“Right task at hand.” I told Scott everything I had heard plus the fact the master key is now in the hands of the criminals. We had time to search their office through while they were out celebrating in the bar if only we could unlock the door.
“Right Bobbie pin it is” Scott said. He put out his hand and demanded one of my bobby pins I had in my hair to pin back my fringe I was trying to grow out.
I immediately declined, “I most certainly think not. I can't afford one second of my fringe being loose and risking the last month of my hair being pinned back wasted. You know I couldn't stand my fringe.” Scott didn't have to say a single word, he just gave me a look that made be proceed in pulling out a pin and placing it into Scots hand. “You have 2 minutes then I need to return it into its rightful place, my hair. Anyway unlocking doors with a bobby pin only works in the movies Scott everyone knows that.” I said.
“I am the guy with the army pants remember Letticia, don’t underestimate my skills.” Oh, forget about Jamie, I think I have my very own MacGyver on my hands. On second thought bring me back my Scottish Jamie thanks. I would take Jamie over MacGyver any day.
Scott took off towards Jill’s office leaving Laoghaire heartbroken in his wake and me trying to keep up with him as I held my fringe back with my fingers instead. We got to the door and Scott twisted the bobby pin into position then turned and jiggled it in the lock, must have only taken 30 seconds and the door swung open and we were in. “Well, why didn't we just do that in the first place Scott?” I asked sarcastically.
“Because unlocking doors with a bobby pin only works in the movies doesn't It?” Scott cheekily replied.
“Who says that?” I replied. Enough of this banter I thought we were on a mission and we had to be fast before we got caught. The office was tiny. There was one desk in the corner with a laptop open and paper scattered on it, next to the desk was a three-draw filing cabinet. It felt dark and depressing like a dungeon build for this old magnificent manor house to lock up people just like Jill, Clive and his wife.
We didn't have to look hard we found the documents in a manila folder inside the top draw of the desk. “Bingo”, Scott said with excitement in his voice.
“Now what?” I asked.
“We leave and find the nearest police station.” Scott said. We started to make our way out when I said. “Right then but first things first Scott.” I said as I held out my hand, Scott looked at my hand with a confused look, and gave it a low high five.
“What are you doing?” I asked.
Scott replied “I thought you wanted a victory low high five.”
“No I want my bobby pin back.” I said.
“Oh, it’s still in the door lock of the dungeon, I mean the office,” Scott joked. He obviously felt the same way I had about the office. He went back to grab it, we couldn’t leave any evidence behind. Luckily, we had only gotten to the end of the hall but had turned a corner so could no longer see the door. I waited for Scott as he went back to fetch my hair pin. Just then I heard that familiar voice of Jill’s talking on her cell phone.
She must be near, I panicked and yelled out “Highlander Highlander Highlander” as loud as I could as Jill approached and wondered what on earth I was doing so I proceeded to dance the highlander jig so she couldn't get passed.
“Oh, hi Jill im just practicing my Highlander dance that I learnt this morning at one of the Outlander activities. Its great fun. Let me teach you some steps.” She tried to get passed me, she was in no mood to dance along with me in the middle of the hall. I was not offended one little bit though, I was too busy impressing myself with the steps I was doing and not falling over this time, that I didn't hear Jill say “Move aside Letticia,” She said it calmly the first time unlike the second time when she yelled “Move aside Letticia,” I yelled back “HIGHLANDER” into her face, one more time in the hope Scott was aware there was danger looming about. Just then Scott appeared by my side. “Thanks for waiting Letticia. When you need to go you need to go.” he said implying he had just used the men’s restroom.
Jill was still trying to get passed me, I felt like I was playing “GK” in a netball game. I always knew I would have made an excellent GK, with my aggressive goal orientated nothing will get pass me personality. I finally did let Jill pass, and Scott and I made a mad dash in the other direction. Jill would find that her top-secret papers were missing within seconds of entering her office.
Chapter Twenty Three
Escaping the Convention
We ran to the exit ready to make our escape. “Wait what about our bags Scott?” I said.
“Oh, that's right we don't have any do we?” I corrected myself.
Scott looked amused and said, “We need to order an Uber fast and get out of here. I feel the battle of Culloden is about to begin, let's find a place out of sight while we sort out a ride.”
Just then I spotted our old mate the chauffeur polishing the bonnet of his vintage limousine. He was parked on the other side of the oasis driveway “Scott look over there.” I said as I pointed in the direction of our getaway car.
“Let's give it a try, he is still none the wiser of our VIP status, no harm in asking,” Scott said.
We began to walk directly across the oasis driveway towards the car, thanks to Paul who taught us the art of race walking, we were moving fast. Paul would be very proud, I was indeed following Paul's instruction, not allowing my back toe to leave the ground until the heel of the front foot has touched, I remembered Paul teaching me, and explaining how the supporting leg must straighten from the point of contact with the ground and remain straight until the body passes directly over it.
I had mastered the art of Highlander dancing, Public speaking and Race walking all in one day I thought proudly to myself.
The Chauffeur driver saw us coming, we were obviously making a bit of a commotion in our attempt to escape the Outlander convention promptly but calmly. “Ahhhhh my VIP people, Hello, Hello, come.” He said as we approached the Vintage car.
Scott asked “Can you drop us back to the airport but we must call into the nearest police station first.”
“We are in a bit of a rush.” I added.
“Yes, yes anything for VIP’s, Boss tell me.” The man said in broken English. Little did he know we were not and never were VIP people at all but I’m sure we are VIP’s to some people, like Polly and Leah I thought. I was trying to justify the dishonest behaviour Scott and I were portraying. Although it was for a good cause. We were saving a lot of people’s money from being stolen and getting into the hands of the wrong people. So that said and done I was satisfied with our actions that we were taking at present.
So we proceeded to take our seats back in the Vintage Limousine without another thought given. Scott and I managed to enjoy a flute of Champagne each by the time we reached the police station. “Scott come to think of it we have spent a bit of time at Police stations on this trip haven't we?” I said.
“Well we have solved two cases in the last few days. We caught the Jewellery theft and handed him in now we are about to expose a dodge illegal Business deal. We should really consider a change of career.” Scott laughted.
“No my days of fighting crime are over after this. I just want to get home to Polly and Leah, I hope they have been alright for James and Sophie, maybe we will send James and Sophie up to Cairns for a few days holiday once we get home, they might need it.” I joked.
It really was a lovely surprise to see Sophie and James turn up in Australia and Alistair for that matter.
They were all such special people in my life. We had all become very close in the last 6 months I had been in Scotland. They were my Clan. Not much has changed though but maybe just the country we now resided in. After all they were still looking after Polly and Leah while Scott and I once again found ourselves in strange situations, but we were now all in Australia instead of Scotland.
Just the thought of Scotland was making me want to return. I loved Australia but Sco
tland had a special hold over me for some reason, and it was more than just Jamie, I giggled to myself. It was hard to believe but Scotland did offer a lot more than just Jamie. It offered a rich linguistic history. There is just something you feel when you are in Scotland, It touches your soul. When you are surrounded by Scottish people and the Scottish accent you can't help but get drawn in. From the moment I landed in Scotland even on the verge of hypothermia caused by my unorganised clothing choice I was instantly comfortable there. Scotland really is like being in a fairy tale, there are hundreds of castles in Scotland along with magnificent lakes and inspiring scenery.
The Highlands were just breathtaking with their mountainous regions, Lochs and Gleans surrounded in magical white mist. The landscape was lush and green thanks to the rain, that obviously has an obsession with Scotland also as it was very often present. You also get the added bonus that you may just come across your very own Jamie, just as I did. Where else in the world would you find men in kilts all year round, bagpipes being played on street corners and Scottish pubs that invite you in with their, glowing log fires, that are beaming out heat that persuades you to go inside and enjoy a hot meal and a glass of red wine.
Chapter Twenty Four
Cairns Police station.
Our Chauffer dropped Scott and I off at the very front of the police station. “Do you mind just waiting for a bit, we should only be 5 minutes at the most?” Scott said to the driver.
“Yes go, go. “ He said. We were not too sure if that meant yes he would stay or no he wouldn't. I guess time will tell. Once we reached the entrance to the station we noticed the vintage limousine had indeed parked up and was waiting for us. “Yes go go” obviously meant yes he would wait for us.
Scott went in first holding the documents for evidence. I followed close behind. We must have looked a bit suspicious ourselves still in our 1700’s outfits but turns out the police talk amongst one another. The officer behind the counter welcomed Scott and I in and said “Well well if it’s not the 1700’s top detectives who put away Irish jewellery robbers, how can we be at your service the police officer asked in between mouthfuls of donut.
Well we have solved another case for you. Scott beamed. “Steady on you two, you will be putting us all out of a job soon.” I wanted so badly to say “Well if you spend more time fighting crime and less time eating donuts you wouldn't need us two. But I managed to bite my tongue and keep quiet.
Scott explained the whole situation and the police officer went over the paperwork and decided there was enough evidence to bring, Jill, Clive and his wife in for questioning. They sent a police car around to pick them up from the Manor house straight away. I decided it was probably better we were not here when they arrived back. But luck did not allow this to happen. After we had given our formal statement which was a lengthy process, the nightly news somehow good hold of the story about the two mystery people dressed in 1700s clothes fighting crime because as we left the station not only did we pass Jill, Clive and his wife who yelled abusive comments to Scott and I, Clive was very aggressive towards us yelling “This isn't the end, I will bring you two down if it’s the last thing I do. He launched for us but was stopped by the police stations security guard.
We were now being bombarded by a news crew, we had microphones thrown into our faces and questions were being asked. I saw on the screen of the camera the word live, we were going live, Scott, and I were about to make the night news and I didn't even have time to ring my parents to tell them to watch it. My one and only 5 minutes of fame was about to come true.
It was 6pm once mum and dad, Sophie, James, Polly and Leah sat down altogether in my parents lounge room to eat dinner on their laps. They were having a pizza party. A fond memory of my own childhood while growing up. Every Friday we would all sit down as a family in our lounge and get pizza delivered to our door along with Fizzy drink which was a big treat in our household as a kid. Tonight however the tradition continued but just without me there. My dad switched on the news like he did every night. He was a stickler for routine and the pizza party was in full swing once our story came on. Mum had just opened her mouth to take her first bite of pizza when she saw my face appear on the screen. The pizza froze in position as did her mouth that was wide open. Dad was just as in shock. Sophie and James didn't think much of it. After all they had become accustomed to mine and Scott antics and not much these days surprised then anymore. Polly and Leah jumped up with excitement, Yelling “It’s mummy, its mummy, why is mummy on tv?” they asked confused. “Good question. Let’s listen and find out.” Dad said.
The reporter had no time to explain to Scott and I what was happening. Our story was going live right this minute. The reporter who looked to be young and new to this industry was obviously out to get a good story and prove her worth. She wore a suit skirt and jacket and she too was heavily made up, foundation caked on with bright red lipstick, her eyes outlined in heavy black eyeliner and mascara. Maybe I had really time travelled as I don't remember this new look coming in fashion, either that or in just a lot older than I think and unfocused on the new and upcoming trends. My trend however was the Claire look, I thought to myself. I would show these youngsters what real fashion is all about. I was bringing the 1700’s back alive, with its dresses and the all so natural look, No makeup needed on this face, or deodorant for that matter. The fact I didn't have my normal everyday clothes, makeup bag or deodorant on me helped to justify my opinion on my new claimed fashion sense.
While I was judging the youth of today the reporter had already asked Scott a question. “Firstly, I must compliment you both on your outfits is there a reason you are both dressed this way to fight crime in the city of Cairns.” Her intention was to ask Scott this question but I decided I needed to answer it for all the uneducated over 35 year old’s out there who are like me and not up with the fashion these youngsters are walking around in. I intercepted the incoming microphone that was heading in the direction of Scotts mouth and took over. Well I will have you know, this is the new seasons look. Scott and I are building a fashion empire. We are bringing the 1700’s back to life.” Scott pulled the microphone back to him and continued, “No, it’s a long story as to why we are both dressed like this, I would rather not get into it though.” “Fair enough” the reported said, first question she asked was a flop, not doing a very good job proving your self-worth are you now!” I thought to myself. She went straight in to the question everyone wanted to know. I think she worked out there was no point leading up to it with us two interviewees, we were giving her nothing. “How were you able to bring two crimes to justice in a matter of days, and are you two the new Clark Kent and Lois Lane of Cairns and is this you disguise, A man in a kilt and a lady in a 1700’s dress?” Wow that was a lengthy question, a few questions in one there I thought. “No comment” Scott said, Wow and that was a very un-lengthy answer to a very lengthy question. Short and sweet, nice one Scott I thought. Scott grabbed hold of my hand and lead me through the pack of reporter who were still throwing questions our way and we headed off towards our waiting vintage limousine. The reported continued reporting, it was live new after all. “Well would you look at that they even have their own bat mobile car.” We reached the car and jumped into the back seat, Scott said to our chauffeur, “To the airport please.” The flash of cameras were coming at us in all directions. It was blinding. Scott had still not let go of my hand. “Are you ok?” he asked concerned. I was more than ok, I had dreamt of this moment all my life. I just got to feel like a true famous movie star. A moment I would never get to relive in my whole entire life. These moments do not come round more than once for people like us I thought. “Yes I’m ok,” I said, not wanting to sound to overly excited and fame oriented.
Mums mouth and pizza were still in the frozen position. She was astonished, Dad had to close her mouth with his own hands and place the pizza back down on the plate, he then waved his hands in front of mums non-blinking eyes, “Olive are you in there Olive?” M
um refocused and came back to the present with a few blinks of her eyes. As you can see removing yourself from the present and being unforced is hereditary. “Oh Kevin, did I really just see Letticia and Scott on the nightly news and what on earth were they wearing?” “Yes they were on the news Olive, not to sure why they were wearing what they were wearing but it looks like they found that jewellery theft and handed him into the police, along with solving another case that the news were unable to give details on just yet.” “Well fancy that, Scott and Letticia are national heroes.” mum laughed. “Well I wouldn't go that far, Scott and Letticia tend to attract situations such as this a lot.” Sophie said as she sat on the couch in between James legs, still very much in love with one another “Aye that they do.” James agreed. Polly and Leah were now over their excitement of seeing their mum on tv and were back eating their meat lover’s pizza and their once a week glass of Fizzy drink.
Chapter Twenty Five
Cairns Airport
Our green vintage limousine pulled up to the airport departure doors. It only felt like a few hours ago we were being walked out of the airport by the chauffeur to the limousine unaware of what we were getting ourselves into. It almost felt like we had gone through the stones for the last 24 hours. It most certainly was not your normal 24 hours of life I thought to myself. I was glad we were now heading home. Cairns had been great but exhausting and draining. We got the contract signed the whole reason why we had come here in the first place, we have had no money or clothes for the last 24 hours yet we have survived, only just. I just wanted to get home to Polly and Leah and give them a big hug.
We approached the check in desk. The same lady from last night was checking us in. Her name was Jackie as stated on her name tag “Oh you two again, she said as she looked at us up and down noticing we were still in the same clothes as yesterday. She didn't have to say anything I knew what she was thinking. “Well tough 24 hours wait was it?” she asked sarcastically. “Out of this world” I replied. Scott handed over the printed tickets he had organised earlier on to print out back at the Manor house Hotel. Not sure where I was when he did that, obviously in ‘Outlander’ world somewhere. Once I saw our boarding tickets being printed out of the machine and Jackie handed two tickets over to Scott, a sign of relieve was felt throughout my body. Nothing could stop us now, we were on our way home. Still dressed like we had just come off the set of ‘Outlander’ but nonetheless we were on our way home.
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