MAN IN THE MIST

by Annette Broadrick

  Mr. McCloskey adjusted his glasses. "I doubt very much that you'll find any answers there." He sounded irritated, as though he'd hoped Greg would give up looking for more information.

  "Probably not, but as long as I'm here in Scotland, I need to exhaust all leads before returning home," Greg had replied at the time.

  The solicitor had certainly been correct, Greg thought now as he strained to see the road ahead. Greg had never found such a closemouthed bunch of people before, which was saying a lot. Every villager he'd gotten to talk with him had been adamant that no triplets had ever been born in their village.

  How could that be? he'd wondered. Had Mr. McCloskey made up the whole story to get rid of him? Greg found that hard to believe. The crusty solicitor had been too reticent at first to discuss the matter to have decided to make up a lie. If Greg were any judge of character, he'd swear the man had told the truth.

  So when one of the old-timers happened to mention the MacDonalds' daughter, Greg decided he would search her out before reporting his findings to his client. He wished he'd forgotten about following this lead and had returned home, instead. He could have told his client there wasn't a chance of finding her roots in Scotland.

  However, in good conscience, Greg couldn't do that because there was a chance, even though it was slight. Perhaps the daughter, Fiona MacDonald, would remember something that would open up his search. If she couldn't? Well, so be it. Until he had a chance to talk with her, she was a lead he refused to ignore.

  Another wracking cough took over his body and forced Greg once more to slow the car. At least he didn't have to worry about someone coming along and rear-ending him before he or she saw him through the fog.

  No intelligent being would be out on a night like this, which said a great deal about him, he thought sourly.

  Some time later Greg knew he was hallucinating when he thought the mist formed into wings and a long wisp pointed to the right. Another ten feet and he spotted a small lane, smaller than the one he was on. Despite the poor visibility, Greg could see that the road appeared to lead to a higher elevation. There was no sign to tell him where it led, but he had the strongest urge to follow it. Maybe he would find a farmhouse where he could get directions to the nearest town.

  Without questioning the wisdom of his decision, Greg turned in to the single-track lane. A stone fence on either side of the road made him wonder what a person would do if he were to meet another vehicle along the way. There was no room to pass or turn around. He supposed if he met someone, one of them would have to back up. From the lack of lights or directional signs, he had a hunch he wouldn't have to worry about that particular problem this late at night.

  * * *

  Fiona MacDonald sat beside the fireplace of her snug cottage, curled up with the latest novel by one of her favorite authors. Engrossed in the imaginary world portrayed in its pages, she'd lost track of time. A warm, knitted afghan on her lap had become a bed for Tiger, her striped yellow cat, who was sprawled on his back with paws extended in the air, asleep in total bliss.

  Next to the chair, her mastiff, McTavish, soaked up the warmth radiating from the peat fire.

  Fiona had spent most of the day visiting several villagers in the glen who'd needed her services as a healer. Once she'd returned home she'd been physically tired, but not ready for sleep. Rather than go upstairs to bed, she'd decided to indulge herself in her favorite pastime—reading—before retiring.

  Although she heard nothing more than the sounds of the fire and the soft snores emanating from Tiger, McTavish lifted his head and stared toward the front window. Fiona put down her book and listened. She still heard nothing. Mac's hearing was almost supernatural, so she waited to detect the sound that he had heard.

  Eventually, a weak light appeared, barely piercing the thick fog, and Fiona realized someone was driving up her lane. She sighed and reluctantly moved Tiger off her lap. She glanced at her watch. It was past midnight. If there was an emergency, why hadn't someone phoned her instead of driving out here in such weather at this time of night?

  Thankful she still wore her heavy sweater and woolen pants instead of her nightgown and robe, Fiona slipped her stocking feet into her shoes and went to the front door, McTavish by her side. She grabbed her heavy jacket from the coat tree beside the door and pulled it on, making sure the hood came snugly over her head. Only when she opened the door did she realize that the earlier rain she'd been absently hearing had turned into stinging pellets of sleet.

  She and McTavish stepped outside and stood in the shelter of her porch waiting for the car—which crept forward—to reach the house. McTavish had not barked as yet. However, his alert stance would make it clear to anyone venturing near his mistress that if he perceived her to be in danger, he was ferociously prepared to fend off any would-be attacker.

  The car inched into the yard and stopped near the garage, which was unattached to the house. Fiona turned on the yard light, thinking she might recognize her late-night visitor. Whoever was in the car left the headlights on and she couldn't see inside.

  She watched as a man wearing a jacket inadequate for the current weather conditions stepped out of the car. He stood with the door open and looked around the area, pulling his collar up around his ears. Mist floated between them and the sleet further obscured him from view.

  McTavish rumbled deep in his chest, but didn't move. She rested her hand lightly on his head. The man spotted her in the shadows and without moving away from the car spoke to her.

  "I'm sorry to bother you so late," he said with an American accent, his voice hoarse, "but I'm afraid I'm lost." He began to cough—a horrible, deep paroxysm that must have been painful. "I was hoping for some directions to a town nearby where I might find a place to stay overnight."

  Fiona knew that her visitor—whoever he was—was ill. She could never turn away someone in need of healing.

  She stepped forward so that he could better see her and spoke clearly so that he might hear her. "Come in, please. You don't sound at all well."

  He shook his head. "No, but thanks. I'm all right. I just need some directions."

  The yard light shone down on his thick, dark hair and emphasized his high cheekbones and a strong jaw that reflected the stubbornness she could hear in his voice.

  Fiona stared at him without speaking, a tingle of sensation reverberating through her body. She began to receive myriad sensations about this man—a long-harbored and deep grief … depleted energy … frustration … physical pain. Most immediate to her, though, was the instinctive knowledge that he was on the verge of pneumonia.

  At least he'd come to the right place for healing. He probably didn't know he'd found a medical person, of sorts. Well, tonight was his lucky night, she thought with wry humor.

  "Please come inside and we'll discuss your situation," she said. "You need to get out of this weather."

  He glanced around as though only now aware of the sleet stinging his face. With a shrug of resignation, the man reached inside the car, turned off the engine and lights and slammed the door behind him.

  He strode across the driveway toward the front door.

  As soon as he stepped onto the porch, she opened the door and motioned for him to enter. Now that she was closer to him, Fiona knew her sensory impressions had been correct. Her unexpected visitor was far from well. She felt certain he had a fever. That, together with his croupy cough, informed her that if he didn't already have pneumonia, he was close to succumbing.

  McTavish followed her visitor into the house, staying between the stranger and Fiona, totally focused on the man who had entered their home. Fiona smiled to see how seriously McTavish took his role as her protector whenever a stranger appeared. She rarely had visitors whom she didn't know. She found this one to be particularly intriguing, whether from a healer's point of view or as a woman aware of a very attractive man, she wasn't certain.

  However, she intended to find out. She closed the door behind them and moved toward him wi
th a smile.

  Greg looked around the hallway, then back to her as though bewildered. She held out her hand. "I'm Fiona MacDonald … and you are…?"

  He blinked. "You're Fiona MacDonald? I don't believe it! You're the woman I've been looking for. I'm Greg Dumas," he said, and shook her hand.

  The contact shook her. Or maybe her reaction was due to his comment.

  She was the woman he'd been looking for, was she? Quite a startling revelation, if he were to be believed. Had he had the same reaction to her as she had to him?

  Somehow she doubted it. Her own true love arriving at midnight on a stormy night proclaiming—with an American accent!—that he had been searching for her and at last had found her was a little much, even for her romantic soul.

  His stare tended to unnerve her. If he hadn't known her before, he would certainly know her after this, she decided, slipping out of her heavy jacket.

  She gestured to the living room. "You're chilled, which is to be expected with the weather as it is. Your jacket isn't much protection on a night such as this one. Please warm yourself by the fire. I'll be right back with some tea to help ease your throat."

  He stared at her blankly and she wondered if he had understood her. He closed his eyes tightly, then opened them, blearily focusing on her.

  After a pause, he replied, "Oh, that's okay," as though her words had finally registered. "I can't stay." He swayed where he stood. "What I really need are directions."

  Oh, my. He was going to be very stubborn about this. She'd certainly read that jawline correctly. He was operating on sheer willpower alone. He blinked his eyes again, as though trying to improve his vision. When he saw her watching him, he smiled uncomfortably. She found his lopsided smile endearing. He was exhausted and refused to admit it.

  She nodded toward the front room. "I won't be long," she said, showing that she could be just as stubborn. "Go ahead and get warm, now." She spoke in firm tones, much as she would to an obstinate child.

  Fiona hung up her jacket and went down the hallway to the kitchen, which was located at the back of the cottage.

  Greg turned to watch her as she walked past him and disappeared down the hallway. He wondered if she were a mirage, like the wings and pointing finger.

  This was Fiona MacDonald? he thought, forcing himself to focus on his present situation. Nah. Couldn't be. The woman he was looking for had to be in her late thirties or so. This woman was barely out of her teens, if that. But then, MacDonald was a fairly common name in Scotland. He rubbed the back of his neck and rolled his head from side to side.

  Too bad he'd found the wrong one. It would be too much to hope for that his search would end so easily.

  This Fiona MacDonald had vivid red hair that framed her face and tumbled over her shoulders in thick waves. She was no more than a couple of inches over five feet. The top of her head might reach his shoulder … if she stood on her toes.

  He shook his head, needing his brain to kick in and start working again. He was exhausted and needed to find a place to sleep. All he'd asked of her were directions. Hadn't he made himself clear?

  Greg took a few steps so that he could see into the front room. The comfortably furnished place looked cozy and the warmth lured him closer to the fire. Without further thought, he headed toward the fireplace and held out his chilled hands. Another coughing spell hit him and he quickly covered his mouth.

  Once he caught his breath, Greg sank into the wingback chair nearest him. The giant dog watched him from the doorway and Greg wondered if he was being sized up for the monster's next meal.

  On the other side of the fireplace a yellow-striped cat stared balefully at him from the arm of an overstuffed chair. A lap robe lay on the other arm and an open book was upside down on the small table nearby.

  From the evidence, it looked as though Fiona had been reading while seated in that chair when he arrived. Great deductive reasoning for a private eye. His gaze returned to the fire and he squeezed his eyes shut. They burned from fatigue.

  A sudden thought made him groan out loud. What if the directions he'd received were for the wrong Fiona MacDonald? Wouldn't that be just the news he needed to round off his day?

  He rested his elbow on the arm of the chair and leaned his head against his hand. All his efforts for today had gotten him was thoroughly lost and too tired to care.

  The warmth of the room contributed to his drowsiness and he fought to stay awake when all he wanted at the moment was to fall asleep. This would never do. He had to fight whatever was causing his light-headedness. If that woman didn't return soon, he would—

  "Here's some tea," Fiona said, interrupting his hazy thoughts. He forced his eyes open. "It should help you to feel better," she added. She held a large ceramic mug toward him, with steam lazily rising.

  "I really can't—" he began, but she hushed him with a gesture and gently smiled at him.

  Whoa, what was happening here? The way she was standing with the light from the fireplace behind her, she looked as if she glowed. There was no other word to explain it. Her hair shimmered in the light like a halo.

  "Drink it," she said softly. "I promise I'm not trying to poison you."

  Reluctantly Greg reached for the cup. He brought it to his mouth and sniffed. The stuff didn't smell all that bad, but he'd never been much of a tea drinker. Coffee was his drink of choice. However, it was something hot that might help him to get warm. Besides, she'd been kind enough to make it. The least he could do was to drink it.

  The warmth of the mug felt good and he wrapped both hands around it. He hadn't realized how chilled he was until he'd come inside. Greg absently noticed that Fiona sat in the chair across from him. Her cat immediately jumped into her lap while continuing to eye him with disdain.

  When the tea had cooled enough, he brought the mug to his lips and sipped, allowing the pleasing warmth of the liquid to slide over his tongue and soothe his throat. He didn't know much about teas, but this one wasn't half-bad. He took another sip and then another. Before long, the mug was empty.

  He glanced over at Fiona. "That was quite good, actually," he said politely.

  She smiled. "You sound surprised, Mr. Dumas."

  Embarrassed, he muttered, "I'm not much of a fan of tea, as a rule." He coughed and hastily set the mug on a nearby table. When he finally managed to control the wracking coughs, he sighed and dropped his head against the back of the chair, closing his eyes once more.

  When he opened them sometime later, Fiona stood before him, holding his mug full of fresh tea out to him. "This will help," she said, her voice gentle.

  He sighed, looking up at her. She was being very kind, he thought. The coughing spell had taken so much out of him that he had trouble focusing on her or the mug.

  As though she could read his mind, she leaned over and held the warm drink to his lips. He wanted to tell her he wasn't a child, but speech took too much effort at the moment. Greg found it easier to drink the tea in silence.

  He rested his eyes as soon as he finished the tea. He knew that she didn't immediately move away from him. The light scent of flowers drifted past him bringing a vision of sunshine and meadows and happiness and… She must have stepped away because the fragrance gradually dissipated along with the sunshine and happiness.

  He needed to thank her for the drink. He needed—

  She spoke and her voice sounded far away. He forced himself to open his eyes. She continued to shimmer, as though she were a figment of his imagination. Not even his fertile imagination could have conjured up a woman like this one.

  Greg gave his head a shake in an effort to clear his thoughts. It didn't help. Thinking took too much effort. He gave up trying to figure out what she was saying to him. Instead, he allowed himself to drift while he listened to the soothing sound of her lyrical voice.

  "It's much too late for you to attempt to find the village tonight, Mr. Dumas. You're not well and you need to rest. Come with me. I have a guest room where you'll be more comfortab
le."

  She held out her hand and he stared at her for a moment before accepting it. When she tugged, he slowly stood. Greg felt the room shift when he tried to follow her. Something was wrong with him. There was a hum in his head that seemed to drown out all other sounds.

  Fiona led him across the room and into the hall. After opening a door across the hallway, she flipped on a switch and quickly moved to the bed.

  "Why don't you take off your jacket and shoes?" she suggested with her angelic smile. He fumbled with the zipper of his leather jacket, but he couldn't make the darned thing work. Must be stuck, he thought. She gently pushed his hands aside and quickly removed his wet jacket. When she motioned to his shoes, he sat on the side of the bed and clumsily removed them.

  She walked to the other side of the bed and pulled the covers back. "I think you'll be comfortable enough here for the night."

  He roused enough to realize what she was saying. "What did you give me to drink?" Delayed adrenaline kicked in, somewhat clearing his head. "You've caused this blurry feeling, haven't you? Who the hell are you?" he demanded to know before the coughing took over once more.

  "We can talk in the morning, Mr. Dumas. You're safe here. Rest," she said softly, going to the door. She turned off the light and pulled the door closed, leaving him in darkness.

  Greg sat there, wondering how he'd ended up in this woman's bedroom, wondering what she'd given him to make him feel so dopey. His arms felt as if invisible weights held them down. With his last ounce of energy, he removed the rest of his clothing except for his boxer shorts.

  He shivered uncontrollably from the chill in the air and curled beneath the covers, their immediate warmth comforting him. All right. The most sensible course would be to stay there for the night, but then he would insist that this woman give him the necessary directions to continue his search for the correct Fiona MacDonald.

  That was his last thought before sleep overtook him.