She sipped the whisky and smiled, then looked around. “I may need some advice.”
He put down his bar towel. “Sure.”
“Tomorrow night I’ve invited two fellas from Speyburn to meet with me and the MacDougalls.”
His eyebrows shot up. “You don’t say. There’s a man I’d like to meet.”
“Well, here’s what I’m wondering. Do you have a semi-private area where we can talk business without distraction?”
He pointed. “Behind that fireplace is a small dining room for wee parties and such.”
“Perfect. I asked Fiona and her dad to come early to meet you, so they’ll understand how I first discovered Highland Dew. I thought you might tell them how much folks enjoy it.”
“Aren’t you a clever one? Of course I will.”
Bryce sipped her whisky. “They’ll bring some samples from the whisky we discovered. I want them to understand what kind of options they have for that whisky, and maybe for the distillery.”
Billy smiled and nodded. “Wouldn’t that be grand for them. Do us all proud to see that up and running again.”
She felt a twinge of pride and just as quickly, discarded it. “I hope so. We have other distillers interested in going with Global, and I want this one to be a collaborative effort to restore a part of history. How many whisky stills are currently owned by the founding families?”
“Good point. I don’t think many. Most have partnered with giant corporations.” He cocked his head. “But, I’ve a question. What would you be getting out of this?”
Good question. “I’m not sure anything. They still don’t know which way they want to go. I think Fiona would just like to sell the whisky and get on with her life. And her dad…well, I’m not sure.”
Chapter Twenty-four
Fiona waved as the truck pulled into the yard. “Murray, can I talk to you for a minute?”
He parked and walked to meet her. “Aye. What’s up, miss?”
“Tonight I’m going to take dad into Craigellachie to meet with some men about selling the whisky.”
He shoved his hands in his pockets. “Does he want to sell the Special?”
“Yes, I think so. Why wouldn’t he?”
“Don’t know for sure…just thought he had something special he was saving it for. Wanted to wait twenty years before unveiling it.”
“He’s never mentioned it.” Fiona worried that it might be important. “His memory is so patchy now. Are you sure you don’t know what it was? It would really help.”
“Suppose I could look back through log entries to see if he wrote anything…”
“You know, we both want the best for him and I could really use your help. You and dad have been a team for so long…and he needs you now.”
He backed up a step. “I’ll go see what I can find, miss.”
She watched as he scurried to the office. Why hadn’t she asked more questions about him before she moved to Edinburgh? Her father trusted him, and he probably knew everything about the damn business.
She grabbed the basket from the back steps and walked around the house to retrieve the laundry. The wind gusted and the clothes snapped. She suddenly remembered the overheard conversation between Murray and her dad. What was it he wanted her dad to remember? Something about an envelope.
A sheet pulled loose and she had to grab it before it blew out to the driveway. The fresh, clean smell assaulted her senses and vague memories. This time was about her mother, who graciously allowed Fiona to help fold the dried linens. She smiled when she remembered how honored she felt…until she got a little older and figured it out. Her mum had been a teacher before she married, and felt strongly that girls be educated. It felt like torture then, but now, she felt grateful.
Her throat tightened. Oh mum, I love you and still miss you so much. So does Dad. I wish you were here to help us decide what to do, because I feel so lost.
“Fi, where are you?” her dad called from the house.
“I’m coming, just have to get the laundry.”
****
The corporate office for Global Distillers and Distribution sat in downtown Chicago on lower Michigan Avenue. Reggie Ballard had barely checked in to her hotel before she made an appointment with HR. There didn’t seem to be much point in trying to talk to Leo. Besides, she knew he’d take Bryce’s side anyway.
The long flight gave her time to stew and added fuel to her complaint. She’d worked too hard for this to give up. After all, more contacts signed with her, because she wasn’t wasting time on that broken-down distillery. How dare Bryce send her home? Ridiculous.
The cab stopped in front of the building with the large brass sign for Global Distillers and Distribution, and she paid and got out. The traffic noise deafened her. After a couple of weeks in the quiet hills of Scotland, this was sensory overload. Just then, the legendary wind off the lake whipped around the Art Institute and almost flattened her.
“Shit.”
Grateful to squeeze into the elevator, Reggie moved behind a woman with a bad cough. She straightened the jacket on the only clean outfit she had left. It would be vital to appear calm and professional.
“Excuse me.” She moved out to the carpeted hallway in front of the illuminated logo for GDD. Most of the executives were up on the next floor, and she didn’t want to be seen up there. The Human Resources office door was open.
“Good afternoon. I’m Regina Ballard, and I have an appointment.”
“Hello, Ms. Ballard. Please have a seat and Nora will be right with you.”
Reggie chose the small settee by the coffee table and picked up the latest issue of the company quarterly report.
Only moments later she heard, “Ms. Ballard, please come in.”
Reggie followed the tall, blond, Viking woman into her tasteful small office.
“How was your flight from Scotland?”
No secrets in this company. “Rather long, as you might expect, but it’s always good to be home.”
Nora opened a folder. “I received a report from Mr. Smith in the Glasgow office, and knew you might want to talk. He felt there might have been some misunderstanding. Would you like to talk about it a little?”
Misunderstanding? “That might have been his take, but I’m a little more concerned that we may be talking about a case of discrimination.”
****
Bryce changed clothes three times. Would casual make Fiona and her dad more comfortable? Or maybe they would think she wasn’t very serious. And what about Tom and Liam? They would think this was a business meeting.
Happily, her khaki slacks and company polo shirt were clean. She dried her hair and tried to comb it into some order. It was past time for a haircut, and she felt a bit shaggy.
Tom had sent a text they would be on time. Fiona had left a message they were leaving soon. All she had to bring down were the forms she might need, the tasting glasses she had Ian send her, and the bottle of Highland Dew for them to taste.
One last look and she headed downstairs. She hoped the small dining room would be comfortable. She had them set the table for six, in case Billy could stay for dinner. He waved as she walked into the bar.
“All set, are we?”
“I think so.” She held up crossed fingers and took her things back to the dining room. It looked lovely. Two sets of windows with sheer white curtains lightened the room. It felt a little stuffy, so she opened two windows slightly.
She’d sit at the head and have Tom and Liam sit across from Fiona and her dad. She put the glasses in the center of the table next to the water pitcher and napkins. The bottle of whisky tempted her, but she’d better wait. Her watch read 5:25.
Laughter sounded from the bar.
“Aye, she’ll be about somewheres,” Billy boomed.
“My cue.” Bryce hurried out. “I’m here. Fiona, Gavin, so nice to see you again. I’m glad you could join me. Have you met Billy?”
Fiona had on a cotton sundress with a faint olive and blue
pattern, her auburn waves hanging past her shoulders. Bryce stopped. She was utterly stunning.
Gavin turned to her, cocked his head, then smiled. “Hullo.”
“Good to see you, Gavin. And Fiona you look…lovely.”
Fiona looked over her shoulder. “Thank you.”
“I, um, wanted you to come a little early and meet Billy.”
“And so they did,” he said. “Pleased to make your acquaintance.”
Bryce moved closer to the bar and Fiona. “It was Billy who set me up with a blind taste test, and it was the Highland Dew that caught my attention and continued to haunt me. Then, when I stumbled onto the distillery, I had no idea it was the same origin.”
Gavin laughed. “I’m surprised you could even see the drive or the sign.”
“It is tricky. Would you like something to drink?”
“Nothing for me, just yet. Dad?”
“D’ya still have some of the Dew?”
Billy pulled the bottle from the back bar. “Yes, sir, I do.”
Gavin started talking about who knew who, and Fiona stepped away, nodding to Bryce.
“I wasn’t sure earlier, but once we got here, dad brightened up. Seems he and Murray used to come to town to play cards with some locals.”
“That’s wonderful. He sure looks dapper in his tweed jacket.”
She smiled. “He used to be a real looker back in the day. Coal-black hair and bright blue eyes.”
“I can see whose looks you inherited.”
“I don’t know if that’s true. My mum was a fair beauty, herself.”
“I’m really glad you decided to give me another chance.”
Fiona’s cheeks reddened. “I’m not sure yet what I’m doing, but it would be crazy not to listen and find out.”
“That’s all I ask. I want to help you in whatever way I can, and I won’t push.”
“Bryce.” Tom and Liam walked in and waved.
She slowly introduced everyone and made sure that Gavin was accorded deference as the Master Distiller from MacDougall Distillery.
“Why don’t we go back to the private dining room and talk about some whisky.” She could feel her heart thudding against her ribs, and sent up a silent prayer.
Chapter Twenty-five
Bryce steered everyone to a seat and nervously explained what she hoped they could achieve.
“Fiona and Gavin were kind enough to provide some samples for Tom and Liam to evaluate.” She looked at Fiona.
“Oh, yes, I have them here.” She lifted her tote bag and pulled out the sample box.
“Thank you.” Bryce carefully removed one of each and smiled as she checked the labels. “I personally catalogued each barrel by name and date. These represent the three types available—at cask strength.” She set them down next to Tom. “Would you do the honors?”
He checked each and put them in order of year. “Who’d like to join us?”
Everyone nodded, and he poured a half an ounce in each glass and passed them around.
Billy walked in. “I’ve got a few minutes and wanted to see how it was going.”
Tom poured another. “The card in front of you lists each one if you’d like to make your own notes.”
Bryce waited and watched the reactions. Fiona sniffed hers and waited for the water pitcher to come round. “Thank you.”
Fiona watched the men across from her.
So did her dad. He sipped from his glass and watched the men as if they were jurors.
Tom and Liam had done this thousands of times, and shared a shorthand of descriptions which they jotted down. Once finished, they dumped any residual in a small bowl and moved to the next one.
Bryce reached for the sample, poured a small amount, and offered it to Fiona and Gavin. They both shook their heads but passed it to Billy, who scribbled some notes and then poured a small amount. She watched his face as he tasted it. His eyes lit up.
She added some water and tasted it. It warmed her, and she didn’t want to even swallow it. This was the whisky she had originally noticed with more maturity and softness. It was divine. What a lucky twist of fate had brought them there.
Gavin grinned broadly. He must know how good this was.
Tom and Liam finished the sample and wrote more notes as they nodded and commented. Tom picked up the third and final, poured, and passed.
This time everyone took a sample. It felt like an hour passed without any conversation. The faint sounds of music and laughter broke in when a server opened the door and nodded to Billy.
“Excuse me.” He finished his sample, smiled at Bryce, and left the room.
She let out a breath and sipped the sherry-aged whisky. Heaven.
Gavin whispered something to Fiona and she smiled.
“Sorry, this feels like a prayer meeting,” Tom said.
Relieved snickers and comments erupted from around the table.
“I’m used to working in a small tasting room at the distillery because I get distracted easily. So, thank you for your patience.” Tom looked at his glass one more time and set it down. “If I understand the situation, Gavin and Fiona are looking for some honest recommendations for these new samples.”
“Yes, please. It is quite a surprise, and we understand the market may have changed in the last few years,” Fiona said and looked over at Gavin.
“Of course. I can tell you up front, these are three fine whiskies.” Tom smiled.
There was an audible sigh from Fiona.
He picked up the second sample. “The Distiller’s Edition is ready now, but holding it a little longer wouldn’t hurt, as a twenty-three-year-old sells better. Same with the sherry cask.” He picked up the first sample. “I like this, but I’d love to compare it to the original.”
Bryce jumped. “Oh, shoot, I’m sorry.” She looked around and spotted the bottle on the window sill. “I was opening the windows.” She pushed her chair back and grabbed the bottle. “We should have had this first.”
The tension was broken when everyone laughed.
Tom took the bottle and poured a bit for both himself and Liam. They tasted and re-tasted the original Highland Dew.
“Mr. MacDougall. This is a happy accident. Two more years in the barrel added a nice richness and balanced the fruit with the oak. I’d say this is ready to go.”
Liam picked up his notes. “Well, sir, I’m honored to be tasting this wonderful old brand. As a Master Distiller, I work hard to find just the right taste. I don’t know how much you’ve changed your original recipe, but it’s clear this is a heritage product developed over decades with great passion.”
Bryce glanced over to see Gavin push himself up. With tears in his eyes, he reached across the table and shook hands with Liam and then Tom. “You’ve made me very proud, and I thank you for your time and experience.”
Bryce swiped her eyes and Fiona dug out a tissue.
“Tom, if this were your product”—she held up the first sample—“and you needed to decide what course you’d take, what would you offer?” Bryce said.
“Judging by what I’ve tasted, the storage has been good and there doesn’t seem to be any problem. You could begin slowly by bottling and selling one or two barrels at a time until you have enough capital to ship more.” He looked at the other two samples. “You can sell the whisky to someone else through a good broker and let them worry about the details. Or you could hire a reputable company, like GDD.” He winked at Bryce. “I have to say that. Let them set up a rollout plan that includes branding and marketing. Either way, you can expect around £2,000 per barrel, and get a yield of about 350 bottles.”
Gavin looked dazed, and Fiona was scribbling madly.
“All right. If there’s nothing else, let’s get some dinner,” Bryce said. She leaned over to Fiona. “Is there anything else you want to ask them?”
She looked up with surprise. Her eyes glistened and her cheeks were flushed. “I don’t know. But that’s a lot of money. Just a few barrels would cover all
the bills.”
“Why not go out on the patio while the staff prepare for dinner?” Bryce ushered them to the patio door past the fireplace.
Liam moved to Gavin and began asking some questions. Gavin sat on one of the benches and pulled out his pipe. Bryce watched them and imagined what Gavin was like as a young distiller.
Fiona returned from the restroom and sat next to Tom. “Would you mind if I ask some questions?”
“Of course not. I sensed you might have a few.” He smiled.
Bryce slipped back inside and went to check on dinner. Her phone vibrated and she stepped into the now-empty back dining room
“Bryce, it’s Leo. Am I interrupting?”
“We just finished our meeting between the MacDougalls and Tom Hobart.”
“About the new samples?”
How did he know? Oh, Ian. Of course. “He was very complimentary. Both he and Liam were impressed. I’m glad.” She sat on the window seat near her chair.
“That’s great. I’ll give him a call tomorrow.”
“Are you back to work already?” She thought he sounded pretty chipper.
“Not exactly. I got a call from Nora in HR. We have a little problem.”
Her heart jumped into overdrive. That was never a good comment.
“For whatever reason, Ms. Ballard has decided that her disagreement may be a discrimination case. Do you have any idea what she’s talking about?”
Spots danced in front of her eyes and her breathing ramped up. What the…Discrimination? “I…I have no clue.”
“Ian didn’t know either. I guess I’ll have to go in and meet with her so I can nip this nonsense in the bud. Just wanted to check with you. Don’t worry about it, I’ll handle it and let you know.” He hung up.
Her hands began to shake and her chest tightened. This couldn’t be happening. The room began to spin. Blackness crept in from the sides.
****
“Bryce? Bryce can you hear me?” Fiona replaced the cool towel and Bryce moaned. “You’re all right, just lie still.”
“Can I get her anything?” Billy said.
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