Read Online Empty Nets and Promises by Denzil Meyrick - Free Book Online Page A

shoulder as he cradled Marshall’s head in his lap. ‘I’m sure he’s just knocked out – he’ll likely be fine in a minute or two.’
    â€˜I’m not so sure, Maggie,’ said Grant. ‘We have to get him help.’
    Watson the Fishery Officer looked at Ralph in disgust. ‘I don’t know what schemes you’ve been cooking up with Hoynes here but you’ll spend the rest of your days behind bars if this man dies. And him a representative of Her Majesty, too. I wouldn’t be surprised if they brought back the gallows for this. Do your duty, Duncan.’
    â€˜Wait a bloody minute,’ said Ralph indignantly. ‘He attacked me, remember.’
    â€˜He was doing his job protecting the Revenue. Crooks like you have no place in a quiet, law-abiding community like ours. Sandy, you’re for the high-jump as well, bringing such desperados to Kinloch. You’ll likely swing too.’
    â€˜Iain, will you be quiet,’ demanded Grant. ‘We need to get this man some medical help. We’ll take a look at the pass and see if there’s any way through.’
    â€˜I wouldna be holdin’ oot too much faith in that,’ said Geordie. ‘You’ve seen yoursel’ how narrow the roadway is – a few boulders are enough tae make it impassable.’
    â€˜Nonetheless,’ said Grant. ‘Two of you can take one of the cars and have a look.’
    â€˜I’ll go,’ volunteered Hoynes. ‘I canna bear seeing this poor wretch lying there. If there’s any chance o’ a way through, I’ll get back here pronto, and we’ll carry the gentleman aboard.’
    â€˜I’ll come wae you, skipper,’ said Hamish.
    â€˜No, no, no. You’re not making a break for it as easy as that,’ said Watson. ‘If there’s anyone going with Professor Moriarty here, it’s me. You’ll not escape my clutches, Sandy Hoynes.’
    â€˜Whoever’s going, go now!’ Grant urged. ‘If there’s no way through the pass, we’ll have to think of something else.’
    Reluctantly, Hoynes made his way out of the bothy with Watson in tow. ‘And no fancy business, either,’ said the Fishery Officer. ‘I’ll not be more than an arm’s length from you at any time.’
    Hoynes pulled his cap down over his forehead in an attempt to shelter from the rain. ‘Do you know something, Iain Watson? I think you’re as mad as a March hare.’ He ducked into the driver’s side of Geordie’s vehicle. Soon the pair were making their way steadily back up towards the Piper’s Pass.
    Hamish, looking down at Marshall, shook his head. ‘I knew I should’ve paid attention tae that nightmare I had the other night.’
    â€˜What nightmare?’ asked Marjorie, biting her lip at the sight of her husband leaving with Watson.
    â€˜The Walls o’ Jericho were tumbling doon. Folk were fair scattering everywhere – a dreadful sight, a’ the gither.’
    â€˜Right,’ said Maggie. ‘I daresay it wasn’t a trumpeter that brought the stones down. Would it be a piper, by any chance?’
    â€˜See you, Maggie,’ replied Hamish. ‘I’ve always thought you had the sight. Now I’m sure. You’ve got it bang on.’
    â€˜Jeest a pity you hadna the sight tae see how this wee caper wid end in such tragedy, Hamish,’ said Geordie. ‘I’d be at hame having a right good snooze noo, if I’d no’ been foolish enough to join in wae your little plot.’
    â€˜I think it’s time I knew just what’s going on, Hamish.’ Grant looked up at the fisherman.
    â€˜Scheme? What’s all this?’ said Bertie. ‘What scheme?’
    Hamish lit his pipe. ‘Well, now, you see, when there’s nae fish, there’s nae joy in the world, and that’s a fact.’
    Geordie shrugged. ‘If they two canna