Reckoning by Heather Atkinson Read Free Book Online

saucily.
    “I do,” she replied, deepening Ryan’s frown.
    “Well he’s…interesting,” said Rick once Thane had left.
    “I think he’s lovely,” said Gill. “Hark us, mingling with aristocracy.”
    “Who’d have thought it,” said Rachel.
    Gill took her daughter’s hands. “I am so proud of you.”
    The delight in Rachel’s eyes lifted Ryan’s frown.
     
    The following morning Thane took Ryan and Rachel on a tour of The Steadings. Work was progressing quickly, the old stables already transformed into a smart contemporary block of shops but retaining just enough old world charm to impress the tourists.
    “Your men work fast,” said Ryan, grudgingly impressed.
    “My cousin owns a building firm, he gave me a knock-down price and they’re the best in the area. They’re true artisans, not cowboys.”
    “So I see. So what have you done with the extra money if you’ve saved on the building bill?” said Ryan, hoping to catch him out. He was certain Rick was right, that Thane wanted something else from them and he’d expected him to bring it up at dinner the previous evening but he’d mentioned nothing.
    “I reinvested it.”
    “May I enquire into what?” said Ryan, eyes boring into him.
    “Ponies.”
    Ryan’s eyebrow arched. “Ponies?”
    “The terrain around here is ideal for pony trekking. The kids will love it.”
    “Great idea,” said Rachel. “Leah certainly will, she’s big into ponies.”
    “They’re already here in the new stables. I saw no reason to delay, everything’s in place and I’ve hired an experienced instructor and guide. Can you imagine a better way to see the beautiful Aberdeenshire countryside?” he said with a dramatic sweep of the hand.
    “Alright, we’re sold,” said Ryan. “We don’t need your cheesy spiel.”
    “Bring Leah along, she can go on a trek, gratis.”
    “We will,” said Rachel. “And the adventure playground and petting zoo?”
    “They’re coming along.” His eyes darted off Rachel and onto something in the distance. They both turned to see three figures lurking in the doorway of one of the old outbuildings that was still awaiting renovation.
    “Excuse me,” said Thane, his expression uncharacteristically serious as he made his way across the grass.
    “I wonder who they are,” said Rachel as she watched Thane greet the men then disappear into the ramshackle building with them.
    “Thugs. You can always tell.” He glanced at his watch. “Let’s get something to eat.”
    “Wait,” said Rachel, grabbing his arm. “What if he’s in trouble?”
    “He’s a big boy as he’s so fond of reminding us. Leave him to it.”
    “He might be in danger.”
    “Good.” When she regarded him with a raised eyebrow, hands on hips and foot tapping, Ryan sighed. “Fine, let’s make sure the clown’s okay.”
    They approached the building from the side, so they wouldn’t be seen through the door, which had been only partially closed, probably due to the fact that it was too knackered to shut properly.
    “I can hear Thane,” whispered Rachel, pressing her ear to the thick wood.
    “I’ve told you there’s no more cash,” said Thane’s voice. “You’ve drained me dry so you can fuck off.”
    Ryan was forced to admit that he was impressed by the steel in Thane’s tone.
    “You’ve got a big hoose up there full of lovely antiques and oil paintings,” returned a harsh voice in an Aberdonian accent so thick Ryan and Rachel struggled to follow what he was saying.
    “You’re not touching any of that, it belongs to my family.”
    “You sure aboot that? It would be such a shame for anything to happen to this place. It’s so old I bet a wee bit of fire would devastate it.” There was a practiced menace in the voice, as well as a big dollop of sadism.
    “You dirty bastard,” said Thane.
    “You know what we’ll do if you don’t give us something.”
    “You can fucking try,” bellowed Thane.
    “Okay your lordship, you’re fucked