Liv held up a hand. ‘I’m the driver.’
Robbie still didn’t look like he was buying it but was distracted by Effie’s sudden gasp. ‘What?’ he asked, visibly checking her over.
‘Do you think Janet has taken them?’ asked Effie with wide eyes. ‘She could have, you know.’ Effie made hand gestures nobody understood.
‘Who’s Janet?’ asked Kacey.
Effie opened her mouth, but Liv was already escorting people into the hallway.
‘Hello and welcome to the Lochy House Hotel,’ said Dolly from behind the reception desk. ‘If you’d all like to sign in.’
Fraser came striding after them. ‘They can’t stay here.’
‘Sorry, mate,’ said Robbie. ‘There’s nowhere else. It’s a matter of public safety.’
Fraser shook his head and Liv decided distraction was probably the best approach to avoid any conflict. ‘Bring your bags and everything through, and we’ll get a fire lit in the library.’ Everyone filed into the library, heads twisting in all directions as they checked the room out.
‘Is that a video player?’ asked Aaron.
‘This place is out of the Dark Ages,’ muttered Shanie.
‘At least there’s a telly,’ said Kacey switching it on. The TV blared out a hissing noise accompanied by a black and white screen that looked like it was also snowing a blizzard in the TV.
‘Aerial blew down in a storm last Christmas,’ said Fraser.
‘Would anyone like tea or coffee?’ asked Liv trying to distract them.
‘I’ll have a soya cappuccino no foam,’ said Shanie.
‘Um, I think it’s instant,’ said Liv.
Shanie’s lip curled.
Fraser butted in. ‘Actually we have an espresso machine so we can stretch to a cappuccino but there’s no soya milk. However, there is some straight from the cow if you’d prefer.’
‘Eww how unhygienic,’ said Shanie.
‘Take it or leave it,’ he said.
‘Fine. I’ll have mineral water. Sparkling. Chilled. Ice made from mineral water not tap.’ Shanie flicked her hair over her shoulder and narrowly missed swiping Fraser in the face. He did not look impressed. While everyone else muttered about the choices, Dolly moved her scooter between them to get to her grandson.
‘Fraser, this is an opportunity,’ whispered Dolly. Despite his eye-roll she continued. ‘Think about it. You could be the hero here. That’s good publicity.’ Dolly tilted her head. Fraser’s jaw was tense. ‘Your decision.’
Fraser clapped his hands together. ‘Right, can I have your attention?’ When everyone finally stopped grumbling and turned to face him he lifted his chin. ‘This hotel is not open.’
‘What?’ Shanie turned to Robbie. ‘Why on earth did you send us here then?’ There were noises of agreement from the others.
‘There’s been a weather warning,’ said Robbie. ‘They don’t issue these for fun. It means there’s a very real risk to life.’
‘Surely we can get a cab?’
‘You’ll not get one locally because Wylie Harris ran the nearest taxi firm and he retired this summer gone, and as the road is blocked they’ll not be able to get here from Fort William,’ said Dolly calmly. ‘Your choices are stay here or risk your life in a raging blizzard. It’s up to you.’
‘I’d rather take my chances out there than stay in this dump,’ said Shanie.
‘Qui-et!’ said Fraser. ‘I get that this is nobody’s first choice. You are also not my—’ Dolly cleared her throat behind him, making him take a pause. ‘You are also not alone in being in a difficult situation. The hotel has been closed to the public for some three years now. However, as a gesture of community and Scottish hospitality, we’re happy for you to stay here, but you need to understand that you are staying as our house guests and that everyone will have to muck in. Okay?’
‘Sounds like fun,’ said Kacey. ‘Blitz spirit and all that.’
