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They pulled into the marina and found a vacant berth. A man with a mustache like a walrus was on the dock, waiting to help them. "Did you see the shoals, Jock?" he shouted up.

"Oh, aye. They're in full swing today." He smiled. "Toss him the lines, lassie."

Charlie threw the man the bow line. Then she jumped off herself, cleating off the stern.

"Looks like you picked up the selkie of Sinclair Castle." The man gave Charlie the once over.

"More like a stowaway," Jock said. "Watch the boat for me, Banner. We're just grabbing a quick bite to eat."

Jock motioned for her to follow him and they made their way up the dock to the town center. "The selkie of Sinclair Castle?" she asked.

"Aye, just an auld fable." He stopped at a small café and purchased two bacon rolls and a coffee. Few people were out and about, the early morning chill keeping most at home. Charlie kept her eyes peeled for Sinclair as they made their way to the train station.

"Morning, Jock," the woman behind the ticket counter said. "Off on a wee trip, are ye?"

"Not the noo. Just seeing a friend off. I'll need one ticket to Edinburgh-Waverley." He handed the woman his credit card.

Charlie pulled on his sleeve. "I'll repay you. I'll send the money to your address."

"No. We help each other oot around here." He handed her the ticket, a twenty-pound note and the food. "Take care, lassie." He reached out and brushed her cheek. The skin on his weathered hand was chapped and rough. "I thought you might be the one. It was yer eyes. But I guess I was wrong."

"The one what?" she asked, confused.

He shook his head. "Nae. It's no but me rambling. Have a care, lassie, and remember what I said. Not everything is as it seems." The train blew its whistle, signaling its departure.

"Thank you," she said to Jock, "for helping me."

He gave her a quick nod. She looked back as she climbed the stairs to the platform, but Jock was already walking down the street.