A Bridge Through Time: Book 1 of The Thistle & Hive Series (30 page)

Edna stood up. “I’ll leave you two to say your goodbyes to one another and then I’ll ask Teddy to guide you to the bridge. Hopefully your clan did as I asked, and left someone to wait for you.”

*****

Ashley and Cailin returned to Ashley’s room and Ashley grabbed Cailin’s hand, placing her moonstone in his palm.

“I’ll hold this close to my heart, ‘til yer with me again,” Cailin promised huskily.

Tears began to tumble down Ashley’s cheeks and Cailin brushed them away with his thumbs. He pulled her into his arms as she lifted her face to meet his. Their lips met in a kiss filled with sadness and promise, passion and longing. Every emotion they were feeling poured between them in those few moments and when they parted, they still held each other, neither wanting to be the first to let go.

“Ashley, Cailin, it’s time,” Edna called from the hallway.

“I love ye, Ashley Moore,” Cailin breathed against her hair.

“And I love you, Cailin MacBayne.”

THIRTY-EIGHT

Ashley and Edna watched as Cailin and Teddy disappeared down the road, on their way to retrieve Cadeyrn from Mrs. MacDougall’s barn. Ashley was in tears and Edna wrapped her in her motherly embrace, trying to comfort her as best she could. “I can’t lose him, Edna, I just can’t!”

“It will all be alright, dear. Don’t worry. You were meant to be together and you will be.”

Ashley couldn’t help but worry, despite Edna’s reassurance. What if the fog didn’t reappear when it was supposed to? What if they were not destined to be together?

Edna seemed to know exactly what she was thinking. “Have faith, Ashley.”

*****

That evening, at The Thistle and Hive, the door flew open at about eight o’clock and in walked Senior Constable Douglas. “Ah, Mrs. Campbell, Miss Moore. I’m looking for Cailin MacBayne.”

“He’s not here,” Ashley replied casually, lifting her eyes from the book she’d been staring at for the past half hour, waiting for this moment.

“Where is he?” Douglas demanded.

Ashley shrugged. “I don’t know.”

Douglas stared at her coldly. “When will he return?”

“He won’t, I’m afraid,” Edna said. She leaned forward, using the poker to put a piece of wood further into the fireplace.

Douglas sighed heavily. “Miss Moore, whilst I understand it is common for the victims of abuse to protect their abuser, I have to inform you that all of the leads you’ve given us have gone absolutely nowhere. It’s as if the two men you described to us don’t even exist. Based on what little information you’ve provided, we have no choice. We must arrest Mr. MacBayne. He is our only suspect.”

“But he hasn’t done anything!” Ashley protested.

“If that’s truly the case, then he’ll be released, but until we’ve questioned him thoroughly, he’ll need to stay with us.”

“He’s gone and he won’t be back,” Edna said, placing the poker in its place by the fire.

“If you don’t mind I’ll have a look around.”

“Of course. Look all you like, but you’ll not find him here,” Edna said calmly.

Douglas ordered the two constables he’d brought with him to make a thorough search of The Thistle and Hive, along with the surrounding area. When their search was complete, Douglas returned to Edna and Ashley.

“Mrs. Campbell, I hope you realize that if you are in any way aiding Mr. MacBayne, you will be held accountable. We are merely concerned regarding the possibility that he may attack Miss Moore again, and next time he could do much worse.”

“Senior Constable, I understand your concern, but we don’t know where he is, and I’m quite sure that he is not the one you’re looking for. I can only reassure you, he would never hurt the girl.”

“Please contact us if he returns, or if you have any other information that would help our investigation.”

Edna smiled pleasantly. “We will, you can be sure of it.”

*****

“Edna, I really wish you’d let me help you. It’s the least I can do, after everything you’ve done for me. Besides, I’m bored to tears just sitting around here and waiting.”

Edna chuckled. “All right. You’ve worn me down and I believe you’ve almost worn a hole in my carpet with your incessant pacing. You can help set up the dining room for tonight’s guests.”

Ashley grinned. “I’d be happy to.”

Ashley had been going crazy these past few weeks. She’d had very little to occupy her time and all she could think about was returning to Cailin, which in turn only served to make her feel depressed and anxious. She was also reliving her terrifying ordeal at the hands of Thomas and Sir Richard. She knew Thomas was dead. She’d seen it with her own two eyes. Sir Richard was another story. He’d gotten away and she didn’t know if he had been found, or if he’d be back to harm her again. Keeping busy would be a good thing. Her cast would be off in a week or so, and then she could go to the bridge, wait for the fog to appear and be reunited with Cailin. She knew he would never allow anyone to hurt her again and that comforted her.

Later that day, Angus was quietly reading in a chair in the lobby, while Ashley fidgeted nervously behind the registration desk. She’d made quick work of setting up the dining room, and Edna had put her behind the desk to greet anyone coming in to the hotel.

Angus looked at her over the top of his newspaper. “Ashley, lass, dinnae fash. Ye’ll be together soon enough and ye’ll have a lifetime to spend with yer love.”

“I’m just afraid the fog won’t come, or that perhaps Cailin has changed his mind. I don’t think I could handle it if he did.”

“Cailin willnae change his mind. It’s plain enough to anyone who has eyes, the lad loves ye dearly.”

Ashley stopped her nervous tapping of a pencil against the register. “Do you really think so, Angus?”

“Aye, I do. Yer worrying yerself needlessly.”

Ashley placed the pencil down on the desk and took a deep breath, willing herself to calm. If Angus thought it would be okay, she was certain he would be right. During her wait at The Thistle and Hive, she and Angus had developed a father-daughter relationship and Ashley often sought comfort and reassurance from the older man. He was a very quiet man who only ever spoke when he had something important to say and that usually meant you should listen because he was generally right.

THIRTY-NINE

The door to the inn was swept open a few minutes later and a very tall man with long, dark hair and dark eyes strode in. He seemed a little out of place in the inn and Ashley’s heart sank to her toes when she recognized him. Sir Richard Jeffords stood before her, wearing modern day clothing and shoes. He looked around the room before his cold eyes focused on her at the desk.

“Well, well, if it isn’t Lady Ashley! I’ve been hoping to find a familiar face in this bizarre little village. How fortunate I am, to stumble upon you, of all people in this place.”

Angus put his newspaper down and stood up catching Ashley’s eye. He nodded faintly, letting her know that he understood.

“Can I help you, sir?” Angus asked, keeping his voice low and calm.

“Yes, I’m searching for a bed and since this is the only inn in the village, I’m hoping you have space for me. I’m a friend of this lovely young lass. Ashley do please tell him about me, won’t you?”

Ashley found she was frozen in place. She couldn’t speak, her terror at seeing Sir Richard again was so great.

“There’s no need for Ashley to vouch for you. I’ll be happy to help ye.” Angus walked behind the desk and stood beside Ashley. “Ashley, would you please go and find Edna for me? Tell her we have a guest who is in need of a room.”

Ashley nodded weakly and practically ran from the room in search of Edna. She found her in the dining room, going over the menu with the chef.

“Ashley, what’s wrong! You look as though you’ve had quite a shock.”

Ashley held a hand to her rapidly beating heart. “I think I have. Edna, Sir Richard Jefford is in the lobby.” She was shaking uncontrollably.

“The man who kidnapped you and took part in your abuse?” Edna stood up abruptly, her voice incredulous.

“Yes! What are we going to do? Angus sent me to find you.”

“I’m sure Angus can handle him if need be. Don’t worry. I’m going to call Senior Constable Douglas and tell him we’ve located the man who beat you. Hopefully he’ll get here quickly. You must go back out there, Ashley, make it seem like everything is normal. Tell Angus I’ll be right there, and don’t let on that we’re calling the police.”

Ashley tried not to look as frightened as she felt. Taking a deep, calming breath, she walked back into the lobby, making her way behind the registration desk and stood beside Angus’s calming presence.

“Edna said she’ll be right out.”

Sir Richard leaned against the edge of the desk, and Ashley instinctively took a step backwards, only calming when Angus squeezed her arm gently. “Ashley, my dear, I was very much hoping you could tell me how to return home? I’m sure you must have some idea.”

Ashley inhaled deeply, finding her voice, although even she could hear the fear in her words. “I’m afraid I don’t. If I did, I’d be there now.”

Sir Richard tapped his fingernails against the desk. “Perhaps later, you and I might take a little walk down to the bridge, to see for ourselves.”

“I don’t think so,” Ashley responded quietly. She forced herself to scan him from head to toe. “I thought you were hurt.”

“Oh, it was nothing serious. I’m perfectly fine now. They have a very good doctor here in Glendaloch, I’ll bet you’ve met him.”

“Yes, yes I have,” Ashley admitted.

“He was kind enough to let me stay with him until I was recovered from my injury.” He inclined his head towards the plaster cast. “What happened to your arm?”

“I fell from a horse and broke it.”

“I see. What a terrible shame.”

“Here I am, Angus.” Edna called as she hurried into the room. “I’m so sorry to keep you waiting, sir. My name is Edna and I’d be very happy to assist you. You’re in need of a room?” Edna did a wonderful job of greeting Sir Richard acting as her usual bubbly self. Ashley didn’t think he would possibly guess what they were up to.

“Yes. I do. Hopefully not for too long, however. I’m hoping someone here might help me find my way back to where I came from.” He stared pointedly at Ashley.

“I’m sure that can be arranged, sir, but in the meantime, let’s get you settled into a room.” Edna began searching through her reservations book. “I believe Room Three is available, the guests vacated this morning. The maid is just finishing up in there. Can we offer you a drink at the bar Mr…?

“Jefford. Richard Jefford.”

“Please come this way,” Edna announced cheerily, directing Sir Richard towards the dining room. “You can wait in here until your room is available. Perhaps you would you like some wine?”

Sir Richard offered her a simpering smile. “That would be lovely, Edna.”

Ashley watched through the open doorway as Edna poured Sir Richard a glass of wine. She prayed Senior Constable Douglas would arrive swiftly.

Angus kept a vigil at the front desk with Ashley close by his side. Ashley had begun to feel slightly more relaxed when she glanced down and realized what Sir Richard couldn’t have known - Angus kept his Claymore behind the counter and he’d kept a hand on it the whole time they were speaking with Sir Richard. Even though Sir Richard was occupied in the other room with Edna, Angus kept his hand on the hilt in readiness to protect Ashley and Edna from any danger.

Time seemed to creep by and Ashley could hear Edna keeping up a continuous conversation with Sir Richard. They were both laughing and Ashley was amazed at how cool Edna was, under the circumstances. It seemed like hours passed, but watching the clock, Ashley knew only thirty minutes had gone by before Senior Constable Douglas rushed through the door, along with two constables. Ashley was shaking like a leaf as she listened to Angus explaining Sir Richard’s arrival in a low voice to Douglas.

When he’d finished, Douglas strode into the dining room, followed by his men. “Mrs. Campbell. Thank you for the phone call. Is this the man, you were speaking about?”

“Why yes it is, Senior Constable Douglas.”

“I’m sorry, what’s going on here?” Sir Richard stood up, looking surprised.

“Sir, you are under arrest, for the assault of Miss Ashley Moore. You’ll be coming with me.”

“I don’t know what you are talking about! Miss Moore and I are old friends. I’m certain she’ll vouch for me,” Sir Richard said, his voice growing louder.

“Senior Constable Douglas, this is the man you’ve been searching for,” Ashley announced as she walked into the dining room escorted by Angus.

“Ashley, what is this all about? Is this some sort of cruel joke?”

Sir Richard honestly looked baffled and Ashley couldn’t get over what a good actor he was. Either that, or he’d suffered a serious head injury during the battle outside of Breaghacraig and was delusional. “You know what you did to me! Don’t try to deny it.” Her fear was rapidly being replaced with seething anger.

Douglas instructed his men to handcuff Sir Richard and they did so, with some difficulty as Sir Richard realized he had no chance of getting away and began to struggle in earnest.

“Ashley! I’ll be back for you, you can be sure of it! You must help me get back home!” he yelled furiously.

“Goodbye, Richard. I hope I never see you again.” Ashley managed to control herself until the police left the building before she broke down. Angus was by her side in a flash and wrapped her in his strong arms. Edna rubbed her back and cooed soft words of comfort in her ear as she sobbed with relief.

*****

“Are ye okay, Ashley?” Angus asked.

“I’ll be fine. I think I need to go upstairs and lie down for a little while.”

“I think that’s a verra good idea, lass. We’ll call you when it’s time for the evening meal. Ye can rest now, and nae worry about this any longer. I promise ye lass, it’s verra nearly all over now.”

FORTY