Teaching Teacher

Chapter Eight

Yeah, for now, Ruari thought as he lay contentedly on his back. Seb held his hand loosely as he looked at their reflections in the mirror. One red-haired body and one dark reflected back at him. He caught Seb's eyes in the glass.

"Love looking at us. Thank you, my love." Seb spoke softly, but Ruari could hear the emotion in his voice.

"Well, when we're up for it," he said. He rolled on to his side and tongued the silver rings in Seb's nipples carefully. "And I've polished the mirror underneath us again so we can see ourselves in it. I'm going to take you as you are now. Well almost. With your legs over my shoulders, my cock in your ass, my lorum hard against you, my hands on these frankly bloody gorgeous rings, and you watching us as you look up. Then before you come, I'm going flip you and fuck you from behind, like you did to me. My balls will slap your ass, my lorum is going to hit your bollocks, and you're going to fucking scream my name again and again." He watched both their cocks grow harder and realized he was hungry, for food as well as Seb.

"After we've eaten.”

Seb sighed. "Harsh but true. We need fuel to fuck."

Fuel in the form of food could be fun, Ruari mused, as like a pair of teenagers they sat naked, cross-legged on the lounge floor. They fed each other finger food as they ate. He laughed when Seb threw a couple of cushions down for them to sit on. Yeah, his butt would definitely appreciate that.

"Open wide," he said. He placed a peach slice in Seb's mouth, then leaned forward to lick the juice as it ran down Seb's chin. Ruari decided on a quick mouth invasion with his tongue, giving Seb all the sensations available as he rubbed his tongue stud over Seb's tongue and the roof of his mouth. The mixture of the taste of Seb and the sticky sweetness of the fruit he had just eaten sent signals straight to his cock. Fuck, if he didn't want to take Seb there and then, soft bed be damned.

Restrain yourself; show you can control your baser urges. His body was more than ready, but Ruari wanted to demonstrate he did have some willpower. Then he happened to glance at Seb's cock, which was in the same state as his own. Ready, eager, willing, and more than likely able, if the state of them was anything to go by. That was enough to make him laugh, spluttering into Seb's mouth until reluctantly he lifted his lips.

"What's up?" Seb asked him, curiosity in his tone as his tongue ran around the edge of his mouth and shoot Ruari's already high alert libido into over drive.

"We are." Ruari looked down.

He watched Seb follow his glance and understand his words. "Mmm, so we are. What are you going to do about it?"

Ruari laughed. "So, it's all up to me this time, is it?"

"Oh yeah." Seb nipped Ruari's lips. The tiny sting sent signals of anticipation to Ruari's sensitive body. "You said so earlier. No reneging allowed. Remember?" Seb asked. "Something about mirrors and flipping me? Or was that fucking me?"

"Both, my love. Both. I was just thinking we ought to let our food digest first, though. And to be honest, I'm amazed."

Seb looked at him. "Why? Because I want you to take the lead?"

Ruari shook his head. "Nah, that's you still being dominant by choosing to let me take control. Don't get me wrong," he added hastily. "I'm more than happy with that, and boy, am I looking forward to it. No, I'm surprised and delighted with the fact that I can get it up again so quickly. Hell, my cock had had so little exercise these last couple of years I'm just pleased it hasn't atrophied."

Seb's shout of laughter pleased Ruari, who joined in.

"Oh, Ru, I can vouch for that. It certainly hasn't."

***

Ruari watched themselves as he eased his cock into Seb with Seb's legs resting on his shoulders. If anything was a lesson in self-control the erotic scene playing out in front of him—one he was part of—was. To see their piercings reflected back at them as they touched and played with each in turn was incredibly arousing. When Seb played with his own jewelry, touching and tugging his nipple rings, it was all Ruari could do not to slam into his ass hard and fast and come in one full-on surge. His cock was so hard and engorged it was painful. Now he knew just what pleasure-pain was. However, he was determined to fulfill all his promises and let Seb have the full benefits.

He wanted to give more than the sensations of his piercing teasing the opening to Seb's anus as he filled him and fucked his ass. Ruari was determined to bestow every inch of awareness possible with each tiny touch and caress he could manage to give. His skin tingled at the thought. They were promises he was looking forward to achieving.

Slowly, don’t rush. This surely won’t be the only time we have together.

He hoped.

Every sense was heightened. The tick of the clock on the wall appeared magnified. Their uneven breath harsh and louder than normal. Even the sound of a blackbird outside the window intruded.

"Flip time," he said. His voice sounded hoarse as he pulled out and waited for Seb to move his legs.

It seemed to take long, agonizing seconds as Seb did as he’d been asked, but in a very gradual manner. Oh, ho, payback time, eh? Okay. That was fine by him. As Seb rolled over and on to his stomach, Ruari admired his ass. Seb obviously realized, because he clenched his butt cheeks and laughed deep in his throat.

"What are you waiting for, lover?" Seb's voice was pure sex and the biggest turn on ever. "I'm ready."

Oh, didn't I know it.

"Cheeky." He slapped Seb's ass and rubbed the redness in the same manner Seb had earlier. "On your knees, lover, and spread your legs. Let me see that perfect ass, ready and waiting for me to carry on fucking."

Was there ever a more instantaneous response? He didn't think so. Or a more perfect fuck? Ruari gave himself up to the moment.

***

"It just gets better and better," he said as they lay sated in bed. "I love the way we mesh, and I love you."

"Thank God." Seb kissed him tenderly. "It's reciprocated, I promise you."

"Mmm, thank God," Ruari replied soberly. Their immediate rapport and commitment to each other was the one thing he thought he could be certain about. The rest of his life at the moment seemed like a merry-go-round. After Seb had told him all about Stacy's visit to Seb's office, he had been proud but anxious. The last thing he wanted was to be the cause of trouble between Stacy and their mum. Although, he knew they had rowed over him before and no doubt would again. He said as much to Seb.

"So, are you going to invite her to visit us?" Seb asked him. "It's fine by me."

"I guess so. Bugger it, she's my sister, as from next week an adult, and I'm not going to cut myself off from someone who loves me just because my mum can't accept who I am. I'll ring Stacy tomorrow. See if she wants to come over on Saturday when we're both off." He saw the hope and pleasure on Seb's face. "All or nothing, love."

Seb nodded. "Thank you." With one last kiss, Ruari pulled Seb into his arms, and they settled to sleep.

***

The harsh noise of the phone jolted Ruari waked in what seemed like only minutes later.

"Mrmpt?" he muttered and sat up, disorientated. He put his hand to where he thought the phone should be before he remembered his was with Seb. A warm glow of satisfaction swept through him. In the soft gray light of predawn, he watched Seb snap on the lamp and fumble for the phone.

"Hello?" Seb's eyes darkened as he listened to whoever was on the phone. "What? Who the hell are you?" His sleep-filled voice changed tone. "Well, fuck off. It takes one to know one. Arsehole ." He crashed the phone down as Ruari looked at him, no longer sleepy.

"What?" he queried.

"Huh? Oh, malicious call." Seb was dialing as he spoke. "Bastard withheld the number. Bollocks. Do you know Struan's number, love? We need to tell him."

Ruari nodded and recited a series of numbers. Seb dialed them and waited for a second. Just as Ruari decided to ask for more details, Seb spoke into the mouthpiece. "Struan? Seb Keo. We've just had a rather disturbing phone call about five minutes ago." Seb was silent, as Ruari presumed Struan asked questions. "No, the number was withheld, and the voice disguised. I'm sure it was a male, though. He said we should watch out. Told me we were fornicators, and whores and perverts were not wanted here." Ruari leaned over to take the phone. Seb stopped him by stretching his arm out. "Hold on a sec," he whispered before one more answering Struan. "Yeah, I can do that. Yup. Fine. Cheers. And you." He put the receiver down and pulled Ruari to him. "I'm going to unplug this phone and put the one downstairs on quiet. Struan said he'd come and see us both tomorrow evening when we're home. I wasn't going to drag him here tonight. Come on, love. We need to sleep." He hugged Ruari who was not appeased.

"Fucking shits." Ruari was furious. "Nothing would have happened if you hadn't hooked up with me. Christ, Seb, I'm so bloody sorry. "

Seb shook him. "Do. Not. Even. Think. That," he said fiercely. "That is a load of bollocks. I'm just as likely to attract those sort of shitty calls as you. They just think they've hit payday as we're together. Two for the price of one and all that crap. But I'm telling you now. We are not going to let them win. Not now, not ever. Okay?"

He nodded, ashamed of his outburst. Seb was right, they—whoever they were—were not going to beat them .

“Yeah Okay. Wuss moment over and done with.”

"Good." The satisfaction in Seb's voice was music to his ears. "Give me two minutes to sort the phones, and we'll get some sleep. Is your mobile downstairs?"

He shook his head. "It's here. You don't think they have those numbers, do you?"

"Who knows? But I'll leave them in the kitchen as well."

Whether anyone tried to ring or not, Ruari didn't hear because the next ring was the alarm clock.

"Eugh," Seb moaned as he shut it off. Ruari didn't answer. Just shook his head. No way. Not yet. His ass stung as a slap caught him unawares. It wasn't sexy or arousing like the satisfying slaps they’d given each other earlier that night. This was more of a move it, shower, coffee, and go. Times two.

"I'll make the coffee." Ruari rolled out of bed and walked toward the door.

"Nice ass," Seb called after him.

He laughed and waved. "All yours, love, all yours."

"So," Seb said fifteen minutes later as he drank his coffee and ate a slice of toast. "What do you do today when Dan is off?"

"Work." Ruari said. "All day and evening. It's a bloody long day. But early on we decided that was the best way to do it. The three days we're on together, we take turns during the quiet sessions and both work the evening. I'm telling you I'd be lost without Dan. I wanted to make him a partner, but he said no, he preferred to work and walk away at the end of each day."

"Can he?" Seb sounded as if he wasn't sure that was possible.

"Nah. I've just turned my mobile on. Three missed calls and two texts from him. Bloody Struan. I bet he was on the phone to Hamish at the crack of dawn."

"They love you," Seb said. Ruari smiled ruefully.

"Yeah, I know." Ruari answered. That unconditional love was something he never took for granted. "They all rallied around me when I came out and Mum was so arsy. Then Hamish came out as well. My mum then accused me of turning him. Unfortunately for her, she did it while Struan was there. He went through her like a dose of salts, so now that's three of us she won't speak to. Unless to give us hell." His voice was deliberately void of emotion.

"Her loss, love, only hers. She'll end up an embittered woman," Seb commented.

"She is already. Ah well. Shit, Seb, look at the time. We need to move. Two cars?"

"No." Seb was definite. "One, like yesterday. I'll pick it up after school, then come and meet you when you finish. I might if you are very, very, good or I'm on a promise, help you clear up. On the other hand, I might just sit and admire your ass."

Ruari laughed, which he was sure was Seb's intention. "Definitely a promise, whether you clear up or not."

"I'll hold you to that." Seb grabbed the car keys and his briefcase and opened the door. Ruari slammed the door shut and checked to make sure it was locked before he followed Seb down the path. He went around the back of the car to get to the passengers’ side and stared.

"Seb." Ruari's voice was urgent. "I think you'd better see this, ring Struan, and then warn your deputy you might be late."

"Huh?" Seb walked to where Ruari was standing and swallowed twice in quick succession. "Fucking hell. Bastards. Fucking shitty bastards. I feel sick. They'll swing for this."

They both looked at the side of Ruari's car parked next to the garage enclosing Seb's convertible. Painted in big letters, which scored through the finish of the car, was the message. Beware, perverts. You ar… It stopped abruptly. Whether due to lack of space or time, there was no way to know.

***

What a way to start the day, Seb thought wearily as he sat at his desk with a large mug of coffee in his hands. If he hadn't known better, he would have said he'd put in at least eighteen hours, and it was only eleven o'clock. It had been after nine before either of them could leave the cottage and set off for town in his car. He thanked all the gods available that he had garaged it the night before or they would have really been stuck. When the police mechanic had looked closer at Ruari's car, he’d discovered it wouldn't start. A phone call a few moments earlier from Ruari informed him that sugar had been poured into the petrol tank. Not easy as the petrol cap had been locked. On the positive side, they found fingerprints. So, as Ruari had said laughingly, all that was needed was to trace and eliminate every antigay in town.

Thanking his lucky stars that Tuesday was a non-teaching day for him, Seb sat and pondered. Much to his surprise, Mrs. Clifford had been at her desk when he had finally got into school. She had stood up as he walked in with a polite good morning and a brief explanation for his tardiness. She'd followed him into his office. He’s been braced for another tirade. Instead, she had quietly and politely apologized for her behavior the week before.

"Mr. Keo, I may not understand your preferences, certainly do not condone them, but would never, ever behave in a way that could harm you, or anyone else. Or do anything illegal. It's not in my nature. Please believe me, I was shocked when circumstances had been explained to me. And now you've told me of today's occurrence. If I find anyone from C.A.U.B. is in any way involved, be assured I will not protect them, shield them, or do anything to prevent them being brought to justice. I may not like what you are or what I assume you do." She had wriggled her nose in distaste, and Seb had been hard pressed not to laugh. "But you as a person, a boss, and a dominie, I do like. Therefore, you have my loyalty and my support."

Phew. Now there's a turn up for the books.

"Thank you, Mrs. Clifford. You don't know how much I appreciate that."

"Poppy."

He blinked. "Sorry?"

"Poppy, my name. I would be honored if you used it." She looked anxious, perhaps wondering if he would accept her olive branch. Seb wasn't one to hold grudges unnecessarily.

Okay .

"Then, thank you, Poppy. I'm Seb." They shook hands.

"Well, Seb," she said briskly with a smile. "I must get on. Miss Murphy has requested a meeting about Dwayne and Imogen and her imminent pregnancy. Her words, not mine. How you can talk about an imminent pregnancy, I have no idea, but presumably she will enlighten you. I've penciled her in at two. I thought you'd need lunch to sustain you." Her eyes twinkled as she left the room, and Seb's heart lightened. One good thing had happened in the day.

Miss Murphy and her son were not a second. He'd had almost daily meetings with one or the other of them since the beginning of term. But Mrs. Clifford, no, Poppy, he corrected himself and her changed attitude gave him quite a fill up.

So, he now had an hour all for himself, which was almost unheard of. Seb fished out his mobile. Time to tease Ruari. He pressed Write Message and grinned to himself as he imagined Ruari's face when he received it. He wasn't sure whether it would be better for Ruari to get it in private so he could do as he asked him or in public so he could squirm and not be able to.

I'm thinking of you. Rearrange your cock. Set it so it can grow as you imagine my cock in you. Fucking you while you jerk off. Screaming my name. Think of how you feel as I come, fast and hard, he typed. Seb smiled to himself and adjusted his own cock as it grew hard, pressed Send and grinned.

He immersed himself in a long and boring document he knew he had to understand and didn't take in a word of it.

His mobile rang. Absently he pressed receive without checking the sender.

"Oh, love, I am. So now it's up to you. Is your cock hard? Demanding attention?" Ruari's voice, full of promise, filled him. "Can you unzip your trousers, take it out, and touch it? Rub yourself, caress that amazing cock till it begs for release? Thinking of me in your mouth. Your cock in my ass and more? Or are you busy? In a meeting? Having to keep your face straight? You cock deflated? Your body still? Remember—I love you." The call ended.

He couldn't help himself. Seb laughed until he almost cried.

There was a knock on his door, and he heard Poppy's worried voice. "Mr. Keo, Seb, are you all right?"

He sobered or tried to. "Yes, thanks, Poppy," he said. Christ, I still can’t see the buttoned-up Mrs. Clifford as Poppy. "I, er, got a phone call supporting me, and it was good ." Good? It was fucking amazing . "I'm fine, just pleased."

"Good." She sounded pleased for him. "Coffee?"

He nearly lost it, then. Was coffee going to be a new euphemism?

"Yes, please. That would be lovely." Even the coffee he was going to get, not the coffee he had had.

By the time he left school just after four, his head was spinning. He had returned Ruari's text with My cock is primed in perfect position. Ready and waiting to find you. So make yourself ready. Just gel your finger, touch it to that amazing opening, and push. Open yourself. Imagine that is my fingers, my cock. And hold that thought.

Half an hour later, his phone rang as he was on his school phone. He had just finished a very fraught meeting with a belligerent Miss Murphy, a surly Dwayne, and a tearful Imogen, who assured him that if she wasn't pregnant yet, she would be soon. Dwayne just didn't like a raincoat. Trying to explain to Dwayne's social worker just what had transpired, he let his phone ring and go to voice mail. It was a good thirty minutes later, and he had been drinking another cup of coffee—hell, he was well on the way to caffeine jitters—before he had a chance to check his messages. There had been two. One from Struan saying he would call at the cottage about seven, the other from Ruari. It didn't disappoint.

The voice purred. "Oh, love. I'm so hot. So ready to touch you, taste you." The voice deepened. "Fuck you and be fucked. I think I'm going to say I'm ready for us to make love together. To take your clothes off slowly, touching where and when I can. Can you sense my hands, tugging those nipple rings, then sucking and licking your nipples, undressing you slowly and carefully, so you stand naked and proud in front of me? And then waiting for your command? Because I can." The called ended. Fuck. Seb adjusted his too tight trousers. It was all he could do not to unzip himself and masturbate. Cursing Ruari as he squirmed, he drank a glass of water instead and planned his retaliation.

Revenge, several hours later, could be fun .

***

He popped into the pub, collected car keys from Ruari, and with a vague, “See you about eleven,” he'd left. He'd returned home via the supermarket, which for once had exceeded his expectations.

An hour later he finished his preparations. Seb grinned happily, well pleased with what he'd done. All he needed was for Ruari not to be too tired and up for what he had planned. He didn't think either of them would be disappointed.

Another text had kept his spirits and his cock high. Trying not to imagine how I will feel with you inside me. I need to last the evening. But just eaten a hot dog and the fantasizing was amazing. Glad it wasn't a frankfurter. Reading it had him laughing out loud.

By ten o'clock, he knew he had to go back into town to meet Ruari. He'd had a rather unpleasant hour with Struan, who had been quite open about the progress or lack of it, regarding the mysterious phone call and the vandalism to Ruari's car. Struan had commented that they had not been able to contact Alan Corbett, the mad poet. But they were waiting with interest to speak to him. The police, Seb thought, weren't the only ones. He quite fancied a word with the man himself.

He made sure the house and garage were locked and the alarm on. Struan had told him the phone was monitored. Just as well he and Ruari used their mobiles for their calls. He wouldn't want to shock some poor, young, innocent police constable.

The conversation with Struan had disturbed him more than he thought possible, and the drive into town had him on edge. Was that a car behind him? Did that car cut in on purpose as it overtook him? Shit, Seb, he told himself. Calm down or you'll be a basket case.

It was only just after ten as he parked the car. His mobile rang as he locked the car door, and he took it out of his jeans pocket. Must be Ru, he thought as he answered the call, anticipating the next erotic message. How wrong could a man be? Unknown number. Not sure whether it was the correct thing to do or not, he pressed the green button. If it were some crank, would it be better to let it go to voice mail?

Sod it! If some bastard has this number I'm going to speak to them. He listened to the speaker.

The voice sounded upset, worried, and crying. "Seb! Mr. Keo, help me. I don't know what to do. He won't let me leave the be—" The call was cut off.

He recognized the voice. "Poppy? Poppy, Mrs. Clifford? What's going on?"

She didn’t answer.

Shit. What the hell was going on? Who wouldn't let her go? And why? Or from where? Surely she’d said something about from the bee before the call cut off? He needed Ruari, Struan, and locals. Seb shoved the doors to the bar open and could have cried with relief as he saw both Struan and Hamish propping up the bar, along with Dan, who was obviously having a busman's holiday.

"Thank God you're here." He grabbed Struan's arm to the amazement of the other two. Ruari, who had just served a pint, looked at him in consternation.

"Fuck, Seb, what's wrong?" Ruari stared at him.

"Christ, love. I don't know. That's what I'm worried about." Seb ran his hands over his head, as he tried to calm his agitation "I've just had a strange, weird, and fucking worrying phone call. From Poppy. Mrs. Clifford." He elaborated as he saw their blank faces. "My secretary. The one who yesterday was anti-me and today isn't. Well, not per se. But she, and I'm sure it was her, said, and I'm quoting here, 'Mr. Keo, help me. I don't know what to do. He won't let me leave the bee.' Then the call was cut off."

Struan snapped from a man having a quiet drink at the bar to a policeman.

"Let me have your phone please. Oh, I'm not interested in any other calls you've had," he said impatiently. "I won't listen to your phone sex or whatever. Just let me check that one. I need to see what, if anything, happens now."

Dan snickered as Ruari grinned. Seb's cheeks grew warm, and he'd bet they were red as he handed his phone over. He was somewhat bewildered as he heard Ruari call last orders to the half dozen or so customers, citing a family emergency for the early closure, and promising a free pint next time they came in.

"It's a bit early, isn't it?" he commented to Ruari. "Can you get away with it? I thought I'd get a half before closing time."

"Here's your half, love." A glass was put in front of him as Ruari walked around the bar to lock the door, and after he had ushered the last customer out, returned to sit next to Seb, greeting him with a kiss. "And it's my pub. I can almost do what I want. Ach, I'll give them a pint on the house next time they're in. So now, tell us everything."

Seb raised his eyebrow, and Ruari laughed. "Almost everything," he clarified. "And tell me the rest when there's no eager eavesdroppers."

Dan made an exaggerated show of covering his ears.

"All clean and above board." Seb assured him. "I was expecting a call from Ruari," Seb explained. "Well, hoping anyway, so I didn't check the number at first. Then when I saw it said unknown number, I thought if it was someone being arsy, I could return the favor. Or it might have been Red using the pub phone because I don't have that number stored. Anyway, it wasn't Ru, and the call was somewhat not as I expected. It didn't half deflate my expectations, I can tell you."

Ruari hugged him. "I bet."

Struan had finished a call on his own phone. "You'll get your phone back soon Seb, I promise. Meanwhile Mrs. Clifford was seen leaving her house with a man about eight o'clock this evening. Her next-door neighbor saw her. She's not sure who the man was. But interestingly, that arsehole Corbett is not at home tonight. He left about half past seven; one of our constables happened to see him." He was silent for a moment. "Anyone know somewhere or something beginning with bee? Or was it just the letter B, Seb?"

Seb shrugged reluctantly. "Honestly? I've no idea. The B? The Bee? Where near here is somewhere like that?"

"Does it have to be near here?" Dan spoke. "Hell, it's the back of ten. You got the call when?"

"Ten oh seven," Struan said precise as only a policeman could be.

"Okay, ten oh seven. So, if she left her house at eight that gives her almost two hours to be taken somewhere. Taking into account they would need to be wherever they were for a while anyway, if she wanted to leave and whoever it is won't let her. So—beach? If so which one? Beestarn, you know the old kirk. Beiharrah, the hill above the village. The list is endless."

Shit. "So, what next?" Seb asked.

"You two go home," Struan said. "Leave the tidying up here until tomorrow. You can't do anything here about Mrs. C., and I'd like you next to your landline, in case anyone rings that. Do you have something you can record calls with without letting them go to voice mail?" He nodded pleased at Seb's acquiescence. "Good. I know I've someone monitoring it for you, but I'd like you to have everything as well. Er, I'll need to keep your mobile, Seb, just in case she manages to ring it again."

"Fine." A thought struck him. "Er, Struan, for Christ's sake, whatever you do, don't let anyone else see anything on it, will you? My phone," he explained. "They just might get more than they bargained for."

Startled, Struan stared. Then roared with laughter. "I'll give it to Hamish to monitor, then. So, if he accidentally finds something he wasn't meant to, he'll not be shocked, maybe just get ideas. And don't look so interested, Dan, because your boyfriend's day off, from now on isn't. It's not on, it's off. All changed. Business as usual."

Dan sighed as Hamish frowned and then downed the rest of his pint, kissed him, and stood up. "I thought it might not be," Dan said with a rueful smile. "Oh well. I'll see you at home later. See you tomorrow, Red. I'm know I'm not supposed to be on until two, doing a straight through, but do you want me in earlier to help with this stuff?" He indicated the unwashed glasses.

Ruari looked around. "Cheers, Dan, but there's not much to do, and it'll keep me busy." He looked at Struan. "Will you keep in touch?"

"Of course," Struan agreed. "Right, we're off. You three away home."

"I'll be on my way, then, once we've locked up." Dan stood as well. "Come on, you two. Let's go."

Ruari looked at Seb, who interpreted the glance correctly. Seb wondered what the secretive smile Ruari gave meant. "Want to come back with us Dan?" Seb asked. "Although you'll have to follow or sit across the backseat. They may loosely call my Beamer a car for four, but you're hard pushed to sit in the back and put your feet on the floor. My fault for wanting a soft top."

Dan had obviously seen that smile as well. "Thanks, but no thanks. I'll go home in the hope that Hamish isn't too late. And anyway, I don't want to intrude on whatever you have planned."

"Nothing as far as I know," Ruari replied.

Dan laughed. "Well, that's the million-dollar question, Red. As far as you know? I think Seb here may know different."

"My lips are sealed." Seb spoke in a voice full of mirth. "Although I rather think any plans I might have made will be put on hold until we know what's happened to Mrs. C."

"Bugger and fuck. I'd forgotten." Dan hit his forehead with the palm of his hand. “And that's crap because that's why my fucking plans are on hold."

Seb laughed. "Is that a verb or an adjective?" At Dan's blank look and Ruari's crack of laughter, he elaborated. "Fuck, fucking plans?"

Dan joined in. "Both, fucking both. Anyway, I'll leave you two in peace."

Ruari set the alarm, and locked the door behind them. "Seriously, Dan, you're welcome. It might be easier if we are all in the same place." They both looked to Seb for confirmation.

He nodded. "Really, Dan, you are welcome." He echoed Ruari's invitation. "And Ru's right. It might be easier. I've not got a mobile now. You two have. And if we are needed, the police will know they can get all of us in one fell swoop."

Dan considered. "Well, okay, then. But I'll need to drape over your backseat. We walked here."