Every Why by Shirley Ford

Angus’s thoughts drifted back to the happy years when he came home after his years at sea and helped his mother run Dunnbray. Was it really twenty years since she passed away? Dunnbray was always a resounding success under her careful hands. Admired by all who knew her, Isobel McPhail was actively involved in the running of the estate right up until her death. Somehow, since she passed away, Angus’s enthusiasm and strength to carry on were gradually fading. It was time for the old place to get a new lease of life, before it was too late.

A sharp tap on the door interrupted his thoughts. ‘Come in.’ He called out, without rising from the comfort of his armchair.

Douglas McKinley, smartly dressed in a dark blue business suit, appeared in the doorway, a thick grey folder in his left hand. Angus indicated for him to take the chair opposite. Over the last eighteen months Angus had grown to like and respect Douglas. ‘Good to see you again my boy, do sit down.’ He was very impressed with the amount of information Douglas produced. Angus was very grateful to his solicitors for suggesting him. He had been extremely pleased and thought Douglas worth every penny paid for his services. Pointing to the folder in Douglas’s hand he said, ‘Is your investigation complete? Is everything there?’

‘It’s all complete Angus, everything you need to put your plan into action.’ He smiled and handed the folder over to Angus. He was aware of the importance of that folder to assist in Angus’s plan.

After Douglas left, Angus studied the list of names carefully, then lifting the telephone receiver from the small mahogany table beside him, he dialled the all too familiar number. A few minutes later, his call finished, he leaned back in his chair. There, it was done. No going back. He knew a chain of events had begun which would change lives forever. His own life included; as always he thought of his mother and how proud she would have been.