Chapter 5
The next morning, Hamish arrived in good time and packed their luggage in the truck. As they were all about to get in, Jeannie appeared through the mist, bundled in a large cape, carrying a hamper.
"Dinna think you'd get away without saying goodbye to me, you two"
She fussed around to hide her real fears and concerns, for the ordeal these two were about to face.
"I've packed a flask of soup and some sandwiches…and don't worry Ellie….I've put in some of those sticky pastries you love so much….try to share them with the other two…..or that plane will never take off with the weight!!"
Alex stood back as Jeannie pulled Ellie into her ample bosom for a hug and after a few moments she turned to Alex and said "Look after her, Alex….and yourself too, my wee girl"
On this note, she held Ellie's face in her hands, stared deeply in to her eyes for several seconds and then turned to walk back to the hotel without a backward glance, hiding the hot tears that streamed down her lined face.
The drive to Edinburgh was long and after several abortive attempts to engage the two women in conversation Hamish gave up, and just watched the road as the two women sat close together in the back seat.
Hamish left them with a hug and they checked in. Their flight was called and they boarded the plane. The flight was about 10 hours and they passed the time with their favourite word games and listening to the in flight entertainment. Eventually, Alex was pleased when Ellie's head came to rest on her shoulder and her breathing slowed to the rhythm of sleep. The stewardess, passing by, noticed and brought a blanket to cover her.
Alex mouthed her thanks, settled her girl more comfortably and held one of Ellie's hands in her own. They landed without incident and, claiming their luggage, emerged into the arrivals hall. They peered around until they saw a huge balloon floating above the heads of the crowd and smiled at each other.
"Only Dany and Ann could do this..." Ellie's face betrayed the pleasure she felt at the thoughtfulness of their friends.
The balloon was bright pink and exclaimed the message
"Ellie and Alex's BEST friends!!"
The four women moved together and hugs flew between all of them. Dany and Ann were, as usual, talking at the same time and eventually, Ellie stopped and put her hands over their mouths.
"OK, I give....I give…Can we wait until we get to your apartment and then, when I have had a long bath and something to eat…..we can talk , OK?"
Alex smiled as Ellie reclaimed her status as Boss, and organised the party. As they drove through the city, Ellie remembered that she had quite liked living in San Francisco, she especially remembered liking the ambient temperature of about 60 deg on an April day…but still, she was glad that she now lived in the cold, wet and windy land across the Atlantic ocean and wished with all her heart to be there again.
When they arrived at the apartment Dany and Ann shared, Alex took their luggage to the guest room and went into the ensuite bathroom, to draw Ellie a hot bath. The room filled with fragrant steam as she added lavender oil and, after checking the temperature, she returned to the main living room. True to form, Dany and Ann had Ellie deep in conversation at the dining table, and Alex interrupted with ringing tones.
She spoke in broad Scots dialect.
"Awa tae yer 'blutions, woman....afor it chills".
Ellie grinned but Dany and Ann looked blankly at Alex.
"Was that even English??" and they turned to each other to attempt a translation, while Ellie slipped behind Alex and headed for their room.
Just a few seconds later, Ellie was luxuriating in the relaxing bath and dropping a kiss on her upturned lips, Alex whispered.
"Enjoy wee girl…call me if you need anything?"
Ellie nodded and Alex thought she saw some of the strain drain out of Ellie's face
In the living room, Dany and Ann were still trying to translate what Alex had said, but stopped when she entered and suddenly all three became serious.
"OK Alex, How do we play this?" asked Ann.
"You Guys need to bring her up to speed with your Convention bookings....give her stuff to do…..keep her busy…..I'm gonna get hold of the parole officers and see what is going to happen. I need more information than I've got, if we are gonna be ready to help Ellie....By the way, you two are doing a really good job of playing the ditzy sidekicks!!"
Dany and Ann both looked at Alex, then at each other. Each pushed out a hip provocatively, placed a hand on it and asked frostily...
"Like uh …Duh….That is soooo totally rude….What do you mean…DITZY, Amazon babe????"
For a second Alex thought she had dropped a real big clanger until she saw the other two women's lips begin to quiver, as they burst in to laughter.
"Nearly had you then, didn't we?? Oh Amazon ours!!"
Alex grabbed the two friends and hugged them…
"We are gonna get her through this..."
"Bet ya life we are"
While Ellie bathed, the three women prepared a light supper. The rest of the evening passed with some food and a couple of bottles of wine.
"Bet it's good to taste Californian wine again….Huh Ellie?" asked Ann
"Hey." Said Alex…pretending to bristle."We have wine in Scotland."
"What....made from heather and haggis??"
The easy banter helped Ellie to relax; she was enjoyed the company of her two oldest friends and the love of her lives....she knew that all three of these women were conspiring to keep her occupied so that she had no time to think about the coming days, and she loved them for their care of her.
Soon, the long journey began to take its toll; Ellie excused herself and went to bed...…only a few minutes later, Alex joined her.
"You can stay up later Hon….I'll be fine."
.
"What!! … and waste time that could be spent snuggling….I don't think so, my lovely!!"
Only a few minutes later, both of the travellers fell fast asleep wrapped up in each other arms.
The next morning, they breakfasted on freshly squeezed orange juice and cereal. Dany poured Ellie her second cup of coffee and ventured,
"Safe to ask you a question now, Ell?"
Ellie's green eyes were a little bleary but she nodded.
"We have got a real bitch of a deal coming up next month….appreciate your take on it, if you've go the time, Boss lady?"
The three organisers moved away the breakfast dishes, Ann pulled some papers from her briefcase and soon the three heads were poring over seating plans and scheduling.
Alex took the opportunity to slip into the bedroom and made several calls.
She discovered from a Parole Officer, called Todd Martin to whom she spoke, that Ellie could make a statement to the parole hearing about how she felt concerning her father's release from jail. This wasn't mandatory but it was her right. Alex asked several more questions and was about to end the conversation when she was stunned by the next statement from the Parole officer.
"O'Brian knows that Ellie is coming to the hearing….he has the right to know….and he wants to see his daughter…"
"Over my dead body, my friend….no way!!" Alex spoke forcefully
"Dr Wallace, I appreciate your concern for your partner but, with respect, ma'am, that isn't' your decision to make.
Alex felt a retort spring to her lips but she swallowed it and realised that he was right. It was Ellie's call, not hers. She agreed to discuss the issue with Ellie and contact the officer the next day. With only 4 days until the hearing, time was of the essence.
Alex made some lunch for the four of them….she always liked pasta and usually made a reasonable sauce...although Ellie liked it hotter than Alex did so she always ladled on the cracked black pepper!! The three business partners were still hard at it when Alex called for them to eat, and the conversation about the convention continued through lunch. Alex sat back and saw how animated Ellie had gotten, planning the event, and she wondered if she had done the right thing by taking Ellie away from all of this.
After lunch, Alex suggested a walk by the ocean....she knew how much Ellie loved the sea and the invitation was quickly taken up. Ellie went to get a jacket and Ann asked Alex what progress she had made.
"Got some tough decisions for the wee one, I'm afraid."
A short drive in Dany's car took them to the ocean and the two lovers strolled hand in hand enjoying the sun and the onshore breeze.
"When are you gonna tell me what's going on, my big girl??"
Alex looked over, saw the steady gaze of her girl and knew that she had not fooled her for an instant...
"I thought we agreed….no more secrets. Alex??"
Alex nodded and led Ellie to a seat. She held her hand and took a deep breath.
"You have the right to make your feelings known to the Parole board….."
"And what else…??"
"Your Father wants to see you"
Ellie froze and for a moment Alex thought she would run away, but she held tightly to the smaller woman's hand and prayed with all her might to whatever goddess was listening to help her love.
"I never want to lay eyes on that man ever, not in this life or any other....I hate him….with every fibre of my being."
Alex winced as again, the venom came out from the sweetest, purest heart she had ever known.
"So you don't think it would give you closure?" Alex had thought long and hard about this avenue of approach but decided she had to broach it.
Ellie's green eyes flashed.
"You think I should see him don't you? Alex... I can't believe that you …of all people would expect me to do that….." and she pulled her hand away.
Alex gently retrieved it, and spoke softly
"You know me better than that, my love; I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't make sure that you had explored all the options available, to help us through this
"US??..US??…It's not us Alex, …it's me…ME."
"And you and I are one soul Ellie…..so it is Us… it always was and it always will be…" Alex's voice was soft.
This last quiet statement stopped Ellie dead; she looked at the beautiful blue eyes that she had been avoiding for the duration of this conversation, and found herself drowning in the love she saw there.
Once again this wonderful, strong, gentle Scot had just hit the nail on the head and there was no argument left in Ellie. She slumped against Alex and felt her lover's arm move to hold her.
"Are we gonna do this together from now on, my little Texan cowgirl?"
Ellie smiled at the description, but realised that she did feel very little at this moment….and then a realisation dawned….she had been dealing with this as a child….she had to rethink everything. In a flash, she found a way to stop the dreadful whispers, in her ears, that had returned when first she knew of the parole.
"You're right Alex. I have to face him. Look him in the eye.... and tell him he has not.... and will not ever…. beat me..."
"Are you sure?" Alex murmured into Ellie's soft blond head.
"Yep…with you by my side….I can do this…..I CAN, Alex…I CAN"
Alex picked Ellie up in her arms and swung her round and round until they were both breathless, and crying with relief and laughter.
It was two very different women who returned to their friend's apartment. Dany was sitting on the balcony with a sweet iced tea and stood up when she heard them enter...
"We've been real worried…..everything OK?"
Ellie took Dany's drink and sipped it.
"Why, Honey" she drawled..."….no waaaaaay is there enough sugar in here….let me show you how to make a Super Sweet Iced tea!" and she waltzed off in to the kitchen.
Ann had emerged from her bedroom, witnessed the interplay, and said slowly...
"Where is Ellie??…and who have you swapped her for, while you were out?"
"Complaining?" joked Alex.
"No way, ya big Scot….I like her fine this way….always have!!"
The three of them giggled with the sheer relief of seeing their blond friend restored to them.
The next morning, the four friends made their farewells…Ellie had wanted to talk more about the business before she left San Francisco but she had been grabbed by Dany and Ann in a group hug.
"Later, Boss lady…we're fine right now…and we aren't going anywhere….so you just sort your business, girlfriend, and concentrate on you."
Ellie heart was full as she waved goodbye and returned their smiles and waves, but as the cab manoeuvred through the traffic and at the end of the street, turned out of view, Ellie did not see the two friends eye each other with dread.
The internal flight to Dallas was without incident and the two lovers booked into their hotel in time for a late supper. Their preliminary meeting with the parole officers was scheduled the following day, so they decided that an early night was in order.
Alex made her usual nightly phone call to Applecross and although there was little news, she sensed relief in the voices on the other end, every time she phoned. Each night she spoke either to Uncle J or to Jeannie or to one of the Boys and she got the feeling that they were manning the phones 24/7!! She smiled and gave thanks for those kind souls so far away.
As they settled down to sleep, Ellie whispered sleepily...
I wish we were at the Applecross Hotel right now, Hon...with all the gang...…I'd even eat Haggis!…"
Alex just cuddled her girl even more closely to her shoulder and kissed her goodnight, before she allowed herself to close her eyes.
Chapter 6
Showered and dressed, the two lovers had a light breakfast and took a cab to the Parole Board Offices. Ellie had, finally, decided on a smart black business suit with tailored trousers and a fitted jacket that showed off her figure. She wore a pair of heeled boots that gave her another 2 inches of height, and finished the ensemble with the scarf Alex had given her with the Celtic Knot design. Alex also wore a trouser suit, in dark blue, with a white shirt and looked every inch the intimidating bodyguard....the impression she fully intended to present for the next few days.
They were greeted by a 50 something man who introduced himself as Todd Martin. He was the officer dealing with Kevin O'Brian's case, he ushered them into his office and invited them to sit.
"Can I get you Ladies some refreshment?"
Ellie's voice was cold and dark
"We are not here for a social call, Mr Martin, I mean you no disrespect, Sir…..but I want this over and done with, as soon as possible, so we can go home."
Todd Martin flinched at the tone but he knew this case inside out. He knew what the tiny blond woman had suffered at the hands of the man; it was his job to free.
"I understand, Ma'am."
He busied his papers and pushed three sheets across the desk to Ellie.
Noticing her hesitation, Alex moved to collect the papers and scanned them quickly.
She moved them so that they were in front of Elle and picked up her hand as she did so. Todd Martin noticed the gesture, and was glad that Ellie O'Brian had a friend with her.
He began to speak...
"Miss O' Brian…" but he was stopped by the sharp retort from Ellie.
"My name Mr Todd, is O'Brian-Wallace, I'd be grateful if you would use it. This is my partner, Dr Alex Wallace."
Martin had expected some hostility and was not fazed by it, nor was he overly surprised by Ellie's introduction...….in fact he rose, offered his hand to Alex and shook it warmly.
"I am so pleased to make your acquaintance, Dr Wallace."
Ellie seemed to relax a little as the situation had been clarified to her satisfaction, and she cleared her throat.
"I apologise if I seem rude, Mr Martin…..I am very much aware that this situation is not easy for either of us….shall we start again??"
Martin blew out a deep breath and smiled,
"I'd like that fine, Ms O'Brian-Wallace "...
The next half hour passed by as Martin explained the procedures of the actual hearing.
"You can make a statement in person, or have a clerk do it for you from a prepared statement, and then the Board makes its decision later that day."
"OK, "said Ellie, her voice level and strong. "When do I get to see him?"
"Are you sure that's what you want, Ma'am….you don't have to see him"
"Oh But I do…I really do, Mr Martin"
The man behind the desk rubbed his hands over his face. No matter how many times he dealt with these cases, he still wondered at the courage of people like Ellie. She looked like a strong breeze would blow her over, but he could see the underlying strength of the bond between the two woman and pressed on.
"How about right now??"
Alex felt Ellie take in a sharp breath.
"Your Father is being held in the cells below….his lawyer is with him."
Ellie looked at Alex and held the blue eyes in her gaze, waiting for a sign.
Alex spoke softly.
"Your call my wee girl….your call"
Every fibre of her wanted to run screaming from this place….anywhere the monster in her nightmares was so close, filled her with age old dread…. but Ellie knew that if she ran this time, she would run forever. .She took Alex's hand and nodded at Todd Martin.
The journey to the cells was just a few moments but to Ellie it felt like a lifetime. She felt herself back in the house on the poor side of town; the smell of the unwashed drunken man towering over her, was as real as it had been 12 years before. Only the strong arm around her waist kept her grounded in the present and she kept saying over and over to herself.
"I can do this, I can do this"
They reached a dark corridor lined with doors. There was a faint smell of must and stale bodies….no natural light penetrated this far down and it seemed to Ellie, like every dungeon in every dream, she had ever had….and the dread of those dreams washed over her anew. She stood still for a moment and closed her eyes, gathering her reserves of courage and strength…..both Alex and Martin had stopped with her and waited patiently for her green eyes to open again. She gave her tall partner a brief nod and a small smile…the party moved on to the third door on the left, and Martin stopped outside.
"There is a prison guard in there with him….you'll be quite safe"
Holding up her hand, held tightly in Alex's, Ellie replied
"I'm already safe, Mr Martin….but thank you."
Martin opened the door and Ellie was sure that everyone could hear her heart beating as she stepped in.
There, standing in the bare room, was Kevin O'Brian.
He was over 6 ft tall, thick set with close cropped, greying hair that might, once, have been blond. He had a pale complexion dotted with freckles but what disturbed Alex the most, were his eyes. They could have been the same colour as her partners beautiful green pools, but they were muddied by a twisted mind. Instead of the innocence and goodness she saw in her partners eyes, Alex saw only hate and mistrust in her father's.
As he saw his daughter enter the room his eyes narrowed. The little girl he had last seen was replaced by a woman.
Well, my girl....you've grown into a beauty, haven't you??
He noted the way she held herself, her shoulders straight and her eyes holding his defiantly. He quickly took in the tall figure of the tall dark woman holding his daughters hand and he felt his hackles rise. He also knew that he trod a fine line and that his behaviour was being closely watched.
O'Brian had waited a long 12 years for this moment but he had to be smart, and play the game. He forced his anger down and spoke the soft brogue of the West of Ireland
"Hello, me darling girl…It's good to see you"
"I can't say the same."
Even a man as arrogant as O'Brian was taken aback by the venom and ice in her voice.
He collected himself quickly.
"Ah now, don't be like that, Ellie….I am your Father."
"You forfeited the right to that title 12 years ago. "Ellie hissed.
His eyes went to the imposing figure of the tall, dark woman and flinched as he saw the loathing in her eyes….but still his need to control was strong, and rose again.
"And who are you?" he kept his tone low and friendly.
Before Alex could speak, Ellie voice rang around the room.
"Dr Alex Wallace. My soulmate… my partner…my legal spouse... my lover… and my friend." she moved to stand and glare at the man on the other side of the table.
Inside, O'Brian felt the anger shift into a higher gear…."His daughter had turned into a filthy little Dyke. He'd teach her and her queer girlfriend a lesson they wouldn't forget…but first he knew he had to get out of jail.
Alex and Ellie felt the evil in the man, but throughout, he had kept his body language relaxed and his face impassive.
"He's good "thought Alex,"Bloody dangerous too" and she renewed her very public grip around her partners waist, whilst staring this monster full in the eye.
O'Brian knew that the next few minutes would be crucial to his case and he turned on the charm.
He lowered his voice to a whisper and turned away.
"I have wanted to tell you so many times. Ellie, how sorry I am for what happened."
"Which particular times are you sorry about?" Ellie's voice remained ice cool.
Hmmm, this is not going to be as easy as I thought...
"I never wanted to hurt you, girl….it was the drink that made me do it..."
"That's BULLSHIT! …..don't give that line…..you were always a bully, even when you weren't drunk. It's who you are, you bastard."
O Brian was thinking in top gear now and decided on a plan….he walked to the corner of the room, placed his head against it and began to sob...
The atmosphere in the room was a mixture of tension and embarrassment….as the big man crumpled to the floor in a heap...
Alex's eyes had not left Ellie's face for a moment and she saw several emotions flicker across it. Disbelief….suspicion....pain….then realisation.
Ellie squeezed Alex's hand tightly and whispered.
"You might fool these guys, Da….but not me"
The use of the diminutive term confused Alex, until she realised that this would be the last time that Ellie would acknowledge Kevin O'Brian as her Father....she was taking back the power of the word forever..
Ellie moved a few steps toward the pathetic man in the corner of the room…and hissed through clenched teeth,
"You cannot touch me now… nor will you ever…..touch me…again…physically or emotionally…you no longer exist for me."
"We're done here, Mr Martin" and with the tall Scot at her side, Ellie walked out of the room with her head high.
The whole thing had lasted only a few minutes and as they returned to Martin's Office, the tension emanating from Ellie was palpable.
Alex turned to stop Martin entering the room and spoke quietly.
"We need a few moments alone…"
Martin looked up at the tall Scot and nodded
As she closed the door, Alex saw that Ellie was standing, stock still in the middle of the room with her arms wrapped around herself. Gently Alex put her hand on her girl's shoulder and turned her around. Ellie was stiff and unresponsive at first, but Alex began to massage her shoulders with gentle strokes until the petite Texan melted into her arms.
"Schh, I've got you…its OK now…I've got you"
It was all the big Scot could do, to stop herself going back to that cell and showing O'Brian how it felt, to have the crap kicked out of him.
Ellie was absolutely still in Alex's arms and not one sound had escaped her, since her last words in the cell. It seemed like forever until Alex heard a small voice…
"I did it ….I did d it......didn't I?"
"Yes Ellie," answered Alex ..."you did it."
The two lovers had returned to their hotel and after her usual hot soak, Ellie seemed more like herself.
Whilst she had been soaking in the tub, Alex had sat on the floor next to her and spoken by phone, first to Dany and Ann, then Uncle J.
She made sure that Ellie heard her say how amazing the little blond had been, and how much strength she had shown. Ellie needed to believe this, of herself now, more than ever.
Alex lifted Ellie from the bath and wrapped her in a warm towel...
"What now, my wee love?"
Ellie looked at Alex and with a small smile spoke softly.
"I would like you to take me to bed, and make love to me…and tomorrow....I want to go home..."
Lifting her into her arms, Alex took Ellie and laid her on the bed. .She kissed her slowly and Ellie responded with increasing passion.
"What we have….nothing …nobody can ever spoil, my big girl….I have never been so sure of anything, as I am sure of that."
Alex, quickly removing her own clothes and Ellie's towel, slipped into the bed beside her love and granted her first request.
The next day, Alex phoned Todd Martin and explained that they had no further interest in O'Brian's hearing and that they were leaving for Scotland... Martin explained that a copy of the decision of the panel would be sent to their home in Scotland as a matter of course...
"I think you and I both know what that decision will be, don't we Mr Todd "Alex suggested.
"I'm afraid we do, Dr Wallace."
Then she phoned the Airline and made some simple arrangements.
Alex walked to the balcony where Ellie was enjoying a super sweet iced tea.
She glanced up...
"All done, Hon?"
"Yep, we are on the flight to Edinburgh leaving at 2pm."
"How the heck did you manage that?? I never expected you to be able to get us flights that quickly..."Ellie threw her arms around her tall partner's neck.
"I have many skills my lovely…" Alex gloated and was delighted to see Ellie's face break into the first real, beaming smile she had seen for a long time.
Later, Ellie's face was a picture when the bellhop loaded their luggage into the biggest limousine she had ever seen, waiting outside the hotel.
"What have you done, Alex??" She asked...
"Nothing but the best for the Queen of my Heart!"
"You smooth talkin' ….."
"Language, my sweet....you cannot curse in a limo….It just doesn't fit the image!!" and she spun Ellie around in her arms until she begged for mercy.
"OK OK I give….you win…..I'll be queenly….I promise..!
They travelled to the Airport in companionable silence. When they arrived, Ellie's fast growing suspicions were confirmed as they were ushered through check in to the first class departure lounge.
"You're second wish, my Queen". Alex murmured in her ear and was rewarded with a big kiss from the little Texan, who was oblivious to the sideways glances from other passengers.
A Steward brought them two glasses of champagne and some nuts, and they raised their glasses to each other.
"Slainge….to going home." the little blond offered.
Slainge Var.." the tall dark one replied.
Chapter 7
Although their journey from the Airport to Applecross was a familiar one to Ellie by now, she revelled in the wonderful scenery and truly felt that she was coming home. Sitting next to her, Alex noted how relaxed her girl was, and how she had her nose pressed to the side window, taking in the sights of the Scottish Highlands.
Ellie's right hand was on Alex's thigh and she rubbed lazy circles on it with her thumb.
Just this slightest of touches, was sufficient to give Alex a shiver, as she felt the strength of that connection and she gave a silent prayer of thanks to any goddess listening.
The lights of Uncle J's hotel appeared out of the thick fog enveloping the coastal village, and Alex drew up in the car park. As if by magic, the car doors were flung open on both sides and Alex and Ellie were dragged out, into the waiting arms of their family and friends..
"We've had Hamish on watch on the Loch Carron pass, for the last 2 hours" Donald yelled into Alex's ear as he hugged her." He radioed that you two were here…about time too, big lass...welcome home!!"
On the other side of the car, only the top of Ellie's blond head could be seen between the arms of Uncle J and Jeannie as they hugged her tightly.
"You are a sight for these sore old eyes, my lovely wee lassie... come away in and get yourself warmed through."
The cries of welcome echoed through the bar and the warmth of the welcome brought hot tears to both the weary travellers' eyes. The log fire was roaring and the usual group of musicians were seated next to it.
Uncle J roared his orders. "Music...to welcome home our lassies…."
Needing no further instruction, the band began a Scottish reel and soon the dance floor was filled with whirling dancers and whoops of approval.
Ellie and Alex sat and wondered at the atmosphere, so quickly created, and only then did it hit them that they were home, and safe again.
Hamish appeared in his Police motorcycle leathers and, after being greeted and thanked by the room for his efforts, hugged the two travellers and complained.
"It was fair freezing up there at the pass......next time..…." but poor Hamish had no time to finish as he was swallowed up in a group of regulars, who dragged the popular young Police Sergeant to the bar.
Jeannie appeared from the kitchen with steaming bowls of hot soup and fresh bread rolls for any in need, and realising just how hungry they were, the two lovers began to eat.
When the soup was finished, Jeannie reappeared with two bowls of sweet Cloutie dumplings, so beloved of the Scots, covered with fresh yellow custard.
Alex groaned with pleasure. "You spoil us, Jeannie!"…and she set to demolishing the dessert. Ellie also relished the sweet sticky texture and smiled fondly at the dark head, so ardently worshipping at the sugar altar.
When they had eaten sufficient to placate Jeannie, they each had a small single malt. Uncle J had brought them the glasses, and with a wink to Ellie, handed them over.
Alex saw the gleam in her Uncle's eye and sat up straight in her seat. The friends and neighbours around recognised the challenge and shusshed those around, calling attention to the two Wallace's, as they rose to face each other.
Ellie never tired of these little Clan rituals and she settled back in her seat to enjoy the fellowship and sheer fun of it all.
Alex raised the glass to her nose and sniffed theatrically….she wrinkled her nose and looked thoughtfully up to the ceiling. Keeping the mood going….she looked at Uncle J and gave a rye crooked smile..
"Crafty,.. big lad…Crafty!" she murmured in a stage whisper so all could hear it..
She lifted the glass to her lips and sipped the strong liquor….she rolled it around in her mouth and closed her eyes with the ecstasy of the moment.
She looked over at the blond beauty, gazing at these two big Scots with affection, .and winked broadly. Then, turning to her Uncle she thrust her face at his and spoke.
"It's an Islay Single Malt….Ardbeg distillery......20 year in the cask…and bottled 1988."
The room held it's breath as James Wallace drew from behind his back the bottle, from which the dram had come… he passed it to Donald….who read from the label..
"Ardbeg…...20 year old….." He paused for full dramatic effect…and shouted
"BOTTLED……. 1988!!"
The bar was filled with the stamping of feet and roars of approval as Alex held aloft her glass, in acknowledgment of her victory.
Uncle J's face had not lost its adversarial expression throughout all of this….but as Alex caught his eye, his mask slipped, he let out a lion's roar and hugged her soundly….
"Will I ever beat you Alex??"
"I had the best teacher, Uncle J….you're a victim of your own success!!"
The hour was late and both the women began to flag…making their goodbyes, they drove the short distance to their Croft on the promontory above the Raasay sound.
As they knew it would be, the fire was lit and gentle lights played around the living room. As they entered, Alex dropped their luggage in the hall and decided it could be dealt with in the morning…..right now….she knew, that her love needed a long hot bath and bed.
Ellie was wandering around the room as if in a daze; she absentmindedly touched the ornaments and driftwood sculptures, seemingly lost in thought.
Alex watched anxiously, she recognised in her love, the signs of fatigue and distraction. Crossing the room, she gently turned the small blond to her and was glad when she came into the circle of her arms gladly, and willingly.
"I am so glad that you are my love….and so glad that this is my home…. and that we are here together" Ellie murmured into Alex's chest..
Safe now, my darling….nothing can hurt you now….I promise"
Not wanting to break the contact, Alex leant over and hooking her arm under Ellie's knees brought her to her chest and cradled her. Ellie's arms automatically cam up around her tall lover's neck and Alex took them both to bed.
Over the next few days, the two women got back into their routine. Ellie had told her publisher about her trip to America and they had agreed to delay the deadline for the rewrites of the novel she had promised…but now she had to finish them, and set to with determination.
Alex had shed loads of emails to answer from colleagues and students as well as contacting her British and US agents, about her book and the TV deal in the offing.
Both were secretly delighted to have put the issue of Kevin O'Brian behind them and Ellie quickly lost the haunted look she seemed to have worn for so long.
They both knew, however, that they had one last hurdle to overcome….and sure enough the letter from America arrived after 2 weeks, to inform them that Kevin O'Brian's' parole had been granted and that he was free. The authorities were at pains to emphasise that he was under close control. He had to register with this parole officer once a week and obey a curfew at the hostel where he had been placed.
Ellie chose not to discuss the news....her only comment was.
"I said he was dead to me...and that is the fact!…..end of, Honey….OK?"
She took the sting from the words by placing her small hand on Alex's muscular forearm wand giving it a firm squeeze.
"Fine by me, darling..." Alex answered and so the issue was dismissed.
Continued in Part 3. Chapters 8 to end