KILTED DESIRE 3 - New Blood

by McKINLEY, A. B.

  When Scott awoke on New Year’s Day he thought he’d had a bad dream. As he stretched out trying to liven up his body, the realization that last night’s events were not a dream hit him. He climbed out of bed and went downstairs to check his computer, maybe there’d been some news. Tiffany was already up and had fixed Scott some toast and juice. Toast was about all he’d been able to manage for breakfast for the last few weeks.

  “Morning Scott, how are you feeling?”

  “Morning gorgeous, I’m okay. I just want tae see if there’s any news aboot Chris,” he replied grabbing his laptop.

  “I know it’s hard but they have your phone number Scott. Someone will call you when they know something.

  “Aye I know, I just feel like I should be doing something.”

  “Trust me, I know exactly how you feel. When Kyle was missing it was awful, then when you were not in touch for a few hours when you were in Russia I was being physically sick. It was horrible.”

  “I know baby, it’s frustrating. I’m going tae try and stay positive.”

  “You don’t think it could be linked to the Russians do you? Or maybe Tom?”

  “Nae, I thought aboot that. Tom only met Chris in Russia, he did nae even know his last name. And he definitely would nae have known where he lived. I’m sure it’s unrelated.”

  “Okay, it was just a thought.”

  “Thanks fer trying though, I guess we just have tae be patient.” Scott said as he moved close to her and held her.

  Later that afternoon, Scott’s phone rang. He quickly picked it up saw it was from an unavailable number, there was a good chance that it was an international call.

  “Hello.”

  “Scott, this is Angela Walker. I just thought I’d let yer know that the police have found Chris’s car. It was on a car park near the Southern end of Loch Lomond. It was parked normally and they said there was nae sign of a struggle. His phone was in the car but nae switched on. I dinnae suppose yer have any idea what he may have been doing up there, do yer?”

  “Och I really dinnae have a clue! Sorry. So are the police starting a search fae the car? Are there any footprints tae follow?”

  “Aye they started a search earlier when they found the car. They had several teams up there, including various dogs and a couple of helicopters. It’s dark now though so they’ve put it on hold until the morning. And we’ve had heavy snowfall fer the last couple of days so there were nae footprints.”

  “This is really strange, is there anything else yer can think of tae why he may have been up there? Scott asked.

  “We’re oot of ideas Scott, we’re just hoping the search turns up some good news in the morning. Sharon’s here if yer want tae talk tae her.”

  “Aye, I would please.”

  Scott waited as the phone was passed to Sharon. Scott had met her several times but hadn’t spoken to her for a few years.

  “Hi Scott,” said a nervous sounding high pitched voice.

  “Hey Sharon, how are yer holding up?”

  “Nae guid Scott, I dinnae know what tae tell the kids, they’re asking questions.”

  “It’s a strange situation I know. Do yer have any idea why he may have been up there?”

  “Nae idea Scott, I really dinnae know.”

  “You two are still quite close though, reet. I mean he always said yer were quite friendly and he still saw the kids often.”

  “Aye, we were fine. We probably got on better since we broke up than we did when we were together. And aye, he did nae ever miss a visit with the kids.”

  “I dinnae know what tae say Sharon, I have nae heard fae him since early November and he seemed fine then. Have yer noticed anything unusual aboot him recently.”

  “Nae really, he was complaining aboot his job but that was nae anything unusual, he did nae ever really like it. He did seem tae be throwing more money aroond over the last few months though. He bought a new car, and was buying the kids more expensive toys quite often. I just presumed he’d gotten a raise at work or something. Apart fae that though, I did nae notice anything.”

  “I really wish I could help yer Sharon, but I’m as confused by this as yer are. If yer or Angela hear anything else though, please call me.”

  “We will Scott, bye.”

  “Take care, and guid luck.”

  Scott put the phone down, this just didn’t make any sense. He held Tiffany in his arms.

  “They found his car but he was nae in it.”

  “Where did they find it?”

  “Loch Lomond, it’s probably aboot 15 miles fae where he was living. It was on a parking lot near the South end of the Loch. Nae signs of a struggle or anything and the police are searching fer him. I know the area around there is quite heavily wooded though so it will nae be easy. This is really strange Tiff.”

  “I’m sorry Scott, I hope you get some good news soon.

  “Aye, me too. It’s kind of hard tae get this oot of my mind. I really want tae go over there and help.”

  “I know Scott, and I don’t mean to sound selfish but you have to think of your own health first. You have another treatment tomorrow. This is your last week. You can’t take a chance by missing treatments.”

  “I know yer reet, but it does nae help with the guilt. He came straight away when I called him tae help with yer brother. Now I cannae go and help search fer him.”

  “It’s not your fault that you’re ill Scott, you can’t blame yourself. I know it’s hard for you but you have to let the police handle it.”

  “Aye I know, I just have tae trust them and concentrate on getting through these last few treatments. Then I can go help if I need tae.”

  Chapter 6

  Scott and Tiffany waited in the doctor’s office. It was Friday and he’d just had his final treatment, blood drawn and a scan done. All they had to do now was to wait for Dr. Bjorkman to look at his scan. It had been a long week. There had been no news about Chris. Scott had checked the computer every day and had been in touch with Angela and Sharon but as yet, there’d been absolutely no trace of his friend. It was like he’d just vanished off the face of the earth. The huge police search had continued and there had been regular reports on local TV in Scotland about the search. The confusing situation was made worse for Scott by the fact that his mind wasn’t as sharp as it usually was, due to the effects of chemotherapy. Scott was extremely frustrated. He couldn’t get the thought out of his mind that he may be forgetting something that could help find his friend. It had been an extremely painful week and he just wanted it to be over. Then, the door opened and the doctor walked in. He greeted them both in his normal cheerful way and sat down behind the desk, holding the scan in his hand.

  “So is it all over doc?” Scott asked impatiently.

  “Virtually Scott, there’s still a very small trace there. I don’t want to take any chances so I’d like you to come in next week for another three treatments just to make sure. Then we’ll monitor it closely and make regular appointments for scans. We have to make sure it’s not going to come back.”

  “Och I thought I was done, do yer really think it’s necessary that I have more treatments?” Scott was frustrated. Tiffany held on to his hand tightly, she could feel his pain.

  “I’d just rather not take any chances, Scott. I want to be sure it’s gone. I’d highly recommend that you do this.”

  “It’s just one more week Scott, you’ve come this far, don’t stop now,” Tiffany tried to reassure him.

  “So how long does it normally take for the side-effects to wear off and I feel like I’m back to normal? Scott asked.

  “It could be a few weeks, could be a few months. There’s no way to know exactly. But in your case, being as though your treatment length was quite short, I don’t think it will take too long.”

  “Okay thanks,” Scott replied.

  It was not the news he wanted to hear but he knew it wasn’t anyone’s fault. Scott agreed to come back for the extra treatments. He knew deep down that he
had to. It made sense to not take any chances. His phone had been turned off for the last few hours while they were inside the hospital and when he turned it on there was a new voicemail. He listened to it as they walked across the parking lot towards their car. It was bad news, a body had been found in the woods about five miles from where Chris’s car was found. There were no other details yet as police were still trying to identify it. Scott’s heart sank and he stopped walking, he was devastated. The guilt he felt for not being able to go and help search for his friend had now been magnified.

  “What’s happened Scott?” Tiffany asked sounding very concerned.

  Scott shook his head, and started walking again. They were only a few steps from the car.

  “It’s nae looking guid Tiff, the police have found a body,” he said solemnly.

  “Are they sure it’s him?”

  “Nae yet but it was pretty close tae where his car was.”

  “How long will it take to find out?”

  “It should nae take too long, I expect I’ll get another call later tonight or tomorrow.”

  “I’m sorry Scott, but we should stay positive until we know for sure,” she said as she hugged him before unlocking the car.

  It was a long quiet drive home, followed by a long depressing evening. Scott was reluctant to call Angela, he knew she must have been going through a very difficult time so didn’t want to bother her. He was confident he’d get a call when there was definite news. No call came that night, but early the following morning Scott got the phone call he’d been dreading. The body found was indeed that of his long-time friend. An autopsy was being conducted but early indications were that ‘foul play’ was not involved. An empty bottle of Whisky had been found next to the body, which had been found in a very remote area. Scott had known the previous day that this news was coming, he was a realist. He was used to tragedies in his life and had become somewhat immune to this kind of thing. It was tough though, the worst part being the constant thoughts about not being able to be there to help. Tiffany comforted him throughout the day, although at some stages it seemed as if she was more upset than he was. She hadn’t experienced much loss in her life and although she’d only met Chris briefly a few months before, she was taking it hard. She did manage to call and let her parents know what had happened. They were both shocked and offered their condolences. It was a very long depressing weekend.

  Scott received another call from Scotland on Monday morning when he was in the car with Tiffany on the way to get his next treatment. The autopsy had been completed, Chris had died from Hypothermia. There was alcohol in his system but it was the cold that had killed him. His body was partially buried by the snow and it seemed like it had been there for a number of days before it was found. There was no way to know for sure though. The most important thing was that there were no signs of any struggle and he had no other injuries. It just looked like he had decided to wander off into the woods with no intention of ever returning. There wasn’t a note or anything like that. Basically it was a complete mystery and probably one that nobody would ever be able to solve. An ‘open verdict’ had been recorded on his death. The funeral had been arranged for Friday, the same day as Scott’s final treatment. As much as he wanted to go, he knew deep down that he wouldn’t be able to make it. However he vowed that when his treatments were finished and he was able to make the trip, he was going to fly to Scotland to pay his respects to his friend.

  The week did have some good news on Friday. Scott got the all-clear from Dr. Bjorkman. He was officially cancer free, but as the doctor had told him previously Scott still had to book appointments for regular scans to make sure that it didn’t return. It was a cause for celebration, albeit a muted one due to the circumstances. Over the next couple of weeks Scott was determined to keep busy. He threw himself back into his work and gradually started to feel stronger. He was grateful for Tiffany’s support throughout his ordeal and made sure that she knew it.

  Scott was also very motivated to do something for cancer research. He made a lot of enquiries about ways to raise money for the cause. He wanted to do something that would draw people’s attention to obtaining regular check-ups. He knew through personal experience that early detection could make a huge difference when fighting this horrible disease. So, he wanted to get the word out and make as many people as possible aware of it. He didn’t have any social media accounts due to confidentiality concerning his past, but Tiffany did. She helped him spread the word and get the message out. Scott felt good that he was doing something that may help other people. Even if just one person saw what Tiffany was posting online and went to a doctor to get checked out, then it was worth it.

  It was now early February, Scott was feeling good. He wasn’t anywhere near 100% yet but he was feeling much better. He was working hard, both on the computer and had also made a couple of trips out to Vegas with Jim. Scott was enjoying life again, although what happened to Chris was something that was stuck in his mind. It was a Friday evening, Scott and Tiffany were on their way home from a steak restaurant. They’d started going out and having fun again over the previous few weeks. Scott was driving his car, so she could have a glass of wine with her meal. He never drank any alcohol at all if he was driving, he just had water.

  “I really need tae get over tae Scotland soon Tiff.”

  “I know, do you think you’re okay to make the flight yet?”

  “Aye, I think so.”

  “I just don’t want you to overdo it, but if you think you can do it then fine. I know how important it is to you.”

  “I really do feel okay. I have my first follow-up scan on Monday so if that goes well, I’ll do it. What do yer think aboot coming tae Scotland with me fer Valentine’s Day? We could maybe spend a week there!”

  “That sounds great, I wasn’t sure if you’d want me to come.”

  “Of course I want yer tae come, yer part of my life now. I want tae do everything with yer. It’s going tae be a sad trip, but we can celebrate too.”

  “I’d love to come with you. Valentine’s Day and your birthday you mean!” she said smiling at him.

  “Aye I suppose so, although I’m nae really a big birthday celebrator anymore.”

  A few days later the trip to Scotland was booked. They’d arrive in Glasgow on February 13th and return home a week later. Scott didn’t like taking more time off work but it was something he had to do. Jim was very understanding. He’d known Chris and appreciated what Scott’s friend had done to help save Kyle. Everyone knew it was something that had to be done. Scott’s first follow-up scan had gone well too. There was no sign of the cancer returning. Another scan appointment was booked for mid-March, but everything was looking good.

  As the Scotland trip drew closer, Scott continued to improve. He even started some light workouts and went jogging with Tiffany on the beach a couple of times. Things were looking good. He wanted to move on with his life and get back to normal. It was important to say ‘goodbye’ properly to Chris first though, by visiting his grave. After that, Scott could focus on work and his life with Tiffany. Although the impending trip was going to be difficult, he was looking forward to it.

  Chapter 7

  It was the night before the trip to Scotland. Tiffany was in the bedroom packing her suitcase for the excursion. Scott came in and sat down on the bed.

  “So is there anywhere in Scotland that yer want tae see while we’re there?”

  “I’d love to see Edinburgh, and maybe see some of the highlands if there’s time. I know this trip is mainly about you getting closure though, so I really don’t mind if we don’t get around to it. We can always go back and visit another time.”

  “We should be able tae get across tae Edinburgh, and hopefully spend some time up in the highlands too. The day we get there we’ll be a wee bit jet lagged but we should be fine fer Valentine’s Day. I’ve arranged tae meet Chris’s Mom on the 15th, she’s going tae show me where they found his body. Plus she’ll take me tae the cemete
ry where he’s buried. After that we should have a few days tae explore.”

  “Is there anything else you need to do when you’re there?” Tiffany asked.

  “I’d like tae try and find oot some information aboot why he did what he did. I’m nae sure how I’m going tae find anything oot but I have tae try, the nae knowing what happened part of this is kind of gnawing away at me.”

  “I understand Scott, although I agree with you. I’m not sure how you’re going to find anything out. I have a feeling that Chris is the only person who’d be able to answer the kind of questions that you want answered.”

  “Aye yer reet Tiff, it may be just one of those things that I’m going tae have tae learn tae live with,” Scott added reluctantly.

  The following day they began their journey to Europe. The mid-afternoon flight to London from Los Angeles took about 12 hours and with the time difference, they arrived at Heathrow airport just before noon on February 13th. They had just over an hour’s wait in London before the short flight up to Glasgow. Later that afternoon, they collected the rental car and made their way to the five-star city-center hotel. Tiffany was excited to see Scott’s homeland. She’d been to England before with her parents when she was younger but this was her first time in Scotland. Neither of them had been able to sleep on the plane so they were both exhausted when they arrived at their hotel suite. Scott was very tired. He wasn’t back to full strength yet and had lost some weight during his cancer scare. He probably lost close to 20lbs during his illness but due to regaining his appetite over the previous few weeks, had put about 10lbs back on. As much as they both wanted to just sleep they knew it was best to try and stay awake for a few hours, to try and get accustomed to the time-zone. So, they both took a shower and had a meal at the hotel before eventually crashing at around 9:00 p.m. that evening.