Fiona put her arm around him. “Will you know if you lose that ability?”
“I certainly hope so.” He laughed again.
“Do you think it something you need to write down?”
“It got written down a long time ago.” He tapped the side of his head. “I have it committed right here.”
“That’s the part I’m worried about.” She winked at him. “I think it’s time for supper, so why don’t we go in.” They shut off lights and started up the ramp. “Is Murray back yet?”
“I expect he’ll be back tomorrow. He’s taking care of his debts. I told him he needed to square up for the things he’s done.” He held the door until she was out, then lowered it.
Fiona washed her hands and pulled several bags from the refrigerator. What else had the man done?
“Brian said he’d bring along a bottle of his whisky tomorrow with his first batch of barrels.”
He’d washed up and changed his shirt, and even combed his hair some. Once settled in his chair at the end of the table, he started his pipe ritual. Fiona brought a pitcher of water and two glasses and sat across from him.
“Dad, I think this might be a good time for you to let me know just what Murray has been doing all this time.”
Her cell phone rang on the counter and she glanced over.
“You’d better get that, it might be important.”
She checked the Caller ID. It was Bryce. “Hello?”
“Hi. Is this a good time?”
“Uh…I was just talking to my dad. Can I call you back in a bit?”
“Sure, no rush. Just wanted to catch up.” Bryce sounded chipper.
“Okay, I’ll call after we eat.” She hated to put her off, but she felt it important to get more information about Murray’s shenanigans. She returned to her chair. “It was Bryce checking in. Tell me more about Murray. I think I need a better understanding before we get too deep in this new venture.”
He scowled a little and finished lighting his pipe. Again, the sweet smell transported her to an earlier time in this house. Her pretty, idyllic childhood.
“I told you about his rough beginning and losing his people and all. Well, one of the few pleasures and distractions for him while we were at sea got to be some cards or other games of chance. Worked fine when we were getting a check regular, but once we got home it wasn’t so easy.” He tapped off some ash and tamped his pipe a bit. “When we started here, the work kept us busy and the other lads were good company for a beer or game of quoits, but the past few years since Mary’s gone…” He took a swallow of water and looked out at the trees.
Fiona squeezed his hand. “I understand.”
“He took to disappearing, and then I found out he was piling up debts around town. I tried to help, but we just weren’t making enough to spare.” He looked up and there were tears in his eyes. “Just after the new year, I found a small barrel in the office. He’d been siphoning off whisky from some of the barrels, taking bottles, and selling it. He used some for the sleep tonic. I was furious and kicked him out. But after a few days, I had to find him because I needed help and most of the guys had quit.”
Fiona sighed. What a mess. “I see. You had no choice, and neither did he. I wish you’d let me know. Still, this is not a great start to a new business. How do we know he can be trusted?”
“I guess you don’t. That’s why he had to go get the debt cleared up. I don’t want them coming after us.”
“That cannot happen. I’ll need to think about this, but right now let’s eat. You’ll need to rest up if the boys are going to start reorganizing the warehouse tomorrow.”
Once the dishes were done and the kitchen tidied, Fiona took her phone to the front porch and dialed Bryce.
“Hello?”
Hearing her voice caused a shiver. “Hi. I hope it’s not too late.”
“No, I was just doing some non-work-related reading for a change. After checking online, I realized how many bestsellers have come and gone in the past few years.”
Fiona laughed. “Boy, you really do take your work seriously. What was the last film you saw?”
“Wow. I think that was The Hurt Locker at a hotel stay in Tokyo.”
“You are seriously behind the times. Good thing you’re taking some leave.”
“I’m beginning to enjoy it. What’s happening with you?”
“Dad told Brian he could start bringing their whisky barrels over. I have no idea what they have in mind, but it’s keeping him busy and engaged. We even had a good talk about the complex problems with Murray. I’ll fill you in some other time, but it seems resolved.”
“How are repairs going?”
Fiona propped her feet on the porch railing and gazed through the apple trees toward the road south to Bryce’s cottage. It was only a few miles. “Brian found a team of guys who specialized in major renovations. They gave us their assessment and have been making great progress.”
“That sounds great.” There was a pause. “More importantly, how are you?”
Fiona felt herself blushing. “I’m well and busy and missing the manager of our project. It’s weird that you’re so close by…and, well, I’m thinking about you.”
“You could come over if you’d like…”
The temptation pulled her, but she didn’t trust herself when she felt so weak. “Not tonight, but I’d like a rain check. Do you think you’ll be by tomorrow?”
“Count on it. I have got some errands to run over to Dufftown and need see Kurt, then I’ll be over.”
“Sleep well, Bry.”
“Not sure I will, but I’ll try. G’night.”
Fiona stared at the phone and smiled. Bryce Andrews came into her life like a new-age wizard and made everything better. The fantasy of finding someone so wonderful had shriveled up years ago. And after her mum died and her dad disappeared, Fiona had grown resolved to her spinster life as a teacher. Not her dream. That was supposed to be a successful life as a professional musician. Now even that had changed. The summer holiday had begun, so her year was over. She called her superior to explain the circumstances and that she would not be back next semester. Now all that she needed to do was pick up her few belongings from the small flat, sign her resignation paper work, and say goodbye to her friends.
It had grown quite dark, so she went back in, closed the door, and switched off the light. The busy days trying to clean up the distillery were making for early nights. With all the new help, maybe she could entrust her dad to Bryce and Murray so she could run down to Edinburgh?
Chapter Forty-three
“Thanks, Ian. I knew you’d have a solution. I’m not used to being on the managing end.” Bryce scribbled a couple of notes on a legal pad. “So we need contracts signed from Townsend-McClure that they will sell and distribute their product with us within five years, or provide a new plan that allows for six months’ notice to GDD. We also need an agreement between them and the MacDougalls about their work/storage exchange. Is that right?”
“Yes. Unless they have someone who can do that. And while it’s not imperative right now, you need to talk to them about your responsibility to them and to GDD. Right now you’re being compensated by the company, but if you become…more invested in the distillery, that will change things.”
“I understand. I suppose you’ve had a similar conversation with Tom?”
Ian chuckled. “I believe Mr. Edelman has already done that.”
“Great. I appreciate your valuable input. Would you email the documents?”
“Certainly. And Bryce, be sure you get some rest.”
Bryce laughed out loud. “I’ve heard that somewhere before. Now that we’ve navigated this deal plus the other clients, I will take some time off.”
After putting her notepad in her bag, Bryce paused and walked over to the small mirror by the door. Do I look tired? Everyone seems to comment about it. A few more grey hairs and a few laugh lines…not so bad.
As she drew closer to the disti
llery, she slowed the car. No mistake. There was a young red-headed lad riding a tractor much larger than he was, dragging a mowing blade. He’d already cleared the south side of the driveway and was starting on the north side. It looked good. She waved as she passed him. He flipped off his cap in response.
Several cars and trucks crowded the space near the warehouse and office, so she pulled over under an apple tree near the front porch. With gloves in hand, she walked toward the office.
Fiona met her at the door. “Good morning.”
“Hi. Busy place.” She motioned to the road. “That kid’s doing a great job.”
“That’s Gary’s oldest, Robbie, aged twelve. His kids are out of school, so he asked if we’d let him help out a little.”
Bryce’s business brain clanged Liability. “Nothing dangerous, I hope.”
Fiona laughed and pulled her into the office. “Worry-wart. Nope, just errands and tasks he’s familiar with. Let me show you something.”
Behind the desk on a newly painted wall, Fiona had installed two large whiteboards. One listed daily tasks with names after each. The other had a schedule for every day and who was working. Next to that was a list of weekly and monthly goals, as well as some shipping and receiving plans. “This is what I’ve been doing when I can’t sleep.” Fiona grinned proudly.
Bryce stood with her mouth open. “This is amazing.”
Fiona sat behind the desk and straightened some papers. “My dad had a rather loose system of doing things that relied on his memory.” Her facial expression clearly explained her distaste for that method.
Good thing to know. “I’m sure this will save hours of worry. It looks great.” Bryce moved around the desk to get a better look. “Where’re you putting me, Boss?”
Fiona cocked her head. “I know where I’d like to put you...”
Bryce flushed hot and looked around. “Maybe we could take a long walk later?”
Fiona winked. “Certainly. Should I pencil that in?”
“No.”
“Actually, when you are here and have checked what’s going on, you can write in what you think needs to be done. I want both of us to manage this, not just me. I’m pretty good at organizing, but have no clue about the business.”
“That sounds like a great plan.” Bryce liked Fiona’s initiative.
“I also asked Dad, Brian, and Gary to join us for Friday meetings.” She tapped the papers together and looked up with a very self-satisfied and endearing grin.
It took some willpower not to lean over for a kiss her. Fiona must have had a similar thought, because the pause was too long and they both looked flushed.
Bryce moved closer to the door and smiled. “Gee, doesn’t seem like there’s much for me to do, maybe—”
“Not so fast. I need a favor.” Fiona put down the papers. “I need to go to Edinburgh to close up my apartment and sign some papers at university. It will be quick, but still most of the day. I wondered if you’d be willing to watch over things, especially Dad. The boys are too new, and I can’t trust Murray.”
“No problem. I’d be around anyway. Just leave some written instructions.” She winked. “When do you want to go?”
“Wednesday okay?”
“Fine. Shall we go check things out?” Bryce pointed to the warehouse.
****
Fiona washed her hands and started making sandwiches. So much had happened with the Townsend-McClure guys helping. It had only taken a few days for everyone to develop a routine. Before hauling over their barrels, Amos spent two full days with a power washer on the inside and out. It showed exactly where paint or varnish needed to be replaced. After they rearranged the racks to accommodate more, they moved their barrels into the cellar. They built shelves in the warehouse and installed new lights. When new equipment arrived, they’d have a place to put it. All this made her trip to Edinburgh a little less painful.
She set plates on the table for her dad, Bryce, and Murray. This had been invigorating for her dad and Murray, but they couldn’t keep up with the younger crew and faded early in the afternoon. Fiona suspected the boys got more done after they left.
She brought some water over and sat looking out the window. It was exciting, and she felt good about the time and money they were spending from Bryce’s loan. Sales profits helped defray some of the daily expenses. This never would have been possible without Bryce: her connections, her money, her ideas, and her personal support. She swiped at a tear. To think she had almost ruined everything with her temper.
Voices sounded from the yard, and she jumped up to get glasses for everyone.
Chapter Forty-four
It looks like the equipment is all working, so what would you say to a trial run next week?” Brian sipped his beer.
Her dad fussed with his pipe a little too long. “Dad, what do you think about Brian’s idea? I think it’s time.”
“Those motors haven’t hummed so sweet for a long time. It’s music to my ears,” Murray said.
“What’d you have in mind to run?” Gavin asked.
Brian and Gary looked at each other. “Maybe just some pure spirits. We can sell that to the fellas workin’ on their new gin creations.” They both laughed.
“There’s at least four of them around here,” Gary added.
Gavin shrugged. “May as well. See if anything is off. Where do you fellas get your grain?”
“We have two sources we use near Dufftown for the barley, but there’s some dealers that offer wheat as well. Do you have someone you prefer?”
Gavin chewed on his pipe stem. He glanced at Murray. “Where’s the last we ordered from?”
Murray shook his head. “Uh, I’m not sure. I’d need to look at the invoices.”
Bryce sat forward. “I think for the trial whatever’s cheaper would work. Did you fellas decide which one you want to distill first?”
“I think that should be Gavin’s choice. We both have whisky aging in the barrels. Ours won’t be ready for a few years…maybe you’d like to start with the Dew?”
Gavin looked around. “Let me sleep on that will you? I’ll need to dredge up the recipe. I haven’t used it in so long.”
Fiona stood. “I think that should be our final question. Anything we missed?”
Brian and Gary, in turn, stood. “This has been great. Thanks again for giving us a chance to save our tiny enterprise.”
Fiona and Bryce watched as the guys left. Murray and her dad wasted no time getting out of the crowded office. Fiona carefully put each file folder in its assigned space while Bryce took the glasses back to the house. When she returned, Fiona flipped off the lights and said, “Are you up for a leisurely walk in the orchard?”
****
The intermittent rain and clouds had mostly quit, but left enough in the air to create a beautiful sky. Bryce smiled, thinking about the surprise she had waiting. Once clear of the cottages, Fiona had taken her arm as they walked. When they got to the small clearing with the large oak and bench, she let go and gasped. “Look at our bench. It’s beautiful, did you do that?”
Bryce chuckled. “Not exactly. Robbie looked a little bored earlier this week so I found him some sandpaper and paint. Mercifully, it survived the rain.”
Fiona’s embrace and kiss were exactly the response she’d imagined. It sent a power surge that short-circuited her brain and flooded her senses with molten joy. She took Fiona’s face in both hands gently and pulled her closer as she responded with a groan.
Suddenly, Fiona pulled back and put both hands on Bryce’s chest. “Wait.”
“What’s wrong? Are you okay?” Bryce steered her to the bench. Maybe she was dizzy.
Fiona looked up with tears in her eyes. “Yes, I’m just…scared.”
Bryce felt her heart pounding in her chest. “My God, tell me what’s wrong.”
Fiona stroked her face with her fingertips. “Very clearly we’ve passed the point of some casual affection. At least, I have. But we’ve never talked about it. About
us. If there really is an us.” She hesitated and took a deep breath.
“What are you scared of? I’m a little confused. Of course we can talk. About anything.” The pleasurable sensations chilled instantly.
“Bryce. Together we’ve created a plan to salvage the business, and without you it never would have happened. Who knows if we’d ever have found the cache in the cellar.” Fiona took her hand. “We’d likely be foreclosed, Dad would be in a care unit, and I would go back to teaching.”
“I don’t understand. I thought everything was going smoothly. What’s upset you so?” This wasn’t making any sense. Fiona was anxious, but it was hard to figure out why.
“When you got back from the States, you told me you were given an extended leave that would be a working holiday. And I was thrilled. But I didn’t foresee this. This attraction growing…and so fast.” She sat up and took a breath. Her face was still flushed but her eyes were dark forest green and focused. “Don’t you see? Damn. I’ve fallen for you. Hard. And we’ve never discussed the relationship because it’s happened so fast. And I’m not even sure how you feel, but we should have, and now we’re at this awkward…I don’t know what, and—”
Bryce took her by the shoulders. “Fiona, stop. You’re not alone in this. We’re partners. Remember? I told you the day I drove up your driveway and you stepped out of the house…at that moment, you took my breath away—it still does. I’m crazy about you. That’s why I came back.”
Fiona smiled a little. “I remember. What I guess I’m scared about is you leaving. When your leave is up, your company is going to send you somewhere else, and I don’t want this to go any further and end up here without you.” The tears brimmed over.
Bryce pulled her closer and held her. She felt terrible. She’d been just as self-absorbed as Reggie. Maybe worse because she’d hurt Fiona.
****
The wind changed to the east and brought a chill. It was dark and still except for the hoot of a nearby owl. Fiona felt warm snuggled against Bryce, but they were both exhausted. They’d talked about a number of options and plans, and she felt slightly better about their mutual feelings, but the future was no more solid.
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