Page 22 of Snowy Surprises in the Highlands (Scottish Highland #5)

Bella made her way downstairs at seven in the morning while Harris was still asleep.

She put the kettle on and opened the back door to let Beau and Bertie out.

A blast of cold air entered the room as the dogs exited, and she wrapped her cardigan tighter around herself.

Once the water had boiled, she stood at the window with a mug of steaming coffee, watching as Bertie and Beau chased each other around the garden at speed, unaware that Bella felt like her life was falling apart.

The dogs didn’t care about the drop in temperature, their thick furry coats kept it at bay as they frolicked around, barking, their ears and tails flapping wildly and tongues lolling out.

The sky overhead was overcast and grey, in fact, it hadn’t really got light since the evening before.

And although it was autumn anyway, Bella couldn’t help feeling the sun was missing Isla too and instead of putting his hat on , as the old song said, he had pulled the duvet over his head and decided to stay put.

Eventually Harris joined her, his hair damp from showering, and slipped his arms around her waist, resting his chin on her shoulder as he held her tightly. ‘They adore each other, those two mad dugs,’ he said with a chuckle.

‘They do. It’s a good thing when you consider…’ Bella closed her eyes firmly, willing the threatening tears away.

‘Hey,’ Harris said as he turned her around in his arms and removed the mug from her hand to place it on the countertop. He pulled her close. ‘We’re not thinking like that. Beau will be going home to your granny soon enough. I just know it.’

Bella clenched her jaw and opened her eyes. Speaking through gritted teeth, she said, ‘You can’t know that though, Harris. None of us can. How can you be so certain that things will be fine? How can you stand there acting so calmly?’

For a moment, he almost let his mask slip and Bella watched the infinitesimal shake of his head as he fought himself and whatever emotions he was pushing down.

‘Because we’re getting married on Christmas Eve and I can’t imagine that happening without them both being there, Bella.

’ His voice broke and he immediately cleared his throat.

‘They will be home. I have to cling to that with every ounce of my being because the alternative isn’t— I just can’t go there.

’ He forced a smile. ‘Now why don’t you go and shower, eh?

Kendric and the TV folks will be here soon. ’

She nodded and tiptoed up to kiss him tenderly, cupping his face in her palms. ‘I love you so very much.’ She turned and headed for the stairs.

After showering and drinking copious amounts of coffee, they were all sitting in the lounge waiting.

Bella had talked to her parents about them being a part of the interview, but they insisted she and Harris were the best people for that particular job.

They decided to head up to see Dorothy at Pabay View to see if there had been any further developments, and perhaps to have a look around the area themselves.

Not that they felt things had been missed, they insisted, but they needed to feel useful.

* * *

Just after Bella’s mum and dad had left, there was a knock at the door.

Harris answered it and Bella heard introductions being made.

Kendric MacKinnon walked through into the living room and immediately filled the space with his imposing manner and larger-than-life personality.

Although it wasn’t ego fuelled as Bella had anticipated from seeing the man on TV.

He wore a smart, tailored navy-blue suit and a starched white shirt with a lilac tie, the colour of Isla’s hair in the photos they had sent him.

Bella wondered if that had been deliberate. If so, it was a sweet gesture.

He walked over and held out his hand. ‘Bella, how are you doing?’ His eyes were filled with genuine concern.

She stood and took his hand. ‘I’m… okay, I think.’ She nodded as if trying to convince everyone, including herself.

‘I’m so sorry you’re going through this, but I can assure you we’ll do all we can to help.

This here is Corrinne who will be operating the camera.

’ The tall, slim, short-haired brunette woman raised a hand and smiled.

‘And this is Dom, my producer.’ Unlike Kendric, the other two people were casually dressed and didn’t speak.

‘We won’t take up too much of your time but be as honest with your emotions as you can.

It’s important that people see how this is affecting you.

That way it’s more likely to make an impact and keep people vigilant. ’

Bella nodded and Harris slipped his arm around her shoulders. ‘Where would you like to film?’

Kendric looked around the living room. ‘This space is perfect. Good light, nice and homely, no distracting clutter. Why don’t the two of you sit on that sofa and I’ll sit in this armchair.’

Everyone took their places, and the producer held up a monitor to Bella’s face then looked at the small LED screen. ‘Looks good,’ he said. The camera operator nodded and gave a thumbs up.

Kendric turned his attention to Bella and Harris. ‘Now, I’ll ask you some questions and you just answer as best you can, okay?’

Bella suddenly realised she hadn’t been the best host, and as if snapping out of a daze, shook her head and stood. ‘Oh, my word, I haven’t even offered you a drink, or… or food. Can I get you anything at all?’

Kendric smiled warmly. ‘We’re all fine, thank you.

Don’t worry about anything else. Just sit and try to relax.

’ Bella did as instructed, and clung to Harris’s hand.

‘The photo that you emailed this morning, showing Maeve and Isla, will be shown on the screen as we talk, along with the phone number of the police station for people to call with information. That number will divert to you, Harris, as you requested.’ Harris nodded and squeezed Bella’s hand.

The producer silently counted down with his fingers and the camera was aimed at them.

When the producer pointed at Kendric and nodded, he smiled into the lens.

‘Good afternoon, everyone. I’m here in beautiful Glentorrin on the Isle of Skye today covering a very concerning case of a trio of missing octogenarians whose families are, as you can imagine, extremely concerned and want them home as soon as possible.

Bella Douglas’s grandmother, Isla, and Harris Donaldson’s mother, Maeve, have been incommunicado for approximately two days now and we need your help to bring them home safely.

A third person, a gentleman from the same residential complex, is also missing but it’s not known if these cases are connected.

We’re about to show you a photo of the two females, which was taken only last week so shows a very good resemblance of the two friends. ’

He turned to Bella and Harris. ‘Could you tell us a little bit about Isla and Maeve?’

Bella nodded, her heart was pounding and thumping at quite an alarming pace.

‘Isla is a gregarious lady with purple hair and a wicked sense of humour. Family is her first concern, always, and she’s very dear to me,’ Bella said as her chin trembled.

‘It’s not like her to not stay in touch, it’s so out of character.

I just want her home. Or even to know that she’s safe. ’

Kendric turned to Harris. ‘And your mother, Harris?’

Harris was always calm in a crisis. He smiled.

‘Mum is such a kind-hearted person. She’d do anything for anyone and will always help if she can.

She has a heart of gold and she and Isla are the best of friends.

As my fiancée said, this is very much out of character for the two of them and our concern is growing with every minute. ’

Kendric nodded, his expression serious and his demeanour oozed professionalism. ‘Are there any places they’re known to frequent, where people can keep a look out?’

Bella was struggling to get her words out now, so Harris took the lead.

‘Both Isla and Maeve enjoy visiting Portree. That’s where they were understood to be going.

They usually go for tea and cake and have various cafés they like to frequent.

Maeve isn’t quite as distinctive to look at as Isla with her purple hair,’ he said with a smile, ‘although she loves bright colours and often wears them. But Isla hasn’t quite managed to convince her to have her hair dyed yet. ’

Kendric smiled. ‘They sound like real characters. Is there a message you’d like to put out there in case either of the ladies or the gentleman are watching?’

Bella nodded, ‘Yes… yes, please.’

Kendric addressed the audience who would be watching at home. ‘We’re putting the telephone number of Glentorrin Police Station on the screen right now, everyone.’ He turned back to Bella. ‘Bella, go ahead and speak right into the lens there, take your time.’

Bella cleared her throat, wiped her eyes and straightened her spine before lifting her chin to look at the camera.

‘Granny and Maeve, if you’re seeing this, please could one of you get in touch?

You can call the police station number and you’ll be diverted to Harris’s phone.

We’re so worried about you and we miss you both very much.

’ Her voice broke and her throat ached. She forced a smile.

‘We just want you home again to make us laugh because life’s no fun without you.

And… and Beau misses you too. We have him here with us so he’s safe.

Please just get in touch as soon as you can.

We can come and get you, wherever you are, and we’re not upset with you or anything like that. Just worried.’

The camera was turned once again to focus on Kendric.

‘There you go, viewers, Maeve Donaldson and Isla Douglas, both in their late eighties, missing for two days. Their family and friends are incredibly worried, as you can imagine. Please take a good look at the photo on the screen and keep a look out. Call the number shown with any information, no matter how small or insignificant you think it may be, it could just be that vital, missing piece of the puzzle. Back to the studio.’

‘And clear,’ the producer announced. ‘That went well. Thank you both for your time and I wish you well,’ the man said. Then he and the camera operator began to gather their equipment together.

Once they were done, the camera operator walked over to where they sat.

‘I hope they’re found safe and well, they sound like real characters.

’ She smiled and then turned to Kendric.

‘We’ll see you over at the Coxswain. We can have a bite to eat and then get back,’ she said before she, and the producer, left the house.

Kendric stood and held out his hand and Bella and Harris shook it in turn.

‘Thank you both. The piece will go on air during the lunchtime programme and hopefully you’ll get some leads.

’ He rubbed his chin. ‘Just a warning though, you may also get some idiots who think it’s funny to call and give either false sightings or just to say stupid and pointless things.

It’s par for the course, I’m afraid. But I’ll be in touch once it’s aired.

I’ll be thinking of you both and praying for a positive outcome. ’

‘Thanks, Kendric. We really appreciate you doing this,’ Harris said.

‘It’s no bother at all. Best of luck to you both. I’m hoping the lovely ladies are home very soon,’ he said as he turned and walked to the door with Harris following behind. ‘Bye just now.’

Harris and Bella stood at the front door and watched as Kendric walked away in the direction of the village centre.

Once the door was closed, Harris pulled Bella into his arms. ‘This is all so surreal. I know you said we’re not upset with them for their disappearing act, but I might have a few choice words to say when they are home after what they’re putting us through.’

Bella clung to him and inhaled his familiar scent. He was her safe space and just being in his arms somehow made things feel a tiny bit better. ‘No, it’s okay, honestly. I just want them home safe.’

‘Me too, sweetheart, me too. Come on, I’ll put the kettle on.’