Damon joined her once she’d finished eating to find her spreading out a large map of the area on the coffee table.
“Right,” she began. “Do any of these place names ring a bell?”
He peered at the map. “Should they?”
“Did One Eye ever mention any of them?”
He studied the map before shaking his head. “No, I don’t think so. Look at that,” he snorted.
“What?”
“Porin.”
“What about it?”
“It’s just one letter away from porn.”
“Oh for God’s sake,” she sighed.
“Sorry. My mind wanders sometimes.”
“I don’t think you should let it out on its own,” she said before turning back to the map, missing his scowl. “We don’t know whether we’re high up enough yet,” she continued. “He could be at the top of the country. For all we know he could be in the bloody Hebrides or even Shetland, I know he loves exploring those islands.”
Damon shook his head. “Nah. He’s further down. He called me a week ago to say he was back on the mainland after spending two weeks on the Hebrides.”
“Well that’s something but we’ve still a lot to round down. Fortunately people with one eye tend to stand out. Someone must remember seeing him.”
“Yeah but who? We’ve no idea where to start.”
“He didn’t hint at where he was going next?”
Damon thought over his last conversation with his father before shaking his head. “No, I don’t think so. I wasn’t paying much attention,” he said, hanging his head.
“Why not?”
“I was…entertaining.”
“You mean you were shagging?”
“Well, not technically, although Wendy was on her knees in front of me,” he grinned. “She’s bloody good so I was distracted.”
“Please Damon, I’ve just had breakfast.”
His brow furrowed. “Hang on a sec. Dad did mention somewhere.” He jabbed at the map. “There, Ullapool.”
“That’s great,” she beamed. “Ullapool’s just over an hour away from here.”
“Or it could have been Unapool,” he added, pointing to a place higher up the map.
“Wonderful,” she sighed.
“Hey, if I’d known this was going to happen I would have told Wendy to hang fire with the incredible sexual pleasure. But I didn’t know,” he said, folding his arms across his chest.
Raven felt a little guilty for giving him a hard time. “I’m sorry,” she said, patting his shoulder. “I’m just so worried about him.”
Damon wrapped an arm around her but for once it was platonic, so she felt it safe to lean into his big, solid warmth.
“That’s okay sweetheart,” he said. “But at least we’ve got a couple of places to start, that’s if my stupid brain isn’t remembering things incorrectly.”
“I’m sure it’s not. You’re smart Damon.”
“Yeah, right.”
“Course you are. You’re One Eye’s son.”
Damon beamed with pride.
“Let’s check out Unapool and Ullapool on the internet, see if there’s anything there that might have drawn One Eye to them.”
“Good idea.”
They sat beside each other on the small couch next to the window, Raven balancing her laptop on her knees, Damon watching her dextrous fingers fly across the keyboard. He couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to have those pale, lithe fingers on his body. However he kept that thought to himself, not wanting to break rule number four again.
“Let’s start with Ullapool because it’s closer,” said Raven, studying the screen. “Apparently it’s just a small town but it’s the most inhabited place in that area.”
“Dad doesn’t like inhabited areas,” said Damon. “He only lives in a city because of work. There’s not many viable targets in a small village. When he goes on one of his wanders he goes remote.”
“Its population is about fifteen hundred people, so it’s not exactly New York. It’s popular with people into outdoor activities and hillwalking. One Eye loves hillwalking.”
“True but I bet there’s millions of places around here you could go hillwalking.”
“Good point. Okay, what else is there?” she said, scrolling down the screen. “There’s a nature reserve, caves, an arboretum…”
“Sounds fascinating,” sighed Damon.
“A museum,” she continued. “Various walks and a market. They sound like the sort of things One Eye likes to do.”
“No they don’t. There’s no strip clubs.”
“How do you know?” she said with a mischievous smile. “Maybe that’s why we haven’t heard from him, because he’s got caught up with some woman? It wouldn’t be the first time.”
“No, there’s something wrong. I can feel it.”
Raven had never seen him look so serious before. “You’re right. So what do you think? Ullapool?”
“Let’s see what’s in Unapool first.”
“Okay,” she said, jabbing at the keyboard. “I don’t think there’s much there at all, I can’t find anything online.”
“What if the trouble he texted me about wasn’t from anyone? What if he fell and had an accident and that’s why he hasn’t contacted me again?”
“That doesn’t make sense. Why would he send you a code for that? Why not just call the emergency services?”
“Yeah, that’s a good point.”
“I think there’s more to this than we know.” Damon’s suggestion of Silas Hagen being involved was eating away at her. What if One Eye had headed up to Norway before travelling back down to the Scottish islands? Silas could have followed him. But Silas was supposed to be dead. They’d killed him. “Let’s start with Ullapool,” she said. “It’s a small place and if One Eye was there someone will remember him. He’s not someone you forget in a hurry.”
“Okay, let’s go,” he said, hauling himself to his feet.
The smile he got from the receptionist as they left went some way to improving his mood.
It was mid-afternoon by the time Raven and Damon arrived in Ullapool, which consisted of pleasant white-washed buildings facing out to sea, rowing boats perched on the shingle beach. It was autumn but there were still a few tourists milling about.
“Jesus,” grimaced Damon, fastening up his jacket and stuffing his hands into the pockets when an icy breeze rolled across the water towards them.
“Big soft city boy,” grinned Raven, safely wrapped up in her black wool coat.
“Soft?” he exclaimed, increasing her grin.
“Okay,” she said. “If One Eye was here he’d have found somewhere to stay.”
“With bloody good heating,” grumbled Damon, pulling up the collar of his coat so it covered his chin.
There were only five hotels in Ullapool. Raven and Damon went into the first one they came across, flashing the staff images of One Eye on their phones. No one had seen him. It was the same story at the second hotel. However, when they tried the third hotel - a large inn right on the waterfront - they struck lucky. The big blousy middle-aged woman on reception, who was also the inn owner, turned scarlet when Raven showed her One Eye’s photo on her phone.
“That bastard,” she yelled, green eyes flaring.
“You know him?” said Raven.
“Know him? He shagged my daughter in the cellar. She’s only twenty one. It’s disgusting, he’s old enough to be her father.” She glared at them. “What do you want with him? Has that dirty old sod shagged your daughter too?”
Raven threw Damon a warning look when he chuckled. “Actually, he’s gone missing,” she replied. “We’re looking for him. He’s our father,” she added, hoping it would make the woman more sympathetic. It didn’t.
“Oh really? Well I feel sorry for you both having a hound like that as a role model.”
“I take it he’s not here anymore?” said Raven, shoving her phone back into the pocket of her coat, hidin
g the image of One Eye as it seemed to be antagonising the woman.
“Course not. I threw him out six days ago. I made damn sure to get the money he owed first.”
“Any idea where he went?”
“No and I don’t care, just as long as it’s far away from here.”
“Did he say or do anything while he was here that might give some clue as to where he went? Please,” she pressed when the woman just glared at her. “He’s our dad.”
The woman had a large heart, which was touched by Raven’s pleading eyes. “You think he could in trouble?”
They both nodded.
“Okay,” she said, picking up the phone off the small reception desk. “I’ll get my daughter down here. She might have more of an idea. Nik might be a dirty old man but I wouldn’t want anything bad to happen to him, except maybe a dose of the clap.”
“Thank you,” said Raven sincerely.
Three minutes later a tall, leggy blond was standing before them giving Damon the glad eye. Raven was relieved that for once he was sensible and didn’t return the look.
“Tiffany,” began the owner. “This pair are looking for that dirty old pirate you got up to shenanigans with in the cellar.”
Tiffany’s eyes sparkled and the corner of her mouth lifted. “Oh yes, I remember him,” she replied, seemingly oblivious to her mother’s anger.
“Do you have any idea where he might have gone after here?” said Raven.
“Not really. He said he was touring the area and going hillwalking. He’s a very athletic man,” she purred.
“Tiffany,” scowled her mother, warning in her voice.
“So he didn’t mention anywhere specific?” said Raven.
“Not to me,” shrugged Tiffany. “But you might want to try the outdoor shop three doors down. I know he went in there to get some fresh boots and a jacket. He got quite friendly with the owner, Dennis. They talked about their walks a lot. He might have said something to him.”
“That’s great Tiffany, thanks. Did he do or say anything while he was here that indicated he might have got into trouble?”
“What sort of trouble?” said the owner, concerned the defiler of her daughter was going to bring more turmoil to her door.
“We don’t know that he is in any trouble,” replied Raven. “We’re just trying to cover all bases.”
“I see,” she replied, not convinced, suspicious eyes darting between the pair of them.
“No he didn’t,” said Tiffany. “He was always so happy.” She frowned at her mother. “Unlike some people.”
“Well,” said Raven, sensing the tension in the air. “Thanks very much, we really appreciate your help.”
“When you do find Nik,” said Tiffany. “Say hi from me.”
Her mother turned purple again. “Get back to work you cheeky wee hussy,” she exploded.
Tiffany flashed her mother an amused smile before sauntering off in the direction of the restaurant, giving Damon a wink as she went.
“Now you’ve got what you came for you can do one,” the owner told Raven and Damon. “I don’t want any of your family in my establishment ever again. The lot of you are barred.”
Raven held up her hands. “We’re leaving. Thank you for your time.”
As they left they could feel the woman’s eyes boring into their backs.
Once they were outside on the pavement Damon finally released the chuckle that had been building up. “Dad, the hound. I hope I’m pulling twenty one year olds when I’m his age.”
“I’m sure it won’t be a problem for you.” She gestured down the street. “There’s the shop that woman told us about.”
They entered the outdoor clothes shop, which was empty apart from a sales assistant fussing over a display of hats. “Good afternoon,” he beamed, turning to greet them. “And what can I do for you?”
“Are you Dennis?” said Raven.
“Yes, I own this shop,” he said proudly.
“We’re after some information,” she replied, taking out her phone. She brought up the picture of One Eye and held it out for him to see. “We’re looking for our dad, he’s gone missing. We know he was staying at The Anchor Inn and they said he came in here.”
Dennis’s face turned beetroot. “That bastard,” he exploded.
Raven sighed. “So you do know him?”
“Oh aye, I know him but not as well as my wife. I caught the pair of them at it in the stock room,” he said, gesturing to a door to their right.
Unfortunately this time Damon was unable to repress his snigger and Dennis turned his anger on him. “You think it’s funny, do you? I bet you’re as bad as your father. Marriage wreckers, the lot of you.”
“Hey, I’ve never slept with a married woman,” retorted Damon.
“Now that I don’t believe.”
“I’m really sorry about what our father did Sir,” said Raven. “But we think he’s in trouble and we’re desperate to find him. Have you any idea where he is?”
“Hell probably,” he spat.
“Please,” said Raven, pulling her helpless female act. “We’re so worried about him.”
The man sighed and raked his hands through his hair. “He mentioned heading down to Strathpeffer, it’s a popular base for walkers. There’s an island there in the middle of Loch Kinellan with the ruins of a fort. He wanted to see it. He was also interested in the Norse history of the area. That might help you.”
“That’s great, thanks,” smiled Raven. “I apologise if this sounds indelicate but could we speak to your wife? She might have more of an idea.”
“No you bloody well can’t. She’s gone to stay with her sister in Dundee to think about her disgusting, sinful ways. And you can tell your father that if he ever shows his face around here again he’ll feel the rough end of my twelve bore shotgun.”
“We’ll make sure to pass that on.” Raven felt a little bad, the man looked so miserable. She noted all the sale signs scattered about the shop. Clearly business wasn’t good. “Actually, while we’re here we could do with buying some outdoor gear,” she said. “We’re woefully under-prepared for the weather.”
This statement brought a smile to his face. “Well you certainly came to the right place.”
Half an hour later Raven and Damon exited the shop laden down with carrier bags.
“We were royally ripped off there,” grumbled Damon. “He made us buy all the most expensive stuff.”
“Small compensation for the information we got,” she replied. “And don’t you feel better in your new coat and gloves?”
Damon looked down at his thick navy blue coat. “Yeah, suppose. It doesn’t feel like the wind’s blowing up the crack of my arse anymore.”
“There you go then. What is it?” she said when Damon came to a halt.
“There’s a fish and chip shop across the road. Dad bloody loves fish and chips.”
“Let’s check it out.”
A chilly drizzle had started, chasing everyone indoors. Damon pulled up the hood of his new coat, grateful for it.
“Christ that smells good,” he said when they stepped inside the fish and chip shop. “Let’s get something to eat, I’m starving.”
“You’re always starving but okay then.”
“Chip butty please,” he boomed at the man serving behind the counter.
“A what?” he frowned.
“Chip butty,” he repeated.
“What’s that?”
Damon stared at him as though he’d sprouted a second head.
“A portion of chips and a roll please,” said Raven, who had taken the time to study the large menu pinned to the wall. “And a portion of fish and chips too.”
“Coming right up sweetheart,” said the man behind the counter.
As Raven had fielded the last two interviews Damon decided it was his turn. He produced his phone and held it out. “We’re looking for our dad.”
The man behind the counter went rigid when he saw the image of One Eye. “
That dirty bastard,” he bellowed.
Damon was forced to duck as his roll went sailing over his head.
“If Dad wasn’t missing this would be bloody funny,” said Damon before taking a bite of his chip butty. As the heavens had finally opened properly they’d retreated to the car to eat. “It looks like he’s shagged every woman in town.”
“From a twenty one year old hard body to the seventy year old mother of the owner of the fish and chip shop,” smiled Raven. “One Eye’s tastes are certainly eclectic.”
“That wanker’s mum didn’t look seventy. With her blond hair and make-up she looked twenty years younger. I’d have a go at that myself.”
“Like father like son,” said Raven before popping a chip into her mouth.
“So, shall we check out that Strathpepper next?”
“You mean Strathpeffer?” she grinned.
“Yeah, that’s the fella.”
Raven frowned out of the window. “It’ll be dark in a couple of hours.”
“The longer we leave it the more danger he could be in.”
“You’re right. Let’s finish eating then we’ll head down to Strathpeffer.” She prodded at the sat nav. “It’s only an hour away.”
CHAPTER 5
“This is beautiful,” said Raven as they drove into the village of Strathpeffer.
“I hate villages,” muttered Damon. “Small and boring.”
“You mean quiet and peaceful. I’d rather live somewhere like this than the city.”
“I bet it’s only got one pub.”
“Look, it’s the Highland Village of Music,” said Raven, pointing out a sign. “They’ve played host to Deacon Blue.”
“Be still my beating heart,” he said with a roll of the eyes.
“Let’s start with the hotels again. It served us pretty well in Ullapool.”
“Stop,” exclaimed Damon.
“What is it?” she said, slamming on the brakes. Fortunately there was no one behind them.
“That place,” he said, pointing to the left.
Raven peered through the window to see an imposing mansion house set back on a hill, the mountain of Ben Wyvis rearing up behind it.
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