The Mirage Tree

1

Lost

Bitingly cold January air numbed her face. The air had a still, silent quality, the sky an expanse of steel grey flecked with white and the promise of yet more snow. A lingering sombre aura cast a wide shadow of post-Christmas disenchantment, at once both bleakly depressing and glamorously dazzling as a thick, smooth blanket of white transformed the Dartmoor landscape she had known all her life into an unfamiliar, shimmering fantasy world.

The blanket muffled all of nature, creating an almost unnatural serenity, which spread through the entire world. In sharp contrast, an escalating turmoil of anxiety welled up inside her, like a snowball rolling ever faster, out of control and increasing with every passing second. A rush of dizziness threatened to overwhelm her as she started to panic; she desperately surveyed the monotonous white canvas that stretched endlessly around her.

Gretchen! Where was she?

A dreadful sense of foreboding flooded Lauren’s senses. Clumsily, she began to run through the thick gorse, panic forcing renewed strength in her limbs, pushing her forward despite the heavy outdoor clothing.

Silence filled the brittle air. The only sounds were the breeze whipping around her head, the crunch of fresh snow under foot and the sharp rasping of her own breath.

How could she have been so stupid? Why hadn’t she waited for the milder weather to take her precious puppy on her first outing? The snow had made everything so inviting and serene, enticing her to venture outside with the false promise of tranquillity and joy.

‘Gretchen!’ she called, but there was no answering yip and Lauren caught back a sob.

The little bundle of fur had won her heart from the first moment she’d seen her. The thought of losing her was unbearable. This couldn’t be! Whatever would she do without her? Lauren’s mind fleetingly wandered to the long evenings filled with solitude she had known since moving back home to Devon before adopting Gretchen. She’d recently come to terms with being single and Gretchen’s company had made the transition much easier. Immediately she felt a cold band squeeze her heart; she certainly didn’t want to go back to such loneliness again.

She hadn’t intended to go far, just to the edge of the local moorland. It had been delightful to watch her little German Shepherd girl explore the snow, her sturdy little legs carrying her joyfully, trying to catch the flakes that mysteriously disappeared and shaking the cold white powder from her paws with a quizzical expression. She had looked so appealingly cute, so puzzled as if trying to work out where the strange white crystals went. Lauren couldn’t resist snapping photo after photo until the phone call interrupted her.

She bit down on her lip hard, forcing herself to concentrate. If only she hadn’t allowed herself to be distracted. It had only taken a few moments to answer her assistant’s query about an order from her florist shop. Surely Gretchen couldn’t have gone far? But what if it had been long enough for her to become lost? Confused and overwhelmed by the dazzling landscape? Lauren’s heart pounded in her chest as she thought of the River Walkham, deep and now dangerously swollen with a menacing undercurrent after the long winter months. What if Gretchen had wandered to the edge and tumbled into the water?

Desperation gripped her now. Tasting saltiness, Lauren realised she had torn away a piece of skin from the inside of her lip. She forced her leaden feet to carry her through the fresh, powdery snow which moments before had seemed so enticingly picturesque, but now had become a loathsome hindrance.

‘Gretchen! Where are you? Gretchen!’

Lauren approached a clearing. Stopping to catch her breath she noticed the rush of wind that had been ringing in her ears had ceased. Silence enveloped her, momentarily pierced by the shrill cry of a hunting Kestrel, swirling gracefully on a thermal high above her. The freezing air stung her throat and chest as she inhaled deeply, her escaping breath visible as a fine mist steadily rising in front of her, like steam from a hot drink. Lauren had thought herself reasonably fit, but forcing her heavy limbs onward through the thick snow had left her breathless.

‘Hi there!’ A friendly young male voice cut through her anxious speculation.

Lauren’s legs felt weak as an immediate wave of relief struck her. A tall, athletic lad of around seventeen years old with dark hair, tanned skin and a perfect white smile strode towards her with ease, making furrows in the blanket of thick fresh snow. In one hand he held a leather lead and in the other was carelessly tossing a worn red rubber ball. A black and white Springer spaniel jumped gleefully in front of him in excited anticipation of a game.

Close behind the lad, up to her chest in snow stood little Gretchen, looking as if butter wouldn’t melt in her mouth.

‘There you are!’ Lauren scooped up her little wanderer and cuddled her close.

‘She’s a bright little thing, isn’t she?’ the youth grinned. ‘I love shepherds. I’m Josh Harrington…nice to meet you!’ He cheerfully extended his right hand towards her in welcome. ‘Charlie here never misses an opportunity to make a new friend. He went wandering and came back with her.’

Lauren allowed the squirming bundle of fur to return to the ground and accepted his handshake. ‘Lauren Sinclair. I’m very glad she’s safe,’ she replied, her manner careful and reserved.

‘Of course she is! We’ve been having a really good game and Charlie here has taken a real shine to her.’

He raised his arm and effortlessly shot the ball into the distance. Charlie bounded after it and little Gretchen took off after him, doing her best to keep up. Gleefully yipping in unison, they both disappeared into the snowy landscape.

Lauren was about to take chase when Josh’s laughter stopped her.

‘You’re a bit out of breath there!’ he teased. ‘You couldn’t catch them if you tried!’

Lauren glared at him. The nerve of the lad! It was bad enough he’d enticed her puppy away without him being impertinent as well.

As soon as the dogs returned from their game, she bent down and called Gretchen, who obediently ran to her.

‘She’s too young to run so far from me,’ she said, her voice shaking slightly as she slipped her fingers through the soft fur beneath the pup’s collar. ‘We must be going.’

‘Aw, don’t be such a spoilsport – just one more throw!’

‘OK, but not quite so far this time please.’

The ball shot through the air like an arrow from a bow and the two dogs took off in elation, running far out of sight.

Suddenly a sharp yelp pierced the freezing air, followed by a mournful cry.

Gretchen!

Was she injured? Shooting the lad an angry look, Lauren bolted after the cry. She found Gretchen behind a snowdrift, lying motionless on her side.

Charlie dropped the ball and nosed at his little companion anxiously. Lauren bent over her puppy and ran her hand over her fur. Seconds later, Josh appeared effortlessly at her side.

‘Is she OK?’ He looked so upset Lauren’s anger instantly dissolved.

‘I don’t know…she can’t put any weight on her front leg. I must get her to a vet.’

‘Come with me...I can help. I live just over there.’ He gestured to a small grey cottage in the distance. A stream of smoke snaked thinly from the chimney.

‘Well…if you’re sure…’ Her voice trailed as she suddenly became very aware of their isolation. The village and nearest vet were over five miles away.

‘No problem! I have a first aid kit and I can get you to a vet. Here, give her to me, I’ll carry her for you.’

At four months old, Gretchen already weighed nearly sixteen kilos. It would be a struggle for Lauren to carry her, and there wasn’t another building for miles. Besides, it was his fault Gretchen was injured. Helping was the least he could do.

‘Thank you,’ she said.

Josh wrapped Gretchen in his jacket and effortlessly scooped her into his arms, setting a steady pace over the moors towards his home.

Lauren followed, concern for Gretchen driving her urgently over the few hundred metres to the cottage. Feet crunching into the snow and sinking several inches with each step, she willed her tired legs to carry her through the snow as quickly as possible.

As they approached the wooden gate of the modest granite and slate-roofed cottage, Josh slipped a small silver phone from his jacket pocket. He used speed dial and Lauren caught a few muttered words of the one-sided conversation.

‘An accident…yes….you can come? OK…see you then.’

He unlocked the solid oak door with one hand while the other supported Gretchen’s weight and kicked it open effortlessly. They entered a small cosy lounge. Warmth and a smoky pine aroma wafted over Lauren. A faded red rug covered worn oak floorboards and a sagging but comfortable looking couch, worn and threadbare in patches, sat next to a glowing fire behind a soot-blackened guard. Coloured scatter cushions in bright hues gave the place a cheery feel and a heavy oak table and dining chairs occupied the far side of the room.

On the wall, at a slightly jaunty angle, was a framed photograph of Josh and two other people. A strikingly handsome man in his early forties rested a hand on Josh’s shoulder and an attractive, slim woman stood slightly apart from them. She had the longest, glossiest dark hair Lauren had ever seen. They must be his parents, she supposed. Lovely family. All three smiled cheerfully out at her in the dim light of the cottage. Through an archway that opened into the kitchen she spied a large tabby cat curled up on a chair in front of an old Rayburn. This modest little cottage may be shabby, but it certainly had a homely feel.

Josh ducked his head through the low door frame and gently laid Gretchen on the old couch, mindful of her injured leg. Kneeling beside her, he carefully moved the injured limb.

‘Hmm…no…I don’t think it’s broken…’ he muttered. Then, turning to Lauren, he offered, ‘Here, let me take your jacket.’

‘Shouldn’t we be going to the vet?’ What were they waiting for? Her puppy needed help now!

Josh sat back on his heels. ‘Relax, it’s not a problem. He’ll be here shortly. Make yourself comfortable and I’ll put the kettle on.’

‘You’ve arranged for the vet to come here?’ she asked, surprise adding a lilt to her voice. ‘All the way out here, in this weather?’

‘Yep. Like I said, it’s no problem. My Dad is on another call, he’s had a busy day, but he’ll be here soon.’

‘Wait – your father is a vet? Why didn’t you tell me?’ Lauren exclaimed.

‘I’m telling you now. Besides, you didn’t ask.’ He grinned at her astonishment, clearly pleased with himself.

‘Oh. I see.’

‘I’ll make that tea.’

Lauren shook her head. ‘Don’t worry about it. I’m fine. Let’s just wait for your dad.’

She settled on the battered couch next to Gretchen, softly reassuring her and smoothing her fur. They sat quietly. The only sounds breaking the silence were an occasional crackle from the fireplace and the ticking of the clock on the mantelpiece counting down the minutes.

Before long there was a droning noise in the distance and the sound of a vehicle labouring slowly along the drive way gradually became louder. The engine stopped and as the car door slammed both Josh and Charlie jumped up and rushed to the door. Lauren glanced at the window. A tall figure clad entirely in grey and carrying a black leather medical bag was walking along the path towards the cottage, his head bowed against the weather.

She could hear a few muffled greetings at the doorway and the burden of worry lifted. ‘It’s going to be OK’ she murmured, ruffling the soft fur behind Gretchen’s ears. ‘You’ll feel better soon, the vet is here now.’

Thank goodness he’d arrived safely. She’d had her doubts with the weather being so bad.

‘Lauren Sinclair?’ His voice, deep and smooth as caffè latte, interrupted her thoughts. ‘I’m Greg Harrington. It’s a pleasure to meet you.’

She was instantly captivated by the figure that completely filled the entrance. It was rude to stare but she simply could not tear her gaze away from him. Looking directly back at her was the handsome man from the photograph; the same gorgeous white smile, the same smoothly tanned skin. His classic good looks were even more striking in real life. She had just seconds to take in his strong jaw line and rain-slicked dark hair, glossy and finely streaked with silver at the temples, before he strode confidently towards her with his hand extended in greeting. At just over six feet tall, he had a huge presence in the small room, yet a surprisingly lithe and gentle demeanour, which fascinated her.

‘It’s nice to meet you too. Thank you very much for coming out here in this weather.’ Lauren managed to keep her voice steady as she held his gaze. Despite his sincere expression, his eyes, deep and dark as mahogany under thick lashes, twinkled with a slight roguishness that momentarily took her breath away. His smile when it came was wide and friendly and Lauren was reminded of Josh’s smile as he was throwing the ball for Charlie. The similarity was striking.

The vet took her hand and held it for a moment longer than was necessary before turning his attention to Gretchen. ‘Ah, yes. Here’s our little patient.’

He dropped to the puppy’s side with ease and stroked the fur on her back, gently massaging away any anxiety and examined her joints. Producing a stethoscope from his bag, he smiled as Gretchen’s natural curiosity got the better of her and she sniffed at the peculiar object, then licked his hand briefly and rolled over graciously to let him place it on her chest. Lauren marvelled at the skilful way he tended to her, with unhurried patience and compassion.

Slowly and with great care he moved to Gretchen’s injured leg, concentration etched onto his face. After a few thoughtful moments he reached into his bag and deftly withdrew the contents of a tiny glass bottle into the syringe with a practiced manner.

He had elegant hands, Lauren observed. Precise and gentle, like a pianist.

All his movements were smooth and polished. Mesmerised, she watched him work. His skill was reassuring.

‘It’s not broken,’ he said after a few moments. ‘Just badly sprained. I’ll give her a steroid and analgesic injection for the pain and swelling and leave you some anti-inflammatory tablets to be taken twice a day, morning and evening. They should do the trick.’

‘Well, that’s a blessing.’ Relieved, Lauren stooped to stroke Gretchen’s head. She smiled at the vet. ‘I am so grateful for your help, Mr Harrington. Thank you so much.’

He returned her smile and Lauren’s heart skipped a beat.

‘Call me Greg, please. Well, we had better get you home, there’s likely to be a storm this evening.’ He indicated the view through the window and the now menacing steel-grey sky. Rolling opaque clouds, threateningly low, were already darkening the crisp, clear afternoon light to an icy - grey gloom.

‘Come on, I’ll drive you home before it gets worse out there. I’ll just pack up my bag. Josh, please would you carry Gretchen to my car?’

‘Let’s have the patient.’ Josh carefully lifted Gretchen, who turned her molten chocolate brown eyes to him with a look of self-pity and licked his hand. Lauren smiled. Gretchen was clearly enamoured with this new friend with his jovial, easy manner, who effortlessly cradled her in his strong arms and spoke to her soothingly. She was being treated like a little princess and loving it!

Lauren followed Josh outside into the small front garden. After the warmth of the cottage, the bitter evening air nipped at their faces as they made their way to Greg’s Land Rover. Josh gently lifted Gretchen and placed her on the back seat, covering her with a brightly coloured tartan blanket, then opened the door politely for Lauren.

She noticed a battered silver-grey Subaru Forester on the gravel drive that gently sloped downwards to the single-track lane that led to the village.

‘Is that your car?’

‘Yes, it used to be Dad’s. His new partner drove it before they bought this one last year. I look after it myself…it might be old but it runs perfectly,’ he declared proudly.

‘Is your father’s partner a vet too?’ Lauren made polite conversation while waiting for Greg, gratitude replacing any earlier irritation she had felt towards Josh now she knew Gretchen would be fine.

‘Yes, Janelle. She’s back at the practice in town, taking clinic today. They work the roster together. When I qualify I’ll be able to help them.’

‘So, you’re at veterinary college?’ Lauren inquired.

‘I will be. I’m applying to get into uni next year.’

‘Good for you! Which one?’

‘Exeter is my first choice, but I’ll travel further away if I don’t get in there. I’ve got to study hard. I need to get good grades.’ He looked earnest. This was obviously important to him.

‘You’re doing well at college?’ she asked.

‘Yeah, I’m not doing too badly.’

‘Well, that’s good. It’s a pretty little cottage, peaceful place to study I imagine. Do you live here with your father and Janelle?’

‘They live at the Manor and I rent this place. But they’re always around if I need them.’ He shrugged, in the typically non-committal way of teenage boys. ‘It’s useful some days, ’cos I get to ask Dad loads of questions and go out with them on visits whenever I like.’

‘That’s good experience for you.’

The conversation died and Lauren busied herself re-tying her scarf and doing up the top buttons of her coat while they waited for Greg.

‘Look, about earlier.’ Josh looked awkward. ‘I didn’t mean for Gretchen to get hurt.’

She turned to him and patted his hand. ‘I know you didn’t. It was just an accident, luckily no serious harm done and your father came to the rescue.’

‘You’re not mad then?’ For a moment he looked more like a