Read Sally’s Wedding: Book 3 Of A Contemporary Romance Short Story Series for Free Online Page A

hear Wild Cats Robert?”
    Robert flushed scarlet, as the implication dawned on him. Turning his back to Tom he managed a mumbled reply. “No, nothing…I’d better get our jackets, if we’re going out I suppose.” He quickly left the room.
    Tom looked at them all, and quickly established the truth, joining in the masquerade. “Ah yes…these Wild Cats; they can really keep you awake at night!” He nodded.
    The sound of a car crunching on the gravel drive, heralded the arrival of the local police; who had arranged to meet them all here; and after introductions were made , they all trooped down to the track Sally had been on when the P oachers had appeared.
    It was soon obvious that nothing had been left behind, however there were a couple of good boot-prints in the soft soil by the loch-side; which the officer said he would send forensics to make a cast off. It was yet another piece of evidence against the perpetrators if they could get them to trial.
    Meanwhile Tom revealed, after they returned to the cabin and Agnes had made a fresh cup of tea ; they were fairly certain who the man with the limp was.
    “It turns out that it is likely a man called John Turner, One of the older guys remembered him. John used to work for the estate some thirty years ago; until he was badly injured by a falling tree during felling operations. Sadly, des pite numerous operations, he had been left with a disability resulting in a permanent limp . He left the area shortly after the incident, and receiving a good financial package. However it seems that he returned just over a year ago, and stays somewhere near Nethy Bridge, some ten miles away. ”
    CRASH !... Agnes fell to the floor before anyone could get to her.
    “AGNES !... ” Sally and Robert cried out in unison, as they ran across to her . Seeing her regain consciousness, they quickly lifted her onto a chair, Sally pressing a wet cloth against her forehead.
    Robert lifted the phone to say he was going to call an ambulance, when Agnes spoke out.
    “Robert…I’m all right really. It’s just that…well you see….I think I know who the poacher with the limp is!”
    They all stood looking at Agnes, shocked speechless.
    ******

Chapter 8
    As Robert got a glass of cold water, and Sally fussed over her; Agnes explained with a tremulous voice th e events of 30 years ago.
    “The trouble all began when my husband John – yes it is my husband.” She said to the shocked faces. “Well he had a bad accident, as you say. His leg was permanently damaged which meant that he could no longer do the work he loved; which was a gamekeeper with the Estate. He became bitter and twisted over the whole affair; even though I tried to insist that it made no difference to us, that we would manage just fine. For him though it was a big blow to his feeling of self-worth, and our relationship went downhill from there.”
    Sally looked across at Robert who had sat down, shaking his head.
    Agnes continued.
    “By the time the industrial injuries compensation came along about 18 months later, things had deteriorated to the point that he would no longer listen to me. Robert was only a small child, and it was up to me to do the best I could for him; as John retreated into himself – or so I thought!”
    Agnes looked across at them all, including the young police officer – who stood quickly scribbling notes. She decided just to go ahead and tell them all.
    “Well the fact is that he had been crying on the shoulder of some busty barmaid, down in the Aviemore . When the compensation came through – He took the lot and disappeared with her over the horizon, never to be seen again – till now that is!”
    Sally was aghast, not knowing quite what to say. “The Bastard!” Was out before she could stop herself. “Oh, I’m sorry Agnes! Not exactly lady-like language I know…but how could he? I mean .. to leave you with a young boy and run off with some trollop; as well as the money – it beggars