Sewing the Shadows Together Read Online Free Page A

mouth. She wanted to see him again, get to know him better, share more memories of Shona. How could she see more of him before he disappeared off to the Outer Hebrides?
    She had an idea – Sunday lunch. Her mother and the twins always came and what could be more natural than inviting Rory’s old friend? Pleased to have a plan, she picked up her car keys and looked around for a scrap of paper to leave Rory a note.
Gone to the school. Photographer coming at 2.30. Don’t be late.
    He’d get a taxi. Rory had never driven since the day he knocked down an old man after a long drinking session in the Buckie Bar. The old guy survived, but was on the critical list for several days. Now it was just another facet of Rory Dunbar’s public persona, always taking taxis. ‘Don’t ask a man to drink and drive’, he loved to say.

    *

    Tom opened his eyes. A momentary feeling of disorientation. Where was he? He saw the floral wallpaper and counterpane and then remembered – Portobello, the Regent Guest House. He rubbed his eyes. There was the tour of the school today, which really didn’t interest him, but it was a good excuse to see Sarah and Rory again.
    He looked at his watch. He’d missed his full Scottish breakfast but wondered if he could at least get a cup of coffee. His must be the only guest house in Scotland without tea-making facilities. The sound of a hoover downstairs told him Mrs Ritchie must be around.
    He showered and got some crumpled but clean clothes from his case. The vacuum cleaner stopped, but the sound of the television came from a room at the bottom of the stairs. The door was ajar so he tapped gently. It swung open and he saw Mrs Ritchie, an overall tied round her ample figure, standing in front of the screen.
    ‘Oh, Mr McIver, it’s yourself. You’ve missed your breakfast.’
    ‘I’m sorry, late night. Any chance of a cup of coffee?’ Tom attempted a winning smile.
    Mrs Ritchie turned back to the television. ‘I’ll just watch the end of my programme and then I’ll see what I can do.’
    Tom looked at the screen and recognised Rory’s show. The landlady turned and smiled, her eyes shining. ‘Yon Rory Dunbar, he’s my favourite. I taped it because I was at the bingo last night. Cannae miss his programme. He’s from here, from Porty, you ken.’
    Tom nodded. ‘Yes, I was at school with him and, in fact, I saw him last night.’
    ‘You know Rory Dunbar? Could you no get me his autograph?’ Mrs Ritchie smoothed her pinny. ‘It’s too late for a full fry-up but I can give you a wee cup of coffee and some toast.’
    *

    Twenty minutes later Sarah parked on the wide street outside the grey stone façade of the Regent Guest House, willing Tom to come out. She was about to knock at the door when it opened and Tom stood there, tall and lean in a navy-blue Helly Hansen jacket.
    ‘Thanks for coming, Sarah. I’m not exactly sure where the new school is.’
    Sarah drove the short distance, chattering about the school, inviting him to Sunday lunch, very aware of Tom’s presence next to her. She knew she was talking too much, but he smiled at her and said he’d be delighted to come to lunch.
    As they drove into the car park in front of the modern school building, Patsy came running over. ‘Sarah, thank goodness, you’re here.’ She stopped abruptly and Sarah could see the disappointment on her face when she realised who was in the car. ‘Where’s Rory?’
    ‘He’s coming here directly. Isn’t he here yet? I just went to pick Tom up because he’s never been to the new school.’
    ‘The photographer’s going to be here any minute and the Head Girl is waiting.’
    Sarah was just about to say something conciliatory when a taxi drew into the car park and Rory leapt out. Patsy rushed towards him. ‘Rory, everything’s ready. So glad you’re here.’
    ‘Wouldn’t miss it for the world, Patsy my love. You’ve done such a great job organising all this.’
    ‘I’ve got an engraved plaque for