Liv took off her wet things, dried herself and got changed under the covers because the room was so chilly but once she was in bed she was actually quite cosy. The sheets were a high thread count and despite the pillows being a bit lumpy, and her various body parts aching, she managed to get comfy. She’d found a box in the corner of the room, torn off a flap of cardboard and after folding it multiple times it made a good wedge for the door. She’d placed the biggest of the books, she’d found inside the box, on the bedside cabinet so if she needed to defend herself in the night it would make a good impromptu weapon.
Despite everything she wasn’t worried about being murdered in her sleep by Fraser. Her brain was unhelpfully thinking about Janet the witch. She wasn’t usually spooked by ghost stories but now she’d seen the painting it seemed to come to life in her mind, which wasn’t helpful. She squeezed her eyes tight shut. She was tired and she needed to get to sleep.
She must have nodded off because she turned over and something pulled her awake. She plumped her pillow and snuggled down again. That was when she heard it. A sort of rhythmic moaning noise. Was she dreaming it? She gave her arm a pinch. Nope, she was now wide awake and there was the noise again. Was it Fraser messing with her? That must be it.
There was only one light switch and it was by the door. She swung her legs out of bed and crept across the room. She’d show him she wasn’t that easily spooked. She stood by the door waiting for the noise but when the moaning started again it was behind her. Liv spun around, her heart thumping.
She squinted across the dark room. There was nothing there but the moaning continued. She crept towards the end of the bed where another piece of furniture was still covered in a dust sheet. A shiver ran through her. What had her mother said to her about following strange noises? But she had to investigate. She tried to keep her nerve. What had Fraser rigged up under there to scare her? She grabbed the sheet and with a tug it came free. With that something burst from under the sheet right at her face. Liv screamed louder than she thought possible. She waved her arms about in panic. What was it? Was it Janet come to claim her soul?
There was a thudding sound and someone tried to push the door free of the cardboard wedge. At last the door swung open, the bedroom light came on and a panicked Liv turned around. ‘What the hell is wrong with you?’ asked Fraser, looking tired with his hair all dishevelled.
‘There was a thing. It was moaning and then it came at me out of the darkness and it freaked me out.’
The moaning started again. ‘Shhh,’ whispered Liv. ‘Did you hear that?’
Fraser’s expression changed from annoyed to intrigued. He crept past her and around the bed. He crouched down and when he stood up he was grinning. That annoying smug grin she’d seen earlier. ‘I think I’ve found the culprit,’ he said, holding a pigeon in his hands. He pulled back the curtain to reveal the window had sprung open again. As an icy gust came in he put the pigeon out and shut the window. This time double-checking the catch. He didn’t say anything as he left the room. Liv muttered a reluctant thank you and went back to bed.
She didn’t have the best night’s sleep. As well as the pigeon incident, different parts of her ached at different times and her brain kept going over everything: how come Fraser didn’t seem to recognise her? Why had he let her stay? Was he being kind or was it all part of an elaborate master plan that her tired brain couldn’t work out? The rain continued to lash it down, which sounded like someone had a hosepipe trained on her bedroom window. At one point it had sounded like gravel being thrown at the windows. It was cold and there was a draught coming from somewhere because the tassels on the four-poster bed kept moving. On top of that she was starting to think the place was haunted. Every time she was dropping off to sleep there would be another creak, bump or noise, which would freak her out.
The sound of the dawn chorus woke her and she took stock. She’d made it through the night without being murdered or having her soul sucked from her. There was a bump on her head that was tender to the touch, but the throbbing had stopped. Her ankle was stiff but not as painful as the previous night, and whilst her body felt a bit achy, she was otherwise fine. She lifted the covers. She’d spent the night wearing Fraser’s T-shirt and underwear, which was not how she’d expected her day to end when she’d set off from Lancashire. She was very confused about Fraser. He had seemed grumpy and aloof but then, in his defence, she had almost taken him out with the long pole thing. But carrying her upstairs, finding her a room she was happy with and lending her something of his to sleep in were really kind things to do.
The cold light of day was an actual thing in Scotland, she discovered as she opened her curtains and the source of the chill became abundantly clear. Outside, the windowsill was covered in snow. She looked beyond to see that it wasn’t just the windowsill. The view from her window was stunning and only enhanced by the frosty coating. The trees were all coated in nature’s icing sugar and the sun glinted off the icy water like a mirror. Then she snapped out of the fairy tale. ‘Shitting hell. Snow!’
She’d survived the night, now all she had to do was find her mobile that she’d dropped when she fell, sort out the ripped tyre, give Fraser a piece of her mind and get the hell out of the haunted hotel and forget all about Fraser. It seemed like a daunting list of things. Liv picked up her clothes that she’d hopefully placed on an ancient-looking radiator the night before. They were no longer dripping wet but they weren’t dry either. She was hunting for a hairdryer when she could hear someone knocking but it wasn’t on her door so she carried on. The knocking got closer until it was at her door and it abruptly opened, making her jump.
‘Here you are!’ said Effie marching over and wrapping her in a hug. ‘I’m so glad you’re still here. Do you know who you are yet?’
‘Err.’
‘Don’t worry. Doc McLeod will check you over and you’ll be fine. I brought you some of my clothes. You’re sort of the size I was last year. I’ve put on a couple of pounds since I discovered chocolate Brazil nuts. Have you tried them? They’re moreish. Here, try this on.’ She thrust a black dress and thick black jumper at Liv, followed by a carrier bag. ‘There’s underwear, a new toothbrush that I was saving for when I go travelling, and hiking socks because I know Southerners feel the cold more than we do.’
‘Thanks, this is really kind of you.’ At least she wouldn’t have to put on her damp pants and jumpsuit. ‘I feel fine now, so I think we can cancel the doctor.’
‘But you still don’t know who you are. Do you?’
Liv had no option but to carry on with the lie. ‘No, but I’m sure I’ll be okay.’
‘I don’t think you will. You see, head injuries are dangerous.’ Effie was looking serious. ‘I saw a programme. They can cause all sorts of things like percussion.’
‘Concussion,’ corrected Liv.
‘That too? You see it’s important you see the Doc. Anyway has Fraser offered you breakfast?’
‘I’ve not seen anyone,’ said Liv.
‘Typical Fraser. I’ll get you something to eat. Back in a jiffy.’ And with that she was gone. Effie was a bit of a whirlwind, if a whirlwind talked as fast as it twirled.
Liv put on some borrowed flowery pants from the bag Effie had given her and the black dress, which was quite long with a white collar and cuffs. She pulled the black jumper on over the top but the white collar was still showing. A glance in the mirror made her think she looked like a vicar. She found the bathroom and felt better for a wash and for brushing her teeth. She made the bed and tidied the few things she had. She moved her car keys out of her hoodie and into the dress pocket. With any luck she’d be able to escape later on.
The hotel was eerily quiet as she walked carefully downstairs so as not to agitate her ankle. How come it was now completely silent and yet last night there were so many noises? She realised that whilst her sister’s place lacked character there were lots of benefits to a new build, not least the lack of ghosts.
Once downstairs Liv headed in the direction of the voices that were coming from the back of the building. As soon as she got the chance she was going to find her phone, because she’d need to call her mum and sister soon or they’d start to worry about her. There was a door with a porthole window, which she had a little look through. She was about to go inside when Fraser’s face appeared on the other side. She smiled. He scowled back at her. Fine, if that’s how he wanted to play it. She tried to push on the door but it wouldn’t budge.
‘Stop pushing,’ said Fraser from the other side. Liv did as she was told and the door instantly swung in her direction whacking her. Thankfully her forearm took the brunt of it. ‘Shit. I’m sorry,’ said Fraser, coming through the door looking concerned. He took in her outfit. ‘Good morning, Wednesday Addams.’
‘I’m fine, thanks for asking,’ she said giving her arm a rub.
His tone seemed to change. ‘You shouldn’t be in the kitchens. It’s for staff only. See…’ He tapped the sign on the door.
‘There was nobody about.’
He took a breath as if resetting himself. ‘Fine. Good morning, I trust you slept well?’
‘Yeah, I did actually apart from the whole freaky pigeon interlude. Thanks for your help with that.’
‘My pleasure,’ said Fraser with a smile at the edge of his lips.
Effie came through the door with a tray. ‘Stop bickering, you two. Daphne needs her breakfast.’
Liv stepped out of the way and Effie walked past. ‘Come on, Daphne, this way to the dining room.’
Liv wanted to know what the next level up from confusion was because she was definitely in a very strange place. ‘Is Daphne another ghost?’ she asked Fraser.
‘That’s what Effie has decided to call you,’ he said with a grin.
‘What now?’
‘Because you cannay remember your name, she’s decided that to her you look like a Daphne.’ He seemed to find this hilarious.
‘I don’t know what to do with that,’ said Liv. ‘I don’t mean to be rude but is Effie okay?’
He pursed his lips and leaned closer. ‘Effie is a kind soul but she just takes a bit longer than most to work stuff out. Because of that she had a tough time at school. She has a good heart but that means she can be easily hurt. So please be kind to her.’
‘I will. Thanks for putting me in the picture.’ They stayed looking at each other. Those were the words of a kind and caring soul. Fraser was beyond baffling.
‘Daphne!’ called Effie from the other room.
‘You’d better go, Daphne,’ said Fraser failing to hide a smirk.
Liv followed the sound of the tray being unburdened and found herself in a lovely room, high ceilings, recently decorated, two complete and sparkly chandeliers with a number of tables and chairs but only one with a tablecloth.
‘Here you go, Daphne. Porridge with salt or sugar followed by a morning roll.’
‘A morning roll, I should be so lucky,’ said Liv with a chuckle but Effie was frowning at her.
‘You are lucky because there’s your morning roll.’ Effie pointed at the plate.
Liv looked at the white roll and what looked to be something square inside it. ‘What’s in it?’ she asked.
‘Lorne sausage,’ said Effie. ‘You’ll like it, Daphne. Trust me.’
‘Actually, hang on,’ said Liv. ‘I’m pretty sure my name’s not Daphne.’ Effie looked disappointed and for a moment she thought about what Fraser had said about being kind to Effie but even if she was only going to be there for a couple more hours she wasn’t sure she could stand being called Daphne. Perhaps she could lure Effie down another route. ‘I think my name might be something beginning with L.’
‘Ooh I love guessing games. Lucy, Lottie, Lewis, Lesley?’ said Effie excitedly taking up the challenge.
‘Nope. Maybe not something that obvious.’
‘Lettuce, Lego, Ladle, Leaf?’ Effie was frowning hard with the effort. ‘Lurpak?’
Okay, this wasn’t going quite how she’d hoped. ‘I don’t think so. Something like Liz maybe?’ suggested Liv, hoping Effie would land on the right answer.
Effie scowled at her. ‘People called Liz are usually horrid and unkind.’
‘Okay, not Liz. Maybe um… Liv?’ She looked hopefully at Effie.
‘No, I don’t think so; that’s not even a name,’ she said with a giggle. ‘Tea or coffee, Daphne?’
Effie returned with a pot of tea, took the seat opposite Liv and watched her eat her breakfast. Liv found she was ravenous but when she thought about it she’d not had a proper meal the previous day, assuming she didn’t count all the packets of crisps she’d consumed. She chose to have sugar on the porridge because salt was just plain weird and the roll was surprisingly delicious even if the sausage was square. All washed down with a cup of builder’s tea. Liv felt ready to face the day.
‘Good?’ asked Effie.
‘Yeah. Great. Thanks. What was the crumbly stuff on the top of the square sausage?’
‘That’s haggis.’
Liv froze. ‘And what is that exactly?’
‘It’s a mixture and it includes Fraser’s secret mix of spices and herbs. Along with onions, oats, suet and sheep’s pluck.’
‘Sheep’s pluck? What? Something that’s been plucked from a sheep? Like wool?’ She asked the question, unsure whether she wanted to hear the reply.
‘No silly. It’s things from inside the sheep. Usually, lungs, liver, heart, tongue. And it’s encased in the sheep’s stomach,’ said Effie happily.
Liv gagged as she went through the ingredients. ‘Oh my life, I’m Hannibal Lecter.’
‘Anything else to eat?’ asked Effie.
Liv held up her hand like a stop sign. ‘No. Thank you.’
‘My pleasure. It’s what I make every morning for my granny, Dolly.’
‘Then she’s very lucky,’ said Liv. Effie began loading the tray up. ‘Effie, do you think you could help me with something?’ asked Liv.
‘I’d love to. What do you need? Map, supplies, headtorch?’
Liv blinked; it was hard to keep on her own thought path when Effie seemed keen to take her down a weird and wonderful one of her own. ‘I was thinking that it’s likely I would be the sort of person who would have a mobile phone. But there wasn’t one in my pocket. I’m wondering if I may have dropped it when I had the run-in with the cow. Would you help me look around for it, please?’
‘Ooh a treasure hunt – I love those. Where shall we start?’
‘I thought maybe in the yard where you found me?’
‘Good idea,’ said Effie pointing a finger at Liv. ‘Follow me.’ She picked up the tray and set off.
Effie gave Liv Fraser’s coat to wear and they went outside. Liv had seriously misjudged what she thought was a coating of snow as she stepped out and her boots disappeared. ‘Chuffing heck, that’s quite a bit of snow.’
‘Noooo, that’s barely a flurry,’ said Effie striding out in her wellingtons. ‘Now where shall we start?’
Liv pointed to where the crates had toppled over and then moved her finger about so it was more of a general area.
After twenty minutes Liv couldn’t feel her fingers. It had started to snow again and there was no sign of her phone. Liv was getting fed up and a little fraught. There was a distant rumbling sound, which made Effie stand up straight.
‘That’ll be Doc McLeod.’
Liv wanted to find her phone but she really had no choice but to give up for now, so she had one last look around before heading inside.
It wasn’t a lot warmer inside until Effie took her through to the library. She could hear Fraser greeting someone at the door and was keen to listen to what he said, but unfortunately they were a bit too muffled. Liv sat down on the window seat.
‘This is my favourite view,’ said Effie.
Liv followed her gaze. Down a sweeping lawn, some stone steps drew the eye to a gap in some trees and a vast expanse of water, with impressive mountains beyond. ‘Is that Loch Lochy?’ she asked.
‘Ahh now that is a good sign,’ said an older gentleman joining them. ‘Don’t get up. I’m Doctor McLeod, but you can call me Doc. Everyone does. Now tell me what happened.’
‘You see I heard a scream like this,’ began Effie. ‘Arrrrrrgh!’
‘Thank you, Effie. But it would be best if I heard it from this young lady. Perhaps you can tell me your version later.’
‘Let’s leave them to it, Effie,’ said Fraser. He nodded at Liv and shut the door once Effie had reluctantly left.
Liv kept things sketchy and told the Doc what happened from after she came round. She was fairly certain that she had managed to knock herself out but for how long she wasn’t sure. Given Effie’s account it was likely she’d come outside not too long after she’d heard the scream, so Liv couldn’t have been unconscious for more than a couple of minutes. The Doc examined her head and ankle, took her temperature and blood pressure, and checked her pupils and reflexes.
‘Any dizziness or nausea?’ he asked.
‘No. I felt a bit sick last night when it happened but I feel fine now.’
‘I don’t think there’s any cause for alarm. You have concussion and I suspect in the next day or so your memory will come flooding back. If you do feel dizzy, have any head pain or pass out, you must go directly to hospital. Understood?’ he asked getting to his feet.
‘Yes, Doc. So I’m good to go then?’
‘Well you can’t drive, if that’s what you mean. You need to stay put until you are fully recovered.’
‘But there might be people worried about me.’
‘I’m sure there are. But I understand the police are already aware.’
‘The police?’ Liv barely managed to squeak the word out. This was getting out of hand.
‘Yes, the police. Robbie Williams. Cheerio.’
Why did he keep naming musicians? Liv was beyond baffled.