Once they’ve got everything sorted, we head to the parsonage through the back door. Leith produces a key, slides it in the lock, and turns it. I’m afraid we’ll scare Father MacGowen, but they seem to know what they’re doing.
I love the parsonage. It’s ancient and dated, but filled with a sort of peace that only comes in a place like this. An elderly parishioner keeps it clean, coming by once a day to tidy things up, mop the floor, polish the banisters with lemon-scented oil. The unease I felt at seeing my brother begins to dissipate.
Mac goes ahead, to make sure the coast is clear. There’s a little desk by the front door with a bell for visitors to ring. Mac hits it once, twice, three times. A signal, then? There’s a creaking from above, then footsteps on the landing.
“Ah, good to see you, boys.” Father MacGowen’s voice makes my heart warm. It’s so good to hear him. I wonder what he’d think if he knew what’s gone on the past few days.
“How are you, father?” Leith asks.
“Not bad and yourself? How’s yer mum? Bram?”
“Ah, they’re doing well. Coming up on the anniversary of Tavish’s death,” Leith says, and it surprises me how easily he talks of this. He keeps things close to the breast, but maybe there’s something about being around a man of God that breaks down barriers sometimes. I know that’s the case for me.
“Ah, yes,” Father MacGowen says, his eyes gentling. “That’s always a hard time of year for them, isn’t it?”
Leith nods. “Aye.” I suspect it isn’t just a hard time of year for his parents.
“You let me know if I can do anything. I’ll say holy mass for him, of course.”
Leith nods. “Much obliged, Father.”
“Now what brings you here, boys?”
“Want to make sure the Aitkens haven’t been by recently.”
MacGowen’s eyes smile as he nods. “Not since some anonymous strangers paid them a visit.” He shakes his head wistfully. “Rumor has it someone lost their life that night, but no one’s confirmed or denied it.” He gives Leith a hard look. “Can you?”
I love how these are the largest, most formidable men I’ve ever seen, yet they’re “boys” to the priest.
I’m standing with them near the bannister, and his eyes come to me with curiosity. “You’ve brought us a guest, then, Leith?”
How does he know them so well?
Mac’s eyes twinkle, and Tate flat-out grins. “I think if you took a closer look you may recognize her, Father.”
Leith jerks his chin at me. “Step into the light, lass.”
I do as he says, coming ‘round the others, until the overhead lighting hits me. I give Father a bashful smile, twisting a piece of the short hair on the wig out of habit. He tips his head to the side, staring, before his gaze widens and he smiles.
“Cairstina?” he whispers.
I nod and smile.
He grins broadly, opening his arms for me to come to him. He’s never embraced me before, but it seems the right and natural thing for me to reach for him and hug him straight back. It’s a chaste but meaningful gesture, and my eyes water a little when he releases me, holding me at arm’s length.
“Och, look at you,” he says with a smile. “And I don’t mean this disguise. But you look as if you’ve found an ally among this lot, eh?”
I don’t know how to respond, so I look to Leith. His eyes crinkle around the edges, a sight so beautiful I feel a lump rise in my throat.
“Aye, Father, she has.”
Father MacGowen turns back to me, his eyes concerned behind his round spectacles. “Your brother’s been ‘round,” he says with a frown. “Came to see me when someone told him they spotted yer dog the night of the incident and hasn’t seen him since. Is Bailey with you?”
In a manner of speaking. I give Leith a frosty expression. I want my dog back.
“Was he here, now?” Leith asks, his hands fisting by his side. There’s a flintiness in his eyes that makes me nervous. “What’d he say?”
“Said she was missing, and could I help find her.” He scrubs a hand across his brow. “Of course I knew nothing, but I’ve been worried for her.” He looks to me again, then the three others. “You’re safe, then?”
