Used until quite recently by the Estate owners for Hare and Deer coursing – banned now with new legislation – The deerhound was now largely kept as a pet; or as a working dog by poachers. “I think that it is maybe time to retire old Robbie.” John thought to himself. “That last chase just about killed him!” The thought made him feel somehow sad, reminding him that he himself was really getting too old for this pursuit.
At five years old, Robbie still had another two or three years left by normal standards; years that John decided would be lived out as a pet rather than a hunting dog. Deerhounds generally have a quiet placid nature, making them ideal companions; and Robbie was no exception to that rule. John had been on his own now for some time; after making some foolish mistakes years ago which haunted him still; and Robbie had been good company, as well as an excellent hunting dog for him. John decided to reward him with early retirement, and long walks in the Scottish hills – while they were both still able to do so.
Meanwhile Frank fumed silently. “this crippled little runt thinks he’s so bloody smart; and I’m so stupid – well we will just see about that!”
Unbeknownst to John, Frank had in fact been saving his money and intended buying his own crossbow, and setting out on his own. He was tired of the fact that he had to do all the heavy lifting, while john just shot the deer. He had also convinced himself that John was creaming off more than his fair share, when it came to selling the merchandise. He patted his pocket lightly, comforted by the feel of the cash he kept with him at all times. “Not long now.” He quietly said to himself.
“Shhht..” John whispered at his ear. He had seen the smallest movement in the trees about 25 yards up ahead, right where he expected the deer to show up. Night was falling rapidly and he knew that this would probably be the last chance for the day.
Both of them crouched lower in the bracken. They were downwind of the creature, so their scent would not carry and betray their presence.
The deer entered the clearing cautiously, sniffing the air for strange scent. He was a young buck, the first in a group of three that followed along behind him. A much smaller animal than their cousins the Highland Red deer; Roe deer were nevertheless highly sought after by some restaurants, for their lean tender flesh.
John carefully lined up crossbow, and loosed the fibre-carbon arrow. It flew straight and true, burying itself deep into the young animal and piercing the heart. Death was almost instantaneous, and the deer dropped where it stood.
Even Frank had to admit it was a good shot – much better than he could have done. It was not uncommon to have a long chase after a mortally wounded animal, finally running it to ground before giving it the coop-de-grace. Sometimes however the animal could not be tracked, and death was usually slow and painful from infection or loss of blood.
They walked over to the fresh kill. It was a healthy specimen, and would fetch a top price.
“That’s a good animal Frank; must be about 70lb! Think you’ll manage all the way back with it?”
“Ha, easy! Once we’ve finished with it.” Frank replied, thinking of his rising ‘bank-balance’.
“Right then. let’s get to work, and be on our way before its pitch black out here!” Said John moving towards the prone animal.
“Just a bloody minute will you!” Frank said, as he quickly unzipped his fly; and let loose a powerful stream against a gnarled old birch tree; causing John to jump out of the way, as he remarked sardonically that he had likely just killed the poor tree!
They both shared a rare laugh, as Frank zipped himself up with a sigh of relief.
Quickly they took out their knives, and Frank held it up by the front legs, belly outwards, as John gutted the beast; allowing the steaming entrails to gather in a heap. Placing the animal on the ground, they then removed the head and the legs. All this had the effect of reducing the weight considerably; which was just as well, as they were a good mile away from the 4 x 4, hidden in a layby at the side of a forestry track.
When the butchery was finished, they placed the carcase into a large polythene sack, to stop the remaining blood from pouring down Franks back, as he slung it over his broad shoulder. They headed off back to the layby, along tracks that John had used since he was a boy; which was just as well, as night had indeed fallen by the time they set off.
It had been a busy day, with two kills to their account, and both men looked forward to a good drink at the ‘Deer & Hound,’ which lay 5 miles North of Aviemore, and whose patron, John knew would pay handsomely for this prize.
******
Chapter 6
Robert arrived back home at his usual time, to find Agnes and Sally busy in the kitchen preparing the evening meal. He still marvelled at how well the two women worked together, especially being from different backgrounds and cultures. The age gap between them seemed to be an advantage rather than a hindrance, as Agnes treated Sally very much as her own daughter; relishing the chance to teach her all the tricks she knew about life in the highlands of Scotland – while Sally told her all about life in her home town of Milwaukee. The details of her near rape at the hands of her colleague however, she decided to leave for another time.
They were both too busy chatting and preparing the food to notice Robert, so he quietly sneaked up behind Sally; and wrapping his muscular arms around her waist, lifted her and spun her around like a child.
“Stop it you idiot!” She shrieked playfully, as she experienced first fright, then delight as she realised who was behind her Ariel flight around the kitchen.
“Oh well..here we go again I suppose – the child is back home!” Agnes said smiling, as she witnessed the obvious love that these two shared.
“Come away in laddie; and go get yourself showered – Tea will be ready shortly.” Agnes said, grabbing Robert by the collar and dragging him away from Sally.
“Excuse me Sally, while I extricate my son from your clutches will you?” She smiled. “It’s either that or I throw a pail of cold water over you both!”
Robert protested in good humour, as Agnes bundled him out of the kitchen and propelled him towards his room.
“Ha ha..you really know how to handle him Agnes, I’ll grant you that!”
“Well I’ve had enough practice my dear, though lately he’s been a bit more frisky – I wonder why that is eh!”
“Maybe he has had a bit too much red meat? My father used to say that it ‘angries up the blood.’”
“Too much red meat eh…” Agnes said looking intently at Sally; who flushed scarlet as she realised her clever comment had a second interpretation.
“Oh Agnes, your terrible really! I can’t believe you just said that!”
“Me? Why.. I can’t imagine what you mean my dear! Agnes protested, then burst out laughing.
Ten minutes later Robert came into the kitchen, freshly showered and ready for Tea.
“What’s for it mum?” He said as he peered into the glass front of the oven.
“It’s your favourite Robert – Shepherd’s Pie!”
“Smells fantastic! I’ll open a wee bottle of wine shall I?”
“Yes, that would be a grand idea Robert; there’s a nice Merlot that would suit, in the wine rack.” Agnes said as she removed the Shepherd’s Pie from the oven.
They all retired to the dining room, and were soon demolishing Agnes’s handiwork.
“Agnes, this is just delicious! Poor Robert is going to be regretting getting married, when he is subjected to my inferior cooking skills!”
“Not at all my dear. This is an easy dish to make, and anyway Robert himself is quite capable of rustling up a hearty meal – or he is not my son!” Agnes proclaimed, glancing proudly at Robert as he stuffed his mouth with food.
“Mind you, his table manners leave a little to be desired!” She chuckled.
Sally chimed in. “Oh Robert, while I remember – we have a dinner appointment with Sir Malcolm and his lovely wife Lady Frazer next Friday.”
There was a choking splut
tering sound from Robert, as he fought to clear his throat. Sally jumped up alarmed to thump him on the back, as Agnes, once she seen there was no real danger, laughed out loud.
Robert regained his composure, and looked up at Agnes and Sally, still red-faced from his choking episode.
“Well you pair can go yourselves then – I’m not going, and that’s final!”
Sally and Agnes looked at one another, then in unison turned to give Robert a withering look, of the sort that would have wilted a weaker man.
“Oh is that so Robert!” Sally spoke first, her mouth set firm and her green eyes boring into the hapless Robert.
“Yes it is so!” He said with a weak attempt at gaining the upper hand – it did not work.
“In that case MY DEAR!” Sally almost shouted at him. “I will give you his number, and you can call him and tell him why you’re not coming!”
Agnes remained silent, but her body language backed Sally entirely.
Robert tried another, gentler approach.
“Listen Sally; I’m not being awkward, honest..It’s just…well what on earth would I have to talk about with a Baronet for goodness sake!”
“Well how about starting with the poachers I saw this morning? He was very interested when I told him earlier today.”
She went on to explain about their meeting at the Hotel, and how Sir Malcolm was determined to bring the poachers to justice.
Robert looked sullen, but thoughtful.
“Oh, Robert please don’t be such a bore. Malcolm and Katriona are lovely people – and they are so anxious to meet you.”
Agnes spoke up, in the same conciliatory tone.
“Sally’s right son; they are a lovely couple. I think you would be foolish not to accept the invitation. After all, it never harms to make friends with people who have a direct contribution to make regarding your employment!”
Robert looked warily at them both, causing Agnes to laugh.
“Ha, just look at him! Still the wee laddie, when he is not getting his own way!”
“MUM!” Robert protested.
“Ha ha, don’t mum me – else I will get out the family album, to show Sally here all your embarrassing kiddie pictures!”
This time they all had a laugh, as Robert acknowledged that they had won the argument.
“Ok you two, I’ll go along with it – not that I have much say in the matter it seems!”
Sally went over to him, and hugged him tightly. “Oh Robert; I love you so much”
“Yea, yea..so you say, after you have gotten things your own way again.”
He replied grinning, now his usual self.
“So tell me Robert.” Said Agnes, with a slight note of concern in her voice. “What happened when you related Sally’s story to Tom and the others?”
“Well mum. It turns out that there has been quite a lot of evidence found, that points to poaching activity. As the manager of the forestry workers on the estate, Tom has been in close contact with the police, as it is mainly our guys that find the evidence.”
Sally spoke out. “But what do you mean by evidence Robert?”
“Well mainly body parts and such, though there has been a crossbow arrow – or bolt – found lodged deep in a tree; which is why we never hear them. The crossbow is almost totally silent and a very efficient killing weapon in the right hands.”
Sally looked confused. “Body parts! Why is that?”
“Well it’s simple really, if you have a long distance to travel, and you’re carrying the deer; it’s a lot lighter without its head, legs and guts!”
“Ugg..how horrid!” She exclaimed hand to her mouth in horror.
“Yes it is a little – but it makes good sense. Another interesting thing is that the one you saw was still whole, which could mean that their transport was not far from the scene of the crime.”
Agnes and Sally looked at one another.
“So this means that they must have been operating not far from the cabin then Robert!” Agnes spoke out.
“Well yes it does I have to admit – on this one occasion at least. Sally if you wouldn’t mind? I have arranged for Tom to come around in the morning with the police liaison officer assigned to this case, and we can re-trace your steps to see if we can find any more evidence.”
“Yes, that’s fine. Oh while I remember; Malcolm said that he was going to chase things up with the police commissioner. They may well ask me to help them with an artist’s impression of the poachers!
Robert nodded his head in agreement. “Yes, that would certainly help out. Meanwhile Tom is asking around to see if anyone recognises potential targets from the descriptions you have given us. If they are local then someone must know them – especially the one with the limp.”
During this time they all finished their Tea and headed through to the lounge, where Agnes had lit a log fire, which was merrily blazing away in the hearth; for even in early summer-time, Scottish evenings tend to be rather chilly.
Making himself comfortable, with his feet up on a small table; Robert changed the subject away from poachers, to the plans for the wedding which he knew they were desperate to talk about.
All this time a figure lurked in the trees outside the cabin, taking measure of the place and planning his next move.
“So this is the Scottish hero!” he thought to himself, as he considered his chances in a physical encounter; and decided that it should be avoided if at all possible.
******
Chapter 7
It was late in the evening when they all retired to bed. Agnes having informed them earlier that the little white church at Coylumbridge, had confirmed their booking – which delighted Sally – and that the Highland Piper was available to pipe them in.
Sally came out of the shower, and slipped naked into the bed beside Robert; who was already turned on in anticipation of what was to come.
She quickly arranged herself so that she was on top – her favourite position; and Roberts hungry mouth found her erect nipples. Easing herself on to him, Sally let out a moan of unrestrained pleasure – and immediately covered her mouth.
“Oops!” She giggled like a guilty school-girl. “I hope your mother didn’t hear that!”
Robert answered by grabbing her bare buttocks, and pulling her down further on to him; resulting in them both being carried away with the pure ecstasy of the moment. The final release, when it came, caused them both to cry out in unison; after which Sally collapsed giggling onto Robert’s muscular chest.
“Well that’s done it good and proper; We’ll maybe have to wear gags next time to cut the noise out!” She remarked grinning.
“Gags…hmmm – I never knew you were into kinky sex! Tell you what; you bring the gags and I’ll bring the handcuffs!” Robert replied wickedly.
Sally gave him a coy look. “Hmm, well maybe another time eh!”
“You really are a wicked hussy Sally McInnis!” It was Roberts turn to grin as he rolled her over onto her back.
“Now that we’ve had the main course; isn’t it about time for desert?” Sally spread her legs wide in invitation.
“Well, only if you think you can manage another course! My highland super-stud!” She teased.
It was just beginning to get light, heralding another pleasant day to come, when Sally awoke to the early bird-song. Robert was still sleeping soundly, and she found herself lulled into a comfortable place, by the quiet sound of his steady breathing.
She had wondered if Agnes would be happy with their sleeping arrangements, and had been quite prepared to get separate accommodation somewhere; or even just to sleep in a separate bedroom.
Agnes however had declared “Och…away with you! You are both adults, and no longer children to be told what to do!”
Sally had brought up the question of friends and neighbours – and what they would think. To which Agnes replied. “To be truthful Sally – I’m past caring! The fact is that for the last few years, my life has been fraught with stress and heartach
e for my boy; I worried constantly over his inability to cope with the loss of dear Mhairi, and the subsequent gambling debts that threatened to put us out on the street. You have come along like an angel, and shone a light into an otherwise dark place. I will be forever in your debt my dear Sally – So a pox on what the neighbours think!”
They had both laughed at the finality of her last statement.
Sally herself felt immensely blessed, at her good fortune; it was if her father had arranged all this from the grave. The inheritance he left her amounting to around 4 million dollars in mainly gold stocks, made it possible for her to help out with the mortgage on the cabin. She had volunteered to pay it outright, but Robert would not hear of it.
She gazed lovingly at his sleeping form, and gently stroked his arm. A love that she thought would be impossible to find, welled up inside her; causing tears of happiness to blur her vision.
“I’m such a romantic fool sometimes!” she said quietly as she sought out a handkerchief from under the pillow.
The issue over who would ‘give her away’ at the wedding had yet to be resolved; though she did have the kernel of an idea forming in her mind. She decided to keep it to herself for a while longer, until she was sure of it. The story regarding Roberts father meanwhile remained a mystery. She had tried asking directly about him on a couple of occasions; but each time had been fobbed of with some feeble answer. It was obviously something that neither Robert or Agnes wanted to talk about; and Sally felt no desire to press them.
“It will all come out in good time I’m sure.” She thought to herself.
A quiet voice interrupted her thoughts.
Sally’s Wedding: Book 3 Of A Contemporary Romance Short Story Series Page 3