Gifted Thief (Highland Magic #1)(75)

I drew in a breath. ‘I’m sorry. I spoke out of turn. I am sure that our combined intellect can find a way to restore the Foinse. You guys are the best and brightest of your Clans. Of course we can do this.’

‘Go Chieftain!’ Lily yelled.

I winced at the sour expressions on the faces of the Kincaids and Darrochs. Yoga was out and a group hug was probably not a good idea, either. We needed something – however temporary – to band us together.

‘Let’s take a photo!’ I burst out. ‘All of us together. Then we’ll have it for posterity.’

There were a few grumbles. ‘Good idea,’ Byron said briskly. ‘Do you have a camera?’

Shite. I thought quickly. ‘No, but I’ve got my phone.’ I dug it out of my pocket. ‘You lot get together and I’ll take it.’

Lily shook her head solemnly. ‘No, Chieftain. I will not travel any further from here, so I’ll take the photo. The Saviours of the Foinse together!’

The others looked at Aifric. He smiled and nodded. ‘Come on then.’

I slid down from Barbie, using Lily as a crutch to stop my knees from giving way. Then I handed her the camera. Aifric took centre stage and placed his arms round the shoulders of the Darroch and the Kincaid Chieftains. Their smiles were fixed and forced – but at least there were smiles.

Diana and Malcolm joined in. I stood awkwardly to the side until Byron beckoned me. He placed his arm round my waist and grinned. Malcolm leaned as far away from my body as possible. Subtlety was clearly not his thing.

‘What did Cinderella say when she left the photo store?’ I asked Malcolm. Byron’s arm tightened. I tried to ignore the way he drew me closer and that his hand was holding me possessively.

‘Everyone say cheese!’ Lily said.

‘Some day my prints will come,’ I said, pasting on a huge smile. ‘Cheese!’

We posed. Diana extricated herself from the group and grabbed the phone to examine the result. ‘It’s good,’ she declared. ‘We’re beautiful people.’

Byron and I exchanged amused looks. I shrugged, banking down the desire to stay where I was. He still smelled far too good. I pulled away, gave the photo a cursory glance and tucked the phone back into my pocket.

‘I’ll make sure you all get copies,’ I promised. ‘Or we could set up a Foinse Facebook page. Every year we could meet back here and have a reunion.’

‘Don’t push your luck,’ Malcolm muttered. Aifric shot him a warning look.

‘Is there any food we can eat before we set off that doesn’t require cooking?’ he enquired.

Diana rummaged around in her bag. ‘I’ve got fruit.’

‘Perfect. Ten minutes, fill your stomachs and then we shall depart. Lily, you are content to stay behind and look after the horses?’

She nodded eagerly. The animals didn’t look particularly thrilled. I leaned over and massaged my aching thighs, willing some life back into them. I had the feeling I was going to need it.





Chapter Twenty Two




The first up were the Kincaids. They conferred briefly and then Malcolm walked up to the shimmering barrier. Everyone else took several respectful steps backwards, including William. Just to be certain I couldn’t be accused of listening out for his true name, I shuffled as far away as possible and stuck my fingers in my ears, but I still watched carefully. I wanted to see how this worked.

With his back to us, Malcolm leaned in. I could tell from his shoulders that his breath had quickened and he was feeling more nervous than he wanted us to know.

There was a sudden, blinding flash of light and a faint chiming ring. Something wriggled in my inside pocket. I gritted my teeth.

‘I hadn’t realised there would be light like that as well,’ Diana said to Aifric.

I cursed inwardly. Thanks a lot, Bob. The genie continued to wiggle around as Malcolm turned round and looked at me suspiciously. I folded my arms to try and prevent Bob making a bid for freedom and smiled.

Malcolm sniffed. ‘The Kincaid key has done its job,’ he intoned, spreading his arms wide.

I rolled my eyes at the melodrama and, taking my place at the rear, followed the others in. I looked back at Lily. She beamed and waved at me. ‘See you soon,’ I called. Or so I hoped.

Bob took advantage of my momentary distraction and shoved his way upwards, appearing at my collar before hopping down my arm.

‘I’m bored,’ he mouthed.

I glared at him and tried to grab his tiny body. He danced away. ‘Get lost!’ I hissed.

William Kincaid, directly in front of me, turned and frowned. I tried to smile at him but it came out as a grimace. He turned back, fortunately without noticing Bob, who was stretching languidly.

I lunged for the genie and he leapt backwards.

Trying to convey the importance of the situation to him, I glowered and put my finger to my lips. He smirked and nodded, then lifted his hands to mimic a rolling camera. Eh?

He held up two fingers. Exasperated, I realised he was playing charades. I tilted my chin, pointedly ignoring his antics. When he finally worked out I wasn’t going to play, he tutted loudly, making Kincaid turn round again. I took advantage of the moment, seized Bob’s squirming body, then thrust him behind my back.

‘Sorry,’ I apologised. ‘I almost slipped.’