by Karen Nappa
Chapter 5
T hey arrived at the Carmichael Kirk in good time, and Pastor Michael met them at the door. He handed Connor and Hamish the folders with their readings in them. Connor was to read the classic text from Ecclesiastes, "to everything there is a season." Hamish had a reading from Job, "I know that my Redeemer liveth." The rest of the Carmichael pallbearers arrived shortly thereafter, and then family and friends began arriving. The funeral director arrived and organized the pallbearers, and it was time to begin. The pastor and the congregation moved through the ritual of saying goodbye to their beloved clan chief. The eulogy stressed Angus' strengths as a man and a Christian. Finally, to the skirling of the bagpipes, the pallbearers carried the simple wooden coffin to the cemetery behind the church where generations of Carmichaels waited.
The mourners followed at a respectful distance. Once the coffin was lowered into the ground, the minister continued with the words of committal, "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, from dust thou are, to dust thou shalt return." Family members came up to Margaret to pay their respects while Connor and Hamish took up spots behind her. Now that the service was over, she looked frail, the strong woman of the day before gone. When Connor noticed, he suggested that they move to Eastend House where it would be easier for her.
Once at the house, there was a formal receiving line with a throne-like chair for Margaret to greet the clan and other friends and family. Many people left directly after paying their respects, but others moved into the old formal ballroom. Bonnie went to check on arrangements for the meal while Connor and Hamish stood watch over Margaret. The ballroom was set up with a veritable feast of a buffet with people milling about waiting for the signal to eat.
By noon, the line was down to a few stragglers, and Hamish pushed them through so they could get Aunt Margaret into the ballroom. As soon as she arrived, Pastor Michael said grace and people started gathering at the buffet lines. Bonnie cut to the front of the line to fix a plate for Margaret. The buffet included all the bounty of the estate, including fresh lamb and venison prepared several different ways, smoked trout from the streams that abounded and all the Scottish classics, including smoked salmon and haggis for those brave enough to eat it.
By 12:30 pm, everyone was settled at the tables and Hamish went to a microphone that had been set up at the end of the room. He welcomed everyone and thanked them for coming. Then he spoke of Angus and how much the older man had meant to him in his youth and now as an adult. Then he opened the floor to anyone with memories to share. Connor was there waiting and talked of his summers on the estate. He told the beaver story, ending with the permanent dam, and everyone had a good laugh. He ended on a serious note, "Angus was a good clan chief, a good steward of the land, and a good man. We won't see his like again." At that, everyone applauded and Connor sat down. He wiped his forehead with his handkerchief, trying to pretend he wasn't affected by what he had said.
Connor was followed by a long line of people telling stories both touching and humorous about their dealings with Angus over the years. When it was almost two, Aunt Margaret stood and made her way to the microphone, "Thank you all for coming today. It's been so wonderful to hear all your stories of Angus. I hope to hear more in the days and weeks ahead. Feel free to call on me. Now, however, it's time for the clan meeting. I would ask that only clan members over the age of eighteen remain. I will now turn the meeting over to Richard Carmichael, the family solicitor.
"We'll wait a few minutes for people to clear out. As Margaret said, I'm Richard Carmichael of Carmichael, MacInnes, Ogilvie and Associates of Glasgow. I have here the properly signed and witnessed last will and testament of Angus Michael Carmichael, chief of Clan Carmichael and owner of the Carmichael estate."
When only adult clan members remained, the solicitor read the will in its entirety. The major provisions were that Margaret retained a life interest in the estate. At her death, it would pass to Hamish Andrew Carmichael in appreciation for his hard work in maintaining and expanding the various enterprises of the estate. Angus also recommended Hamish be made the next clan chieftain. There was more verbiage about leaving things to someone other than a direct descendant, but explained that Hamish's genealogy made him eligible. The bequests began with £50,000 for Connor William Carmichael, another £50,000 to the Carmichael Kirk for ongoing repairs and renovations and a number of minor bequests adding up to another £50,000.
As Connor and Hamish struggled to comprehend the news, they heard the pastor say under his breath, "Praise be the Lord and thank ye, Angus."
Connor looked stunned. He hadn't expected anything like this. He certainly hadn't realized Angus had been so well off. The next he knew, there were shouts of "aye" all around him. Hamish had been affirmed as clan chief and Connor reached over to clap him on the back. Hamish stood up and went to the microphone where he thanked everyone and promised to do his best to be as good a chief as Angus had been. There would be a formal investiture in the future, but that was a matter for another day. The meeting was quickly adjourned, and many people made their way toward Hamish to congratulate him.
Connor went in the same direction to talk with Richard Carmichael. "A word please, if ye have a moment?"
"Of course, why don't we sit down over here?" Richard said, pointing to the nearest vacant table. "You have questions about the bequest?"
"Not so much the bequest as the estate. I hadn't any idea the farm was doing so well."
"The farm is doing well, as are the tourist ventures, but the money for the bequests comes from investments Angus made over the years."
"Did he take into account the death duties when he made the will? I would hate for any of the land to have to be sold to pay the bequests," Connor said.
"Yes, Angus had the foresight about that. He had a valuation done on all the property once a year, and there are sufficient residual assets to cover the taxes and still leave capital for Margaret and Hamish."
"What's the procedure now? I assume the will has to be probated?"
"It was filed with the probate court this morning. Unless there are challenges, we should be able to begin disbursements in the next two to three months," Richard said.
"Do you expect challenges?" Connor asked.
"Frankly, I had wondered if you might challenge it, Mr. Connor."
"Why?"
"Because you're the closest living relative," Richard said.
"I'm more than happy with the way Uncle Angus decided things. I didn't expect anything. I certainly don't want to be clan chief. I have a good life in the States, and much as I love Carmichael and Scotland, I can't see making a life here."
"That's all to the good then. Your uncle left you the money because he loved you and wanted to be sure you knew it, even though he didn't recommend you as chieftain."
"Thank you for that, sir. I appreciate all you've done for my uncle and aunt and the clan. Is there anything I need to do about all this before I head home?"
"Not really. If ye would leave me all your contact details, date of birth and so on, that would be most helpful."
Connor gave him the information, and they shook hands and parted.
Hamish was still surrounded by relatives, so Connor turned his attention to Aunt Margaret. She was sitting at the table, also surrounded by relatives, but she was looking as though she'd had more than enough condolences for one day. He looked around and caught Bonnie's eye and they made their way to the table. Connor said clearly so all could hear, "I believe Aunt Margaret is rather worn out from the day. I'm sure she'll be happy to see you all at the house in the days to come."
Margaret looked at him with relief in her eyes as she let him and Bonnie escort her out to the waiting car. They got her home without incident, and Bonnie went with her to her room to help her get changed. She appeared to have aged markedly since Connor had arrived. He knew that wasn't true—she had been holding herself together through sheer force of will since Angus' death, and now it was catching up with her.
Bonnie c
ame downstairs and said, "I convinced her to lie down for a while. I expect she'll sleep for several hours, if not all night." To Connor's surprise, it was already after five o'clock. "You stay here in case she needs anything or anyone wants to pay their respects on their way home. I'll go back to Eastend House and help Hamish chase the clan out," Bonnie told him. "With luck, it shouldn't take more than another hour. The clean-up can wait until tomorrow."
Connor was relieved at not having to go back and face the clan. Several people had already approached him to say it wasn't right that he had been passed over for clan chief. He had responded that Hamish would make a better chieftain than he ever could.
Hamish and Bonnie didn't get back for two more hours. Bonnie went straight up to check on Margaret. Hamish came in and poured two glasses of the good Glen Talloch and added a little water to each. "What a day. If I had to listen to one more person tell me either it was a good thing I was the new chief, or that the position was rightfully yours, I think I might have started swinging."
Connor sipped the whisky and lamented again to himself that it wasn't available in the States and he had to make do with Bowmore. Although the whisky from Skye Island tasted almost as wonderful, it just wasn't the same. He asked, "Did ye know what Uncle planned? Tell me true now, Hamish. It's just the two of us."
Hamish looked a little sheepish, "He told me about six months ago, when he knew he was ill. I'm happy for ye tae have the money. Mr. Richard went over the details of the will and the estate with me after Uncle told me."
"I want you to know I'm very happy Uncle named you as clan chief and heir. You're much more his son than I was and in a better position to take over. You'll do a good job," Connor finished, his face a bit red from bringing the topic up.
Hamish blew his nose loudly and cleared his throat. "It means a lot to me to have yer support, Connor. I'll do me best tae make the clan proud."
Bonnie came in and poured her own glass of the Glen Talloch. "Aunt Margaret is sound asleep. I left a glass of water by her and I'll take a sandwich up later."
The three of them sat talking for a while about the service, the clan, and the estate. Hamish said, "I've already talked to Aunt Margaret about our moving in here. We don't think she should be in this place by herself. She's been holding it together since Uncle got ill, but she's getting frail. She's seventy-eight this year."
"I think that's an excellent idea. I don't like to think of her in this big house by herself," Connor agreed.
They moved into the kitchen for sandwiches when they had finished their drinks. After they had eaten their fill, Connor turned in for an early night.
He spent the next three days roaming the estate and revisiting all his old haunts. The ruins of Carmichael House were in worse shape than he remembered, but he supposed that was the passage of time. He remembered all the imaginary battles he and Hamish had fought there as children. Sometimes, they had both been Scots, defending the castle from the English, and other times, Hamish would make him be the Englishman since he was American. As teenagers, they had investigated the remnants of Mauldslie Castle, briefly pretending to be archaeologists digging for treasure. Hamish gave him a tour of the farm and discussed the changes he planned to make to improve it and expand their tourist profile. On Sunday, Connor escorted Aunt Margaret to the kirk and spent the afternoon reminiscing with her about Uncle Angus and the summers they had spent together. By Monday, he was ready to go home to Kansas City. As he had an early flight Tuesday morning, he convinced Hamish to take him to an airport hotel Monday night.
The flight home was uneventful, the best kind of travel. He'd bought Long Road to Mercy by David Baldacci at the airport. He smirked at the special skills the heroine Atlee Pine had but still liked the action and the suspense the book provided. He had another cardboard and plastic meal and thought about Scotland and how some had wanted and expected him to become clan chief. As much he loved the place, Scotland was his heritage; Kansas City his home. He took Wednesday off to get himself back in the right time zone. He realized it was the Wednesday of the munch and wondered if Suzie would be going. He had always avoided munches. He preferred to find his play partners at the club. He had always kept to himself and didn't see any reason to change now.
Chapter 6
S uzie followed James and Laura into the restaurant for her first munch. The Smokehouse was noisy with conversations, the clinking of silverware, and the inevitable televisions all showing different sporting events. The delicious smell of barbecued meat permeated the place. She didn't understand why she was so nervous. She had seen some of these people naked, for heaven's sake. And they, you , a small voice in her head reminded her. She inwardly groaned and pulled on the hem of her shirt. Casual street clothes, Laura had told her. She wiped her hands on her jeans. She couldn't shake hands while hers were dripping with sweat. Would they shake hands? Her forward motion was halted by a shadow in front of her and two big hands on her shoulders. She looked up into James' face.
"Sweetie, relax." James smiled down at her. "Nothing is going to happen tonight. Just a nice evening with friends. Laura and I won't leave your side until you're comfortable."
Suzie pulled in a shaky breath and nodded. "Yes, you're right. I don't know why I'm so nervous."
"It's normal, sis," Laura piped in. "The first time I went, I almost puked."
Suzie held up her hand. "TMI, sis, TMI." But a smile crept onto her face and she stood up a bit straighter. "Let's do this!" she said, a bit braver than she felt. James grasped her shoulders and assessed her face. She didn't know what he was looking for, but the next moment, he nodded and stepped out of the way.
They entered the area where the munch crowd was gathered. Peter was hosting tonight and greeted them warmly, "You must be Suzie. I saw you scening with Mistress Kate at Laura's collaring. You were beautiful." He turned to James and offered his hand, "Nice to see you again, James, Laura. It looks like being collared agrees with both of you."
"Thanks, Peter. You're right; it does," James answered for both of them. "Anybody new here tonight?"
"We had a half a dozen RSVPs from people I don't know, but none of them have showed up yet. The night is young."
"It is," James agreed and ushered Laura and Suzie further into the room. Julie waved at them from near the appetizer table and Laura made a beeline for her. James saw Mitch in his ubiquitous Mizzou gear and took Suzie over to meet him.
"Suzie, this is Mitch, one of the founding members of Club Indigo. Without him, we'd have a harder time finding a safe place to play."
"Hi, Suzie," Mitch said as he gave James a friendly punch in the arm. "Don't overstate the case, James. People would have places to play without Indigo."
"I don't have nearly the confidence in the safety of the other venues in town."
"That's because you know everyone at the club. The same would happen if you went elsewhere. Suzie, I heard you did a scene with Captain Connor last Saturday. What did you think?"
"It's hard to describe, but I'll be coming back to the club. Is he going to be here tonight? I'd like to talk to him outside of the club."
"I doubt it," James said. "He's not much for munches. He prefers the club, but there are other people here you should meet officially."
"I think I'll go over and see who Laura is talking to if that's okay?"
"Sure, they are Julie and Sonja. I think you'll like both of them."
Laura performed the introductions to Julie and Sonja, "Julie is a rope bunny. She plays with Mitch a lot since he's a great rigger. Sonja's a sub in search of a Dom."
"I've played with Chris a few times, and James, when he was unattached. You're really lucky, Laura," Sonja said. "Watch out for Captain Connor, though. When he's Dungeon Monitor, DM for short, he gets to punish unruly subs and he's a serious sadist."
"You missed it last Saturday, Sonja. Suzie did a scene with our noted sadist," Julie said.
"Ooh, what was it like?" Sonja asked.
"He used wax on me. It was really won
derful. The feel of the wax as it came down from different heights was incredible. Then he used something sort of like a vibrator but not quite, and I lost track of how many times I came."
"That must have been the Womanizer," Julie said. "Mitch used one on me when he had me in a delicious predicament bondage once and it was something else. I don't have words to describe it."
"What do you guys know about Captain Connor besides the fact that he's a sadist?" Suzie queried.
"Now that you mention it, not a lot," Sonja said. "He doesn't come to munches. Maybe some of the Doms know more?"
"I think Mitch must know more," Julie said. "He keeps the files on the members, but he'll never tell anything the Captain doesn't want known. Those files are strictly confidential. For all we know, Connor might not even be his real name. Not everyone uses their own name at the Club. Some people are afraid to be outed and use different names in the scene."
"I hadn't thought of that," Suzie said. "How much of a problem is it if vanillas find out that someone is in the lifestyle?"
"That depends a lot on who you are and what kind of work you do," Sonja said. "Also, some people are afraid of what their families would think if they knew about their sexual preferences. You probably don't have the family worries, since Laura brought you into it, but do you want your kids or your parents to know?"
"I see what you mean. I haven't dated since my husband died, but I have thought about it and I wouldn't want them to know about someone I'm dating until it was serious. I would be mortified if my father found out, wouldn't you, sis?"
"I completely agree with you, Suzie. Probably the last person I would want to know about my involvement in BDSM is Dad," Laura said.
"I don't have family issues," Sonja said, "but I'm half-owner of a café and I'm not sure what would happen to my business if the customers knew about my sex life. We specialize in lunches but also serve breakfast and do the occasional catering. I'm not sure what my business partner would think, either, if it came to that."
