* * * * * *
"Surprise!" the group screamed as Duncan emerged from the hall into his mum's kitchen.
Crammed into the open concept sitting room and kitchen were dozens of friends and family. The investigator forced a smile, hiding his disappointment. He'd hoped to spend time alone with Angela this afternoon.
Hamish, an old pal, and Angus stood taller than the rest of the visitors, so he spotted them first. Duncan greeted every neighbor, family member, school chum, and friend. Margaret Dewar served a light meal that her guests could eat with their fingers while standing. The investigator tasted a Spanish influence and thought of Mondo, his mum's would-be business partner.
By the time the well wishers left, Duncan felt exhausted. He wasn’t used to standing for so long a period. Rehabilitation helped with his broken leg and injured ankle, but he needed to regain his stamina. The doctors and therapists claimed his limp would disappear as he increased his muscle strength and continued the healing process.
Skye and her father, Donald, owners of the Blue Bell Inn, along with Duncan's latest client, Reggie, remained on the divan as the last guests filed from the house. The investigator plunked himself in a chair opposite the innkeeper and breathed a sigh of relief. Angela busied herself tidying the kitchen with Margaret while Duncan's father, James, joined the group in the lounge.
"Thank you for coming," Duncan addressed his friends.
"We wouldn't miss it, Laddie," the innkeeper said.
"Quite right!" Reggie added.
"How are you feeling, Duncan?" Skye asked.
"Brilliant," he stated, bending the truth.
"He's a little tired," Angela called from the kitchen. "Ask him about our adventure at the rehabilitation hospital," she added.
"What happened?" Margaret asked, alarmed. His mum moved into the lounge and sat on the arm of her husband's chair, towel in hand.
Duncan pulled his cellular from a pocket and said, "Rather than recount the ugly episode, why don't you have a gander at it?"
The investigator handed his phone to Angus who had just returned from seeing people off from the front garden.
"Whoa, Nelly!" Angus exclaimed.
Duncan's brother loved the westerns he'd seen on television growing up in the States and still used their lingo from time to time. Margaret reached for the mobile phone, but Angus removed it from her range of grasp.
"Not sure ye should see this, Mum," he said, tossing the phone to his father. "It might tarnish the image ye have of yer firstborn," he added, chuckling.
James promptly shared the picture with his wife, shook his head, then passed the device to Donald. Duncan's other brother, Harold, joined the group and also viewed the photo, his eyes growing large and round at the sight. Angus produced loud guffaws.
"Wheesht!" Skye said, looking at Angus. "I'm sure Duncan has an explanation," she added, glancing towards Angela with sympathy.
"It'll be all over the broadsheets by morning," Angus said, between chortles. Then, glancing at Angela, he added, "Don't worry, Cassandra Baines turned out to be the bane of my brother's existence. This will blow over."
"It was a frame-up. Just as the facility released me, she showed up with a dozen reporters in tow, snapping away furiously and barking questions at me. I didn't know what hit. Then, she threw herself on me and they took those shots," Duncan recounted with disgust.
"She's scheduled to appear on Edinburgh Today, in the morning," Harold stated, showing the group the television show's web page from his mobile phone.
Edinburgh Today was a local program that ran on the telly, five days a week.
Duncan scowled. The last thing he needed was more adverse publicity. There was no telling what Cassandra might claim once in the spotlight.
"Let's not allow this to ruin our day," James stated, the voice of reason.
"I agree," Angela said. "Can someone run me over to my hotel?" she asked.
"What? Haven't you been staying here?" Duncan asked.
"Yes, but now that you're home, I don't think we should be under the same roof," the lass stated. "Besides, your mum's got a full house."
Duncan glanced at his mother who beamed her approval of Angela's good judgement and consideration for others.
"Before ye go, Angela. I'd like to make a proposition," Donald stated, looking around the room.
"Please do, Donald," James Dewar said.
"Seeing everything yer family has been through, I'd like ye all to come spend Christmas at the Blue Bell. Ye'd have the rooms to yersel and we've got many festivities in the local area to entertain ye. I've been laboring away on the festival committee and it will be a holiday to remember, especially Hogmanay. We've a fine Christmas dinner, served in the pub, as well. What do ye say?"
"I think it's a brilliant idea!" Margaret exclaimed. "We could all use a fresh start for the new year. Do you have space for all of us, though, Donald?"
"Aye. Just let me know who will be joining ye and we'll have everything ready. I'm hoping ye can come the week before and stay through Hogmanay," the innkeeper enthused.
"Thank you, Donald! That's a wonderful offer," Margaret spoke for the group.
"And don't think I've given up on my other offer, Duncan. Dae ye ken?"
"I understand, Donald. Let's discuss details later," he said, too tired to address the issue. The innkeeper had recently offered to sell his interest in the Blue Bell to Duncan, claiming he was too old to continue running the establishment.
"Come on, Lass. I'll drive ye to yer hotel," Angus said, placing an arm around Angela and giving Duncan a sly grin.
"Thank you, Angus," Angela said, dipping to place a chaste good-bye kiss on Duncan's cheek.
This was not the afternoon the investigator had hoped for.
I hope you enjoyed this latest Duncan Dewar Mystery. The Scottish detective returns in The Christmas Contest, available now on Amazon.
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Victoria Benchley lives with her husband of over twenty years and their two children on the West Coast of the United States. She grew up reading the classics and counts Dickens and the Bronte Sisters as her favorite authors. After a career in corporate America, spanning public accounting, cash management, and real estate investments, at national and international firms, she chose to become a stay-at-home mom and full time taxi cab driver for her children. She is a Christian and enjoys quilting, cooking, and traveling (including road trips!), as well as reading and writing. On Sunday afternoons during football season, she can be found enjoying an NFL game.
Mystery: The Laird's Labyrinth: A Duncan Dewar Mystery of Murder & Suspense (Duncan Dewar Mysteries Book 4) Page 21
