by S. Robertson
“What are we looking for?”
“I’m not sure, something small, maybe in a leather or cloth bag. It’s not likely larger than the palm of your hand. Fiona’s father must have known this place well. Perhaps there’s a hidden panel in all that sculpture. It has to be well hidden as decades of people haven’t found it, or at least we hope not. Let’s make a sweep and see if anything turns up. Fortunately, it’s a small building.”
“Agreed,” said Dana. “We’ll both tackle that sculptured wall, and then I’ll go to the left while you take the right.”
For the next half hour they searched poking their hands inside crevasses and corners pushing fingers into suspected trigger spots, testing various parts of the knight’s armor and tapping wall stones for any hollow sound. Completing the agreed circle they came together with a look of discouragement.
“Nothing,” said Dana. “This is really frustrating.”
“Absolutely nothing,” repeated Angi. “In addition, there’s no child unless those cherubs up there can be classified as a bairn, but which one. Anyway we’d need a ladder to get up there. I think if the hiding place exists it’s more accessible than that.”
“Angi, I have to go. I need the toilet, too much tea at Fiona’s. I expect we’re done here. I’ll be right back.”
“Go on, I’ll stay. Maybe Andrew and Wolfram will have better luck. There might be some sculpture or headstone outside with a child in it.” Angi went and sat down on the wooden bench.
Alone, discouraged, she began to think, “Now what? After all the effort, without this sixth gemstone we’re jinxed. I’ll be left with this unbalanced medallion, unable to move on with my life and afraid of killing myself if I try to remove it.” Lost in thought she didn’t notice a small boy until he was right in front of her.
“Lo,” came the cheery greeting as the boy tried to look into her face.
As she looked up she saw the cherub face of a young boy, about four, with a head of golden curls and dressed in a blue velvet suit with white lace cuffs. His accent was difficult but discernible. “He must be in some pageant at the palace,” thought Angi. Not wanting to frighten him she replied, “Well, hello yourself. You’re a real cutie. Are you lost?”
Looking puzzled, he didn’t answer her question but asked his own “Do you know my Mama?”
“No, but perhaps it’s best you stay with me and we’ll look for her together. How about that? What’s your name?” asked Angi.
Proudly he declared. “Robbie Murray.” Then wanting to continue talking he pressed her with another question. “This is my castle.”
“So he does belong to the palace………and he’s a Murray,” thought Angi. “You mean the big building across the road,” she asked in reply?
“No, this castle,” replied Robbie, dancing around in front of her.
“He’s certainly a happy wee boy. What a charmer. I bet he’s the apple of his parent’s eye. Obviously, he’s wandered off,” thought Angi.
Robbie, pleased to have company, blurted out. “I have a secret place do you want to see it?”
“Why not,” thought Angi. “I’ll keep him occupied until the caretaker returns. He’ll know where his mother is.” “Sure,” replied Angi, “show me.”
Robbie, taking her hand pulled her towards the right side of the Murray memorial and, releasing his hand, squeezed into a small opening behind the armored knight.
Angi was surprised that even Robbie could get through the narrow slit. When he disappeared she called after him, “Robbie I’m too big to get into your secret place. You’ll have to tell me what’s there.” Concerned she thought, “I’ll have to encourage him to get out of there.”
With a mischievous smile Robbie peeked around the knight “I’ll bring out the bag the man left. He told me you would come.”
At that moment Angi remembered Fiona’s father’s note “The bairn ……is this the child? It’s not possible, that was 1918. I must be day-dreaming.” Then she asked out loud “Robbie. Why don’t you come and show me what you have?”
Disappearing for a minute, Robbie reappeared with a soft leather bag. Raising it up to Angi he said, “For you.”
Angi couldn’t believe what she was looking at. Like Brigit’s, inside the leather bag was the familiar purple velvet bag. She pulled it out, undid the tie and removed the expected silver engraved box. Gently lifting the lid, she saw the emerald. Then she rapidly closed the box, placed it back into the velvet bag and stashed it in her large handbag. The outer bag she offered to Robbie who had been standing quietly watching her every movement. “Thank you Robbie, this is exactly what I was looking for. Would you like this bag? ” presenting him with the outer leather bag.
“Oh yes. Thank you,” said Robbie and turned in delight to deposit his treasure behind the knight.
Sitting waiting for his reappearance Angi thought “How did he know to pass this to me? What did Fiona’s father say to him……….but then, that’s not possible…….it’s a hundred years ago…………. I better keep him close until I can get him back to his mother who must be sick with worry.” But Robbie didn’t reappear. She called and called ……….. “He’s so quick, maybe there’s another exit.” ……….Angi ran to the open doorway of the chapel arriving at the same time as Wolfram, Andrew and Dylan reached the same spot. “Have you seen a small boy in a blue velvet suit?” asked Angi.
“No,” replied Wolfram. “He didn’t come past us. But then we were talking so we might have missed him.”
“I was just talking to him, he couldn’t have gone far,” replied Angi, in an anxious voice.
“We’ll take a look in back,” said Wolfram. “You’re sure he’s not in there?”
“Yes, I’ve looked,” replied Angi, concerned that the young boy was running free on such a large estate with a storm approaching.
She walked slowly to the Stone of Scone and sat facing the chapel, noting the return of the estate caretaker who joined the men at the back of the chapel.
“I’ve got a clear view of the area and will be able to see the boy if he appears,” thought Angi, reassuring herself. At that moment a sound behind her drew her attention. Before she had a chance to turn a hard object struck her on the back of the head, and she crumbled to the ground. Falling, she gripped her handbag to protect the gemstone. Loosing consciousness, she was certain she heard a muffled scream.
What she couldn’t see was when the hand violently jerked the medallion it responded with an electric charge that shot out and burnt the inside of the assailant’s right hand. It was this scream which alerted the men who came running. When they arrived Dana was at Angi’s side saying “Someone ran into the woods. I saw Angi fall as I came back from the toilet.”
Dazed, blood running down the back of her neck, Angi forcefully grasped Wolfram’s arm saying, “Take my bag…………….guard it with your life.”
Wolfram not understanding her plea, undid the purse zipper thinking Angi was asking him to find something to stop the bleeding. He spied the familiar purple velvet bag and abruptly closed the bag, draping it across his chest. “I understand, Angi. Everything’s fine. We’ll get you to the nearest hospital.”
The van appeared and Dylan, arriving with a First Aid kit, placed a thick dressing over Angi’s wound and expertly bandaged her head.
Andrew turned to the caretaker. “We’ll head to the Perth Hospital, it’s the closest.”
“Grab that stone it’s likely the weapon,” said Wolfram, his police instincts coming to the fore.
Dylan wrapped it in plastic and stored it in the First Aid bag.
“Can you stand?” asked Wolfram. “Dylan and I will help you to the van.”
“I think so. I’m a bit dizzy but I can navigate,” said Angi. She rose, grabbed their arms and pulled herself upright.
“Andrew, you go on. I’ll lock up here,” said the caretaker.” I’ll also alert security.”
With her waning strength Angi turned to the caretaker, “What about Robbie? The wee
boy needs his mother. Will you look for him?”
“My dear woman,” replied the caretaker, “Robbie’s our resident ghost. He’s seen by few but can be quite mischievous. He died in an accident in the 1800s.”
As Angi limped toward the van she kept mumbling to herself, “A ghost…. I’ve been talking to a ghost………….so, Fiona’s father also saw Robbie…….. I’m really drifting into a psychic maze; first a woman from another dimension and now a ghost. What next?” As they reached the van the storm descended, rain coming down in sheets, bouncing off the street and van. The others scrambled to get inside. Angi, wedged between Dana and Wolfram in the back seat, took comfort in the steady drumming of the rain on the roof.
Wasting no time, Dylan, driving at top speed, ignoring the rain, got back onto A93, crossed the bridge, turned left on Tay Street, right on South Street, then onto Glasgow Road, before turning off at Rose Crescent into the Perth Royal Infirmary.
En route, Wolfram, grateful that Angi was slightly turned in his direction, noted the blue stone had been activated and was pulsating. “I hope this stops before we reach the hospital,” he thought “or we’ll have one hell of a time trying to explain it to the health workers.” Within yards of the emergency entrance it ceased.
The next Angi knew she was being wheeled into an emergency treatment room. While Dylan and Dana waited in the hall, Andrew dealt with the paper work and Wolfram stayed with Angi. The attending physician was impressed with the First Aid as the bleeding had eased. Angi was examined for shock and four stitches applied to the wound. As a typical nurse she kept participating in the procedure describing her symptoms as, “I’m nauseated, dizzy and have a splitting headache.” The physician prescribed a medication and had Angi moved to an ER holding bed while she waited for an x-ray. Wolfram tagged along, hoping that none of this activity would reactivate the blue stone. Concern mounted when the physician insisted that in light of the severity of the blow it would be advisable for Angi to stay overnight to check for any post-traumatic concussion or hematoma. This presented a dilemma.
Wolfram and Andrew conferred while Angi was getting her x-ray. “We can’t leave Angi in this open area over night,” said Wolfram. “If Antonino found her at Scone Palace, she will be an easy target. In addition, before arriving at the hospital the blue stone started pulsating. Dana didn’t see it; she was looking out the window. But it could start again. This would complicate everything and the last thing we need is the media.”
“That’s to be avoided at all cost,” replied Andrew, with a worried expression. “I’ll make other arrangements. While there’s security in the building we can’t rely on them. We’ll provide our own.”
“I’ll take the first shift,” replied Wolfram.
“Good. Once this is set up I’ll get Dylan to drive Dana and me back to Inveresk. No need for all of us to hang around. You have my cell number. I’ll be back later with your replacement.” With that Andrew hurried off to contact the hospital administrator.
Within the hour Andrew had a private room for Angi with a bathroom. Hospital security had been alerted. They were operating on the premise of another possible assault.
Following the x-ray, Angi was drowsy, her head hurt, and the nausea had returned. When the resident physician came in to check on her she received more medication and she asked for a white blood cell test. While her condition would normally not warrant such a test, the doctor knowing she was an ER supervisor and a friend of Andrew Sinclair, agreed. A lab technician appeared to draw blood. Foregoing food, Angi drank some fluid and drifted off to sleep.
Wolfram never left her bedside. He positioned himself as best as he could between two chairs. Andrew had arranged the delivery of a light meal for both which he thoroughly enjoyed; he was starving after the light tea with Fiona. Angi remained on liquids. When she went back to sleep he had plenty of time to think. “This has been one hellish journey for Angi; her grandmother’s death and then bouncing from United States to Ireland and Scotland with a medallion which might erupt at any moment. What happens if we don’t find the rest of the gemstones? Is Angi in any danger if we’re unable to complete this quest? She’s definitely a stoic, likely her nurse’s training. But why the blood test? I’ll ask later. Now to the critical issue, Antonino knew we would be at the chapel today. That means the castle is either bugged or we have a well-placed mole. Who? It’s got to be someone with an inside track to our plans and discussions. Antonino’s desperate so he’s flashing big bucks. In today’s world that could tempt anyone.”
About eleven, Andrew pushed the door open with “How’s our star patient?”
“Fine, she’s been sleeping. The doctor and nurses keep checking her. She partially wakes and then dozes off again,” replied Wolfram, reporting in an operative style.
At that moment a familiar voice was heard arriving with Dylan, “Hi Wolfram. I was hoping my return would be under happier circumstances. I’m your replacement,” replied Vette. “I got in this morning.”
“My God it’s good to see you Vette. I couldn’t think of a better replacement. Angi will be delighted to see you. The doctor says she’s doing fine and will likely be discharged in the morning,” replied Wolfram. “I’ll give you a quick briefing and introduce you to the resident physician, he’s due any minute.”
Leaving Andrew and Dylan with the sleeping Angi, Wolfram left the room with Vette. Just outside the door he said, “Vette, the blue stone started pulsating just before we reached the hospital. It’s been quiet ever since but keep an eye on it and cover it with something if it recurs.”
“Understood, that would create unwanted trouble,” replied Vette.
“Come along I’ll do the intros,” said Wolfram.
As they returned to the room, before the men departed Vette said to Wolfram, “By the way, Morgan was my travelling companion. He’s at the castle itching to talk to you. I better warn you, he’s shaved off his beard and is dressed like a gentleman. According to him, this is his new life, as recent events have propelled him into maturity. I’ll let you be the judge. We’ll talk later.”
“Your kidding……..we’re all together again. That’s great,” replied Wolfram with a smile. “I may have to get introduced to my old friend. I’m glad he’s here. When times are tough it’s good to be focused.”
Even though they were mostly whispering, the commotion woke Angi. “I must be dreaming, is that you Vette?”
“Yes the one and only. I told you I’d be back; just like a bad penny. I’m your night shift…….and believe me anyone getting in here will regret irritating me.”
As the men turned to leave Wolfram looked at Angi saying, “I’ll take care of this bag and return it in the morning.”
“Thanks Wolfram. I’ll not need it tonight,” replied a drowsy Angi, grateful for Wolfram’s trustworthiness.
Outside the door Dylan commented “It’d be an absolute idiot who’d pick a fight with Vette. I could use her on my team.” Laughing, they departed.
* * *
Scotland, Dunroslin Castle: The Grand Picture
By the next morning the storm had passed leaving nature to rejoice in the warmth of the summer sun. Angi, dressed and discharged, stood looking out the hospital window. Itching to get free, she relaxed as the medication was controlling her headache. Waiting she thought, “A hospital’s no place to be stranded with an assailant on your tail. Of course, I’m well protected with my trusted bull dog,” as she smiled and looked towards the doorway where Vette stood talking to the doctor.
The time had come. The attack on Angi had raised the stakes. Unless each member of the group was prepared to reveal all they knew the mission was in jeopardy. The question was how could they be open with a mole in their midst.
At 8:30 Wolfram and Dylan arrived to pick up Angi and Vette. Angi insisted on walking to the van without the aid of a wheelchair. Andrew had already arranged that she would see his personal physician in Edinburgh later in the week. “How’s your head?” asked a sympathetic Wolfr
am.
“Still aching but I’m feeling better. A good rest does wonders. The doctor gave me some medication,” she replied with a forced smile.
En route towards Edinburgh and Dunroslin Castle, Wolfram brought them up-to-date. “I don’t need to tell you, we’ve got a problem. Antonino knew precisely where we would be yesterday and used it to his advantage. So, we think that he’s either bugged the castle or there’s someone on the inside, both unpleasant scenarios. Andrew moves quickly. When we left this morning a white van was arriving with a crew to scan the place for electronic bugs. As an added precaution he’s stopped the renovations until further notice much to the consternation of the construction crew. The debugging process will take some time so they’ll still be there when we get back.”
“If there are no bugs, do you have any thoughts on who the mole might be?” asked Vette.
“None, but Dylan’s team is working on that. What we know for sure is that Antonino knows about Angi and the medallion as before he was just chasing gemstones. That’s the reason for the medallion grab at Scone.”
As Dylan came to a stop in front of the castle, Ian appeared. “It’s good to see you Angi, sorry about the attack. Your room’s scanned and ready. Would you like anything to eat first?”
“No thanks, Ian, I’ll wait until lunch but I’m sure Vette would like something.”
“Fine, Vette, come with me,” said Ian. “Wolfram will go with Angi. We’re on orders that you are not to be alone even in the castle.”
“Understood, I don’t want a repeat of yesterday,” said Angi and turning said, “Thanks Vette for doing the night shift. We’ll chat later. I’ll rest up before lunch. I expect you’ll want a bit of shut eye yourself.”
“Talk to you later, Angi,” replied Vette, and walking off with Ian she could be heard saying “I’ll take whatever you have to offer Ian, I’m famished.”
By 11:45 Angi and Vette entered the dining room to greet Wolfram, Morgan, Dylan, Andrew and Bryce. Angi headed straight towards the listless looking stranger next to Wolfram.