Rhythm and Blues: The MacGrough Clan, #4

By Cherime MacFarlane

The bad boy of Bushmaster has found her.
But Cate is Hamish's mutually adopted sister. Lurch has a problem.

5 Stars "Rhythm And Blues is about friendship, love, and the ties that bind, making it a solid entertaining read that'll leave you smiling."

5 Stars "It's a sweet romance meant to take your mind away from everyday troubles as you step into the shoes of Hamish, Lurch, Lori and Cate, otherwise known as the hens. I loved it!"

The bad boy of the band Bushmaster, rhythm guitarist Lurch Walker is finally ready to give it up for a woman. Long red hair, long legs, and green eyes have him tied in knots. Hamish's babysitter has Lurch's heart. A minor complication is that Hamish looks on her as a little sister. Lurch thinks he can manage that. 
Then his bad boy past rises to put an end to everything Lurch has worked for. Worse yet people he loves are being threatened. All he can seem to concentrate on is Cate. Lurch has the blues big time, now how to cure those blues, stay alive and keep Cate in his bed.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Paper Gold Publishing OLD
• Release date: Aug 18, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386409311

Cherime MacFarlane

Meet Award-Winning, Best-Selling Author Cherime MacFarlane. A prolific multi-genre author, she has a broad range of interests that reflect her been there-done that life. Romance, Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Paranormal, all sorts of characters and plots evolve from a vivid imagination. As a reporter for the Copper Valley Views, Cherime MacFarlane received a letter of commendation from the Copper River Native Association for fair and balanced reporting. She was part of the Amazon Best Selling in Anthologies and Holidays, and Fantasy Anthologies and Short Stories. The Other Side of Dusk was a finalist in the McGrath house award of 2017.

Book preview

A picture containing bird, flower Description automatically generated

Copyright © 2013

Cherime MacFarlane

Copyright Notice:

This story is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

Author's Note: Anyone, man or woman, may find themselves in a place where it is necessary to become a warrior.

License Notes:

This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your retailer and buy a copy for yourself. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Artwork: Designs by Dana

Dedicated to: Those who love, no matter the age difference

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Epilogue

About the Author

Glossary

Chapter One

Hamish MacGrough’s dark eyes tracked the progress of a small covered truck from the ridge into the glen. He didn't expect any deliveries. Striding over to the driver's side of the vehicle, it puzzled Hamish to see a man who lived a mile or so south on the A82 toward Glasgow, behind the wheel.

Mr. MacGrough, I've ah mate o yers in behind. The middle-aged man jerked his thumb at the back of the vehicle.

Hamish got the idea something might have happened to Lurch. His mate should have already returned from the short run he had taken down to the store in Arrochar. Tha big Yank?

Och, aye. Tha same. Dumped tha bike in me yard prac'ally. Dinnae think yer man has braeken anything. But the lad's coupin. Some dug ran in front o an eejit an tha daffie ran yur mate off tha road. Polis may be round shortly. Yur bike is on tha way. Dermott is bringin it along. The older man informed Hamish.

Lori came out to see what happened having spotted the truck from the gym window. As she listened to the exchange, her frown deepened. Hamish hid a grin. Some slang his Yank wife still did not get. It depended in good part on how much of the brogue the speaker had.

Ta, Mr. Hay. Mayhap ye wouldnae mind helpin me get tha fella intae tha house?

Mr. Hay opened the door and stepped out of the truck. Hamish followed as the older man walked around to the back of the vehicle. There, he released the latch and opened the double back doors. Mr. Hay revealed a disheveled, dirty and thoroughly rattled Lurch, lying on a couple of old blankets in the back of the truck.

H.M. I'm really sorry, man. Lurch propped himself up on both elbows, and immediately started with his apology. I had to lay the bike down. Don't think I damaged it much. I’m pretty sure I missed the big rocks.

Lurch was injured. The tightness of Lurch's jaw revealed the pain his friend felt. He turned to Lori who stood off to his right side. Luv, would ye an Mrs. Wier put some blankets on tha big sofa in tha sitting room? Mayhap, push tha big ottoman nearby. We can put it under his feet. Lurch is no gontae fit on tha couch without.

Lori ran off to find Mrs. Wier. Mr. Hay took off his cap and knocked it against his thigh. With a shake of his head, the older man gestured toward Lurch.

We put him oan tha blankets, I were thinkin we pull yer man oot, staund tha feller. Ye get one oxter an me tha other, an we'll haul him intae tha hoose.

Hamish nodded. Aye, sounds like ah braw plan Mr. Hay. Glad ye were there fer me mate 'tis appreciated.

Mr. Hay waved his tweed hat around before pulling it back onto his head. Nae bother atall Mr. MacGrough. Tha fuck wit what caused tha faw coudnae get his arse oota ah teacup. An blethering on o’ insurance an all, eejit.

Hamish watched Lurch's face. His friend’s discomfort wasn’t helped by his utter confusion. Lurch wasn’t following the conversation going on between Hamish and Mr. Hay. To be expected as Mr. Hay came from an even earlier generation. And Hamish had toned his accent down.

Lori and Mrs. Wier hurried into the house. Mr. Hay nodded as he watched the two women go past. The older man put one hand on the back of his cap, and tugged on the brim with the other, anchoring it firmly on his head. When tha hens hav tha thing done, ken?

Lori called out to Hamish from the front door. Ready when you are.

Mr. Hay grinned. He's a big yun. Ye gemme Mr. MacGrough?

Och, aye Mr. Hay, let's be daeing tha thing.

Both men reached out to grab the blankets by the edges and slid Lurch from the back of the van. With a grunt of pain, Lurch lowered his legs over the edge of the floor past the bumper. As soon as Lurch's feet got on the ground, Hamish and Mr. Hay lifted him up. With an arm each over their shoulders, they half walked, half carried him into the sitting room. There, Mr. Hay and Hamish helped Lurch to turn and lowered him carefully to the couch.

On easing down onto the leather upholstery, the injured man sighed in relief when he finally relaxed on the pillow Mrs. Wier placed beneath his head. Because of his height, they placed him at an angle, with his feet and lower legs on the ottoman.

Hamish turned to his neighbor. Ta, Mr. Hay. Seems I owe ye ah pint.

Mr. Hay waved the words away with one hand. Nae. But see ye o tha pub, we'll ha ah dram, mind? The older man grinned at Hamish.

Aye, we will. Hamish shook the man’s hand.

Mr. Hay turned to look down at Lurch. T'was a braw bit o drivin, fella. Ye might ha made it, but fer tha dirt. Ah'm boltin, take care.

Lori and Lurch stared at Hamish. She spoke first. Would you translate please?

Hamish looked at Mrs. Wier and winked. Granny Wier grinned back. Happy tae luv. Some fuck wit eejit dodged ah dog an ran Lurch off tha road. Mr. Hay said Lurch was hurtin like hell. We agreed tha best way tha get Lurch out of tha truck was tae pull him out using tha blankets, then take him under tha arms. I thanked Mr. Hay. He said it was nae bother. If we see one another at tha pub, we'll buy each other ah dram of whiskey. He said tha polis should be along an Dermott has the bike.

Turning to Lurch, Hamish shook his head at the condition his favorite rhythm guitar player and friend had returned in. Lurch ye recall Dermott, the man who runs tha mechanic shop? He has tha bike an will bring it along when he can. Mr. Hay told ye, ye might have stayed upright except for tha soft dirt. He then said he had to run.

Lurch closed his eyes as he processed the translation. So where did the 'hens' come in?

Mrs. Wier giggled. Mr. Lurch. tha 'hens' were meself an Lori.

With a shake of her head, Lori grimaced slightly at her husband. Hamish, one of these days I am going to get you to sit down and type me a list of words.

Throwing back his dark head, her husband responded with a laugh. Nae luv. Just wait ah couple of years, ye an Birk can learn together.

Mrs. Wier giggled again at the thought of Lori and the baby learning Scots together. Then her practical nurse's training kicked in. Shall I call the doacter for Mr. Lurch?

Hamish nodded. Aye, Mrs. Wier. If ye would be so kind. Tha number is in tha studio, in tha address book. Meanwhile, I'll get Lurch ah dram. Whiskey is always good for what ails a body.

Lori went back into the gym to get Birk out of his playpen. The child had been making warning noises for a few minutes. I’d best feed Birk before he starts screeching.

Please, luv. Almost time for dinner, the boy would not stand for a delay. Hamish looked down at Lurch.

Now that tha nurses are nae listening, how do ye want tae wash up? I can bring ye a couple of wash cloths or a basin. Ye choose. I ken ye are uncomfortable, an ye might wish tae clean up before tha doctor gets here.

Lurch looked down at himself. Sorry to bring so much dust and dirt into the house H.M.

'Tis nae bother atall as Mr. Hay said, it cleans. Hamish turned to walk away. Lurch heard the clink of glass. Yer injuries concern me more. What do ye think ye have done?

H.M. returned with a shot of whiskey and handed the glass to Lurch. Bottoms up, lad. It willnae take tha pain, but will make it bearable.

Lurch grimaced when his hand shook as he reached for the shot glass. As his friend suggested, he tossed back the whiskey. For an instant, the golden scotch took his breath. The burn turned into a warm slide down his throat. Lurch sighed.

Hamish reached down to take the empty glass from Lurch’s hand with a nod. So, lad. Do ye wish tae wash a wee bit of tha grime off or no? Yur call.

Maybe the wash cloths if you don't mind. Lurch replied. The tall man tried to relax, but the throbbing in his leg refused to be ignored.

I'll have them in a jiff for ye. Mayhap we can assess tha damage ah bit before the doctor gets here. I'm glad tae see both yur hands are intact. Hamish turned toward the kitchen as he planned to use the downstairs bathroom in the gym addition.

Lurch watched his friend stride off then leaned his head back. Eyes closed, he hoped the scotch would help, as he recapped the trip. He couldn't recall the last time he stayed put for more than a few weeks. It had been one hell of a long time. Studio work, gigging, and filling in kept him on the move in the years since Bushmaster folded.

But the last month spent in Hamish's glen proved a revelation. He now understood why Warren had to use a crowbar to get Hamish out of Scotland. The peace could easily become addictive.

The people, most of them, were amazing. Mr. Hay came to his rescue and to his defense at once. Hamish's older neighbor recognized the bike at first glance. A witness to the accident, Mr. Hay told the other driver to shut his gub, as the accident was his fault for having dodged into Lurch's lane instead of braking for the dog.

Mr. Hay began issuing orders immediately. His hen made a call to the polis and Dermott. In short order, Lurch found himself in the glen reclining on Hamish's couch. And it seemed a doctor would soon be on the way. It amazed him that a doctor would even consider a house call in 1993. In the US, he be on the way to the ER one way or another.

Here lad. Two warm, wet washcloths and towel in hand, Hamish walked back in from the kitchen. With one foot, Hamish drew a footstool up to the couch, placed the towel on Lurch's chest and put a washcloth in his hand. Since ye cannae see tae do yur face, I'll handle that part. Ye take care of yer hands.

Hamish made quick work of washing the areas of skin not covered by Lurch's short neatly trimmed beard. As he flipped the corner of the damp cloth over Lurch's goatee, Hamish grinned.

Yur cookie duster is ah mite dirty mate. Ye're gontae need a shower. Mayhap tomorrow we can get ye intae tha shower in tha gym. This is just tae make ye a wee bit more comfortable. Mum always said cleaning up after ah accident helped a body feel decent.

Lurch sighed. Your Mum was right. It helps. I feel like an eejit myself. I'm just glad we got the major part of the studio stuff finished before this happened.

Hamish took the now dirty wash cloths and towel from Lurch then tossed them on the stone floor. Turning sideways on the stool, Hamish watched Mrs. Wier enter the sitting room from the kitchen.

She walked over to the two men. The plump woman placed a hand on Hamish's shoulder. The doacter will be along in a wee while. Cate called, 'twas ah message on tha recorder. Tha lass ha been delayed. She willna be here until late. She didnae want tae disturb yur rest, but there's nae hope for it.

Hamish nodded up at Mrs. Wier with a smile. I'll nae set tha dogs on her if tha lass is late.

After rising from the footstool, Hamish bent down to retrieve the dirty washcloths and towel. I'll take this tae tha wash. 'Tis late, go along with ye. We'll manage from here. I would think ye have things waitin for ye at tha cottage with Cate on her way.

Ta, Hamish. But if ye need me.....

Hamish leaned over to give his graying, middle-aged housekeeper a quick peck on the cheek.

Mrs. Wier blushed a nice shade of pink. I'm off then. The housekeeper made her way out to the back-door entrance in the gym.

Seated on the stool once again, Hamish pushed his black hair back and smiled at Lurch. How goes it, lad? Has tha whiskey eased it any?

Lurch experimentally moved his left leg. What was the word for hurting like hell?

Hamish lifted one eyebrow over his near black eyes. Coupin, mate.

Yeah. Well, that's what it is, coupin. I understand now why Warren must coax you out of here. I get why you never want to leave. It's your own private little peaceable kingdom.

The smile of contentment on Hamish's face reinforced Lurch’s statement. There have been MacGrough's in this glen since before we were MacGroughs. We lost it in 1746, after Culloden, but ‘tis back in tha family for now. I've no idea what tha future holds for MacGroughs, but thanks tae God, we're here now.

Hamish shrugged his broad shoulders. All I can deal with is now, ken? Ye once said tae me, if ye found tha one who fit ye as Lori does me, ye would do all tae keep her. Is there a special place ye would settle with that one?

Giving the question the consideration it deserved, Lurch fell silent for a moment. His brown eyes were serious when he raised his gaze to his friend. I don't have much of a connection to a place the way you do. We moved too much as a family.

With a small shrug, Lurch continued. I suppose that's the reason, I've never thought about it much. It might change, I'm not sure. For me, home might be where ever she is.

Hamish took a glance toward the stairway. Lori would be feeding Birk in their bedroom before getting him ready for bed. Once he had Lurch settled, he would join her.

Observing his friend's glance in the direction of the stairs, Lurch could easily guess Hamish’s train of thought. You don't have to wait here with me.

With a grin, Hamish turned to Lurch. The two men knew each other well. Nae mate. I'll stay with ye. I'll nae expire if I dinnae get tae bed by 9 p.m. 'Tis Birk's bed time nae mine.

Again, Hamish shrugged broad shoulders. Lori knows I wish tae see ye set tae rights, as does she. But Birk is ah demandin bairn. He's nae going without his supper regardless of what we wish. Tha 2 a.m. feeding, now that has its good points, mind?

Lurch looked at the grin on Hamish's face and chuckled. I get the picture. How in the world do you ever get enough sleep MacGrough?

H.M.'s response came in the form of a laugh, as one eyebrow cocked skyward. Well, there are some things I'd give up sleep for in ah hot tick, ken? But I usually manage five hours. Sometimes I nap in tha afternoon. Six hours in one session is bliss. But...

The sudden change of expression on his friend's face interested Lurch. It combined lust and something else Lurch did not quite understand. There’re things I’d forego sleep for. Time is nae on our side. My Da was gone far tae soon tae suit. I learned tae take what was on offer from life while 'tis here. Most important is tha people God puts in yur life.

The near black eyes refocused on Lurch. Laddie, ye should ken this. 'Twas nae so long ago we lot tore through tha Pacific Northwest looking for Lori. All ye have can be gone in an instant. I've nae intention of forgetting tha lesson.

A knock on the heavy double doors of the keep announced the arrival of the doctor.  Hamish pushed up from the stool and went to invite him inside. As the man watched, Hamish helped his friend get the jeans off so the doctor could survey the injury.

After examining Lurch's leg, the doctor declared it got twisted when the bike landed on it. It wasn’t broken, but Lurch would need to stay off it for a few weeks. Hamish disappeared at some point during the instructions the doctor gave Lurch.

When he returned, H.M. carried a pair of crutches along with some dark blue cloth. As he leaned the crutches against the couch, he tossed the blue cloth next to them.

Aye. Just the thing! The doctor declared. Before leaving, he warned Lurch to see another doctor when he returned home if he encountered any difficulty. Handshakes accomplished, the physician took his leave.

It seems Lori had the straight of it when she told me tha keep tha crutches. I'd rather have tossed them, but she would have none of it.

Lurch eyed them. If they fit you they'll do for me. I'm only about four inches taller than you.

Four inches make ah difference with these dratted things, ken? But nae matter, we'll adjust them in tha mornin.

With a gesture at the boxer shorts and torn T-shirt, Hamish continued. Let's get those off ye. I brought ye ah pair of workout shorts. Ye’ll be more comfortable in those. In tha mornin we can see about tha shower.

Lurch wiggled into the shorts once he shed the boxers. Hamish helped him remove the shirt. A thick plaid blanket pulled from the back of the sofa unfurled over his upper body. After clapping Lurch on the shoulder, H.M. left him to go upstairs to bed.

Until tonight, Lurch had been staying in one of Hamish's guest cottages. He could sense the age of the place more so in the keep. This was the main house for the MacGrough clan from the 1200's. Lurch wondered if there were any ghosts reputed to live in the old stone building.

Hamish modernized the place without damaging the ancient home. Lurch knew his friend dropped a bundle into the renovations. Some of which he made up by renting the cottages. Twelve in all, the lot were usually booked a year in advance.

How Hamish managed to keep from being overrun with strange people, was the first question Lurch asked. MacGrough explained that they didn’t advertise the cottages, and almost all his business came from businessmen. There were even times when the odd conference got held in the glen. Someone would occasionally ask for an autograph for a friend or family member. Most of the time, his guests respected his privacy.

Given Hamish's size and bearing, Lurch understood why he would be left alone. The MacGrough did not look like a man who would react well to being hassled for any reason. If his family wasn’t threatened, the MacGrough appeared to have an easy-going nature. But Lurch had seen the man's temper in action, and it was not to be trifled with. Since the cottages stood on the path down the hill from the main house, the guests rarely disturbed Hamish's family.

In the silence of the keep, a log snapping in the big fireplace sounded quite loud. Compared to some of the places Lurch had lived, this was heaven.

At some point during the night, he thought he heard the engine of a big bike, a Harley, roll into the glen. Lurch dismissed it as foolishness on his part. Hamish's bike sat in the shop now, thanks to him.

The antique, old lady motorcycle Hamish owned, was far too precious for a night ride on the A82. It wasn't worth the risk of damaging it, nor had Lurch seen Hamish