Josh’s voice was ice cold as he accused the owners of the estate of murdering his wee sister Jenny. ‘Those rich arseholes broke the law.’ Josh turned his gaze on Greg and Colin. ‘And they’re fucking going to pay for it.’

That brought everyone to their feet. Some shouting their agreement. Others, like Malcolm, trying to calm things down. Greg caught the quick glance a worried Malcolm threw him, indicating that they should slip out the front way before they became a target.

‘Come on,’ he gestured to Colin. ‘We can’t do any good here.’

Using the commotion as cover, they made their way along the back wall and slipped out of the front entrance, closing the door behind them.

‘Jesus,’ Colin said as they headed for their vehicles, the fracas in the hall still audible. ‘What the fuck do we do now?’

‘I’ll inform our bosses,’ Greg said.

‘There’s no way they’ll cancel.’ Colin shook his head. ‘They’re booked on tonight’s sleeper.’

Colin was right, but the estate owners had to be told how difficult the situation might be for the intending visitors, after tonight’s performance.

‘Was Harry there?’ Colin said.

Greg had checked for their local policeman, who lived ten miles away. ‘He wasn’t in the hall. Maybe just as well with Josh busy making threats.’

Driving back to Beanach, Greg suddenly remembered with pleasure that Joanne would be there waiting for him. Then he realized how late it was and, even worse, that he’d promised to cook for her tonight.

He would have to make it up to her in other ways, he decided.

Opening the door quietly, he found her seated at the kitchen table, back to him, working on her laptop, seemingly oblivious to his arrival. He stood for a moment, enjoying both the image and the scent of her.

He moved to stand behind her, slipping his hands down the front of her top. She gave a little moan as he found her nipples. Swiftly closing her laptop, she pushed it to one side and, turning, lay back across the table, welcoming him.

When it was complete, he drew her up and into his arms, and felt her breathing ease against him.

‘That was some homecoming,’ he whispered into her hair.

She laughed. ‘I agree.’

Later, as they ate the venison steaks he’d cooked, he told her about the meeting.

She looked concerned. ‘What do you think will happen now?’

He shook his head. ‘I honestly have no idea.’

He hadn’t mentioned the accusation thrown at him about his London trip, but by her expression she’d known her presence here would have been a factor.

‘It’s probably best if I don’t show my face in the village while I’m here. I don’t want to make things more awkward for you than they already are.’