Part One   "Reputations"

 
This is the third book in the Tommy & Tamara Series. It is strongly advised that you read the previous books first.
 
 
 
Friday 9th January 2015
 
Tammy actually made it to Friday afternoon, once she was back at school, before the first real incident happened. Of course there had been times when some of the younger years, and even juvenile-acting sixth formers, had tried a number of things to wind Tammy up but she hadn't overtly reacted, other than to make a note of names.

By agreement, the prefects used a 'three strikes' system for minor offences like shoving in the corridors, insolence to prefects and general misbehaviour. Once the three offences had been reached a report would go to the relevant form tutor. Of course, major infractions were dealt with immediately.

Tammy had, however, felt it necessary to deal immediately with one twelve year old who had asked Angela Small that morning if "he was in a skirt as a joke?". Unfortunately, for Tammy, that particular twelve year old had his parents in the school that day, who had demanded to see someone senior.

"What do you mean I was in the wrong?"

"Smart, you were wrong, that is the end of the matter."

"Miss Stewart, Thwaites was impertinent and was deliberately flouting the school's non-discrimination policy."

"That isn't a policy, it's a guideline. Your intervention was inappropriate."

"That's rubbish."

"That is insolence."

"No, it was a statement of fact."

"Now you are being sarcastic. You will report here tomorrow morning at nine for detention."

"I will not!"

"That's now every Saturday in January."

Tammy stormed out of Yvonne Stewart's room. She'd anticipated an eventual show-down but had been desperately avoiding issues that might bring her to the new Deputy Head's office. Yvonne hadn't even called her 'Miss Smart', just Smart. This was contrary to the accepted protocol whereby all sixth formers normally gained the title of 'Mr' or more recently 'Miss'.

She went straight to the sixth form common room and flopped into a chair, absent-mindedly playing with her brooch. She couldn't understand the Deputy Head's logic - presumably the parent had complained to her or one of the other teachers but the procedure for such behaviour is simply being reported to their tutor, who then decides on a suitable punishment.

What grounds did the parent have? Why did Yvonne Stewart accept their appeal so readily?

Did Tammy have a choice right now? She was due to work with Sarah on Saturday morning and, the following weekend, was also booked in at the salon. If she refused to report for detention then she was putting herself at risk of suspension, despite her original offence being based on a false premise. Such was the system at St Andrews School in Thurso.

She'd been pulled out of the last period of the day and couldn't face going going back in for the last twenty minutes. John Hibbert found her when the English class finished.

"What's going on, Tammy?"

"That bloody woman."

"Miss Stewart?"

"Yes."

"Well, what did you do?"

"Nothing, that's the problem. Remember Thwaites?"

"Yes, I was a witness, remember?"

"And I reported it. Anyway, she pulls me in and tell's me I was wrong."

"That doesn't make any sense."

"So I argued and she gives me detention for every Saturday this month."

"That's not fair at all."

"Don't I know it."

Angela and one or two others now came into the common room, finding John giving Tammy a hug. Given that both were prefects the audience were quite restrained.

"Thanks John."

"No problem, just don't tell Tanya."

"I won't."

"What do I do however?"

"Go to one of the other Deputy Heads, like Mr Thompson?"

"No good, they won't interfere."

"Then the Head?"

"Whose side will he take? She can manipulate the truth and make it worse for me."

"Oh."

"I'll have to think of something fast or be here at nine in the morning instead of working in town."

"Tammy, we have appointments at Dunbar hospital."

"I'd forgotten, what's the time Angela?"

"Three ten."

"Damn."

They dashed to their lockers, swapped shoes and grabbed coats before making for the main entrance as speedily as possible in heeled boots on polished floors. Joan, Angela's mum, was waiting outside.

"Tammy what's wrong?"

"I'll tell you later, we have hospital appointments in fifteen minutes."

Whilst both of the girls were due to see Helen Yates, the endocrinologist at Thurso Hospital, Angela first had an appointment with the local shrink, Dr Jill Davison, accompanied by her mother. Tammy left them outside Psychiatry and walked to her own appointment.

"Hello Tammy."

"Hi Dr Yates."

"So you met my brother and sister-in-law?"

"Yes, at Wick airport. Small world isn't it?"

"Yes, anyway I had a note from Professor Roberts to say you were now on HRT."

"We went to see him when we returned from the London trip. His decision was a surprise to me, I hadn't expected it so quickly."

"Your blood works dictated that we had to do something, it was either that or testosterone," she laughed.

"Okay, but why am I here today?"

"I'm starting a rolling programme of monthly tests which you'll do at your GP surgery and I want you to take this letter so they understand what's going on. However I'll do a full blood screening today as a baseline. You've been on HRT a month so far, haven't you?"

"Yes, I was expecting something to happen by now."

"It takes time, things are only just getting going and I wouldn't expect any visible changes for a few more months, or even longer. At least you're not on blockers too."

"Yeah, but I am getting mood swings."

"That might be down to your underlying physiology and not the pills."

"Maybe, but then what do I know?"

"You have't been to medical school like most of my patients? They apparently know better than me."

Tammy giggled.

"Now, Miss Smart, take that jacket off and give me your left arm, please."

***

"How was the appointment?"

"Not bad, Dad, the vampires only needed five phials of my red stuff."

"So why the long face?"

"Yvonne."

"Oh."

Tammy recounted the afternoon's events to her father. "It's too soon, Tammy, too soon."

Over the past few days they had been busy, very busy. Louise, their close protection agent and investigator, had been making enquiries into the newly appointed Deputy Head but it was proving difficult to corroborate some of the information.

There were second and third hand reports from former students of Yvonne Stewart of her teaching and disciplinary methods but none were prepared to put this in writing, in case she could still ruin their lives.

Louise had made gentle enquiries of the conference centres and hotels used by one of the teaching unions, given that Yvonne was a union representative and rumours abounded of affairs with other, married, union officials.

It had been confirmed that George Small, the late father of Angela Small, had been a union rep for many of the teaching staff at St Andrews and his widow, Joan, attested to his conference trips which often required overnight stays.

The running theory was that Yvonne had been having an affair with George Small. Of course, they still had to gather sufficient usable evidence to confirm this hypothesis. The circumstantial evidence, was, circumstantial.

One thing was clear, Yvonne Stewart did not like Tamara Smart. This had manifested itself in several ways since late December but the incident in school was the first that placed Yvonne and Tammy face to face without witnesses.

Louise asked Tammy for her brooch. This contained a camera and microphone and recorded onto a small memory card. One problem was that students were not permitted to record anything in the school unless explicitly allowed.

Richard Smart had, however, suggested to Harry Davison that Tammy wear a camera for the first week or so in case of difficulties with fellow students, given that a problem might be seen as Tammy's word against another's.

Harry Davison, Chairman of the Governing Body, had agreed for the short term permission as an alternative to Louise being in the school. He was fully aware of the threats against Tammy over the previous few weeks which had included attempted abductions, assaults and threats. One of her aggressors had been George Small and another had been the school's former catering manager. Then there were the terrorists, all of whom were hopefully locked up.

Plainly Dr McIntosh, the Head, and one or two other Governors had been informed but it had been kept from the staff so that the students were not aware; one risk was that other students would demand the same rights. The standard CCTV in the school covered the perimeter, entrance hall, kitchens as well as a few other locations and was deemed adequate for site security.

Despite initial reservations, Richard's intention was now to gather sufficient evidence to be able to petition the head, if necessary, dismiss the latest member of staff. One incident that had managed to sway his mind had occurred at George Small's funeral.

During the service, when the Minister had said that "George leaves a loving wife and two daughters," there were shouts of "shame on you" from the back. Those responsible, however, had immediately left using an emergency exit.

Louise, who had travelled ahead of the funeral procession, had been in disguise at the crematorium. She had waited for Yvonne Stewart to arrive, along with a friend, and had sat alongside them. Yvonne had apparently been sobbing but had also been seen ready to make her interruption and had left, rather quickly, with a smile on her face. Louise followed Yvonne, and her friend, to a café in the centre of Inverness.

There was a risk that Yvonne had seen Louise in Thurso with Tammy so Louise had dyed and restyled her hair, changed her contacts and was dressed simply in leggings and a jumper dress, replacing more formal wear. She'd also worn a hat in the chapel, which was now in the boot of her car.

The previous Saturday, her car had been attacked whilst it was in a multi-storey carpark but police had since told her that several cars had tyres cut during that day, although most had made it home before realising there was a problem. Louise had not used the same carpark this time, however.

She walked into the café a few minutes behind Yvonne and took a table within listening range. Yvonne's friend, it seemed, was called Fiona and was well aware of Yvonne's 'conquests'. Given that the funeral had just taken place, most of the talk concerned George Small.

"He was a good man, Fiona, but misunderstood."
 
"You loved him."
 
"I did, and he knew it."
 
"But you said he wouldn't leave his wife?"
 
"When his boy was brainwashed he was ready to come to me."
 
"Why did his wife allow it?"
 
"She was being coerced, led along, by that nancy Tom and his father. The truth will have to come out in the end."
 
"Yvonne, did George ever stay in your flat?"
 
"Just twice, both because of the weather. The first time was at Easter last year when we were coming back from the Spring conference in Edinburgh. There were high winds and the line was closed. The second time was when he was coming back from England and he needed somewhere to stay."

Louise now knew enough of the background to this case; George has been seen in Inverness Station but had then disappeared, next being seen at the Mill Theatre in Thurso the following evening. On that occasion he thought he was attacking Tammy but, confused due to the stage costumes and heavy make-up, had grabbed the co-star Tanya Smith and pulled her off the stage.

He was immediately arrested but took his own life whilst in police custody. It was clear where her venom was coming from but was there enough real evidence yet?

Louise wanted to hang around longer but Yvonne and Fiona had finished their drinks and Louise didn't want to attract attention so left. She went into Inverness Public Library first where she could sit and write up her report, emailing it to Richard Smart, before driving back to Thurso.

Richard hadn't been able to speak to Elsie McPherson, another Governor and owner of the property where the Smarts currently lived, until Friday evening after dinner. One complication was that Yvonne was the sister of Elsie's son-in-law. Richard therefore took this carefully.

"Do you remember that shouting in the chapel at the funeral service?"

"Yes, do you know who it was?"

"Yvonne and her friend Fiona."

"Richard, that's a very poor joke."

"No joke, Louise followed them."

"Why?"

"There was a suggestion that Yvonne had been having an affair with George Small right up until his death."

"Proof?"

"Working on it, but I have Louise's reports. It's clear to all that Yvonne doesn't like Tammy and we now have a reason."

"That's an exaggeration Richard."

"Elsie, I wouldn't say it unless it were true."

"I'll say again, what proof do you have?"

"Let me ask you something first, who signs off the policy changes?"

"Harry does, of course, but I chair the relevant sub-committee."

"Right, and the non-discrimination policy?"

"Technically it's an Inclusion policy these days, we reviewed it at the same meeting that Tammy and Angela were allowed to return as day students, in line with current UK and EU legislation."

"Quite, I've seen the minutes of that meeting. Anyway, let me show you a video."

***

Even without this trouble, Elsie was not having an easy life right now. She'd been diagnosed with breast cancer a month earlier and had spent much of the week in Inverness at the Raigmore Hospital having surgery for a radical mastectomy and reconstruction. She'd returned to Thurso that day but had stayed with her daughter before returning to her own home after dinner.

"Damn, Richard, that's not what the camera was intended for."

"I know, and it creates a new problem."

"Yes, Yvonne would not have known she was being recorded."

"Exactly."

"So the video cannot be used as evidence, but that doesn't stop us viewing it. Can you copy it onto my computer?"

"Certainly."

Richard did as asked then left Elsie alone in the study. She was due to start some chemotherapy in about a week unless all the the biopsies were confirmed to be clear of cancerous cells. The surgery had left her tired and sore but the chemo, if deemed necessary, would zap any remaining energy. She'd find out if it was necessary on Tuesday when she was back at The Raigmore to see her oncologist.

He went up to Tammy's room and knocked gently.

"Come in, Dad."

"How did you know it was me?"

"I heard your feet outside."

"Oh well, so much for stealth."

"Never mind, it does give me the upper hand though! What did Elsie say?"

"She's surprised and ideally I wouldn't ask her to handle this right now."

"I haven't spoken to her yet, why wasn't I told she was going into surgery the same time as I started classes on Tuesday?"

"Because you would have worried all day. That would have distracted you and you don't need that at the moment."

"I don't need this other stuff either. What am I going to do?"

"Elsie is probably talking to the Head right now but you should let Sarah know you may not be there tomorrow."

"Can't I do that in the morning?"

"No, she deserves to know now, that way she could ask Angela to help her."

Angela had worked in Sarah's Boutique over the New Year period but hadn't intended to help during the quieter period once the sales finished.

"I suppose so, I'll let Angela know too."

"Good idea."

"Dad, we can't use the video can we?"

"I don't think so."

The changed the topic. "Do we know what happened to John?"

The John who Tammy referred to was John McPherson, Elsie's eldest son. He was in prison waiting for a court date after assaulting Tammy, going equipped to wound and breaking bail conditions.

"He was in court yesterday and remanded until 26 Jan when his case will be held."

"Will I be needed in court?"

"We'll have to see, but there should be enough evidence, especially from the theatre and when he turned up at the shop and hotel looking for you."

"Yeah, shame I was with a police officer and his wife that lunchtime!"

"Quite."

Richard left Tammy to her homework and headed for his own room.

Part Two   "Tammy versus the world"

 
This is the third book in the Tommy & Tamara Series. It is strongly advised that you read the previous books first.
 
 
Saturday 10th January 2015
 

Tammy hadn't slept well and was not looking forward to the morning. Detention on a Saturday was not fun and was not ever intended to be treated as such. To be given detention as a sixth former, especially as a prefect, would cause ripples throughout the school.

For Tammy that would require her resignation as a prefect immediately. If Deputy Head Yvonne Stewart's intention was to ruin Tammy's reputation, this was a good way to start.

She and her father had almost finished their breakfast by eight and really weren't too sure what to do as Elsie hadn't reported back to him. That question was answered when three people turned up at the house just after eight.

"We'll use the sitting room." Elsie had arrived, "Tammy, join us."

It wasn't a request.

There was a little furniture re-arranging then they sat, waiting for someone to start. Those present now included Dr Steven McIntosh, Headmaster of St Andrews, Rev Franklin, Anglican Minister, and Harry Davison, Chair of the Governing Body.

Harry coughed gently, "this is a right little pickle you have here Miss Smart, Tammy."

"Harry, I didn't want this to start." That earned her a glare from Elsie.

"Now, how do we extricate ourselves from this? Steven?"

The Head responded, "Harry, as I see it the issue here is that we have damning evidence we can't use. We also appear to have prima facie evidence of a deliberate campaign and inappropriate behaviour against a student by a member of staff before and during her term of employment with us. Your view, Reverend?"

"Headmaster, we must be careful not to prejudge anyone here. Having said that, without sight of the video would we not have supported a member of staff's claim that a student was abusive?"

Tammy bit her tongue. It was most unusual that a student would be in such a meeting, especially an off-the-record meeting. The meeting's remit appeared, at first sight, to be one of damage limitation rather than dealing with the actual problem.

Her father interjected. "What was the allegation about Tammy?"

"Miss Stewart reported to me that Miss Smart had objected being called to her, had been obstructive when Miss Smart was trying to clear up a query and had stormed out after shouting and swearing."

"I see."

"Yes Richard, I am trying to find a solution to this problem that isn't actually a solution to the problem. Regardless of the personal issues here, I do not want to upset the entire Scottish Teachers Union at the same time."

"Will you be contacting her previous school?"

"The Head there is an old friend, I spoke to her last night and will speak again after this non-meeting."

Richard nodded, there were real limits to what he could do, either as a parent or as a governor, and the two roles should not ever mix. That was proving difficult right now.

"Now, Miss Smart, you are to stop using the camera in school, permission to use it is rescinded and it must not be worn. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Good, that way we can avoid a repeat of these circumstances. However, I will now ask that you are not to see any member of staff alone, regardless of the circumstances. You could be accompanied by another student or Mrs Small, or potentially another member of staff. That should eliminate opportunist accusations. The same rule will apply to Miss Small and any other female student until it's no longer needed."

"Yes, Sir, thank you."

"Regarding this morning, I have reviewed the allegation and found it to be contrary to your otherwise excellent record. I will suggest to Miss Stewart that simply a warning should be put on your record."

Richard queried this.

"Richard, all student records are subject to regular review. Now, I suggest you take your daughter to her place of work otherwise Ms Bonney could be short-handed today."

"Certainly Steven. Come on Tammy."

After being told she was in the clear, Tammy had immediately gone up to her room to change her attire for the day and to put on the make-up that was mostly missing, in case she really did have to do her Saturday morning detention.

She then sent a text to Sarah to say she was on her way, finally she fixed the camera brooch to her top.

It was gone eight forty when she came back downstairs, finding her father tapping his foot.

"They all left ten minutes ago."

"I couldn't go to work looking like that."

"Women! Come on before I change my mind."

***

Today was the last day of Sarah's winter sale. As a result of some business advice, an understanding of her stock room and some online advertising, this was Sarah's best winter yet and the previous month had equated to six months of normal trade. No wonder there was a spring in her step.

Angela had arrived before Tammy and collected the pastries, although one more was now needed.

"I'm so glad you're here, Tammy."

"So am I, I wasn't looking forward to the alternative."

"Right, you have five minutes before I open, it's best if you get to the bakery now."

There was a queue in Reid's Bakery so Tammy took ten minutes and found a shop full of ladies all looking for the last bargain. The shelves were starting to look bare but this was deliberate. The sales stock had gone very well and what remained would be banished to a discount bin in the centre of the shop. Once the store closed at four the girls would change the signage, bring newly-delivered stock into the shop and make certain the shop was ready for Sarah on Monday morning.

Before then, when it was quiet, Tammy and Angela could have some fun.

"What's that box?"

"Tie-dyed cotton skirts."

"And that one, Angela?"

"Mid-sleeved blouses in about six colours."

"Right, find a skirt and a blouse that match and put them on, I'll be back in a minute."

A week earlier Angela would have challenged Tammy or just refused. Now she had a better understanding of the dynamic so didn't just find a combo for herself but also a set for Tammy.

Tammy actually took longer than a minute as the shop had filled again, although by eleven trade was already dropping off. Heavy snow had been forecast for early evening but this far north that could mean anything from three o'clock onwards; Tammy was keeping an eye on the weather.

They took several pictures of themselves in a variety of outfits from the new ranges, mixing and matching where possible. These would be uploaded to the shop's facebook page, which Angela now also had access to.

They broke for a coffee as the shop was clear again by half-past eleven, although Tammy and Angela were still in the borrowed clothing. Sarah pointed to some unopened crates that had been delivered the previous day.

"Have a look in there, it's a new spring range I thought might appeal to teens upwards. Emily suggested it just before she went back to Dundee."

Emily, Sarah's daughter, had been working with Tammy over the Christmas period and together they had built the online advertising, which the girls were adding to today. In the next fifteen minutes a load more photos were taken and uploaded ready for the next big splash.

Back in their own clothes, and still with an empty shop, Tammy asked Angela about her hospital appointments.

"Jill was okay, but she wanted to know more about how I was dealing with the loss of dad, than how I am."

"I think, Angela, it's just one part of the whole picture. If you're depressed because of one problem then that can impinge everywhere."

"But she didn't spend hardly any time on whether I want to stay as Angela."

"Well, do you?"

"Do I what?"

"Want to stay as Angela?"

"Yes."

"So, if it's that simple she wouldn't need to ask the same question eighteen times?"

"I suppose not."

"So what about Doctor Yates? Was that the first time you've met her?"

"Yes, she said I was a little anaemic so I have to take these red pills for a month but it was suggested I eat more sprouts, cabbage and stuff."

"A sensible diet helps."

"Yeah, anyway she tells me that my hormone levels are typical for a late pubescent male. So I burst into tears, because I'm sure she's going to say no to me."

"But it isn't up to her anyway, she just puts her reports to Professor Roberts."

"That's what she said, of course I didn't have any tissues in my bag so had to borrow a few from mum."

"But what did Dr Yates say?"

"That she'll recommend to Professor Roberts that I start blockers."

"That's wonderful news!"

Tammy gave Angela a hug, Tammy was tense at first but then loosened up, reaching for a tissue when she was let go owing to a tear forming in an eye.

"Thank you Tammy."

"You're welcome."

"Girls?"

"Yes Sarah," they answered.

"Can we change the posters now, please, and start moving the stock. It's only one but the town is effectively dead so we'll do this then go home."

"Good idea."

"There isn't even enough in the safe to worry about. Never mind."

The swapping around took them the best part of an hour so shortly after two, once everything was ready for Monday morning, they headed off. Tammy and Angela were early for their lift home so went to the Castletown Hotel for a drink whilst they waited.

For a change from the usual orange juice, Tammy proposed that they celebrate Angela's latest news with a glass of wine. They sat near the bar and ordered from a passing barman. Looking around they couldn't see any familiar faces, except for the barman. Suddenly a man, looking officious, came towards them.

"I'm sorry but we cannot serve you alcoholic drinks and you must leave."

"Why wouldn't you serve us? We're both over eighteen and have been using this hotel bar for months. Where is Frances?"

"I'm sorry but I don't believe you're eighteen."

Tammy stood then reached into her bag, "here's my driving licence, I believe my friend here has hers as well."

He looked at them but wasn't convinced.

"I'm sorry but you'll have to leave."

"And I'm sorry but there will be a complaint. Who is behind this and where is Frances?"

"I'm the relief manager whilst Signor Ernesto takes a holiday. Now, please ladies, before I call the police?"

"That's a good idea." Tammy looked at the bar tender who was looking confused, Tammy signalled for him to call the police.

"There, I've done the job for you and your barman, he's a dear you know, will call the police. We'll have this sorted out in no time. Come on Angela, sit down and wait."

Angela was not keen on this approach but it would be half an hour before their transport arrived so they had to wait somewhere. Outside the snow was coming down, driven by a stiff wind.

Nearly ten minutes passed before Constable Stuart St James walked into the hotel, shaking snow off his uniform. Tammy stood to greet him.

"Hello Miss Smart, Miss Small, now what seems to be the problem?"

The relief manager approached.

"Officer I've been told that these two girls are boys in disguise and are under eighteen. I've been trying to eject them from the bar."

"Have you asked for proof of identity and age?"

"Yes. They showed me driving licences but I'm sure they're fake."

"Ladies, could you show me those licences?"

He handed them back almost immediately, "Miss Smart, I understand you will be starting driving lessons soon?"

"When the roads clear, Officer."

"A sensible approach. Now, perhaps you and I could discuss this in your office, Mister ?"

"Jones, Officer, Jones."

"Right then Mr Jones, lead on."

The girls sat back down, within a few seconds the barman approached with a tray.

"Two glasses of Prosecco?"

"Thank you." She smiled.

"Angela, a toast."

"To what?"

"To us, fighting against all the stupid people in this world."

"To us!"

It was another ten minutes before the manager returned with PC St James. The manager was not pleased to see the girls sat there, even less so as they tilted their wine glasses towards him in a show of mock respect.

"Ladies, the duty manager was something to say."

"Erm, my apologies, I was obviously mistaken."

Tammy wasn't impressed. "Mistaken? More likely fed information of doubtful quality."

"Now, now, Miss Smart."

"Sorry, Constable."

The manager slid away.

"Listen to me, you two should have left when he told you, that's the law."

"But it was for the wrong reason."

"That doesn't matter, as manager he can decide who comes in and who can't."

"So he'd have barred us this time, and in future for a false premise that is also vexatious."

"Yes."

Tammy sighed, her life experiences so far hadn't fully explained how unfair much of society is; how, for example, an aggressor can have more protection in law than the victim.

"Do you have transport home?"

"Yes, my father's coming down, he'll be here in a few minutes. Do you know who the manager spoke to?"

"Yes, but it's unfair of me to say until I've spoken to the person concerned."

"Oh well, a girl can but ask! Who is the manager anyway?"

"He's been brought here from England, Leeds I think, but I don't understand why as Frances never seems to take holidays and has never needed a relief before."

Tammy filed this information, something for Louise to tackle, maybe.

***

Tammy updated Louise after dinner and handed her the brooch. There may be something useful on the day's recording. Her father was not impressed when she spoke to him a little later in the study.

"I did it for all the best possible reasons, Dad."

"I don't doubt it, but it was still wrong and could have back-fired badly."

"But it didn't."

"Not this time, but don't you ever pull that stunt again."

"Yes Dad."

"What are your plans for tomorrow?"

"None right now except some homework."

"So maybe Angela can come over so you can work together?"

"And you get time with Joan?"

"That's a possibility, we do have some things to discuss."

"Is there still more to do now that we've had George's funeral?"

"Yes, we're just waiting for the inquest to start. That could be another few weeks but could prove to be interesting as I understand a good list of witnesses is being called, including yourself."

"What fun."

"I thought you'd like that. Expect a summons soon. It'll be a day, or two off school."

"Right now I don't want any time off school."

"Understandable."

There was a knock on the door and Louise entered.

"I hope you don't mind me interrupting but I've found something."

She was holding a tablet in her hand with a frozen shot from the hotel bar that afternoon. Louise played the clip, which was taken when Tammy and Angela arrived, looking around before choosing where to sit.

"I remember that, there wasn't a single face I knew."

"Maybe Tammy, but there was someone there who was definitely looking out for you, watch."

A lady in her late forties or early fifties rose as the girls entered the bar and was seen heading towards the ladies toilet when Tammy was sitting down.

"I remember her, but I have no idea who she is."

"Her names's Fiona and she's a close friend of Yvonne Stewart."

"Oh."

Richard paused before responding.

"I wonder what their aim is?" He asked nobody in particular.

"Is there anything in George's will that's suspicious?"

"No Louise, it was written just after they first moved up here and hadn't changed. Joan eventually found it in an old biscuit tin along with the deeds for their home in Bletchley."

Tammy yawned. "If you don't mind, I'll head up."

"Okay, good night Tammy."

She gave her father a kiss and left the study. Elsie was in the sitting room and Tammy was tempted to speak to her but it was clear that Elsie was also very tired. Slowly Tammy took herself up to her room.

She was in bed, asleep, within fifteen minutes.

Part Three   "Dunbankin'"

 
This is the third book in the Tommy & Tamara Series. It is strongly advised that you read the previous books first.
 
 
Sunday 11th January 2015
 

Tammy had been working on her homework for about half an hour when Angela arrived at the bedroom door.

"It's not nice out there!"

"And a good morning to you too."

"Bah! Mum's gone into the study with your Dad, I wonder what they're talking about?"

"Dad has been out to look at properties this week so maybe he wants Joan's help in choosing one?"

"Maybe."

"Come on, unpack your stuff whilst I order some coffee."

"Hot chocolate please."

Tammy made a call to the kitchen whilst Angela dragged a chair over to the desk and set up her laptop. Today's main task was two thousand words on Shakespeare's Thane of Cawdor. Quite by co-incidence, an email had arrived from Sandy Franklin:

From: Sandy Franklin
To: Mill Theatre Players
Date: Sunday 11th Jan 2015 1030UTC
Subject: Spring Production
 
Dear all,
 
It's now official, our autumn production of West Side Story was our most successful yet. Not only did we sell more seats than before but the audience reaction was fantastic. As a result the theatre and the Mill Theatre Players have gained several more sponsors, which leads me onto the next item.
 
After much consideration we have decided to do Macbeth. Many of you won't remember the last time it was staged in the theatre as that was in 2006 on the quad centenary anniversary of the play. The performances are currently scheduled to be May 1st to the 3rd. We'll hold open auditions next Saturday at ten o'clock and a rehearsal schedule will be published in the next two weeks.
 
Happy new year
Sandy

"I can't do it, Angela."

"Do what?"

"This play."

"Why not?"

"The performances are in May, my first A level exam is on the thirteenth of May."

"Which one?"

"Maths Core."

"Oh."

"Yes, so I don't really have time to devote to learning lines."

"But you should know the Scottish Play already. It isn't even the longest of Shakespeare's tragedies."

"No, I simply can't."

Tammy's phone pinged, Tanya had sent a message. Tammy decided to call her, but put it on speaker so Angela could hear.

"Hi, yes I did see the email."

"Hi Tammy, so do you want it?"

"No, I don't. You're welcome to her."

"I don't like Shakespeare really, you do her!"

"I have A level exams to revise for, she's all your's!"

"I have exams too!"

Angela was having trouble, "what on earth are the two of you talking about?"

In stereo, "Lady Macbeth."

"So, which of you wants to play her?"

"Neither of us!"

When they'd recovered from the giggles, Tammy decided that something had to be done.

"I suppose, Tanya, that if neither of us turns up at the auditions then we still wouldn't get out of it."

"That's the problem, so which of us is going to do her? 'Is this a dagger which I see before me'?"

"'The handle towards my hand, come let me clutch thee'."

"Perfect, the job's your's."

"It's only a few words, and they were Macbeth's."

"Maybe, but you picked up where I finished."

"So, I might know some of the words."

"Sold!"

"I'm going to regret this!"

"'Hubble bubble toil and trouble'!"

"You witch!"

"One of the three, at least."

Tammy hung up.

"What about this homework on the Thane of Cawdor?" Asked Angela.

****

By lunchtime they had enough of Macbeth, his history, rivals, fears and mental breakdown that the two girls decided that each could finish this homework later. What really did trouble Tammy was that she did seem to know the play rather well. A phone call summonsed them to the dining room.

"Girls, when we've had some lunch we need to have a look at some properties."

Thirty minutes later the four of them were in Richard's Land Rover, heading towards the main gate of the McPherson estate. They were only on the main road for a minute before turning off it. A sign named the property as 'Dunbankin'.

"What's this one, Dad?"

"It's the Dohertys' home, Mr Doherty has been offered early retirement by the bank and they're looking to sell so they can move south."

They were greeted by Mrs Doherty who explained her husband was at the Golf Club.

"Come in and have a look around, are these your parents Tammy?"

Tammy had heard the name before but hadn't been able to match a face, she did however know that this lady, Janet, was a frequent Saturday morning visitor to Sarah's Boutique and loved a bargain.

"Hi Janet, let me introduce my father, his close friend Joan Small and her daughter Angela, who's at school with me."

"Oh, ghastly business Mrs Small, ghastly. Anyway, where shall we head first?"

The property was bigger than it looked and had been extended several times over the years. Originally built around 1910 there were 1950s and 1980s aged additions to the original building.

There were five bedrooms, one of which would make a study or games room. Three of the bedrooms also had their own bathrooms so there were some happy faces. Mr Doherty had used a downstairs room, next to the lounge, as a study so this would be maintained and used by Richard or Joan.

The kitchen, Tammy noted, was definitely a 1950s model, complete with an Aga.

"That would have to go," whispered Angela.

"You don't know what it is?"

"An antique."

"That antique is one of the best cookers you can get and would cost almost four thousand pounds to replace."

There was a polite cough behind them. "Tammy's right, and if I had my way we'd take it with us."

Looking through the kitchen window Tammy saw an out-building. "What's there, Janet?"

"It was a barn as this was attached to an estate, but George used it for a workshop and garage plus there's a studio upstairs."

"Studio? Drawing and Painting?"

"No, music. Our son set it up before he moved to LA. There's also a separate flat over there."

Tammy was about to ask if they could take a look when Richard and Joan arrived in the kitchen.

"Right gang, we're short of time so we need to move on. Thank you very much Janet."

"Bye everyone."

Tammy realised they had been at the Doherty's house for half an hour and the light was beginning to go. A few minutes later they pulled up by another property, Tammy dated it between 1920 and 1930.

They were met by an estate agent, the property was unoccupied, cold and most unwelcoming. The tour took five minutes and they shivered their way back to Richard's car.

"One more."

This time it was a ten minute drive to the far side of Thurso, almost into Castletown. They finally pulled up outside a carbuncle of a building. Richard left the engine running.

"What's this?"

"It's one of the houses the estate agency sent us."

"It's awful."

"Did you want to have a look around?"

"No."

"Angela?"

"I'm with Tammy on this one."

"Okay, let's head back."

***

They reconvened in the sitting room but waiting until each had a warming drink before starting the discussion. Joan took the lead, taking Richard's hand as she spoke.

"Angela, Tammy, by now you must have realised that Richard and I are very fond of each other. You must also have worked out that the house viewing is intended to find somewhere for all of us to live."

Tammy nodded, Angela too although Tammy did wonder if Angela had seen all the signs.

"Angela, which of the three did you like?"

"The first one."

"Tammy?"

"Dunbankin."

"What?"

"That's the name of the Dohertys' house."

"How appropriate."

Richard took over. "That was the easy question, there's still plenty of work to do before we can make an offer, and loads more before we could move in there."

"Dad, Joan, would the house be bought by one of the companies?"

"Yes."

Joan and Angela looked confused.

"If we will have enough cash to purchase a property outright, without a mortgage, then it makes sense to have a company buy the house, any work needed would also go through the company."

"But why would you do that?"

"For the tax, Angela, the tax. You can make each pound work twenty percent harder if you try."

"Okay, but I know nothing about companies, it's not as if I have one?"

Tammy started to laugh.

"What?"

"Do you remember when we were in London a month ago?"

"Yes."

"Dad asked his PA to create a company for you and your mum whilst we were there."

"Oh."

"My guess is that each of us would put something into the new company."

"That's right Tammy. However, as I said a few minutes ago, there's plenty of work needed before we can make an offer. I do however get the feeling that the Dohertys want to be gone by the beginning of February if possible."

"Three weeks, that's not much time."

"So maybe they won't want to argue about the price too much?"

That generated a laugh.

"Dad, what about Elsie?"

"What would you like to know?"

Tammy spun around, Elsie was stood behind her.

"Oh, sorry Elsie, I was just wondering what would happen to you once Dad and I moved?"

"I was wondering that too. Richard, Joan, could I have a chat in the study please?"

Whilst their parents went off with Elsie, Angela suggested she and Tammy finished off their homework. Back in Tammy's room, however, any more progress on Shakespeare was frustrated by a more pressing issue.

"Tammy, our parents, is it a good idea?"

"Angela, I'm the wrong one to be asking that. I've never had a real relationship and even my parents used to be at a distance, physically and emotionally."

"But, is it right?"

"That's down to them, but you would be related to me."

"Sisters?"

"Technically step-sister, sis."

"I like that, sis."

The pair hugged, seemingly closer than ever. Tammy put a peck on Angela's cheek, fully expecting her sister-to-be to flinch. Angela, however, just smiled.

"Angela, promise me this though, let our parents get on with it and don't interfer."

"Yes."

"Also, if it doesn't work out with them, promise me you'll stil be my friend."

"Yes."

"Now, do you want to do any more homework?"

"No, let's see what everyone else is up to."

Tammy checked her email first whilst Angela was looking through social media for signs of intelligent life.

From: John Hibbert
To: Tammy Smart
Date: Sunday 11th January 2015 11:35
Subject: What's going on?
 
Hi Tammy,
 
I'm confused. I was on detention supervision duty yesterday from nine and the list I was handed had your name on it, as we suspected. But there was no sign of you so I had to report that to Miss Stewart. She flew into a rage, swore at me and demanded to know where you were.
 
Of course, I didn't know anything. She sent me back to supervise the few miscreants, including Thwaites, and the rest of the morning passed almost without incidence. However, about ten o'clock, the head came to see me and asked that I strike your name from the list. I don't know how you managed it, but well done. As the boys were heading off at midday Thwaites came up to me and asked where you were, he was given the only answer I had, I didn't know. I'm also unclear whether he was expecting to see you in detention that morning or whether I'd seen you in school, sorry I don't know what he was implying.
 
Anyway, I passed Miss Stewart on my way to lunch and she was foul, I think she'd come from the Head's office. She looked at me with contempt but I have no idea what I did wrong, oh well.
 
I spent the afternoon with Tanya and had a late pass so Sandy ran me up to the school after dinner. What's this I hear about you having Tanya over for a sleep-over next weekend?
 
John

Tammy sat back in her chair, she'd best keep well out of Yvonne's way on Monday. No, make that every day.

"Oh Angela, before I forget, there's a new school rule."

"Ok."

"Us girls cannot see a member of staff unless someone else is in the room."

"What?"

"Look, it's for your own protection. If one of the tutors asks to see you, make sure one of the other sixth formers is there. You can ask your mum instead but that might create problems."

"She'll be your mum too, soon anyway."

"True, so ask me, John or one of the others if you are asked to see a tutor by yourself. The tutors should be told tomorrow. There might be little things like that now the school is adapting to having girls there."

"I suppose so."

"What are your plans after A levels?"

"I was thinking of going into health and welfare."

"You hadn't decided?"

"Dad said to wait until I had my results and not to get my hopes up."

"That's unfair, you should have had sessions with Mr Thompson to talk about what you were doing next."

"Dad wouldn't let me go to them."

"What course are you thinking of?"

"It's a BA(Hons) in Health Studies and I can specialise into Health and Welfare or go down a community health route. The local college run it but it's a part of the University of the Highlands and Islands. I'd only need two A levels to get on the course too."

"Don't run yourself down, you'll get three easily, just have confidence in your own abilities."

"What are you doing yourself?"

"Good question, I thought it was all mapped out; I was going to work for dad's bank and do my degree in London at the same time."

"There's two problems there, your dad doesn't work for the bank any more and you're not in London."

"Yes, show me that college."

"After a swim, have you still got one of my suits here?"

***

Downstairs Elsie was mapping out her own future, she'd been feeling unwell for several months but it wasn't until late November that she'd told her GP how she felt. From there on matters had progressed fast, starting with an initial consultation and then the multiple scans and a small biopsy.

That was finalised just before Christmas and Elsie was under the knife as soon as Hogmanay was out of the way. Right now she was wondering whether chemotherapy was needed, as well as being sore and fatigued. The pain killers didn't help and she'd gone against medical advice to cut them out during the day. That, unfortunately, left her a little ratty even if a little more alert.

"Richard, I know you're concerned for me but I also respect that you need to do things for yourself, for yourselves." She looked at Joan as she said that last few words.

"Elsie, I or should I say we, are in two minds about what to do here. Tammy has been with you since November and I came here soon after. Now we have Louise as well, although her initial contract ended a week ago. That's putting too much on you, on your household."

"Nonsense Richard, having Tammy around was a breath of fresh air, I've said that before and it's still true - even if she's a little headstrong at times, even insolent occasionally."

Richard remembered the previous morning when Tammy had referred to Harry Davison as just 'Harry', much to Elsie's chagrin. Harry had given Tammy permission at the school's Christmas staff party, just not to call him 'Harry' anywhere formal. The previous morning's meeting was definitely not formal, or even a meeting technically.

"But Elsie, if you do need chemo then your needs and priorities will change."

"I know and I don't like the idea of not being in control, even of my own body."

"Had you thought about having a nurse here so you don't have to attend hospital?"

"I have, I wouldn't mind going down to the Dunbar but the local cancer centre is at the Raigmore in Inverness and it's still a couple of hours away."

"Well, it would take a few weeks at least to get nurses organised, plus any equipment, and we're looking at a month before we could move anyway."

"Would you want to take any staff?"

Joan looked surprised at the question.

"I'd like to take Leanne and probably hire a cook. I'll have to check with her but Louise could become our PA and office manager."

"That would leave me with Anna, Thomas and the kitchen staff. I'm sure I could loan you the estates team if you needed help."

"Thanks Elsie, as you know the Dohertys' place backs onto the estate. We wouldn't be far away if you needed us."

"I'll see that an access is put through, I presume you would want to improve security there?"

"Yes, the house is quite close to the road."

"I use an architect in town, I'll ask him to contact you so you can get the drawings done quickly."

"Great, my only concern now is that the Dohertys accept the offer."

"They will, Richard, I spoke to Janet after you'd left there."

Richard smiled, you should never underestimate Elsie. Joan was starting to realise that she was underestimating both of them.

***

They all reconvened for dinner with Michael, Elsie's youngest son, joining them.

"Hi Michael, I haven't seen you for a few days?"

"I've been staying with a friend whilst we work on our projects for college, Tammy."

It didn't look like Michael was comfortable giving any more information so Tammy left it, just as well considering that Elsie had now entered the room.

Just before Joan and Angela left Angela asked a question.

"Was there any problem when you reported that boy on Friday?"

"Oh, none at all Angela. I'm told he was in detention yesterday morning."

"Good. I'll see you at school tomorrow. Bye."

"Bye, sis."

Part Four   "Resignation?"

 
 
Monday 12th January 2015
 

Tammy did her absolute best to avoid Yvonne Stewart at school, not always the easiest thing to do in that micro-world. Nevertheless, by lunch break there had only been fleeting glances of her, plus a variety of reports from other sixth formers.

"I heard her talking to some parents, their daughter is interested in coming here in September. One of them asked if they could speak to an existing girl and she said that was not at all possible."

"Thanks James, I wonder how long she'll be able to keep that up."

James Hunter had not readily accepted the idea of girls, especially transgendered girls, in the male bastion of a boys' school. In fact, just before the Christmas break he had been quite dismissive of Angela. Two things seemed to have changed his mind; he'd been overheard and was warned by John Hibbert that he could be excluded from the sixth form common room for such comments. He had also been accused of writing a note to Angela telling her to leave the school, but denied it saying he was aware who was responsible. He knew that whoever was responsible for the note ran the risk of suspension or expulsion - something he couldn't risk this close to his Scottish Higher exams.

During lunch one of the Deputy Heads, Mr Thompson, came up to Tammy.

"Could you and Miss Small come to my office after lunch? I believe you both have study periods?"

"Yes Sir."

As Mr Thompson walked away John leaned over.

"What's that about, Tammy?"

"I don't know, I don't think we're in trouble."

"Neither do I, oh well, good luck."

Tammy's sarcasm was evident, "thanks, I was rather hoping I wouldn't need it."

John laughed but Angela was now getting worried.

"What if ...."

"Angela, John was trying to make a joke, personally I think he needs to work on his timing."

"Eh?"

The five minute warning bell sounded as they were clearing the table. Most of the sixth formers were heading for their common room to collect their books and folders, despite constant reminders from senior tutors not to treat the room as a large locker.

Angela and Tammy, meanwhile, made the short journey from the refectory to the entrance hallway and the door into the Deputy Head's room. The door was ajar so Tammy knocked gently and pushed the door open.

"Come in ladies and please close the door behind you." Mr Thompson was sat by his coffee table, Tammy noted that the number of chairs had increased from the usual three. He gestured for them to sit.

"Firstly, I've been hearing some good reports from your tutors and you don't appear to have suffered too much from your absences before Christmas."

"Thank you, Sir." They both acknowledged the compliment.

"Normally I would say no to a request like this but I believe it has merit."

"Sorry Sir, you've lost me."

"Ah, I'm getting ahead of myself. It appears, Miss Smart, that Mrs McIntosh is a fan of yours and has recently joined the board of trustees of the theatre. She's made a direct request for you to be allowed to participate in the production of Macbeth."

Tammy groaned.

"Is there a problem?"

"I didn't want to play her."

"Her?"

"Lady Macbeth?"

"Have you been offered the part?"

"Not as such."

"So why do you think you already have it?"

"The only other girl capable of playing her doubts her abilities."

"I was only told this morning that the play had only just been decided and you've already negotiated the lead female role? I can't imagine a boy doing that, with respect."

"I'm hardly a boy, Sir."

"Anyway, permission granted."

"It's out of school time, Sir, so why is permission needed?"

"We normally ask the upper sixth to each do two hours a week after school exam revision with the year elevens from February to April. The pair of you plus Mr Hibbert will be excused that."

Tammy nodded, she'd forgotten the help she'd received in the run up to her GCSE exams when she was sixteen.

"Now, Miss Small, I have additionally had a request for your help at the theatre so you are also excused the revision duties."

"Thank you Sir." Angela was quite relieved.

There was a knock on the door and Mrs Adams, the Head's secretary, put her head in.

"The Richardsons are back, Sir."

"Thank you, please show them in."

A girl, aged about fifteen or sixteen, came in followed by a couple who were easily her parents.

"Please take a seat. Mr and Mrs Richardson, Josephine, I'd like to introduce Angela Small and Tamara Smart, currently our only female students."

There was a round of hand shaking.

"It's Tammy." "Josie."

Mr Richardson spoke next. "I thought none of the girls were available?"

"I'm sorry there was a miscommunication. Miss Stewart doesn't currently look after any of the sixth formers' classes or schedules as that's my responsibility. Miss Small and Miss Smart are free for the next hour if Miss Richardson would like to ask any questions."

"Is Miss Stewart new?"

"Yes, she started a week ago."

"Ah, still finding her feet then."

Mr Richardson laughed at his own comment, Mr Thompson responded likewise, albeit nervously.

"Now, why don't you ladies head off, meet here in forty five minutes."

"Yes, Sir." Tammy stood and suggested Josie followed. Angela followed the other two out of the room and closed the door gently.

Tammy indicated that they shouldn't speak whilst in the corridors as they threaded their way upstairs to the sixth form common room. The room was empty when they walked in.

"Here we are, coffee?"

"Tea please. Are you really the only two girls here?"

"Yes."

"How long have you been here?"

"I've been here almost ten years, Angela five years."

"But girls have only just been admitted ..... oh." She blushed.

Tammy walked away from the tea station and sat next to Josie, smoothing her skirt as she did.

"You can ask any question, we won't mind."

"Ummm, no, ummmm." Josie was stuck for words. Tammy stood and went back to the kettle that was now boiling. Angela was meanwhile trying to tidy the room.

"Here you are, sorry but it's a blended tea."

"That's okay, I don't like Earl Grey or any of those."

"They can be an acquired taste. Which school are you at right now?"

"Inverness High School for Girls."

"So why did you want to come here?"

"Because I want to do A levels and not Highers, the A level results here are brilliant every year and I think I can do better than I am doing at the moment. Plus we live in Thurso now and I hate the travelling every day."

"That's a bit of a hike."

"Yeah, but I can't change school this close to my Standard Grades exam."

"True."

"Now, tell me this, why is that witch here?"

"Witch?"

"Miss Stewart."

"She just arrived, she was at a Dundee school until the Autumn."

"She was at my school when I was in year seven but fortunately I didn't have anything to do with her. If she's going to be here in September then I might change my mind."

Tammy was uncertain what to say, it was one thing to hold an opinion but it was something else to broadcast it.

"Oh, you don't like her either, do you?"

"It wouldn't be fair for me to say anything." Tammy could see Angela stifling a laugh,out of sight of Josie. Unfortunately, the door opened and James came in. Josie's head turned to see what was happening and caught Angela, who fled the room.

"Tammy, have you had another argument with her?"

"What James?"

"She's just come out of Mr Thompson's office and walked out the main entrance."

"Miss Stewart?"

"Yes, who else?"

"The answer is no, by the way this is Josie Richardson and her parents are with Mr Thompson at the moment."

"Oh, shit, sorry."

Josie started laughing. "I think I'm going to like it here!"

"I must warn you that Angela, James and I are all out of here in June. That would leave you as the only girl."

"I don't think so, several of my year 11 friends want to come here but we couldn't visit on the same days."

"No, there's a policy of one visit a day."

"James, why aren't you in French right now?"

"Monsieur Benoit fell over at lunchtime and has gone to hospital."

"Fell over?"

"Apparently he was having a cigarette round the back, a Gauloises, when one of the grounds staff came looking. He tried to hide and slipped on the ice as that area hadn't been cleared. It seems the grounds staff have been trying to catch him in the act since before Christmas."

"Bit of a give-away that."

"Why?" Josie was confused.

"Gauloises is a French brand."

"Oh, how do you know?"

"I've worked in France."

"As an au pair?"

"No, for a bank, my father was a director for one of the big banks. I was his assistant."

"Not any more?"

"He retired and came to live in Thurso just after I moved out of the boarding house."

Josie paused, thinking for a moment. "You were in West Side Story, weren't you?"

"Yes."

"We were there on the opening night. Who was that man who attacked you?"

"He didn't attack me, that was my co-star Tanya. He was Angela's father."

"Oh dear, I've put my foot in it again, I keep doing this."

"Look, have you done any acting?"

"Just a few bits in school, why?"

"There are open auditions for Macbeth at the Mill Theatre on Saturday at ten."

"Are you going to be there?"

"It looks like I'll be Lady Macbeth." Tammy sighed.

"I'll be Macbeth, then." John Hibbert had come in.

"Come on John, what would Tanya think of us as a married couple?"

"She'll be there, casting spells on you."

"Sorry to disappoint you, that's not how the play goes. John, this is Josie Richardson, Josie this is John Hibbert."

"Enchanté mademoiselle." He came forward, took Josie's hand and kissed it.

Behind him Angela had returned and took a photo with her phone. John's head snapped around as he heard the click.

"Sorry John, I've just sent that to Tanya."

"You ..........."

Josie laughed, taking any heat out of the faux argument.

Tammy looked sternly at Angela, then smiled. "You didn't, did you?"

"Photo yes, sent it no." She tapped her phone then put it away in her bag.

Tammy smiled, Angela was learning.

"Tammy, could I have a tour?"

"Didn't you already have one, Josie?"

"Yes, but that was really for my parents' benefit."

"Okay, let's get out of this madhouse. We've got just over twenty minutes."

***

Tammy just made it to her English Literature class, the last period of the day, in time after delivering a happy Josephine Richardson back to the Deputy Head's office. They had passed a few of the lower years in the corridors many of whom had openly stared at the girl walking with her. "Get used to it," was Tammy's advice.

Back in the classroom Tammy handed in her homework on the Thane of Cawdor.

"Thank you Miss Smart, or should that be Lady Macbeth?"

Tammy blushed. "Where did you hear that, Sir?"

"I had lunch with the senior leadership team."

"Oh, it's not a done deal, Sir."

Many of the boys had no idea what they were talking about.

"For those who don't follow local affairs, Miss Smart is likely to play Lady Macbeth in the next production at the Mill Theatre."

There were a few rumblings, not all of which were kind.

"You might also wish to know that Mr Hibbert will be trying for the part of Macbeth. This is rather fortunate for those participating in the play as this year's Shakespeare for A Level students is the Scottish play. For those with no acting talent you could at least take yourselves along to one of the performances. When are the auditions, Miss Smart?"

"Saturday morning, ten o'clock, at the Mill Theatre. Take the nine or nine thirty minibus to Olrig Street and it's a ten minute walk from there."

"Thank you, we'll examine Macbeth's state of mind tomorrow once I've checked your homework. For now we'll make a start on our next book, 'One Day In The Life Of Ivan Denisovich'."

There was a groan from the corner.

"Smith, I am tempted to have you produce five thousand words on 'War and Peace' by the end of the week."

That generated a muted laugh.

"Right, who is familiar with the book?"

***

Tammy met with Angela outside the main entrance, she was waiting for her mum, Joan.

"By the way, did you look at that college website?"

"Yes, I'm tempted to do the honours degree in Business and Management."

"What's the plan after that?"

"To get a job, probably in finance, and work towards a Masters degree when I can."

"So you'll be around here for the next three years?"

"It's likely to be four."

"That's great, sis."

Janet Adams came up to them.

"Girls, can you come with me?"

Sensing urgency, they followed Janet Adams back into her office where Joan Small was in tears.

"Mum, what's up?"

"I'm going to resign."

"No, why?"

"She accused me of interfering."

"With what?"

"With Tammy, she accused me of talking to the Head and a conflict of interests."

"Tammy, what's mum talking about?"

"Miss Stewart gave me a detention after I reported Thwaites, according to her the anti-discrimination policy is only a guideline."

Janet squealed as she tried to contain a laugh.

"Tammy, I know what happened on Saturday morning. Angela, your mum was not involved and Tammy shouldn't have been put in that position in the first place."

"But, Tammy, you said everything was fine and Thwaites was in detention."

"I wasn't lying, it was all sorted out but it took Elsie to fix it. I'm not certain yet why Thwaites was in detention."

"I can answer that," said Janet, "he was heard at dinner time by Mr Thompson boasting how he got away with it and how he'd repeat it. He's lost every Saturday morning this month and possibly February as well, as well as any passes into town."

"No wonder she was pissed today, whoops, sorry."

"Tammy, it was apt. Now, Joan, don't go doing anything drastic as everything will be sorted out. Apparently you're on a course for the next two days so go home and look after yourself."

"I'm on a course? Oh, thank you Janet."

"Think nothing of it, I detest bullies."

"What about Yvonne?"

"Tammy, she's the Head's problem, let things play out and try not to get involved too much."

"I'll try, Janet, but that's not always easy in school."

"And don't I know it! Anyway, let's all get out of here. Joan, is your car out front?"

"Yes."

"Good, take Angela home and have a couple of 'me' days please. Tammy, I'll assume the bus has gone so I'll run you home."

"Thanks."

Tammy watched Joan and Angela leave the office then took her phone out.

"Hi Sandy, it's Tammy."

"Hi Tammy, did you want before or after the audition?"

"Before."

"Right, come and see me at half nine. You won't be needed at the theatre until eleven so we have plenty of time."

"Thanks. Do you have any slots free tomorrow morning?"

"Who for?"

"Joan, the works please."

"Tell her eleven, you can pay on Saturday."

"Okay. Cheers."

"Bye."

She put her phone away after sending a text to Angela

Tell mum to see Sandy at 11.00 in the morning

"Tammy, you have a smug look on your face."

"I've just booked Joan in for a pampering tomorrow morning."

"Good idea, well done."

"I had to really, she'll be my step-mum before long. Whoops."

"I'll pretend I never heard it, Tammy."

"Thanks."

"Come on, let's get you home."

Part Five   "Revelations"

 
 
Tuesday 13th January 2015
 

School had been quiet, almost boring, as nothing appeared to be happening. There was no sign of Yvonne Stewart and the school wasn't paying host to any visitors today. One upside to Tuesday was that Tammy had no classes after lunch so was supposed to be in the school library or the common room.

Instead of that, as everyone was filtering into the refectory, Tammy went to see Mrs Adams, the School Secretary. One of the other office staff was with her so Tammy kept it formal, at first anyway.

"Hello Mrs Adams."

"Ah, Miss Smart, how are you today?"

"It's been a quiet day so I guess that's a good day."

"What can I do for you?"

"I have no classes for the rest of the day so I figured I might check on my case study for the Business Studies A Level I'm doing."

"That sounds like a good idea, I'll write out a pass for you. Do you have any transport arranged?"

"Not yet."

"Well, Julianne is going to get her hair done, I'm sure she'll drop you down there."

"That'll be great, thanks Janet. Hi Julianne, I'm Tammy."

"Hi, I've heard all about you."

"Nothing bad, I hope?"

"Only how you stand up for yourself and your friends."

Tammy blushed.

"I'm parked round the back, let's get going as my appointment is in fifteen minutes."

"Bye Janet."

The ride into town didn't take long and Julianne left her little car in the public carpark as they both walked to the salon. Tammy had spotted Joan's car a few rows away.

"Are you here for an appointment too?"

"No, mine's on Saturday but I arranged for a friend to have the full treatment this morning and I want to check on her."

They walked in just as Joan was finishing at the nail bar.

"Thank you Tammy!"

Joan gave Tammy a hug, careful not to ruin her newly glossed nails.

"Joan, you needed that."

Tammy could see that Julianne was being sent by Sandy into see Joanne in the torture chamber so knew the sound proofing would be adequate in case something unfortunate was said; Sandy now came over to them.

"Tammy, I've been hearing snippets of news and rumours and trying to put a few things together but Joan has managed to shock me with some of the things that have happened to the pair of you."

Tammy knew that Joan had been keeping things back from her but had decided to be patient, Sandy on the other hand had apparently managed to get everything out of her future step-mum.

"I can't say it's been a pleasant experience, Sandy."

"Well, I've now worked out who she is. She made an appointment in December but never showed up, one of the Saturday girls had written it as 'Eve' but we've since worked out that it was Yvonne. Now that Joan's described her I remember that I saw her outside Sarah's shop once, Emily was talking to her."

"Emily was telling her not to bother showing her face in the shop after she had been rude to me in there."

"Rude? You never told me that."

"No Joan, but Dad knew. She refused to be served by me so Emily,Sarah's daughter, told her where to go. She came back a week later so Emily had another go at her, in the street. That was probably when you saw her, Sandy."

"Well, nasty woman, that business in the hotel too."

"Do you mean the Sunday lunch? So much seems to have happened in there recently."

"Yes, all that fuss over a bottle of wine? She's not welcome here, for sure, and I'll speak to a few of the other shopkeepers when they come in."

"Please be careful, I don't want to make it any worse for me or Joan?"

Joan was reaching for her bag. "How much is that Sandy?"

"Nothing Joan, Tammy's paying for it."

"Tammy!"

"Don't have a go at her, Joan, you needed this treatment. You should have seen the stress lines when you walked in."

"I tried not to look in the mirror this morning, I didn't get much sleep."

"I'm not surprised, come on get yourself along the road for lunch."

"Okay, thanks Joan. Come on Tammy, let's go."

They walked out of the salon and started up the road. Joan was about to ask a question when Tammy saw Yvonne Stewart and her friend Fiona up ahead. Tammy indicated to Joan to keep quiet and they slowed down.

Yvonne appeared to have come from the Castletown Hotel and was complaining loudly as the pair headed towards the carpark. Tammy lost sight of the pair and made it to the hotel a minute later.

They were greeted by Frances who suggested a corner table out of sight of the street door. A barman came over to take their order, it was the same barman that Tammy had seen on Saturday afternoon; he winked at her as he left.

"Tammy, is that barman after something?"

"No, I think he's trying to tell me something about Yvonne and Fiona."

They waited for a minute then saw Frances heading back in their direction, carrying a tray with drinks. Once he served the drinks he asked if he could sit with them.

"Mrs Small, Miss Smart, could I speak to you?"

"Of course, Frances." Tammy was better known so took the lead.

"I don't know if you saw but I have just ejected a Miss Stewart and her friend."

"We saw them leaving, they weren't happy."

"They were not. Can I ask, did you have a problem at the weekend?"

"Yes, a Mr Jones told me and Angela Small that we were under-age. We refused to leave and I asked for the police to come here."

"It is unfortunate that I was not here but we have both been been victims it would seem."

"I was told you were on holiday."

"I was not, I had been suspended by the company that owns the hotel."

"On what grounds?"

"That I was serving alcohol to under eighteens."

"Let me guess, they had a phone call?"

"Yes, I was told I was suspended and they brought a temporary manager up from England."

"PC St James spoke to him Saturday lunchtime."

"Yes, PC St James came back here on Sunday. He told me he had phoned the company on Saturday after leaving here and demanded why the police had not been informed of any allegations as it's a requirement of the licensing law. Apparently my employers had taken the word of one woman screaming down the phone! He then told them about his visit here, I had a phone call at five o'clock Saturday and was put back in charge immediately. It was your insistence that the police were called that meant I could sort out my problem, and help you with your's."

"Nasty business, if I can help I will."

"Indeed. Later on Saturday I had a look at the security recordings but someone had tried to wipe Saturday lunchtime. Fortunately I make two recordings at the same time." Frances smiled.

"Did you see something useful?"

"Let me just say that Mr Jones will now being investigated for bribery and corruption."

"Oh!"

"Another police officer, DC Franklin, also came here on Sunday to view the video and take a copy with him."

"Sweet."

"Then today, those ladies came back and demanded to see Mr Jones, they were most upset when I appeared, one of them said that I shouldn't be here as her information was good enough to have me sacked!"

"It gets better!"

"Yes, I threw them out and they are barred permanently, they'll also find it difficult getting into anywhere else in town. Have you heard of the BOBB scheme?"

"No."

"It stands for 'Behave Or Be Barred' and applies to every bar and restaurant in Thurso. If you're barred in one, you're barred from all of them."

"Do you have a video of her telling you this?"

"I was about to check it when you came in but I first called DC Franklin as he's familiar with the problem."

"Excellent, thank you for telling us."

"You needed to know. The drinks are on the house, by the way."

"Thank you, Frances." Tammy knew not to argue with Frances, who was now walking away. Joan kept feeling that Tammy shouldn't be in this position but at the same time was grateful that she'd handled Frances in such a business-like manner.

"Tammy, I think it's fair that I tell you what has been going on."

"You don't have to break any confidences for me, Joan."

"We need to be open with each-other, especially if you are to be my daughter."

"Does that mean.....?"

"Your father proposed to me at the weekend, subject to his divorce of course."

Tammy reached over and gave Joan, her future step-mum, a hug. Frances came back to put their lunch on the table and withdrew quickly.

"It seems that someone told Yvonne yesterday afternoon about the engagement, she called me into her office not long before I was leaving for the day. That was when she accused me of talking to the Head to get you out of that detention and accused me of a conflict of interest as I would be mum or step mum to both girls in the school."

"Who knew?"

"Janet Adams knew, she saw my spring in my step."

"She notices things, she wouldn't tell Yvonne as she hates the woman."

"No she wouldn't, but Julianne was in the room at the time."

"She gave me a lift down here but I hadn't said I was meeting you or that you had an appointment."

"I saw her in the salon. She's dangerous, she hovers and listens then repeats it all to whoever will be grateful."

"I didn't say anything in the car."

"Good, but how come you're in town anyway?"

"I had a free afternoon and I wanted to see Sarah but I thought it might be an idea to make sure you were okay."

"Well, I'm just grateful you're here." She looked up and saw Frances returning with two glasses of sparkling wine.

"I didn't order this."

"Mrs Small, I'd like to help celebrate your good news."

"I'm driving!"

"Joan, we'll sort that out. Thank you Frances, you're too kind."

There was a noise behind Frances and DC Ben Franklin had walked in. Frances apologised and left, leading the CID officer to the office while Joan and Tammy decided to tackle their lunch.

They'd finished lunch when the Detective Constable approached.

"Tammy, Frances tells me that you had a problem on Saturday?"

"Yes, Ben, I came here not long after one o'clock with Angela Small."

Joan added, "my daughter."

"Okay, I've just reviewed the video from that lunchtime but I have also seen the notes PC St James made. Would you be prepared to make a statement?"

"I wouldn't have a problem with it but what are you trying to achieve?"

"It's simply that we might need to show a bigger picture, show that there's a concerted campaign rather than just a one-off incident."

"Okay,I don't suppose Angela would have a issue, Joan?"

Joan shook her head. "There won't be a problem, I'm sure she'll co-operate."

"Do either of you know what might be behind all of this?"

"Our private investigator established that Yvonne Stewart was having an affair with Joan's late husband and blames me for Joan's son realising she should have been a girl."

"I see, we'll need a statement from your investigator too."

"What about this evening?"

"Okay, Tammy, I'll drive up to the house at five and then I can come over to the cottage, Mrs Small?"

"That's fine."

"Great, I hope you're not driving though?" He had seen the empty glasses.

"No, but I haven't worked out the getting home bit yet."

"Joan, I'll ask Dad and Louise to come down, one of them can drive your car back."

Ben Franklin nodded his agreement and went back to speak to Frances briefly before leaving the hotel. Tammy took her phone out of her bag and quickly explained their transport issue to her father. There was an audible groan, followed by mutterings about leading Joan astray.

***

The statements were completed swiftly although DC Franklin then became interested in the video taken by Tammy's secret filming at the hotel as corroboration for the hotel's own backup recording of Saturday lunchtime.

Louise's continued investigations had taken her to interview some of Emily's friends in Aberdeen and a more complete picture of bullying and belittling of colleagues as well as students was forming. She passed on copies of her notes to DC Franklin but warned him to only contact Emily, whom he'd met, in the first instance.

"Some of these girls, and boys, are truly frightened of her, scared she'll force a query into exam results from years ago or have them thrown off their university or college course based on a spurious allegation."

"We will need their testimony, if it's true then that kind of person does not deserve to teach or be anywhere near impressionable youngsters, or adults for that matter."

Elsie, was now very aware that Tammy's concerns had been justified, but had more pressing concerns of her own. She'd returned from seeing her Oncologist an hour earlier and had already arranged for her daughter, Cathy Stewart, to come over to the house to talk it over. She called Cathy a second time and asked that her husband, David, accompanied her. They arrived just after the police officer had left.

"Cathy, dear, have you eaten yet?"

"No, mum, David had only just got in from work."

"In that case, I'll ask the kitchen to include the pair of you. David, it would seem we need to talk about your sister."

"Oh, what's she done now?"

"Now?"

"There's always rumours and sometimes I think many of them may be true but she doesn't even call me so I can't query anything."

"Did you know she has started working at St Andrews?"

"No, how did she get that job?"

"We'd best not have that conversation out here, David. Can you and Richard please join me in the study when I've found Thomas to re-arrange dinner."

"Of course, Elsie."

Cathy meanwhile went in search of Tammy who was in her room. She knocked.

"Come in, oh hi Cathy."

"Hi Tammy, is the world against you again?"

"It sometimes feels that way."

"I'm sure it'll be sorted out."

"That's what everyone is saying. I just had to give another statement to the police, this time about your sister-in-law."

"If it helps you, I've never really liked her."

"But....."

"She might be family but still doesn't mean I have anything to do with her."

"Okay. If you don't mind, I want a shower before dinner."

"I'll see you downstairs."

***

"So, Angela, what did you say to DC Franklin?"

"I just told him what I remembered, that you did all the talking."

Tammy couldn't argue there.

"Did he speak to mum as well?"

"Yes, but they shut the kitchen door as she doesn't want me to get upset, although I don't know what it is I might get upset about."

"She's just trying to keep you safe and sane."

"You fail on both counts!"

"It must be a family trait then, sis!"

"You'd best watch yourself tomorrow, Miss Smart!"

"Really? I won't be at school until late morning."

"Why not?"

"I'm going to the bank with Sarah while she renegotiates her deal with them."

"Do you have permission to do this?"

"Oh ...... merde!"

Part Six   "Stormy times"

 

 
Wednesday 14th January 2015
 

Tammy woke suddenly as there was a crash outside her window, she pulled back the curtain but couldn't see a thing. A glance at her clock confirmed that dawn was still two hours away so she decided not to worry.

A second crash, louder than the first, actually shook the house. Outside her room she could see the hallway light come on so grabbed a gown, slipped her feet into a pair of soft mules and opened her bedroom door. Her father and Louise were similarly dressed - if you ignored the fluffy slippers.

"Go back to bed, Tammy."

"Not likely, until I know what that was."

"A tree came down, the first noise was probably a branch."

"So it's windy?"

"Yes, it's not far off hurricane strength."

"I'm supposed to be going into town this morning."

"That isn't going to happen, regardless of what it's for."

"Oh."

"Look, it's only six so go back to bed. I have to check with the estates team as they're out there securing anything vulnerable."

Tammy nodded and went back into her room. She quickly sent Sarah a text explaining that she couldn't go to the bank with her. A reply was received a minute later.

The street's a mess so I couldn't get the car out right now. Check the travel news

Tammy grabbed her tablet and slid back into bed. The BBC travel news reported trees down, vehicles overturned, roads closed, schools closed and more. It was looking like a duvet day but what about school?

At six thirty a simple text message came in from the school.

Day students are not to attend school today

She put her phone and tablet on the bedside cabinet, pulled the duvet up and made herself comfortable.

Her mobile rang a minute later, it was Angela.

"What?"

"Did you get permission?"

"No, and how could I given that it's the middle of the night?"

"Well, you'll just have to come to school then."

"I won't, you should know that."

"Tammy, that's not funny."

"Didn't you get the message?"

"What message?"

"School's closed to day students."

"No, am I supposed to?"

"Have you given your mobile number to Mrs Adams?"

"No."

"Well that's why. Email it to her."

"I don't have the school email addresses."

"Look, go back to bed, I'm grabbing another hour. Bye."

Tammy stabbed the button to end the call and tried to get comfortable again but failed. Fifteen minutes later she dragged herself into the shower.

***

Everyone seemed to arrive for breakfast at seven thirty. Richard had plainly been outside although Tammy doubted he had showered beforehand and Elsie, sat at the table in a gown, looked as if she hadn't slept very well.

It was still dark outside but light from the dining room showed some destruction from the severe winds that had started overnight. The branches of several of the nearby trees were moving around alarmingly whilst fencing and a small shed had been flattened. It looked like the open fire in the sitting room would have a supply of wood for some time.

Thomas entered the room.

"Excuse me Ma'am, sir, ladies, but it appears we have lost our telephone lines."

"Thank you Thomas." He was dismissed. "Richard, do you think you can get hold of BT for me? The account information is in the study."

"Of course, Elsie."

"Tammy, could you let Joan know that we have a communication problem."

"Yes, Elsie."

"Louise, could you check the drive is clear and the state of the main road please."

"Certainly."

Everyone was heading off with their allotted task, although Tammy suddenly realised that Michael was missing, again. Regardless, she made her way back to her room where she had left her mobile.

"Hi Tammy."

"Hi Joan, Elsie's asked me to let you know our phones aren't working."

"Thanks, have you let Angela know as she's indoors?"

"No, aren't you?"

"I'm in the school, most of the staff couldn't get here and they didn't have enough to cover the day. I'm in Janet's office handling the phones."

There's a ringing in the background.

"Got to go, bye."

Tammy quickly sent Angela a text checking she was alright, her reply only took a minute.

It's alright for you, someone will do your lunch but I have to do my own

Tammy smiled; now that Joan was back at work, after many years as a housewife, there would be times when Angela had to cope for herself. Tammy herself had been in that position when in Enfield during the school holidays when both of her parents would be out. Her father would have been at work, whether in London or another European capital, whilst her mother would be enjoying herself somewhere else. You appreciate quickly that if you don't want to go hungry, or rely on microwave meals, you learn to cook.

Tammy paused for a moment, was there a possibility that she too would become a housewife one day?

She absent-mindedly fired up her laptop before remembering that they had no connection to the outside world. Realising that her phone had internet access she connected it to her laptop and managed to download her emails. It was dreadfully slow, however, trying to browse web pages was rather like filling a kettle from a dripping tap.

She gave up, grabbed a swimsuit and a towel, before making her way to the indoor pool a few minutes later.

"Hi Tammy." She was a little surprised as she was hanging up her towel.

"Oh, hello Louise. I'm not used to finding anyone down here."

"I'm not surprised as no-one told me about the pool until I'd been here about ten days."

"Sorry, but I thought dad would have said something seeing as he arranged everything else."

"Never mind, I usually grab a swim after you go off to school so I know the pool's going to be free."

"So I'm the intruder today?" Tammy put her hands on her hips.

"Don't just stand there, get in!"

It wasn't just a case of mucking around in the water, Louise had Tammy doing aerobics as well. In fact it seemed to be a full body workout and Tammy was exhausted by the end.

"You need to get into better shape, Tammy."

"I thought I was."

"Your stamina needs working on, aerobics is a great way of improving that."

"Shame we won't have a pool in the new place, if we move there."

"Your father seems to be interested in putting one in."

"Where?"

"In the barn, as well as some gym kit."

"Interesting but I'm going up for a nice long shower."

"Don't forget to rinse off here first."

***

After showering and dressing Tammy went down to the house library. This wasn't a separate room but a wall of bookcases in the sitting room. She was pleased to find the fiction was organised alphabetically by author, it took a simple find to put a copy of Macbeth in her hands.

"Did you find what you were looking for, dear?"

"Yes, Elsie."

"I would hazard a guess that you needed the Scottish Play so you can learn your lines."

"Yes, but if we had the internet up and running I would download a copy into my tablet."

"That book you're holding is nearly one hundred years old and is full of history, I don't know of any iPad or tablet that could claim even a decade's history."

"True, but it's something else to carry around."

"Why this fascination with carrying everything around? Leave it in your room and read a few scenes at a time. Casting isn't until Saturday and you have three months to learn the play. There is no need to rush, Tammy dear."

"I suppose so."

"Come and sit with me, we don't get too much time alone."

Tammy shifted to the armchair next to Elsie, facing the roaring fire.

"I miss our chats, Elsie."

"Once you were back at school full-time that was bound to happen."

"I realise, but it means I'm not involved in everything so much now."

"Perhaps you were over-involved sometimes and just need to calm down?"

"Maybe, but things just sort-of happen to me."

"In which case, if you're not the cause then you're definitely a catalyst."

"I remember Joan saying that about me."

"She was defending you against Jill Davison if I remember correctly."

"Yes, we were in this room too."

"Now, promise me that whatever else happens you will study well, do your revision and give the exams your best effort."

"I will Elsie, but you're making me worried."

"Tammy, you should have learned by now that nothing is definite nor permanent in this world. Things change, people come and go. That's the way life works."

"Elsie, something is wrong; please tell me."

"The biopsies weren't clear."

"Oh, what does that mean?"

"I have to have a second mastectomy and I will need chemotherapy, although they will try radiotherapy first."

"When do you go back to hospital?"

"In the morning and I could be there for over a week."

Tammy stepped over to Elsie and reached down to give her a hug. This was not the same Elsie who had welcomed Tammy into her house the previous November, this Elsie was weaker and looked older by several years. Tammy's eyes welled up.

"Elsie, if there was anything I could do?"

"Tammy, the doctors are doing what they can but some of this is my own stupid bloody fault for not going to the screening sessions. Promise me, young lady, that when you are called up for screening, you'll go."

"Yes, Elsie, I promise."

"Good, equally I can promise you that I am not going to let this beat me."

"Thank you."

"Now, if the roads are clear, we'll have the Smalls over for dinner this evening."

"Do you want me to warn Joan?"

"No, I'll do it. Did you manage to reach her?"

"Yes, she's at the school looking after the phones."

"That's useful."

***

The phone lines were restored late afternoon but that gave Tammy time to read Act 1 of the play before the twenty first century demands started coming in. First was an email from John Hibbert.

From: John Hibbert
To: Tammy Smart
Date: 14th January 2015 11:04
Subject: News
 
Hi Tammy,
 
It's rather a boring day today. Officially the school's not closed so it's standard dress code but every lesson for the sixth form is a study period. Lower down in the school they're getting by with whatever teachers are available. I must be nuts but I went down to the school library to get a copy of Macbeth out and spent hours reading it.
 
There's a rumour that Miss Stewart has been suspended but no-one seems to know anything, nor even where the rumour started. Have you heard anything?
 
Tanya's mum has invited me to stay the weekend so I'll be going down there after school on Friday, did you want to meet up somewhere? I've also been told that she'll give me a decent haircut before the audition.
 
See you tomorrow,
John

Then a message from Tanya

Friday night is party night. Come to our house at eight.

Tammy knew she would need transport but figured that could wait a day or so. She started going through her social media messages before checking the website of the local paper. One headline grabbed her attention.
 

Teacher Arrested After Bribery Claim

A teacher was arrested today by police investigating a bribery allegation at a hotel in Thurso. Police are giving few details at present but it is believed that the teacher, who is from Inverness, works at a school in the Thurso area. A second person has also been arrested and investigations are ongoing.

Tammy printed the article off and emailed a link to the article to John Hibbert then sent the same email to Angela. She picked up her printed copy and walked out of her room, finding a gaggle of people in the hallway below. Apart from Joan and Angela, the Head Dr McIntosh and his wife Anne had also arrived.

Seeing that even Angela was dressed for dinner, Tammy shot back to her room and quickly found a long navy skirt and white blouse. A dab of perfume and a check in the mirror then she could head downstairs, clutching the folded printout.

Tammy had assumed that the head was present because of Yvonne Stewart but this was not the case. Steven McIntosh is Elsie's brother so was invited over prior to her hospital appointment the following day. What concerned Tammy the most, however, was seeing another man arrive close to eight that evening with a briefcase. He joined Elsie, the Head and Richard in the study.

"He's Elsie's solicitor, Tammy."

"Oh, thank you Mrs McIntosh."

"Please, call me Anne when none of the boys are around."

"I'll try to remember."

"Now, did you get the permission sorted out for the play?"

"Mr Thompson confused me, I never knew I needed permission."

"But it's done, good, you'll make a lovely Lady Macbeth."

"The auditions are on Saturday, I can't know that I have the part yet."

"Just turn up, that will be enough."

The solicitor left after fifteen minutes and everyone else was out of the study a little while after that. Nothing was said about why they were in there and Tammy was none the wiser about Yvonne's situation.

Once she was in her room Tammy read a few more scenes then put the book down before falling asleep.

Part Seven   "The Perfect Gentleman"

 

 
Friday 16th January 2015
 

The tail end of the week had a strange feel. Tammy wasn't entirely comfortable in the house knowing that Elsie was in hospital, not seeing Elsie for one day wasn't unusual but knowing that she wouldn't be seen for a week was more troubling somehow. The only other McPherson who lived there was also missing, plainly living elsewhere much of the time.

School had resumed on Thursday morning with almost all the staff present, Monsieur Benoit was moving around St Andrews on crutches but at least he was there. Yvonne Stewart, however, was missing however none of the staff were saying anything.

John Hibbert found Tammy after lunch.

"Sorry Tammy, I've messed up your weekend."

"Have you?"

"Yes, Tanya told me she was doing a sleepover at yours but Sandy has suggested I stayed down there."

"I'll forgive you if you promise to be good, just don't give Sandy a reason to throw you out of her house in the middle of the night!"

"I'll be the perfect gentleman."

"Good. What has she planned for tonight?"

"I don't know, but she's told me to wrap up warm so I guess we're walking."

"She didn't mention whether to wear sensible heels did she?"

"Of course she didn't!"

The bell sounded so the two picked up their books and headed to the English Literature class. A seemingly impromptu session commenced with John and Tammy reading the parts of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, whilst the remaining boys read all the other parts necessary. Their tutor, Mr Wright, extolled them to put passion into the story and not read it blandly.

"The words on the page are just a part of this tale, the soul of the story is in the performance; it's a play not a thrupenny paperback!"

It might have been Friday afternoon although that didn't mean that Mr Wright was going to give them an easy ride. Tammy and John, however, needed no encouragement and often helped the other participants, their work earlier in the week proving useful. The hour was up quickly for the pair, slowly for many others.

"Mr Hibbert and Miss Smart, I'd like to speak to both of you."

The rest of the class shuffled out, mostly heading for the common room as the upper sixth form had a study period last on a Friday.

"Now, I'd like to propose something to you."

The pair nodded.

"You may not know but Macbeth is also a part of this year's Scottish Standard English and the GCSE English Literature paper."

John seemed to know this but it was news to Tammy. "Sir, we've both been excused the year eleven revision sessions."

"I'm aware, but can I ask that we spend this period on a Friday, plus the study period that follows, to put together a play for the year elevens just before the Easter break."

"We won't have time." "Sir." She remembered.

"The pair of you will be learning the script anyway, so you'll just need to encourage the others. We've two hours over nine weeks and we'll perform it just before the end of term."

"John, can we carry this off?"

"I know we can, it's just the others. Sir, how about involving some of the year elevens?"

"We've considered that but their timetable wouldn't allow any free time in the week and weekends won't work for the pair of you."

"What about costumes?"

"There's no budget, but if the witches want to provide their own dresses, who am I to stand in their way?"

"Okay Sir, it sounds like it can be done."

"Good, because without the two main roles this couldn't be done. I'll be here for a few minutes longer in case anyone wants to ask me about it." That was a dismissal.

"Bye, Sir."

They walked to the common room.

"John, did we just accept more work?"

"Yes, but it won't be quite that bad."

"I'll remind you of that next time you moan." They'd reached the room, Tammy closed the door behind them.

"Can I have your attention, everyone?" Most eyes turned to John.

"For those doing Highers or A Level English, the upper sixth will be performing an in-school production of Macbeth just before Easter. I suggest you get a copy from the library if you don't have your own already."

There was a murmur of groans.

"If you have any questions please see Mr Wright, he's still in his room."

There was a knock on the common room door, Tammy answered it and accepted a sealed note from the admin assistant, Julianne. Even though the note was addressed to Tammy, Julianne didn't look pleased to see her.

Once the door was closed, Tammy opened the note and quickly read it.

"Can I have your attention?"

She waited a few seconds then repeated her request, before continuing once a sort of calm prevailed.

"I have just been informed that Miss Stewart has left the school with immediate effect. Mr Thompson asks that anyone who had less than pleasant dealings with her goes to see him at the earliest opportunity."

That generated plenty of discussion.

"Tammy, how bad was she really?"

"Truly awful, John, but at least she's gone now."

"Okay, I've got to go to my room now and get ready as I'm catching a minibus into town when the rest of the school finishes."

In the past Tom would have joined John in his room but things were different now.

"Okay, I think I'll find Mrs Small, there's something I want to ask her."

***

Tammy spoke to Louise in the study once Tammy was back from school.

"Okay, Tammy, why are we in here?"

"I'd like you to check something for me."

"And you're not sure if your dad would approve?"

"Something like that."

"Okay, but if I don't like it I won't do it, understood?"

"Yes."

"So?"

"One of the office staff at the school is called Julianne Sutherland, she started there last autumn. Anyway Joan and I think she's been passing on student information to Yvonne Stewart."

"Is that all?"

"Not quite, we suspect there's a closer connection but we can't find it out."

"Well, seeing how she's unmarried and we know her brother David, are there any other siblings?"

"I hadn't thought of that."

"So, see what you can find out, it shouldn't be too difficult. There's also a Sutherlands chemists in town, is she related to them?"

"I will, thanks."

"Is there anything else?"

"Yes, can you run me down to Sandy Smith's place after dinner?"

"Maybe, but you'll have to find your own way back."

"Thanks."

She made her way up to her room to decide what to wear for the evening, but really needed a bit more information so called Tanya.

"I'm busy"

"Then put him down for a minute."

"I can't wait that long."

"You've got all weekend Tanya, but I need to know what we're doing tonight."

"Oh, drinkies in the Castletown then round to the disco in the Central Hotel. Bring some ID with you just in case."

"I'll meet you at the Castletown just after eight."

"Fine, shoes for dancing, right?"

"Yes boss."

Tammy showered and, with a better idea of the evening's activities, decided again a long skirt or even a skirt given the sub zero (Centigrade) temperature outside. She transferred her usual items into a small bag but realised she was low on cash.

The news at dinner was that Elsie was recovering well from the second operation but the reconstruction had been delayed as she was too weak. A firm of medical suppliers had been at the house that morning to survey for a medical room in case Elsie needed a nurse at the house, she could certainly afford them.

Richard wasn't happy about Tammy going out that evening but reasoned that she was eighteen so could decide for herself, plus there was no threat right now and she would be with friends anyway.

"You say John Hibbert is going to be there?"

"Yes, he's staying at Sandy's so he can be at the audition tomorrow morning, after she's given him a haircut."

"What are your plans tomorrow."

"With Sarah from half past eight or so, round to Sandy about ten and at the theatre from eleven. After that I don't know."

"I thought you were at the theatre from ten?"

"It's an open audition so they'll screen the unknowns first, Tanya, John and I will report after the first lot have been reduced to a 'maybe' list."

"Right, but you could be there for hours?"

"One or two, probably. I'll get lunch with Tanya and John."

"Okay. Louise and I will run over to Inverness to collect her car in the morning, we can drop you in town on the way."

"Thanks. How's the house purchase coming along?"

"I'll want you to authorise a transfer deed as well as signing as a partner in the new business."

"Can we do that tomorrow?"

"Yes. The Dohertys have accepted our offer so we can put the finance in place and wait for the legal stuff to happen."

"Louise mentioned a swimming pool?"

"It seems like a sensible thing to do, we can use the barn for a pool and some fitness equipment."

"That was used as a garage so where will you keep the cars?"

"There's an unused shed which can be rebuilt, the surveyor has sent his findings to our architect."

"How soon could we move?"

"Not for two to three weeks and don't expect everything to be finished or even started by then. We need permission to build the pool and convert a shed and I'm not certain whether we need it for the new fencing yet. One other thing is that we would need to furnish it, our stuff from the London house is in storage so would need to be transported, it seems a waste not to re-use at least some of it. Everything else would have to be ordered and we're not on next day delivery up here."

"I had noticed."

"So, to answer your questions, everything's in hand."

"Thanks, what about Joan's house in Bletchley?"

"That was sold this week and she should have the money soon. We also sent George's ashes South yesterday to his family, Joan didn't want them up here."

"I can understand that."

"One thing tonight, if you see Yvonne or her friend, stay away."

"They're barred everywhere."

"Not everywhere is signed up to the bar scheme and not every barman would know what they look like so don't make assumptions."

"Yes, Dad."

"Enjoy yourself and don't take risks."

"Yes, Dad."

"You best get upstairs and do whatever you need to get yourself pretty."

"So I'm not pretty already?"

"I didn't say that."

"Yes you did."

"No I didn't and this isn't turning into a panto or a Monty Python sketch."

"Oh yes it is."

"Away with you!"

***

Tammy met up with them shortly after eight and was surprised to see Angela there.

"You didn't say you would be here?"

"Neither did you, fine sister you are."

"Tammy, Angela, what's this about sisters?"

"Erm, Tanya, it looks like our folks are getting married."

"Are we the first to hear?"

"No, Frances knows."

"How?" Angela sounded worried

"He overheard Joan and I on Tuesday lunchtime, mind you we got a glass of Prosecco out of it!"

"Does this mean you were drinking alcohol when you were supposed to be in school? Naughty."

"But nice!"

"A wedding!" Debbie had just picked up the conversation and even Tanya had extricated herself from tongue gymnastics with her boyfriend.

"Calm down Debbie, my dad's still not through his divorce and I forgot to ask for an update tonight on top of everything else."

"No not for a few weeks yet."

"Not for a few months, probably after our exams."

"What courses are you thinking of doing?"

"We'll both go to the college, I want to do a Business Management degree."

"And I am looking at community health care. What about you Tanya?"

"Mum wants me to do hairdressing and beauty but I'm thinking about Child and Youth Studies."

"Is it a degree course?"

"Yes, Angela."

"So John, what are you thinking?"

"I have an offer from Cambridge to study law."

"I sense a 'but'."

"Errr, just a small one."

John stood and slowly turned towards Tanya before dropping to one knee.

"Tanya Smith, will you marry me?"

Tanya sat there, her mouth open, while her sister shrieked. Tammy stared at John, she'd known him for most of the past decade, whilst Angela was embarrassed and wanted to hide. Their corner of the hotel bar went quiet.

"I will, John Hibbert."

The pair embraced then the tables around them went wild. When things had calmed down John reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small box. From that he removed a simple gold ring with a single diamond setting and placed it on her waiting finger. Angela had now come to her senses and was taking photos of the event.

The newly engaged pair were now sat looking into each-other's eyes, communicating without words; Angela leant over to Tammy and whispered in her ear.

"They're only eighteen."

"Yes, they are, I'd say this bodes well for the Tamara Smart Matchmaking Service doesn't it?"

The excitement on the nearby tables had now dissipated but Debbie was apparently in shock. "My little sister, engaged before me! What will mum say?"

Frances now approached with a tray. "Something to help the happy event?"

"Thank you Frances, twice this week too!"

"Quite, Miss."

After he'd left four glasses of sparkling wine on the table, Frances left. Tammy coughed, deliberately, as she picked up a glass. Tanya and John broke off their unspoken conversation long enough to take their own glasses, as did the other pair.

"I'd like to propose a toast to Tanya and John."

"To Tanya & John," was the chorus.

Tammy's phone rang, it was Sandy."

"Has he done it, Tammy?"

"Do you mean has he proposed?"

"Yes."

"Yes, about five minutes ago. How did you know?"

"He asked my permission, that's why I invited him to stay tonight. Are there any photos?"

"Yes, Angela took some."

"How about Debbie?"

"She's in shock, she, and I, genuinely didn't see this coming."

"Well, you can tell me everything in the morning, if I don't regret it before then."

"Bye, Sandy."

She put her phone away in her bag and suggested to Debbie and Angela that a trip to the ladies loo was needed. Angela was about to complain when she realised what was intended.

As they rounded the corner they came face to face with a very happy Sandy who was also holding a glass of sparkling wine, she shushed the trio. "I want to surprise them."

Tammy wanted to use the loo anyway so shepherded the other two in there.

"Tammy, did you know anything about this?"

"No Debbie, nothing at all."

"But you've known John for years."

"That didn't help me one bit, he bowled a blinder."

"Whatever that means."

They both heard a sound from one of the cubicles. "Angela?"

"Not wwwelll."

"Probably the wine? Okay, we'll call your mum."

When Angela left the ladies she was several shades paler than beforehand. They returned to their seating area but asked the barstaff for a glass of water on the way past. Sandy was sat with her future son-in-law whilst Tanya was going through the emotions like a flip book.

"We need to get Angela home."

"I think this pair have plenty to talk about, shall we scrub the dancing?"

"Yes, Debbie, another time perhaps."

"Sure, at the engagement party maybe?"

Tammy took out her phone and called Joan, asking for transport for herself at the same time.

"Joan will be here in ten to fifteen."

Her phone rang again.

"Tammy, are you at the disco?"

"No, Dad, in the hotel and I have some news."

"Never mind that, Michael's been hurt and is at the disco, there's an ambulance on the way."

"Okay, on my way there."

"Take someone with you."

"Okay." "Debbie, can you come with me? Michael's been hurt."

The pair grabbed coats and bags before leaving in a hurry for the short walk round to the Central Hotel. An ambulance and a police car were outside with the Fraser brothers in their police guise trying to control matters. It appeared that the disco was being emptied and everyone was being questioned and, if necessary searched.

Suddenly PC St James came around the side of the building with a mid-thirties male in handcuffs, A knife was in a plastic bag. The prisoner was being led to a waiting police van.

"He was coming out of the emergency exit. Let the rest go."

The crowd now flowed away. Tammy and Debbie were able to get much closer.

"Ah, hello Miss Smart."

"Good evening constables, what happened?"

"An argument that turned nasty. Your friend is in the ambulance."

Tammy put her head in the back.

"Sorry, you can't come in."

"He lives with me." Technically her statement was true, even if the interpretation was a little off.

"Okay." She climbed up the steps.

"Michael, how are you?"

"I've felt better."

She turned to the paramedics. "How serious are the injuries?"

"The wounds are not too deep but will require some sutures, we are just about to head for Dunbar."

"If you don't mind I'll come along."

Just then PC Andrew Fraser hopped on as well, Tammy waved at Debbie to indicate she needn't hang around.

"Right Miss Smart, I've been tasked to go to the hospital with Mr McPherson, you don't have any transport, do you?"

"No, I'm still waiting for my driving lessons."

One of the paramedics closed the rear door whilst the other sat in the drivers seat and pulled away, Tammy and the constable just had time to find a seat. The journey only took two minutes and sirens weren't needed but the blue lights were flashing around the darkened streets.

Once outside the Accident and Emergency entrance Tammy and the PC stepped out, allowing Michael and a paramedic to lead the way. Once they reached a cubicle the nurses took over to clean the wounds and start stitching Michael back together. Tammy could see them working on his left arm.

"Michael, can you tell me what happened?" The nurse was absent so PC Fraser had his notebook ready.

"I was dancing with my boyfriend and some other guys from college when this man walked up to me and pulls a knife. I went to defend myself and he caught my arm before some of my friends got him down."

"Can you describe the man?"

"Mid thirties, five foot nine or ten, short black hair and a Highland accent."

"How do you know he had a Highland accent?"

"He said something to me."

"What did he say and when did he say it."

"It was just before he went to stab me, he said 'this is from your brother'".

Part Eight   "Three witches"

 
 
Friday 16th January 2015 Continued
 

It wasn't just a case of cleaning and stitching Michael's wounds, a number of tests were done to make sure he was fit, well fit enough, to head out of the hospital. Of course his arm was put in a sling and he was told to return in five days.

As well as going through the attack several times PC Fraser wanted further information, including some about Michael's brother John. Michael couldn't remember when John's trial was but Tammy accessed her online diary for the information.

"He's remanded until the twenty sixth of this month, that's when the trial should start."

There were various noises about "we'll keep you up to date with the investigation" but Tammy and Michael just wanted out of there. Finally the nurses and the police were finished, so Tammy organised transport for them to get back to the house.

Once there, she decided that a meeting involving Michael, Louise and her father was needed, before they went to bed; she had a strong suspicion who Michael's attacker was.

"Dad, do you remember that attempted mugging on Sarah?"

"Yes."

"Well, Michael's description fits that of the man who attacked her, I think his name was James Dougall and he'd only just been released from prison after doing time for theft." Louise said she agreed with this assessment.

"Did the police say anything about your attacker, Michael?"

He, and Tammy, shook their heads.

"Is there a chance he and John were in the same prison?"

Louise answered, "as both were on remand or had minor convictions and were from the same town it would be fairly common for them to be sent to the same prison but it's not guaranteed."

"Can we find out?"

"For John, yes, but for the other man, maybe; that's if we have the right name."

Michael's phone pinged and he went to check it, but his face told a story as soon as he'd read the message. They sat, quietly, waiting for him to explain, if he wanted to.

"That was Mark, he says that he doesn't want to risk being got at by my brother so he's dumped me." Michael burst into tears.

Tammy went to move but her father suggested she stay where she was, Michael however had decided that it was time to go to bed. Louise finished her note taking and said she would investigate in the morning. Richard bade goodnight whilst Tammy had a task to complete before she could sleep.

Her phone had been pinging before they'd reached the hospital so she had turned off the pings, buzzes, ringtones and everything else that made a noise. That didn't stop the messages coming in, there were easily thirty so far and her phone was still clocking up the notifications. Her tablet, sat on her dressing table, was merrily pinging away and warning of immiment calamity due to nil battery charge.

Tammy turned it off before plugging it into the charger and decided to charge her phone at the same time. She booted her laptop but first went into her bathroom for a wee and a wash, divesting herself of clothing on the way. A few minutes later she was ready for bed and had had cleared the clothes away.

Her laptop was ready so she fired up the social media sites and started going through the messages before putting out a bland statement.

Just back indoors after a wonderful and difficult evening. Congrats to Tanya and John on their unexpected engagement, sorry I had to dash off. Michael is injured but otherwise okay and now at home. The police are investigating so I can't say anything else. Sorry.

That generated a flurry of 'tell more' messages which she ignored.

Finally she took a look at her emails, there was one from mum which could wait.

 
Saturday 17th January 2015
 

Tammy was pleased to see Michael at breakfast and went over to give him a kiss and a gentle hug, avoiding his left arm, which was again in a sling.

Tammy suggested they should retrieve Michael's belongings from his ex-boyfriend's flat and to let Mark know that Michael was going there with friends, he was certainly not up to carrying bags or going to be driving in the near future. Tammy, meanwhile had several appointments in town.

Louise dropped Tammy at Sarah's shop before taking Michael round to Mark's flat. It was ten to nine so Tammy waved through the glass then went to the bakery. There was no sign of Angela but she wondered if her sister-to-be was going directly to the theatre? Debbie of course wanted to hear everything but Mr Reid, the owner of the bakery, was hovering nearby. Having a shop full of anticipant shoppers did enable Tammy to escape without interrogation.

As Sarah had now finished her January sale, all bar a discount bin just inside the doorway, the footfall was minimal. There were several unopened cartons in the storeroom that needed sorting so Tammy started on that, ignoring the shop door on the few times it opened. At nine forty five she remembered her hair appointment so put on the kettle.

"Sarah, Sandy's doing my hair before the audition and I probably won't be back today after ten."

"So long as you've emptied those boxes, I can handle the shop floor. I fancy a cuppa now anyway."

"How many customers?"

"It's just as easy to name them: Mrs McIntosh, Mrs Doherty, Cathy McPherson and Julianne Sutherland."

"You know Julianne?"

"For years, since she was at school with Emily."

"Oh, I wasn't sure where she came from."

"Her uncle owns the chemists on Olrig Street and she used to work there during school holidays. Watch her though, her nickname was Radio Sutherland."

"Radio Sutherland?"

"Yes, she broadcasts everything to everyone, there's no malice but just be careful."

"She's admin at St Andrews."

"You best warn everyone, and keep her away from the confidential files." Tammy wondered then, if there was no malice, why Julianne hadn't been happy to see Tammy the previous lunchtime.

"What's happened about your bank appointment by the way?"

"I couldn't get down on Wednesday and neither could any of the staff apparently. It's been postponed to next Wednesday at half past nine, if you can get down here?"

The kettle had boiled so Tammy made the coffees and they munched their pastries. At a minute to ten Tammy flew out of the door with flakes of pastry still on her lips, wiping that clean meant smearing her lipstick.

"What have you been up to, young lady? Going for the most boys in five minutes kissing record were you?"

"No Sandy, I forgot to clean and redo my makeup."

"Here's some wetwipes, clean it all off properly then we'll get you over a sink."

"Thanks."

Joanne put her head out of her torture chamber.

"Hello Tammy, ready when you are."

"I hadn't booked a waxing."

"Maybe not but your last wax was seventeen of December, a whole month ago. It won't take long, a half-leg will probably be enough. Sandy can I have her for twenty minutes?"

"Sure, but no longer."

That sealed Tammy's fate so she shuffled into the room and started disrobing.

"Oooh, we need to sort out the pits and your arms, let's get going! No time for chat!"

True to her word, she was finished in twenty minutes but Tammy was certain Joanne had skimped on the moisturiser to save time. So far as the chat went, she didn't want a conversation, just the gory facts about John Hibbert's proposal to Tanya and the events that followed.

"Welcome back Tammy, let's crack on, we have just over half an hour left!"

Tanya was on hair washing duty, at least until she was due to report to the theatre, so Tammy sat in the chair and tipped her head backwards. Over the far side of the salon Tammy could hear John who was just getting out of Sandy;s chair where he'd spent the past fifteen minutes. His future mother-in-law was now tapping her foot, waiting for Tanya to finish with Tammy.

While Sandy was busy around Tammy's hair with comb and scissors, her staff continued with the other clients although Tanya had to be told, firmly, that she was there to work and not to show off her engagement ring or her fiancé. It was almost a pointless instruction given that it was roundly ignored.

By five to eleven all three eighteen year olds were ready to leave, there was just one small matter.

"You also owe for Joan's pampering on Tuesday so that's sixty pounds please Tammy."

Unfortunately her purse only held half of that. A sign on the counter said, simply 'We don't take cards.'

"Err, sorry Sandy but I haven't been to a cashpoint since last weekend. Can I see you later?"

"I will be doing this week's accounts tomorrow so I expect that to be paid today, now go!"

The three started towards the theatre but Tammy first wanted to get some cash out, putting two hundred into her purse.

"Blimey Tammy, why not take out what you need, when you need it?"

"John, I was attacked at this cash point in November so I don't use one when I'm on my own any more. That cash will last me until next weekend, possibly longer."

"Oh, I'd forgotten about that."

Tanya punched his arm through their heavy coats, the ground was clear but the air was bitterly cold. They walked briskly to the Mill Theatre, arriving there ten minutes later.

"Where have you three been?" The musical director was not pleased to see them.

"Good morning Sandy."

"Tammy, I'm not happy, the three of you could have been here to help me audition the younger ones."

"We were told eleven o'clock."

"And you couldn't even make it here for that." Tanya now had here coat scarf and gloves off and Sandy Franklin caught sight of Tanya's ring. Tanya held it up and gripped John tightly.

"Oh, congratulations. Did he do it properly?"

"Oh yes, asked Mum first then got down on one knee in the hotel last night."

"You've got a good one there, Tanya, just keep him close."

"I plan to."

"Now, all three of you have exams coming up." They nodded. "I'm concerned about the impact on your school work."

"Sandy, Tammy and I are reading Macbeth at school and we're putting on an in-school production a few weeks before this one. I'm playing Macbeth and Tammy's ....."

"I get the picture. Let's do a test, can you give me the 'Out damn spot speech?'" She offered Tammy a script, but she declined.

Tammy stood at the front of the stage and delivered the piece, a spotlight was switched on:

Out, damn'd spot! out, I say!—One; two: why, then
'tis time to do't.—Hell is murky.—Fie, my lord, fie, a soldier, and
afeard? What need we fear who knows it, when none can call our
pow'r to accompt?—Yet who would have thought the old man to
have had so much blood in him?

There was clapping from the stalls; Iain Brown stood and walked up the stage steps.

"Very good, we need to work on the delivery but I suspect you've prepped for this?"

"In class and indoors, Iain."

"Do you want to do her?"

"I'm playing her in a school production so it's no hardship."

"That's not what I asked, do you want to play her?"

"Yes."

"She's yours for the refusing. Now, Miss Smith and Mr Hibbert, what about you two? Sandy, can you get a bucket of water to separate them please."

"Certainly, oh to be young again."

It turned out that Iain already had his Macbeth, a twenty year old student called Mark, who wasn't previously known to the director.

"So, John, I can offer you Duncan?"

"I was killed off in West Side story too."

"You're perfect for the role then."

"Thanks."

"Tanya, TANYA, I don't think you're fit to do anything right now."

"Sorry, Iain"

"Witch?"

"Yes, thanks."

"Okay, the other witches are Josie Richardson and Angela Small."

That surprised Tammy as she'd assumed Angela was handling the lights again, so who put that spot on her? She spotted Josie the far side of the stage, looking nervous, Tammy waved for the younger girl to come over.

"Hi Josie, you've met John already, this is Tanya his fiancée."

"Hi Tanya."

"Oh, hi."

"Sandy, where's that bucket of water?"

It was gone midday when the gang left the theatre, their numbers swelled by Angela, Josie and Mark. Angela was asking Tammy about Michael when Mark became uncomfortable; John noticed.

"What's the problem?"

"It's awkward, maybe I shouldn't have come to the theatre."

"Look, we're just worried in case we've said anything out of place."

"Well, I was with Michael last night when he was hurt."

"So you dumped him." Tammy wasn't happy.

"How would you know that?"

"I've lived with the McPhersons for a couple of months. When I found out what happened I went to the hospital with Michael last night then got him home. Where were you?"

"I thought people wouldn't understand."

"I understand that you ran out on your boyfriend because of someone else's issues? I'll have you know that John McPherson attacked me several times and is going to trial because of it. That toad who pulled the knife on Michael will get what's coming to him and John will get a longer sentence."

Mark stood looking at his feet for a minute.

"I've been an idiot, haven't I?"

"Yes."

"Who was that girl who was with him this morning?"

"My former bodyguard and now our in-house investigator."

"Bodyguard?"

"Yeah, that's the trouble when terrorists try to abduct you, twice, you need personal protection and the Metropolitan police involved."

"Guys, is she for real?"

"Yes, ask any of the local police." Tanya's offering.

"Who the hell am I dealing with here?"

"An average school girl, that's all." Angela delivered this deadpan.

Tammy, John, Tanya and Angela burst out laughing, Josie just shook her head. Angela was happy to be involved in this banter but was starting to feel the cold, and hunger. "Lunch?"

***

They ate in a small sandwich bar; it wasn't brilliant but it appeared that Mark and Josie were known there. Tammy resolved to introduce them to the concept of the hotel bar the following weekend. They'd all been sent away with homework, of course, to read the script before next Saturday when rehearsals commenced. The witches were warned that they might have to stand in for Tammy so had to learn her part as well as their 'toil and trouble' parts. Tammy wondered quite what the other customers thought of three girls cackling away:

Tanya as the first witch:

"When shall we three meet again?
In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"

 
Josie as the second witch:

"When the hurlyburly's done,
When the battle's lost and won."

 
Angela as the third witch:

"That will be ere the set of sun."

 
Tanya:

"Where the place?"

 
Josie:

"Upon the heath."

 
Angela:

"There to meet with Macbeth."

 
Of course, four girls were giggling loudly after this while John and Mark looked embarrassed.

"John, Tanya, when's the engagement party?"

"Erm, don't know."

"Best get organised. Have you told your folks, John?"

"Not yet, Tammy."

"Soon?"

"Later today."

"You also need to tell Cambridge you're turning them down."

"Yes, of course. I still want to do law but I'm not sure if they offer it at the college here."

No-one there knew the answer to that question so John would have to do some research. Mark snuck outside and made a phone call, he was back a few minutes later but wasn't happy.

"I don't know if Michael's going to forgive me."

"Give it time."

The group split up shortly after that, Tammy and Angela walked with Tanya and John as far as Sarah's shop.

"Hold on a minute Tanya, can you give your mum the money I owe her?"

Tammy counted out three twenty pound notes and handed them over, the lovers now continued their way to the salon. Tammy now tried the shop door but the shop was locked and Sarah's 'Out for lunch' sign was hung inside the door. Tammy made an educated guess and headed for the Castletown with Angela in tow.

"Angela, did you put that spot light on me?"

"Yes, I was showing the new guy how to operate the board and steer the spots."

"When did you decide to act?"

"This morning, Sandy and Iain guessed Tanya would take the part of a witch and had one part left to allocate. I figured it wasn't a big part and I could get away with it, maybe even take part in school too."

"So who's doing the lights?"

"Jimmy Sutherland, his sister works at the school."

Tammy kept 'Radio Sutherland' to herself, for now. They'd reached the hotel entrance and Tammy's guess was correct, they found Sarah sat with another lady.

"I wondered if you'd find me here? Penny, could I introduce two of my staff: Tammy Smart and Angela Small. Girls, this is Penelope Lane, she works for one of my suppliers and has seen your photos on the facebook page."

"Oh, it's just for fun Miss Lane. Sarah couldn't afford publicity or advertising so we did it ourselves."

"I loved what you did as Sarah is now ordering much more from us."

"That's good news, but you can't be up here on a Saturday just for that?"

"Correct, Tammy. As part of our spring offensive we are planning provincial fashion shows around the country in conjunction with our stockists. We'd like Sarah to host a fashion show with local models - like you."

Part Nine   "Forgiveness"

 
 
Saturday 17th January 2015 Continued
 

"A fashion show? I doubt if we would have the time to organise it, when do you propose it should be?"

"It has to fit in with the shows we're doing elsewhere and in time with our magazine advertising and newspaper features. We're looking at Saturday the seventh of March."

"That's seven weeks today, impossible!"

"Not at all, my team will do most of the work. I'm here to get things moving, book the venue and so on. Do you have any suggestions?"

"The nightclub in the Central Hotel might work, it's called 'The Disco' locally."

"Yes, Sarah mantioned that. Anywhere else?"

"The golf club, large area with several side rooms for changing, that sort of thing."

"That's good, we do need to make sure there's no events on that weekend. Anywhere else?"

"St Andrews School, or the college."

"Good ideas, what are you studying?"

"Business Studies, Maths, English Language and English Literature at A level."

"I thought you were at college?"

"No, Penny, I start my degree course in September."

"What are you planning to do?"

"Business Administration."

"I see, if you need a work placement then give me a call, here's my card."

"Thanks, and I'll get you one of mine."

The barman had seen Tammy and Angela as they arrived and now brought over their fruit juice.

"So, Angela, what do you suggest?"

"About what?"

"The fashion show, which venues might be suitable?"

"Like Tammy said, those places."

"Are you a natural blonde?"

"No!"

"Tammy, would you be able to join Sarah and myself here tomorrow lunchtime when we can look at this in more detail? I and Sarah need to go back to the shop and make some calls."

"Sure, that won't be a problem."

"Great, we'll see you here tomorrow about half twelve? I want to take the five o'clock train."

"Where are you based?"

"Speke, in Liverpool. It's handy for John Lennon Airport and the trains."

Sarah and Penny then returned to the shop, leaving Tammy and Angela at the table. It wasn't long before John and Tanya rejoined them.

"Mum's told us we distract everyone in the salon so she's told us to get out for an hour or two."

"I can see where she's coming from!"

"Some friend you are! Maybe I shouldn't have given her that cash!"

The barman took their orders and retreated to a safe distance.

"Tammy's been asked to be a model."

"Angela, it's my job to start rumours around here and I didn't start that one."

"Tanya, she's right but I haven't said yes, yet."

"Whoa, why didn't you say something this morning?"

"Because I was only asked ten minutes ago."

Tammy explained what she knew.

"Will you be paid?"

"I don't know."

"How do I sign up?"

"I don't know."

"Do we get any freebies?"

"I still don't know! Look, I have a meeting tomorrow lunchtime with Sarah and this lady. Angela, are you going to be here?"

"No, Mum and I are off to Glasgow tomorrow so we can see Professor Roberts on Monday morning."

"Are you worried?"

"A little, can we talk later?"

"Sure. Tanya, if you're so concerned why don't you be here at twelve thirty tomorrow?"

"We were planning to have a quiet day together before John has to go back to school."

"Ah, now I know what your priorities are!"

"That's not fair!"

The barman interrupted them by carrying over Tanya's and John's drinks, bringing some calm to their corner of the hotel lounge. Angela decided to be the voice of reason.

"Tanya, I can't be here tomorrow either so I presume Tammy would let me know anything relevant and would do the same for you, isn't that right?"

"Yes Angela, naturally I would let you all know; if this show happens then I guess it's going to need up to a dozen models so there's scope for everyone. Having said that, it would, of course, be Miss Lane who gets the final say."

"Good, so there's no point in arguing about something's that theoretical, is there?" Tammy paused. "John, have you decided what you're going to say in school on Monday?"

"I don't think there's going to be a problem at school, Tanya's the one who'll have all the questions thrown at her."

"Nah, most of them know already."

"What have they been saying?"

"One boy asked me if I was pregnant."

"Woah, what did you say?"

"That the DNA test would confirm it was his, I made sure a few others saw that reply too."

"Now, can we talk about the party yet?"

"Well no, there's nothing to talk about."

"But you must have an idea when you want it?"

"Maybe at the start of the half-term break?" Tanya shrugged.

"That's only four weeks away and it's ... Valentines Day. You don't stand a chance of finding a venue or a disco for that weekend."

"Oh well."

"Tanya, think about it, I'm sure John's folks would like to be there, or will do when they've been told."

"Err, yes, I must call them."

"Yes, John, you must call them soon, very soon. How about Easter, they can come up for Macbeth in the school?"

"Sure, they'll need somewhere to stay too."

"Even more reason for giving them as much notice as possible. Look, I'd best get back up to the house. If I remember correctly, there's a minibus back to the school in ten minutes, are you coming Angela?"

"Sure."

They first needed the ladies and only then could get ready to face the cold streets. Fortunately the minibus was waiting and there was only one other student on there, Thwaites. Tammy intended to query the boy's presence but first quickly arranged for the driver to drop her off at the McPherson house and Angela at the cottage.

"Miss Smart? Miss Small?"

"Yes, Thwaites."

"I'm sorry."

"Sorry for the name calling?"

"Yes, that."

"Why did you do it?"

"Miss Stewart asked me to do it and promised I wouldn't get into trouble."

"How?"

"My father's originally from Inverness and knew Miss Stewart at school twenty years ago."

"I thought you had your weekend passes cancelled."

"I went to Deputy Head Mr Thompson and explained everything that had happened, he called Miss Small and asked if she'd accept the apology, so I could have my Saturdays back."

"Thwaites, there's more than my forgiveness, isn't there?"

"Yes, Miss Small. I'm also going to write an essay on 'discrimination in modern school life'. I'm not looking forward to that."

"How long?"

"Two thousand words, Miss Smart."

"That's not too bad, I remember having to write a thousand words about an eggcup once."

"What did you do to get that?"

"I smuggled an Easter egg into my RE class once and was caught."

"Oh."

"Yes, it wasn't very egg-citing."

"Tammy, that was an awful yolk."

The two girls hadn't noticed that the minibus had set off and were giggling madly. It wasn't long before it pulled up outside the McPherson house, Joan's car was parked outside, alongside her father's and Cathy's cars. Tammy signalled for Angela to get off at the same time, whilst the boy asked a question.

"You live here?"

"Yes Thwaites, I do. I'll see you in school on Monday."

"Yes Miss, thank you Miss."

The minibus pulled away as the girls approached the front door. It swung open, as expected, in front of them and Thomas welcomed them into the house, taking coats, hats and scarves. They could hear voices from the sitting room.

"Elsie!"

"Come in dears, grab a seat somewhere."

Elsie was sat in her usual armchair with her legs raised and covered by a blanket.

"Now, I've done too much talking already so please don't throw questions at me but I'm not done listening. I'd like to know what's been happening in this sleepy town whilst I've been away for the past few days."

Tammy brought everyone up to date with matters at the school and then started on the events of Friday evening. Information about Michael's boyfriend was second, just, to queries about the engagement. Then she told them about the fashion show.

"When will you find out more about the show?"

"Tomorrow lunchtime, a meeting with Sarah and Miss Lane."

"Be careful Tammy, don't sign any contracts without talking to one of us."

"I know, but I get the impression that she wants me to be more than a model, plus she offered me a work placement once I was on my degree course,"

That prompted a round of questions to both Angela and Tammy about their academic intentions, and those of their friends, with the discussion circling back to the newly engaged couple.

"Tammy, I know the Hibberts and they're welcome to stay here for the party, can you let John know."

"Yes Elsie."

"The production of Macbeth at school is interesting, it wasn't done for many years as one of the English masters wouldn't have anything to do with the play."

Joan nodded, she knew exactly who that master was.

"I think we can find a little budget and put it on for more than just the year elevens, don't you Richard?"

Tammy was starting to regret her readiness to be involved.

"I would have thought so, Elsie."

"Good, I'll speak to Steven later."

Cathy stood and gave her mother a kiss. "I'd best head home, mum, but we'll be back over in the morning. You'll be in good hands."

"I know, and Tammy doesn't know they're here!"

"Who?"

From the far side of the room, where they had been sat out of sight, stood Alison and Andrea McPherson. Tammy rushed over, narrowly missing an occasional table.

"I've missed you two!"

"We've missed you too, and we'll have plenty of time to talk later."

"Okay."

"Angela, we'll still be here when you get back from your appointment, you'll have to tell us all about it."

"I will, if you don't mind mum and I have a long journey tomorrow so we'll get back to the cottage now."

There was a round of 'goodbyes' as three of them left the house.

"Dad, I didn't see Louise's car outside?"

"No, she's decided not to stay with us. That means we'll have to look for another office manager."

"She was only with us for three weeks."

"That was longer than planned by a week."

"I know, I know, but I thought she might stay."

"Well, she doesn't like to be tied to one place but she's happy to come back if we need her services again. Anyway, I have some news, the Dohertys are moving out this week and I have a set of keys already, we can start on some of the work in a few days. Louise has drawn up a security specification which has gone out to tender."

"To tender?"

"Yes, I've asked five companies to tender for the work and between us we'll decide on the best one, not necessarily the cheapest."

"Five companies?"

"Yes, because it'll be a tax deductible expense. Two of the companies are in England so I'm unsure if the'll want to do it, but that leaves three Scottish firms. We'll also have the doors and windows upgraded against the weather as well as any marauding Vikings."

"I don't think the Vikings came this far North, Dad."

"You'd fail a Scottish Higher paper on History based on that comment! The Vikings were present across the whole of the Highlands a thousand years ago."

That had Elsie laughing, the first laugh Tammy had heard from her for several weeks. Michael had now walked into the room, possibly absent until now because he was avoiding his sister. He came straight to Tammy and leant down to give her a kiss.

"Thank you."

"It was by chance we worked out who Mark was but I wasn't kind to him when I did realise who he was."

"Mark told me, and yes he was an idiot and he accepts that he was. I've forgiven him for abandoning me."

"So what are you going to do?"

"I'm going to leave it a week and see how I feel. This arm needs to go to the hospital on Wednesday to have the wounds examined and I'm not driving before then."

"It's a shame I don't have my driving licence yet, I could drive you. Oh, I don't have insurance."

"Yes you do, Tammy. Tell her Richard."

"One of the things I did in December was to change all the vehicle insurance. There's enough of them, including Michael's, to go for a bulk discount so everyone is insured for every vehicle. That change saved a few thousand pounds a year, which meant a few thousand spent on a car for my daughter."

"Oh, Dad, thank you!"

"We're not starting lessons for a few weeks but you could drive around the estate to get used to handling a car and maybe go into town with one of us tomorrow."

"I have a meeting, remember?"

"Yes, and that means no glasses of wine at lunchtimes if there's any risk of you driving later that day, regardless of the justification."

"Yes, Dad."

"I'd hope that you have a full licence by Easter."

"Me too."

"Now, go and wash, and think about a frock."

"Visitors?"

"Don't A&A count?"

"Doh! Oh, Dad, I had an email from mum but I haven't read it yet."

"She copied it to me, she wants to see us."

"When?"

"Next week."

Part Ten   "Mothers and daughters"

 

 
Sunday 18th January 2015
 

Tammy was sat in a onesie on Sunday morning, reading her mother's email before she and her father worked out how to reply.

From: Tara Simpson
To: Tamara Smart
Date: 16th January 2015 19:11
Subject: Missing you
 
Dear Tammy,
 
I'm still getting to grips with my own errors and sometimes I think I'm the reason you thought you were a girl, but, once again, my sister tells me that it doesn't work that way and not to blame myself. Things have not been good for me and I have made far too many mistakes in the past.
 
It's time for a fresh start; you'll see that I have gone back to my maiden name but this was suggested by the police to make it a little more difficult for any of those Albanians to find me. I'm now in a small flat outside London but I've been asked not to give my address out. Can we meet up so I can get to know you better? Bring your friend too if you want. I know the house has been sold so we can't go there but does your dad still have the apartment in Docklands?
 
I have to go to court in February so would like to see you before then, just in case the worst happens, so can we meet next week or the week after? I'm sure your school will understand, if you are still there?
 
Lots of love
Mum

If the sentiments were genuine then there was plenty of scope for reconciliation, thought Tammy. One question, how was she supporting herself? Her mother hadn't worked since Tammy was born and probably hadn't been employed for some time before that, if ever? With the pending court case her CV would not make great reading right now.

The other issue was how to take time off school? Tammy had spent almost five weeks off school in the Autumn so could hardly claim a good record there, even if it was due to extenuating circumstances. One problem was the travel time from Thurso to almost anywhere, even flying to London would take much of a day. She put this to her father.

"I know Tammy, there's only one solution that I can think of."

"She comes to Thurso?"

"Yes, but I don't think it would be a good idea for her to stay here."

"Perhaps she could stay at the Castletown?"

"As she's on a restricted budget that would seem to be appropriate."

"How is she managing, Dad?"

"As you know, if she receives a fine then her savings, stocks and bonds are at risk."

"Yes."

"What her solicitor and Gerald agreed was to create a new trust fund that would pay her an allowance."

"Couldn't the court seize that?"

"The bulk of the money is overseas and the UK fund is managed only by the two solicitors, not her or even me."

"What about the divorce settlement?"

"The decree nisi should be granted this week and we'll submit the financial paperwork after that, so long as your mum agrees the terms it should go through without a problem."

"Even if it looks to the judge that she's losing out?"

"If she's agreed, then that's it. Gerald will prepare an explanatory note for the court and have her solicitor counter-sign it."

"Nicely done, but what will happen to the financial settlement after the court case?"

"We might look at the arrangements again?"

"Right Dad, when's the best time for her to come up here?"

"Two weekends from now, on Friday the thirtieth?"

"Until the Monday morning?"

"Yes Tammy, as she'll be bored by then."

"And don't forget George's inquest is on the Monday."

"I'll email her about the trip, you just reply about yourself, right?"

"Okay."

From: Tamara Smart
To: Tara Simpson
Date: 18th January 2015 09:20
Subject: Re: Missing you
 
Dear Mum,
 
Dad's told me that he'll sort out when and where we can meet, so expect something from him.
 
I was back at school just before Christmas and didn't have to do any catch-up work because of the homework that had been set. I was also made up to prefect when I returned and the school will be admitting girls into the sixth form from September, several have already had tours of the school.
 
I'm just about to start rehearsals for Macbeth in the local theatre. The shows are in early May, perhaps you could be here for one of those performances? Angela, the girl you met in London, is playing a witch and John Hibbert is playing Duncan.
 
I'm still helping Sarah Bonney in her clothes shop, we had a very busy Christmas and New Year period and there are some exciting plans for the shop. No doubt Sarah will be involved in the costumes for the play.
 
Your daughter

Tammy was having difficulty signing off her reply, having tried and deleted some of the usual offerings, so the scanned signature that she'd used at Christmas came in useful. She sent the reply, then forwarded a copy to her dad.

Her phone pinged, Angela was letting her know that their train to Glasgow wasn't leaving until lunchtime, getting them into the city that evening. Tammy knew that Angela had some homework to do and would probably tackle some of it this morning but she wondered if Angela was going to be able to do any of it on the train? Given the length of the train journey she'd have time to read Macbeth several times, transcribe it, or even train a team of primates to read and write so they could transcribe it for her.

Unfortunately for Angela, but fortunate for any primates requiring training, flying wasn't an option this weekend due to the weather. The other problem was that, since it was a Sunday, trains in the Highlands were sparse, very sparse. The 1230 service to Inverness was the only train of the day on Sunday 18th of Jan 2015.

Her appointment with Professor Roberts was at half past nine the following day so she should be home mid to late afternoon? Tammy was hoping for some good news from Angela. Tammy herself wasn't due to see Julian Roberts until the spring and had only been prescribed HRT at this stage because of her blood results, plus some good reports. Angela's hormone levels were typical so no early intervention was apparently required, but that was a matter for the professor.

Tammy's phone pinged again, this time it was Tanya.

Hi - John left some homework in his room so has to go back to the school to finish it. Did you want picking up?
 
I take it you want to meet this lady?
 
Yes, priorities changed!
 
What time?
 
Dropping John at the school at midday, pick you up on the way back?
 
Great, text me when leaving the school?
 
Ok

Tammy decided she could spend an hour on homework herself before getting ready to meet Miss Lane again. One concern, what does a girl wear if she wants to be a model, even is it's for a small town show? Even more important, did she want to be a model at all? A few months ago the idea would have been laughable and yet only yesterday she'd been asked.

Tammy decided to tackle her maths but couldn't handle calculus right now, or quantum maths, both of which featured in the homework. She put that aside and read some of Macbeth instead, hoping that would focus her turbulent mind.

Although a much needed coffee plus Hobnob biscuits had been delivered an hour earlier, the time had crept towards half past eleven. Tammy quickly showered and dressed, going for the simple multi-layer approach. She kept makeup to a minimum too, after giving her face a deep cleanse.

She was walking into the sitting room when Tanya's text arrived.

"Dad, I have five minutes before my lift arrives."

"Who's taking you?"

"Sandy, she's just dropped John back at the school."

"Okay, remember what I said and be careful."

"I will. Did you see my reply to mum?"

"Yes, I'll copy my one to you when I've sent it but I might want Gerald to check it first."

"Oh, why would it need a solicitor's input?"

"In case she's not allowed to leave England? He can check her bail conditions with her criminal solicitor."

"I see, that would make things awkward."

"Which is why I want to check first."

"I best get my coat."

"Sure, have fun. Don't forget to have some lunch, and yes, you can have a glass of wine as I doubt you'll be driving today."

"When can I have some practice?"

"Next Saturday as you don't finish school much before dusk."

"Okay."

There was a toot outside so Tammy hurried out to Sandy's car.

***

The meeting went well and it looked like some firm decisions had been made. Sandy had dropped Tanya and Tammy at the hotel then went home.

"Well, Tammy, your suggestion of the golf club is certainly the best of the options we've looked at so far, we went up there this morning. They recommended some local DJs who would supply our music and PA."

"Yes, probably the Thurso Shinty Disco."

"You know them? That's useful. We'll bring the staging equipment and lighting in on the Friday so everything is setup ready for Saturday morning."

"What time are you starting?"

"The show itself will be at two in the afternoon. There will be a buffet for invited guests first."

"Who are you thinking of inviting?"

"We'll look at independent clothing shop managers from across the Highlands and islands. One of the reasons for choosing Thurso is that Scrabster ferry terminal is just a few miles to the North."

"I doubt that's an oft consideration."

"So do I but it's worth a punt. We'll also invite a few local councillors so we won't have a problem with any licences."

"Is that necessary?"

"Unfortunately, yes."

"Is there a theme?"

"It's the Spring Collection but we'll include jackets."

"Lingerie?"

"No, our main product lines are outerwear."

"How many models?"

"I think we can cope with eight, including one or two spares. We'll bring two professionals with us and will want to find six girls locally."

"That shouldn't be too difficult."

"No, as we have two here."

Tanya had been sat quietly, listening to the conversation, but did let out a squeal when Penelope Lane gave her the nod.

"Who are you looking for?"

"Real people, not girls with a ten inch waist. I'd like to include a boy too."

"That's easy, her fiancé John."

"I'd like a few choices, but by all means include John."

"Okay, do you want some photos sent to you?"

"Yes, please, including full names, a short bio and contact numbers."

"Right, I'll grab some boys and girls then let you have them. What about contracts?"

"We'll deal with that on the day, but the usual deal is that you keep the clothes you model plus there's a fee for the day. No under eighteens please, there's no scope for chaperones."

"Sounds reasonable."

Sarah was listening as well, impressed with Tammy's questions. It was strictly her show, as the host stockist, but Tammy was asking questions that she might not have included.

They broke for lunch after half an hour, Frances was ever hovering nearby as, it seemed, his hotel would be hosting the crew and out-of-town models for the show. This show should bring business into the town in many different guises, thought Tammy. She had a thought.

"I have a case study to write as part of the final assessment for my Business Studies A level."

"And you'd like to use the fashion show?"

"Yes please, could I have a copy of the paperwork, including draft costings and logistics?"

"I don't see why not, but you'll have to sign a confidentiality agreement and I'd rather if a fictitious company name was used."

"Sure, thanks."

***

Sandy drove Tammy back to the house.

"Is this genuine? I don't want Tanya being dragged into some daft scheme?"

"It's genuine all right and I think it will come off. The company wants to do some serious business up here, Sarah's Boutique is their only outlet for a hundred mile radius at the moment."

"Is that going to mean less trade for Sarah?"

"No Sandy, it's potentially having existing stores in the region buying from this supplier but Sarah might also have the commercial advantage by being able hold most of the collection and supply other stores special orders, especially the islands, from her stock."

"So some wholesale as well as retail."

"Yes, interesting times for her."

"Great, Tammy. How's Elsie?"

"She's looked and sounded fine so far this weekend but I still don't know what the prognosis is."

"Okay, I'll come up and see her in the week if she's not fit to come down to the salon."

"I'll let her know, what day as you thinking of?"

"Wednesday as I close at one."

"Okay. Thanks for the lift."

"Bye."

Tammy firstly went to her room to use the bathroom before heading down to the sitting room.

Cathy and the twins were sat with Elsie but otherwise all was quiet. They did, of course, want to hear from Tammy about the meeting, Alison saying that she was expecting they would still be in Thurso for the fashion show.

"I would have thought you'd be back in London by next weekend, or the week after at the latest."

"We've taken a sabbatical so we can be here, with our aunt."

Tammy was becoming concerned, Elsie seemed to have come through the surgery intact and had been seen sporting a smile for the first time since December.

"I hope you don't mind me asking, Elsie, but what did the doctors say?"

Elsie looked first at Cathy, who nodded, before turning back towards Tammy.

"I have six months, maybe less."

Part Eleven   "Breakfast in bed"

 
 
Sunday 18th January 2015 Continued
 
Tammy sat, firstly in shock, then started to cry, how could this be? One of the twins, she didn't see which, handed her a tissue and allowed Tammy to compose herself before anyone else spoke.

"Tammy, you asked me what the doctors had said, so I told you, but believe me I am not planning on shuffling off quite so quick."

"Thank you Elsie, but what went wrong?"

"The cancer was dealt with, excised if you wish, and a second set of biopsies were clear."

"That's all good."

"Yes, but they think I have heart disease and that my ticker is going to give out."

"How did they work that out?"

"Apparently the anaesthetist during the last operation became concerned and told the surgeons not to do the reconstruction at the same time due to strain on my heart."

"But that can be cured?"

"The cardiologist wants to run more tests but had Cathy come to the hospital so he could give us both the bad news."

"So, what next?"

"I'm lop-sided for one thing!" Elsie laughed. "With a six month death sentence hanging over me they won't do the reconstruction so I'll have to have a falsie for now!"

Tammy recognised the inference and touched her own enhancers, giggling.

"But Elsie, do you trust this diagnosis?"

"Not entirely so I'm arranging for some tests, call it a second opinion, elsewhere. Alison and Andrea will be here so I don't have to break in some strange nurse or check their credentials."

Alison continued, "Quite auntie, but you knew we would be here for you, all you had to do was ask. Tammy, we're taking auntie to The Scottish Pulmonary Vascular Unit in Glasgow in a few days and we may have some further news after that."

"Thank you Alison, I certainly hope that the first diagnosis is down to an overly cautious consultant."

"Quite, dear, quite. Now, promise me two things, young Tammy. Firstly, this information remains in this room, okay? Other than those here, only Michael and your father have been given any information. The official line is that I am still recovering after surgery, which is completely correct."

"I promise."

"One other thing, if, and I stress if, it does turn out that my time is running out, let's not dwell on the past but continue to look forward."

"Amen to that."

"Thank you Andrea."

Elsie decided to have a lie down before dinner and Cathy went home. Tammy told the twins she was going up to finish some homework.

"We'll come up with you, if you don't mind, we can catch up."

The 'catch up' took so long that Tammy never did have a chance to do any homework. She did, however, get a full immersion into the gossip and social activities of the nursing staff at The London Hospital, where the twins normally worked. Of course, Tammy had to tell all, starting in December just after her début at the Mill Theatre.

"That must have been awful, all those nasty people." Andrea looked quite shocked,

"And even our cousin." Alison was referring to John McPherson, Elsie's eldest son.

"It wasn't great, especially when I had to have a bodyguard for two weeks."

"But she saved you once?"

"Yes. Now, how long are you going to be here?"

"We've both taken a year's sabbatical, but can go back sooner if ......"

"Please don't say it, I don't want to lose her any more than you do."

"Tammy, we have to be realists. We're here so aunt Elsie can have the best care, if she recovers then we will have done our jobs well."

The rest was unsaid, there were too many 'ifs' and not enough firm information, the whole thing stunk. After another crying session the girls went back to their room, leaving Tammy to her own thoughts. Any prospect of school work, or indeed anything meaningful, had deserted her.

Dinner was quiet, too quiet, with no-one willing to broach a touchy subject or anything negative at all. Elsie excused herself immediately after dessert and went to her room, waving off any offered assistance. A few respectable minutes later Michael, then the twins, departed.

"She told you?"

"Yes, Dad. I can't say it was the best of news."

"Look, Tammy, Elsie is a fighter, and she doesn't always accept the first thing she's told, regardless of the number of letters after someone's name!"

"I know."

Tammy finally finished off her homework before climbing into a welcome bed. Her phone had pinged at seven thirty; Angela confirmed her and Joan had reached Glasgow after their train journey. At least they would get rest before her appointment with Professor Julian Roberts on Monday morning.

 
Tuesday 20th January 2015
 

Monday had slipped past with barely any recognition. By the time Tammy woke on Tuesday morning all she knew was that Joan and Angela had returned the previous evening, late because of problems on the line. There was no news of how Angela's appointment had gone and Elsie had been missing at dinnertime.

Tammy slipped into that semi-concious mode that gets you up, washed, dressed and fed before heading out of the door for school, college or work. If you asked her mid morning what she'd had for breakfast then it would be doubtful if she could recall. On a good day that automaton state ended as she entered the school, unfortunately that wasn't the case today, as demonstrated during the first period.

"Miss Smart, will you please pay attention?"

"Yes, Sir, sorry Sir."

"Is there something wrong?"

"No, I mean yes, nothing important Sir."

"Is it a bad time of the month?"

The twelve boys in the room laughed, some nervously as a few not had not fully understood the comment; an effect of their closeted existence. The master was not having it however.

"Boys, you will not treat a young lady like that."

The room went quiet, he continued, "Miss Smart, I think it's best if you saw Mrs Small. You are excused."

"Thank you, Sir." She gathered everything, including belatedly her handbag, and left the room. The odd thing was, in the past fortnight, she hadn't been to Joan's room once. She did however know where it was and was knocking on the door within two minutes.

"Come in, oh, Tammy what's up?"

She slumped onto a sofa that was in the room and started to sob. Joan walked over, closed the door then sat next to Tammy and hugged her.

"What is it? I think I know."

"I'm afraid, Joan."

"We all are, dear."

Joan placed her hand on Tammy's forehead then went to a cupboard behind her desk.

"Sit still, Tammy, I'll just check your temperature."

She used an infra-red thermometer. "Thirty eight degrees C. Right, young lady, you're going home. I'll organise some transport for you, no, I'll drive you myself."

"Yes, Joan. Where's Angela today?"

"In bed with a fever. Sit here, I'll be back in a moment."

Joan went to her desk and made two calls. A few minutes later Janet Adams, the school secretary, arrived with Tammy's coat and boots. The ladies swapped Tammy's footwear and the sensible ballets were taken back to her locker by Janet after helping Tammy into her coat.

"Come on, the sooner you're in bed the better we'll all be."

The ride back to the house passed Tammy by, the twins were waiting at the front door to receive the poorly girl and help her up to her room. Water and paracetamol were administered then she was changed for bed. It was still before ten in the morning.

***

Tammy woke as one of the twins was checking her temperature.

"Good, you can have a drink of water, no more pills for a few hours yet."

"Alison, what's wrong with me?"

"I'd say exhaustion, stress and the common cold."

"Which one is most likely to be fatal?"

"The common cold, but fatality isn't very common."

"Ha ha."

"Your temperature is down a notch at 37.8 C so you are improving, but not ready to climb Avimore yet."

"Thanks, can I go back to sleep now?"

"Sure, one of us will see you in a couple of hours."

Tammy was woken late afternoon and given paracetamol.

"Did you want anything to eat, Tammy?"

"No, thanks, just a glass of fruit juice please."

"Okay, it'll be up in a couple of minutes."

When Leanne delivered the glass Tammy had already fallen back off to sleep.

Tammy did drink it when she woke an hour or so later, went for a wee and sat up in bed for the first time since that morning. Her phone was flashing to indicate a message, and a dying battery. The message was from Angela:

Feeling lousy, was told you had same bug. Lousy day yesterday but the prof was good and I have prescription for blockers, Endorin he said. Mum hasn't got me the pills yet. Don't know if I'm in school Weds

Tammy decided she had enough energy for a reply:

Congrats on the blockers. Don't know when I next see the prof. Speak tomorrow

Tammy did not feel like going to school on Wednesday but then remembered that she was supposed to meet Sarah at the bank. Once again she hadn't asked for permission. She sent an apologetic text to Sarah then turned her phone off and connected it to the charger.

She had just crawled back into bed when Andrea gently knocked and entered the room.

"I thought I heard you, how are you feeling now?"

"A little better."

"I'll get the thermometer, don't go anywhere, will you?"

"I'll try not to."

Andrea was back within a minute. "Thirty seven point five. You're nearly human."

"I don't feel like it."

"Never mind, by the morning you'll be much better, but you're not going to school."

"I guessed as much, Angela's laid up too."

"I'd heard. How about you have a shower and I'll ask Leanne to change the bedding."

"Okay."

"Fancy anything to eat when you get out?"

"A banana."

"Right, and another glass of fruit juice?"

"Yes, please."

"Off you go then."

 
Wednesday 21st January 2015
 
Tammy was served breakfast in bed, after having her temperature taken and a couple of paracetamol dropped down her throat.

"Nurse's orders, a quiet day with no excitement, plenty of rest and gallons of fluids."

"If you insist?"

"I do. Now, get into that shower!"

And so began a non-exciting day in the McPherson household. Elsie's two nieces had put their nursing careers on hold to look after their aunt but now found themselves, once again, looking after Tammy.

Tammy had found a clean nightie and dressing gown waiting upon her exit from the bathroom. Her bed had also been made and the bedroom tidied, but she'd only been in the bathroom a few minutes? Never mind.

Unsure whether it would be wise to venture downstairs, Tammy propped herself on her bed. Her phone, now fully charged, was next to the bed. She turned it back on and found one message:

Mum's going to get the pills later. Are you in school?

Tammy quickly tapped her response:

No, in bedroom trying not to get excited. Succeeding so far

Her laptop, when she retrieved it, brought its' own problems. There was a stack of emails waiting, including one from John Hibbert telling her what homework had been set. There was a message from Janet Adams to confirm Tammy was not expected back before Thursday and that all tutors had been informed. The messenger would drop anything relevant at the house.

There was a timely knock on her door and Leanne entered with a welcome pot of coffee and an unwelcome bag of schoolwork.

"The messenger just delivered this, Miss, so I thought you might like a coffee as well."

"Thank you Leanne, very thoughtful. Is my father here?"

"No Miss, he had several meetings in town this morning."

"Thank you."

Tammy did her best to deal with the work that had been delivered, but really wasn't up for much original thinking or verbal dissection of a topic. Instead she figured she could read a while but even this was proving tiresome, her eyes were not at their best.

She had an idea and opened up the website of a well known distributor to search for audio plays of Macbeth. It seemed that the BBC recorded a new version of Macbeth, with contemporary actors, every few years. She opted for a 2006 production and downloaded it after agreeing terms with the website.

Then it was a simple matter of plugging in headphones, sitting back and listening to the play with her eyes closed. A newspaper article over the weekend had reported that the brain remembers better if eyes are closed, although in Tammy's case they would have closed regardless.

She'd plainly fallen asleep as the next thing Tammy was aware of was Alison stood over her with a thermometer.

"Thirty seven point two C. You're normal."

"I'd like a second opinion in that case."

"How about you have some soup for lunch and make it downstairs for dinner this evening?"

"Sounds like a plan, where do I sign?"

"Hmmm, I think I prefer the Tammy who's quiet and meek."

"She's gone and the evil one is back."

"That's what I was afraid of. Seriously Tammy, you have got to stop overdoing it. Give yourself some 'you' time."

"I know, but I have all these responsibilities."

"Your responsibility is to yourself and those closest to you. Everything else is a luxury or an encumbrance."

"So you're saying I should stop doing things?"

"No, just take stock of what you've already promised and don't take on anything more. Also, manage your time better, do you really need to go to meetings if someone else will be there?"

"With all the revision, this term is going to be a real trial."

"I know, remember Andrea and I were eighteen once."

"Thanks Alison."

"Look, you seem to have a lower threshold than the rest of us so you hit exhaustion more often, take that into account as it only takes a little infection to knock you sideways. Alcohol doesn't help either, be careful."

"Yes, boss."

"Good, I'll go see about that soup."

Tammy restarted the play and was paying more attention to it, without feeling drowsy. She finished her bowl of soup, Scotch Broth, and a crusty roll whilst trying not to spill crumbs on the bedding.

A mid-afternoon doze brought her to nearly five o'clock, there was a knock on the door.

"Come in."

"Hello Tammy, much better I see."

"Yes Dad, I've had two wonderful nurses looking after me."

"So I heard. Anyway, some news; the Decree Nisi was granted yesterday so that's stage one of the divorce over. Also we've exchanged contracts on the Dunbankin house. We should be able to move in about ten to fourteen days."

"Good news indeed."

"Yes, but now you need to work out how to furnish your room plus help me with the other rooms. Any order is going to take a week to reach us, longer if it has to be made first."

"Okay, can we talk after dinner?"

"Sure, but we must get started."

"Has mum come back to you?"

"Not yet, but my email to her only went yesterday and she might be checking with her solicitor."

"So we might see her around the time we move?"

"I hope not!"

"What else have you been up to today?"

"Not much, get yourself washed and downstairs."

"Yes Dad."

Part Twelve   "Case studies"

 

 
Wednesday 21st January Continued
 

Tammy arrived in the dining room just before six after having another shower and donning her third set of nightwear of the day. The overall effect was not that of a radiant young lady but certainly not the pasty-faced one who had been sent home from school the previous morning.

None of those present seemed to fall into the typical trap of stating how the weather was, or asking how someone was feeling, knowing they'd been ill. Tammy was, however, aware that Elsie looked a little different so voiced her question.

"Yes dear, Sandy came up to see me this afternoon. It was a surprise though because I hadn't been warned, or even asked whether I wanted to see her."

"Oh, sorry, she suggested it on Sunday."

"So I was told, young lady, you are forgiven this time as you were plainly not well at the time."

"I'm grateful you're not angry with me, Elsie. Your hair looks really good."

"Thank you, despite being unprepared I was indeed pleased to see Sandy. I might not be one hundred percent fit but that does not mean I can't look at my best. It was quite timely too as I am seeing a different consultant on Friday in Glasgow. Alison and I are going in the morning, we'll be back at the weekend."

"I hope it goes well."

"So do I."

Tammy's portions were noticeably smaller that the others but her appetite was lacking so there were no complaints. With dinner concluded she and her father went to the study to discuss matters.

"Dad, I get the feeling that you had at least one meeting in town that you didn't tell me about."

"Remind me not to play poker with you! Yes, Sarah called and asked if I could be there with her, seeing as you couldn't."

"I wouldn't have been able to give her any real advice, I was just there to hold her hand and get first hand knowledge for my business studies case study."

"I know, but she had an idea and wanted to run it past me."

"What was that?"

"You know that the shop next to Sarah's has been empty for a while?"

"Yes, she told me she had tried to get hold of the owners but they wouldn't return her calls."

"Well, it seems the bank was owed money so they had seized it and were about to sell it through a local agency."

"That place looks much bigger than her existing shop."

"It is."

"You've been in there?"

"Not yet but I've seen the plans. Sarah and I came to an arrangement, which benefits everyone."

"Oh."

"So long as you agree, you've just become her landlord."

"Eh? Dad, what have you done?"

"I asked the bank what their bottom line was then offered ten percent under that, cash. They refused and told me the original figure, so I offered five percent under the asking price, or not at all. It seems they were going to lose five percent in agency fees so my offer was accepted."

"Right, so where do I come into this?"

"This is a way to expand your property portfolio at a local level, in the long term cash does not grow as quickly as property."

"Yes, I understand the principle. What are you proposing?"

"That we create a new company called Tamara Smart Property, using revenue from the Enfield house, and that repays me for the title of the shop."

"How much are we talking?"

"One hundred and fifty thousand."

"That all? The house sold for seven hundred." Thousands, of course.

"That's right, don't forget you've also put money into Dunbankin. We must decide a new name for that house?"

"It's appropriate, plus the locals know the name; you don't want to confuse anyone do you?"

"I thought you might say that."

"When does Sarah want to move?"

"There's still some paperwork, a structural survey plus an electrical survey and then fitting out to do, so about two to three weeks. She also has to give her existing landlord a month's notice."

"I can't help her much before half-term and even Saturdays are taken up with rehearsals."

"I think she might like a little breathing space as well as plenty of help."

"Okay, draw me up the paperwork and I'll sign it - subject to the surveys of course!"

"Good, I told Sarah you'd be up for it."

"What about the original reason for her bank appointment, she was querying whether she was getting a good deal now she's cleared her overdraft?"

"They have completely changed their tune, and not because I was there. Once the property was mentioned they offered her a business mortgage, which she declined without blinking; I really think she had some satisfaction in turning them down. What we did do, however, was to change her account. The new one includes some value-added benefits such as insurance and free use of the night safe, as well as lower card transaction fees."

"What's the nett effect?"

"Taking into the account the fixed costs of rent, insurance, bank charges and business rates it's costing her a tenner a week more."

"What about grants?"

"The council is running a grant scheme for businesses that are looking to grow that's worth five thousand pounds and there's another smaller grant for more efficient lighting."

"This is all good timing for the fashion show, I wonder how much publicity she can generate?"

"Plenty, what with a grand re-opening, we need to find someone to cut the ribbon."

"Elsie?"

"That's an idea, but how about a local famous actress?"

"Who?"

"You!"

"Come on Dad, how much right do I have?"

"You are very well known in town, much more than you possibly know."

"Let me think about that."

"Okay, can we discuss our house now?"

***

It would seem they spent an hour discussing colour schemes and room themes but that was about it. Tammy's favourite colour was mauve, or shades of purple, so that was the theme for her own room but furniture was put off for a day. Her father's study had been identified as well as space for Leanne, should she wish to transfer her employment. Another visit was needed before any thoughts about the communal areas could be made.

She decided to call Angela after she was settled in bed.

"Are you back at school tomorrow?"

"Yes, Tammy, I got fed up look at the bedroom ceiling. Mum's given me the blockers but says I'm not to start them while I had a fever so the first one will be tomorrow."

"What did the professor say?"

"He thinks the time is right, but he's not prepared to put me on HRT yet."

"What was his reason?"

"He said I had too much self doubt."

"Do you?"

"At times, perhaps?"

Tammy wondered whether she should tell Angela to 'pull herself together' or 'believe in herself', but they were only words and could be misinterpreted. Saying nothing, however, wasn't going to help either.

"I think it's got nothing to do with your transition but rather what went on before."

"You're right, and that's what I told the professor."

Tammy was relieved.

"What did he say?"

"He didn't know about Dad, it seems none of Jill's notes about Dad's death made it to Glasgow."

"I bet those notes were filed under your mum's name?"

"Probably. He did know about me jumping out of the window though."

"So our local shrink did manage to do her job once?"

"Obviously."

"Are you glad you went to see him?"

"Yes, but I could do without that journey."

"When does he want to see you again?"

"July, I think, after school's finished. He'll consider HRT then."

"Maybe we can get a joint appointment and have a few days away?"

"Sure, anyway I'm turning in. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Yeah, goodnight."

 
Thursday 22nd January
 

After the episode on Tuesday morning Tammy was being careful back at school. It would seem, though, that all of her tutors so far were aware of her recent health problem and were being gentle with her, much more than the boys. Of course that generated some issues of its own.

"Sir, is it one rule for us and another for the girls, now?"

"Jenkins, you will withdraw that remark."

"Sorry Sir."

"I think you should apologise to Miss Smart too."

"My apologies, Tammy."

"Accepted."

At break time she and Angela were able to speak.

"It's weird, has something been said?"

"In what way, Angela?"

"All of the masters are being, well, kind to me."

"I had that too, Jenkins wasn't too keen on the idea though."

"Him? He's going to struggle in his exams if his coursework is anything to go by."

"Was his father a St Andrews old boy?"

"I believe so, do you think that might be a problem, Tammy?"

"If the boy has been placed here simply because his father attended the school, yes, but is there more?"

"What do you mean?"

"I'm not sure, just keep an eye on him."

"Okay. What's next?"

"Business Studies for me, you?"

"Sociology."

"I'll see you at lunch then."

"Bye Tammy."

A few minutes into her Business Studies class it was explained that the rest of the class had submitted their proposals for the last assessment before their exams.

"This assessment will be due in the day before the Easter break, the same day as your long term case study. What do you have in mind?"

"A fashion show, Sir."

"In what way, photocopying a glossy magazine is hardly sufficient and you can't fly out to Milan."

"Of course not Sir, I'm one of the managers for a fashion show being held in March at Thurso golf club. I've been promised all the financial data from the clothing manufacturer who's sponsoring the show."

"How did you arrange this?"

"By working in a ladies clothes shop, perhaps some of the boys might like to try it."

"What else?"

"I've been invited to be a model."

"Swimwear?"

"Sir?"

What had probably been intended as a humorous comment had got out of hand quickly. The master went various shades of red before apologising, Tammy regretted not having her brooch camera any longer. He composed himself and settled the room.

"Yesterday we also went through the long term case studies and did a review. I can't say that there was much to review with most of them, what about yourself?"

"As you know my long term case study is the clothes shop where I work on a Saturday. The shop, quite apart from being involved in the fashion show, has outgrown its premises. I have bought the adjacent property and will be renting it to the store owner."

"Do you mean your parents bought it?"

"My father enacted the transaction but the money will come from my own company, Tamara Smart Property Limited and I'm recorded as the owner."

"If you don't mind, how much was the shop?"

"One hundred and fifty thousand."

"I see. Plenty of material for your project, then?"

"Yes, one of the problems might be that there is too much."

The lesson continued but there was an uneasy air, the master had not performed well. Tammy decided to let it drop.

***

She had a study period immediately after lunch but decided to visit Joan Small's office before heading towards the common room or the library.

"Hello Tammy, sit down. What can I do for you?"

"Joan, I spoke to Angela at break time and a couple of things came out of our conversation."

"Right, what concerns you?"

"Firstly, almost all of the masters have been overly nice to Angela and me so far today. This is not behaviour that could be attributed to us simply returning from our sick beds."

"I'm not sure if I can answer that."

"I see, my guess is that there is an investigation into Yvonne Stewart and there's some damage that needs addressing."

"I definitely can't answer that Tammy, and I think you know why."

"That answer is sufficient, thank you."

"You suggested there was another concern?"

"Yes, Jenkins."

"Senior or Junior?"

"Senior, I didn't know there was a junior."

"He's in year eleven. What's your concern?"

"Jenkins was a little too vocal this morning in class when referencing me but Sir dealt with it just fine. I was concerned that Jenkins, Senior, had some emotional issues but I wonder if the issues are with his brother?"

"Tammy, I cannot say anything at all and I have probably said far too much."

"You haven't actually told me anything, apart from there being two Jenkins."

"That's still too much."

"It's hardly a state secret."

"Look, you're putting me in a very difficult position, Tammy. I promise you this, though, if I need your or Angela's help then I will ask, until then please drop these two enquiries of yours."

"Sure. Thanks, Joan."

Tammy left the office, not entirely satisfied and walked up to the next floor to the sixth form common room where she met John Hibbert, thankfully the room was otherwise empty.

"John, can you help me?"

"Sure, Tammy, what is it?"

"You deal with the year elevens, don't you?"

"I'm one of the year prefects, yes."

"I'm concerned about Jenkins but I understand he has a brother in that year?"

"Yes, and all is not well it would seem."

"In what way?"

"He's been breaking down in class."

"What's his form master doing about it?"

"He's referred him to Mrs Small."

"That's why she wouldn't tell me anything."

"You asked her?"

"Yes, but I learnt nothing.

"Okay, if I hear of anything do you want to be kept informed?"

"Yes, please."

"Now, what happened in your Business Studies class this morning?"

"Nothing."

"I've had two of the boys come to me already alleging inappropriate behaviour. What happened?"

"I told Mr Carmichael I had been asked to be a model and he queried if I would be modelling swimwear?"

"That concurs with what I was told, sorry Tammy but I have to report it."

"Okay, but I think it was more a slip of the tongue than anything malicious."

***

There was a maths lesson last period which generated some homework but very little excitement, especially when the class was dismissed before the bell. Tammy took the opportunity to change her footwear and to head to the main entrance, ready for the first minibus.

"Miss Smart, could I see you for a moment?"

Tammy looked around and could see Janet Adams gesturing her into the secretary's office. The door was closed firmly.

"I was given this a few minutes ago and it was pointless bringing it up to you." Janet handed her an envelope.

"What is it?"

"You've been asked to give evidence into Miss Stewart's behaviour and conduct."

"Why? I thought Mr Thompson had everything he needed?"

"Her union is challenging the allegations and is preparing to sue the school for wrongful dismissal."

"She can't! I mean she's currently under investigation by the police for bribery, amongst other things."

"Well, that's what I've been told. You are to report to the Head's office at nine in the morning where the school's solicitor will take your account as well as question you."

"Just me?"

"No, Joan Small, Angela Small, John Hibbert, James Hunter and several other sixth formers, plus Thwaites and a few more from the lower school."

"Okay, but I want to see the back of her."

"Fine by me. Right, go catch your bus."

"Yes, Miss!"

Part Thirteen   "Enquiries"

 

 
Friday 23rd January
 

There was a heavy frost overnight and everything exposed was icy, including Tammy's nose until she pulled her scarf up to cover it. Even the short walk from her father's car to the school entrance was too far. It was still before eight in the morning but she wanted to join her fellow sixth formers at breakfast.

This was the first time since the New Year that Tammy had taken breakfast at school but it seemed Angela was there every day because her mother was often seeing students before lessons started. It was a mark of her impact on the school, only three weeks on, that Tammy's presence at breakfast was now a non-event.

Talk, however, concerned her business studies tutor, Mr Carmichael. The story, it seemed, was becoming embellished and now included Tammy modelling lingerie at the fashion show, according to one wag.

"You have a dirty mind!"

"Oh, Tammy, we're sure you'd look nice!"

He didn't see Deputy Head Mr Thompson walking up behind him, although most of the table did.

"Miss Smart, please go to the Head's office. Mr Finch, my office."

After her experiences with the police over Christmas Tammy was more than prepared for her meeting with the school's solicitor. What surprised her, however, was who she was meeting in the Head's conference room.

"Ah, Miss Smart."

"Mr Smith?"

"Jeremiah Smith at your service."

"But what are you doing up here?"

"My firm has represented the school for over a century, as well as many other private schools in the Highlands."

The Head coughed.

"Mr Smith, is your familiarity with Miss Smart going to cause a problem?"

"No, Steven, Headmaster, I represented Miss Smart and her father in the High Court last year in the matter of the school's former catering manager, with the support of the school. That was all, there is no conflict of interest."

"Very well, I will leave you to it." The Head left the room and closed the door.

"Please make yourself comfortable Miss Smart, I must say that you do look very nice today."

"I'm flattered, Mr Smith."

She'd noticed a lady sat near Jeremiah Smith. "Ah, this is Miss Younger and she will be recording this meeting. You will receive a transcript of the meeting at which time you can challenge the meeting record."

Tammy nodded and sipped from a glass of water that had been placed on the conference table.

"Let us begin, when did you first become aware of Miss Stewart?"

The interview had taken almost an hour but Jeremiah Smith had been pleased with her testimony.

"If we have others corroborating this then it would demonstrate a very deliberate campaign against you."

"You might like to speak to Mrs Sarah Bonney who owns Sarah's Boutique in town, and Sandy Smith the hairdresser as they both encountered her."

"If needs be, but this investigation has to be focussed on the school as it is an unfair dismissal claim."

"Understood. Could I just ask you a question?"

***

Tammy had walked to the common room to make herself a coffee, passing Joan and Angela who were impatiently waiting to go in. She found out later that the interview slots were half an hour long so Tammy had already put the schedule out.

By the time she was ready to face the world again it was just a few minutes before the bell for break. She wasn't aware, apart from those names she had been told, who knew about the investigation or the reason for it. There was an understanding, or perhaps an instruction, that matters were not to be discussed nor disclosed outside of the conference room.

When the rest of the sixth form came in Tammy was looking calm with her latest cup of coffee, whilst all the others were aware of was that she'd been summonsed to the Head's office. Louis Finch, however, had spent fifteen minutes of a study period in Mr Thompson's office followed by the rest of the hour, as detention, in the library. Tammy suspected his original plan was to go up to his bedroom and check out some of his supply of illustrated literature. He was not happy and snarled at one prefect too many.

"Mr Finch, I want to see that attitude problem vanish before you leave this room."

"Yes, prefect. But if she's 'ad to see the 'ed how come she smiling? Don't get it."

"That lady you are referring to is a prefect, she can hear you clearly and your reference to Miss Smart at breakfast landed you in this mess. Don't make it any worst."

John Hibbert walked away from Finch and sat with Tammy.

"My appointment is after break."

"Don't rely on it being on time, John."

"Someone overran?"

"Me."

"Okay. Who's there now?"

"Angela and her mum but they should both be finished."

There was a noise as Angela came in through the door looking upset, grabbed Tammy and flew back out the door to the female staff loo.

"What's going on Angela?"

"She was having an affair with my Dad!"

"I know."

"How could you?"

"I found out by chance, about a week ago. Your mum was told straight away." Tammy fudged the dates.

"Even so, why couldn't you tell me?"

"I was asked not to, it had to be your mum who told you."

"So she waited until I came out of the interrogation, drags me into her office and then tells me?"

"Do you want me to come with you to see your mum?"

"No. I want to deal with her later, alone."

"I hope you'll have a sensible conversation with her."

"Maybe."

"Come on, freshen yourself up because the bell's about to go for third period."

"Okay."

Tammy walked back to the common room with Angela who was now calmer than ten minutes earlier. Tammy sent two texts before going to Maths.

To Joan:
Angela is upset because of Yvonne's affair.

To Jill Davison, local shrink:
Angela's found out Yvonne Stewart was having affair with George Small. Joan dealing with it okay but Angela upset.

A reply from Jill was quick:
Was going to ring them tonight as had report from Glasgow. Is this same Yvonne Stewart as in today's local rag?

Tammy quickly replied that she hadn't seen the weekly Thurso Echo, but likely the same one. She was a minute adrift walking into the classroom but it appeared not to matter.

***

Lunch seemed to pass quickly and quietly, although one of the office staff, Julianne Sutherland came up to Tammy with a large, sealed, envelope. Tammy carefully opened it and slid out the two stapled sheets within. It was a photocopy of the front and business page of that day's Thurso Echo. She slid the copies back into the envelope before anyone else could see what they were.

The next period was English Literature with Mr Wright. This session on a Friday was now taken up with learning Macbeth so that the sixth form could put it on for the year elevens. There was a secondary reason as both the Upper Sixth and the year elevens had the Scottish Play as a set text in their English exams.

In the classroom version, John was playing Macbeth himself whereas at the theatre he had landed the part of Duncan. He was therefore getting to know both parts well. Tammy was Lady Macbeth in both productions, so between them they knew the play very well and were able to guide the rest of the students, Mr Wright was more than pleased with the way things were going.

"Mr Hibbert, Miss Smart, I am grateful for the work you are putting in and it won't be unrewarded."

"Thank you, Sir."

It was intended that John and Tammy would run a workshop for the cast during the study period that was last on a Friday. Many of the cast, however, had other ideas and they were rapidly disappearing. John shrugged and suggested the workshop was scrubbed for the week.

Back in the common room the phone was ringing. John answered it, spoke briefly then hung up.

"We're wanted."

"Where, why?"

"Mr Thompson wants to see both of us, now."

"Oh well."

When they arrived the business studies tutor, Mr Carmichael, was with the deputy head. He stepped outside as the two prefects entered the office.

"Miss Smart, could you please tell me what happened during business studies yesterday?"

"I told Mr Carmichael that I had been asked to be a model and he queried if I would be modelling swimwear?"

"What was your response?"

"I don't believe I had one Sir."

"Mr Hibbert, I understand you received several complaints?"

"Yes Sir, and all corroborate Miss Smart's recollection."

"Miss Smart, why did you not make a complaint yourself?"

"I believed the remark to be more a slip of the tongue than anything malicious."

"I see. Have you changed your opinion of the remark since then?"

"No, Sir."

"How would you feel if it was said a second time?"

"Is it likely, Sir?"

"No, what I'm trying to say is that the remark, from a teacher, was unacceptable. I had to punish a boy this morning for a similar flippant remark and the same yardstick should apply whether staff, student or visitors. You should have reported it."

"I see, Sir."

"Miss Smart, this school is going through a revolution at the moment but civil war has not broken out, thankfully. There are many changes to attitudes, attitudes that had persisted for two centuries at this seat of learning, and these changes could upset and challenge staff and students alike. You are the catalyst for the revolution but not the cause, it would have happened regardless. That notwithstanding, how you work with the rest of the school will define our new working practices. This includes defining the boundary between humour and sexist dribble, what Mr Carmichael said was not humorous. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, Sir."

"You can go, please ask Mr Carmichael to come in."

The pair walked back to the common room as a very sullen faced tutor was about to find out his fate. When they reached the room it was virtually deserted, Tammy had John sit next to her then retrieved the envelope from her bag.

"I was given this today, from Mrs Adams I guess."

She pulled the sheets out. The first one was interesting:

The second one was from an inside page

Who had put the press release out?

"Tammy, did we have that interview for no reason then?"

"No, despite this she could still sue the school for breach of contract and the school might even have to settle if their evidence is not strong enough. That's why the interviews are still needed."

"I see."

"There's another reason, what if she decided to make someone's life a misery in the future? Their contemporary testimony has been recorded here today."

"True, if I want to study law then I should know that."

"What are you going to do, and how did the chat with your parents go?"

"Mum was delighted and Dad still reckons I'm a small kid."

"Did you send photos?"

"Yes, some of them."

Tammy blushed, "are they coming up for the engagement party?"

"Sure, try stopping them. Dad's really concerned about my law degree course but something strange happened this morning when I saw that solicitor."

"Well?"

"He offered to sponsor me through my law degree and I would work for the firm during holidays, their nearest office is Inverness. One condition though, I have to get a driving licence and a car."

"That's great news, and I'm sure the car can be sorted but now you've got to tell Tanya."

"And my parents, they were expecting me to be living at home once school's finished."

"So you'll need somewhere to live?"

"Yes, Sandy's not comfortable if I share Tanya's bed in her house, and I can't use her brother's room all the time."

"I'm not surprised, she's very protective."

"Hopefully my folks will help me find a flat when they come up here."

"Okay, when are you thinking of holding the party?"

"When we break for Easter, the last weekend in March. I wonder if I can get an intensive driving course over Easter?"

"I might do the same thing if I haven't found enough time before then."

"Sensible idea, have you started driving yet?"

"No, Dad's promised me some experience around the estate before I go out on the road but there's still loads of ice and snow off the main roads. Plus we're moving soon."

"Where to?"

"Just down the road, you'll have to visit when we've moved in."

"Thanks Tammy, thanks for being a good friend."

He leant over and gave her a kiss on the cheek just as a crowd of sixth formers entered the room. It was John's turn to be embarrassed, but the ribbing he received was gentle.

Part Fourteen   "Theatres"

 

 
Saturday 24th January
 

"Hi Sarah."

"Hello Tammy, I think we need to talk about a few things."

"I can guess and I have a few ideas."

"Good, how about putting the kettle on first."

The previous weekend and indeed the whole week had been quiet but it appeared that many of Thurso's residents had read the business pages in the Thurso Echo, as well as the front page. The enquiries started promptly at nine o'clock with Tammy and Sarah handling everyone between them. They had, thankfully, just enough time to agree a what to say, in case one or two folks asked.

One of the main objectives, naturally, was to persuade them to shop and not just to ask questions. A left-over from the sales was a bargain bin in the centre of the shop floor, which Tammy was restocking every hour or so. These were end-of-line items bought cheaply and sold with a carefully adjusted discount.

By eleven they had seemingly advised the majority of the female population of Thurso when Tammy suddenly realised she was supposed to be at the theatre for rehearsals.

"Didn't you get an email?"

"No, but I haven't checked them for a few days."

"Ian moved today's rehearsal to one o'clock as he has to work this morning."

"Oh, that means my driving lesson can't happen."

"Phone them up and see if you can move the time?"

"It's not like that, Dad was going to let me toddle around the estate roads providing I was free by two. We haven't booked any lessons yet as I would only get Sunday daytime free."

"I see your point, can you put the kettle on, Tammy." The British solution to all problems is a cup of tea.

Whilst Tammy was out the back making two mugs of tea, she heard the shop door open and close, but couldn't hear Sarah talking to anyone. A minute or so later she carried the teas to the shop counter, spotting someone, maybe fifteen or sixteen in leggings and a hooded fleece jacket, looking through a shelf of tops.

"Here you go, Sarah, one cuppa."

"Thanks Tammy."

The customer's head turned suddenly when Sarah spoke, they dropped the top they were holding and fled the shop.

"Was it something we said?"

"No Tammy, but I think he recognised you."

"He?"

"Yes, came in for the first time after you went to get your hair done last Saturday. I had a closer look then; he wasn't wearing any make-up and the only item of female clothing I could see were the leggings."

"A name?"

"No, he's not even spoken to me."

"How certain came you be that 'he' is male?"

"The St Andrews sticker on their bag?"

"Oh."

"Are you aware of any other transgendered kids there?"

"Apart from me and Angela, you mean? No, not exactly but I have my suspicions about one boy. Hold on a minute."

Tammy took her phone from her bag and called the school. Julianne Sutherland had obviously drawn the Saturday shift.

"Hi it's Tammy Smart, can you check the minibus lists for me?"

"Hello Miss Smart, why?"

"I want to check if someone is in town today as I might have seen them."

"Who?"

"Jenkins."

"Yes, Ryan Jenkins was on the ten o'clock minibus."

"Thank you." Tammy hung up before any more was said.

"So Tammy, do you have a name?"

"Maybe, but seeing how I don't know what the lad looks like in school, it would be difficult for me to swear in court it was the same person who I barely saw in here."

"I see your point."

"Look, while it's quiet can we talk about what we're going to do here?" Tammy swept her arm around the shop.

"I guess your Dad has told you everything?"

"Probably, I must say I was surprised when he said I was buying the new shop."

"That's the first I've heard of it."

"Dad thought it would be a good idea for me to start a property portfolio up here and the new shop is a start."

"Right, he did say something on the phone yesterday about the rent going to TSP Ltd."

"That will probably be the trading name of Tamara Smart Property."

"Oh. Can you afford it?"

"Yes, I had half a mil to play with once the London house was sold, but some of that's allocated to other projects."

"I hope we're not going to fall out over something silly, Tammy."

"I'm not planning on being an awful landlord and Dad will sort out the legal stuff for me this time."

"Fine, what has he decided to do about the flat above the shop?"

"A flat as well?"

"Yes, but I haven't seen it. There's a separate entrance for the flat, of course."

"Okay, I'll talk to Dad about the flat. What timescale are you looking at for the move?"

"Until the electrics have been checked, the walls painted and a new floor put down there's not much I can do. Most of the shelving and displays in here are fixed to the walls and need replacing. I'd need to get new display equipment delivered and installed. Don't forget a phone line and internet either. That's three weeks give or take."

"So three weeks takes us to St Valentine's Day."

"I can't be closed that day and not in the middle of moving either."

"That's also the start of half-term so I'm available for a few days."

"How about we close on St Valentines Day afternoon and have a mini stock clearout? We re-open next door whichever day everything's ready."

"Okay, but you'll want coverage in the local newspaper so an official opening has to be held by Thursday for that week's rag."

"Official opening? What's wrong with just turning around the sign on the door?"

"Publicity, Sarah."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, also if we bring someone from the clothes manufacturer here, they can launch the fashion show publicity at the same time."

"Tammy, who's going to organise this?"

"I will, if you want me to?"

"Okay, but no rash decisions without referring to me, please."

"Yes boss."

Sarah had her laptop in the shop so Tammy had a go at designing a few posters for the window. The first one was the the 'one day clearance event' on Valentines Day. That would go up on the windows a few days beforehand so wasn't to be used right now. The next one was to answer two or three questions so there would be copies in the windows, in the changing room, behind the counter and anywhere else the eye might land.

She only had a mono printer in the shop so left the poster so Sarah could print it at home but emailed a copy to herself first.

"Will this one do for the window?"

"That's fine for now, but I'll see what I can do. What are you doing for lunch?"

"I don't know, we would have been finished at the theatre by one and I now I have an hour before we start rehearsals."

"Well, give Tanya a call and see what she's doing? After all, she's in the same boat as you and probably wants to get out of the salon right now."

Sarah wasn't far wrong, Tammy heard Tanya frantically explaining to her mum, Sandy, that she'd agreed to meet with Tammy before they went to the theatre so she could drop off her bag.

Bag? Oh bugger, the sleepover.

Tammy tried her father but his phone wasn't being answered so she rang the house number.

"McPherson household."

"Hello Thomas, this is Tamara Smart."

"Yes Miss Smart, how can I help you?"

"I've just been reminded that I invited a friend to stay tonight, could a bed be made available and we'll have a guest for dinner too."

"Is Madam McPherson aware?"

"I'm not sure, Thomas. Is my father at home?"

"I believe he is in the swimming pool, Miss Smart."

"Okay, thank you. I'll deal with any problems when I get back around five o'clock."

She hung up before the butler could chastise her. With impeccable timing, Tanya burst through the door.

"What about this rumour then, Tammy?"

"What rumour?"

"That the shop's being renamed Tammy's Boutique."

Tammy looked at Sarah who shook her head.

"Tanya, where did this come from as I fancy calling my solicitor right now?"

"Calm down, I was winding you up." Tanya ducked as Tammy's hand missed her head by an inch.

"I said calm down, not attack me!"

"Seriously, Tanya, what have you heard?"

"Only what was in the paper, what do you know about the fashion show?"

"A few bits."

Sarah laughed, "Tanya, did you want to be a model?"

"Well, no harm in asking is there? Do you know who to contact?"

Sarah pointed at Tammy, who was trying to keep a straight face.

"Ah, so Tammy knows?"

"No, Tanya, Tammy is the contact."

"Oh Tammy, I'm sorry for winding you up, I'll make it up to you; I'll do anything except lend you my fiancé."

"Can it Tanya, how long have we got?"

"We need to be at the theatre in just over thirty, why?"

"I need to submit your information to Penelope Lane, I need a photo too."

"Penny Lane? Like the Beatles track?"

"Yeah, now can you stand there with your mouth shut for a few seconds while I take a photo? Thank you, what are your measurements?"

***

How to deal with Tanya's overnight bag was a concern. Sarah hadn't decided what time she would close the shop but knew it wouldn't be long after four, so they couldn't leave the bag there. They also didn't want to take it to the theatre as the stage door would be unlocked throughout the rehearsals and anyone could walk in.

In the end they went to see the barman at the Castletown Hotel who put Tanya's case in the manager's office, earning him a kiss from Tammy for his effort.

They made it to the theatre with a few minutes to spare, meeting up with the rest of the crowd. John declared that he hadn't fancied waiting in the salon again so had left it until late before getting into town, of course he and Tanya needed a moment or six with each other. Mark looked good, Tammy was hearing reports that Michael's arm was healing well thanks to the hospital and his heart was much better, thanks to Tammy's intervention a week earlier.

Josie Richardson was looking a little lost so Tammy called her over. Angela, however, did not look very happy.

"What's up?"

"Jill rang then Mum and I had a row last night, about you-know-what."

"Look, lots more will come out at the inquest on Monday but don't say anything to anyone, please, things could get very awkward."

"That's all right for you to say?"

There was a noise from behind Tammy, she turned to find Iain Brown, the play's director, waiting for conversations to end, would he require another bucket of water to separate the engaged couple?

"Good afternoon everyone, I'm sorry about the change of plan but I was asked to work this morning on an important case. Anyway, I'd like us to do a read through, could you pull your chairs into a wide circle, please."

It was clear early on who had read the script over the previous week and who had just paid lip service. Iain was giving them some leeway as this was the first session but he made it clear what was expected.

"If you do not know your part by next Saturday morning then don't bother coming back. If reading's not your strongest suit then check youtube for the play, even the animated versions. However you do it, learn and become the character otherwise you'll waste your time here next week. Right, Act one, Scene one everybody, let's start from the beginning."

They went through the play three times before Iain broke the group up so the witches could rehearse together, repeating their chants more often than could be achieved thus far. He then helped several of the other actors to understand their characters, including one who had never heard of the Scottish play.

"Please don't treat me for a fool. I've already had a bad day at working sorting out an investigation with a very short timescale, and you're telling me that you've never heard of Macbeth?"

"No, and I don't know why I bothered as I thought it was a comedy."

Iain laughed. "So you didn't even bother to check it out using that device you're so fond of playing with?"

"I'm keeping in touch with folks."

"Good, the stage door is that way, close it on your way out." Iain pointed, but it really wasn't needed as the lad trudged off. He part was the Doctor so that needed to be recast. Tammy wondered how the boy, Yusuf, got the part in the first place.

"He knew the lady really well."

"Which lady, Josie?"

"The one who did the auditions last week, I heard her say that she was glad he decided to come along."

"But Sandy wouldn't compromise or show any favouritism? I'm sure she wouldn't."

"Well, something's not right."

"Plainly."

Iain decided to take control back of an increasingly noisy stage. "Everyone, we now need to recast the part of the Doctor. It's not a high profile part but it is important nevertheless. Any suggestions?"

Tammy answered, "Iain, I believe James Hunter might be willing as he's ended up with the Doctor's part in our school production. John will have his number."

"Thank you Tammy." He turned to address the cast, "perhaps we'll call it a day? Nine o'clock next Saturday please."

It was dark when they left the theatre and the temperature was dropping rapidly. John was going to catch the five o'clock minibus and decided a long kiss with Tanya would fill the time.

"Guys, I have a plan and we've got half an hour before the bus, right?"

She led them to the hotel and ordered three hot chocs from the barman. They found a corner away from the door and made themselves comfortable.

"What's this plan, Tammy?"

"Well, you know the school bus drivers are always happy to drop me off at the McPhersons house?"

"The bus drivers are okay but you should hear what the kids say!"

"Well, it's likely to just be the three of us so why not Tanya you ride the bus with us, then your goodnight kiss is virtually on the doorstep."

"So long as the bus driver doesn't leave me on the kerb."

"Don't worry, Tanya!"

As it turned out the bus driver didn't even query who anyone was but recognised Tammy once she spoke to request a stop at the McPherson house.

The ride took less than ten minutes but Tammy was getting impatient with the other two.

"Come on!"

Once inside the house Tanya was warned to put her phone on silent and refrain from checking it every thirty seconds. Leanne took Tanya's bag and led her to Tammy's room but indicated that Elsie wanted to see her.

Elsie was holding audience in the sitting room with a Cheshire Cat grin on her face.

"Ah, Tammy, do join us. Where's your friend?"

"She's upstairs. Had I forgotten to mention ...?"

"Yes, but her mother didn't forget."

Tanya's mother, Sandy Smith, had visited Elsie on Wednesday to style her hair, prior to Elsie's trip to Glasgow.

"How was the hospital, Elsie?"

"Fine, it was fine."

"Have they decided what they are going to do?"

"Well, yes, and they've done it too."

"Done what?"

"Fitted a stent into my coronary artery yesterday morning."

"Oh, was that necessary?"

"Yes, absolutely yes, and it's meant that I now have at least several good years left."

"That's really good news Elsie." Tammy went over to her to give Elsie a long hug.

Tanya had entered the sitting room so Tammy rapidly did the introductions. The twins were missing, but her father and Michael were sat there. Tanya had met Michael's boyfriend, Mark, the previous Saturday at the theatre. Michael was no longer wearing a sling and didn't appear to have any discomfort from his wounds.

When they'd met with Mark at the theatre a few hours earlier he hadn't said anything about his relationship with Michael and Tammy decided now was not the time to question Michael.

Dinner was called soon after, which had Tammy rushing to her room for a wee and a wash. There was a crowd there this evening, seven sat down to eat. Elsie's good mood was having a positive effect on everyone. There was plenty of wine on the table and Alison was busy telling everyone her tales of Elsie's trip to Glasgow's Scottish Pulmonary Vascular Unit.

"It was only meant to be a consultation but the surgeon took one look at Elsie and booked a theatre!"

Part Fifteen   "A lone piper"

 
 
Sunday 25th January
 

Tammy and Tanya had talked until late, initially sat on Tammy's queen-sized bed and then slid under the covers.

"Good morning Tanya."

"Morning, Tammy. Did I really just sleep with my fiancé's best mate?"

"I won't tell if you won't!"

Tammy hopped out of bed and rushed to the bathroom, returning two minutes later.

"That girl brought us some coffee."

"You mean Leanne? She always seems to know when I'm awake."

They both reached for the hot mugs.

"John told me you're moving, does that mean you'll have to do everything for yourself?"

"No, we'll ask Leanne if she wants to go with us."

"You live in a strange world, Tammy."

"Maybe? Did you bring a swimsuit?"

"Why?"

"So we could have a swim. There's a pool here."

"Now you tell me!"

"Have a look through my cossies, they're in that drawer," Tammy pointed, "we're about the same size."

They opted for a light breakfast and were in the pool a little after nine. Tammy hadn't worried about changing in front of Tanya, although she did turn whilst she pulled up the one piece swimsuit she had chosen.

"Oh, Tammy, you've got boobs now."

Tammy had decided to leave the enhancers out until she was fully dressed but hadn't pulled the cossie all the way up when Tanya had looked around.

"There's not much there yet."

"No, Tammy, you're where I was when I was about thirteen or fourteen. I bet they're sensitive?"

"Yes."

"I probably still have some cream in my make-up bag. Got a tape-measure?"

"Somewhere, but we need to get to the pool first."

"Lead on, MacDuff."

"Oh dear, Tanya, the quote is 'Lay on, Macduff, and damned be him who first cries ‘Hold! enough!'"

"Whatever."

***

It was nearing midday by the time the girls had showered and dressed. Coffee had been delivered whilst Tammy sent an email to the fashion show organiser with Tanya's photo and details. She needed to speak to a few people more by next weekend and supply their details to Penelope too.

"Tammy, what about that lad yesterday who Iain sent away?"

"For the fashion show?

"No, dummy, about what happened."

"Okay, I'll ask Sandy Franklin what she knows, there must have been a reason he was given the part?"

She quickly tapped out an email, a reply arrived a few minutes later:

From: Sandy Franklin
To: Tammy Smart
Date: Sunday 25th January 2015 12:11
Subject: Re: Yusuf
 
Hi Tammy
 
Thanks for letting me know. I had a tearful Yusuf on the phone to me yesterday afternoon but couldn't understand what had happened and I couldn't get hold of Iain either as I think he'd gone back to work.
 
Just to let you know, Yusuf volunteers at Thurso library where I am a manager. He's always quoting from books, plays and films but due to his autism finds it difficult to relate to people outside of his usual environment. I thought the play would be a good idea for him and he's already learned the script. What he struggles with, however, is confidence. He masks anything he can't answer with humour, but his jokes can be very dry and can miss their target by miles.
 
I really regret not being there yesterday as I am now going to struggle to persuade Yusuf to return.
 
Sandy

"Damn, Tammy, we all let him down."

"I have no experience with autism so I don't know what I could have done."

"The main thing is to let them work at their own pace and give support, I should have noticed."

"Why are you kicking yourself?"

"I've taken 'learning difficulties' as a module in my social studies course and it will come up again in when I do my degree. I want to work with kids like that."

"I suppose I don't get to see anyone with learning difficulties at St Andrews."

"Don't be stupid, of course they're in the school but there's probably a good system in place already."

"So you're telling me I walk around with my eyes closed?"

"No, students who need extra help don't have labels or signs on them, they don't want to be identified as being any different."

"That doesn't sound any different from a transgendered student in an all male school?"

"I suppose so, Tammy, but it's not the same thing."

Tammy decided she needed to change the subject as she was becoming uncomfortable. Was she now interfering in yet another person's life?

Her laptop helped as it pinged with an email from Penelope, thanking her for Tanya's details and including a poster for the shop's facebook page.

"Tammy, it's a bit naff, isn't it?"

"At least they've not put tartan everywhere!"

"I hope you don't have a tartan problem today?"

"Sometimes there's a little too much."

"Well, you do have a kilt or a tartan dress?"

"Yes, why?"

"It's Burns Night today."

"Oh flip, at school there was always a notice about any festivals."

"Well, write this one into your organiser so you know about it next January. Is Elsie doing anything?"

"I don't know, she's only just out of hospital."

There was a chime from downstairs indicating lunch was ready. Elsie seemed determined to make an announcement.

"Today is Burns Nicht and given that I'm in a celebratory mood we shall be holding a Burns Supper this evening. Young Tanya, I have invited your mother and sister to join us and hopefully they can bring you appropriate attire. I'll be expecting several of you to make speeches and your tasks will be allocated shortly."

As soon as lunch was complete Tammy thought she now had all afternoon to choose an outfit for the Supper, but her father had other ideas.

"I want you out the front in sensible shoes for your first driving lesson in five minutes, scoot!"

Tanya was a giggling wreck as Tammy was going around her room looking for something suitable to wear.

"How would I know what I'm supposed to wear, I've never driven before?"

Somehow Tammy made it outside having swapped her skirt for leggings and her footwear for a pair of ballets; Tanya was struggling to keep a straight face, especially when she saw the car in question.

Sat outside the house was a 1980 Mini Cooper in racing green, Richard was stood by the driver's door holding a set of keys.

"Do you have everything?"

"I guess so, Dad."

"Driving licence?"

"Well, no, we're not leaving the grounds are we?"

"We might, in which case you'd best get it before we lose all the daylight."

Two minutes later Tammy was sat in the driver's seat and had worked out where to stow her shoulder bag.

"Right, we're going to start simply, very simply."

Richard explained all of the controls and emphasised the use of the clutch.

"Why can't I drive an automatic?"

"When you pass your test you can buy an automatic."

"Why not now?"

"If you pass your test in an automatic you cannot drive a manually geared car."

"So?"

"Well, if you ever wanted to borrow my car you couldn't."

"Oh. What's it with this old thing anyway?"

"This car has a very low centre of gravity and a power to weight ratio that exceeds most non-plastic cars. What this means is that it sticks to the road and will move if you put your right foot on the throttle, which you haven't done yet. It's also very cheap on tax and insurance and has excellent fuel consumption."

Tammy, naturally, stalled the car a few times before they made it any distance away from the house. Richard had her take the estate road that ran to the North West, following the perimeter fence, before it turned South to the lodge. Tammy had seen the Lodge from her bedroom window but hadn't been down here. Elsie had explained that it was only used in the summer months. Of course, she was looking at the Lodge so much she stopped paying attention to where the car was going.

"Stop!"

Richard had told Tammy how to make an emergency stop but her recollection faltered and she stalled the car whilst leaving the handbrake off. Richard reached to his right and pulled the brake on. Tammy burst into tears.

Richard resisted his initial desire to hug his daughter.

"Come on, start it up."

"I can't do it."

"Yes you can, or you walk from here, we're a couple of miles from the house."

"That far?"

"Yes, start the car and let's get going. Don't forget to check your mirrors and signal before moving off."

"Yes, Dad."

Tammy hadn't managed more than fifteen miles per hour on the way to the Lodge but was making close to twenty five mph on the return journey. However, she'd been out for an hour when they finally reached the stables beside the house.

"Okay, we'll go back around, but we'll do it anti-clockwise this time. First though, put the lights on."

Tammy, naturally, found the wiper controls before the lights but was on her way shortly afterwards. The round trip, this time, took just over half an hour so Richard guided her to the estate entrance, and the main A9 Highlands highway.

"Okay, there's no room for mistakes. We're turning right and going down to the entrance to Dunbankin. Pull in there then set off back here. You'll need to use every one of your senses."

With Richard's guidance Tammy turned right out of the driveway but was struggling to cope with all of the driving requirements when they arrived outside Dunbankin. Richard considered putting himself in the driver's seat but realised that wouldn't help anyone. Fortunately the return trip was two easy left turns.

A few minutes later they were back, Richard told Tammy to stay seated.

"Firstly, considering you've never been behind the wheel of a car, very well done. But, you have to watch what's going on around you all of the time. Today we didn't see one other vehicle but next time there could be nose to tail traffic, you have to be able to cope regardless. By the way, put the car away and lock it, it's your's."

By four o'clock Sandy and Debbie Smith had arrived so Tanya was trying to get changed, although Debbie seemed to insist that Tammy made herself scarce.

"Why, sis?"

"Well, erm ..."

"Look, we slept together last night, swam together, showered poolside together and I know her real cup size."

Debbie gave up and left the room.

"Don't mind my big sister, she just worries about me."

"I wish I'd had a big sister."

Tammy started to sob, Tanya walked over and gave her a hug.

"Come on, there are times when I love her but there are also times when I hate her. Good job you haven't done your make-up yet."

By five thirty everyone was gathered in the sitting room before the ceremonials began. Joan and Angela had arrived, swelling the numbers to eleven, Angela made straight for Tammy.

"Jill rang on Friday."

"You told me yesterday afternoon."

"But I didn't say what she said."

"And it is not the best time nor place to tell me."

"All I was going to say was that she apologised and she agreed with the prof's decision."

Tammy wondered, silently, if Jill's opinion mattered now. "That's very good, Angela."

Elsie invited everyone to enter the dining room and to sit before saying grace. Tammy wondered how much extra work had been demanded of the kitchen staff but Thomas, Leanne and Elsie's personal maid Anna were all serving at the table, resplendent in McPherson tartan.

Joan physically jumped when the bagpipes started up just outside the dining room. The haggis, a pair to be exact, was being piped by the estate's gamekeeper, Jonathon. There was a marked sigh to fill the silence when the piping finished.

Richard had a copy of Address To a Haggis and recited it as best he could, a Sassenach. Elsie certainly nodded her approval as the knife was plunged into the nearest of the two haggis. Tammy had a whisky glass next to her, plus a bottle of a Dalmore single malt and a jug of water.

Elsie, who was sat by her, leant over. "The whisky is an eighteen, rather appropriate seeing how there are three eighteen year olds at the table, don't you think?"

Judging that a series of toasts was going to happen, Tammy poured very little Scotch into her glass and plenty of water. Elsewhere at the table a similar suggestion was being made to Tanya and Angela.

Tammy was being careful with the Scotch not because of her age but due to a nasty dream she'd had some months before (author's note: See The Ceilidh ). With those toasts complete they started the main course.

Richard made the Immortal memory speech and the toast to the lassies. Tammy was put on the spot as she was asked to respond, in a similar vein. Fortunately her father had chosen to condemn all female drivers during his speech so she had plenty of material, to the amusement of the table. With several more toasts the evening slipped onwards, although the optional songs and playets were left, optional.

Towards the end of the evening Jonathon had driven the Smith ladies home and was returning to collect Joan and Angela.

[Author's note: References to the inquest have been removed due to a scheduling error.]

Part Sixteen   "A troubled boy"

 
 
Monday 26th January
 

It was difficult to get out of bed on Monday morning but Tammy really had no choice. She fancied breakfast at school but needed transport to get there if she didn't want to wait for the minibus at eight twenty. She'd seen her father consume several large Scotches the previous evening so decided not to press him for a lift.

Michael solved the problem as he was going to college early, after just a slice of toast and a glass of juice.

"Is that all, Michael?"

"It's all I have time for. You know John's in court today?"

"I'd forgotten, what's today's hearing about?"

"I don't know, the police said they might be able to put the knifing on his main trial. Mark's now given a statement to the police, he wouldn't do it at first."

"Are you going to see Mark before college?"

"Yes."

"Good." Tammy really wanted to know more about Michael and Mark's relationship after rescuing it.

"What are you doing, Tammy?"

"I wanted to get to school for breakfast there, but I don't have any transport."

"Give me five minutes and I'll drop you at school."

"Thanks, shame I can't take my own car yet!"

"All in good time."

When Tammy reached school she found a folded note by in her pigeon-hole, she put it in her bag and headed to the refectory as food was slightly more important. What was obvious, though, was that most of the sixth form had a copy of the note but she couldn't see anything similar elsewhere in the room. There weren't many teaching staff around either.

She read the note as she munched a bowl of cereal.

Teaching Arrangements Monday 26 January
 
Due to staff training all sixth form lessons are
cancelled. In addition there are no teaching staff
for the first period. Prefects will therefore under-
take supervision in form rooms of their allotted year
immediately after the lower school assembly.

Tammy sighed then realised she hadn't been allocated a year, she was a 'prefect without portfolio' so to speak. Unfortunately one of the year eleven prefects was unwell so Tammy found herself deputising.

It was odd standing through assembly as the sixth formers were not obliged to attend so many simply chose not to. What Tammy hadn't yet discovered was which of the fifteen and sixteen year olds was her flock for the next hour. All she knew was which room to seek.

That much was simple as this had been Tammy's form room two years earlier, although it had been repainted once or twice since then and finally no longer had the smell of pipe tobacco and nicotine that had lingered for many years. It was strange thinking that smoking in classrooms was once tolerated.

She had stopped by the office to collect a register and read down it quickly before reading the names out. It seems that several hadn't paid attention during assembly when the Deputy Head had explained changes to the day's schedule so did a double take with Tammy. Most of the responses to the roll call were "Yes, Miss" but there were the occasional grunts of "Here" or even simply a grunt.

"I am Miss Smart and I have the glorious task of supervising you for the next hour."

There was a sigh."

"Believe me there are things I would rather be doing too."

"Like painting your nails, Miss?"

"No, the fumes are considered to be toxic to boys so I'm not allowed to paint them in school. Now, plainly I did not plan anything so I can be flexible. Does anyone need to go to the library?"

Of the twenty five boys in the room, ten put their hands up immediately. "Okay, report to the librarian when you arrive there."

"Who needs to rehearse in the music school?" Six took that option, so she was down to nine.

"Who needs to tidy their room to avoid the wrath of the housekeeper?" Another four took that option.

Four had already found a pack of cards and were starting a bridge school, that left one student on his own. It didn't take much for Tammy to realise the boy who was trying to hide in the middle of a near empty room was Ryan Jenkins.

Tammy debated what to do, and decided that speaking to him right now about Saturday morning was not wise. Her phone vibrated in her skirt pocket. It was a text from Sarah.

I have the keys for the shop if you get any spare time

She tapped a quick response.

May be free later this morning

"Excuse me Miss Smart?"

Tammy looked up, Jenkins was stood in front of her, his eyes were red and the face sorrowful.

"Yes, Jenkins?"

"Can I go to see Mrs Small?"

"I think she's with the teachers until the end of this period."

"Oh."

"Can I help with anything?"

"No, Miss, I don't think I'm allowed Miss."

Tammy knew she had to leave it alone.

"Okay, did you want to go to your room?"

"Yes, please."

"Go then, you have my permission. You must report for period two however."

"Yes Miss, Thank you."

She sent Joan a text.

Supervising form 11B, Jenkins asked to see you but I said you were busy until P2

There was no quick response from Joan but there was a new message from Tanya.

Mum just sent me a text, there's a court summons for me for next Monday, it has Angela's dad's name on it

That would be the inquest, then. Tammy's summons had arrived a week or so earlier.

Tanya, I'll talk to Dad about transport as we're going. Tell the school.

Thanks Tammy, I will

Over in the corner the bridge school was getting louder but they were the only students left in the class so Tammy gave then gentle advice about being quiet then walked to the library to check on some of her temporary form. All was quiet with a few using the PCs and others doing research or revision.

She went to the music school and looked in the rehearsal rooms, seeing most of the group that had taken this option. Other students were arriving with instruments, annoyed that the rooms were already taken.

She next did a walk thorough the residential corridors, remembering when Tom had lived here, although now it was a diminished memory. She paused outside her former room, next to John Hibbert's, and noted that the name plaque had been removed but the room was still unoccupied. That did not surprise her as no students would normally start in the school after September. This corridor in particular was single rooms only so was primarily sixth formers.

A pair of boys came running around a corner and nearly ran straight into Tammy.

"Oh, shit!" said one. Tammy recognised them, they were supposed to be in the library.

"Walker! Keane! Come with me." She took them back to the form room, losing her own freedom for the remaining fifteen minutes of the period. Slowly the majority of the form returned, mostly to collect bags that had been left. Only Jenkins was unaccounted for.

Her phone pinged, Joan said she had found Jenkins outside her room. The group dispersed and Tammy left as a teacher arrived to take the next lesson in that room. She made her way to the common room for a coffee and a glance at the day's paper. It being a Monday there were no biscuits available until after lunchtime; the biscuit barrel was always emptied on a Friday by fair or foul means.

"Hey Tammy, I had this great idea to send some of my lot to practice their instruments, but the rooms were already all in use."

"Yeah, strange that."

She poured the near boiling water into her mug, covering the coffee grounds. She was still using the mug that Tom had brought to the school over a year earlier and saw no reason to change it, at least everyone knew whose it was.

"Strange indeed, as the rooms were being used by other year elevens?"

"A mystery John, a mystery."

"Funny, Tammy. By the way, my fiancée was a bit late up this morning."

"Don't blame me, I never saw how much Scotch she drank."

"Scotch? She never drinks it."

"There wasn't much choice at the Burns Supper."

Tammy had sat down and was sipping her drink. "Why didn't we know about this teacher training on Friday?"

"Don't know, Tammy, but I hear that your problem with Mr Carmichael prompted it."

"So it's diversity training is it?"

"Yes, plus a H&S refresher. I was also told there's a governor's meeting later."

"What's that about?"

"Building works I think, and the school prospectus needs to be revised."

Where does John get his information from, wondered Tammy? "What are you doing now? I'm heading into town."

"I don't know, I did all my homework at the weekend so I'm up to date."

"Sarah's got the new shop keys so I figured I might go and have a look."

"Tanya's in school so I'd be wandering around like a lost soul, and I'd still have the problem of getting back here."

"Fair enough."

The phone rang, one of the other sixth formers answered it.

"Tammy, Mrs Small wants you."

"Thanks."

"I get the feeling Tammy that your trip into town just got cancelled."

"You might be right."

She finished her coffee and went to the ladies loo on her way to Joan's room. A quick make-up check later she found herself at the door. The 'Occupied' light was on but Tammy knocked, hearing a muffled "Enter" from within.

She found Joan sat with Ryan Jenkins, who had clearly been crying, a box of tissues was nearby. Ryan was dressed in the standard St Andrews School uniform but it did not look like it fitted him very well. It certainly didn't look like he'd had the same growth spurt as most of his peers.

"Join us, Tammy."

Tammy was unsure what was happening although her imagination was turning two plus two into sixteen, or thirty two. Silence filled the room and it was clear no-one quite knew what to say. There was a little fridge in this room with bottled water so Tammy walked over and took three out then looked at Joan who shook her head. Tammy put one bottle back and gave one to Ryan whilst opening the third for herself.

Ryan sipped carefully from the bottle before putting it on the coffee table.

"Thank you, Miss Smart."

"It's Tammy in here."

"Thank you, Tammy."

"That's alright. Now, seeing how Mrs Small wouldn't ask me here for a reason, and I saw you on Saturday in town looking at girls' clothing, I guess there's something to be said?"

Joan glared at Tammy who picked her bottle back up for another sip.

Ryan hung his head down clearly not willing to answer yet. Tammy's phone pinged so she checked the message.

Any idea about ETA? Closing at lunchtime as the town's dead

She replied

Stuck in school

"Who was that, Tammy?"

"Sarah, why Joan?"

"It was a little inconsiderate."

"Inconsiderate? I was asked if I wanted to look around her new shop, which is connected to my Business Studies A Level. I've just told her not to wait for me as I have no idea if I can get into town."

Ryan burst into tears, Tammy grabbed her bag, stood and went towards the door.

"Wait, please." It came from behind her.

"Only if we're not wasting my time?"

"No."

"Okay." Tammy went back to the sofa and swept her skirt from under her as she sat. Ryan watched the action.

"I like how you do that."

"What, wind people up, annoy everyone within range?"

"No, your skirt."

"You learn it quickly if you're wearing a skirt."

"I wish I could."

In for a penny, thought Tammy.

"What do you call yourself?"

"Lori."

"Okay Lori, how many know this?"

"Just you and Mrs Small."

Great.

"Did I scare you on Saturday? Is that why you ran off?"

"Yes, but there was more."

"What was it?"

"I stole a top when she wasn't looking."

Part Seventeen   "Shirt Sleeves"

 
 
Monday 26th January Continued
 

Tammy's face dropped. "Can you repeat that?"

"I said I stole a top when she wasn't looking."

"When Sarah wasn't looking?"

"Yeah." She shuffled on the sofa, plainly uncomfortable.

"You realise that theft is something that would get you thrown out of school?"

Lori nodded.

"Joan?"

"Mrs Small at school, please."

Tammy resisted a sarcastic 'yes, mum', just.

"Anyway, your turn."

"The school rules are very clear, if it can be shown that a student stole and that it affected another party, then they are suspended pending an interview with parents present. For many students that means they are withdrawn immediately, so effectively it is being thrown out because."

"So, how do we fix this? That I presume is what you want to do?"

"Yes, if possible."

"Well, Lori goes to see Sarah and admits what she's done. It's then down to Sarah to decide if it goes any further."

"Lori, how old are you?"

"Fifteen."

"When's your birthday?"

"May the fourth."

"Star Wars Day."

"Eh?"

"Never mind. Did you steal anything when you went into Sarah's Boutique last Saturday? The seventeenth?"

"No, it was too busy and I was frightened."

"So you went in there this Saturday to steal?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"My brother holds back almost all my allowance. I have to explain why I want the money before he'll let me have it, otherwise I just get two or three pounds a week."

The students didn't need to spend any money in school under normal circumstances and had free transport into town at weekends.

"That still does not justify theft."

"I know."

"Have you stolen from any of the other shops in town?"

Lori nodded.

Joan became serious. "Ryan Jenkins, I am asking Mr Thompson for permission to search your room."

He suddenly took off and flew out of the door. Tammy thought he turned left, towards the main entrance but that also led to the stairs to the residential wing.

"Joan, I'm sorry but I guess I spooked him." Tammy stood and closed the door.

"Tammy, he wouldn't open up to me at all, I knew nothing about the clothes or even that he'd been in town on Saturday. How did you guess he'd been to other shops?"

"He was wearing leggings on Saturday, Sarah doesn't sell them. He wasn't expecting to see me in the shop either."

"Does his brother know you're doing Macbeth at the theatre?"

"Yes, I mentioned it on Friday, and the previous Friday."

"What's your thoughts here?"

"That Ryan is a thief with a clothes fetish."

"So not transgendered?"

"I don't think so Joan, but you'd need to get a professional opinion. Oh, he's under sixteen!"

"Yes, so parental consent is needed for most things outside of normal school life." That rules out an appointment with Jill Davison.

She picked up her mobile and called Mike Thompson, Deputy Head.

"Mike, we have a problem."

She quickly explained and said she'd meet him at Ryan's room. They would have to locate his room-mate, Bobby Keane, so anything of unknown ownership could be attributed.

What was assumed at this time was that Jenkins had not left the school buildings. Outside it was sub zero, with plenty of ice off the roadways. The school was a couple of miles outside of Thurso, along a road that was not recommended even for suitably equipped hikers owing to the lack of a footpath.

They arrived at the correct room a few minutes later, having retrieved a concerned Keane from a maths class. Jenkins was laying on his bed sobbing, Tammy warned Keane not to say anything and not to repeat anything he heard. Some chance of that, she thought.

The Deputy Head ordered Jenkins to stand in the corridor whilst storage space ownership was established between Jenkins and Keane. Finally every cupboard was opened, every drawer checked, the carcass of the chest of drawers was searched. The bed was pulled away from the wall and every bag, box, tin and pot under the bed opened.

"Miss, is it drugs?" Asked Keane. "No."

The search moved to the wardrobe which has a raised dais covered by a couple of empty bags. Mike Thompson removed the bags and tested the bottom panel, finding it loose. There was a small knot hole into which he asked Tammy to insert a finger, in order to raise the panel. Jenkins became very uncomfortable and wanted to leave but the Head had now arrived and had a firm hand on him.

In the recess were the leggings Tammy had seen on Saturday, as well as the top identified coming from Sarah's shop as it was from the 'bargain bin' she had stocked that Saturday morning. The Deputy Head was not finished, however as he next removed packets of underwear, hosiery and tops. The final straw was a collection of unused costume jewellery, a mass of confectionery and several soft porn magazines. The Head had seen enough.

"Jenkins, my office now! Mrs Small, can you locate his form tutor as we'll need him too. Miss Smart, can you identify if any of this comes from Miss Bonney's shop and please let her know we have a thief."

Keane was sent back to his class with strict instructions to keep his mouth shut. Tammy actually had a text from John Hibbert four minutes later asking if the rumours were true.

Mike Thompson laid the items on Jenkins bed, as he had stopped searching and was now removing them from the hiding place. Tammy scanned the clothing, nothing else appeared to come from Sarah's shop indeed much of the clothing was obviously cheap, low quality and definitely not stylish.

Tammy could only remember one similar case in her years at the school. A boy had been caught running a tuckshop for smokers, about eight or nine years earlier. He not only had cigarettes, but loose tobacco, papers, lighters, and even lighter gas refills. This was all stored in his room under his bed in a wooden box and was found by chance. The boy was moved to a special room until he could be collected.

"Miss Smart, can you locate some plastic bags, clear bin bags would do?"

"Yes, Sir."

She went off to find one of the janitors and swung past the sixth form common room on her way back.

"John, can you lend me a hand?"

"Sure, Tammy."

She brought him up to speed as they walked. John proceeded to search other places in the room missed the first time. The stolen clothing and trinkets were bagged up and Tammy was asked to take them to the Head's office whilst all of Jenkin's legitimate possessions were loaded onto a trolley read for transportation.

"Sir, what about his brother?"

"You'd best get him to the Head too."

Tammy's day was rapidly going downhill. She didn't need to find Jenkins Senior as Tony Jenkins had found his own way to his brother's former room.

"What the bloody hell is going on?"

"Calm down Tony. Come with me, I'm going to the Head, your brother's with him."

"What am I going to tell Dad?"

"The Head will call him."

"But he'll blame me, I'll have to leave."

"Tony, let the Head sort this out."

"Tammy, I'm not sure he can." He turned to Tammy and gave her a hug before kissing her on the cheek.

"Thanks for trying to help, but I still don't know what to do. Let's walk."

Tammy picked up the bags and they walked down the stairs towards the school's main entrance and the central hallway. The bell had just rung for the end of second period and the start of morning break so suddenly there was a mass of students coming from all directions. They reached the Head's study, it was clear that Tony Jenkins had not been in here often. Tammy knocked and received permission to enter.

The Head had Ryan's form tutor plus Joan Small in the room with him, Ryan himself was sat on one of those uncomfortable wooden chairs that are found in most headteacher's rooms. Tony Jenkins was told to sit off to the side, to observe at this point, and Tammy was asked to leave the bags in the corner then leave.

She shut the door behind her then went up to the sixth form common room. As expected she was barraged with questions.

"Whoa!"

"Come on everyone, she looks like she needs caffeine, intravenous probably."

"Thanks James."

"No problem, sit down and gather your thoughts. I'll make a coffee. Oh, Mrs Adams delivered a supply of Hob Nobs!"

That news generated a smile. Everyone calmed down and waited, Tammy sipped her hot drink before speaking again.

"Firstly, what are the rumours? James?"

"Various, but Keane earned himself a detention and was sent out of the classroom because of the disruption he was making. He told everyone that he'd always suspected his room-mate to be a pervert and now knew it was true. I found him in the corridor, he seemed quite pleased with the detention, strangely."

"Right, various things were found in Ryan Jenkins room and he has admitted to stealing. He's with the Head right now and his parents will be called. His brother is in there with him too."

"Will Tony go as well?"

"That depends on their parents, but there's no refunds for fees if a student leaves part way through the year. Tony, obviously is close to finishing his A levels, although Ryan has GCSEs in a few months too."

The reality of the situation was hitting the sixth formers. The room was silent.

"Tammy, what's your best guess?"

"I don't want to guess, but the outlook isn't good. It could even bring the school into disrepute."

There was a knock on the door, that meant that one of the staff wanted to enter. John, who was at the back of the room, opened the door and spoke to the visitor.

"Tammy, Mr Davison would like to speak to you."

"Harry?"

The door opened wider, "Mr Davison to you, Miss Smart!" Tammy blushed brightly. "Bring your coffee."

Angela arrived at the common room, Tammy could only suggest that James Hunter brought her up to speed. Harry took her to the Head's conference room using the door from the secretary's office. Waiting were the Reverend, Elsie, Mr Thompson and her father, four governors.

"Sit down, Tammy. Sorry for embarrassing you earlier, protocol you know." He smiled.

"My apologies, Harry, that was a mouth before brain moment."

"Apology accepted. Now, what do you know? We'd like the full story as Steven and Joan are indisposed and Mike came in a bit late in the day."

Tammy started with her concerns over Jenkins senior and her initial problem getting anything out of Joan. Then she recounted Saturday's incident but neglected to mention her call to the school. She finished with the morning's events so far, leaving off her amateur psychological analysis but including her thoughts on bringing the school into disrepute.

"I see, what's your analysis?"

Tammy sighed. "That he's a common thief with a clothes fetish."

"Not like you and Miss Small?"

"I don't think so, but even that wouldn't excuse the thieving."

A door slammed in the adjacent study and raised voices could be heard. They sat for a few seconds before Richard started to rise. Tammy quickly made her way out of the room and into the entrance hallway as several adults ran out of the main door, plainly chasing someone.

The warning bell for the end of break sounded and a group of boys ran into the hallway, slowing as they saw the senior teachers and governors all stood looking at the main door. The whispers started immediately.

"Boys, go to your classes!"

There was a number of murmers of "yes, sir." and they started to move, looking around to see what was going on until the last had cleared the corner.

Someone came back in the main entrance, it was the school messenger, he shook his head as he approached the Head.

"Lost him, Sir, he might have headed for the cottage or for the road but was too fast for me."

"Damn! Get a minibus down to the gates and wait there in case he's still in the grounds." The messenger went to collect the keys.

"Excuse me Sir?" It was Tony Jenkins, coming out of the Head's study. He was holding a school blazer.

"Has my brother just run out there without his blazer?"

The Head nodded.

"Shit!"

No-one chastised him.

"I was in the loo, If I'd been there I could have stopped him." Tony started to cry, Joan went to comfort him but he went to Tammy instead.

Harry spoke. "Headmaster, we need to call the Police."

"I'll do that, could we please get a search party organised."

The group started to move, Tammy didn't know what to do but her father told her to follow him out to his 4x4. A collection of vehicles moved off, keeping to the gritted roadways. Richard engaged four wheel drive and turned left, away from the house and not towards the main gates.

"What are you doing, Dad?"

"Everyone else is looking near or beyond the gates, what if Jenkins tries to circle back to the rear of the buildings?"

"True."

They rolled slowly, scanning the area. A display in the central console gave the outside temperature of minus five, not shirt sleeve weather. With wind chill that could be close to minus ten, the car however was now warming up and comfortable.

They'd been searching for nearly fifteen minutes when Tammy spotted something black behind one of a large tree, at the back of a small group of trees.

"There!" It was the boy's trousers she had seen.

They got as close as they could but Tammy was not equipped to walk on the ice in her ballets. Richard reached behind his seat and brought around a pair of wellington boots which he quickly pulled on.

"Wait here."

Richard exited the car and walked over to the still boy, Tammy could now hear whimpering. Her father's phone started ringing, showing Harry Davison as the caller on the car's display. She touched the screen to answer the call.

"Richard?"

"Harry, it's Tammy. We've found him."

"Where?"

"We're below the cottage, by a copse. Dad's gone to him, he's lying on the ground."

"Good news."

Richard had reached Ryan but it was clear he couldn't walk.

"Harry, call an ambulance, he can't walk. We'll try to get him back to the school."

"Already done."

Tammy climbed over into the rear seats and opened the door nearest to her father, who had picked up the boy. Richard set off back towards the car but it was not easy and took two minutes before they reached the vehicle. Tammy immediately became very concerned as Ryan had stopped whimpering. She helped guide the seemingly unconscious schoolboy and stayed on the seat to hold him. Richard closed the door and got back in, starting the car.

"Harry called, an ambulance is on its way."

"Good."

Richard set off, initially slowly as he cut across the grass to the Small's cottage where he was able to join the road. He accelerated as the four wheel drive was still engaged and reached the school entrance just as a helicopter was landing off to the side. A police Landrover was also now parked there.

Richard got out and signalled to a paramedic who ran across the gravel from the air ambulance. A red jump-suited doctor was there as well and went straight to the rear seat of the warmed car. Tammy was still sat there, unsure what to do.

"He's arrested!"

Part Eighteen   "Interior design"

 

 
Monday 26th January Continued
 

The doctor started working on Ryan Jenkins' limp body but Tammy was suddenly told to vacate her position so a paramedic could get into the space.

She stood by, shivering until she was sent into the school to collect her jacket by her father. As she came back Ryan was being loaded onto a trolley ready for wheeling to the air ambulance, covered by blankets. They'd apparently managed to restart the boy's heart but he needed a respirator and was still unconscious.

A few minutes later the helicopter lifted off, his brother and Joan Small went with him.

"Where are they taking him, Dad?"

"Inverness."

A police officer, who Tammy didn't recognise, now approached them.

"Sir, Miss, could you come with me?"

They returned to the conference room where the Head and Janet Adams joined the original group. Angela was in the hallway, with James Hunter and John Hibbert but none were invited into the room.

They sat around the table, waiting for the officer to start. Janet had a shorthand pad and was ready to make notes.

"Does anyone know why he would do this?" Asked the officer.

***

The police officer took time to speak to each person there who'd had contact with Ryan Jenkins during the morning, before trying to make sense of the overall picture.

"Miss Smart, why did Mrs Small believe you could help the boy?"

"I'm transgendered myself."

"I see. Does that make you an expert?"

"No, but I'm the best on site. Had the boy been a bit older we would have already rung the local shrink as she is the expert."

"Does Mrs Small have any expertise?"

"Her daughter is also transgendered, but is this relevant?"

"These are questions my sergeant could ask me. Now, has this boy run off before?"

The Head answered, "no and in fact he has not had any serious problems in the five years he's been here. His older brother, Tony, has certainly had a good effect on him."

"Thank you, Tony Jenkins will be interviewed at Inverness Hospital, as will the younger brother when he regains consciousness."

The officer contacted her control and relayed key information.

"I or one of my colleagues may be in touch."

"The school is contactable twenty four hours a day."

The constable was shown out of the conference room and left the school soon after.

"Smart, my study please."

Tammy resigned any idea that this day could be classed as normal and walked through to the Head's room, choosing one of the softer chairs. Richard asked if he could join Tammy, the Head nodded but asked Richard to close the connecting door.

"Miss Smart, firstly you are not in trouble, but I'm still at a loss to understand how this situation escalated so quickly."

"I believe Headmaster that it was simply a matter of time before something was discovered. How long was it going to be before he was picked up shoplifting in town?"

"Correct, and that is something I will take to his parents when I speak to them again. What is still a concern is why a senior teacher was not brought in sooner?"

"I can only speak from my own knowledge, Sir, but from the time Jenkins arrived at Mrs Small's office to the time Mrs Small phoned Mr Thompson was less than twenty minutes. I believe she took that decision as soon as it was clear that this was no longer a welfare issue and I can't see that we lost an opportunity or our approach was inadequate."

"Neither did I but I needed a second opinion, thank you. I will be speaking to Mrs Small separately when she returns and I'd ask that you don't prompt her."

Tammy and her father nodded, she now realised how all of this was sat on the shoulders of the Headmaster, if there was an inquiry then his own head (sic) would be on the block. It was clearly important to thrash out any procedural inadequacies now and not in a formal interview.

"I have a phone call to make."

That was their cue to leave his office, they went back to the conference room instead of out into the hallway. The other governors were waiting.

"Under the circumstances, Richard, the committee meeting is postponed."

"Okay Harry, I'm sure it can wait another few days."

"Under the circumstances, yes."

"Elsie, Tammy, lunch?" Richard's priority changed.

There was a tap on the connecting door to the Secretary's room and Janet opened the door.

"Excuse me, but Angela Small is here."

"Let her in."

Angela came in, clearly she'd waited outside long enough.

"Where's mum gone?"

"In the helicopter, didn't you see her go?"

"We weren't allowed outside."

"Well, she's gone to Inverness and it could be several hours before she can leave Ryan, even then it could be a few hours more before she gets back."

Elsie spoke. "Angela, you'll come back with us. I'll have one of the staff drive to Inverness to wait for your mother."

"Thank you Elsie, but shouldn't I wait at home for mum?"

"What are you going to achieve?"

"In that case, I'll stay at school and get schoolwork done after I've had some lunch. I'll walk to the cottage at three, by which time we might have a better idea. There's a dinner in the slow cooker so I won't go hungry."

She turned and walked out of the room. Tammy looked at Richard, who looked at Elsie, who shrugged. Elsie was not used to failing to get her own way.

"Come on then, let's go home."

Harry coughed, "can we agree a statement to the press before we all depart?"

"I think I'll go to phone Sarah, and change my shoes."

***

Elsie and Richard had kept in touch with the school during the afternoon and early evening, it seemed to take just an hour for the first journalist to call the school. Given that the boy was under sixteen and had been found there was a limit to how much they could say.

Joan finally made it home at nine that evening, by which time Angela was frantic, despite regular updates while her mother was en route.

The good news was that Ryan had regained consciousness whilst in the aircraft and didn't appear to have suffered frostbite, although mild hypothermia was easily diagnosed, meaning he could expect to stay in hospital for several days. He also had a badly twisted ankle. His mother had arrived at the hospital at six o'clock in a distressed state and it had taken Joan, Tony and a local paediatrician to calm her. Ryan had broken down but was insistent that his older brother should not suffer. Tony had therefore returned to the school with Joan.

Once Joan and Tony were back everyone settled down, the shared stress dissipating. Tammy found her father in the sitting room before she went to bed.

She remembered what Sarah had said on Saturday but asked her father nonetheless. "Does this shop I've bought have a flat or storage above it?"

"A flat but it requires gutting as it's apparently not in a good state, why do you ask?"

"I have an idea, what would I need to do to refit the place, furnished?"

"I collected the keys this morning and dropped a set to Sarah. I reckon you'll need a plumber, electrician, decorator, carpet fitter and the furnishings. What date are you looking at?"

"Eight weeks maximum."

"That's fine, I was hoping you weren't asking for it to be ready in two weeks. Now, who do you have in mind?"

"Can you trust me on this one?"

"It's your place, but please talk to me before you arrange any contracts."

"Sure. I'd like to look at the plans."

"Tomorrow, it's too late."

"Fair enough, good night."

 
Tuesday 27th January
 

Thurso woke to a thick coating of snow. The ploughs had been out since pre-dawn keeping the major routes open but many of the smaller roads were still blocked at seven o'clock. The grounds staff at St Andrews School started clearing the way to the main gate, as well as access to the kitchens, but it was clear that day students couldn't get in before nine. It had stopped snowing but further falls were due from lunchtime.

Tammy's phone pinged.

St Andrews day students are to work from home

Deciding that she had just qualified for a 'duvet day' she rolled over and closed her eyes. It took less than a minute for her bedside telephone to ring.

"What?"

"Good morning to you too, I hope you're not staying in bed?"

"No, Dad, I figured a run around the grounds was a good idea this morning."

"Sarcasm doesn't suit you. As you don't have school I thought we could go to the shop?"

"How do you know I don't have school?"

"I got a text too."

"Oh."

"So get yourself up and showered, we've work to do."

***

Elsie's groundstaff had the driveway cleared by half-eight and had then gone to help their neighbours at Dunbankin where a removals van was due. Although George and Janet Doherty were moving today it would be the following morning when Richard officially took hold of the keys.

Elsie had a phone call during breakfast which she took in the study.

"That was the police. John was in court for a committal hearing yesterday, he was additionally charged with conspiracy to murder on top of the other offences. His trial has been set for the end of March, the twenty third."

"Am I going to be needed in court?"

"Probably Tammy, apparently he didn't enter a plea. The other thing is that James Dougall will be tried at the same time for Michael's knifing as well as the attempted robbery on Sarah in December."

Talk switched to happier topics including the move into Dunbankin. First though, was Tammy's mother's visit.

"When's she getting here Dad?"

"I've persuaded her to take the sleeper from London so she'll get here late lunchtime Friday."

"Is that the same train I used to get?"

"Yes Tammy."

"Oh good, now she'll appreciate how far it is!"

"That's cruel."

"But true."

"I still don't expect to hear it."

"Dad, I'm not a spotty faced school kid any more."

"No, you've matured in many ways." Tammy blushed.

"The thing is, in all the years I've been up here she came to the school twice and moaned the whole time she was here about it."

Elsie and the twins laughed.

"I'll have to correct you, she actually came here three times but brought the wrong shoes for walking in snow so refused to leave the hotel until we left. I had to tell you she was at home unwell."

"I knew she was here that time."

"How?"

"You had an awful tie on, one that you'd never wear unless mum insisted."

That comment meant any prospect of sensible conversation ended. Richard gave up and went into the study, he summonsed Tammy a few minutes later.

"We'll look at the plans for the shop in a bit, then we'll go down there. First I'd like to tell you what's happening in Dunbankin."

"Okay."

"We're not making any structural changes until at least the spring, especially if we need authority from the council in advance so right now we're concentrating on security and interior decoration."

"How did my colour scheme ideas go down with Joan?"

"She liked the pastels and the idea of naming the rooms after colours, especially any that would be used by guests, but disagreed over the kitchen."

"Why?"

"She wanted a straight-forward gas oven and hob."

"No! Doesn't she realise what the Aga can do? Anyway, who says she'll be cooking?"

"Hey, climb down off that hobby horse, young lady. Leanne will be working for us and will be responsible for breakfast and lunch as well as housekeeping five days a week. I've also hired her sister Julie as a cook, five days a week."

"What about the other two days? Saturday and Sunday I presume?"

"No, there will be times when we don't need help mid week so the rota will vary, but it does mean that some lunchtimes and some evenings we'll have to look after ourselves."

"Right, what about Joan's complaint?"

"Julie and Leanne are both used to a range, so it stays."

"Good. A thought, is Julie one of Cathy's friends?"

"She might be, Elsie knows of her."

"I think I met her at Cathy's hen party?"

"You'll know soon enough when you meet her."

"Okay, what's the moving in date?"

"Saturday week, the seventh."

"But Angela and I will be at the theatre for rehearsals."

"Exactly!"

Part Nineteen   "Snip Snip"

 
 
Tuesday 27th January Continued
 

Tammy walked out of the study and found the butler nearby.

"Thomas, could we have some coffee please?"

"Certainly, Miss."

She took a deep breath and walked back in.

"Okay Dad, but I really wanted to be involved in the move."

"You will be. Once your room has been papered and painted we'll put the main furniture in there but you'll still be missing a few things. We've got this weekend to go looking for odd bits and pieces, you can choose your bed linen, curtains and so on to personalise your room. All of that is to be delivered, fitted and ready well before our moving date."

"Thanks."

"Remember, you're not getting special treatment either. Angela has the same arrangements while Joan and I will share our thoughts."

"Right, what about the staff?"

"Julie lives in town and wants to stay there but Leanne currently uses staff quarters in the house and can move into the flat that's in the barn when it's been refurbished."

"Communications?"

"I have a telecoms firm installing a private exchange next week, including a link over to the exchange in this house. We'll have fibre put in early next week for voice and data with wifi routers in several locations. The new alarm system should be online by next Friday, the sixth."

"So that's why the move date is the seventh?"

"Yes, we're not sleeping there unless the security is adequate."

There was a knock on the study door, Thomas entered to deliver their coffee.

"What about the music studio?"

"What about it, Tammy?"

"Are you doing anything with it?"

"No, wait until we're over there. We'll beef up the electrical supply to the barn because of the plan to put a pool in and we'll make sure the supply to the studio is smooth but apart from that, nothing at this stage."

"Right, the pool?"

"Have a look at the drawings, I picked them up from the architect yesterday morning."

Richard unrolled the A1 sized prints of the various elevations and the floor plans for the barn. The space was immense, twenty by forty metres. It was a wooden build originally but now had an inner steel frame onto which was built the upper floor. That floor included the recording studio and a split level apartment.

The ground floor was currently a garage and workshop, complete with inspection pit. The drawings showed the floor would need to be excavated to a three metre depth in order to accommodate the fifteen metre pool and any pipework. The southern side of the barn would be opened up using a glass wall and a set of solar panels would be installed on the pitched roof, partly to warm water and partly to generate power. Finally, a covered walkway would be constructed between the barn and the scullery door, with a vehicle-crossing gap.

"That's an impressive plan, Dad. I never went over there when we visited, did I?"

"No. I figured that as we're so far out of town we might need our own entertainment. You see this space here, behind the pool?"

"Yeah, it's about fifteen by twenty metres, what's going there?"

"Well, if we put a movable wall in between that and the pool, fit projectors and a decent sound system linked to the studio then you have a private cinema, a party venue or a rehearsal space?"

"Great idea. Now, where are we parking vehicles if the barn is being converted?

"There's an old stable block that could provide shelter, there's no point putting a temporary structure up with the weather we get up here! Look, why don't we go down to see Sarah whilst the roads are clear?"

"Okay. Let me finish my coffee first though, and sort my face out, and check for messages ....."

"Today if possible?"

***

It was near ten o'clock when they parked in Thurso town centre. Sarah told them she'd only been a few minutes late as an inconsiderate driver had blocked a road near her house, holding up the school traffic.

"I hope you will think about others when you start driving, Tammy?"

"Dad took me out for the first time on Sunday, I can't say I was comfortable."

"Neither was I first time, but it'll come. My father gave me one piece of advice when I was learning 'treat every other driver on the road as an idiot or a potential idiot and you'll always be ready'."

"Thanks, but right now I'm the potential idiot."

"I'm sure you didn't come down here on a school day to discuss your inadequacies, go put the kettle on please."

"Yes, boss."

That left Richard and Sarah talking by the counter while Tammy attended to the hot drinks. Discussion soon turned to the thief, which Tammy found when she carried the coffees to the counter.

"I never noticed that anything had been stolen."

"Well, when was the last time you did a stock-take?"

"A year ago, I suppose."

"We'll have to do one when you close on the fourteenth."

"Thanks Tammy, you've just added to my woes."

Richard spoke. "We'll try to get that top back for you."

"I can't sell it now."

"So what does the school do with it?"

"Up to you, I'll write it off."

There was a noise outside as a van pulled up right next to the shop. Sarah started to moan that it was a pedestrian lane when Richard noticed the company name.

"Thurso signs? They must be here to put the signboard up."

"Oh, that's okay then."

So, Tammy thought, one rule for those blocking her access but a different rule for her deliveries blocking others' access - double standards.

The shop door opened and two men in overalls came in.

"Mrs Bonney?"

"Yes."

"We have the main sign plus the extra ones you need, could you unlock the shop please."

"Certainly, but the painters haven't been in yet so the other ones can't go up yet."

"Right, what's the latest that can be done?"

"Next Wednesday."

"Fine, we have a job along the road that morning."

Tammy watched the interplay, this would be something she'd have to get the hang off in the real world. Despite her out-of-school activities she still lacked real knowledge of how the world worked at this level.

"Can I have a look in there, Sarah?"

"It's yours, why are you asking?"

"I checked, apparently I can't just walk in without checking with my tenant."

"She's correct, Sarah."

"Oh well, I only ever saw my landlord once and then it was an agent once a year to make sure I hadn't trashed the place."

Sarah put the 'five minute' sign on the door and locked it as the three walked the short distance to the adjacent property. The windows didn't let anyone see inside as they'd been whitewashed but the concreted floorspace was a surprise for Tammy as it was bare.

"It looks like there's more room than you'll ever need."

"Don't kid yourself Tammy, once the shelving, racking and displays are in here most of that floor will soon be used up. Let me show you how I'm going to lay it out."

Sarah gushed as she told Tammy her plans: The floor was going to be tiled, so boots and stiletto heels couldn't ruin it. There would be two changing rooms, with low-level displays throughout. This would give Sarah and any staff a clear line of sight across the shop from the sales point. Tammy went through to the stock room and found it was about double that of the existing shop. All around the walls was grey galvanised racking, basic but strong, great for getting stock off the floor. The delivery doorway was double doors secured by a steel bar and a pair of padlocks.

"Sarah, that looks like it'll be a pain."

"Well, you won't be here during the week when the deliveries turn up, will you?"

"Err, no."

"Make yourself useful and find a broom."

"Where do you want me to sweep?"

"Everywhere."

By twelve the sign was up and a few other deliveries had turned up, although one was clothing stock for the existing shop's store room. Phone calls to painters meant that one could be on site that afternoon to freshen the frontage, the latest forecast putting the next snowfall off to three o'clock.

Tammy, however, was worn out. Having decided the sweeping was finished, she was sent to the bakery for some lunch items and then made coffee for all the workers but ran out of mugs. Sarah gave her a few notes and sent Tammy off to buy a kettle for the new shop plus four more mugs as well as some cleaning materials.

"Bring back the receipts, I can claim them against tax."

"Okay."

Having decided at two that everything that could be done, had been done, she asked then pleased with her father to take her home.

"Having trouble with a little hard work?"

"I'm just not used to it, I don't know."

"Well, ring the surgery and see if you can see the doc or a nurse on our way home."

That took two minutes, mostly having to deal with an unsympathetic receptionist.

"Dr Hoskins is apparently away on holiday and there's a locum on duty, Dr Sutherland says she can see me in fifteen minutes if we can get there?"

"Sutherland, sounds familiar?"

"Same as the chemists on Traill St."

"Okay, let's go."

The ride took ten minutes but there was a ten minute wait in the waiting room with the receptionist checking the screen and looking at Tammy before checking the screen again.

"It says here that you're male. That must be a mistake."

"Dr Hoskins told me in December that would be changed."

"It hasn't, can I ask why it would say that you're male?"

"I'd rather not but I'll talk to Dr Sutherland about it."

"Okay."

Tannoy: "Miss Smart to Room Two please"

Leaving her father in the waiting room she walked down a short corridor and entered room two, closing the door behind her.

"Hello, please take a seat, I'm Dr Sutherland."

"Hello, You said you were a locum?"

"Yes, I normally work in Wick but I'm covering for Dr Hoskins."

"He's on holiday?"

"Extended leave, however I don't think he's coming back. Anyway, we're here to talk about you."

"Yes, but are you related to Sutherlands Chemists?"

"My uncle's business, do you know Julianne?"

"Radio Sutherland?" Another mouth before brain moment.

"Oh dear."

"I'm sorry, really sorry, I didn't mean anything by it. I'll see another doctor."

Tammy stood ready to leave.

"Sit down, sit back down and don't be silly. I gave my baby sister that name when she was at primary school!"

Tammy dropped herself back onto the chair, Dr Sutherland was already giggling.

"Tammy, call me Adelaide or Adi for short. Now, my sister's unfortunate habit means that I've already heard a great deal about you but very little is medical information. I know it's unethical to use this knowledge but how long have you been like this?"

"Like what? Transgendered?"

"No, highly strung and plainly stressed."

"A week or two, why?"

"You started hormone replacement therapy on or around the twelfth of December so you've been taking it for six weeks so far. When were your last bloods taken?"

"A few weeks ago, just after school restarted."

Dr Adi Sutherland tapped away on her workstation.

"Ah, it looks like you were due to come here anyway for blood tests. Your last results are here and something is not right."

"In what way?"

"Your testosterone levels have started to rise, I see you're not on blockers."

"No, I was never prescribed them. What can you do?"

"I think we need to get you in for an orchiectomy plus start you on mild blockers to counter-act the testosterone already in your system. I have notes here that say you were on course for late-onset puberty, well I believe it just started."

Tammy started to cry.

"Hey, it's something we can sort out. I'll make some calls and get you an appointment for the snip but knowing the NHS that could be a month or six. Do you have private insurance?"

Tammy nodded, whilst dabbing her eyes with a tissue.

"I'll write you a letter which you can send to your insurance company. Do you want to collect it tomorrow?"

"Can you fax it?"

"Of course, and I'll post the original. What's the number?"

Tammy gave the fax number for the house.

"Oh, we're moving in a week's time but I don't have any new numbers yet. I don't even know the postcode."

"Let us know in due course."

The doctor went back to her workstation and was obviously typing notes into the system. A moment later a printer started, producing a prescription which she handed to Tammy.

"I've fixed a small anomaly on the system. Now, I've upped the dosage on the pills you're taking so start these new ones tomorrow. There's also a blocker to take every day. I'll still check with the local hospitals in case there's a free date soon but I'll do that letter as well."

"Thanks Adi."

"Hey, you should have come to see us sooner."

"I've just been so busy and I thought it would pass. I had Alison and Andrea McPherson telling me to take it easy as I collapsed with exhaustion a few weeks ago. I had the flu as well."

"The flu? More likely the common cold but it feels worse if you're a bit down. I also reckon your hormones have been all over the place, I'll take your blood pressure then you can pretend to be a pin cushion for me."

The GP took her blood pressure then gathered five new phials before inserting a cannula into Tammy's left arm.

"Thanks, I think."

"I want to see you in two weeks."

"Okay."

***

The first flakes were starting to fall when Tammy came out of the chemists. She didn't need to pay for the birth control pills but did have to pay for the blockers, which earned her a quizzical look from the pharmacy assistant. Tammy smiled back, snapping the young man's neck would have been far too much trouble.

Richard hadn't asked Tammy why she'd spent so long with the GP but guessed she wanted to go to the pharmacy when he saw the prescription. He also didn't ask why she needed to talk to the twins as soon as they returned to the house.

They gathered in Tammy's room, she burst into tears as soon as the door was closed. The twins waited for her to recover.

"Tammy, Tammy, what's up?"

"There's testosterone in my system."

"There's some in all of us." Alison spoke for both of them.

"No, I've started male puberty."

"Oh, that might explain a few things."

"That's what the doctor said."

"Dr Hoskins?"

"No, Adi Sutherland. Do you know her?"

The twins shook their heads.

"What's she doing about it, Tammy?" Andrea took over.

"Blockers, a different pill and cutting them off."

"Going under the knife, then? How soon?"

Tammy's turn to shake her head. "No idea, privately if necessary."

"If the GP thinks it's necessary then you'll get a date pretty quickly, it's a simple enough procedure under local anesthesia."

"Thanks for that, I had a feeling I might have to wait months, or even longer."

"No, it's not an elective procedure in your case but a medical requirement."

"Okay."

"We've news, by the way. We're going back to London in a few days."

"Oh, so soon?"

"Aunt Elsie doesn't need us any more, and to be truthful she didn't really need us at all."

"I suppose so."

"Cheer up, we'll be here until Friday."

"Longer if we get snowed in?"

"No chance, it isn't like southern England where one flake causes travel chaos and three flakes closes every supermarket!"

Her bedside phone rang.

"Hello?"

"It's Joan."

"Hi Joan, what's up?"

The twins waved bye and quietly left the room.

"It's Lori."

"Ryan?"

"It's more complicated than that."

"It is?"

"Yes, Lori does exist, but Ryan was simply borrowing what was thought to be a very private name."

"So whose name is it?"

"Tony Jenkins."

Part Twenty   "Answers and Questions"

 
 
Wednesday 28th January
 

Joan and Tammy had spoken for a short while more but it was clear Joan did not have all the answers. They'd hardly spoken in the car on the return journey from the holiday and Tony had been excused classes on Tuesday. A meeting was convened at ten o'clock in Joan's office on Wednesday morning and this time the deputy head was present from the beginning.

Tammy hadn't been invited to this meeting but after half an hour she had been found and brought to them.

"Good morning everyone."

"Hello Miss Smart. Mrs Small asked you to come down, against my better judgement, as Mr Jenkins is not telling us anything."

"Sir, firstly I think it would be better to be informal here given the circumstances and cut the Mr-this Mrs-that crap for the next hour or whatever."

Joan's fact showed a smirk and Tony Jenkins could barely contain a laugh at Tammy's rudeness to a senior master.

"I should discipline you Miss Smart for that remark."

"But, why? You've called me down here because Tony is probably intimidated by you and Joan feels she can't do her job effectively because she'll have to play safe. Then you expect me to be all prim and proper with the appropriate respect, I'm not surprised Tony hasn't said anything worthwhile."

Tammy looked at Tony, he shook his head.

"Are you frightened?"

He nodded.

"Have you been re-assured that anything said here, unless it's against the school rules, stays in this room?"

"No."

"Then let's start with that. Sir, can we give Tony that promise?"

"I don't know."

"Then we've achieved nothing and Tony may as well go back to his classes."

"That may not be possible."

"Why not, is Tony guilty of any offence?"

"No. But he may tell us that he is."

Tammy, and Joan, laughed.

"Do you really expect him to self-incriminate?"

"Yes."

"Really?"

"Yes, his brother admitted it."

"We had suspicion and evidence. There is nothing at all to suggest Tony has done anything wrong. Perhaps you could come back in an hour and see where we've got to?"

Deputy Head Mr Thompson stood and left, firmly closing the door.

"Joan, I'm sorry if I just made things difficult for you, and sorry for being bolshy."

"That's okay, you just said what I wanted to say, and couldn't. Don't forget I'm on a three month probationary and this post is officially a trial that could end when you and Angela finish your exams."

"I didn't know."

There was an awkward silence, broken by Tony Jenkins.

"Tammy, I'm sorry I was rude in class last week, I'm finding it harder to be one of the boys."

Tammy looked at Joan, who nodded her approval, before shuffling herself along the sofa and taking Tony's hands.

"Are you Lori?"

"Yes."

"It's a lovely name, where did it come from?"

"I found out two or three years ago that the name mum and dad would have called me if I'd been born a girl was Lorraine. I shortened it and thought it was my secret name."

"How did Ryan find out?"

"I don't know, I mean I don't have any clothes or girly stuff at all. The only thing I've done is to write a diary and Lori's thoughts are in there. The thing is, more recently, her thoughts and Tony's thoughts have been the same."

"They were different?"

"Yes, Tony would think in one way and Lori would disagree."

"So who's speaking now?"

"Lori."

"Not Tony?"

"No, I mean it's not that simple and I don't have a split personality."

"It started to sound like that."

"Sorry, what I meant was that I, as Tony, was expected to behave like a typical boy even when I knew I shouldn't."

"Where's this diary, Lori?"

"On my laptop. Oh." Lori's hands went to her head.

"What is it?"

"Ryan borrowed my laptop over Christmas because he left his one here. He must have found my diary."

Lori held her head in her hands.

"Oh bugger."

She started to cry, Tammy pulled a couple of tissues out of a nearby box and handed them to Lori, noting how she dabbed her eyes instead of roughly wiping across them.

"If he tells mum, I'm ruined."

"I think Ryan's got other things to worry about."

"No, I wrote an entry a few months ago about how it would be great for Lori to have a little sister instead of my annoying brother. How much did he read?"

"Lori, we'll have to assume that he read the whole diary. Is there anything in there that might explain his actions?"

"Apart from him trying to please me by becoming my sister? Just imagine what he could have done if I'd given him his full allowance!"

Joan intervened. "Why did you only give him a few pounds?"

"He's always been awful with money, so I'm trying to teach him financial management. This year he gets fifteen pounds a week and I get twenty. If he spends three pounds then I put twelve pounds aside. Since September his pot has grown to about one hundred and fifty pounds."

"If he needed this money he could have it?"

"Yes, and if I refuse he can speak to mum or dad and they'd tell me to release it."

"They know what you're doing?"

"Yes, we agreed it last summer."

"What about your allowance?"

"I've hardly spent any of it, I figured that I would eventually want to build a female wardrobe, even if it's just me in my own flat that sees it. That money would be outside of my normal budget."

"Do you have cash in your room?"

"Not much, just some one and two pound coins for Ryan. Everything else is in a variety of accounts that I manage online. If Ryan needed more than a tenner then I'd transfer it to his card."

Joan didn't ask another question so Tammy tried something.

"Lori, what size are you?"

She blushed.

"I don't know."

"Joan, do you have a tape measure?"

"Yes, in my emergency sewing kit." She went to a filing cabinet and pulled open the bottom drawer, removing first a small wicker basket and then a kettle, three cups and a jar of coffee.

"Hot drink?"

Joan handed over the clothing measure then went back to fill the kettle from a water jug and switch it on. Tammy asked Lori to stand and remove her blazer.

"Arms up!"

She has done ten seconds later, Lori sat back down.

"Right, thirty six, thirty two, thirty four. That's about a size sixteen, perhaps you could get away with a fourteen in some things. Joan, what size were the clothes that were found in Ryan's room?"

"Tens and twelves."

"So none would have fitted Lori? We can therefore exclude Ryan stealing anything for his big sister?"

"Correct.

There was a knock on the door, Tammy stood to open it.

"Hello Mrs Adams."

"Tammy, Julianne found a mug in the conference room on Monday and put it on our tea tray, here it is. I guess you'll be in here long enough to need coffee too, has Joan put the kettle on yet?"

"Yes she's just done that, thanks for finding it."

"I knew whose it was when I saw it, Julianne had no clue. Apparently you saw her sister yesterday, she's telling everyone."

"That bitch! Oops, sorry."

"Mr Thompson walked in on her so she's on a warning. Don't worry, she hasn't said anything really personal yet."

"What do you mean by 'really personal'?"

"Well, like why you went to the doctor?"

"That does sound personal to me."

There was a cough from behind Tammy, she turned around to see Joan putting coffee cups on the coffee table.

"Sorry Janet, got to go."

"Hold on a mo...." Janet dashed to her office and was back in under a minute. Tammy stepped outside the office and closed the door behind her as the bell had just rung. As if on cue a horde of students came past, ever curious as to why the red 'occupied' light was on.

Janet returned with a familiar orange packet.

"Hob Nobs, thank you!"

"It's for the sugar boost, you'll need it if you're spending too long in there!"

"Thanks, must get back in there."

"I'll do some digging into where she got her information as I don't think her sister would break a confidence."

"I would hope not. Bye."

Tammy returned to the sofa, putting her own mug and the biscuits on the table before picking up the coffee Joan had just made. It didn't take long for the packet to be opened and a few biccies dunked. Conversation was put on hold temporarily.

"Mrs Small?"

"You can call me Joan, Lori, while we're in my office."

"Thank you Joan, what will you say to Mr Thompson?"

"That depends on you. I think it's fair enough to say that you could be transgendered but you don't want to transition yet?"

"Yes."

"So no special facilities have to be arranged. What we do need to do, however, is make certain that you're healthy; that includes your mental health."

"So I'm nuts?"

"No, as Tammy and my daughter Angela will tell you, seeing a psychologist is an important first step, even if you choose to go no further."

"Joan's right. Do you have a doctor?"

"Just the one the school arranges."

"That would be Dr Hoskins then. I think you need to see Dr Sutherland and get a referral to see Jill Davison."

"Tammy, is it fair to let Jill loose on Lori?"

Tammy put her coffee down.

"Don't worry Joan, I'll tell her not to bite!"

"Tammy, you're worrying me."

"Sorry, Lori, Jill and I don't always agree. Anyway, we are being serious when we suggest that you see her, but it has to be as a referral from the GP under normal circumstances."

"Normal circumstances?"

"In my case she saw me in the shop and told me she'd arrange an appointment. Dr Hoskins was most upset when he found out I'd bypassed him, and it wasn't even my fault."

Tammy thought back to how Angela was introduced to Jill, not long after she'd thrown herself out of a window. Perhaps that shouldn't be mentioned just now. She picked up her coffee to finish it.

"Tammy, Lori and I can discuss the rest without your help, but thank you for helping."

"That's okay, I'm glad to help."

Tammy was already on her feet, Lori now stood and gave Tammy a hug.

"Thank you." There was a kiss on Tammy's cheek.

Tammy stepped out of the office, holding her personal mug. It was morning break so there were a few boys around but voices were kept low, just above whispering level. The most common phrase Tammy heard was "hello Miss" as they walked by, they earned a smile in response.

She made her way to the sixth form common room just as it was clearing at the end of break. Tammy had a study period next but doubted if she would have made it to a class either because she was emotionally drained. Tammy made a coffee and found a seat, sinking into it.

Tony Jenkins found Tammy there twenty minutes later, fast asleep with a full mug of cold coffee nearby. Tony went to make himself a drink and made enough noise for Tammy to stir.

"Hi Lori, she let you out?"

"Hi Tammy, yes, but it'll have to be Tony here, right?"

"Sure. Did I fall off?"

"Snoring like a beauty when I came in."

"I don't snore!"

"Yes you do!"

Angela had come into the room as this exchange started to collect her bag.

"She does snore, I have first hand experience."

***

Tammy had a business studies class just before lunch and looked likely to stay awake throughout the lesson thanks to the freshly made coffee that she had finished, this time.

Mr Carmichael was taking the lesson as usual.

"Miss Smart, as you weren't here yesterday you won't know about the homework."

"No sir, I don't believe anyone emailed me about it."

"I'll give you an extra day to complete it so you have until Friday, come and collect it from me at the end of the lesson. Everyone else, the deadline of tomorrow morning stands."

The lesson continued, continuing the theme that had started a few weeks earlier; revision. In practice this meant going back over topics that had been covered the previous year, especially if these topics were guaranteed to be in the exams.

"A reminder, just before half term and again before Easter we will be taking mock exams under full exam conditions using previous years' papers."

There was a very audible groan from the students, which now included perhaps two girls. Most now shuffled out of the room, on their way to lunch. Tammy approached the master's desk to receive her homework.

"There is no homework for you, but I didn't want another incident alleging one rule for the boys and another for the girls."

"I can't see that happening again, Sir." Not considering which wag had suggested it last time. "But why don't I have any work?"

"I had a request from Mr Thompson to give you a couple of easy days, other masters have apparently been given the same request. I don't understand why, however."

"I think I do Sir, and it may be connected to my Doctor's appointment yesterday."

"I see. Normal homework for the weekend though, you don't get away with that one."

"Of course not, Sir."

Tammy now followed the rest of the crowd to the refectory and joined a lengthening queue. She'd decided that a salad was sufficient seeing how there would be an evening dinner, as usual, plus the queue was going so slow she might not have chance to eat a full plate.

As it was, she'd barely sat down when her attention was caught by Mr Thompson.

"Thank you for your help this morning and I won't be disciplining you for your little outburst."

"I apologise regardless, Sir, but once everything was calm we were able to talk freely."

"So Mrs Small explained. She also told be that you have a medical issue at the moment that's affecting you. I've asked the teaching staff to give you a couple of days of light work."

"Thank you Sir, hopefully my new tablets will kick in by the weekend."

"Ah, yes. I caught Julianne Sutherland telling everyone that you had a prescription yesterday."

"Her family own the pharmacy on Traill Street."

"You might like to deal with that yourself, Miss Sutherland is on a warning."

"Thank you Sir."

"Go back to your salad, before it warms up."

Part Twenty One   "Mrs Simpson"

 

 
Friday 30th January
 

Tammy's schoolweek ended with a classroom rehearsal for Macbeth. The group was becoming more comfortable with the roles, even those who normally shy away from making a fool of themselves. There had been a shuffling around of the actors and somehow Tony Jenkins had ended up as a witch. Of course he protested just enough to be told that Shakespeare's plays were almost exclusively performed by boys in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.

More needed to be done at the end of the hour so, despite a tempting study period immediately before the weekend, all stayed in the room to continue the rehearsal. By the end of the second hour the improvement was very apparent.

What Tammy, and many other students, missed that afternoon was the police arriving at the school around two o'clock.

When Tammy had told her father, and Elsie about the breach of security, as they called it, all hell had broken loose. Elsie it seemed knew all the right people and was ready to declare war but Richard had sensibly warned her from taking revengeful action.

Suspicion had first fallen on the doctor's surgery but Dr Sutherland was initially shocked and then very willing to assist. What helped was that the receptionist was Dr Hoskins wife and had guarded her position for the previous thirty years without a sliver of information leaking, not even to the patient themselves at times.

The investigation moved to Sutherlands Pharmacy; Elsie is seemed knew Cynthia Sutherland and her husband Ron Sutherland. Both were pharmacists and had met whilst studying some thirty eight years earlier. They'd founded the pharmacy after graduation at a time when many businesses were leaving the Highlands. Like many family businesses they employed the younger generation as staff.

Working the counter on Tuesday afternoon had been Eric Muir, one of Cynthia and Ron's more distant nephews. When Elsie and Richard arrived to speak to Ron about Eric, Eric had started talking immediately.

Eric had failed college and needed money. His aunt and uncle initially only employed him two days a week in order to be fair to the other family members but Eric was finding it difficult to get employment elsewhere and that had crept up to five days most weeks.

He told of a visit by a school teacher from St Andrews who explained they were concerned some of the pupils might be using prescribed medication without notifying the school. Given that this was a boarding school the argument seemed genuine to Eric.

What he was asked to do was to photograph the prescriptions and send the photo to Julianne's email address. Because she was family he didn't see a problem. For every prescription he would receive ten pounds, not much but it wouldn't take much for a bug to sweep around the school and ten or twenty prescriptions could potentially pass through his hands.

He was paid by Paypal transfer and didn't know who was sending it, Julianne had just said that it wasn't her.

Naturally Elsie and Richard were alarmed but Ron and Cynthia were outraged.

"You've just put us out of business you greedy ........" Ron started coughing badly.

"Calm down dear."

"Don't you realise? The fine for a data breach is potentially huge and we'd lose our licences."

Eric's head dropped, Richard later reported to Tammy. He said he'd advised the Sutherlands that the Police had to be brought in, regardless of their concern for self-preservation.

Given that this was a whole-school matter Tammy's involvement in the case was considered to be minor so she'd not been asked to become involved. She'd seen Julianne 'Radio' Sutherland in the school on Thursday and again Friday morning but they hadn't needed to speak, thankfully.

Tammy was by her locker, changing her sensible shoes for a pair of knee high boots.

"Did you see?"

"See what, Angela?"

"The police were here for that girl in the office."

"What girl?" Tammy could guess but chose not to.

"The new one, who started last year."

"Julianne?"

"That's her. So you don't know?"

"Know what?"

"She was arrested."

"What for?"

"I don't know, none of us do."

"So it could be for non-payment of a parking ticket?"

"Do they do that? Send four officers including plain clothed ones if you don't pay a parking ticket?"

"I was making that up."

"Oh."

"Look, Angela, we'll find out in due course what it's all about. I need to go as I want to catch that minibus, I'll see you at the theatre tomorrow."

"Okay, bye."

Back at the house Tammy wasn't learning anything about that day's arrest. What she did know, so far, was mostly just questions without answers. While she'd been at school the twins, Alison and Andrea, had left to return to London so the house would be a little quieter.

"Tammy, you need to get changed."

"Why Dad?"

"We're eating with your mother."

Tammy had completely forgotten that her mother, Tara, had been due to arrive in Thurso that afternoon, about an hour and a half earlier. She needed an early night but that wasn't going to happen right now. Tammy shed her clothes as she walked into the shower cubicle.

Looking in the mirror after she stepped out Tammy had a bit of a fright and wished the twins were still there for advice. Sitting on her top lip was dark stubble, not much of it but it was very much there. She'd had a little light fluff there before but Joanne had tidied that up on recent visits. Tammy certainly didn't recall seeing anything in the mirror that morning, but had she looked closely enough? How had she looked whilst at school?

She used one of her razors, the ones mostly used for tidying up legs between tortures, and did her best to improve her appearance. Unfortunately she nicked herself and was now bleeding onto the vanity.

Tammy would have sworn but it would have been wasted without an audience. She grabbed a wad of toilet tissue and retreated to her bed, waiting for the bleeding to stop.

To her, the phrase 'late onset' might as well have meant 'never'. The phone rang.

"Are you ready yet?"

"NO!" She slammed the phone down and started to cry, no longer worrying that blood was dripping onto her towel.

If Richard had come to her room he certainly didn't enter, it was Elsie who walked in and sat next to Tammy on the bed.

"Now, now, Tammy, this is not worthy of a strop."

"It's so unfair. Everyone will see."

"Lots of women get facial hair, you just deal with it."

"Great, so I have to include shaving in my morning routine?"

"You might have to, for a while. Angela has to shave as well, but she's not making a song and dance about it."

"But Elsie, I'm supposed to see my mother today for the first time since ...." she waved her hand around, "since we went to London in December and I want, no need, to be a daughter to her. Looking like some half-and-half is not an option."

"And you won't. It's stopped bleeding now so I'll fetch some witch hazel. Get some underwear on and blow dry your hair before it dries by itself. I'll be back in a few minutes."

"Thanks Elsie."

***

Jonathon drove Richard and Tammy to the Castletown Hotel, arriving just after five thirty.

"Good evening Miss Smart, Mr Smart, Mrs Simpson is by the bar. Can I take your coats?"

"Thank you Frances." Richard didn't seem fazed but Tammy was confused for a moment until she remembered that her mother had reverted to her maiden name. She was obviously booked into the hotel under that name.

Tammy had finally opted for jeans, albeit smart ones, so as not to look over-dressed. She decided that going all out to look ūber girly shouldn't be needed, even if it was only the second occasion Tara had knowingly met her own daughter.

Tara Simpson was sat at the bar on a stool trying to hold a conversation with the barman.

"Your daughter has arrived."

"My, daugh... oh, thank you." She turned to see her ex-husband and daughter approaching.

"Hello, Richard, you're late."

"Tara, you should know that the female of the species takes longer to get ready." He didn't say how many times he'd had to wait for her over the years.

Any comeback by her was halted by France's re-appearance.

"Would you like a table in the restaurant?"

"No thank you Frances, we'll just have a drink here then we're going elsewhere to eat."

"Would you like me to make a reservation for you, Sir?"

"Yes please, six thirty at Le Bistro."

"Certainly."

As yet there had been no contact between mother and daughter, with Tammy still unsure how this would end. She chose a table near the bar and sat down, her father joined Tammy straight away and her mother made feigned noises of discomfort as she stepped from the barstool and walked over.

"I'm not getting any younger." Tammy was uncertain if that was meant to be a statement of the bleeding obvious or sarcastic or a plea for sympathy. In the end she said nothing and didn't give an obvious non verbal reaction.

The barman came to them and took their drinks orders, Tammy and her father both opting for a fruit juice at this early juncture. Tara refilled her white wine spritzer. Nothing was said until the barman was a respectable distance away.

"How is school, dear?"

"Fine, mum."

"Do you have another year there?"

"No, I leave in June."

"Silly me."

There was silence for a short while as the barman returned with the drinks.

"What are you studying, I've forgotten?"

"Maths, English Literature, English Language and Business Studies."

"Oh, that's right."

"I'm in another play."

"You've already been in one?"

"Yes, West Side Story, the first performance was just after our trip to London in December."

"How did it go?"

"We filled the local theatre for five performances and had great reviews." Tammy and Richard decided not to tell Tara about any of Tammy's recent troubles. Talk of Angela and Joan was also off the agenda, unless Tara raised it.

"What is the new one?"

"Macbeth."

"Are you a witch?"

"No mother," Tammy paused and looked at her father, wearing a wry smile, "I'm playing Lady Macbeth."

"I'd like to see it."

"It's on over the May Day weekend but I have rehearsals in the morning."

"I thought you helped that Bonney woman on a Saturday?"

"I do, I'm not due at the theatre until ten."

They all took a long sip at their drinks. Frances walked over to them.

"Your table is booked, Mr Smart. Is there anything I can get for you?"

"No thank you, Frances."

Two gentlemen walked into the bar and took up positions at the bar. "Good evening Miss."

"Good evening officers."

"We're not on duty."

"Sorry, force of habit. This is my mother." Tammy indicated, as if necessary. "Mother, these gentlemen are my personal protection team."

"Protection?"

One of the boys spoke "We're pleased to meet you Mrs Smart. I believe your daughter is exaggerating somewhat, we help any pretty lady in need of assistance."

"T-T-Tammy, are you known to everyone?"

"Not everyone, plainly, but I work in a popular shop, have appeared on stage in front of many townsfolk and had my photo in the local paper so it's not strange when I'm recognised."

"I thought, under the circumstances, you would have kept a low profile?"

"I didn't get a chance, but Dad did his best to protect me."

That earned a scowl from Tara.

The bar was filling up with people, some on their way home and some on their way out. Cathy Stewart née McPherson walked past, on her way to the ladies.

"Hi Tammy."

"Hi Cathy."

Cathy didn't stop moving, obviously a lady on a mission.

"Who was that?"

"That, mum, was Cathy Stewart. I was a bridesmaid at her wedding last November."

"Last November? But you were a..."

"Mum, enough of that unless you want to embarrass yourself."

"Don't talk to me like that and don't interrupt me!"

Richard stood up, indicating to Tammy, who grabbed her bag, that she should do the same.

"Tara, unless you're going to be civil and fully accepting then we'll leave. I tried to tell you this afternoon that it might be easier to say nothing rather than saying something you would instantly regret."

Tammy's mother fumed whilst the pair stood there. Frances wasn't far away and was ready to collect their coats should it be necessary.

"I'm sorry."

Richard went to sit back down but Tammy remained standing.

"I need the loo." Tammy could have waited but this was a strategic withdrawal. She met Cathy who was just coming out of the Ladies and gestured her to go back in.

"Your mother?"

"Yes. The evening is going downhill fast, just not as fast as the last time we met."

"I heard about that from Alison. What are you going to do now?"

"I'm hoping the pair of them will act like adults while I'm in here."

"Unlikely, but you can hope."

"Thanks Cathy." Tammy dashed into a vacant cubicle.

When she made it back to the table, after checking the concealer was still doing its' job, it looked as if an armistice had been declared.

"I'm sorry dear, that lady told me how you saved her wedding when the other bridesmaids couldn't get there." A slight stretching of the truth.

"It was very last minute but I'm so glad I had the opportunity, like any girl would I suppose."

"What was the dress like?"

"Mine or the bride's?"

"Your's."

"Ivory, with a tartan sash."

"Are there any photos?"

"A few but I haven't any, I'll see what I can do."

"Please."

"I'll get some from the theatre too, there is also a video of West Side Story."

"Which part did you play?"

"Anita."

"Oh, right." Tara didn't seem to be familiar with the play.

"Tara, Tammy, how about we walk round to Le Bistro."

Frances was in attendance very quickly with coats. Of course, Tammy had to greet many folk who were scattered around the hotel's bar. Some enquiries were related to the shop move, some about the forthcoming play and one or two asking if the lady was her mother.

They escaped onto the street and walked the short distance to Le Bistro. Tammy was less well known in here and the atmosphere would be more subdued than in the hotel. Being less well-known didn't stop the manager asking Tammy to sign a programme from West Side Story.

"Merci, merci. We were there for the Saturday matinée and were so pleased with the performance, more so considering Friday's events.

He left happy whilst Tara was confused.

"Friday's events?"

"We had problems with two customers that night plus an out of control car in the carpark. Around here that would make it a very busy night. In London it would be considered a quiet night."

"I suppose it would."

The meal continued but by eight Tammy was clearly tired.

"Sorry Mum, but I need to get to bed."

"I'll see you tomorrow, then."

Richard had phoned Jonathon a few minutes earlier, just in case. They walked Tara back to the hotel where they would wait for their driver.

As they got into the rear of the Range Rover Tammy spotted Julianne Sutherland walking with someone who looked familiar. She asked her father to look but the pair had disappeared around a corner.

Part Twenty Two   "Lunch with mother"

 

 
Saturday 31st January
 

"Good morning everyone and thank you for participating in, what we hope, will be a fantastic production of Macbeth. For those who don't know me I'm Sandy Franklin and I am normally the musical director for the Mill Theatre but today I'm the temporary director whilst Iain is busy at work."

There were mumbled greetings from the cast.

"I'd especially like to welcome Yusuf back and hope that everyone will make him feel welcome."

Tammy was one of the first to offer to shake hands with Yusuf. The previous weekend Sandy had told Tammy that Yusuf was autistic but very bright, how he'd managed to upset Iain so much was still debatable.

The rehearsal went well and everybody had obviously read the script. There were issues with pronunciation and timing but it was coming together.

"Well done, everybody, ten o'clock next Saturday and please be on time. Tammy, can I see you?"

Tammy walked over to Sandy.

"Thanks for staying, I'd really like to thank you for letting me know what happened last Saturday. I finally got hold of Iain late on Sunday and gave him a piece of my mind."

"Myself and Tanya were confused as to why he would have been there if he wasn't any good? Then Josie told us that you had brought him along so we knew the issue was Iain and not Yusuf."

"As I said in the email, your suspicions were correct. Now, I shouldn't be telling you this but you know Iain has been involved in an investigation?"

"Yes, he said something last week."

"Well he's been getting stressed over it and I think that's why he snapped at Yusuf instead of asking the boy if anything was wrong."

"Understandable."

"Anyway, what I meant to say is that my husband is also on this investigation and your name was mentioned."

"Oh, investigating me?"

"No, no, just that they might need to talk to you again."

"Again, so it's an existing case?"

"That's my impression. Thing is, don't be upset if they ask to see you."

"Thanks Sandy but I'm kinda used to giving statements to the police. I wonder though, can you help me here?"

"What is it?"

"Do you know about Sarah's new shop?"

"Yes, it opens on the the nineteenth."

"That's right. Anyway I actually own the shop and I'd like to do something special for Sarah for the opening ceremony."

"Nothing surprises me where you're concerned! I'm a manager at the library so I can't see there being much connection to a clothes store."

"No, the theatre group. I was hoping we could have an appearance by some of the cast in order to get press publicity."

"I like the idea but it's a week day."

"It's in half term week, anyone eighteen or under should be available."

"True, but is Macbeth appropriate? It's hardly a jolly play and we don't have the costumes yet."

"I was thinking we could do a song from West Side Story, it would only need Tanya and me plus one or two of the boys."

"That's a great idea. Tickets go on sale that week so the theatre would get bookings."

"See if you can get a poster? We can put that in the window of the old shop."

"I'll talk to the theatre's media guy."

"One other thing?"

"Yes?"

"My mother would like some photos from West Side of me?"

"I'll email some to you."

"Thanks."

"No problem. Can you speak to Tanya et cetera and let me know which characters you want to use?"

"Sure, bye."

"Bye."

***

After the previous week's interest Sarah had been quiet and it was clear by ten in the morning that Tammy wasn't needed back. This suited Tammy so she walked briefly with Josie, who'd waited, to collect cash from the ATM and then to the hotel to meet her mother; just the two of them. She found Tara sat alone at the bar, again, nursing a long glass.

It didn't look as if Tara was going to move, especially after she patted the seat of the adjacent stool. Tammy lifted herself onto it, sweeping her long skirt as she sat.

"Hello dear," Tara took a look at her daughter, "you got the make-up off then?"

"Hello mother. It wasn't a dress rehearsal, we don't start those until April."

"Drink?"

"Just a coffee."

"You can drink, you know. Want to try one of these?"

"No thanks, I might be driving later."

Tara seemed to miss the last comment as she had set the barman to work, making Tammy's skinny latté, while pondering her next question.

"Who's in charge at the theatre?

"Iain, he's a senior police officer and Sandy who's a manager at the library, why?"

"I just want to make sure you're safe."

"I have plenty of friends there too, including two or three from school."

"Are any of them interested, you know, in you?"

Tammy blushed. "No, mum, but apparently I'm getting a reputation as a match-maker."

"How come?"

"One boy, John, has now proposed to a girl I introduced him to."

"And that girl is forever grateful."

Tammy spun around to find Tanya grinning, the two kissed on the cheek.

"How long have you been there?"

"Just long enough. As you know, mum wanted me back at the salon as soon as we were finished at the theatre. You were seen walking in here later on by one of mum's customers so she sent me along once I'd finished a client."

"Oh, Tanya this is my mother, mother this is Tanya who will be marrying John and was my co-star for West Side Story."

"Pleased to meet you, Mrs Smart."

"It's Simpson now." Tanya nodded and turned back to speak to Tammy.

"Mum wants to know when she can see you next?"

"How long has it been?"

"A fortnight."

"Err, I need it done, don't I?" Tammy put a hand to her head, feeling her hair.

"Hey girl, I wasn't going to say anything!"

"But it was okay to think it!"

"I've got to go back, mum has an opening at three if you want it?"

"I'll take it, Joanne too if possible."

"I'll let her know, bye."

They let Tanya disappear before Tara spoke. "Nice girl, does she do everything at that speed?"

"Pretty much so. Are we going to order lunch?"

"Sure."

They moved to a table and looked at the menu, it was close to one thirty, Tammy chose an omelette.

"I guess her mum is a hairdresser?"

"Yes, she's another Sandy."

"So who's Joanne?"

"She does waxing."

"Does she know?"

"Yes."

That conversation ended there and small-talk took over although Tammy, and Tara, were avoiding the forthcoming trial in London. Tara was also seemingly unaware of the Scottish connection.

They'd finished lunch, including a little dessert, by half two. Tara had refilled her glass and Tammy had switched to fruit juice but needed the loo. She found Jill Davison in there.

"Hello Tammy, is that your mother?"

"Yes."

"I didn't want to talk at the table but I've had a referral from the school, I'm guessing that you know who?"

"I do, I suggested they saw you."

"Okay, when are you next seeing me?"

"I don't know, I thought I would just deal with Julian now?"

"I think we need to keep a dialogue, I'll send you an appointment when I'm next in work."

"Okay."

As Tammy walked back to the table a few minutes later.

"You took your time." Thanks, mum.

"I was talking to a friend." No need to mention she's a shrink, thought Tammy.

"Well this lady walks up and starts talking to me while you left me all on my own."

"As I said last night, this isn't London and people are friendly here."

"She seemed to know you, told me how proud I must be of everything you've done and how you stood up to the bullies. What bullies, you never mentioned anything?"

"Three reasons, you had your own troubles, were six hundred miles away and lastly you never paid much attention to how I was doing anyway."

Tara looked as if she was going to blow but instead started crying.

"I'm so sorry, I must have been a horrible mother?"

Tammy hesitated then moved to put her arm around her mother.

"Mum, I can't change the truth; I was an inconvenience to your lifestyle so much so that you only came to Thurso three times before this weekend and then only saw me twice. I can't change that and neither can you. What we can try to do is to try better, to talk and to listen. I can do that if you can?"

"I will. I will."

Tammy gave her mother a kiss then moved back to give Tara space. Looking around it seemed that no-one was paying any particular attention to the pair of them.

Tara found a tissue in her bag and dabbed her eyes before excusing herself to the Ladies. Someone attracted Tammy's attention, she looked up to see one of Sarah's customers waving at her. Tammy couldn't remember the woman's name and guessed she didn't know too much, she smiled back then turned away.

Tara made a note of the time on the way back, looking at the clock behind the bar.

"You've fifteen minutes before your hair appointment, is it far?"

"Only five minutes away."

"Good, who are these bullies then?"

"Different people, for different reasons, including your mate Freddy's friends."

"The police asked me if I knew anyone them, they never said why."

"They would have asked you anyway, it's just that two of them tried to kidnap me in order to get you out of hiding."

It took Tara a while to process this information.

"Kidnap?" She whispered?

"Yes, one attempt was in here, just over there." She pointed towards the toilets.

"How, what?"

"He pulled a knife but he was disarmed and arrested straight away. I had a Police Officer nearby."

"That must have been awful."

"It wasn't fun but I got over it and I'm not afraid to walk on my own."

"I don't know if I would be that brave."

Tammy didn't answer that.

"Sorry mum, I best get going as I need a wee before I go."

"Off you go then."

Whilst in the cubicle she sent her father a text telling him she'd be clear by four, or thereabouts. A simple 'ok' was the reply.

Tara received another kiss before Tammy slipped her coat on and headed for the door. Behind her, Tara was ordering a refill.

Of course Tanya wanted to know everything but Tammy wasn't telling much, certainly not in a busy salon, and especially not as Joanne put her head out of the torture chamber.

"Come on, I have twenty minutes according to the boss."

Tammy detached herself from Tanya and was thankful to be in a quiet space.

"I see we need to do some tidying up, but I'm not sure if there's enough hair on your top lip for the wax to grip to but I'll see what I can do."

Tammy was not prepared for the pain, the results were also piecemeal.

"I said it wouldn't be perfect, there's a few other options including IPL and electrolysis but I don't have a certificate to do those here. The other option is hair removal creams but they're not kind to skin, especially young skin."

"Just see what you can do, I'll see about ordering something I can use at home."

"Fair enough, lets sort out your arms and legs. You're not swimming soon, are you?"

"No, our pool won't be built for a few months." Joanne was already spreading hot wax on Tammy's leg.

"Pool?"

"We've bought the Doherty's place and we'll put a pool in the barn behind the house."

"I know the place, Janet had be up there one day to tidy her up but without her husband George knowing, until much later that was."

"I thought you didn't gossip?"

"I didn't say what was done, did I?"

"Ouch."

"Sorry, you mustn't distract me."

***

She walked out of the salon just after four and walked to the small town centre carpark, spying a green Mini Cooper.

"Hi Dad."

"Get in, I figured you could drive yourself home."

"Can I go around the carpark once or twice to get the hang of it again?"

"Once, then we're on the road. Plan your route before we set off so you're not stuck at junctions."

"Okay."

The route itself wasn't difficult but included a junction with traffic lights, the first she'd encountered, as well as a pedestrian crossing.

"Pull in at Dunbankin, I want to check the post and see how the work's going."

It seemed odd walking into an empty house that looked so bare. Tammy could see decorators' sheets in the lounge and dining room whilst some cabling was being installed in the hallway. Only the kitchen looked normal, albeit with the fridge missing.

Richard went through a small stack of mail, identifying those that needed to be forwarded to the Dohertys.

"Here's one we need to deal with, the electoral roll."

"Why?"

"You were added to the list for the Enfield house when you were seventeen but we'll all have to register here, especially as there's a General Election pretty soon."

"Fewer that one hundred days apparently."

"Yes, so we need to do this soon. Do you want to have a look around while you're here?"

"Please."

There really wasn't much to see as the furniture hadn't been delivered and the bedrooms were still a work in progress.

Back indoors Tammy decided she needed a shower and just put a onesie on afterwards. She walked down to the sitting room, looking for the daily paper. Elsie looked up from a book she was reading.

"Good lunch?"

"I think we're making progress."

"Good, it would have been so easy for your relationship with your mother to deteriorate into a slanging match."

"I guess that, but we've agreed to do better for the future. I said we couldn't fix the past."

"That's very mature."

"Thanks Elsie."

"That's alright Tammy, I don't want to see you bitter towards your mother and I think you have the means to fix your relationship. You didn't come back here moaning and complaining, did you?"

"No, but I had an appointment at the salon after lunch."

"You didn't say you were going there?"

"I was caught, Sandy Smith decided I needed to see her, purely for maintenance of course."

Richard walked into the sitting room.

"I was going to tell you to get dressed, but your mother just called, she's not feeling too brilliant so doesn't want dinner. Was she okay when you saw her?"

"Yes, apart from a few refills."

"I see. I take it you didn't have any alcohol?"

"No."

"Okay, what are we doing about dinner?"

"I don't know."

Elsie looked up, "I'm out to dinner, Michael's with his friend and you were eating out so I gave the kitchen staff the night off."

Richard looked at Tammy then called Joan.

"Have you started anything for dinner?"

"Not yet, why?"

"Fancy a Ruby?"

"Yes, I don't know if Angela will want one though, George didn't like Indian food."

"Angela had a curry when we were in London, she's fine."

"Okay, you ordering?"

"Yes, I'll get a selection. Six o'clock?"

"Fine, I'll see you here. Angela's in her onesie, I'll get her to change."

"No need, this one's in a babygrow too and we were supposed to be out to dinner!"

"Daughters!"

Part Twenty Three   "Inquiries"

 

Author's Note:
This chapter reflects on the suicide of George Small (Tamara's First Christmas) and the circumstances leading up to it (Tamara's Début), including references to violence.
 

 
Sunday 1st February
 

As is often the way, it was decided that Richard and Tammy would stay with Joan and Angela on Saturday night and Elsie's remaining staff were duly informed. Father and daughter were half way to the cottage when Tammy realised she'd forgotten her pills, causing her to brake suddenly. When told she had to do a three point turn she threatened to walk - before she realised her onesie would not be adequate to protect her from the Arctic wind that evening.

Her fifteen point turn was a little haphazard and managed to hold up a minibus and four cars as well as Elsie's transport. At least Tammy wouldn't have to drive back that evening.

It wasn't long after the meal was delivered that conversation switched to the new house. Angela complained she hadn't seen it recently.

"There's not much to see."

That didn't go down well with Angela, especially as her mother had been there on Friday afternoon, whilst Angela was at school.

Hence, straight after breakfast the four of them returned to the house known as Dunbankin.

"Oh, there's nothing here."

"Angela, we tried to tell you."

"But I expected more."

Joan queried having to change the phone number at the cottage.

"We'll have it transferred here." Richard was quite sure of himself.

"You can do that?"

"Yes, the biggest problem is finding the right person in BT to explain what you want done."

"Dad, what are we doing today?"

"We'll have lunch with your mother and then we all need a quiet evening."

Richard and Joan debated whether she and Angela should going the Smarts for lunch but that might be just a little too much for Tara to take.

"Dad, I ended up having to tell mum about the kidnap attempt in the hotel."

"It was bound to come out. How much did you say?"

"I didn't mention Louise, I just said a police officer was nearby."

"Fine, I'm still a little wary of what she might say to others, especially as her court case is coming up."

"I don't want to be at that trial."

"You might not have any choice."

***

Sunday seemed to drag. Tammy did some reading, conspired with Tanya about Sarah's new shop, contacted the press and registered to vote. That was before ten. A couple of emails arrived from Sandy Franklin with photos of West Side Story so she printed those off for her mother then slipped downstairs to find the newspaper.

Everybody seemed to have something to do; Elsie was outside directing the groundstaff to build some structure for the spring, Michael had just returned from Mark's place and muttered greetings as he climbed the stairs to his room. Her father was taking and making phone calls and was simply busy. Tammy wasn't.

She went back to her room and started looking at hair removal products on Amazon. This drove her to distraction, which type was better and less painful than the rest? She was still unsure after twenty minutes of reading reviews and decided she needed real advice, but who?

Finally she dressed for lunch. By common agreement they were eating in the hotel, despite the risk of being interrupted frequently.

Tara, when not on one of her fleeting visits to the Enfield house, lived in hotels across Europe. She didn't care for long distance flights, nor for architecture and scenery, just for the weather, service and their ability to tolerate her inane chatter.

Tammy couldn't understand how someone could exist in that closeted world, isolated from the real world, even if it wasn't that far away from a boarding school environment. Perhaps that was her mother's problem, she hadn't lived in the real world for so long that it hurt bad when she realised life was not room service and a late bar. In a hotel someone would take care of problems, here she had to do it herself and didn't know how to cope. Was Tammy a problem to her mother? Was she making real progress or was it just talk?

They arrived at the hotel at one, Tammy had driven down, and found Tara Simpson sat at the bar with a long glass, the barman was notable by his absence and seemed to be avoiding Tammy's mother. Richard asked to take their table in the restaurant immediately, rejecting suggestions of drinking in the bar beforehand.

Lunch, a traditional Sunday affair, went about as well as expected. Tara was polite but was soon reminiscing about Tom's achievements as if he was a long-lost son. Richard and Tammy sat there trying not to fan any flames but Tara seemed capable of doing that herself.

She was getting louder, sometimes crying, unfortunately attracting the attention of fellow diners and Frances. Tara complained about, and longing-for, people they had never heard of. Richard suggested a strategic withdrawal to his ex-wife's hotel room but cautioned Tammy to sit in the bar and wait.

Richard took nearly fifteen minutes and apologised to Frances before leaving with Tammy and driving back to the house. Tammy was concentrating on the road and didn't want the distraction of an emotion-fuelled conversation at the same time.

Indoors they went to the sitting room.

"Dad, what's up with her?"

"I don't know but she suggested she'd forgotten to take some pills, she's on anti-depressants. Drinking alcohol at the same time is not a good idea."

"Can we find out anything, to try to help her?"

"'No' is the short answer, but I can tell her solicitor about our concerns."

"Okay, which train is she on tomorrow?"

"Mid morning, but she doesn't get back into London until quite late."

"Does she know we aren't around?"

"Not as such but you would normally be at school on a Monday, wouldn't you?"

 
Monday 2nd February
 

A cacophony of alarm clocks rang across the McPherson household shortly after six thirty, echoed in the Small's cottage. With a single purpose everyone rose to shower and dress for the day.

This day, more than any other, would tax and test all of them. Emotions could outweigh logic and common-sense at any time if one was not careful; they all knew this to a greater or lesser degree.

Given the number of phone calls Richard had made, and received, it was something of a minor miracle that he arrived for breakfast at seven fifteen ready for the world. A few minutes later Joan and Angela were admitted and took places at the table, although Angela would still need some TLC before she could face the world.

The youngest were in Tammy's room having eaten, sat at the dressing table, when the front door next opened. Tammy left Angela and peered down into the hall from over the bannister.

"Mr Smith?"

"Delighted as ever, Miss Smart, Jeremiah Smith at your service."

She returned to her room and urged Angela to quickly finish, using the 'less is more' principle rather than heavy-duty warpaint; a degree of visible innocence wouldn't hurt today. They met everyone in the sitting room a minute later, Richard was hosting this meeting.

"I'd like to introduce Jeremiah Smith of Smith, Smith and Smith. Given that he is the school's solicitor and is familiar with Tammy's situation I thought it pertinent to join forces with the school so he is representing St Andrews and The Smarts."

"Ah, Mr Smart, my colleague George Smith is representing the school today and is in fact meeting with the Head and Chair of the Governing Body at the moment."

"I stand corrected. Joan, your solicitor Kelly Masters will meet us there."

Joan nodded, but plainly knew this already.

Another person now arrived as Tanya Smith was delivered to the house by her mother, she joined Tammy.

"What's the procedure, Jeremiah?" Richard decided to ask the obvious questions on behalf of those who wouldn't.

"Firstly, as this is subject to Scottish law, the correct term for the inquest is a Fatal Accident Inquiry. The Sheriff will try to establish the cause of death, including George's state of mind and the circumstances leading up to it. Many of you will have been served with notices that require you to be there as you were involved in the hours or days before he died, that does not however mean that you'll be asked questions."

He paused. "This is a mandatory inquiry because there was a death in custody and it will naturally attract plenty of press interest. We'll request an order to restrict what can appear in the press on the grounds that there is a grieving family but I wouldn't hold much hope. This is, I must stress, a judicial inquiry and not a minor civil matter."

"Do you have any advice?"

"Plainly some of you will be asked to give evidence; you should tell the truth but don't say more than the questioner asks, remember too that you will be under oath. If the question is too vague, too sweeping, then I or my colleagues will intervene. Some evidence has been submitted in writing and I'll distribute sets for you to read before we leave here."

Coffee was brought in by Thomas whilst those who who had been handed the packs started to read.

"Jeremiah, I thought this was an inquest, not a trial?" Tammy had not been given one of the ribbon-bound packs.

"Ah, Miss Smart, we may need to defend our position. My apologies for leaving you out but in your case we need plausible deniability, the same goes for Miss Small."

Once everyone was ready, they made their way outside to the cars. The group set off at nine, Elsie's Range Rover was driven by her gamekeeper, Jonathon, with the Smalls for company. Richard drove the remaining girls plus Jeremiah Smith in his Land Rover, keen to minimise the number of vehicles necessary.

Both cars stopped close to the court on Bridge Street in Wick so the passengers could disembark, much to the amusement of the local press as all of the ladies were suitably frocked and both vehicles were flying flags of the Clan McPherson.

Jeremiah first identified a court usher and made certain a bank of seats were reserved before going to talk to some of the other legal representatives.

Tammy looked around the room and easily found the Highlands Police Officers. Included in that group were Chief Inspector Iain Davison, who had arrested George, PC Stuart St James who had searched and transported the prisoner to the police station, the police medical examiner Dr Hughes, and an officer Tammy didn't recognise. As was to be expected, that group was saying very little about their evidence and were seemingly discussing in-house gossip.

There were two other uniformed police officers who, stood apart from the local officers, were feeling the unfamiliar chill every time the street doors opened. Their identity cards established that they were from the Thames Valley Constabulary, North of London. Somewhat surprisingly she also saw Detective Inspector Kevin Edmunds talking softly with two unfamiliar ladies, however neither he nor his companions were wearing any form of identifying marks and seemed not to want to look towards Tammy, despite a clear line of sight.

Joan and Angela, meanwhile, has gone into a side room with their solicitor, Kelly Masters, meaning that Tammy was now alone in the crowded waiting area. She stood in the same place, not seeing a sensible alternative whilst she waited for her father to return from parking the car. It was abundantly clear to Tammy that none of the police present could talk to her and one apparently wouldn't even acknowledge her. Her own solicitor was stood some distance away talking to several people who were all similarly formally dressed so she assumed them to be legal representatives. Even Elsie had now vanished.

Over the far side of the room she could now see her nemesis, Yvonne. There was a tap on her shoulder.

Tammy spun around. "Oh, hello Harry."

"Tamara, my dear, I did have your Headmaster with me a moment ago." Harry Davison seemed to be in good humour.

"I'm behind you, Harry."

"Right, Steven. Tammy, where's you father?"

"He was parking the car, it's murder out there."

"I know, fortunately we pressed one of the minibuses into action and we've sent the driver back."

"Who's here?" Asked Tammy.

"Well, I am, I think." A few nearby politely giggled or laughed at the Governing Body Chairman's lame joke. "Then there's Steven, I mean the Head, and Reverend Franklin. I believe Elsie McPherson arrived with you and your father?"

As Tammy went to answer him there was an announcement from a court usher and finally, just before ten o'clock, they shuffled into the large wood panelled court room. Richard had caught up with his daughter in time and Jeremiah Smith appeared from somewhere.

When they had clear sight of the room they could see Elsie being seated by an usher in the second row. The Clan Smart took position next to the Clan McPherson, Tanya and the group from St Andrews School. Joan and Angela were sat in the row in front. Behind them were the various identifiable police officers and everyone else, including the counter terrorism officer and his companions, were in other seats some distance away from Tammy. It seemed that a large number of press were on the court's balcony, given the number of notepads and tablets Tammy could see resting on the rail.

She span around to face the front as there was a poke from her father. All now rose for the Sheriff as the court was called to order. He proceeded to outline the purpose of the inquiry and that the search for the truth was paramount. He then referred to the widow, Joan, and her daughter Angela, who sought answers. A snort was heard to the rear of the court.

The next two hours for Tammy, Tanya and Angela were dreary; one by one the Police Officers on duty at Thurso police station on the morning of fifteenth of December, seven weeks earlier, gave their evidence. Slowly it was explained why George Small was detained, who had authorised his detention, how often he was checked and finally how George Small was found and what procedures followed. Key evidence was the custody log which was examined meticulously. During this process Joan's solicitor was challenging the Procurator Fiscal who was advocate for the Police.

What transpired was that the death was avoidable; a shift change during a mealtime had managed to create enough confusion for a weapon to be fashioned and hidden. For that alone, the Police Service of Scotland was criticised. The legal arrangements of his detention were then closely examined; he had been arrested on the Friday night and was remanded in custody the following day pending information from Thames Valley Police in England. That information hadn't arrived until midday Monday, despite being sought on Friday night. Had the information have been seen earlier he might have been transferred to a remand unit at a prison rather than languishing in a police station cell, or even shipped south on the basis of the English warrant.

The officer who interviewed Joan on the tenth of December at Bletchley General Hospital then took the stand and explained the injuries Joan had suffered and that only Joan's estranged husband had been sought for the act. Officers had gone to George's sister's home, where he'd been staying, but he had already left there. The police officer continued, reporting that they had obtained a magistrates bench warrant for George's arrest in order to question him about the injuries Joan had sustained. Photos were shown to the court, Angela initially held her face in her hands then hugged her mother.

Chief Inspector Iain Brown took the stand next and detailed the attempts to locate George, when it was clear he was in Scotland. He reported there had been several sightings plus "two phone calls to Miss Smart." He continued, "after the second call we were able to identify the phone he was using and locate, broadly where he was, although his phone was dropping in and out of coverage."

"Although we had traced him to Inverness, close to the railway station, he did not arrive in Thurso by train as officers were there for each train arrival that day and he wasn't seen."

Iain fast-forwarded to the Friday night, twelfth of December. It was the opening night of West Side Story at the Mill Theatre in Thurso, although he had to first explain his alternate role at the theatre. He recounted how a gap in security opened as a result of unrelated incidents "there was an incident in the theatre lobby as well as a gentleman losing control of his vehicle on the ice. Two officers were required to transport a prisoner to the station before returning to their positions at the theatre." Harry coughed as soon he was aware he was one of those who was being referred to.

The court, at this point, rose for lunch. Tammy had no idea what had been planned but needn't have worried. Jonathon stopped in the road, directly outside the court, ready to collect Elsie, Tammy, Tanya, Joan and Angela. The ride wasn't far at all, just along Bridge Street, over the Wick River, then a left turn to the front entrance of the Mackays Hotel.

It was clear Elsie was known here as soon as they walked in and a private area had been established. Jonathon had already returned to the court to collect a few others.

Lunch was quiet, restrained, and no alcohol was on the tables. It seemed that a few others had the same idea about using the Mackays Hotel and the manager was quickly filling his restaurant. One of the groups Tammy recognised was DI Kevin Edmunds and his lady friends. Tammy did try to acknowledge DI Edmunds but he was plainly still not willing to be identified.

Shortly before they returned to the court, Tammy decided a visit to the ladies was appropriate. When she came out of the cubicle, one of of DI Edmund's friends was stood at the vanity.

"Hello Miss Smart, Kevin apologises but he's working and doesn't want to be identified."

"Right, more cloak and dagger stuff is it?" Tammy wasn't entirely certain she was safe.

"I couldn't possible say!" She laughed, "I happen to know you're planning to do a Business Studies degree but if you fancy some forensic accountancy experience during the summer, give me a call or drop me an email, here's my card." She walked out of the loo, leaving Tammy holding Heather Young's business card.

Tammy returned to the table slightly confused but put the card away after looking around at the lady's table - it was now deserted. Meanwhile Angela was being consoled.

"What did Kelly say, mum?"

"That she's probably going to have to mention Tim, and how Tim became Angela."

"Why?"

"Because the will is made out to Tim and not Angela."

Part Twenty Four   "An unaccounted offer"

 

 
Monday 2nd February Continued
 

The hearing resumed with Iain Brown back on the stand. He now gave details of George Small's arrest and the assault that proceeded it. The Procurator Fiscal queried why Tanya had been attacked.

"It is strongly believed to have been a case of mistaken identity, the actual target would have been Miss Tamara Smart." He produced a photo taken in the theatre as George had grabbed Tanya, whilst Tammy stood a few feet away.

"What is the basis of this belief?"

"Miss Smart was the subject of a campaign by Mr Small intended to frighten her, possibly more. We have a recording of his second call."

The Sheriff agreed that it was appropriate to hear the recording, made when George had called Tammy the second time, but few there were ready to hear his voice as he promised her 'appearance this evening will be memorable'.

The next person called was Headmaster Steven McIntosh. He was asked to explain why George had been suspended. The Head explained how complaints of bullying were being received as well as an apparent issue with diversity and non-discrimination. He was asked for specifics by the Procurator Fiscal.

"One of our students had been diagnosed as transgendered and this has prompted a re-evaluation of the school as a co-educational establishment."

"Can you name this student?"

"I would rather not given that she remains a student at St Andrews but she is in the court."

"I take it that the school is co-ed now?"

"Only in the sixth form."

"Why did this lead to Mr Small's suspension?"

"He was using lessons to attempt to create division within the school, which prompted complaints. We offered him training but he refused and also refused to refute anything that had been said."

There was a shout of "Rubbish" from the back of the court. The Sheriff looked up but let it go and the Head was prompted to continue.

"Then, on third of December he was suspended pending an disciplinary. There was, however, an incident before he left the school involving his son who was a student there."

"Was?"

"His son has attended St Andrews as a female student since late December, with the support of the management and the Governing Body."

There was a shout of "pervert" from the back of the court and this time the Sheriff would not let it go. He stated that any other interruption carried a risk of contempt.

"Is she in the court?"

"She is."

There was a muted noise from the back of the court as Steven McIntosh left the stand. The next one called was Joan Small.

Joan was asked about her relationship with George, and how that relationship broke down irretrievably. She was forced to mention Angela, explaining the part Tammy had played. She told the court about George's intent to sell the family home in Bletchley and why she had to travel to England to instruct a solicitor there. That led to George assaulting her, which she recounted slowly and painfully.

She continued by telling the court how Elsie and Richard had supported her when Joan had been at her lowest. She finally recounted her last sight of her deceased husband in the theatre leaping from a wheelchair to grab Tanya, who was an innocent party.

Tammy was fully expecting to be the next one called to give evidence but it seemed some negotiations were taking place, between the Procurator Fiscal, the Smith solicitors and Kelly Masters. Finally the Sheriff spoke.

"If there is any other relevant testimony then I would like to hear it now otherwise I will close these proceedings."

There was a shout from the back of the room.

"It's that boy's fault, he's the reason."

"Excuse me?" The Sheriff was unused to outbursts in such hearings.

"He told me he loved me."

The Sheriff instructed the court bailiffs to locate the woman concerned and bring her to the stand. As she came closer to the bend there was some recognition, he had sentenced Yvonne Stewart a few days earlier on the charge of conspiracy to bribe. Finally she was in the stand and he asked her to take the oath, choosing the King James bible.

The PF took over. "Now, Miss Stewart, could you repeat what you just said?"

"Yes, and I'm glad I can say it. George died because he was distraught. His world had fallen apart when his son was persuaded to parade around in heels and a frock and it was his fault." She pointed frantically at Tammy.

"Who?"

"Him!"

"Can I remind you that you're under oath?"

"That boy in the skirt."

The PF turned to the Sheriff and shrugged. They were about to remove her from the box when she spoke again.

"He told me he loved me. We sat and wrote a new will before I took him to the theatre. He loved me."

Tammy could sense that Joan was fuming but her solicitor gave quick instructions to Angela to stay with her mum and say nothing, before questioning Yvonne.

"Miss Stewart, you just said you had a will, but why was it not produced as soon as Mr Small died?"

"I couldn't find it."

"And it seems you have just told this inquiry, under oath, that you took George Small to the Theatre?"

"Yes."

"He was seen arriving at the theatre sat in a wheelchair, whose was it?"

"My late father's."

"Did you know he was going to attack someone?"

"I knew he wanted to ruin someone's night as payment for them ruining his life."

"You agreed with this?"

"It seemed reasonable, an eye for an eye."

"Were you aware he was on the run from England?"

"He said he had some trouble with his ex." She made 'ex' sound like 'axe'.

"Putting his wife in hospital is rather more than that."

"She was being coerced and manipulated by a frocked boy and his father while George's son was parading in skirts, embarrassing his father and ruining his reputation."

"Did George Small stay at your flat in Inverness on the eleventh of December last year?"

"Yes, and another place, I have."

"Where?"

She gave the address out, not seemingly caring what she was doing. In the row ahead, Tammy could see one of the officers typing into his phone.

"Do you have the will you mentioned?"

"Here."

She handed over a single sheet, which the solicitor passed to the Sheriff. Yvonne was then asked, nay encouraged, to stand down.

The Sheriff said he would consider this new evidence but would now reserve judgement. He also made an order restricting publication of the proceedings until after the inquiry report was available. That would protect anyone fingered by Yvonne's rant, thought Tammy.

A moment later the session was closed and everybody made for the exit.

Tammy, who was separated from everyone else, caught the eye of Detective Inspector Edmunds as they shuffled forward, and this time he winked at her. Outside something strange was happening, the police had blocked the road and were holding back the public as Chief Inspector Brown arrested Yvonne Stewart, in full view of the press.

She was quickly handcuffed and led to a waiting police van.

"Mr Smith, what was that about?" The Solicitor had caught up with Tammy.

"I'm not sure, the Sheriff did say that there was a secondary investigation that might delay publication of the Fatal Accident Inquiry report and that he'd only been informed of that other investigation this morning."

"Well, I know that Chief Inspector Iain Brown has been involved in an investigation for several weeks, as well as a few things I don't think I should say."

"If in doubt, young lady, say nothing."

Richard had now caught up and had Tanya with him.

"Where did you go?"

"I had a clear escape route, just like getting out of the school hall after assembly."

"Okay, but what went on out front?"

"Yvonne was just arrested, and it doesn't look like it was for a parking ticket."

"Oh. We'd best get back home before we start our own inquest on what's happened today."

Richard had left the car at the Mackay Hotel after lunch so the four of them had a short walk back over the Wick River Bridge before they could join the long queue of traffic heading out of the small Highland Town. Ahead of them, and out of sight, was Elsie's group including Joan and Angela.

"Tammy, I know you and that Yvonne didn't get on but why would the police have arrested her there?"

Tammy answered honestly, "I don't know." Given Jeremiah Smith's advice, and that he was currently sat alongside her father, Tammy said no more about the day's events.

Back at the McPherson house some forty minutes later the solicitor conducted a debrief but cautioned everyone not to speak to anyone, especially the press, as the proceedings were protected by law. He bade them a good day and prepared to departe. Tanya wanted to go into town and, as it was on his way, he offered to give her a ride.

That left the Smalls, Smarts and Elsie.

"Where do we start?" Richard posed the question.

"The inquest, first."

"Yes, Elsie. Let's see if I get this right; Police Service Scotland were criticised for breaching their own procedures. Thames Valley Police were found to have dragged their feet in supplying Scottish officers with key background information until it was too late. There was no criticism of the school, or any of us."

"That sounds fine."

"Now, what happens next? I'm sorry Joan but the Sheriff and the Procurator Fiscal's office will have to examine the alleged will, they have to. Even if it appears to have been prepared correctly it can still be challenged. Even though Yvonne was arrested we cannot say that the will was fraudulent or otherwise invalid."

"I understand, Kelly said she would get a copy as soon as possible so we can see it."

"Good, but please call your solicitor if you need advice as this is outside of mine and Elsie's area of experience."

"I will."

"Now, most of what Yvonne said was a rant but she did mention you, Angela, and you, Tammy, in particular. Well done to both of you for not getting provoked. Given the Sheriff's decision to restrict publication of the proceedings we can hopefully avoid the press naming you by your previous names. As it stands, the press have a much bigger story from the steps of the court and there are no restrictions as to what they can say about that, within reason of course."

Tammy excused herself so she could fetch her tablet from the bedroom, calling up the website of the Thurso Echo as she walked back down the stairs.

"There's something on the Echo's site, I'll read it."

Dramatic Arrest at Wick Sheriff's Court
Police arrested former Thurso schoolteacher Yvonne Stewart on the steps of Wick Sheriff's Court this afternoon. She had earlier spoken in the court during an Inquiry into the death of another teacher George Small. Sources suggest Miss Stewart is to be questioned by counter-terror officers.

"Counter-terrorism?"

"That's what it says here, guess who I saw in Wick?"

"Mickey mouse?"

"I deserved that, it was DI Kevin Edmunds."

"Met Police counter-terrorist squad."

"That's him. He had two ladies with him and one of them gave me a card while we were in the loo at the hotel."

She searched through her bag for the card.

"Here it is: Heather Young, Accountancy Services, Redruth in Cornwall."

"What did she want with you?"

"She knew my name, knew I was planning on doing Business Studies at Uni and offered me some accountancy experience with her this summer."

"And she was with DI Edmunds, is she genuine?"

"I can't see why not."

"Is there a mobile number on the card?"

"Yes."

"I'll call it, wait here."

Richard took the card into the study and dialled the number shown.

"Hello?"

"Is that Heather Young?"

"It is, I guess that's Richard Smart and Tammy gave you the card?"

"Yes, now how do you know us?"

"I'm afraid I can't say too much, especially not over the phone. Can you and Tammy come down to the Castletown this evening for dinner? Six thirty?"

"Who'll be there?"

"Myself and my partner and possibly Kevin but he's interviewing Yvonne Stewart right now with one of the local officers."

"Do you know why she was arrested?"

"Yes, but I.."

"... can't say!"

"That's right. We'll see you at six thirty?"

"Yes, see you there."

Richard walked back to the sitting room.

"Tammy and I have just been invited to dinner with this Heather Young and her partner. She knows what's going on and identified me on the phone so she's plainly much more than an accountant."

"Another spook?"

"Another one Tammy, how many do you know?" Joan was becoming concerned.

"I called DI Edmunds a spook when he first arrived in Thurso just after Christmas, although that was before he had explained his job. I'd accused him then of cloak and dagger stuff and did the same to this Heather. She didn't exactly deny it and didn't say she was a Police Officer either. So maybe she is a spook after all."

Angela looked confused. "Let me get this straight, you met a spy in the loo of a hotel in Wick today?"

"Yes, even if it doesn't sound very glamorous the way you said it."

"Tammy, Angela, stop the speculation as you'll likely make fools of yourselves. If this is a con we'll find out soon enough but don't get dragged in before we can prove it's a con. Otherwise, if it's genuine, no-one would want it spread around as it would negate the whole purpose and could damage much more than your reputations."

Tammy picked up her tablet and refreshed the page.

"There's more to the story, it now says that properties in Inverness are being searched and a further person has been arrested, who they're reporting is a journalist."

***

Richard decided that neither he nor his daughter would have any alcohol so he drove the Land Rover into Thurso, parking it in a side street close to the hotel.

Frances wasn't to be seen but one of the regular bar staff was the duty manager that evening.

"Mr Smart, Miss Smart, your friends have a table in the restaurant. Can I take your coats?"

No preliminaries in the bar then, thought Tammy? Richard had expected to find a male and a female but instead had his attention grabbed by one of two ladies sat away from other diners.

"Good evening, I'm Heather and this is my partner Sophie."

"As you will already know, I'm Richard and this of course is my daughter Tammy."

Richard and Tammy sat, the duty manager than supplied a menu to them, waiting to take drink and food orders. After a minute or two they were free to talk.

"I'm sure you have many questions, Richard, and we'll do our best to answer them but please don't think I'm being awkward or evasive if I can't give you a straight answer."

"Okay, are you both accountants?"

"I am but Sophie is a serving police officer on secondment to another agency and working with me."

"Are you a genuine accountant?"

"Oh yes, I qualified ten or so years ago and did my trade from a small office in North London."

"Under what name?"

"Sorry, but that's not one I can answer, but do not infer anything!"

The barman was approaching with drinks so again they paused.

"Now, how come you know about us, and what brings you to Thurso?"

"Ah, the easy questions? I was involved in a major investigation that had links up here and to your ex wife."

"The kidnap attempt?"

"Yes, but no-one else up here knows the connection and we'd like to keep is that way. Anyway, there was a development and Kevin felt he needed to come back here so he suggested we spent a few days in the town."

"It's a long way from Redruth."

"It is Tammy, but we live close to Newquay airport, with links to London, so the three of us flew into Wick and were picked up from there."

"Right, Heather, why are you telling us this?"

"I would like to offer Tammy work experience in an area of work that varies between very boring, very challenging and very rewarding. It's about finding clues in numbers to prove or disprove a theory."

"When and where?" Tammy was becoming interested.

"In Redruth and Central London mainly, how about July?"

"I finish school in June so that's fine, what's the weather like in Cornwall in the summer?"

"I don't know, we've not been there that long."

"Dad, remember you said I might be needed for Mum's trial? When was that?"

"August, you'll be back here by then, won't you?"

"I reckon so."

"Tammy, Richard, there's no set times here, it's whatever suits, but unless you spend a few weeks with us Tammy you won't get a flavour of the rewards."

"Okay, but can I have something in writing?"

"Sure we'll ask Jenny to sort that out. She'll send you the security forms too."

"Now I know it's genuine, if you start talking about clearance!"

"A sad but necessary evil, Richard, we arranged for your own clearance to be renewed before we came up here." Sophie spoke.

"My own?"

"You handled the investments on behalf of some government agencies about five years ago."

"I did, it was an overseas investment quango with millions to play with, is it still around?"

"It's been closed down as it served its' purpose but you had to be cleared for that. If you weren't cleared then we wouldn't be having this conversation."

"I guess so. Doesn't Tammy get clearance automatically because of me?"

"Not exactly, but close enough."

"What's going on with Yvonne?"

"We can't say, unfortunately, as no-one's been charged and we wouldn't want to compromise the investigation."

Sophie's phone pinged so she checked the message.

"Tara's flat's been compromised."

"What's happened?" Richard was alarmed.

"The intruder alarm has been activated, my colleagues will arrange to intercept Tara at Euston and take her somewhere safe. Please don't try to call her as her phone will be off."

"Richard, we'll arrange for a special phone to be delivered to your new house, do you have a safe?"

"Not yet."

"You'll need one and it has to be fitted with an anti-tamper alarm."

"I'll order one tonight, the alarm company can connect it when the system goes live on Friday."

"Could you ask them about alarming your study separately?

"It was already a consideration."

"Good, the phone should be with you by Friday."

Other diners were now sat uncomfortably close to the four of them so discussion turned to tourist sight. It wasn't long after that when their meals were brought to the table.

Richard had excused himself to use the loo when Heather spoke quietly to Tammy.

"Please be careful with this fashion show, I don't want you or your friends to be hurt, financially or physically."

"What do you mean?"

"Analyse the business data when you receive it."

"How do you know about that?"

"We just do. Analyse the data and look for something that doesn't make sense, then give me a call on the special phone."

Part Twenty Five   "Checks and Balances"

 
 
Tuesday 3rd February
 

Richard had clearly spoken to Elsie either late on Monday evening or early on Tuesday morning because the grounds staff were very active as Tammy waited for the school bus at eight thirty. One of the staff was no further than ten feet away the whole time, checking and rechecking, it seemed, the pointing in a stone wall.

The bus finally arrived a minute or two adrift of normal timings so she clambered aboard.

It seemed everyone knew that Tammy had been absent the previous day though not all connected this to the reason for the Head's or Angela's absences, only those who were aware of George Small's dislike and, eventually, hatred, of Tammy knew why she had to be at the inquest.

"I hope there will be no more absences, Miss Smart?"

"No Sir, I don't believe I have any planned."

"Good, keep it that way."

Business Studies was a double period leading up to lunchtime.

"Today we're looking at business failure and how to minimise the risk. Most of the risk is financial so we'll examine two sets of accounts for a startup at six and twelve months. Firstly though, let's look at the business plan to identify any likely failure issues, then we'll look at the financial data for the two dates."

Tammy was fully alert and started to analyse the sample business that the Master had given them.

The two hours seemed to fly past, Tammy finished the lesson seemingly with a better understanding of analytical methods although her fulfilment was dampened because Mr Carmichael had set homework that would mean spending a few more hours on the same subject later that day.

Tony Jenkins caught up with Tammy at lunchtime.

"Lori got an appointment to see that doctor."

"Jill?"

"That's her."

"Oh good, how soon?"

"Half-term. I convinced mum it would be better to stay up here than go down there, I can do revision peacefully here, instead of having Ryan making my life hell."

Given that the school catered for students whose parents were often out of the country or otherwise unavailable, half-term didn't apply here in the same way as most schools. Instead of a week off, lessons were only cancelled on the Monday for the lower school. Sixth formers did get the whole week but were normally expected to partake in revision and any whole-school activities.

The flipside to missing most of the three half-term breaks each year was an extra few weeks during summer break and a day or two early finish at Christmas, beating the rush.

"Is there any more news about Ryan?"

"No, but I need to talk to mum as soon as I've seen this shrink."

"Does she know about the shrink?"

"No."

"What about having an adult present? Your eighteenth isn't for a few more weeks?"

"Will she insist?"

"Knowing Jill she will, she can be a right pain at times."

Angela was looking a bit down and had been seen going to her mother's office twice during the morning. She cornered Tammy in the Ladies loo on their way from lunch.

"Why did she have to do that?"

"Yvonne?"

"Yeah, is she going to steal mum's money?"

"I doubt if she's legally entitled to, in any case the Sheriff can sort it out. Seeing how she's recently been convicted on a charge of bribery I doubt if that will hold her in good standing."

"True, but she's nasty."

"Don't I know it."

Tammy's phone pinged.

Phone call from doctor's receptionist, Procedure can be done at Wick Hospital on the 16th

Tammy's face showed mixed emotions.

"I've just been told I can have an orchi in half-term."

"Oh, if that good news?"

"If it helps get my hormones back to normal, then yes. I'm just a little concerned about going under the knife."

"I'm sure it'll be okay."

Angela seemed to bright up and even smiled once or twice in the afternoon during their shared maths lesson. She and John Hibbert had a study period for the last hour of the day.

"Tanya's getting tickets for the Valentines Ball."

"That's fine for the pair of you, but I'd need a partner and I'm not ready for that."

"Don't be a wuss, it's a night out!"

Tammy's phone pinged again.

Call me!

Tammy dialled the number.

"Hi Jill."

"We need to talk."

"We are, right now."

"Don't try to be clever, you are not having that surgery until you've seen me."

"Come on Jill, you know it needs to be done?"

"But is it being done for the right reasons?"

"As far as I'm concerned, it is."

"But I need to be certain. If you're not prepared to see me then I'll cancel the op."

"You can't do that, in any case I'll just go private."

"Nine o'clock tomorrow morning, or else."

"Bu...." The line had gone dead.

Tammy just sat there and started to cry, John moved over to give her a hug.

"I don't know what it is but I guess it's medical?"

"Yes."

"So why the argument?"

"My shrink don't let me have something done without talking to her, at least that's what she thinks."

"What is it?"

"Orchidectomy."

"What's that in English?"

"Removal of the testicles."

"Ouch, I forgot you had any, it is a bit final isn't it?"

"Yes, but it's to help sort out another issue and I don't want them anyway."

"Fair enough, when are you having it done?"

"Two weeks, oh bugger, if I have to go to that appointment in the morning then I should let the office know."

"Check the mirror first."

"I'll do that on the way."

Suitably refreshed and mirror-checked Tammy went to see Mrs Adams at the Secretary office.

"Oh, there's a message on the school's website and something was read out at the assembly yesterday morning about it."

"I wasn't here, I was with Steven, I mean the Head, at the inquest."

"Of course, any off-site appointments for a week or more ahead can come to me whether through form tutors or direct but for less than seven days notice you have to see Mrs Small."

"Right, but we both know how difficult that can be at times!"

"Apparently she can be seen during assembly and morning break for urgent cases."

"I best go to see her then."

Before Tammy could leave, Janet Adams beckoned her to close the office door and check that the connecting door into the conference room was also closed.

"You know about Julianne being arrested last Friday?"

Tammy nodded.

"Well, a Detective Franklin came back here yesterday lunchtime with a computer expert, he had a court order to look at Julianne's emails and the computer she used."

"I know Ben Franklin, his wife is the musical director at the theatre."

"Anyway, the Detective wanted to speak to a few people, not only about Julianne but also Yvonne Stewart."

"I saw both of them in town on Saturday night, I guessed a while back there was a connection but was told I was being silly, in fact hardly anyone believed me when I told them about Yvonne."

Tammy's eyes welled up so started looking in her bag for a packet of tissues but was having difficulty. Janet passed her a tissue.

Sniff. "Thanks. I don't know why I do that, but she was just nasty."

"Tammy dear, it's your hormones, but you are being proven right so take pleasure in that."

"I'll try."

"You'd best see if you can get to Joan's office before half the school wants to see her, the bell's in two minutes."

"Thanks."

***

After dinner Richard explained to Tammy what had been achieved so far that day.

"I don't know how but the phone and broadband are in and working."

"But that wasn't going to happen until tomorrow or Thursday?"

"Exactly, but it's done. I've asked the alarm firm if they can move up a day too."

"Sounds good."

"Yes, I called a firm in Dundee who do safes and they'll drive one up here tomorrow. I wasn't going to worry about one straight away as I could leave sensitive documents in the safe over here, but I'm wondering about this special phone Miss Young mentioned."

"Well, while you were in the loo she asked me to have a look at something and call her using that phone."

"What?"

"Dad, I'm not going to repeat myself."

"Okay, what did she ask you to look at?"

"The business plan and accounts for the fashion show, I've been promised them."

"How does this woman know about that?"

"I asked her, and didn't get a straight answer."

"We need to be careful."

"I know, but if she's a real spook why did she tell us what she did?"

"How much did she really tell us? What did we actually learn? She's good, you know."

"Yeah, how much did we tell her without intending to?"

"Exactly, be careful. Did she ask you for anything specific about these fashion show accounts?"

"No, just to look for something that doesn't make sense, as she put it. We were doing something like that in class today and I have homework on the same subject. Oh, Jill found out about the operation."

"Is that a problem?"

"Yes, she says she'll cancel unless I see her."

"That's a bit unfair."

"It's more than unfair."

"Look Tammy, that operating table is a one-way trip for your testes, there's no way she wants you to have secondary thoughts in the recovery room, or a year after."

"I guess, but couldn't it just be done?"

"Talk with her, when's the appointment?"

"Nine in the morning."

"Blimey, she must really want to see you."

"Yes, what time do I have to be at Wick Hospital on the sixteenth?"

"Eight, and nil by mouth from eight the night before."

"Lovely."

"The receptionist, Mrs Hoskins, said they'll do the premed the same time as your next appointment at the surgery, when's that?"

"Next Tuesday, the tenth, it's at three thirty so I don't miss any school."

"We need to have a shared diary, I'll sort something out."

"Okay."

 
Wednesday 4th February
 

"Come in Tammy."

"Hello Jill, I'm still not happy I have to be here."

"Please sit down, has anyone explained why it's necessary?"

"One or two, but it's my body - right?"

"So long as it's for the right reasons and is subject to the usual checks and balances?"

"It's not some mechanical part. Anyway, Dr Sutherland thought it would help my mood swings and reduce the testosterone in my system."

"Valid reasons but she shouldn't have just booked it plus she doesn't know you as well as I do."

"I'm the patient and I don't see there's a problem, it was a solution to a medical issue."

"Remember, there's no fallback position, this is not reversible."

"I know."

"What if, two years from now, you wanted to have children?"

"Womb transplant?"

"I see you're not going to listen."

"I am listening but I do not see why you are getting wound up about two small balls of tissue that I don't want and won't ever need."

"You're convinced?"

"Yes."

"Do you understand the finality of this?"

"Yes."

"Tammy, are you prepared to sign to say you understand?"

"Yes, yes, bloody yes!"

"I suppose if it reduces the testo in your system then I shouldn't stop you, should I?"

"Hmmmm."

"Ah, the moment I agree with you, you're lost for words."

"Jill, are we going to go through this every time I want something done?"

"After this, unless you want breast implants or cosmetic work done, there's only the GRS to go."

"Let me guess, that's not available through the NHS Choices website?"

"You're being facetious now, our time's up."

"So that's it?"

"Yes, if you want to look at it like that, that is it. There will be a release to sign on the day. Goodbye."

"Okay, bye."

Tammy walked out of the room and collapsed on the floor.

Part Twenty Six   "Queen Bitch"

 

 
Wednesday 4th February Continued
 

Tammy's eyes flickered in the artificial light as she tried to focus.

"Can you hear me Tamara?"

"Yes - my throat is dry."

A cup fitted with a drinking straw was held up to her lips so she could take a few sips. Tammy used this time to work out she was in a hospital room with a nurse and a doctor, possibly others.

"Is that better?"

"Y-Yes thank you. Where am I?"

"You're in a recovery room at the Raigmore."

"Inverness then?"

"Yes."

"What happened?"

You were found unconscious in the out patients department of the Dunbar, you were stabilised then flown here in the air ambulance."

"What was wrong?"

"We're still working on that but I had to remove your testes as they were inflamed due to sepsis."

"That saves me a hospital visit then."

"I saw that you were scheduled to have them removed, but a Dr Davison had added a note."

"I'd just come from seeing her, it's a good job you didn't take my blood pressure."

"We would have done, it's standard procedure,"

"How long do I have to be here?"

"We're keeping you overnight as we'll want to take more bloods, plus you had a general anaesthetic."

"Did you find anything else?"

"Such as?"

"A womb?"

"I'm afraid not."

"Oh well."

"Your father is on his way apparently, but there's roadworks on the Kessock Bridge so he might be a while."

"He'll fly."

"Not on that road."

"No, we own a helicopter firm, RS Helicopters, based at Wick."

***

Tammy must have drifted off to sleep as the room was empty when she next looked. There was a knock on the door, Richard and Joan had arrived.

"Hi guys."

"We were told you hadn't woken up."

"Depends when you asked, I've just woken up but I know I talked to a doctor earlier, the surgeon I think."

"How are you, Tammy?"

"Joan, I'm laying on a hospital bed, connected to machines that go 'ping' every so often, not to mention various liquid-filled tubes, with no memory of the past however many hours, and you ask me how I am?"

"Yes."

"I have no idea, best ask one of the qualified bods."

Richard took over. "We tried, but as you're over eighteen and apparently out of danger we have to ask you!"

"Right, as you know I had an appointment with Jill at nine this morning after Michael dropped me at the hospital, then I woke up here. I have no idea how much time has passed."

"It's nearly one o'clock."

"Thanks, where's lunch? Anyway they tell me my balls were inflamed with sepsis and I guess that probably caused me to black out."

"Any idea why?"

"No, not yet, Dad."

"How did the appointment with Jill go?"

"Not well, not well at all."

"Didn't she give you the okay?"

"Yes, but it's largely irrelevant now."

"So why are you still bitter?"

"It was her attitude."

"Do you want to see someone else?"

"I don't want to see anyone at all if possible."

"Now is not the time to sort this out, we need to find out what's gone wrong with your body."

"Yes, I suppose so. Did you bring any clothes?"

"I collected Joan from the school and she went through your room."

"Tammy, I've packed two nighties, several changes of underwear and an outfit for you to leave in. That bag is in the car, along with your handbag which you left in Dr Davison's room apparently. Have they said how long you're staying?"

"Overnight, but beyond that I don't know."

The door opened, a nurse and a porter walked in.

"We've come to take Miss Smart to the ward but it says male surgical."

"Typical! Doctor Sutherland said she'd fixed that anomaly."

"But the notes say Orchitis/Orchidectomy - oh. I'll be back in a minute."

Tammy started to laugh. "Can I expect this often?"

***

She was eventually moved to a side room on the female surgical ward after phone calls were made, it appeared that the name of Professor Roberts was key to getting the NHS database fixed. Richard and Joan went to find lunch as soon as Tammy's destination was confirmed. Tammy must have dozed as the room wasn't empty when she awoke.

"I'm Dr Wright."

"Hello."

"I'd like to bring you up to date about what we're doing."

"Fine, fixing the NHS database would be high on my list."

"I'm told that's being done at the moment."

"I'll believe it next time I have a flawless interaction with a hospital or doctor's surgery."

"That is near impossible with or without issues with the patient database."

"Perhaps." Tammy was warming up to this Doctor.

"Now, do you understand why you were brought in?"

"Infected balls?"

"Crude, but correct. Have you been feeling tired and run down?"

"Yes, I haven't been on top form for ages."

"It looks like you've been carrying an infection, anyway it seems to have attacked your testes."

"Correct me here, my blood results suggested I was going through a late puberty?"

"Something was going on, and it's true your body saw an increase in testosterone, but the testes were dying. The only problem was that they were taking you down with them."

"Hence I blacked out?"

"You went into shock, good job you were in a hospital; that Dr Davison saved your life."

"Oh."

"What is it?"

"I'd just had an awful appointment with her."

"Get over it, she's a doctor and she did what she's trained to do, even if the two of you couldn't agree. What was the argument over?"

"Whether she was going to let me have an orchidectomy!"

"Oh, I see your point!"

"I'll have to deal with that another time, what did you do?"

"We removed your testes, and pumped a gallon of antibiotics into you."

"Hence the IV?"

"Yes."

"How long am I going to be here?"

"We need to see that the infection is under control but you're still weak and it'll take some time. I wouldn't book anything for the next few days."

"We're moving home on Saturday plus I'm rehearsing at the theatre."

"You've had your theatre appearance for the week, young lady, what play is it?"

"Macbeth."

"And you're?"

"Lady Macbeth."

"I'm sure a week won't matter."

"I'll let them know, where's my phone?"

"I'll ask a nurse to help you as your possessions could be anywhere."

"Sure, could this infection have messed with my brain?"

"Why?"

"I think I've been a right queen bitch recently."

"And they thought you were male?"

"Yeah."

Dr Wright went to the door and opened it, but she was stopped from leaving the room as Richard and Joan returned, this time her dad was carrying two bags.

"Hello?"

"I'm Tammy's father and this lady is from her school."

"Dad!"

"Okay, this lady is going to be my wife."

"Fine, so long as you're not here to take advantage of a sickly defenceless girl?"

"My daughter Defenceless? I'd beware her tongue if I were you!"

"Dad!"

"Is that her handbag or your own?"

"Ouch, it's Tammy's, and we have some clothes."

"She's not leaving yet."

"A clean nightie and knickers for starters."

"I'll call a nurse, she'll have padding down below."

The Doctor now left whilst Joan unpacked the bag and handed Tammy her phone, and a hairbrush."

"Thanks, mum."

That earned her a kiss.

"Be careful, I'm infected."

Tammy remembered that she would have turned her phone off before going into the Dunbar that morning, as was her normal practice, so her phone was off. It was a minute before she could use it therefore, hurriedly silencing the phone as messages flooded in. Before she could deal with any of them a nurse arrived.

"Good afternoon, I'm Kate."

"Hi Kate, I'm Tammy and these are my parents."

"Okay, parents, please leave the room, I need to check your daughter's dressings."

"I have a clean nightie and undies in the locker."

"Okay, but out, out!"

"Damn spot."

"Eh? Oh, Macbeth. Come on, what is everyone waiting for?"

Richard and Joan were shooed out of the door before the bed covers were pulled back.

***

One of the first messages Tammy sent was to Jill Davison, thanking her for whatever she had done after Tammy's collapse. A bunch of flowers would be sent as soon as Tammy could organise it. It wasn't long before her phone showed signs of dead-battery syndrome. No-one had mentioned a charger. She sent one last message.

Dad, flowers to Jill please and phone charger for me

With that last gasp, Tammy's contact with the outside world ceased. She dozed until dinner was delivered, then dozed more.

 
Thursday 5th February
 

Tammy could only imagine the conversations her father had enjoyed with the hospital management as he asked to borrow the helicopter pad to make a delivery just before eight in the morning.

"What would you like to deliver?"
 
"A phone charger for my daughter."
 
"By helicopter?"
 
"It's quicker than using the car."
 
"We need that pad for the air ambulance."
 
"It only needs to be on the ground long enough to hand over a package."

The nurse that delivered the phone charger didn't know what to think as she plugged it in the wall.

"How did you manage that?"

"My Dad did, he and I own the firm."

Tammy switched the phone on, quickly tapping a response to her Dad, confirming receipt.

"Put that down, I'm here to change your dressings and take some blood."

"Great, vampire time."

"No needle needed, I'll just use the cannula."

"It's just a saying."

"And I've heard it a few thousand times."

"Bit lame, then?"

"Yeah."

***

She managed to get a copy of the Scotsman which included an interesting headline:

Schoolteacher charged in Terror Plot
 
Police yesterday charged former schoolteacher Yvonne Stewart with offences related to the
Christmas bombing campaign against the air traffic control systems. Without giving away
many details it is understood that Miss Stewart harboured a number of the terrorists prior
to their arrest. She is believed to have been taken to a central London Police Station in
what is an unusual move.
 
A journalist, Sharon Pike, initially arrested under terrorism laws has since been re-arrested
and charged with offences under data protection legislation and is being questioned at Thurso
police station. She was formerly editor of the Thurso Echo.

Tammy recalled her father had dealt with a journalist several months earlier, she'd have to check this with him. What was going on with Yvonne?

She had no family or friend visitors during the day but several bunches of flowers were delivered and Tammy was now able to keep in touch with everybody. She'd asked her father about Sharon Pike but he'd simply asked her to leave it until she was back home.

Dr Wright did see her during the afternoon and seemed pleased with how Tammy was reacting to the antibiotics.

"Can I take my pill? I've found a strip in my bag but I'm unsure."

"I think you can, but no point in taking blockers now."

"I guess not! When go I leave here?"

"You can go home in the morning."

"Thanks, I'll make transport arrangements."

"There's heavy snow forecast."

"I'll ask for a helicopter then."

"Was that you this morning?"

"The chopper, yes."

"For a phone charger?"

"Sure, essential equipment."

"It used to be an urgent request for a wordsearch or crossword book and a biro; the hospital shop sells both."

"Perhaps they should stock phone chargers too?"

"They probably do, did you ask?"

"I didn't even know there was a shop."

"Hadn't you been to the Raigmore before?"

Tammy shook her head.

"I have normal, and abnormal, appointments at the Dunbar plus I went to Wick once for a CT scan, but I've never been here before."

"Well, next time ask."

"The only time I hope to be in hospital again is for my GRS, and I don't know if you do it here?"

"I'm not sure, you might need to go to Glasgow."

"My consultant is at the Royal Infirmary.

"So it's likely they'll do the work there. I have to see someone else now, I'll be back tomorrow to discharge you."

 
Friday 6th February
 

Richard had apologised to Tammy that he couldn't collect her but said he would make alternative arrangements.

"Come on young lady, I've left Jonathon parked right outside the main entrance."

"Good morning Elsie, I'm waiting for clearance to go."

"Poppycock, get yourself sorted whilst I find a member of staff with the balls to discharge you."

Tammy did as asked, after she recovered from a fit of the giggles. She was dressed when Dr Wright appeared, accompanied by Elsie.

"Do you know this lady, Tammy?"

"The Lady Elsie McPherson, head of the Clan McPherson? No, never seen her before!"

Elsie coughed. "That's enough cheek Miss Smart if you'd like a lift home. I'm told the walk is quite invigorating at this time of the year."

The doctor laughed, "I have your discharge paperwork here, including a prescription for two weeks of antibiotics, please use the pharmacy downstairs as your local chemist may not stock this strength. Make an appointment to see your GP in a week's time."

"Okay, and thank you."

"I can be certain that you won't be back here for the same operation a second time."

"Correct, or I'd be making medical history?"

***

The ride back to Thurso was uneventful, especially for Tammy as she dozed off for much of the journey. Contrary to her wishes she was packed off to bed as soon as they arrived, although a bowl of hot scotch broth followed swiftly.

"You can come down for dinner, but not before."

"I need a shower."

"Is that sensible?"

"I'm not light-headed, well not too much."

"I'll ask Leanne to help you."

Elsie left before Tammy could object.

"Welcome back Miss, Madam McPherson says you need some help."

"I can cope."

"But Mrs McPherson was insistent, Miss, I have to help you in the shower."

"I do need one."

"I'll get the water started. Leave your underwear on if you wish, Miss."

That didn't last long, Tammy needed to wash everywhere, including her groin where the dressing was effectively a pantyliner. Leanne was waiting outside the cubicle with a large towel to wrap around Tammy and a smaller one to dry her hair. Before long Tammy was sat in a clean nightie whilst Leanne dried her hair before putting it up.

"Thank you Leanne, I feel silly not doing this for myself."

"It's no trouble Miss."

Tammy fell asleep after taking an antibiotic and was woken close to dinner time, but Elsie decided Tammy should eat in her room. Her father came to see her around seven.

"I'm sorry I haven't been here."

"That's alright, I know you've been busy at the house."

"Yes, we have just got the alarms working and the last of the furniture has arrived."

"I'll come over in the morning then."

"No, you will not. You're staying here until you're fit to work, otherwise you would just be in the way, young lady."

"But, but, b..."

"No, this is for your benefit, get yourself well and then you can help. Until then you will stay here, Leanne will also stay to look after you."

Tammy wasn't impressed, but had lost this fight.

Part Twenty Seven   "Leanne & Julie"

 
 
Sunday 8th February
 

Tammy had to take one of the antibiotic pills every six hours according to the printed label, which meant she was seeing Leanne many many times a day over the weekend. Tammy told everyone she could take the pills by herself but often had to be reminded whether it was day or night as she was prone to becoming confused every so often.

The weekend seemed to drag at times, but flew past at other times. Tammy now had access to her tablet and laptop but remained sleepy throughout the day so was checking social media and the news sporadically. Her room was also now looking like a florists.

To make up a little for her lack of mobility, Tammy was sent a link to the new security system at Dunbankin, accessed through a webpage using two levels of security. This enabled her to see what was going on out the front and just inside the front-door, but access to the yard and inside cameras were blocked, a temporary fault her father had explained. She left this running on her laptop whilst using her tablet for browsing, between naps.

She'd been allowed down to dinner on Saturday night when all the Smarts, Smalls and McPhersons available were present. Elsie proposed a toast to 'new beginnings' but Tammy wasn't allowed anywhere near the red wine. Angela was worried that she might catch the infection despite being told she was safe from harm. Promises were made after dinner to relay news from the school but Tammy retired before Angela had even started her tales.

The next time she ventured out of her room was Sunday lunchtime, after accepting help from Leanne with her shower. Only Elsie was otherwise left in the house. They used the tiny breakfast room.

"I feel so useless Elsie."

"Don't, don't even think like that. You couldn't help it and even the doctors don't know how long you've had the infection. It does explain a few things, doesn't it?"

"Yes."

"So, lay back and relax."

"I don't like to impose on anyone, and does Leanne ever get time off?"

"She does, but she volunteered to help look after you."

"I thought she was moving over to Dunbankin?"

"She will, but her accommodation won't be ready before Tuesday or Wednesday and I reckon you'll be here until then as well, then she'll take some time off. In the meantime, her sister Julie is helping with the domestic duties but isn't cooking in the evening until Leanne's there."

"So we'll eat together here tonight?"

"Yes, hopefully the boys will have put the road through by tomorrow so any driving or walking is off the highway."

"A cut-through between the properties?"

"Yes, seeing as they adjoin it made sense. A phone link will run alongside the new road so we won't use up an outside line calling each-other."

"That makes sense." Tammy yawned.

"Back up you go, have a nap and maybe you could have a swim?"

"That would be nice."

"I'll let Leanne know."

***

Tammy made it down to the basement pool around four and was surprised to see Leanne in a swimsuit.

"Madam suggested that you might need help in the water so I was told to enjoy the pool too."

"Well, enjoy!" Tammy stepped into the pool, not initially having enough energy to jump or dive. What was evident though was that Tammy needed to loosen up as her muscles were tight. After half an hour, however, she was ready to get out having bounced a ball around the pool with Leanne.

"Step under the shower Miss, it will be easier here, I brought your shampoo and body wash with me."

Tammy did as asked and shed her swimsuit as she had done many times before. What surprised her was to see Leanne removing her own suit and waiting to use the single shower rose whilst Tammy showered.

To help speed things along, Leanne offered to wash Tammy's hair and make certain all the shampoo was rinsed out before holding a towel open for her. Leanne quickly showered herself and wrapped another towel around her own body.

"Let's get you upstairs, Miss."

Once Tammy had reached her own room, Leanne laid out clean knickers and nightie before going off to her quarters. She was back, dressed, before Tammy had finished drying her hair.

"Did you want to lay on your bed, Miss?"

"Yes, if I get in I might be too comfortable and fall asleep."

Leanne handed her a gown before leaving Tammy's room. Despite best intentions Tammy dozed until near six when the phone rang.

"How are you, petal?"

"Better, Dad, I had a swim earlier."

"I hope you weren't down there on your own?"

"No, Leanne came in the pool with me. Are you downstairs?"

"No, over at Dunbankin testing the telephone connection, we'll be over shortly for dinner."

"Okay, I'll be down."

"Joan's found something interesting for you."

"Thanks."

***

The 'something interesting' was a mild understatement.

"Have you used the place?"

"Yes, Joan, after the first rehearsal for Macbeth, a group of us went there including Angela, Tanya, John and some of the others."

"Did anyone report being ill?"

"No."

"What did you all have?"

"Most had chicken or cheese, I had tuna mayo, oh shit."

"We need to find out what was in that tuna, one of us can contact Health Protection Scotland tomorrow and let them know where to find your blood tests."

"Sure, but why me, and why my gonads?"

"Some interaction with the blockers, perhaps? I am guessing, by the way, as I have no real idea."

Angela obviously heard the comment about blockers and asked if she should stop taking them.

"Not without talking to a doctor. Get a blood test if you're unsure."

 
Monday 9th February
 

Tammy swam again after breakfast with Leanne and seemed to have more stamina. She'd also been trusted to take her overnight pills without the chambermaid's reminders.

"Will you be getting dressed today, Miss?"

Tammy was drying her hair. "I'm not sure, I might have a nap now."

"Very good, Miss, I'll inform Madam McPherson."

Tammy first pottered around social media before realising that most of her friends would be in school or college. By ten thirty she was yawning uncontrollably so put the technology down and dozed off.

She awoke nearly two hours later somewhat refreshed and feeling that she had some zest. Tammy walked down to the sitting room, finding it empty, but nearly walked into Thomas on the way out.

"Good morning Miss, Madam McPherson is in town at the moment."

"Thank you, could I have a coffee and the Scotsman please?"

"I'll fetch them."

So she was, effectively, alone in this great house. A minute later she was scanning the newspaper for any relevant articles:

So, no connection to Yvonne? Was she just supplying tittle-tattle? Some of the parents of St Andrews students were military or diplomatic officers, others were in international business, others were just wealthy; they needed to be given the scale of the school fees. These parents were potentially rich pickings for the gossip mags and some of the European scandalsheets didn't worry about printing such trivia as the names and locations of kids in order to target the parents.

She was in it for the money, as was the kid in the pharmacy - the weak link in the medical supply chain.

Tammy went back to her room for a wee, finding the phone ringing.

"What are you doing for lunch?"

"I don't know."

"Well, get dressed and I'll be over shortly to pick you up."

"Okay, Dad."

***

The first surprise was seeing a pair of golf carts by the stables.

"You can use these between the house here and Dunbankin, even if you're on your own."

"Great."

"Get behind the wheel and see how it goes, but check it's not plugged into a charging socket first."

Richard had deliberately hooked this one up to the supply so Tammy could see how to remove the heavy duty connector. She moved away, unsure of the fierce acceleration, her father laughed.

"It gets me as well, or at least it used to."

The route was down the left side of the house towards the summerhouse then a left turn onto a new gravel path that came out behind the barn, two charging points were fitted into a side wall under a canopy.

"You said you were improving the electrical supply to the barn but never mentioned this!"

"I know, I have to keep one or two surprises, don't I?"

"Are these connected to the solar panels?"

"Yes, the panels will charge heavy duty batteries which, in turn, will charge the carts."

"So low running costs?"

"Yes, come inside."

They stepped in through the former scullery where coats and outdoor footwear would now be left to dry before walking through into the house. Tammy was amazed at the difference but insisted on checking the kitchen early on.

"Hi Tammy."

"Hi Julie."

"You look a little different from when I first met you at that hen party."

"Oh, a little older and a little wiser!"

"I've been hearing all sorts of stories about you from Cathy."

"Lies, all lies!"

Richard coughed, "come on Tammy."

"Wait dad, Julie, what's for lunch?"

"How about a tuna mayo jacket?"

"I'd rather not, I'm sure Dad'll explain."

"Okay, will a mushroom omelette do?"

"Perfect."

"There are some fresh rolls in the Aga."

"Home-made?"

"Of course, now out of my kitchen!"

Richard was not impressed as they walked towards the study.

"She's staff, not family."

"Dad, I've known her socially and through Elsie's family so it kind of destroys that idea, plus I've seen her sister Leanne naked now."

"When?"

"This morning after we swam. That changes things doesn't it?"

"I suppose so."

"Look, whilst Elsie has always worked in a formal way I'd rather we were kinder to the staff, even if that means Julie telling me off sometimes."

"I'll talk to Joan, but I know Angela is having trouble adjusting to having staff available."

They walked to the study door and Richard punched in a code to release the door. He closed the door again.

"Now you try, the code is 82669, can you guess why?"

It took her a minute. "Isn't that a risk?"

"We'll change it every month. Open the door."

In the study Tammy could first see a leather-topped desk, on top of it were Richard's laptop and a phone.

"Isn't that the desk from the Enfield house?"

"Yes, I couldn't resist it."

There was a matching chair, Tammy sank into it.

"How old is this?"

"Forty or fifty years old, it belonged to your grandfather."

Elsewhere in the room was an atypical filing cabinet, an all-in-one printer/fax/scanner and the new safe.

"Where's this special phone?"

"Due here after lunch, I suggested putting it back so you could be shown how to use it at the same time."

"Just the two of us?"

"Yes, but we need to ask some questions."

The phone rang, Tammy hesitated then picked it up.

"Lunch is served."

***

Tammy was feeling beat and said she wanted to go to her room. She'd had a hand in choosing the furniture and fabrics but was still impressed. "It's beautiful!"

On a small desk sat her laptop, tablet and her own printer, Leanne was putting Tammy's clothes into the wardrobes.

"I won't be a moment, Miss."

"leanne, please stop that now!"

"I'm sorry, Miss, I'll come back later."

"No, no, I didn't mean it that way. Please call me Tammy and drop the Miss-this and Miss-that when we're in this house, we're not at the McPherson's now."

"Yes, Miss, er, Tammy."

"That's better. Check with your sister if you need guidance as she's already thrown me out of the kitchen this morning."

"She told me." Leanne giggled.

The en suite was compact and appeared to have been formerly a storeroom that previously opened onto the landing. Nevertheless there was sufficient space for the usual items. It had been fitted out as a wet room so there wasn't a door as such on the shower.

"I need to go back to collect the rest of your things, it will be all finished by teatime."

"Thank you Leanne." Tammy walked over and kissed her, Leanne smiled and left the room as Tammy blushed profusely. Strangely, she was no longer tired.

***

The tour finished in the lounge where Julie served them coffee.

"Richard, I've prepared dinner and put it in the slow oven, someone just needs to cook the vegetables."

"Thanks Julie, are you off?"

"Yes, I'll be back tomorrow morning again as Leanne's now taking a few days off, when's her flat going to be ready?"

"It should be finished tomorrow."

"I know she'll love it."

There was a bell at the front door, Julie went to open it.

"Hello, is Mr Smart here?"

"Yes, who shall I say is calling?"

"I'm Jimmy Ruddle, Security Service Security Directorate."

"Security what, oh never mind, please come in."

"I'll fetch some equipment from my car first."

Jimmy was back two minutes later laden with a bag and a non-descript box. He asked if they could go into the study and closed the door behind them.

"Right, I'm Jimmy Ruddle and I'm here to install your secure phone. How much have you been told?"

Richard first, "not too much and I'm not really clear on why we need it, although my daughter knows a little more."

"Heather Young told me over dinner that she'd like me to call her on it."

"She told me that she also asked you if want to do work experience in Cornwall, it's a lovely cottage by the way."

"You've been there?"

"Twice. Now, the first thing I need to do is to sweep the premises."

"Do you need anything?"

"Coffee, white with one sugar."

"Tammy?"

"What Dad?"

"The staff have gone for the day, go make Mr Ruddle a coffee."

"Yes, Dad."

***

Tammy hadn't expected a two hour training session on how to use a phone, after the security guy had spent an hour checking around the house and outbuildings.

"What are you looking for?" Asked Tammy, suspecting James Bond's 'Q' would appear at any time.

"Bugs, to put it mildly. You've just bought the house and had no control over the premises until two weeks ago, or so. Without a working alarm system even that two weeks would allow many opportunities for something to be installed."

"But I'm at school, so's Angela, Dad is a retired banker and mum's working at our school. Why would anyone bug us?"

"Let's see, apart from being attacked by terrorists you have recently had dinner with a Security Service employee who would like to talk to you from time to time, do you think that's about knitting or TV soap operas?"

"No."

"Neither would any of the nasty people in this world, they'll see that you have access to some interesting people and that makes you a target. A little common sense will deal with many threats but you can't even rely on phone calls being secure, hence this phone."

"Is it GCHQ and NSA approved?"

"Yes."

"I was joking."

"I wasn't."

Part Twenty Eight   "Catching up"

 

 
Tuesday 10th February
 

"Good afternoon Tammy."

"Hello Doctor."

"Please, call me Adi. How are you?"

"Getting better, I have more energy now."

"Do not over-work yourself, this was a very serious infection and you will take some time to recover."

"Why wasn't it picked up before?"

"Apart from being tired you weren't exhibiting any symptoms. I've reviewed your last results but a specific test for infection was not requested, but naturally I've been told to include a request for culturing with this batch, let's have your arm."

Once that was done Tammy was weighed, had her BP taken and finally was asked to get onto the bed.

"I need to check the stitches."

"Do I need to say if I've been swimming?"

"Yes."

"Okay, I've been swimming."

"Pool or the sea?"

"Private pool."

"Good, the sea's not pleasant or safe this time of the year. So long as the pool is treated correctly that shouldn't be a problem, did you notice any swelling?"

"No, but I don't tend to look down there."

"I do, drop your knickers."

Adi was happy that everything was healing and made notes whilst Tammy made herself decent.

"I'll be pleased to get everything else sorted."

"I'm sure you know the rules, Tammy."

"I know, one full year, then several shrinks to say I'm sane."

"If sanity came into it then you wouldn't stand a chance."

"Thanks, not!"

"Look, you've got most things under control and your hormones should hopefully settle back down soon. I want to see you for weekly checks on a Tuesday afternoon until we have proof it's stable."

"Sure. We moved at the weekend, by the way."

"You didn't do any work, did you?"

"No, I was in bed."

"Good. How much are you sleeping in the day?"

"An hour or two each morning and afternoon but it's reducing."

"I'll sign you off school until you go back after half-term."

"What about everything else?"

"Like?"

"Theatre rehearsal on Saturday, Valentines Ball, helping move Sarah's shop from Monday, I'm sure I've missed something."

"I should say 'no' to everything but I know you'll ignore me so let's be sensible; one thing a day only, choose if it's morning or afternoon or evening but only once a day, and if you're tired scrub everything. Understand?"

"Yes, Adi."

"Good, go home and have a rest as this appointment counts as your sole activity today."

“Just one more thing?”

“Yes?”

“What happened to the bits the surgeon removed?”

“Probably gone to the lab, if they weren’t destroyed. Why?”

“Just curious.”

“We’ve overrun, go home!”

***

After dealing with several outstanding emails Tammy had spent most of that morning notifying everyone their new address. This was the third time in four months she'd changed her online shopping delivery address for some websites so knew her way around. Once Angela was back from school she was reminded to make similar changes, although her limited online existence meant that she would have fewer sites to update than Tammy.

Angela's arrival home, courtesy of mum, had also brought homework and a snotty note from her business studies tutor complaining of broken promises.

That evening, after dinner, she let herself into the study and dialled a number on the official phone.

"Hi Heather?"

"It's Sophie, Heather's in the kitchen loading the washing machine."

"A glamorous job, I guess?"

"Handling someone else's underwear is not glamorous young lady. I guess Jimmy has been to see you?"

"Yes, he was here for several hours yesterday."

"Right, Heather's here."

"Okay, bye Sophie."

"Hello Tammy, what do you have for me?"

"I've been through the fashion show documents and, as you suggested, something isn't right."

"Give me an overview."

"On one of the documents, Penny Lane is written as Penelopa Lanovska."

"That's not a crime, you can't base an investigation on one strange-sounding name."

"Okay, the economics for the show don't make sense. There's plenty of money going in, much more than is needed, and then is being explained as contingencies."

"How much?"

"A mil."

"How much would you estimate the show should really cost?"

"Without considering any discounting it's twenty to twenty five thou."

"Is that everything?"

"Yes, logistics, advertising, location, necessary staff including models, ancillaries and bribes."

"Bribes?"

"Sorry, petty cash for local problem solving."

"Oh, bribes."

"Yes."

"Where did you find that?"

"Under the marquee hire."

"What's the problem with that?"

"Have you ever tried to put a tent up in a storm?"

"Can't say I have."

"Well, the prevailing wind up here during the winter is twenty to thirty miles per hour with gusts at sixty plus, you do not put a marquee up during the winter or early spring! If the wind caught a tent it would end up in Norway!"

"What's the stated value of the marquee?"

"Six thousand, on top of the other costs."

"Okay, well spotted, what else is there?"

"No insurance policy for the event, but £950,000 set aside as an insurance fund."

"That sounds like someone daren't risk applying for a policy."

"Yes. There's a few things on the inventory I don't understand though?"

"Like what?"

"Dosimeters, a dozen of them, whatever they are."

"Interesting, anything else?"

"Yes, severe overmanning."

"Too many models?"

"No, about a dozen staff who aren't needed."

"And a dozen dosimeters? What local sources of radiation do you know?"

"Radiation? I thought we were talking about a fashion show?"

"We are, any radiation sources near Thurso?"

"Well Dounreay is just past Scrabster, but that's not operational and is being decommissioned, there's even a visitors' centre."

"Dounreay is well documented too, anything else?"

"Not that I know of."

"Okay, thanks for what you've done so far but can you send me those documents?"

"By email?"

"No, nothing like this is to go to the email address on my business card. Do you have your laptop available?"

"It's here."

"Go to this website." Heather read out the site's address. "You'll need a login and a password, write these down but you need to keep them in the safe."

Tammy logged into the website which simply asked her to upload any documents, which she did.

"All done. Oh, hang on."

"What is it?"

"It's an email from Penelope Lane, I was sent the wrong data, I'm to delete it and wait for the correct set."

"Do as she asks then, assuming it's all uploaded?"

"Yes, the last one has finished."

"Good, when you received the new set of data, upload that as well."

"Will do."

"Well done Tammy, we'll speak in a few days."

"Okay Heather, what can I say to Sarah about this?"

"Say nothing, I have a feeling things will sort themselves out. You might like to look for a new venue for the show, however, I have a feeling the Golf Club's going to need repairs to the roof."

"How would you .... never mind."

"Good girl, question everything but say nothing."

"I've got to go, bye."

"Bye, and don't forget to take the encryption card out of the phone and lock it up in the safe."

"Okay, bye."

"Goodnight Tammy."

Tammy returned her laptop to her room after ensuring everything was secured away, before going to see the others.

"Dad, mum, what do I do about the Ball?"

Richard and Joan were sat in the lounge, the telly was playing to itself in a corner and a fire was blazing in the hearth. Tammy knew which of the two vistas was the preferred one.

"Tammy dear, you know what Dr Sutherland said to you?"

"Yes, so I either let down the theatre so I can enjoy myself, with no guarantee that I'll still be awake at eight in the evening regardless, or go to the theatre and forget the evening."

"I think you just made your own decision."

"It's not as if I'll get a Valentines card either, is it, let alone a date?"

"That's a very negative attitude, young lady. I know I have to tell my own daughter to think positive but I never thought I would need to tell you?"

"But mum ..."

"It's true, you are normally a positive person."

"I just don't feel very positive right now. I'm going to bed."

"Okay, goodnight."

 
Friday 13th February
 

The tail end of the week had left Tammy tiring as she attempted more activities but she wasn't dozing during the day as much as before. Leanne had moved into her new flat on Wednesday and resumed her duties the following morning, although her duties seemed to include making a fuss of Tammy.

"It's okay Leanne, really, I don't need another coffee."

"It would be no trouble."

"Thanks, but I think I'll go over to see Elsie."

"Will you be back for lunch?"

"I have no idea."

It had been cruel of Tammy, she knew, to walk out like that, but she didn't want to be virtually bottle-fed, even if she had been sat in a onesie at the time. Driving one of the golf carts in a onesie was not a good idea so she'd abandoned that idea very quickly.

So, on Friday, she was stir-crazy and wanted to go into town, but had no transport. She contemplated calling for a taxi to collect her but didn't have any spare cash for the fare. She picked up the phone.

"Elsie, can I come over?"

"Anytime dear, but I'm just going out."

"Oh, anywhere nice?"

"Just into town for lunch, did you want to come along?"

"Could I?"

"I'll have Jonathon pick you up on the way, ten minutes."

"Thanks Elsie."

Tammy was rushed, she hadn't worn any serious makeup for over a weekand her hair really needed a tidy. She put a strip of the antibiotics pills in her bag and headed for the front door.

"I'm going into town, don't do me any lunch!" She said to no-one as she left the building.

Of course, Elsie fussed almost all the way into town.

"I'm meeting up with my lunch group at midday, you're welcome to join us."

"I'm not sure yet Elsie."

"Alright, but don't overdo it."

"I won't."

First stop was to draw some cash. Tammy was pleased to see that an ATM had now been installed inside the bank but that probably meant there would be one staff fewer on duty. She needed a few items for her new room so went looking for those, wishing she'd brought a larger shoulder bag along.

As she arrived at the hair salon the heaven opened and a torrent of rain descended, she dashed inside.

"Oh dear, are you here to shelter from that or do you really want something done?"

"Hello Sandy, a bit of a tidy up please."

"You might want to see Joanne first."

"Why?"

The 'why' was soon answered as Joanne opened the door wide, showing off the latest kit.

"It's an IPL hair remover. I qualified to use it yesterday and you'll be my guinea pig."

"I don't think I'm ready for anything, Joanne."

"Nonsense, let's make a start on your top lip and chin."

"But my hormones are getting sorted."

"That doesn't remove the hairs that are already there, but this does!"

"Okay, okay, but gentle, please."

"You'll need to wear goggles, here we go."

After fifteen minutes Joanne stopped.

"Finished?"

"Only this session, we need to do this regularly for it to be worthwhile."

"How often?"

"Once a month."

"For how long?"

"'Til Christmas, maybe, sooner if your hormones stop the new growth."

"What will I be left with?"

"That varies, because there is no such thing as permanent hair removal, but you could see an eighty percent reduction with the remainder being thinner and less noticeable than now."

"I can live with that."

"Good, let's do your legs and then you can see Sandy."

It was another hour before Tammy made it onto the street. It was near to one o'clock and she needed lunch so she dodged the raindrops and ran into the Castletown Hotel.

She could hear Elsie's group but decided to sit nearer the bar at one of the small tables. She ordered a juice and a sandwich before starting to relax. She checked her phone and found a missed call from Sarah.

"Hi, I missed a call from you."

"Where are you?"

"In the hotel, I've just arrived and ordered lunch."

"Stay there, I'll be two minutes."

Sarah took three minutes, but Tammy didn't argue.

"What's up, Sarah?"

"I just had a visit from someone asking about the fashion show."

"That's to be expected."

"But I can't tell them anything apart from what this Penny Lane told us."

"I guess not."

"She was asking about tickets but Penny said it was going to be invitation only."

"I'm sure it will sort itself out."

"I hope so, I have enough to worry about with the shop move, even if that is only to next door. How are you feeling now?"

The barman delivered Tammy's sandwich and took an order for Sarah.

"My doctor won't let me do too much, mornings or afternoons only. If I go to the theatre in the morning I can't stay with you until you close."

"Oh, I wonder if Angela is available?"

"She's needed in the theatre tomorrow morning but after that I don't know, in fact I don't know how the two of us are getting down here tomorrow? Mum and Dad haven't said anything."

"Your mum?"

"That's what I'm calling Joan now seeing as she and Angela have moved out of their cottage and we're all in our new house."

"How is the new place?"

"It's great but I'm going stir crazy, I want to get back to school but I'm signed off until after half-term."

"Will you be free next week to help?"

"If I can get down here and, as I said, only for a few hours at a time. This isn't how I envisaged things."

"No, neither me. Who's likely to be available?"

"Angela might be but I don't know what else she's planned, oh!"

"What is it?"

"I'm trying to sort out something really good for your opening ceremony and my stay in hospital has messed that up."

"Opening ceremony? You'd think it was about opening the bridge to Skye?"

"No, it's something for the press to guarantee you get coverage for free."

"I've already had a call from the Echo asking if I want advertising space."

"It might be a good idea, but hold them off until a week after you open to keep the momentum up."

"So tell me all about your plan for Thursday?"

Part Twenty Nine   "Be my Valentine"

 

 
Saturday 14th February
 

"Dad, have we had any deliveries to the house this morning?"

"Apart from the newspapers?"

"Yes."

"No, not as far as I know, the postman's not normally here before ten. Why?"

"There was a card for me on the doormat."

"What sort of card?"

"A Valentines card."

"Okay, it's the right day to receive one, but quite a few years since I had one. Who is it from?"

"It isn't signed."

"So who do you think it is?"

"I have no idea."

"What's the message?"

"Nothing special, 'please be my Valentine'."

"Do you recognise the handwriting?"

"No."

"A mystery then."

"Don't you think we should review the security footage?"

"Why?"

"In case we had an intruder?"

"An intruder who left a Valentines card and did nothing more?"

"We can't be sure of it?"

"Tammy, be sensible. Now, what do you want to do today?"

"What's Angela's plan?"

"Haven't you asked her?"

"Dad, she's in the shower."

"Oh, she might be some time."

Angela had, naturally, fully embraced the concept of an en suite bathroom, especially given the single shared shower in the cottage she'd used for the past six or seven years. Her personal timetable was often thrown out of the window as a result, and she'd only been in the house a week.

"Okay, can we work Angela into the equation when she's finished? I'd like to go to the theatre and see Sarah for maybe an hour after that. It's only a few hours I'm talking about."

"Joan can drop you down there, give me a call when you're ready to come back but please liaise with your sister!"

***

Iain was back at the theatre that morning.

"Hello everyone, I have finally been allowed some time off on a Saturday morning to be here, frankly I think my officers were pleased to have a few hours without me."

There was a smattering of laughs from those who knew Iain was Chief Inspector Iain Brown of the Police Scotland Highlands Division.

"I'd like to welcome Tammy back after her little scare last Friday."

"Thanks Iain, who had the job of standing in for me last week?"

"I don't know, Sandy was here, who was it?"

"Me."

Tammy looked around to see John Hibbert glowing bright red.

"Oh!"

Iain coughed to quell some tittering that had started.

"I'm sure John had been the best person here, although we'll need someone closer to Tammy's size once the costumes are fitted as we can't afford two dresses, especially if John is her understudy."

That had the effect of extending John's blushing, Tammy gave him a hug.

"I'm sure you were good."

"Not as good as you, but I knew most of the lines."

"Talking of costumes, everyone was measured last week except you Tammy, can you check with Mrs Bonney? Now, come on everyone, let's get going. Positions please for Act One Scene One - witches?"

The rehearsal went well, in fact only Tammy needed to refer to the script but it had been two weeks since she'd done any work on the play. She was tired by the end, but glad to be back. Angela, Tanya and Josie rounded on her.

"I had a wonderful Valentines card from John," gushed Tanya.

"I had two, both from school, Angela?"

"None, and I didn't expect any. Tammy?"

"One."

"Who?" They chorused.

"I don't know, I found it on the doormat this morning."

"You didn't say anything at home!"

"You were in the shower so long I thought you'd miss the rehearsal."

"Tammy, leave your sister alone!" Tanya was quite insistent. "Anyway, we need to work out who your secret admirer is."

"No, we don't."

"Sacrilege!"

"It's really not that important."

"Of course it is, now who's been paying attention to you?"

"No-one in particular."

"What about the barman at the hotel, Tammy, he looks after you."

"Hadn't you noticed his wedding ring, Angela?" Tanya had.

"No."

"Sorry, folks, I need to get along to Sarah's shop, she closes this afternoon ready for the move."

"Are there any discounts?"

"Yes Josie, at least she was going to have a little stock clearance."

"I'll come along."

"I need to see if mum needs my help." That was Tanya's destination.

Angela shrugged, she clearly didn't have a plan. The four grabbed coats, scarves and bags before heading for the stage door and the walk back into town.

They talked and continued trying to establish who Tammy's potential suitor was. Various sixth-form boys were unsuccessfully evaluated.

"Why does it have to be a boy?" Asked Josie. "Both of my cards were from girls."

***

Tammy, Josie and Angela walked into a busy shop, Tammy was immediately tasked to work behind the counter while Angela was asked to restock some of the displays, Josie just joined in, much to the surprise of her mother who was already there.

Naturally many customers asked about the forthcoming show, which was only three weeks away. Sarah's phone rang just after two.

"That was the golf club, they've a problem with the roof and can't host any events until it's fixed."

Tammy tried to sound surprised, "why haven't they called Ms Lane?"

"They tried but there's no answer on a Saturday so the club secretary rang here. What are we going to do?"

"I'll ask the school if they can host it, Penny had said it was one location she'd considered."

"Will you know what would be needed?"

"I've received all the paperwork from Penny, it should be in there."

"Good, now, you look a little weary. Hadn't you best consider getting home?"

Tammy was about to answer when she heard a familiar voice.

"I'm here to collect both of them."

"Hello Joan, they arrived at just the right time, but Tammy needs to rest."

"Exactly, I've done what I needed to do in town. Come on girls."

***

"Dad?"

They were sat in the study while Tammy looked through the latest email from Ms Lane. Richard was writing a long report for his solicitor, Gerald.

"Yes?"

"Apart from Dounreay are there any other nuclear facilities near here?"

"There's the Royal Navy's research base."

"What research?"

"They design and test engines for the nuclear boats, mostly submarines. Why?"

"One of the items in the original documents was for a dozen dosimeters."

"What are you thinking of?"

"That the fashion show might be a cover for someone to get into the base."

"They'd be lucky, the security there is very tight."

"How do you know?"

"I had a tour around it once, Elsie organised it for me and her husband."

"What's it called?"

"It was HMS Vulcan but now it's privately run, Rolls Royce manage the site and it's now known as the Vulcan Naval Reactor Test Establishment or NRTE for short."

"Why have I never heard about it?"

"Probably because of the subjects you take at school, I know the physics A level and Highers students get a tour, they do have to sign a non-disclosure contract through."

"So they can't tell anyone they've been there!"

"Not quite, but most are apparently too frightened to see how far they can go so say nothing."

"How do you know about the school's connection?"

"The latest trip has just been arranged, the Governors need to approve any off-site visits. We have to supply a list of names to Rolls so they can run security checks, we've already sent this year's list to them."

"Do any get rejected?"

"I'm told it's very rare and one student was unfortunate to have the same name, with virtually the same date of birth, as a known terrorist so was queried. The request for a copy of his passport was mislaid and it was too late when it was found to have the clearance issued."

"Shame, I wonder if I could see it, but it's probably too late for clearance?"

"Seeing how you seem to be cleared already, to a higher level than me, it might be possible."

"When's the trip?"

"March the sixth."

"That's the day before the fashion show."

"Interesting juxtapositioning?"

"Yeah, can we sort it out?"

"I'll send Rhys Fulton an email, he's the physics master co-ordinating the trip."

"Thanks. Are you going to be long with that report? I want to use the phone."

"I'm done for now, I'll just email this draft to him and see what else he needs."

"I'll go upstairs to collect my laptop."

"I'll be out of here by the time you get back, can you remember the door-code?"

"Yes, 82669."

"By the way, the staff do not have the code so can only clean in here if one of us lets them in."

"What about Angela and Joan?"

"They can use it the study but can't have the safe combination until their clearance arrives, even then it wouldn't be unless they need to use it, most files are in the cabinet anyway."

***

Tammy checked the family diary before making the phone call. Angela had marked herself as going to the Valentine Ball and Julie was shown as a day off. What were the dinner arrangements then? Tammy then saw that she had been marked as cook for the evening. Was she supposed to prepare a menu? Something to confirm soon.

She dialled the number and let it ring for a minute before hanging up. Her laptop complained of needing updates so she set that going and dialled the number again.

"Hello Tammy."

"Hi Heather, I tried a minute ago."

"We heard it but were coming in the door laden with loads of bags from Tesco, by the time I had the office door open you'd rung off."

"Okay, I have some updates for you."

"Fire away, whoops mustn't say that in case Sophie's nearby!"

"Does she carry a gun?"

"Sorry, that's a 'need to know'."

"I'll take it as a yes, then. Okay, the nuclear site that looks likely is the Royal Navy nuclear submarine development base, also at Dounreay."

"Good, what else do you know about it?"

"Not much but I'll look it up when my laptop finishes updating. Oh, I've asked if I can have a look around with a school trip next month."

"That's a great idea."

"It seemed like the right thing to do, Sarah's had a call from the golf club by the way."

"Oh, we hadn't arranged anything yet, what was the problem?"

"Repairs are needed so no bookings being taken until next month."

"Have they informed Ms Lane?"

"Not yet, I'll ask if the school can host the event."

"Anything else?"

"No, but it all sounds rather strange and there's almost a plot for a thriller there."

Heather laughed.

"What is it?"

"Well done."

"What?"

"You passed that test."

"I don't understand."

"It was a fake package, or at least parts of it were fake. You were to identify the problems with it, some glaring and some less so."

"Thanks, I did that work for nothing?"

"No, I needed to test you and that required some work on your part. Penny Lane played along with us."

"How do you know her?"

"Sorry, that's off limits."

"Fair enough. So I'm not going to see a dozen armed frogmen on the beach near Dounreay?"

"Not likely."

"What about the business plan, the second lot from Penny?"

"That's genuine, you told her you were going to use it as part of your Business Studies A level."

"That's right."

"So analyse it and enjoy yourself. Talking of which, are you going to the Valentine Ball tonight?"

"How do you know of that?"

"There was a poster in the Castletown Hotel bar."

"Oh, no I'm not, the Doctor's keeping me on a tight leash."

"Never mind. Any cards?"

"One."

"Who? We might need to have them vetted?"

"Don't know, can we check the gum for DNA?"

"Really, Tammy! Are you that bothered?"

"No."

"Then why did you raise it?"

"I didn't, you asked!"

"Never mind, I need to get some work done including sorting out dinner."

"I have that task today too."

"Off you go then."

"Bye."

Tammy locked the study and was going towards the kitchen when the doorbell rang. Stood outside was Janet Adams.

"Hello Tammy, I checked your pigeon-hole today in case there was anything for you and I found these."

She handed over a stack of pink envelopes.

"Have you had any others?"

"One, how many are there?"

"Ten I think. Did Angela tell you about the ones in her pigeon-hole?"

"No! Do you want a coffee while you're here?"

"That's an idea."

***

By the time Janet left it was time to start dinner. Fortunately this was not going to be difficult as there was a notice on a white board stating it would be pizza, salad and garlic bread. There was a twelve inch pizza in the fridge ready for cooking, a salad had been prepared already but the garlic bread had to be done.

She'd started chopping garlic when Joan walked in.

"Was Janet here?"

"Yes mum, she just left. She had some mail for me from school." The envelopes were unopened on the table.

"Well, open them!"

"Let me finished this garlic first."

"Okay, but I'm not leaving until we've seen those cards."

Tammy had wanted to put Joan off but knew better so, reluctantly, washed her hands and sat down. One by one she tore the envelopes open and checked the cards, most were unsigned or simply signed 'Admirer', but a few did have names.

"Who's Julian?"

"He's probably that small lower-sixth boy, the one with the tiny round glasses. I thought he was gay?"

"Or has awful eyesight!"

"That's cruel." Tammy paused. "This one's signed Damien year 10."

"That's either infatuation or he was bullied, I'll speak to him when I go in tomorrow."

"You won't!"

"Maybe I will!"

"Mum!"

"Who's that one from?"

Tammy snatched them up and pulled them to her bust.

"Sorry, but they're private." She started to cry.

"You're tired, go upstairs for an hour, I'll get dinner organised."

"Thanks."

Part Thirty   "Just a kiss?"

 

 
Sunday 15th February
 

"Did you enjoy the party?"

"It was okay."

"Angela, it was a Valentines Ball, it had to be better than just 'okay'."

"I hardly knew anyone there, Tammy."

"I bet you could put names to at least a dozen, not bad considering you never used to leave the school grounds on your own and didn't have anything to do with girls your age before the end of last year."

"That's cruel."

"Last night proves Angela is very different to Tim."

"I suppose so."

"Did you get any kisses?"

Angela blushed and looked as if she was about to run away.

"Okay, I don't want names - yet - but did they make you feel good?"

"Yes."

"Did you get any phone numbers?"

"One."

"Did you give your number out?"

"No, mum warned me not to."

"So, who was he?"

"Not a he, Josie's after me."

"Oh, I though she already had your number?"

"I don't give it out, but Tanya has it now."

"So I bet you don't get many calls or texts. Anyway, what's the score with Josie?"

"I don't know, I mean does she know I'm transgendered?"

"Yes, she worked it out when she visited the school."

"So does she want the not-quite-a-girl or the used-to-be-a-boy Angela?" She started to cry and sat on Tammy's bed, looking for a tissue. Tammy handed her a box from her dresser.

"Ask her, that's all you can do."

"You mean phone her?"

"Yes, you don't put this on facebook unless you want everyone else's opinion too."

"I don't know."

"Was she drinking last night?"

"I think so, one of the older girls was going to the bar for her."

"So it's possible the alcohol was talking?"

"So no-one's attracted to me unless they're pissed?"

"I didn't say that. Look, she could be at home feeling awful right now and doesn't know how to speak to you privately. Call her."

"I'll think about it."

"What about the cards you got at school?"

"They were all a joke."

"Like who?"

"That Damien, he's a prize joker."

"I had one from him too."

"Maybe it was infatuation with you?"

***

Sarah had rung Tammy the evening to ask for some help on Sunday morning. Just after nine she'd picked Tammy up although she was prewarned not to wear anything she couldn't afford to get filthy. Angela had declined the invitation to work, citing 'personal stuff'.

The first task was to box up the stock, which Tammy started, whilst Sarah started to smear the windows, obstructing the view. It took until their first coffee break until the clothes were packed away.

"Do you know what we should leave until last?"

"No?"

"The kettle! Now, where's the screwdriver?"

"Screwdriver?"

"Yes, to take the racking down, I need some of it next door. The shelves unclip, as do the supports, but the backing needs to be unscrewed from the wall."

"Okay, I think."

"Tell you what, you remove the shelves and the supports, I'll do the rest."

"Thanks."

It didn't take long for the first wall to be cleared, revealing a mess of fabric fibres and general dust that had been undisturbed for several years.

"I see what you meant!"

By lunchtime the former shop was almost bare, but the store-room was now filled. They'd swept up the mess as they went along and finished up vacuuming the floor.

"Well done, we've been going nearly four hours and I'm mindful that you aren't one hundred percent yet, so we'll finish now. Tomorrow, if you're free, I want to move all the stock next door and start setting up the new racking."

"Okay, I don't think I have anything scheduled yet. What's the plan now?"

"Lunch!"

That meant a walk to the Castletown Hotel, Tammy's phone rang.

"Yes, Angela?"

"She wants to meet up."

"When?"

"Wednesday morning, by the harbour."

"Okay, how do you feel about it?"

"I'm frightened."

"First date?"

"Yes."

"Talk to your mum if you're not sure."

"What, tell her that I might be a lesbian?"

"It's not as if you've got horns and a tail!"

That made Angela laugh.

"Okay, okay. Speak later, bye."

"Bye."

They'd arrived at the hotel doorway so Sarah held off asking any questions. The place was busy and loud, any kind of private conversation was killed off and by the time Sarah dropped Tammy off at Dunbankin she'd forgotten about Tammy's phone conversation.

"Emily's going to be with me for a few days to give me a hand."

"That's great, I'd love to catch up with her, when does she arrive?"

"Tomorrow lunchtime."

"I'll try to get a lift into town before nine."

"I'll pick you up at half past eight."

"Okay."

Tammy let herself into the house and first went to her room to shower, she was certain she had a cobweb in her hair. Hair? Had she booked to see Sandy before Thursday? Tammy couldn't remember, so quickly sent Tanya a text asking her.

With John, busy, remind me later

Great, that probably meant John would stay the night at Sandy's too so Tanya was not to be relied upon. She didn't have Sandy's mobile or the house number, damn. She should have made a note at the time.

Given that it was mid afternoon on a Sunday she decided not to worry about dressing so had climbed into a onesie. There was a knock on her door.

"Hello Dad."

"Hi Petal. Just to let you know we're eating over at the house this evening and Mark has been invited, he might even be staying the night judging by Elsie's comments."

"Oh well, I'll find something to wear after all."

"Good girl."

***

The evening went well, especially as Angela and Tammy knew Mark, Michael McPherson's boyfriend, but Mark was being inspected by Elsie so was quite restrained. It was no surprise, however, when the adults decided at eight thirty to call it a night. This was, judging by the silent conversations, to allow Elsie some time with just the two boys now that tongues had been loosened by a glass or two of wine.

Tammy hadn't partaken so was elected to drive one of the golf carts back to Dunbankin and hook it up to the charging point before heading straight to bed, exhausted.

 
Tuesday 17th February
 

"Hello Tammy, how are you feeling?"

She was back in the Doctor's surgery.

"Fine Adi, well not quite back to normal but can you define 'normal'?"

"In medical terms, not often. How's your energy?"

"Better but I still feel tired after doing a few hours work."

"Did you go to the Valentines party at the weekend?"

"No, I was shattered after the rehearsal and an hour or so with Sarah."

"What about yesterday?"

"I spent some time at the shop, but Sarah's daughter Emily arrived yesterday afternoon so is helping her mum today."

"So you're not feeling guilty about not being there?"

"No."

"That's good, guilt is a strong motivator that could interfere with your recovery."

"I guess so."

"Now, your last blood results were better but you still have some way to go. You were due to finish your antibiotics on Friday but I'm extending them a week."

"Okay."

"However, I believe you'll be fit for school on Monday so I'm not extending your certificate."

"I can't afford to miss any more school."

"No you can't, but I would sign you off if you weren't fit to be there, understood?"

"Yes, Adi."

"Right, let's have your arm."

***

Tammy walked to the pharmacy with her new prescription, the address having been changed to Dunbankin, and waited for it to be made up. There appeared to be just the pharmacist present.

"Here you go Miss, isn't that address Janet Doherty's place."

"The Dohertys retired and moved South a few weeks ago, we have the house now."

"Ah, I would have thought you'd change the name?"

"Too much hassle retraining all the postmen, taxi drivers and anyone else who delivers, plus my father's a retired banker himself."

"Will you be following him into banking, lassie? Job equality and all that?"

"I don't know, other avenues could open up when I've finished my degree, which I haven't started yet."

"Well, good luck to you, whatever you do."

He handed over the package.

"Don't I have to pay?"

"Not if you're still at school, you are aren't you?"

"Yes, St Andrews."

"Oh."

"Is there a problem?"

"No, but I thought the school didn't use this pharmacy any more."

"Not that I've been told but I wasn't at school for most of the last two weeks before the break, in any case it's my decision as I'm over eighteen and I don't live in the school."

"Fair enough."

"I did pay for a prescription a couple of weeks ago, the lad who was here didn't query it."

"There were many things he didn't query, he'll not be back here."

"Okay, until next time."

"Indeed."

Tammy walked towards Sarah's shop. She'd spent time there the previous day but Emily's train had been delayed so apart from a quick 'hello' there was no time for anything.

She went to the delivery door and was nearly knocked over by a man carrying crates from a delivery van.

"Mind where you're going Miss."

"I should say the same! Is Sarah here?"

"No, but her lass is."

"Good."

Tammy stepped inside and navigated through the chaos of the store-room and onto the shop floor. Since the previous lunchtime the lighting had been changed and the effect was incredible.

"Tammy!"

"Hi Emily."

"Are you here to work?"

"I'm not supposed to, but a little work won't do any harm."

"Actually, while mum's at the bank I ought to take a break."

Tammy knew where the kettle was hidden so started heating some water.

Of course Emily wanted to know what Thursday's plans were but that meant Tammy making several calls to confirm who was taking part. She also phoned the Thurso Echo to confirm a photographer would be available.

"I'm sorry, you should have booked it with us weeks ago."

"Well, it'll be the biggest story in Thurso this week."

"I'm sorry but at the moment the Women's Guild cake competition is taking precedence."

"Oh dear, at least it'll be on the BBC local news."

"You couldn't arrange that young lady!"

"It would seem that you don't know me. My motto is 'Non me menores aestimo'."

"I don't speak German."

Tammy hung up, seeing as her father and Elsie were major shareholders in the newspaper group that owned the Echo, the reporter could be moved or re-educated. Tammy just preferred to do things her own way. Don't they teach Latin in other schools?

She rang Thurso Police Station and asked for Chief Inspector Iain Brown.

"Hello Tammy."

"Hi Iain, has Sandy told you about the little publicity stunt on Thursday at Sarah Bonney's new shop?"

"Yes, you won't need crowd control, will you?"

"Unlikely, but could you have a word with the media for me?"

***

Her last task was to go along to Sandy's hair salon, to find if she had an appointment.

"There's nothing in the book, Tammy."

"How early can you see me on Thursday?"

"We're here from nine, what time does the shop open?"

"Ten thirty, but I need to be in costume soon after ten."

"Where are you changing?"

"The library."

"So, best see you at nine."

"Thanks Sandy, I did tell your daughter I needed to speak to you."

"She's hopeless at the moment. John stayed at our house on Sunday but I sent him back to the school on Monday morning, for not paying heed to the rules."

"Which rule?"

"The one that says I don't want to be a grandmother yet!"

Part Thirty One   "Relationships"

 

 
Wednesday 18th February
 

"Hi Tammy."

"Hello John. I saw Sandy yesterday so don't tell me any fibs."

"Oh."

"Please don't upset Sandy, Tanya's her youngest. Debbie and David are still enjoying life but do not behave like rabbits in the room next to their mother."

"I know, anyway that's not why I called."

"Sorry for having a go at you, but you really screwed things up!"

"Ouch! I know, I know. Anyway I don't think it's a good idea for me to be there tomorrow."

"If we're doing a West Side excerpt then I need you, I need Riff."

"Yes, but Tanya's there and Sandy will get wild again."

"I need you there but want to know you won't remove your clothes near Tanya this time."

"Of course, I wouldn't."

"Then nothing adverse would happen, don't wimp out on me over this."

"I'm not sure, Tammy."

"If you're not there tomorrow to give Tanya a kiss in front of her mother you might as well forget the whole thing now."

"Really?"

"Yeah, fancy explaining to your own parents why you broke the engagement off?"

"Good point, I give in. What time do I have to be there?"

"Nine thirty at the library unless you need your hair done first."

"Sandy did it last Friday."

"I'll see you at the library, don't be late!"

Tammy put her phone down, not only had she been matchmaker for that pair but now she was counsellor as well. How long before Tanya rang her? Not long, sort of, as her phone beeped.

"Can we meet?"
 
"Later, things to do first"
 
"Lunch?"
 
"Am I buying?"
 
"Ta!"

Tammy didn't have anything planned until late morning, when Joan had offered to drive her into town, plus Sarah had confirmed she would prefer Tammy's help later.

"Dad, have you seen Leanne? Last time I saw her was Friday or Saturday."

"She was here Sunday and Monday but I think she's off now, why?"

"I wondered if she was avoiding me?"

"Why would that be?"

"Well, before I moved across here she was around me all the time, at least once an hour, but now she's almost invisible - it's not as if there's any secret passages in this house, are there?"

"I haven't found any, not yet, and none were marked on the plans. I'll call her flat and check."

"Thanks."

Tammy let herself into the study and took the security card out of the safe before inserting it into the phone. She dialled and was surprised when it rang only once.

"Hello?"

"Who's calling?"

"It's Tammy, isn't Heather there?"

"No, her calls are being diverted to me. Is that Tamara Smart?"

"Yes, sorry but who are you?"

"I'm Jennifer, Heather's manager, what can I do for you?"

"I hope I can arrange dates for my work in Cornwall."

"I have Heather's diary but you'll have to do an induction here first."

"Who organises that?"

"I do."

"Okay, what do you have in mind?"

"You'll report here on the twenty ninth of June, I'll write to you with precise joining instructions. Do you have any questions?"

"No, except I don't know where you are."

"Thames House in London."

The building name sounded familiar to Tammy. "Thanks, I'll see you in June. Bye."

"Bye."

Tammy put the handset back on the cradle and quickly searched for Thames House on her phone, finding it led straight to the MI5 website. She wasn't certain she would like this Jennifer, and Heather hadn't mentioned anything about an induction, or even a Security Service organised abduction to London. So much for sunny Cornwall, she thought.

There was a knock on the study door. Since the weekend Richard had fixed a simple Occupied/Unoccupied notice on the door, for obvious purposes. Tammy opened it and found a tearful Leanne stood there, Tammy ushered her in and closed the door gently.

"What is it, have I upset you, Leanne?"

The maid threw herself at Tammy, wrapping herself around the confused teenager.

"Leanne, Leanne, what is it?"

"I've been so silly."

"What is it?"

"The Valentines card, I put it there, forgive me."

"Leanne, calm down. You put it on the doormat?"

"Yes, no, I wrote it."

"Why?"

"I thought I loved you. I'm giving Mr Smart my resignation and I'm leaving, I wanted you to know why."

"Stop it Leanne. You're very good at what you do and I can forgive you for anything."

"But I would still love you."

"Please, I'm not ready for a relationship."

"Then I'll go."

"No, stay, I just don't want either of us to get hurt."

"I don't think it's right, I'm a mess."

"Have you spoken to your sister?"

"She told me I had to speak to you."

"Then let us forget the card, it was just something silly."

"I meant what I said."

"Look, go back to your flat and think about it. Don't make a rash decision you'll regret later."

"Thank you."

Leanne went to kiss Tammy then thought better of it, swiftly leaving the study. Joan saw her leave then joined Tammy in the study, closing the door behind her.

"What was all that about?"

"I don't want to say, I don't want her to be punished."

"I heard Julie in the kitchen telling her to speak to you about the card."

"Oh."

"So, what did she say?"

Tammy repeated the conversation, emphasising that she didn't want Leanne punished.

"She needs to be given a warning though and made certain she understands there are limits. I'll also have to tell your father."

"I guess so Mum, she's only eighteen herself. She would struggle to get another job if we let her go and she is a very good maid."

"I know that Tammy, we couldn't run this house without her."

"I'm frightened she'll do something stupid, but I don't want to go over to her flat without protection."

"I'll ask Julie to speak to her."

"Thanks."

"Anyway, I'm heading into town now, do you want a lift?"

"Please."

***

Tammy found Emily and Sarah in the shop after buzzing to enter through the delivery door. They were currently stood in the middle of the now finished shop, all that was missing were customers; the whitewash on the windows had been replaced with blinds that hid the displays from curious eyes. There were now two cashier positions, which would help during busier times. Security had also been improved although Tammy admitted she had no idea what to do with a shoplifter.

"Don't try to detain them, just ask to check the receipt against any items in their bags. If they run, let them but the cameras will have recorded their face. The main thing is to dissuade them from stealing in the first place by watching the shop and walking around if you're not needed at the till."

"I do that already."

"I know you do, anyway it's a strategy that works."

There was a ding from the delivery doorbell, Sarah was in the storeroom so opened the door.

"Hello Angela, come in."

Tammy had gone to see who it was, finding Angela on the point of tears.

"What is it, oh, Josie?"

Angela nodded whilst searching her bag for a tissue, although Sarah was trying to hand her one. Now the flood started, Tammy moved forward to give her sister a protective hug.

"Come on sis, let it out."

"Sister?" Emily was confused, but no-one heard her comment.

"Angela, if it wasn't meant to be then don't worry, move on and see what happens."

"It's not that, I'm frightened that I might love her."

Emily, with greater experience, took over.

"I don't think I've met this girl, but don't rush into anything Angela, let things develop. I've had some crushes that were just that, one time dates that seemed wonderful but never went any further for some reason. At least you can't get pregnant."

She held her hand to her mouth.

"Sorry, sorry, sorry, I didn't mean it that way."

Sarah looked at Emily and dismissed her into the shop.

"My apologies Angela, Emily was out of order."

"It's true though." She spoke through her sobs. "I can't give a boy what he wants and I can't manage a girl either."

Tammy hugged tighter but signalled "phone mum" to Sarah, pointing at her own bag.

"Code?" The phone was locked.

"82669 - Tammy."

Sarah unlocked it and quickly found the entry for Joan, walking away to make the call. It only seemed two minutes before Joan was at the delivery door, tapping gently so as not to alarm her daughter.

"Come on dear, let's go home."

***

Tammy declined to leave at the same time, figuring that a mother/daughter chat was best done without interference so helped tidy for a moment until they were satisfied with the display. She checked the time, it was nearly one.

"I arranged to meet Tanya for lunch, got to go."

"Okay, just let me know how Angela is? Better still, can I have Joan's number?"

Tammy read it out. "Tammy, you said sister earlier?"

"Yes Emily, we've all moved into one house and my father has proposed to Angela's mother, so we'll be sisters and I've got a new mum."

"That sounds like good news."

"It is, but I shouldn't make comparisons."

"Have you seen your real mum?"

"She was up here two weekends ago, just before the inquest. She still has problems accepting me but that's nothing compared to her legal issues. She might have a drink problem too."

"That's sad."

"I know, look I should go. We'll catch up another time."

"Okay, bye."

Tammy walked out the rear door and around to the street at the front of the store. She hadn't gone far when whe saw Josie sat on a bench, staring into space, Tanya was coming from a different direction and they arrived at the same time.

"What's up?" Tanya was obviously out of the loop.

"I'm hopeless."

"Who, what?"

"Angela."

"Oh."

Tammy sat next to the girl. "We've sent Angela home with her mum, what happened?"

"It was lovely at first, we met and we walked and we talked and talked. She held my hand so gently and she has lovely eyes, but when I went to kiss her she froze."

"Do you know why?"

"No, then she said she couldn't do it and ran away."

"Is that all?"

"Yes, we'd been talking for about an hour; she told me loads. I told her some stuff too that I've never told anyone before."

"Was she uncomfortable with that, not that I expect you to tell me?"

"She didn't seem affected, it was only when I went to kiss her that she reacted."

"We're going for lunch, do you want to join us?"

"No, I phoned my mum and she's coming to collect me."

"Okay, but be careful. Are you free tomorrow still?"

"Is Angela going to be there?"

"I presume so but she's not doing any of the theatrics as her singing is awful - I didn't tell you that, right?"

"What do I need to do?"

"Be at the library at nine thirty like I said, we'll get you into one of the supporting cast costumes and just join in, do you know the songs?"

"Yes, I watched the film a couple of days ago."

"Great."

"I'm still not sure though."

"Leave Angela to me, please don't worry about it."

"Okay."

Tammy could see Josie's mum approaching, she waved and moved on, taking a bemused Tanya.

"I can see it now, 'Tammy Smart - Relationship Counsellor' !"

"Thanks, but I have other plans for my life. That reminds me, I'll be away for much of the summer on work experience."

"Who with and where?"

"Cornwall and London and I can't say."

"Can't say? Why, in case I want to do it too?"

"No, I just can't say and please don't ask."

"Oooh, secret agent stuff, Tamara Bond!"

Tammy blushed.

"I'm right aren't I?" Tanya seemed quite pleased with herself.

"This lunch is over, I've said too much."

"You haven't said anything yet."

"You're still the biggest gossip I know! Even if you can't get it out of me you'll still tell everyone something."

"I won't, I am not a gossip!" They'd reached the door of the hotel and Tanya was almost shouting, attracting attention.

"Calm down Tanya."

"I won't be insulted."

"Good grief, I apologise, but please calm down."

"I'm going to shout out that you're really a spy, try to stop me."

The hotel door opened behind her.

"Miss Smith, everyone can hear you in there and you're making a spectacle of yourself."

"Who are you?"

"Detective Constable Franklin, you know my wife."

"Sandy?"

"Yes, now calm down as Tammy asked and stop trying to make accusations that you can't substantiate."

"But, she ...."

"If she's sensible then she's said nothing at all, have you?"

"No."

"Good, I'd hate for your clearance to be cancelled because of one mouthy girl." He stared at Tanya.

"You know about that?"

"Yes, but that's all I'll say. Now, would the pair of you like to join our table for lunch, I presume you were coming in here?"

"That would be lovely, thank you Ben. Tanya, go to the loo and sort your face out!"

"Yes, Miss 007!" She whispered.

Part Thirty Two   "Going down a bomb"

 

 
Wednesday 18th February (Continued)
 

Tammy's lunch was rather subdued, with Tanya on seemingly best behaviour. Sandy Franklin had followed Tanya to the Ladies loo and had a little chat with her, as well as making certain she was suitably refreshed before finally joining Tammy and DC Ben Franklin at the table.

Sandy's main point of conversation was the following day's plans for the shop opening.

"Could you use Yusuf?"

"Do we have a costume that would fit him?"

"How about Lieutenant Shrank? We have Mark standing in as Bernardo, you and Tanya as Anita and Maria, John as Riff, Josie as Velma ..."

"Hey, that's Riff's girlfriend."

"Do you know the part?"

"No, but .."

"Tanya, it's only for a few songs and you know them, plus it's a play and not real life - or had you forgotten?"

"No."

"Good, although Tammy's idea seems to have caused a few troubles amongst the cast!"

"Don't blame me, Sandy, if people can't manage their private lives!"

"Look Tammy, this thing, your idea, isn't easy for any of us. The whole thing will only last about ten minutes if you do three songs, but is taking umpteen hours to setup."

"Do we have posters for Macbeth?"

"Yes, they'll go up in the morning in case someone decided to vandalise them overnight."

Tammy looked at Ben who shrugged. "That was my suggestion, we've had a few undesirables wandering around at ten or eleven some evenings causing mischief."

"Will anyone be around in the morning?"

"You'll have the two special constables who you know."

"Andrew and Neale?"

"Yes, none of the regulars can be spared because of sickness. It's that time of year!"

They were done with lunch by two and Tammy was at a loose end. The temperature was dropping rapidly so window shopping was not the best plan. Ben found her in the street, looking lost.

"Where are you heading?"

"Home I think but I'm short on transport."

"I've got to head over to Scrabster to meet someone off the ferry so I'll drop you off on the way if you like."

"Thanks, you know we've moved don't you?"

"Yes, not much happens around here without my knowledge."

They'd reached his car.

"How's your driving lessons coming along?"

"I've only done a few hours, my illness scuppered any plans for this week."

"Well, it sounds like you could do with a car."

"I have one, a Mini Cooper."

"In green I bet?"

"Yes, racing green."

"Make sure it's alarmed as they're highly prized. Even this far North we have car thieves operating."

Ben set off, negotiating the narrow streets away from the carpark until they reach Olrig Street and turned North on the A9.

"What did you mean about my clearance earlier, how do you know?"

"Iain received a request to do some background checks on you and passed it to me as I worked in Special Branch and know the drill. He didn't want one of the other officers sniffing around."

"It's not as if I've done anything wrong."

"It's not that, but there's a few homophobes in the force, even if it's officially fully non-discriminate, and Iain didn't want to run the risk of one of them looking into your past, or your father's for that matter."

"Thanks for the thought."

"It's okay, we did wonder if I needed to speak to you to ask a few questions but we had everything we needed from elsewhere. Your Special Branch file has been marked Secret now so most of them can't look at it."

"My Special Branch file?"

"Yes, because of your involvement with the terrorists, a file was created on you because you were a 'person of interest'."

"Great, being spied upon."

"It's ironic isn't it, although I don't really know what the clearance was for and you shouldn't tell me."

He pulled up. "We're here."

"Thanks for the lift, will I see you tomorrow?"

"Only if something goes wrong, I'm on a one day course on form filling and I'm not joking!"

"I can believe it, bye."

"Bye."

Inside the house all seemed quiet, she found Joan in the lounge reading.

"Hi, did you grab lunch?"

"Yes, we met Sandy Franklin and her husband."

"We?"

"Tanya."

"Okay, how did you get back?"

"Ben just dropped me off, I really need to get lessons organised."

"I've made some enquiries, there's a woman instructor who can do Sunday mornings at nine for an hour and then take you for longer lessons at Easter before your test."

"That sounds good, can we call to book it?"

"Already done. I booked some taster lessons for Angela too but I wonder if she's ready?"

"You can only try, where is she?"

"In her room listening to music, that's if she hasn't fallen asleep. She hasn't told me very much and Sarah wouldn't say alot on the phone."

"We found Josie, it seems everything was going fine until Josie went to kiss Angela."

"That all?"

"That's what Josie said."

"Do you believe her?"

"Yes, I can't see that she'd deliberately hurt Angela but Josie is about two years younger."

"Eighteen months really, it seems. That reminds me, Angela's birthday is coming up in a couple of weeks, we need to co-ordinate."

"Sure, but what day does it fall on?"

"Sunday, March the fifteenth."

"What do you have in mind?"

"Well we can get out of here for the weekend, anywhere you can suggest Tammy?"

"It would take too long to go into England, we'd spent the whole time travelling. Dundee perhaps, or Aviemore for some skiing?"

"I can't see her on skis but Dundee sounds good, plenty of shops and history. We can use the helicopter, can't we?"

"Maybe, anyway Mum, what do we buy her?"

"I have no idea."

"Oh well." Tammy stood to leave.

"Sit down, I went to see my solicitor this morning, I need to bring you up to speed."

"What did she have to say?"

"Probate is going through, the Sheriff has agreed that shouldn't wait any longer."

"Won't the other will still cause a problem?"

"No, because it was produced more than thirty days after George's death and her excuse is too flimsy to sway the Sheriff."

"That is good news."

"There's more, the Sheriff's indicated he will award compensation so my solicitor's discussing that, but it's unlikely Police Scotland will admit responsibility."

"That's a shame. What are we talking about?"

"She said it's a formula based on future earning potential and a few other things, about quarter of a million."

"That's handy, you'll invest it won't you?"

"Yes, most of it. There's more, George was a union representative and had an income from that, although I thought it was only expenses. We've found an account I didn't know about with twenty thousand in it. The union also has a death in service compensation scheme which they'll pay out."

"Blimey, I wonder if there's any more? Have the union said how much?"

"No, but it should be around ten thousand."

"All good news. Does Angela know yet?"

"Some of it, but I'll have a long talk with her later. What time do you need to be in town tomorrow?"

"Nine, at the hairdressers."

"Okay, is Angela needed?"

"Not as such, but we could always do with another pair of hands."

"So if she doesn't feel up to it, it won't be a problem?"

"No."

 
Thursday 19th February
 

"Hi Tanya, Sandy."

"Good morning Tammy, straight in the chair please. If Joanne comes looking for you I will lock her in the waxing room!"

Tammy was out of there in twenty five minutes. Sandy had put Tammy's hair up, it was held in place with scaffolding and industrial quantities of hairspray giving her a fifties look. Her makeup was simple, a clean look with just enough enhancement. Tanya had gone for a much louder look, her hair was similarly piled up although she'd done it herself with obvious practised ease.

"When did you learn to do that?"

"I don't know, just picked it up as I went along. As my hair grew I was able to try different styles, it helped having a mum who's a stylist though!"

"It's just something else I missed out on, not growing up as a girl."

"You're managing fine, it's only the technical stuff that you wouldn't come across very often that might give you trouble,"

"I suppose so, some on we'll be last ones there if we don't hurry."

"I can't run in these heels, Tammy."

"Then why didn't you bring them in a bag like I did?"

"I didn't think."

"I have to change my shoes at school every day so I'm used to it."

"One up on me then."

They followed the noises in the normally subdued library to a room at the back.

"Come on everybody, let's get you all changed and checked. Who needs makeup?"

Tammy and Tanya were okay but some of them definitely needed something, including the boys. The way they shook their heads, especially Yusuf and Mark, showed that they were not used to this aspect of the theatre.

"Girls, use that room, boys over there. Hop to it!"

Tammy and Tanya were changed quickly as they knew their costumes. Josie took slightly longer and could be seen checking Tammy out when they were down to their underwear. although nothing was said. Only Josie, from amongst the girls, needed her makeup attended to, something that Tanya was able to manage.

Once she confirmed they were decent, Joanne entered the room the boys were using. Various noises were heard but eventually it settled down; one by one the boys emerged. Joanne had a smile on her face when she'd packed her kit away.

"How did you manage that?"

"Easy Tammy, I told them they could be models for my IPL machine and I described it in extreme detail for their benefit. They'll be fine, in fact they'll go down a bomb."

"Nice. Come on Tanya, Josie, let's get going as it's almost show-time."

Outside the library the troupe was gathered ready for the short walk around to Sarah's new shop. A decent sized crowd was gathering, as were the press. A BBC camerawoman was fixing a camera onto her tripod whilst a radio reporter was recording the public's opinions.

She smiled when she saw a photographer running from a car that was not delicately parked. Her smile broadened when Constable Neale Fraser politely told the photographer to move his car.

"But I'm here for this job."

"Then you should have arrived earlier."

"My editor only just gave me the job, I was on my way to the Ladies Guild cake competition."

"I couldn't care less if it was the knit and natter either, move that car before we have it towed."

By now the troupe was outside the shop where Constable Andrew Fraser was keeping everyone at bay. A ribbon, suspiciously in the colours of the Clan McPherson, was strung across the open doorway ready for the guest of honour. Tammy was quite surprised when she was ushered forward to join Sarah by the ribbon, being handed a pair of dress-making scissors. There was a hush.

"Thank you everyone for coming here today. It was only a few months ago that I feared having to close and lose my business but one person had faith in me. Those who shop on a Saturday will know Tamara, some will also know her from the recent play at the Mill Theatre. I could think of no-one better, someone who has had such an impact on me and my business, to open my new store."

There was a round of applause, Tammy guessed she had to say something, however unprepared she was.

"Hello everyone, I've worked with Sarah for almost a year and hopefully I've been able to help a little without causing too many problems!"

There was a ripple of polite laughter.

"Anyway, I think it's important that we support small independent shops, the newest of which is Sarah's Boutique. I now declare this shop open."

She snipped the ribbon and stood to the side as Sarah rushed in, followed by a large number of the onlookers. Tammy could see Emily stood by the till, ready and waiting for trade.

Tammy returned to her troupe and they opened with "Something's Coming". Those who hadn't entered the store were now listening to the cast, thoroughly enjoying themselves. It was only a minute into the song when sirens could be heard approaching, drowning out the music.

PC Andrew Fraser ran over.

"Get back to a safe distance, there's been an anonymous bomb threat."

"Where?"

"The Boutique!"

Part Thirty Three   "Tamara Smart 003½"

 

 
Thursday 19th February (Continued)
 

As more police arrived any panic was subdued and the public dissipated. Sandy Franklin ushered her troupe of performers back towards the library, just outside the cordon that the police were establishing. Tanya tried to phone her mum, as did Josie, but neither phone had a signal. John Hibbert, who hadn't made it to the library on time, now joined the group. He was in costume but not made up, Tanya took delight in enhancing his features, perhaps it was too much delight?

"Tanya, leave him to me! You don't know how to do boys!"

"Joanne, he's my boy, my man, my husband to be, and I'll do anything I like to him!"

"Including making a mockery of him?! Come here John."

Tanya reluctantly let John go and tried her phone again, although the result was the same. By now almost everyone had realised that every mobile network seemed down.

"Well, Miss Smarty Pants, what could have caused this?" Tanya had her hands on her hips and was staring at Tammy. Because they were in character as Maria and Anita this looked like a stage direction to others present. Josie giggled.

"If the police have any sense, they will have disabled all mobiles so a phone can't be used to trigger a device."

"How would you know this?"

"I read it in the papers, it happens all the time in London when there's an incident. Apparently on 7/7/05 every mobile network right across London went off for several hours. If they could do that ten years ago then just imagine what they can do now?"

"Where's your own phone?"

"In my bag. No point checking it, is there?"

Sandy suggested they rehearsed some of the songs as they hadn't had time prior to going to the shop that morning. The rehearsal would also occupy them and possibly attract some of the displaced public into the normally quiet building. They had time for three songs before Sandy disappeared, returning from the back room.

"There's a phone ringing back there, it's in a black shoulder bag."

"That's mine." Tammy rushed to the room, found her phone but realised she'd missed the call. She hit the dial button and called the number back as she walked towards the others, her bag over her shoulder.

"Hello?"

"Oh Hi Tammy, it's Sophie. This line is not secure but are you near the incident site?"

"Hi Sophie, yes. I have a few people here wondering why my phone is working and theirs' isn't."

"The networks have been disabled, oh it's an access thing. Anyway, we had some info come to us this morning, the device is not in the shop it's the apartment above it."

"Oh, but why would they do that?"

"Has work started yet to make it habitable?"

"No." How did Sophie know that?

"Good, can you let one of the local CID officers know and give them a key so they don't bust the lock? The search team should be there shortly?"

"I can hear a chopper, I think it's landing by the quay."

"Okay, pass that on please."

"Will do, bye."

Everyone was now looking at Tammy.

"Look, I have keys to the building and I've been asked to let the police into the flat above the shop. I don't know why my phone's working. Got to go."

Tammy didn't wait for the ninety nine questions so just walked briskly out of the library and up to the police roadblock. A Constable stopped her.

"Sorry Miss, you can't go any further."

"I've been told to speak to a CID officer." She was still holding her phone.

"I was informed all the phones were off."

"I have a special arrangement obviously. Is DC Franklin nearby? It's urgent!"

The Constable reluctantly called Ben Franklin on the radio, realising that he hadn't taken Tammy's name. That wasn't needed in the end as the DC was within sight and running towards her.

"What is it Tammy?"

"I had a call from some people, the device is in the flat above the shop, I have the key." She fished the set, which included shop keys, out of her bag.

"Thanks, was there any other intel?"

"Not yet."

Another set of sirens heralded a bomb search team being driven from their helicopter to the site.

Ben rushed away; the uniformed constable stood there for a moment then instructed Tammy, regardless of anything she might say, that she had to go back to where she had come from. She thought about calling Sophie back but realised there was probably no new information available. She pondered, was this another of Heather's tests, although evacuating a town centre was going a bit far.

Sandy restarted the rehearsal, repeating the original three songs several times.

Ben reappeared at the library at midday and asked if he could speak to Tammy privately, Sandy pointed to her office at the back of the main hall.

"Where did your intel come from?"

"A friend in counter terrorism."

"Why to you?"

"Because I own the building and could well be the target."

"You? Hmmm, can you call them back?"

"Yes, but it's not a secure line."

"Be sensible then, do you have access to a secure line?"

"At the house."

"I might have guessed! Okay, make the call."

Tammy called the same number back.

"Hi Tammy, did they get the keys?"

"Yes, I guess the search team has gone in? I'm not allowed near the building but I have DC Ben Franklin with me."

"How much does he know?"

"I'm aware that he did a report on me for my clearance and was previously in Special Branch. I think he's put two and two together."

"Okay, I guess you want to know if you're the target?"

"Of course."

"The answer to that one is probably not."

"Probably?"

"That's right, if our intel is correct. It seems that there is no target as such, it is to obliterate what is up there. According to our source that's easier than trying to remove it."

"What source?"

"We can't discuss that on this line, call us when you get home."

"Sure, bye."

She cut the line. "Did you hear all of that?"

"Yes, and thanks. I now have a problem, I can't pass this on without saying the origin of the information."

"Or why my phone worked when it was supposed to be off?"

"That one's easy, your phone is in one of the higher groups so it's probably ranked the same as a civil emergency volunteer. I can't check so we'll just assume you don't have the top access."

"I am a fire warden at the school because I'm a prefect?"

"It's a silly answer but it'll keep most from asking questions. Now, what is up there? "

"I intended to offer it to John and Tanya this week, but a little fun and games got out of hand so I'm holding back."

"It might take some time for the teams to search properly."

"Making a mess I guess, Sarah and the various shop-fitters didn't find anything though."

"There probably wasn't anything in the shop area to find. I best get going."

His radio sprang into life, confirming they had found and disarmed the device, which was reportedly an incendiary; their next job was to remove it safely. The detective left immediately, Tammy walked back to her friends and decided to speak first, stalling any questioning.

"John, are your folks here?"

"Yes, they arrived yesterday and it was a late night."

"Any chance I could meet them, it's been a while?"

"Sure, one lunchtime? They're staying at the Central Hotel."

"Thanks, Saturday perhaps?"

"I'll let them know, they want to meet Tanya and her mum later today."

"Best behaviour then, does Sandy know?"

"Yes, I spoke to her yesterday and promised there would be no more shenanigans, but do you want to know the weirdest thing? She didn't know that Tanya was on th.... Ouch!"

Tammy smiled, while Tanya snarled at her fiancé. John was holding his face where she'd struck him, unsure whether to just walk away. That was answered a moment later.

"I'm sorry darling, sorry, I didn't mean it, really. Let me kiss it better!"

"Get a room!" Went the chorus from all around.

By one o'clock Sandy received the all clear. "Come on everyone, we can go back."

A few minutes later they re-assembled for a very diminished crowd and started up 'Something's Coming' again. Gradually the shoppers returned, by now they were on their second number. Tanya sang 'I Feel Pretty', while nearby a policeman was telling Sarah she was allowed to re-open the store, the search dogs having already left.

Inside, almost everything had been moved so Sarah and Emily set about tidying before allowing trade inside. Tammy wanted to help but was needed for the songs, to which her and Tanya were acting the relevant moves. That earned a good round of applause just before Sarah re-opened the door.

They continued into a third song, 'America'. Many of the audience knew some of the words, the chorus anyway, so joined in. By now the press had returned and were recording the scene. Sandy suggested they did a fourth song, one which they hadn't rehearsed at all but original cast members from the December production had sufficient recall to do 'Tonight'.

As they finished, Sandy took centre.

"Thank you everyone for what was, I'm sure, a memorable event! I'd like to thank members of the Mill Theatre for reprising their roles from December including a few extra who were press-ganged to be here today." That earned a laugh. "They are all in Macbeth which opens on the first of May. Tickets go on sale today. Thank you, they will now sing 'A Boy Like That' with Tamara Smart and Tanya Smith on lead vocals.

That was a surprise to everyone, but Tammy and Tanya remembered the words, even without backing. The others cooed at the right moments. The applause was incredible as the troupe took their bows and curtsies before leaving their stage.

***

Tammy had changed and applied fresh makeup when Sandy came looking for her.

"Your father's here, and my husband is waiting for you."

"Thanks Sandy, I hope we did well today?"

"That you did, it justifies the original casting. I just hope you'll be free for the next musical?"

"I really don't know. The earliest is the autumn I reckon."

"Well, I'll drop you an email when we have some rough plans."

"Thanks, I best get going."

Richard and Ben walked Tammy around to the flat and up the stairs. If it had been a mess before it was now a disaster area.

"What was found?"

"Drugs. Apparently there was so great a risk of discovery they took the choice to burn the building."

"Why not just remove the drugs?"

"It was hidden in wall panels and under floorboards, the noise would have been noticed downstairs. It was all about gang rivalry, your place had been used as a store and another gang didn't like the idea apparently."

"Dad, we didn't change the lock did we?"

"Only the shop keys, I'll have a locksmith here this afternoon. DC Franklin, how do you think the bomb was planted?"

"Mr Smart, I told Tammy we had seen some undesirables in the area at night so they were possibly checking the place out before breaking in."

"Breaking in with a key, that suggests the previous owners?"

"Yes, Tammy, did you buy from them?"

"No, the bank seized it and we bought it from the bank. I don't think we were ever told who owned it?"

Richard shrugged, "it was a shell company registered in Guernsey with J Smith and A Brown as directors. I wouldn't trust that information one bit."

"I'm sure we can find out a bit more Mr Smart, in the meantime please don't come up here as they'll want to search it again."

"So you don't want the locks changed?"

"Not unless you want the door busted down! I'm sure we'll fit a camera to check for unwelcome visitors."

"Ben, Sarah has four very discrete cameras front and back, all have infra-red as well. Maybe they captured the images?"

"Thanks for that, I'll pass it on."

It was half one when they reached the car and decided to go home instead of eating in town. Lunch was served by Leanne who was very contrite and said the minimal necessary. Tammy wanted to speak to Richard alone so suggested they walked to the barn to see how work was doing on the conversion.

"Have you spoken to Leanne?"

"No, I spoke to Julie and she's dealt with her sister. I wanted to suspend her, or even sack her for inappropriate behaviour but Julie convinced me that Leanne would behave."

"But those feelings she said she had, what about those?"

"Were you attracted to her?"

"No, but I respected her and was thankful when she stayed with me after my operation."

"So her feelings were misplaced, Julie seems to think Leanne was infatuated because she thought you felt the same way."

"Will you still speak to her?"

"Yes, later today."

"I don't want to lose her, she's very good as what she does."

"I agree but she must not become personally involved with anyone here."

"I agree."

"Now, what do you think about a wind turbine? A pair could provide our power requirements most days."

"What about the solar panels?"

"We keep them but we have the option to charge the main batteries from the turbines instead."

"So we're covered on a sunny day or a windy day?"

"Yes, and there's more windy ones than sunny ones up here!"

"What about permission, Dad?"

"I'll need planning permission but we can keep them fairy low, say fifteen metres."

"That would clear the roof of the house."

"That's right."

"What about noise?"

"Many of them use dampeners but we'll site them past the barn anyway."

"Where's Angela, by the way?"

"In bed with a lousy cold, weren't you told this morning?"

"No, but I was trying to get ready for today's opening and thought she'd breakfasted while I was reading the song lyrics. I also got to cut the ribbon, that was a surprise."

"I was there, with Elsie. She provided the ribbon."

"I thought I recognised it."

"Come on, I need a coffee."

***

Tammy waited until she'd finished her coffee before letting herself into the study and dialling a number in Cornwall.

"Hi Tammy."

"Hi Sophie, thanks for letting me know about that as it saved a busted lock."

"No problem, we also wanted to get some intel to the guys on the ground without having to go through all the usual channels, which takes time. When your name came up on an intelligence search, it was referred to Jenny who put it through to us to act as liaison. Having said that, it took a number of hops to identity you as owner as it was TS Property Ltd, trading as Tamara Smart Property, on the Land Registry database, the company being based in Jersey."

"Jersey? Blame my father for that. So far as contacting me directly instead of through local Police, doesn't it put me in an awkward position?"

"Yes it does, sorry, we forget that you haven't had any training with this sort of thing."

"What bombings?"

"No, people asking questions!"

"Sure."

"Anyway, I'm told you did good and the fall-out is minimal. We had to bump up the authority on your phone though."

"That was questioned, how high?"

"To the top."

"That might be really difficult to handle? It's one thing with a group of people I know, especially this far North, but might be different amongst strangers who know about this sort of thing."

"Again, training helps. I understand you spoke to Jenny?"

"Yes, is she like that with everyone?"

Sophie laughed. "She's had a go at me a few times as well, so don't take it personally. She is very good at what she does, I just can't tell you too much before you report for induction."

"This is getting serious?"

"It was serious two months ago, the powers that be have decided you need training and a good cover story."

"Cover story? This isn't a Bond movie!"

"No, but you have to be sufficiently confident when you return to Thurso to start your degree course, to able to brush off queries about any extra activities."

"Now I have visions of every spy film I've ever seen, starting with 'The Ipcress File'!"

Sophie laughed. "I think you'll find that it's mostly waiting around, listening, watching and reading. Heather knows it's the reading bit that occupies her much of the time."

"Oh."

"You sound disappointed? Please don't think that you'll be put in any danger deliberately, that's not what we normally do. Anyway, it's been an eventful day and I ought to get moving."

"Wait Sophie, you haven't told me where the threat come from?"

"Okay, we had a tip-off from a colleague in Devon and Cornwall Constabulary several weeks ago about a boat that was now coming into Scrabster with drugs ready for distribution and that someone else already supplied that area, creating rivalry. Apparently it's a supply that's been displaced from down this way. That much we knew already, so there was already surveillance in place, but the store wasn't identified before today. We didn't know about the bomb until someone got worried about the number of people who would be there and phoned it in, giving us the missing bits of the puzzle."

"Thanks for that, I take it I can't say anything?"

"Correct."

"Bye, give my regards to Heather."

"I will, bye."

Part Thirty Four   "Papers, papers"

 

 
Friday 20th February
 

"Hi Sarah, Emily."

"Good morning Tammy, where did you disappear yesterday? We could have done with a hand."

"Sorry, the police needed me, amongst others. How did you do?"

"Considering we only had a few hours of trading we did really well, I'm hoping for better things today because of the news coverage, after all the time the press took speaking to me yesterday. I referred a few of them to the library to speak to Sandy Franklin."

The story was front page on the Scotsman as well as the Scottish editions of most of the tabloids and had been running on BBC radio and TV since it broke the previous morning. Most photos included the front of the shop, emblazened with "Now Open" & "Opening Offers", although Tammy, Tanya and the others also had a mention. All together you couldn't have paid for better coverage.

The doors opened at nine and customers started to wander in, some old or repeat customers but many were new faces. The new lighting and the open displays helped even long-established customers find something they'd not seen before.

"Hello Tammy, I never knew you sold this, is it a new line?"

"No Mrs McIntosh, Sarah's stocked it for a few months. Lovely isn't it?"

The item was a longline wool/poly cardigan that was available in several colours, the Headmaster's wife was holding one in burgundy. The truth was that these had been in stock in the storeroom as there was seldom room on the displays for the item.

"I'm sure I would have seen it, I've been looking for something like this."

That was a definite sale but Anne McIntosh wasn't done yet. She finally spent sixty pounds, leaving happy.

This seemed to set the tone for the regular repeat customers, finding new stuff or simply being able to examine something in better light. Trade was brisk, with both sales positions in use by Emily and Tammy. This left Sarah free to speak to customers.

It looked like their coffee break wasn't going to happen when Angela arrived with Joan.

"How are you today?"

"Better, not one hundred percent though."

"Would a steam treatment help your sinuses?"

"It might."

"Go put the kettle on then, we could do with a coffee."

***

The rush seemed to die a little around twelve so each of them took half an hour's break, ensuring that two cashiers were left in the store throughout lunchtime. Tammy took the last slot, at one.

"Hello Frances, I don't have long I'm afraid."

"Would you like to order immediately, I'll let the kitchen know you're in a hurry."

"Thanks, I'll have a mushroom omelette with salad."

Tammy hadn't even reached a seat but knew the usual menu well enough. She found Sandy Franklin who beckoned Tammy over.

"What a day it was, Tammy!"

"I was wrecked at the end of it, Sandy, so was the flat over the shop!"

"You really own it?"

"Yes, it's an investment and the first of several properties in Thurso, probably."

"Who phoned you about it?"

"I can't say, sorry. Not even Ben knows."

"I thought he was cleared for everything? Anyway, what I wanted to say was well done, you coped with the extra songs really well."

"It just came back to me, and Tanya too."

"The crowd loved it, there's some Youtube footage that's now linked from the Thurso Echo's website."

"Amazing considering they weren't even going to send a photographer!"

"You're kidding?"

"No, then he turned up late and just left his car in the road, one of the Fraser brothers sent him back to move it, I'm not sure if he made it back to the shop in time."

"There's a photo on the front page of the Echo of you holding the scissors so I guess he managed it."

"I didn't know in advance about that! How have ticket sales gone?"

"Excellent, we've almost sold out for the Friday and Saturday nights. We might have to add to the five we've advertised?"

"I can't do any more, Sandy, my exams start just after that weekend and I won't want any extra distractions. I haven't told Sarah but I'll have to stop working in the shop for a bit during my exams as well."

"I understand, it's not that many years ago that I did my Highers."

"How did you manage it?"

"I locked myself in my bedroom, it was easier then as we didn't have the internet at home."

"Too many distractions now?"

"Far too many, even my library staff are more interested in Facebook than their customers, and don't like it when I remind them why they're there."

"Not good."

Tammy's omelette arrived, judging by some of the looks she received it must have been bumped up the food orders waiting list, possibly to the top.

Tammy tackled her lunch straight away, all but killing the conversation. Sandy's sandwich arrived shortly after so the table was almost silent, with just the noise of the cutlery against china.

Around them a few whispers were gathering. Tammy couldn't hear exactly what was being said, nor who was saying it, but was becoming concerned; Sandy sensed it too. As soon as Tammy had cleared her plate she caught Frances' eye, gave him a tenner and left swiftly.

"You're back early."

"I'm not sure, Sarah, but I think I was about to be hit with questions in the hotel, ones that I might not want to answer."

Sarah suggested they moved to the storeroom. "About what?"

"Again, I'm sorry but I can't even tell you because I've been asked, told, not to."

"This sounds serious, are you in any trouble?"

"No, not at all, it's just that I was contacted by someone in counter-terrorism yesterday and I gave my assurance that I wouldn't disclose any of our conversations."

"I noticed your phone was working but ours weren't?"

"Yes, they did something special to my handset apparently so they could call me."

"I see. They told you that the bomb was upstairs?"

"Yes, but please don't ask any more, otherwise I'll have to wear a disguise around Thurso."

"Fine, but a moustache or a beard wouldn't suit you!"

"So no chance of a Groucho Marx mask?"

"Ha! Could you tidy the storeroom for me, I'll keep an eye out for any unwelcome visitors.

"Thanks."

Sarah left Tammy whilst she returned to the shop, to be immediately questioned by Thurso's finest shoppers.

It was a few minutes before Tammy's phone rang, number unknown.

"Hello, who is it?"

"It's the Echo, would you be available for an interview?"

"No I will not."

"It will only be a short one."

"As I said, I am not giving an interview. Goodbye."

Tammy killed the call; she'd called the paper a few days earlier from her mobile and realised they must have stored the number. She then had an idea, she called Sophie.

"Hi Tammy, can this be quick?"

"Yes, just had a call from the press but they withheld their number, can my phone be adjusted to show all incoming, regardless?"

"Yes, but we'll have to get back from Trago Mills first."

What's Trago Mills, she thought, maybe a name for an investigation?

"Okay, thanks."

Tammy continued her tidy up in the storeroom, space would be needed for deliveries the following week. She heard raised voices coming from the shop doorway.

"Is Miss Smart here?"

"Who are you?"

"Someone who wants to catch up with her."

"I'm the store owner and unless you give me a good reason you are to leave the premises."

Tammy was now watching the CCTV monitor and adjusted one of the cameras to get a better view, it was James Yates, whom she'd last seen in December.

"Sarah it's fine, hello James, where's Sally?"

"Sorting out Becky, they were behind me."

"How did you find me here?"

"Easy, check any newspaper or TV channel in Scotland. Most name you too."

"Oh dear, I want a low profile right now."

"Too late!" That came from Sally Yates, pushing a buggy. "How are you?"

"Fine, Sarah do you mind if I find somewhere quieter?"

"Not at all, can you be here tomorrow?"

"Only for an hour before I have to go to the rehearsal?"

"Is that all, damn, Emily's going after breakfast. What about Angela?"

"She's one of the witches, so's Josie."

"I really am going to be on my own, aren't I?"

"'Fraid so."

Tammy quickly said goodbye to Emily and left the shop, she suggested they went to the hotel which should, by then, have lost much of the lunchtime customers.

"Frances, we'd like to talk somewhere quiet, could we use the restaurant?"

"No problem, the last customer just finished in there. Would you like drinks?"

He took the order as Becky was pushed in her buggy past the bar, her eyes wide open.

"Sally, how old is Becky now?"

"She'll be three soon, Tammy, on the first of March."

"Still a little terror?"

"At times, far too much energy."

Tammy remembered their first meeting was at Wick Airport when Angela prevented Becky from running into the road outside the terminal.

"Are you staying with Helen?"

"Yes, we arrived on Wednesday, I managed to get some time off as Becky's nursery is closed this week for maintenance. How are you coping?"

"Mostly fine, my problems are only with a few people."

"Because you're transgendered?"

"That issue caused one person to get violent with me, he's due in court soon. No, the others were all after me for various criminal reasons and I needed a bodyguard after the first abduction attempt."

Sally gasped, "How bad?"

"It was connected to terrorist attacks near London, so potentially very bad, the second attempt was in here."

James decided the subject needed changing. "Are you back at school?"

"Yes, the school will now accept girls into the sixth form so Angela and I went back just before Christmas. Oh, thanks for contacting Professor Roberts although I was a bit upset when he told me."

"I should apologise then."

"No, it helped sway the decision for me to start HRT immediately."

"It did? I'm so pleased for you." Sally walked over to give Tammy a hug. Becky, who was still strapped in the buggy, obviously decided she needed attention so started to scream.

"Let me out! Let me out mummy! I wanna hug!"

Duly unhitched she went to Sally but turned and looked at Tammy, who held out her arms. There must have been a spark of recognition in this little girl's eyes as she ran into Tammy's arms and was swept up onto Tammy's lap.

"What's your name?" Asked the urchin.

"Tammy."

"Tummy."

"No, Tammy."

"Tummy, yes. Are you a friend of my mummy?"

"Yes."

Becky wriggled her bottom around and leant back, attaching a thumb to her mouth. Her eyes started to close.

Frances chose that moment to bring the drinks but moved quietly so as not to disturb the child. The adults sipped first, before continuing their conversation.

"You mentioned Angela?"

"Yes Sally, she's seen the Professor recently and is making progress but I don't think it's fair to say any more without her permission."

"It must be unusual for two students to come out as TG in one school in the space of a few months?"

"Make that three, now."

"Living as a girl?"

"No, not until she finishes her A levels."

"Are you staying in Thurso when you finish?"

"Yes, but I'll be in the South-West for much of the summer."

"Holiday?"

"Work experience, a unique opportunity you might call it."

"Are they going to sponsor you?"

"No, my Dad's now retired but the deal includes his former employer paying for my university education. The money's not important but it eases the cashflow situation. I'll be living at home so costs are down too."

"Sounds like you have this sorted out, what are you studying?"

"BA in Business & Management, specialising in finance."

"So the work experience is with a company?"

"No, a forensic accountant, a one-woman company but a part of a much bigger operation."

"Sounds intriguing."

"It is, but I still don't know what I'll be doing, other than the date I'm due to arrive." Tammy hesitated to say and more and decided the brevity was essential.

Her phone chimed, getting it from her bag whilst cradling Becky was taking time, Sally just smiled.

Spoken to HQ, phone system upgrade will appear, wait until you get home and use wifi. You will be issued a new phone at induction

She put her phone away.

"Sorry about that, it was a reply to a question I asked earlier."

"Not your father asking what time you'd be home?"

No!"

That jolted Becky who started to cry. Tammy tried to calm her but it wasn't working so handed the little girl to her mother.

"Have you considered children of your own, Tammy?"

"I'm only eighteen and I'm too young to start a family." She blushed. "Oh."

"Don't worry Tammy, you've just said what any girl your age would say."

"Thanks."

Her phone rang, this time it was her father.

"We've had press come to the house looking for you."

"I had one of them call me and I said no to an interview."

"Where are you now?"

"In the hotel, with Sally and James Yates."

"I remember them, Wick Airport, wasn't it? Are you in the bar where you can be seen?"

"No, in the restaurant where we wouldn't get bothered."

"Good idea. I'll come down and pick you up, fifteen minutes?"

"Sure."

She put her phone away.

"Trouble?" Asked James.

"Yes, the press are looking for me. It'll be about yesterday."

"Why?"

"Probably because I own the building."

"The shop?"

"Yes, and the apartment over the shop which is where the bomb was found."

"How did you get to own it?"

"Dad thought it would be good experience to start a property portfolio and this is the first of them. Sarah's my tenant but I work for her!"

"Nice arrangement, you get to keep an eye on the property!"

"I'd trust her anyway. How's London?"

"Wet and cold mostly, we're considering moving up this way, there's an opening for a psychiatric nurse so I might take it."

"At the Dunbar?"

"No, at the Raigmore in Inverness. We're looking at properties while we're up here."

"Okay, so we might see more of you. James, you never told me what you did?"

"I'm a writer."

"Books?"

"Books, television productions, that sort of thing."

Frances came into the restaurant and quietly spoke to Tammy.

"Some press and photographers are in the bar and have been told you're in the hotel."

"My father is on his way to collect me."

"Tell him to park in the side street and we'll take you out of a staff exit, I've asked for help to clear the bar of the unwanted trash."

Tammy understood the code. "Thanks Frances, I'll call him now."

Richard answered using the handsfree and acknowledged the update. He had intended to leave the car in the carpark and walk round but that was no longer an option. He quickly dialled his solicitor in London.

"Hello Richard."

"Hi Gerald, we need to get a statement out to the press about Tammy's property company."

"Ah, the bombing in Thurso?"

"Yes, we need to include that the police contacted her as keyholder in order to facilitate access to the flat above the shop. Can you draft something, Tammy will be with me soon and we'll call you back when we get home."

"Okay, I'll get onto it. Have you thought about using a local solicitor?"

"Yes, but almost everything is with you, so apart from any legal representation up here I'd rather keep things as they are."

"Very well, bye Richard."

"Bye."

Richard drove past the front of the hotel and turned down a side road, ahead he would see one of the kitchen staff indicating where to stop. Tammy was brought to the door by Frances and able to jump into the Land Rover. Richard was moving before she had buckled her seat belt.

"I've just spoken to Gerald, he'll draft a statement we can put out to the press that explains your part in yesterday's events."

"Good, it'll sound better if it's from a solicitor."

Once parked at Dunbankin, Richard checked that no-one needed to go out so closed the security gates in front of the house. Acess was still possible through the McPherson estate, but no-one needed to know that, certainly not the press. Once inside he phoned Elsie to advise her and went to the study. Tammy was already in there, holding a fax.

"It's just come through, looks okay to me?"

Richard scanned through it and made a few alterations then faxed it back. Gerald would do the rest.

Now she was connected to the house wifi, Tammy told her phone to continue with an update, although the update didn't seem to come from the mobile network, or Google for that matter. Once the phone was restored a text came through from Sarah

More press looking for you, hopefully you're home. Call from Penelope Lane, can she meet us at nine in the morning? She's travelling up now. Emily has said she'll leave after lunch.

The fashion show was only fifteen days away!

"Tammy, there was some post for you this morning."

"Thanks Dad."

"It's on your bed."

There were several large envelopes. The biggest one had OHMS on it, and had to be signed for on delivery. Inside was a form, a return envelope and an inner envelope marked Restricted.

The form had a simple title: Official Secrets Act : and reminded the holder that there were bound by the Act even if they didn't sign the form, but weren't allowed to do anything until they had signed it. She signed, copied it and sealed the original in the return envelope. Inside the Restricted envelope were her joining instructions for June 29th, plus a few more forms and various instructions.

"Why so far ahead?" thought Tammy.

One of the instructions told her how to handle and store anything marked Restricted, Confidential, Secret or Top Secret. Having read it, she gathered everything up and went to put it in the safe. This was possible overkill but she didn't fancy having her clearance cancelled because of one piece of paper being in the wrong place. This digital society certainly loved paper, lots of it.