Jimmy died and I had to give up the croft. Too many friends and too many memories all in the one place.’ She shrugged, ‘But where else was I going to take a cowboy?’

Daniel studied her for a moment longer, ‘We can go if you want.’

Jean shook her head, ‘No, it’s not quite as bad as I thought it was going to be. Let’s go look at some cows.’

He grinned, ‘Now you're speaking cowboy. Lead the way.’

A short while later they were leaning against a fence looking into a pen. ‘These are a funny colour!’

Jean nodded, ‘A rare breed, they are Elgin Blues.’

Daniel was more than a little impressed by her knowledge. He was beginning to get curious.

‘How did you and Jimmy meet?’

Jean was taken by surprise at the question, ‘Oh, we were childhood sweethearts. Jimmy lived on the farm over. We walked to school together and back. We were always together. At the age of fourteen we began to hold hands, at fifteen began kissing.’

Daniel smiled, ‘And at sixteen...’

‘At sixteen he ran off and joined the army.’

‘Ouch, didn’t expect that.’

Jean grinned, ‘Neither did I. We had a big fight, a real big fight. Jimmy was more than ready to take the relationship to the next level but I wasn’t. A few months in the army cooled him off a little. He came home and apologised. I accepted. Jimmy did a year’s boy service then three years in the regulars then got out. By then we were engaged to be married, which we did a week later. He had saved hard and we rented the croft. A year after that we had Mike and fourteen years later he died. That’s pretty much it.’

‘Were you happy?’

‘Very happy. Like most couples we had our moments, but nothing serious.’

‘Have you been seeing anyone since?’

Jean looked him straight in the eye, ‘Jimmy is the only man I have ever been with. When he died those feelings died with him. What about you?’

Daniel shook his head, ‘Nothing so romantic I'm afraid. I met my wife on the rodeo circuit. She was a local beauty queen, cheerleader, you know. We met many times at the rodeo and eventually got together, fell in love, got married and had three kids. Two boys and a girl.’ He scraped a boot on a plank, ‘And I know what you mean about those feelings.’

Jean took a turn at studying him, ‘Are we both deeply wounded animals Daniel?’

He took a moment to answer, ‘I believe so Jean.’ He stood up straight, ‘But today, for the first time in a long time, I don’t feel like being put down.’

Something sprang to life deep within her. She wanted to take a deep breath but reminded herself that maybe this wasn’t the place. ‘Shall we go through and watch the auction for a while?’

‘I would like that.’

They sat and watched the auction for a couple of hours. Jean gave him a running commentary on the animals and the people. His interest levels soared when a dozen beef cattle were sold for prices far above the rest.

‘What the hell happened there?’

Jean frowned, ‘What do you mean?’

‘Why did that beef sell for so much more? They didn’t even look all that great.’

‘Organic beef prices Daniel. Those cows were raised organically; they will adorn the best tables in Europe soon.’

Daniel’s normal reaction when organic farming was mentioned was to snort derisively. He hesitated, no one knew him here, he didn’t have to act the way he normally would. ‘That’s a big difference in price.’

Her head waved from side to side a little, ‘Not quite as good as it used to be. When we first started growing organic beef the prices were higher. There are more people getting in on it at ground level now though.’

His head snapped round, ‘You and Jimmy farmed organically?’

She was watching the next lot come in and answered in an offhand manner, ‘Right from the start. Wheat, barley, beef and dairy. It took us about three years to gain all the certificates but once we did there was no looking back. Jimmy was very smart that way. We didn’t struggle the way many did. What little we never sold we used ourselves.’

‘Did you ever consider expanding?’

She laughed, ‘This isn’t the Wild West Daniel, expand to where? Every piece of land near us was bought up or rented. Jimmy actually helped a lot get started; we even formed a small group. Would you like to meet some of them?’

‘Very much.’

She nodded absentmindedly, ‘Right after this bull calf is sold.’

She led him through to another part of the market where stalls had been set up. There was a squeal and a flurry of movement, suddenly Jean was surrounded by old friends. Jean introduced Daniel as a friend from America she was showing round.

Daniel was extremely curious about all of their goods. He tasted some of the bread and cakes. Then tried the butter, milk and cheese. He was highly impressed with the quality and taste.

He got talking to one of the men called Andy, ‘I thought all you green guys were a bit nuts.’

Andy laughed, ‘Hell no, we are selling a commodity same as everyone else. No chemicals, no fertilisers, nothing not made naturally. You have to grow the crops first until the nitrates are all leached out of the ground. Of course then you need the beasts to fertilize the ground for the crops and within a few years you have a self-sustaining organic farm.’

‘Yup, I see it,’ Daniel nodded, ‘but what about your yields?’

‘The crops don’t grow quite as tall and the yield is less, but we use top of the range harvesting methods that maximise the yield. So it isn’t too different from normal yields and we get top money for our product, which puts us ahead of the competition.’ He pointed to the cakes, ‘You have tasted the results.’

‘I have to admit to being impressed. What is the market like for all of these products?’

‘Growing all the time. The demand for more diverse crops is growing as well. I think if we had the land then the sky would be the limit.’

Daniel nodded thoughtfully, ‘Do you export to the States?’

‘Not much, your import laws aren’t exactly friendly to food stuffs, but I believe there are one or two companies beginning to make inroads.’

‘Do you have any of these new technologies here?’

‘You’re in luck, there’s a show just now at the exhibition centre. I think it’s on until the end of the month. Ask Jean, she will probably know.’

‘Yeah I will, thanks for that Andy.’

‘No problem Daniel, thanks for getting Jean to come round, she has been sorely missed.’

‘She did seem a little nervous. I assume she and her husband were popular?’

Andy crossed his arms as he thought it over, ‘They kind of started it all in this area. A very popular couple. Jean was also the best cook, if you think those cakes were nice you want to taste hers, you’d think they were baked by an angel.’

‘Really? I had no idea.’

‘Och Jean was always experimenting with something new. We miss both of them. Bloody sad what happened. We had hoped she would keep the croft on, but she just never had the heart for it without Jimmy. It was Jean who did most of the marketing, who got us together and designed all our logos. She was the driving force that put us on the map.’

Daniel was surprised, ‘I had no idea, she never mentioned it.’

‘She is quite a lady, and sorely missed.’

‘I can understand why.’

A customer drew Andy away and he went back to his stall. Daniel wandered around checking out all the logos and the packaging. Jean caught up with him.

‘So where to now, cowboy?’

The way she said it, combined with the smile on her face, made Daniel burst out laughing.

The rest of the day went quickly, as did the following one and the day after. By the Friday Daniel had seen a lot of both Aberdeenshire and Jean. She took him to the exhibition and a lot of other places besides. They did some of the normal museums as well. They also made time to visit the places his wife would have wanted to go. From there he gathered material that might be of interest to his children. Jean didn’t seem to mind at all and they talked openly of their former partners. They both seemed to find comfort in exposing their pain to someone who had shared the same experience.

They arrived home at Jean’s late on the Friday evening. Jean invited Daniel in for a coffee but, for the first time, he refused. He leaned against the door frame looking extremely uncomfortable. Jean suddenly felt naked, a strange foreboding swept through her.

‘What's the matter Daniel? Please speak to me.’

He made a few strange noises, a look of pain on his face, ‘I really had a great week Jean, you know I leave early on Monday morning. Now I ain't got no right to ask you this and if you say no then I will understand. So please take no offence at my asking.’

He shifted uncomfortably again and Jean suddenly felt a rush of amusement. She hid it behind a small hand. ‘It’s ok Daniel, please, just ask.’

He took a deep breath, ‘We spent the better part of this week together as friends, since our meeting that is.’ He scuffed a boot against the ground. As an afterthought he stood up straight and took his hat off.

‘I was just wondering if you would have dinner with me tomorrow night.’ His head bobbed oddly. ‘Official like.’

Jean’s eyebrows shot up, ‘Official?’

Colour rushed up his cheeks, ‘Ah yup... you know, like a date.’

‘Oh! A date! I might have to ponder on that a little while, Mr Delaque.’

Hope sparked in his eye, ‘You’ll think about it?’

‘Yes ok.’

‘Will you call me?’

‘What for?’

‘Uh, to tell me your answer.’

‘I just did.’

His eyes rolled a little and it was all she could do to prevent herself from bursting out laughing.

‘You said you would think about it.’

‘I did think about it and then I said yes.’

It took him a moment, then it was though a lightning bolt blew through his body. ‘Yes, oh you said yes!’

Jean burst out laughing, ‘Yes I said yes.’

His eyes took on a strange look, ‘You were teasing me weren’t you?’

She laughed again, ‘Och, maybe a wee bit.’

He felt a surge of joy wash through him, ‘I thought you would say no.’

‘So did I until you asked.’

Their ardour cooled a little as they looked into each other’s eyes. ‘Where would you like to go?’

She shrugged, ‘I really have no idea. I will let you plan the evening but I need to know one thing. Formal or casual?’

He didn’t hesitate, ‘Formal.’

‘Then I will need the day to prepare. Will you be wearing your white suit?’

His eyes rolled upwards ‘Would that be a little too much?’

‘No, I don’t believe it will be a problem.’

‘Then white suit it is. I will call and let you know what time you are going to be picked up.’

‘I sincerely hope you do.’

‘Then until tomorrow Jean.’ He put his Stetson back on and tipped the brim.

She waited until he got into the lift before going inside. She watched him from behind the curtains as he waited for his friendly cabbie to pick him up. As soon as he disappeared she collapsed onto the couch. A moment of weakness washed over her; she was mortified by what had just happened. She picked up the phone and called her sister.

Daniel felt like he was still floating as he got in the back of the taxi.

‘You’re quiet the night Daniel, something on your mind?’ Bob asked.

‘I asked her out on a date.’

‘Oh, did she accept?’

‘She did.’

‘Excellent, well done.’ Bob laughed.

Daniel’s face fell, ‘I just realised I have no idea what to do or where to take her.’ Suddenly he felt a little overwhelmed. ‘Oh God... what have I done?’

Inexplicably the cab slowed to a halt. Bob switched off the metre and then turned in his seat. ‘You ready for a little advice Daniel?’

‘Yeah. I think I might just be Bob.’

‘Well Daniel, I have been a taxi driver for damn near thirty years now. I have met many people in that time. You wouldn’t believe how many. I have met a lot of nice people, kind people, bad people and the downright scary. I have also met a lot of people just like yourself. I don’t mean tourists either. I mean people who have lost loved ones and are now trying to get on with their lives.

‘I bet, right now, you are wondering what your wife would make of all this. Tell me I'm wrong Daniel.’

‘I can’t Bob, that’s exactly what I'm thinking.’

‘I'm going to tell you something Daniel and you may not like it, but the dead just don’t give a shit.’

Daniel gasped, ‘Yeah, that’s quite brutal Bob.’

‘I'm only saying it because I like you. You know who told me that? It was an old lady who lived until she was in her nineties. A very old, very lonely old lady who lost her husband in the war and never took another man. They never had children. When he died she lost the will to live, only she never died.

‘For seventy years she lived alone with nothing but the odd pet for company. She had many suitors, she was once very pretty. However, she could never get over the loss of her husband. By the time she did it was too late, she was already old.

‘She told me she had wasted seventy years pining over a dead man. Seventy years with no companionship, no love, a wasted life. And for what? She said if I was ever in the same position to grab the chance, to grab love with both hands and cling on to it. Life is for the living because the dead just don’t give a shit. Those were her exact words.

‘She died about six months later. There were only a dozen of us at the funeral, all but two of them drivers from this firm. The others were from the nursing home they had put her in for the last few months of her life.’

‘Jeez. At least she was reunited with him in the end.’

‘Only if there is an afterlife Daniel. If not you’re going to be one sorry son of a bitch.’

Bob turned his attention back to his job and set off again. Daniel was quiet and thoughtful until they reached the hotel. He paid but didn’t make a move to get out. ‘What would you do if you were in my shoes?’

Bob shook his head, ‘I’m not Daniel, and I really don’t like giving people in your shoes advice. It can come back and bite you on the arse.’

Daniel laughed, ‘Well I can see that, but that ain't the kind of advice I am looking for. I’m gonna take the lady out and I said formal, but where? You know what I’m saying?’

‘Ah now that’s different. If I was you and if I had the money then I would go the whole hog. Limo, theatre, posh restaurant. If your budget’s more limited then scale it down. You can still do the theatre and there are plenty good but decently priced restaurants in the city that you can dress formally for. Hell, we even have a posh chippy.’

Daniel burst out laughing, ‘With the money I have saved taking buses this week I can afford to go big. Know any good limo places?’

‘If you still have the card I gave you, look on there.’

Daniel laughed, ‘I still have the card. Hey, can I request you as a driver?’

‘I don’t really do limos, I prefer my taxi, but there is no harm in asking. I would do it for you.’

‘Catch you tomorrow then Bob.’

Daniel watched Bob pull away then, smiling, strode into the hotel.

Chapter 4

The conversation with her sister the evening before had been quite surreal, but it was nothing compared to the shock she received when her doorbell rang early the next morning. She hesitated for a second but the shadow behind the textured glass wasn’t that of Daniel or a man.

Bleary eyed she opened the door to find her sister staring at her.

Tilly took one look, ‘Not good.’ She shoved Jean inside.

‘Tilly, what the hell?’ Then she noticed the trolley bag.

‘Oh no, no Tilly no!’

‘Shut up and prepare to be blitzed, sis.’ She grabbed Jean’s chin and threw her face from side to side. ‘Oh dear.’ The hands were next, ‘You’ve been picking tatties with these haven’t you?’

Jean got over her shock and snatched her hand back.

‘What are you doing Tilly, why are you here?’

‘Isn’t it obvious?’

Jean snorted and stomped into the kitchen, ‘Tea.’

Tilly smiled in triumph, ‘Good girl, we will tea up and then make a start on that sorry excuse for a body of yours.’

Jean scowled at the smiling Tilly for the first half hour, but in some strange way she felt relieved. Tilly had done beauty therapy when they were young girls and at college. She passed with flying colours but had never pursued the career seriously. She was, however, seriously skilled and did everyone’s makeovers.

‘Have you got a white dress?’

Jean frowned, ‘No, what for?’

Tilly sighed, ‘You told me last night he was going to be wearing a white suit, hat and all that stuff.’

‘Yeah so.’

‘Oh Jean! You have no sense of style at all, have you?’ She went to the suitcase and opened it up. Jean gasped at the dress that emerged from it. Ankle length and white, it shimmered in the morning light.

‘Wow Tilly, is that a wedding dress?’

‘Don’t be silly, it’s a dinner dress, extremely revealing, little shawl for the shoulders.’

Jean inspected it closely, ‘If I sneeze my boobs will fall out.’

‘Make sure you only sneeze once, that’s allowed.’

Jean suddenly burst out laughing, ‘Tilly, I should throw you out on your backside. You are wicked.’

Tilly reached over and grasped her hand, ‘This is the first time in the six years since Jimmy died that I have actually seen you with a bit of life in you. I don’t know who this guy is and I don’t care. He has brought my lovely big sis back to life and I love him for it already.’

A tear slid down Jean’s face, ‘Oh Tilly, he is leaving on Monday morning. It’s awful. I canna do this long distance relationship thing. It is just one date and then he is gone.’

‘Then you had better make sure you get laid.’

‘Tilly! I'm not like that.’

Tilly grimaced, ‘Seriously Jean, you have only been with one guy in your life. Excuse the pun but you have to get back on the horse before you can ever begin to live like a normal human being again. I have no doubt you are terrified. Let the guy sweep you off your feet. Have a romantic evening and then bonk him stupid all night. He’s perfect, no one will ever know. In a couple of days he will be gone. No stress, no strain and no consequence.’

‘Seriously Tilly, you have the mind of a complete slut.’

Tilly pretended to be mortified, ‘I do not. I'm much smarter than your average slut.’ She tried to mimic Yogi Bear and Jean creased up.

‘You are so bad,’ but Tilly saw the shot slam home.

She decided to change the subject before Jean over thought it. ‘How’s my favourite wee man doing?’

‘Haven’t had a letter this week or a call.’ She got up and came back with a letter and a few photos. ‘I got this last week.’

Tilly grasped the letter and read it through, ‘He isn’t saying much, as usual, just drivel really. STV tells you more than he does.’

‘He doesn’t want me to worry Tilly, you know that.’

Tilly went through the photos and paused, ‘Hey, who’s the smiling blond guy waving at the camera?’

‘Show me.’ Tilly turned the photo and Jean laughed, ‘That’s his sergeant, Tam. I think he is sweet on me.’

‘Good looker.’

‘Very, better up close. He was actually Mike’s training corporal here in Aberdeen. We met at his passing out parade. Then when Tam returned to the regiment he became Mike’s platoon sergeant.’

‘Did you ever see him again?’

Jean nodded, ‘Just the once, up town on a Saturday afternoon. He stopped to talk for a while and we had a coffee. He invited me out but I said no.’

Tilly didn’t have to ask why. ‘Is he nice?’

‘Very nice, but I think Mike would have freaked if I went out with him.’

‘I would do him in a heartbeat.’

‘Tilly!’ Jean scolded, but both women laughed aloud. Tilly found her heart soaring; she was close to tears. Her beautiful big sister was back. Yes, she could still see the pain deep in her eyes, but it was less intense now, slipping into the shadows.

‘You are a mess Jean. Let’s knock that cowboy right off his horse.’

They howled with laughter at Tilly’s wit and began to prepare. The house filled with laughter, squeals of pain and howls of indignity as Tilly set about her task.

Chapter 5

Daniel was becoming nervous. Bob picked him up at seven and they made their way to Tory. They laughed at Bob’s uniform on the way out. Daniel had the tickets for the theatre in his pocket and a table had been procured at a top restaurant.

He considered Jean pretty, though a little smaller than the women he was used to. His emotions when he thought of her jumped up and down all over the place. He loved talking to her, he loved being with her but there were also doubts, fears. Would they, could they take the relationship to the next level? They hadn’t even held hands, respecting the other’s personal area, rarely invading or making the other uncomfortable.

‘Holy shit!’ Bob exclaimed.

‘What is it Bob?’

‘You’ll see soon enough,’ Bob laughed as they drew up. He jumped out and opened the door. It wasn’t until she got in that all of Daniel’s fears and doubts vanished. His mouth dried up as Jean smiled.

‘Hi.’

Gone now was the pretty woman he had been hanging with all week; in her place was a beautiful, sophisticated woman. A ravishing beauty that took his breath away.

‘Hi.’ He managed before a grinning Bob got back in and demanded his attention.

‘Where would sir and madam like to go this evening?

Daniel shook himself, irritated at Bob for a moment; he knew fine well where they were going. Bob was, however, playing his role to perfection and Daniel quickly realised that.

‘To the theatre please Bob.’

‘Certainly sir.’

‘Would sir and madam like to partake of the in-car bar? There is champagne on ice.’

‘Would you like a drink Jean?’

‘Just a little one please, I’m not a big drinker.’

Jean was petrified she would spill some on her dress. She knew Tilly had done a wonderful job and that she looked stunning. It was obvious by the look on Daniel’s face she was a hit.

Tilly had washed and conditioned her hair until it shone. Then they had put it up revealing her beautiful neck. Tilly had a talent that was wasted. Her hazel eyes looked large and soft and Daniel was desperately trying not to fall into them.

High up in the block a curtain twitched as Tilly watched them draw away. She smiled and crossed her fingers.

‘So what's on at the theatre tonight?’

Daniel had forgotten, ‘I can't remember. Oh, it’s on the tickets.’ He fished them out and looked at them, ‘Uh... still got no idea.’

Jean giggled and the sound ran up his spine, making it tingle. ‘We will see when we get there then.’ She accepted the drink and sipped a little. She could barely feel the car move. ‘I can’t believe you hired a limo.’

He grinned, ‘It seemed appropriate for the theatre.’

‘We don’t see many of these in Tory. My neighbours will be talking for weeks.’

‘As long as it is memorable for you.’

She bit a lip, ‘It already is.’

Her words made his heart jump with joy. It didn’t take them long to reach the city centre; a doorman rushed to the side of the limo. He opened it for them. Daniel got out and offered Jean his hand. She took it and then his arm. They walked in together, heads held high while passers by stopped for a few seconds to stare.

They were directed to the VIP lounge where there was already a modest gathering. A small buffet and wine was being served. They got many stares from the crowd but by now they only had eyes for each other.

‘You look stunning Jean.’ He finally managed.

‘I was beginning to think you hadn’t noticed.’

He Blushed, ‘You're teasing me again.’

‘A little maybe. You look extremely handsome.’

They were called through to their seats. Two hours later they left the theatre. Bob was waiting patiently and opened the car door for them. ‘So how was it?’ Bob asked.

Daniel looked at Jean who shook her head. He took a deep breath, ‘I have absolutely no idea. I haven’t a clue what I just watched or what it was about.’

Jean suddenly burst out laughing, ‘It was awful! I have absolutely no idea either.’

The pair howled with laughter as they tried to explain to the puzzled Bob what the evening’s entertainment had been about.

‘I might just give that one a miss