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For a split second, I’m stunned. Then a slow grin spreads across my face and I clap his shoulder, hard enough that he winces and tries to shove me away with half-hearted indignation.

Cat narrows her eyes at us suspiciously. “What are you two plotting?”

“Nothing,” Johnny and I say in perfect unison, both trying—and failing—to look innocent.

She snorts but lets it go.

We chat for a few more minutes, Johnny keen to know everything about me and Cat, but eventually it’s time to say goodbye. Johnny has to get back to work, and I’m eager to put as much distance between myself and the Glen Garve Resort as possible, at least for today. I’ll be back, though. After all, Da mentioned wanting to have a chat with Cat, but that can wait until another day.

We part ways with Johnny, then Cat and I step out into the sunshine, and I take a deep breath of fresh Highland air. For the first time in a fortnight, it feels like I can actually fill my lungs properly.

“Freedom suits you,” Cat observes, slipping her arm through mine as we cross the car park towards my bike.

“Aye, it does. Thanks for believing in me. For fighting for me when I was ready to give up.”

“That’s what girlfriends do,” she says with a cheeky smile. “And it turns out wishes really do come true. Remember the clootie well? This is what I asked for: your name being cleared.”

“Is that right?”

“Mm-hmm. Anyway”—she leans in conspiratorially—“I had a vested interest in keeping you out of prison.”

“Oh aye? And what was that?”

“The sex, of course.” She winks. “Talking of which, we proved your innocence, and that calls for a special celebration—a bedroom one. Take me back to your place. Or mine. I’m not fussy, so long as we end up naked together.”

I laugh, feeling lighter than I have in weeks, maybe years. “Your wish is my command.”

We reach my Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster, the sunlight bouncing off its sleek black and chrome curves. I run my hand over the seat, remembering all the times this bike has been my only escape, my only freedom. But now I’ve got Cat too.

I hand Cat her helmet then pull on my own. She climbs on behind me, wrapping her arms securely around my waist, pressing her body against mine. I fire up the engine.

“Mind your speed, Robbie!” Cat calls. “The last ticket may have turned out to be a blessing in disguise, but I don’t want you getting any more, all right?”

“Understood!”

I twist the throttle and we roll away from the resort, past the manicured lawns, past the carefully cultivated flowerbeds, and onto the open road.

The Highlands unfold around us: emerald hills, untamed forest, fields scattered with sheep. The wind whips past, carrying the scent of sun-warmed heather and pine. But for once, I’m not riding to escape, I’m riding towards something. Towards a future that suddenly seems full of possibilities.

EPILOGUE

CAT

I step back to admire my handiwork. The cheese and crackers are artfully arranged on one plate, with a selection of treats from Morag’s Bakery on another. Morag insisted on throwing in a few extras for free after Robbie fixed her leaking roof last week.

“You know,” she’d said, lowering her voice as she handed over the box, “I always thought that MacDonald lad was nothing but trouble. Shows what I know! He’s a proper gent.”

I smile at the memory. Bannock’s opinion of Robbie has been shifting, and I know it means more to him than he lets on.

But speaking of Robbie . . . I check the time on my phone and let out a frustrated huff. Where is he? He promised he’d be here to help me set up for my flat-warming party. The first guests are due to arrive any minute.

I’ve barely finished the thought when the front door opens.

“I’m back!” Robbie calls.

“Where have you been?” I march through to the hall to confront him. “I’ve been running around like a headless chicken trying to get everything ready!”

“Sorry,” he says, not looking particularly apologetic at all. “Had something important to take care of.”