Chapter Text
Chapter 1
Summer was beginning its slow fade into autumn. Leaves began changing colours and a chill wind came down from the highlands at night. The small village of Lochdubh was quiet as the local constable did his rounds. His westie, Jock, sat in the front passenger seat watching the scenery go by while his master, Hamish drove the white police land rover. He'd just come down from doing his weekly rounds from the hills after taking Jock for a little walk and working his way down into the village. He'd stop by the school and saw the new teacher, Mary Margret, and she seemed to be settling in nicely. As he drove past the waterfront he spotted a new fishing ship to the area and turned off to investigate. Parking up, Jock hopped down and followed Hamish as he walked along the docks to the ship called 'Jolly Roger'. It always made him laugh seeing the ship name.
"Killian!" Hamish yelled as he stood with one boot on the boot.
A young man stepped out, his dark hair combed to one side and always had a stubble beard.
"Aye mate." Killian replied wondering what he wanted.
"Just makin’ sure that’s only fish on ye boat." Hamish smirked at him.
Killian laughed at him though respected the constable. Hamish run the place with a difference to usual police. If he could find a way to not arrest you he would, even if it meant offering him something in return.
"Nothing to worry about mate. Though I might have fished up a bottle of whiskey out there." Killian replied to him leaning on the rigging.
"Have ye now. Just the one..." Hamish left it open.
"Ye got me. There were two." Killian replied holding up his hands in defeat.
"Sure ye telling the truth?" Hamish asked him.
Killian grinned at him getting his message.
"Aye just one, silly me. I'll just got at fetch it. Don't want any trouble." Killian replied as he turned to walk away.
Jock barked wagging his tail. Killian returned with the bottle and handed it over to Hamish as well as a well wrapped newspaper parcel.
"Freshly caught about half hour ago." Killian told him as he handed it over.
"Cheers, was wonderin’ whit to do for ma dinner." Hamish replied as he turned to leave docks, "Come on Jock."
Jock barked once more getting a pat from Killian before running after Hamish. Hamish opened the door and let Jock in before placing the bottle and parcel in the back and shutting the door behind him.
"Now that’s my dinner." Hamish warned Jock who just licked his muzzle.
Hamish sighed wondering if the dog only heard the word dinner. Starting the land rover, he headed further into the village and stopped outside the small library. He thought about leaving Jock in the car but since leaving the docks, Jock had been on his hind legs looking into the back of the jeep.
"She's gonna kill me." Hamish muttered aloud.
Jock just whined and tilted his head not quite sure what he was on about. Hamish waved for him to get out of the jeep. Jock just looked between him and the fish parcel.
"Out." Hamish said firmly and Jock hopped down.
Hamish tutted before grabbing the western book from his dash and shutting the door. He opened the door to the library and Jock happily jogged, knowing where he was going. Hamish followed in and saw the librarian hadn't noticed him. He silently placed the book on the counter and leant on the counter just watching her. She was about the same age as him with long curly chestnut hair, her skin was pale and her eyes were bright blue. Currently, her nose was buried in a book unawares that she was being watched. Just then Jock walked around the desk and barked.
The young girl jumped in fright and then spotted Hamish who was grinning like an idiot, his chin on his hands on the counter. The girl jumped again.
"Oh god! You two!" Belle yelped at them as she stood up hand on her heart.
Belle reached forward and slapped his shoulder in mock annoyance while Jock took the opportunity to jump into her seat. Belle gave him a look but patted him.
"You know that dogs aren't allowed in here Hamish." Belle scolded him as she reached for the book he was returning.
"It’s only Jock." Hamish defended him.
Jock make a noise and wagged his tail. Belle couldn't remain annoyed at them, especially Hamish with his boyish grin.
"Just this once." Belle warned him.
Hamish just laughed as he walked away to find another book muttering under his breath.
"Ye said that last time." Hamish muttered.
"What was that?" Belle asked as she couldn't help but drop her gaze from the back of his head down his back.
"Nothing dearie." Hamish replied louder.
Hamish was looking through the books as Belle couldn't help but watch the constable. After a few moments, Hamish walked over with a new book to read. Belle shock herself out of her thoughts and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear hoping she hadn't been caught eyeing him up. Hamish didn't say anything but had that grin on his face that said he had noticed her looking. Belle stamped the book and placed it on the counter. Hamish placed his hand on hers before she could pull it away.
"Listen, er, how about a drink tonight?" Hamish offered scratching the short hair at the nape of his neck with his free hand.
Belle chuckled nervously.
"Well that's a nice offer." Belle looked down shy as well.
"Dinnae worry about it." Hamish shock his head and let Belle's hand go.
Whistling for Jock, he turned to leave and opened the door for him, before he walked through he heard Belle call him.
"Hamish!" Belle yelled.
Hamish turned around forgetting the door as it swung close onto his face. Hamish went wide eyed as he pushed it back open and poked only his head through. Belle couldn't help but laugh at his expense.
"Aye Dearie?" Hamish asked chuckling.
"Tonight at the Stag." Belle confirmed.
"8?" Hamish asked.
"Sounds great." Belle nodded.
Hamish smiled and held a thumbs up before retreating back, knocking his chin on the door before disappearing again. Belle could only laugh before sitting back down and wondering what to wear tonight. She looked at the time at it was nearly time to lock up the library. Hamish got back in his jeep and was about to continue his round when the smell of fish was filling the jeep making him grimace.
"Think it’s time to head home aye Jock?" Hamish asked his companion.
Jock barked agreeing.
"I should really finish my rounds but I’m sure this village can handle itself for a moment." Hamish muttered as he drove back to the station.
Once at the station, he went straight to the kitchen and placed the fish into the freezer for later and the bottle of whiskey into a cupboard. Hamish grabbed a shower and got ready to head to the pub.