I lowered the binoculars and frowned up at the sky. Brand-new stars didn’t simply appear out of nowhere, and in fact now I couldn’t see them at all. I shook my head, suddenly feeling a bit dizzy as the stars settled into their usual patterns around me. I must be more tired than I’d thought if I was imagining brand-new constellations. Perhaps it was time to go to bed.

I slipped my binoculars back into their case, then stood up and set off round the base of the tower, towards the front door. I’d forgotten about the memorial cross we’d seen earlier until it suddenly appeared before me, the dark wood shining in a pool of light.

A man stood beside it. 77

I felt a jolt of shock rush through my body and gave a yelp. After the photo I had suggested to Rosie, for a split second, I almost thought I was looking at the ghost of the dead keeper… But then the man turned, reaching out a hand. “’S all right,” he said calmly. “I’m not looking for any trouble. I just thought it best to come at night when there’d be no one else around – or so I thought.”

I realized the light was given off by an electric lantern he’d placed on the ground. By its glow, I could see that he was probably in his late forties, with a grey layer of stubble over his jaw, dressed in jeans and a windbreaker. Clearly no ghostly lighthouse keeper.

“Who are you?” I asked.

“Cailean Porter,” he said. “I’m one of the guga hunters.”

My heart rate slowed a little and I breathed a sigh of relief. “You scared the crap out of me,” I said. “What are you doing here?”

“Just leaving some flowers.”

He gestured towards the cross and I noticed that there was a small bunch of flowers propped up against it. Something about his lilting accent was 78reassuring, and I saw that his green eyes were kind, and he looked like someone who smiled often. I felt myself relax.

“John Porter was the last keeper on Bird Rock,” Cailean explained. “He was also my grandfather. I always come to pay my respects whenever I’m here. Didn’t think anyone would mind if I kept myself to myself.”

“Oh. OK.”

I glanced at the cross. I’d assumed the man it commemorated had died a hundred or so years ago, so it was odd to think that I was standing beside his grandson. “I didn’t realize he was the last keeper here,” I said.

“Aye,” Cailean replied. “One of a pair anyway. The light was automated soon after that, but I guess a mysterious death would put off most prospective applicants.”

“Death?” I asked, startled.

“Sorry. Thought you’d know a bit about the place as you’re staying here,” Cailean said, watching me closely. “Didn’t mean to spook you.”