4. Heather
When Megan awoke, she didnt immediately realize where she was. In all certainty, she was lying in bed. The girl turned her head. The mantel clock showed 7:40. The sun was shining through the windows. Reconstructing the events from the previous night in her mind, she reached the moment when she heard the sound of the bagpipes and went outside. It took her breath away. Could everything that followed really be true? Or was it a dream? Just a terrible nightmare? Sitting up in bed, she took a careful look at herself. She was wearing the same clothes as the previous day. In the evening, she had put on white trousers, which were now completely soiled. Her beige and-white blouse was covered in mud, she had no shoes on her feet, and on the side of the bed lay her beige stole, all crumpled and wet.
My God! It wasnt a dream! How did I end up here? Who brought me back to my room? Megan whispered in horror. Gregor? Warren? What happened to the man who tried to kill me? Could she have ever imagined that the trip to her ancestral home would turn out to be so dangerous?! After all, she hadn't even left the castle grounds.
Slowly getting out of bed, Megan went to the bathroom to clean herself up before meeting her relatives. Moreover, she was eager to see Gregor and find out what had happened after she lost consciousness.
* * *
Megan put on a formal black suit and low-heeled shoes, pulled her thick chestnut-brown hair into a bun, and finished off with a few light and subtle touches of makeup. She descended the wide staircase into the hall. Terrifying memories crowded in again, scenes of what she had experienced flashed through her mind like a movie. There she was, walking to the front door, mesmerized by the music, leaving the castle
I wonder, what role the highlander with the bagpipes had to play in all this? From his vantage point on the hill, he must have had a clear view of what was happening on the riverbank. But he didn't come to help. Perhaps he was in league with the attacker?
Megan looked around. The castle was dead silent as if she were completely alone. Suddenly, the estate manager appeared, as if from nowhere.
Oh, Gregor, I was looking for you, she said anxiously.
Good morning, Miss. What can I do for you? Are you comfortable in your room?
Yes, quite. I left the castle last night. I heard the bagpipes and wanted to find out who was playing she paused, waiting for a reaction to her words.
The bagpipes? Gregor asked, surprised. I didn't hear anything like that.
You didnt leave the castle at all yesterday evening?
No, Miss, I didnt. After I left your room, I worked for several hours on the reports for our gathering today.
I see. Thank you, the girl took a brief pause. Where is the kitchen? Id like to have breakfast before meeting my relatives.
The assembly hall is to the right of the stairs, and the kitchen is opposite it.
Thank you.
See you later, Miss.
Megan was frantically pondering who had brought her to the bedroom after the night's incident, if not Gregor. Could he be the one in the black cloak? He hadn't heard the bagpipes nor responded to her scream. Could there be a conspiracy against her? Or was it truly a maniac who didn't care whom he killed?
Utmost caution is necessary; trusting anyone is now out of the question. Anybody could be the enemy. Yet, what reason would Gregor have to kill me? What would he gain from it? My relatives could be involved, considering their potential interest in the inheritance.
Her mind was a whirlwind of confusion, ideas buzzing like a swarm of bees. The question of who had brought her into the castle at night haunted the girl. This person somehow knew which bedroom she was staying in. Lost in deep thought, she entered the kitchen. At the head of the table, was a man not much older than Megan, with hair the same color as hers, well-built and quite attractive. His face looked a bit tired. To his right sat a woman who appeared to be near Megan in age. Her light brown hair was pulled back in a tight bun, and she was wearing practically no makeup, yet her face was open and pleasant enough. They sat in silence, drinking tea, and seemed quite contemplative.
These were Warren and his wife. Her grandfather had mentioned that the cousins were a couple of years older than her, but Megan couldn't recall their exact age. Seeing her, the man quickly put his cup down and stood up with a polite smile.
Hello, Im Warren, and this is my wife, Glenn. Malcolm spoke a lot about you, always in good terms, he said.
Good morning. Its nice to meet you, replied Megan, with a slightly strained smile.
Please, have a seat, offered Glenn, pushing warm croissants towards her and pouring a cup of hot tea. Megan felt that the woman seemed slightly embarrassed when their eyes met.
Thank you. We didnt have a chance to meet yesterday; did you come back late? Megan asked, hoping that her relatives could shed some light on the evening's events.
Yes, we got back well after midnight, Warren responded. There was a tragedy in Glenn's family, and we had to go to Inverness. My apologies we were unable to meet you.
Its fine, Mr. Douglas and Gregor helped me.
Megan, Malcolm felt very lonely before he passed, and asked us to stay with him. I think it would be proper for Glenn and me to return to Castle Raven after today's meeting, the cousin seemed to justify his presence in the castle.
As you wish, but if you decide to stay a bit longer, I'd be glad. It would give us a chance to get to know each other better. The thought of staying alone in this large, cold castle, aside from Gregor, terrified her.
Alright, Warren smiled more warmly this time, we'll stay a few more days and help you get accustomed to the place.
Great, thank you, said Megan. She thought to herself: First of all, it wasnt Warren who brought me in last night. Most likely it was the Highlander with the bagpipes. But why would he do this, and how did he know which bedroom was mine? Time will sort things out. But it would be best to wrap up the business here as quickly as possible and head back to London.
Having finished their tea, they all went to the assembly hall together. Its stone walls were adorned with deer antlers and other hunting trophies. A massive mahogany table was placed in the center. Lancet windows along the long wall made the hall very bright, offering a beautiful view of the river and hills.
Mr. Douglas, Gregor, and two men unknown to Megan, were already seated at the table. The eldest of them stood up when she entered.
Hello Megan. Its my pleasure to welcome you to your historic homeland. My brother had been dreaming of your arrival for years, and now that day has finally come. I am Alaric McKenzie, your late grandfathers brother.
His words made the girl feel guilty, as they sounded like a reproach, but she kept her emotions in check and calmly replied that the pleasure was mutual.
Hi, Im Duncan, said the other man, grinning broadly and gazing at her admiringly. What a pity that were related by blood; otherwise, Id have already started courting you. The cousin not only shook her hand but also kissed her on both cheeks as if they were old friends who hadnt seen one another in years.
Duncan was a bit taller than Warren. A good-looking figure, playful eyes everything about him suggested that he was a very confident young man and had no shortage of women. When he smiled, his handsome face radiated incredible magnetism. If Warren gave the impression of a very serious and modest person, Duncan was the complete opposite: cheerful, lively, uninhibited, he immediately became the center of attention. It seemed that energy was bursting out of him like a fountain.