"Aye, of course."I focus on navigating a particularly rough patch of gravel before I speak again."They've got the whole setup---tours, a small café, even a display about the history of whisky production in the region.The Thane Buchanan Distillery has a special exhibit."
"So we're hiding from armed thugs at a place where tourists wander around taking selfies?"She can't hide the skepticism in her voice.
"Dinnae fash," I assure her."The castle is closed to visitors on Sundays."
"That's a relief."
I pat her thigh."Rab will be there to greet us."
The SUV crests a hill, and suddenly, the castle emerges from the trees---a magnificent stone structure rising from the landscape that evokes fairy tales and dragons.Dùndubhan Castle stands proud against the darkening sky, its ancient walls catching the last rays of sunlight.
"Holy...that's a castle," Gretchen says, her eyes wide and her voice filled with awe."A real, honest-to-goodness castle."
"What were you expecting?A wee cottage?"
"No, I guess not..."She trails off, clearly mesmerized by the sight.The massive stone structure features an imposing tower and a wall that has actual battlements.A large central building with high windows dominates the middle, and I can make out what must be the visitor entrance---a wide stone archway with heavy wooden doors standing open.
"Dùndubhan was built in the fifteen hundreds," I explain, as if I'm some sort of sodding tour guide."The castle has survived wars, rebellions, and more than a few Highland winters."
Archie leans forward, his head now between me and the lass."Wait till you see the inside, Gretchen.The Great Hall will blow your mind."
Gretchen worries her lip, and her brow wrinkles."Where is everyone?You said that Rab guy would be here, but I don't see him---or anyone."
"Closed to the public today, remember?"I tell her."Rab made sure of it when I called ahead."
"Oh.Right.I forgot already."
I give her a sidelong glance."After the day we've had, I dinnae blame ye for being forgetful."
The gravel crunches under our tires as we pull up to the massive entrance gates that, back in medieval times, would have kept interlopers from sneaking inside.The massive stone walls loom above us, somehow both imposing and welcoming at the same time.The castle feels solid, permanent, like the sort of place that has weathered centuries of Scottish storms and still stands defiant.
"Welcome to our sanctuary," I announce, killing the engine."At least for now."
A tall, broad-shouldered man emerges from a small doorway set into the stone wall.He's dressed all in black, with a tactical vest that doesn't quite hide the outline of a gun holstered at his hip.
Gretchen slants forward, no doubt trying to take in her new surroundings.Then she suddenly points at a figure who's approaching us."Hey Kirk, who is that guy?"
"You'll meet him soon enough,mo leannan."
"About time you showed up," Rab shouts."I was beginning to think ye took the scenic route to Mars."
I jump out of the SUV and grasp my old friend's hand in a firm shake that swiftly changes to a brief, back-slapping hug."Rab, ye bampot.Thanks for arranging this visit on short notice."
"Anything for family," he replies, then peers through the windshield at me."Is this the lass you mentioned?"
Gretchen opens her door and steps out, straightening her clothes.Rab's eyes widen.He wasn't expecting someone quite so bonnie, I'd wager, and I cannae blame him.Gretchen must have that effect on most men.
"I'm Rab Grieve," he tells the lass, giving her a slight nod."Ahm Kirk's cousin and head of security for Dùndubhan."
"I'm Gretchen Carver," she replies, extending her hand."I'd say it's nice to meet you, but given the circumstances..."
"Aye, this isn't the ideal situation for meeting new people."He smiles as he shakes her hand."Dinnae worry, lass.You're safe here."
Archie bounds out of the SUV last, stretching his arms above his head."Ah, Rab!Still standing guard like a brooding gargoyle, I see."
Rab gives Archie a look that would wither most men, but my tech-savvy mate just grins."Always a pleasure to see you too, Archibald."
"It's just Archie," he corrects, hefting his backpack."Nobody has called me Archibald since primary school, and even then it was only the headmaster---when I hacked the school's bell system."
