Shot Through The Heart (Supernature Book 1) by Edwin James Read Free Book Online Page B

sheep."
    "Can you remember any more?" asked Mark.
    "Sorry, lad," said the blacksmith. "Sure I can't tempt you with a ring?"

thirteen

    Just after one o'clock, Mark's stomach told him to eat so he headed back to the tea room. No matter how far north he travelled, he was astonished to trace the spread of the panini. He eventually settled for a brie and cranberry panini, though he'd much rather have had some traditional Scottish fayre. He'd stick to the hotel in future, even if the tea was dreadful.
    As Mark chewed through the sandwich, having decided against touching the crescent of soggy crisps, he felt a draught of air as the door flew open. He looked round and saw a group of seven people in their mid-twenties file towards a large table. They sat down, laughing and jostling with each other.
    He finished his sandwich and sank the rest of the coffee - despite the quality of the food, the latte had been delicious. Maybe he would go back.
    The proprietor finished fussing with the newcomers, then headed over to Mark. "Can I get you anything else?" she asked.
    "Just the bill," said Mark, smiling.
    As he used the Chip and PIN machine, he nodded towards the group in the corner. "Who are they?" he asked.
    She glanced around and then leaned in close. "They're from the centre ," she said.
    "Centre?" asked Mark, having no idea what she was on about.
    "Aye," she said. "The centre." She handed him the receipt, then returned to the till.
    That intrigued him. The centre ? What could she mean? He got up and ventured over. As he approached, all eyes turned to him. A couple of them nodded.
    "How can I help?" asked the eldest-looking, a man in his mid-thirties with the sort of beard that would do ZZ Top proud.
    Mark gave his speech about his book and his theories around the Highland Clearances, now honed almost to perfection. It wasn't good enough.
    "Fine," said the leader. "I hear you. Do you want to hear us?"
    "What do you have to say?" asked Mark.
    "Spiritual enlightenment," said ZZ Top, "that's what we've got to offer. If you're interested, then you can have it. But only if you're willing."
    Mark was suddenly aware of the eyes of the group on him. "Not my scene," he said.
    "Clearly," said the leader, with a smirk. "Let us know when you're ready. Otherwise, clear off."
    Mark turned on his heels and quickly left the tea room.

fourteen

    Ivor showed Mark back into the same drawing room as the previous evening, though it was empty now. Mark carried his laptop case with him, full of recording equipment.
    "Will Lady Ruthven be long?" asked Mark.
    Ivor shook his head.
    "She'll be here soon, then?" asked Mark.
    Ivor nodded.
    Mark wondered if the giant actually understood what he was saying.
    Ivor gestured for Mark to sit down on the settee. Instead, he sat on the armchair in the window. Ivor set about starting the fire, striking a long match and placing it against some newspaper. Mark was already hot. Ivor left him to it, closing the door behind him.
    Mark took his laptop and notebook out, selecting the newest fountain pen he'd bought - a bit of late-night online shopping after he'd sunk a bottle of red wine one evening. He set his dictaphone and mobile up to record the interview.
    The door opened and Elizabeth entered, wearing a figure-hugging dress and looking even more voluptuous than the previous day. Her cheeks were filled with pink and she wore red eyeliner that matched her lipstick, complementing her hair, which was tied back in a loose ponytail.
    "Mark," she said, giving him a vampish look, hand on her hip, "very good to see you again. I was beginning to wonder whether you would come. It's not good form to stand a girl up."
    Mark smiled as he got to his feet. "Sorry I'm late," he said. "The wind was against me as I cycled over."
    "You cycled?" she asked, kissing him on both cheeks.
    Mark froze as she sat down on the settee.
    "I like to keep fit," said Mark, his voice stammering. "I just didn't expect the wind to be so strong in the middle