Daisy’s eyes widened at the mention of his brother’s title, but she remained silent, letting Callan continue.
“He gave me a bag of gold, just before I... before I left.”
Daisy nodded. “Let’s see what the dealer says about them. I know you don’t have a phone, but I bet we can look up your brother and at least send an email.”
The sorrowful look on his face made her pause.
“Callan? What is it?”
“He’s gone, lass. He and his wife are long dead.”
That didn’t make sense, but maybe his memories were jumbled as they were coming back? She was going to ask him to elaborate, but they turned onto a quiet street and there was the coin dealer’s shop.
A tiny bell jingled as they pushed open the door, announcing their arrival.
Behind the counter sat an elderly man with a shock of white hair and keen blue eyes behind wire-rimmed glasses. He looked up as they approached, a warm smile on his face.
“Afternoon. How can I help you today?”
Callan reached into his pocket and pulled out a handful of gold coins, placing them on the counter.
“I wish to sell ye this gold.”
The old man’s eyes widened as he picked up one of the coins, examining it closely under a magnifying glass.
“Incredible,” he breathed. “These are from the early 14th century.”
He looked up at Callan, astonished. “Where on earth did you acquire these, young man?”
Callan shifted uncomfortably. “They were given to me by my brother, William. Lord Blackford, in England,” he said quietly.
The dealer nodded, sensing there was more to the story but choosing not to pry.
“Your brother must have been quite well-off.”
He carefully inspected each coin, making notes on a pad of paper. After several minutes, he looked up at Callan, a glint of excitement in his eye.
“I would be very interested in purchasing these from you, if you’re willing to part with them. Given their rarity and condition, I could offer you a truly substantial sum.”
He scribbled a figure on a piece of paper and slid it across the counter. Daisy’s eyes nearly bugged out of her head when she saw the number of zeros.
Callan, however, hesitated. “I dinna ken,” he said slowly. “These coins, they’re one of the few ties I have left to my brother.”
The old man nodded, understanding. “Of course, I respect that. But if you do decide to sell, even just a few of the coins, I’d be happy to purchase them from you.”
Callan was silent for a long moment, deep in thought. Finally, he sighed.
“Aye, yer right. As much as it pains me, I ken I need money to make my way.” He looked at the dealer. “I’ll sell half of them and keep the rest.”
The old man’s face brightened. “Wonderful.”
As they left the shop a short while later, Callan clutched a check for more money than he’d ever seen in his life.
Daisy explained about the check, how he could turn it in for the green paper as he called it, as they made a trip to the bank. Since he had no identification, they had the dealer put the check in her name and after she deposited it, gave him the money, a great deal to be sure.
“You can always sell the rest of the coins later,” she said softly. “But I understand wanting to keep a piece of your brother close. When you’re ready, will you tell me about him? About England and Scotland?”
He nodded at her. “Aye, I will, lass.”
