She considered what had happened between them up to now and decided that it didn’t feel like that. Plus he’d seemed genuinely keen that she should stay on, despite the circumstances.

And, she reminded herself, you came here for other reasons beside sex.

Greg

Greg rang off, unsure now whether he’d done the right thing in warning Caroline that the police had found a body, and that it might be Ailsa’s.

You owe Caroline, he reminded himself, especially with anything to do with Ailsa Cummings.

Besides, in a community the size of Blackrig, the discovery of a body would become common knowledge soon enough. He couldn’t imagine for a moment that Josh and his gang would have kept it a secret for long.

As for Colin, it had been difficult enough getting him to wait until Harry appeared on the scene.

No, Caroline had to be told first, and by him, if only to keep her on side about that night.

Glancing at the balcony, he noted that most of the women appeared still to be there and continuing to consume champagne. He wondered, and not for the first time, why the folk that came to the place seemed to be here just to party, rather than enjoy their surroundings.

He was also dubious about taking anyone from Stratton’s group out on the hills if they were inebriated, although he couldn’t see himself able to deny the CEO of the company he effectively worked for. Stratton had made it evident often enough that what he wanted he got.

He thought once again that it would have been wiser to leave the estate when it’d changed hands, but he loved this place, despite what had happened in the last few years.

You might live to regret not leaving, he thought. Especially now.

A swift glance at the forensic tent and associated police vehicles reminded him that all hell was about to break loose in Blackrig. Just like five years ago, a major investigation team would appear, but this time they had a body, and you didn’t need to watch TV crime dramas to know that changed everything.

Especially for him.

His anxiety mounting, he noted that the women on the balcony were all scrutinizing him. The one called Viola blew him a kiss. Pretending not to notice, he focused instead on Aidan, who’d now emerged from the house and was striding towards him.

‘Ah, Taylor. Just myself and Brian heading out. We’ll be ready for you in half an hour.’

‘Colin will be taking you out today,’ Greg said evenly.

Stratton threw him an annoyed look. ‘Surely you will be the one to take us?’

It didn’t sound like a question, more of a command, which made Greg enjoy giving his recently thought-up answer even more.