Highlander Most Wanted (The Montgomerys and Armstrongs #2)(25)

Teague nodded. “Aye, ’tis best to do just that. If you have need of me before I return, simply send word. I’ll come immediately.”

“ ’Tis odd,” Bowen murmured.

Teague lifted one brow. “What’s odd?”

“Us being parted. We’ve always worked as one. The three of us. Graeme as laird. Us always at his back. ’Tis strange now to be away from home. In a clan that is not our own.”

“I don’t doubt your leadership abilities,” Teague said. “The McHughs will thrive with you as their laird, no matter how temporary.”

Bowen rose. “I thank you for that. Go and return quickly. I prefer your company and am more comfortable with you as my right hand.”

Teague clasped arms with Bowen. “Be safe, Bowen.”

“And you,” Bowen returned.

Teague left Bowen’s chamber and Bowen turned to the window, staring broodingly into the night.

What an enigma Genevieve McInnis was proving to be. Bowen knew he had no right to be angry until he uncovered whether Teague’s report was true. But he couldn’t help the tight curl of rage at the idea that she’d somehow been responsible for the attack on Eveline.

He shook his head. Nay. It was not right to take that leap before he had proof. He would discover the truth soon enough. And he knew just the person he would go to for answers.

Chapter 13

Bowen was up at dawn to see his brother and Aiden off on their journey to return to their respective keeps. It was strange to have Brodie Armstrong remain behind as a source of support, but Bowen was glad of his presence. The McHughs were a hostile, stubborn lot, and the task before him was not an easy one.

When the Montgomery and Armstrong warriors filed out of the courtyard and toward the distant rise, Bowen went in search of Taliesan.

To his consternation, she was not to be found. It was likely she was with Genevieve, and if that was the case he didn’t want to question her in Genevieve’s hearing. He would simply have to wait for the right opportunity.

He broke his fast with Brodie in the great hall, and both men grimaced at the meal, which wasn’t an improvement from the night before. It would be a miracle if either man survived long enough for Teague to return with food and goods.

“Have you seen Taliesan yet this morn?” Bowen asked.

Brodie frowned. “Nay, why do you seek her?”

“I have need to discuss a matter with her.”

“ ’Tis early still. Perhaps she’s still abed.”

A look around told him ’twas not likely when the rest of the clan was already up and moving. But then he hadn’t yet spied Genevieve either.

He forced the rest of his food down and immediately set his mind to forming a hunting party. The idea of freshly roasted meat made his mouth water and his stomach rumble.

On his way through the courtyard, he spotted Taliesan carefully making her way from the row of cottages on the hillside just outside the stone skirt surrounding the keep. He paused and waited as she popped out of sight only to reappear at the gateway leading into the keep.

“Taliesan, I would speak to you,” Bowen called as she neared.

She looked instantly nervous and bobbled a bit as she regained her footing.

“Of course, Laird. Is aught amiss?”

“I would speak to you privately,” Bowen said, casting a glance around at the others milling about.

The worry in her eyes deepened, but she nodded hesitantly and awaited Bowen’s directive.

He led her through the great hall, annoyance biting at him when he saw no place where people weren’t congregated. He stepped outside the back of the keep, where, finally, he spied an area near the bathhouses, where it was quiet and private.

“Is something troubling you, Laird?” Taliesan asked, a tremble to her voice.

“Aye,” he said bluntly. “I seek information, Taliesan, and I demand honesty from you.”

She went pale and her eyes widened, but she nodded vigorously. “Of course, Laird. I do not lie. ’Tis not in my nature.”

“Do you know anything of Genevieve influencing Ian’s plan to abduct Eveline Montgomery from her clan?”

If possible, the lass went even whiter. Every bit of blood drained from her face, leaving her to look as though she’d topple over in a dead faint.

The stricken look in her eyes told him more than she could possibly voice. It was all there for him to see.

God’s teeth, but this wasn’t what he’d wanted to hear. Or see, as it was.

“Taliesan?” he prompted.

He needed—wanted—the whole of it. He wanted there to be no guessing. No speculation.

“Do not make me say what I know,” she begged. “I would not betray Genevieve in such a fashion.”

“But you would betray me and my kin,” he bit out. “A defenseless, innocent woman who’s never done wrong to anyone.”

“She is not the only one to have suffered!” Taliesan snapped.

Bowen’s lips curled. “Nay, she is not. But neither has she been the one responsible for others’ suffering. Can Genevieve say the same? Can she, Taliesan? You said you do not lie. So tell me the truth. What do you know?”

Tears glittered in Taliesan’s eyes, and he felt like a complete bastard for being so forceful with the lass. But he had to know if he could trust Genevieve. If she had wronged his kin, Graeme would never accept her into their clan.