The Dark Fear (5 page)

              ‘One of my staff can drive you both to the station. Or, you are perfectly welcome to stay in one of the guest rooms?’ The Earl swept his arm along the corridor. ‘We have rather a lot spare.’

              ‘There you go, then,’ Dani whispered encouragingly, as David March unlocked the heavy door and disappeared up the twisting staircase.

              The evening was very mild. They stepped out onto a narrow ledge that ran around in a circle, at the base of a small turret. A set of battlements stood between them and the steep drop down onto the courtyard below.

              Dani gasped. The moon was almost full, its surface glowing with a golden hue against the blueish night sky. A gentle breeze cooled her face. She put her hands out to touch the stone crenellations, breathing in the clean air. Dani turned towards her companion, ready to comment on the fantastic view of the gardens, illuminated by the moonlight.

              James’ face had drained of all colour.              

              Dani put out her hand to steady him. ‘Are you okay?’

              ‘I just, feel a little dizzy.’ He immediately stumbled backwards against the turret, beads of cold sweat breaking out on his brow.

              ‘James!’ Dani cried, throwing both arms around him, to cushion his fall.

              The man didn’t answer. He had already crumpled into a heap on the ledge. James could hear distant voices shouting into his ear, but then there was nothing.

Chapter 7

T
he curtains were incredibly heavy. Dani wondered how the pelmet could possibly support their weight as she pulled them back, allowing the morning light to stream in.

              The Earl and Lady March hadn’t put them into one of the small rooms on the top corridor, but had given them one of the grander suites that led away from the landing on the first floor. Dani suspected they weren’t that far from the March family’s own quarters.

              She padded into the en-suite bathroom and poured a glass of water from the tap, carrying it back to James’ side of the bed, placing it on the table.

              As soon as they had manoeuvred James’ semi-conscious form down the stone steps of the tower and onto one of the sofas in the main house, the on-call doctor had arrived from Port Seton. James had come to by then and was complaining of nausea and a headache. The doctor gave him some painkillers and told him to get a blood test from his own GP within the following week.

              Dani watched his pale, impassive face with concern. She felt sick at the thought of there being something seriously wrong with him.

              James flicked open his eyes. ‘Is it morning?’

              ‘Yes, about nine o’clock. There’s no rush to move. It’s a Saturday and the Marchs said we can stay all day, if necessary.’

              He frowned. ‘How embarrassing.’

              Dani bent down and kissed his forehead. ‘Don’t be silly. You were really unwell last night. We all want to know that you’re fit enough to travel before you exert yourself.’

              James rubbed vigorously at his eyes. ‘I fainted, that’s all.’

              ‘Yes, but the doctor said it can be a symptom of something else being wrong. You’ll need to have all sorts of tests now.’ Dani could feel tears pooling in her eyes.

              James reached out to take her hand. ‘It’s nothing to worry about. I’ve had these fainting spells before.’ He shifted up, leaning against the pillow. ‘I’ve got a phobia, Dani. I’m afraid of heights.’

              Dani took a sharp intake of breath. ‘Why didn’t you say something before we went up the steps?’

              ‘Well, it was a bit awkward. You seemed really keen to go up the tower. I thought maybe it would be okay this time. I’ve not had an episode in years.’

              ‘Shit. I was totally insensitive. Sorry.’

              James smirked. ‘Just another one of my adorable foibles. Your dreams of climbing the Eiffel Tower with me one day have been cruelly dashed.’

              Dani managed a smile. ‘Have you ever been for counselling about it – is there a reason for the phobia? It seems unusually severe.’

              James adopted a resigned expression. ‘When I was at school and was about thirteen years old, I saw one of my classmates fall to his death from a castle tower. A good number of the other boys witnessed it too. We had some counselling afterwards, but it’s left this legacy. I hardly ever think about it, but as soon as I get more than a hundred feet above ground level, my vision starts to tunnel. Then I know that I’ll lose consciousness within a few seconds.’

              ‘Bloody hell. Why haven’t you ever told me this before?’

              ‘Like I said, it isn’t something I think about very often. The last time I fainted like that was when I took some clients to the theatre in London, this was seven years back. They’d put us right up in the gods. As soon as I glanced down at the stage, a tiny pin-prick in the distance, I keeled over and my companions had to call an ambulance.’

              ‘Is there a cure?’

              James shook his head. ‘It’s psychological. I’ve learnt to live with it and the phobia doesn’t affect my quality of life. If you hate heights, it’s fairly easy to avoid them.’

              ‘But you’re happy climbing mountains?’

              ‘It’s different. I’m not entirely sure why, but it is tall buildings that set me off. Natural landscapes don’t bother me, although you’d never find me rock-climbing or that sort of malarkey. The thought of being in a cable car makes my blood run cold.’

              Dani said nothing more, she simply crawled onto the bed next to James, slipping her arm around his waist and resting her head on his chest.

*

The dining room was set for breakfast. Dani helped herself from the pot of coffee, spooning scrambled eggs onto a plate and selecting a slice of brown toast. Dani felt like she was in a hotel and wondered if the Marchs took their meals as formally as this every day.

              Adele March entered the room. She wore a white blouse and tailored trousers. The lady of the house poured a cup of black coffee and sat next to Dani.

              ‘How is Mr Irving?’ She asked.

              ‘Much better, thank you. He’s taking a shower right now but didn’t fancy any breakfast.’

              ‘I’ll ask Morrison to give you a lift to Longniddry station. Just ring down to the estate office when you’re both ready. Your partner may wish to have a walk around the grounds first, fresh air is a wonderful healer.’

              Dani cleared her throat. ‘I’m really sorry about last night. James has a fear of heights, particularly of tall towers. He hadn’t told me before, otherwise I would never have persuaded him to go up…’

              Adele smiled kindly. ‘David and I assumed as much. Mr Irving hadn’t appeared to have drunk too much and it seemed the only explanation.’ She placed the china cup back into its saucer. ‘Our daughter has a similar thing about flying. She hasn’t been in a plane in decades. There’s absolutely nothing anyone can do about it. But there are worse crosses to bear in life.’

              ‘Yes, there are. Do you have any other children?’

              ‘A son, he’s in the Royal Airforce. An irony, I know. What about you?’

              Dani shook her head. ‘No children yet. My career takes up most of my time. I’m not even convinced that a husband is such a good idea.’ Bevan wasn’t sure why she had confided this piece of information.

              ‘I don’t know much about being a policeman, but I imagine that in many ways it is similar to a life in the army. For what it’s worth, I think that men never experience the doubts you have. My son has a wife and two daughters. He is often away from home, but it wouldn’t have crossed his mind not to have a family. Sometimes, us women expect too much of ourselves.’

              Dani nodded thoughtfully. ‘I think you’re probably right.’

Chapter 8

D
I Dennis Robbins caught Dani in the corridor, before she entered the conference suite. He had two take-out paper cups in his hands.

              ‘I took the liberty of buying you a coffee from the stall on Knox Street. I’m convinced that the stuff they serve here in the cafeteria is muddy water.’

              Bevan smiled and accepted it. ‘Great, thanks.’

              Robbins creased his face into a frown. ‘I thought we could have a chat, before the others arrive.’

              Dani sensed there must be an ulterior motive to his generosity. She led him into one of the side rooms, which was a smaller meeting space and possessed a modest, circular desk in the centre. ‘What’s the problem?’

              ‘I’ve been reading through the testimony that Claire Collier gave us last week.’ He sighed and lifted the cup to his dry lips. ‘I want to be able to investigate her theory properly, not just sit behind a desk pushing paper around.’

              ‘That’s our job, Dennis. We collate the evidence already gathered, interview the witnesses and then make our judgement.’

              ‘Yes, I know that, but I still believe there’s a question mark over Stuart’s involvement in this. I’d like your permission to do some more digging around, Ma’am.’

              Dani relaxed into her chair, finishing off the last of her drink. ‘I can’t allow you to do that. Our panel needs to remain impartial. But I’ll tell you what I
can
do - one of my colleagues in Glasgow is on leave from active service. He was involved in a nasty incident a few months back and can’t serve on live cases just yet. I think I could persuade him to do some investigating for us. He’s a very good detective.’

              ‘Andy Calder?’ Robbins asked.

              Dani looked surprised. ‘Yes, that’s right.’ She raised her eyebrows.

              ‘His kidnapping by that bloody maniac and his mother was all over the news, Ma’am. I’d be honoured to have him on board.’

              ‘Good. I’ll give him a call right now.’

*

It wasn’t an ideal assignment for DC Andy Calder, but it beat sitting behind a desk at the Pitt Street headquarters, watching his colleagues rushing in and out. Worst of all, was the spectacle of Alice Mann and Dan Clifton, both many years his junior, swotting up for their sergeants’ exams. Calder knew he’d blown every chance of promotion when he continued to investigate his uncle’s disappearance without permission from the DCS, but it still hurt.               Calder drove through the high street of North Berwick, an attractive town on the East Lothian coastline. He pulled up on a quiet street, where a line of Victorian villas looked out onto a golf course and then the sea. Andy approached the main building of Craigleith Golf Club, where he was shown into a modern waiting area.

              Golf wasn’t really Andy’s thing. He was more into the footie, like his Da’ had been. A couple of middle aged men walked past him, their jumpers sporting a myriad of interconnecting diamond shapes. Their shoes were spiked and with what appeared to be tiny, patterned leather wings sprouting from the heel. He wondered if they knew how daft they looked.               He quickly shook away his prejudices, as the door to a side office opened and Andy was beckoned inside.

              Alex Galloway remained seated behind a broad desk. He was smaller than Calder was expecting. Galloway’s face was tanned, as if he’d recently been abroad and he was sporting a sweater just as ludicrous as his clients wore.

              ‘Pleased to meet you, Mr Calder. My secretary tells me that you’re interested in joining the club?’

              ‘Aye. Is that the course I saw outside, as I came in?’

              He nodded. ‘It’s in quite a stunning position, don’t you think? There’s a splendid view of Craigleith Island out to the north, hence the name of our establishment. I promise you won’t play a better 18 holes anywhere else along this coastline.’

              ‘Not even at St Andrew’s?’ Calder couldn’t help but suggest.

              Luckily, Galloway grinned. ‘It’s different, I grant you. But
not
better.’ The man produced several files, which contained details of fees and the various services available.

              Andy made a good show of examining them carefully. ‘You do have a bar, I hope?’

              Galloway chuckled. ‘Of course, Mr Calder. You can visit the Bass Rock lounge after our meeting here and please, enjoy a drink on the house.’

              ‘Thank you very much. I’ll do that.’

              ‘What’s your handicap, by the way? It’s always useful for our head coach to get an idea of a new member’s level. So he can best service your needs.’

              Calder eyed the man closely. He got the distinct impression that this question was a test. Was the guy suspicious? ‘Single figures, but only just,’ Andy replied. ‘You can tell your coach that I’d very much like to bring that number down.’

              Galloway nodded. ‘I’ll pass the message on, Sir. Now, take these leaflets and absorb the information at your leisure. Get in touch with me when you’ve come to a decision. And don’t hesitate to make that drink a double.’

              ‘If there’s whisky behind that bar, then I certainly won’t hesitate, Mr Galloway.’

Chapter 9

I
t was a little after six when Galloway emerged from the front door of the dark stone building. Andy shifted himself up and turned on the engine, allowing it to purr gently while the man he was observing climbed into a black BMW and pulled out of the club car park.

              Calder kept a safe distance as they completed the ten minute drive to Gullane. Galloway chose the scenic route along the West Links Road, taking in the sweeping golf course that dominated this attractive town before turning left onto a quieter lane, which Calder knew led to the impressive home he shared with his family.