No. He would not take an active part in breaking his own heart.
“I will not stand in your way,” Kieran finally said. “As I said, I will allow Eilidh the freedom to make her own choices—”
“Kieran!” A voice called from behind them.
Both men pivoted to see Ewan racing toward them, brows drawn down.
“Please consider my request,” Simon said quietly, almost conspiratorially.
“I cannot assist ye in this,” Kieran replied, not quite succeeding in keeping the steel out of his voice.
Simon blinked and took a step back.
“Ye are on your own with Miss Fyffe,” Kieran continued. “But so help me, if ye break her heart—”
“Mr. Fitzpatrick,” Ewan nodded, stopping before them.
“Mr. Campbell.” Simon gave a small bow. He turned an intent look to Kieran. “Thank you, Master MacTavish. I will heed your words. If you will please excuse me?”
Simon bowed—shooting Kieran one last pleading look—and took his leave of the two men.
Ewan turned to ensure the man left before pivoting back to Kieran.
“Do I want tae know?” Ewan tossed his head toward Simon’s retreating back.
Kieran replied a terse, “No.”
Ewan pulled a piece of foolscap from his pocket. “Andrew just sent word from the Judge Admiral.”
Kieran let out a slow breath. “Cuthie’s testimony?”
“Of a sort.” Ewan sighed. “Turns out the Admiralty decided they would like Cuthie and Massey to testify in person.”
“Pardon?!”
“Andrew says that, months ago, the Admiralty sent a summons requiring Cuthie and Massey to appear in Aberdeen. They expect the men to arrive within the week.”
“What?” Kieran ran a shaking hand over his face. “Why were we not informed of this at the beginning?”
“Andrew doesnae say exactly.” Ewan shook his head, scanning the page again. “Just that when the men arrive, the Judge Admiral wishes Miss Eilidh Fyffe to appear before him in Aberdeen to hear Cuthie’s and Massey’s testimony and present her own version of events.”
“They mean to confront her.” Icy dread settled in Kieran’s stomach. “It feels as if the Admiralty has already made up their mind as to her guilt. That all of this has just been for show.”
“Andrew says roughly the same thing.” Ewan swallowed, a grim set to his features. “He has been throwing his weight around as Lord Hadley, trying to get the Admiralty to soften their stance, but . . .” His voice drifted off.
“But without Eilidh’s memories, there isnae much hope.” Kieran finished the thought. “She still hasnae remembered anything that will exonerate her. Worse, the few memories she has recalled are not encouraging her to remember more.”
“Aye. That’s the rub, isn’t it?”
It was too much.
Something angry and raw lodged in the back of Kieran’s throat.
He braced his hands behind his neck and turned in a circle, staring up at the sky, blinking repeatedly.
Time.
He had thought to have more time.
