by Carly Reid
Right at the back corner was the stall where Jessica now headed, currently manned by her editor Grant Mack. It was selling diaries and calendars, published by the press collective that also ran The Herald, and Jessica had promised to take a shift in order to let Grant spend some time taking in the Yule Night event as well. Her boss lived with and cared for his mother, but as Jessica could see Mrs Mack safely ensconced at one of the tea tables with a crowd of women from The Guild, she had a sneaking suspicion where Grant might go first. Since the summer, he and her Aunt Reenie had grown steadily closer. Reenie downplayed their relationship, telling Jessica that it was a friendship and nothing more, and that both of them were too busy for anything else. It didn’t stop Jessica thinking there was more to it, and she was sure Grant would make a beeline for The Bloom Room straight after leaving the Hall.
Jessica greeted Grant warmly. He had been a huge support to her, first offering the job that had enabled her to stay in Dalkinchie, then supporting and mentoring her as a journalist. “Hey, how are things going so far?”
“Sales have been steady! I think we will have more yet, though, many people went straight for the tea and mince pies. The calendars are especially popular. They make such a good gift, easy to post, and the photography this year is quite lovely.”
Jessica agreed. The calendar featured local landscape scenes and it showcased the beauty of this lush, green part of Scotland perfectly. The Herald ran the competition to select the twelve images. Magnus Smith had been a judge. This meant that he himself did not have any photos in the calendar, which Jessica thought was a shame as his own work was every bit as good.
“Right, I’ll be off then Jessica, if that’s OK with you?” Grant continued. “I’ll be back later to pack up here at the stall, and to pick up my mother and escort her home. The calendar is five pounds, remember, and the diary is ten – I’ve learned from experience to try and minimize the amount of change I need to have, although there is some there in the cash box if you need it.”
“I’m sure I won’t have any problems, Grant,” Jessica replied. “I’ll get selling! Enjoy your evening, and I’ll see you later.”
“Thanks Jessica. I’m going to nip down and see your aunt first – I’ve been meaning to order a small centerpiece for Christmas dinner.”
Jessica smiled to herself. Did Grant really think she was that stupid? He didn’t need an excuse to go and visit Reenie. A centerpiece, indeed.
Sales continued to be steady over the next twenty minutes or so. The diaries were beautifully produced with week-to-view across two pages, a ribbon marker and quality hard covers. Jessica thought she might buy one herself if there were any left at the end of the evening. Although as she browsed through the months of the following year, her internal voice began to nag at her. She had deferred her place at journalism graduate school back home in order to spend one year in Scotland, and the months in Dalkinchie were flying past faster than she would like. Soon it would be decision time again.
Perhaps because it was Christmas, the events of a year before had been playing on her mind, the Christmas she had spent with her ex-boyfriend Mike and his family. It had been the first time she had ever spent Christmas Day away from her mom and dad, sisters and brother, and at the time it had signaled the seriousness of her relationship with Mike. They had all discussed the plans the two were making to live together and attend grad school in the same city. One year later felt like a lifetime. What would the next year bring? Where would she be the following Christmas?
Jessica was grateful for the distraction of Grant’s return. After checking on his mother, he relieved Jessica on the stall and she took the opportunity to have a better look around the Hall herself, just in case she had missed anything she would need for her write-up.
Walking through to the entrance corridor, she noticed that Santa’s Grotto was shutting up shop and Santa himself was at that moment headed out of the door. Ealisaid’s sister Mairead was just inside the front room, picking up torn wrapping paper, no doubt dropped by over-excited children who had opened their Santa gifts on the spot.
Jessica moved over the speak to her. “Hi Mairead. How was your evening?” she asked, stepping through the door.
Inside the room, the grotto had been constructed from cardboard boxes, painted to look like a brick wall with a roaring fireplace. A second elf – Jessica recognized her as Katie, a friend of Mairead’s from school – stood just in front of it, counting the leftover gifts and packing them into boxes.
Mairead turned and looked at Jessica. She was the double of her older sister, pale skin, and long dark silky hair which normally hung loose, parted in the middle, but today had been twisted into two plaits which had somehow – wire, perhaps? – been arranged so that that they turned upwards. Mairead had added exaggerated rosy red cheeks and a sprinkle of very deliberate freckles across her nose. Her green eyes looked especially vivid alongside the bright green of the tunic and leggings that she was wearing.
“Aye, OK I suppose. The kids came in, and only one or two burst oot greeting – crying. Santa did the job and then away he went.” Mairead was never usually overly talkative, and nothing was different this evening, it appeared.
“I thought he was good this year,” Katie piped up. “He kept quiet and let the kids chat away, and tell him what they wanted. They liked that, most of them! Some are just terrified from the start.”
“So that’s it all over? Isn’t Santa coming back?”
Mairead gave her customary shrug, but her companion answered. “No. He’s away to the pub, most likely – that’s where he usually heads. Although he went off still in his Santa gear this year. I hope he took the back road or it’ll take him a long time to get there – he’ll be plagued by any children that are still up and aboot!”
Jessica was slightly disappointed. She had hoped to see the grotto in action, perhaps watch a bit of gift giving from the back of the room, but it probably didn’t matter. Magnus had been there earlier and got photographs, so not much would be needed apart from a short caption.
“That’s us done,” Katie remarked, rubbing her hands. The room was neat, gifts stacked in boxes and not a shred of paper laying around. “I’m away home wi’ my dad, Mairead. How’re you getting back? We could give you a lift if you like.”
“It’s ok. My sister’s coming to get me in a bit when the café closes. I’ll stay here and help wi’ clearing up in the big hall. See you Monday?”
“Aye, see you then!”
That might have been the most she had ever heard Mairead say, Jessica reflected. She walked together in silence with the young woman back to the main hall where everything was likewise winding up. Grant had already cleared his stall and packed away the remaining diaries and calendars.
True to her word, Ealisaid arrived about fifteen minutes later. She waved to Jessica and approached across the main hall as Mairead disappeared to pick up her bag and coat.
“How was your evening?” asked Jessica. “Rushed off your feet?”
“Absolutely fine. Not a drop of hot chocolate left, and I’ve got takers for all the Christmas cakes now. Reenie was closing up when I left, and she seemed to have done a roaring trade too. A successful wee Yule Night all round.”
Jessica was pleased for both of them. Running a small business was never easy. At that moment, Ealisaid’s phone pinged. She took it out and glanced at it. “It’s Craig. I wonder what he wants.” Ealisaid’s friend Craig worked behind the bar at The Ram’s Heid, and would therefore be working for some hours yet. Friday nights were never quiet, and with families all out and about for Yule Night, the bar had been buzzing – probably the busiest night of the year.
Jessica watched Ealisaid’s brow furrow as she read the text. “What is it?” she asked, and – as her friend didn’t reply – “is everything OK, Ealisaid?”
Ealisaid had paled. She looked up slowly and her eyes met Jessica’s. “It’s Bill Johnston – Santa. Craig says he found him in the cleaning cupboard up at the pub.
Dead. It looks as if he’s been murdered!”
The Morning After The Night Before
Despite having been amongst the first to receive the shocking news, neither Ealisaid nor Jessica had been able to do anything to help.
Ealisaid had to take Mairead home, but had first called Craig. He couldn’t talk – there was too much to sort out with the police at the pub. Jessica had gone home as planned, but she knew that Ealisaid would be terribly worried about her friend. She also knew that Murdo would soon be pulled away on Special Constable business, meaning that Ealisaid and Mairead would be managing the café alone on a busy weekend before Christmas.
The next morning, Jessica and Reenie chatted quietly as they made their way to The Bloom Room, taking their usual route through the park. Reenie had been in bed when Jessica got home the night before so it had been breakfast time before she heard the news. They had talked about nothing but the murder since then. Now Reenie said again, “what a horrible end to a lovely, Christmassy evening. I wonder what on earth can have happened? The poor man.”
The dirt paths in the park were hard underfoot, and the morning sun sparkled on the frost. Willow, their springer spaniel puppy, quite unconcerned by their sombre conversation, tried to investigate every white-coated blade of grass by the side of the path as they walked, and every partially frozen leaf. They must have a different scent in the winter thought Jessica, allowing the small dog a good sniff at the end of the leash before encouraging her on. It was too cold to stand about for long.
“Poor Craig, too,” added Reenie. “It must have been a terrible shock for the lad.”
Jessica nodded, hoping that the shock of finding Santa stuffed in the cupboard would be all that Craig had to endure, but she was certain he was in for some lengthy questioning as well. It’s never good to be the person to discover a body, as she and her aunt had discovered earlier in the year. Craig surely wouldn’t be implicated, however. The pub had been busy, and everyone knew exactly where Bill Johnston had been all evening. Besides, he must have been very distinctive when he turned up at the pub in his bright red suit. With that in mind, Jessica didn’t see how much mystery there could be about this case. Surely there must have been plenty of witnesses? She would have to speak to Craig and find out. The sooner it was all sorted, the better. Jessica didn’t want anything to spoil her perfect Scottish Christmas.
“Do you agree, Jessica?”
Distracted by her musings, Jessica hadn’t been listening to her aunt.
“Sorry Reenie, could you repeat that? I was miles away.”
Reenie looked at her, concern plainly visible on her face.
“I was saying, try not to get caught up in investigating anything. Leave this one to the professionals! The police will sort it out. It’s their job, after all.”
Jessica felt fairly sure there would be no need for her involvement, but she still wanted to know what was happening. She found herself wondering whether Bill Johnston had any enemies; if, as according to Murdo, he was well known as a local curmudgeon then they would certainly have a starting point. She didn’t say any of this to Reenie, instead replying: “I hope they get to the bottom of it soon – especially as it’s almost Christmas. It would be awful if it dragged on.”
Jessica became distracted by Willow pulling on the leash again, trying to get ahead more quickly. The puppy was certainly much better at walking now, but still occasionally would get overexcited and try to pull away, especially when she saw another dog – which was the case right now. This time however, Jessica successfully called her to heel and the puppy dropped back. Jessica reached down and fondled Willow’s silky ears.
“Are you coming into the shop with me, Jess?” Reenie asked.
“Yes, I’d like to. I’m going to write up the Yule Night notes in the office later, but I’m not in a great hurry. I’d be happy to help you open up.”
Jessica loved working for The Herald, and until recently had enjoyed working in the newspaper offices as well. They formed part of the first floor of a building adjacent to the Village Hall, above the library and beside a small, volunteer-run museum – a lovely setting. However, the recent cold snap had made her realize how hard it could be to heat old, stone buildings – she was finding it very chilly to work for long shifts at the office’s computers. She had left her old, heavy laptop at home when she came to Scotland, given that it had originally been planned as a short trip. Jessica now regretted this decision. In principle, she could do most of her journalism work from anywhere – and right now would choose to find somewhere much warmer. Like at home, in front of Reenie’s log fire.
She had started saving for a new laptop, but it was slow going. The job was part-time and she had insisted on paying Reenie some money for rent and keep, although her aunt regularly protested that she didn’t really need to. However, Jessica knew that it was Reenie’s first year in business, and didn’t want to take advantage of her good nature. She also didn’t want her parents to help out more than they already had, and was determined to support herself as much as she could.
The laptop would have to wait. There was nothing for it but to do her work in short, efficient bursts until the weather warmed up again.
Reenie was replying: “That would actually be very helpful, as I have that christening tomorrow, remember? We can go over the arrangements and how I think I’d like to set it up. Are you still free to help me out with that?”
Jessica nodded. “Yes, I’m looking forward to seeing the hotel. I’ll get the writing done today, and then I’m all yours tomorrow.” The following day was a Sunday, and The Bloom Room had been booked to do the flowers for The Lochside Hydro hotel and country estate, somewhere out in the countryside near Dalkinchie. It was a popular high-end venue for all sorts of events including weddings and could potentially be a great source of business for the future.
“Perfect,” said Reenie. “Maybe I’ll treat you to a coffee afterwards at the hotel.”
“I’d love that, sounds amazing.”
The two women had turned from the park into the small street that led up to the middle of Dalkinchie High Street. As they neared The Bloom Room, they passed Malcolm McEwen, setting up his newspaper stand outside his grocery shop next door.
“Morning Reenie, Jessica.”
Despite a rocky start, Reenie had become quite fond of her High Street neighbor who might have a gruff exterior, but could be very helpful when the occasion demanded.
“Morning, Malcolm. Don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten about the Business Association auction – I know you are going to ask me about it! I’ll get something sorted soon.”
“Aye, well, glad to hear that, although it’s no’ my problem any more, have you not heard? I’ve stepped doon as Chair of the Association since Thursday’s committee meeting. It’s yon Neil Campbell noo – he’s got the stables on the way oot of the village. Speak to Neil aboot the auction, it’s aff my hands – although knowing Neil, he’ll probably find you first! But I’ll be seeing you at the Cheese and Wine evening?”
Reenie smiled as she turned her key in the lock next door.
“You will indeed, Malcolm, I wouldn’t miss it. Looking forward to seeing you and Sarah there.”
Malcolm McEwen nodded and went inside his shop.
* * *
Having agreed to help Reenie in the morning, it was a couple of hours later by the time Jessica arrived at Lissa’s, and as luck would have it, Craig was already there when she entered. His normally cheerful expression was absent, and his pale face spoke of stress and not much sleep. He sat hunched over a steaming mug at a table at the front of the café. Ealisaid was behind the counter as usual, and Mairead was on waitress duty, serving food – mostly breakfast rolls at this time of day – and clearing empty tables. Murdo, as Jessica had predicted, was absent.
Despite the events of the previous evening, the atmosphere in Lissa’s seemed very much the same as usual, although Jessica was sure that the murder would be the hot topic on everybody’s lips. There
was the usual crowd of elderly ladies spread around a couple of tables that they had pushed together, and they were enjoying a variety of cakes with their morning tea and coffee. Some local young parents had commandeered the space at the back of the café, a better position for them to store their push chairs. Both of Ealisaid’s available highchairs had been pressed into service, and a couple of pre-school aged children played with the few toys that she kept in a box at the back for that purpose. Ealisaid’s establishment was the heart of the community, and Jessica never failed to be impressed at the cozy feel she had created. Music played over the speakers – Christmas songs, of course.
“Morning Jessica, take a seat and I’ll bring over your breakfast in a minute,” Ealisaid said with a smile. Jessica was a regular now, but her friend would know that her visit today was as much to do with her need to know what was going on as it was about delaying the inevitable chilly shift in the newspaper offices.
Jessica began to reply, and as she did so realized that Ealisaid was telegraphing to her with raised eyebrows, jerking her head sharply towards the table near the front where Craig currently sat alone, staring at nothing at all. Jessica nodded to let her know she had got the message. Perfect. She had wanted to speak to Craig anyway, and moved over to his table. “Hi, Craig. I hope you’re doing well this morning. Would it be all right if I joined you?”
“Hmm?” Craig had clearly been miles away. He shook his head slightly and looked at Jessica for a moment blankly, then – clearly realizing where he was – he nodded and attempted a smile. “Of course, Jessica, sit yourself down. It’ll be nice to have the company.” His actions belied his words however, as he resumed staring into space. This was very unlike him.