“He came upon them just the other night!” Domelch’s high-pitched voice startled the sleeping child, and crying ensued, but that didn’t stop her rant. “He said Ethne had been kissing him when she was here alone with him.”
Lachlann stilled, holding his breath, and willed his face not to get any warmer. The man had to have been guessing. Either that or he’d stood in the dark and watched rather than confront him. Coward. Lachlann turned toward Ethne. Their eyes met, but he couldn’t tell what she was thinking. Finn, once again tucked against her side, winked, and Lachlann struggled not to smile at the show of support. At least someone was still on his side.
Aidan asked, “Did Uradech not injure the man? Was that not the reason his betrothed came to be here alone with Lachlann?”
Finally, Aidan rolled his eyes as the wailing baby got louder. “See to that child, woman. Ethne! Assist her.”
“Aidan”—Malcolm advanced closer to the man—“there was bad blood between the two. He had been insulted by Uradech just that morning.”
“How so?”
“Uradech didna believe they were pilgrims. He questioned everything about them being here.”
It was getting harder and harder to sit quietly. Damn! He wanted to speak up.
“I have spent time with these men on the way here. I found no deceit in them.” The chieftain’s sweeping hand indicated all three of them.
Lachlann’s eyes locked with Niall’s, who showed no indication of what he was thinking. If the tribe discovered who they truly were, there’d be no chance to save Lachlann.
“Too many outsiders puts us at risk!” Talorc scowled. He seemed far too young a man for his thinning hair. “We need to tread lightly here, Aidan.”
By Talorc’s tone Lachlann guessed that was some sort of warning. Apparently, everyone else understood that because they all nodded.
“Nothingabout this will disrupt our plans,” Aidan assured, his face a mask of fury at such insolence.
“There is always disruption,” Domelch grumped, handing the fed baby to Ethne like a pile of wet clothes. “And now, my dear brother is dead!” She turned to Niall. “What say ye about yer man? Was he not lusting after Uradech’s betrothed?”
“Domelch.” Malcolm’s warning tone was unmistakable. “Have ye not interfered enough?”
The dramatic shake of her head was followed by a shifting away from her husband. His warning ceased her contributions. Thankfully. The woman was far too observant.
Aidan turned the question to Niall. “What say ye to her claims?”
“We’ve given ye no reason to doubt our word, not any of us.”
Aldred nodded as well, and Niall continued.
“I believe it happened the way Lachlann described it. He is not a man prone to prevarication. If he says it was an accident, I believe him.”
With a solid intake of air, he sighed his relief. He was glad to hear some defense of him.
Malcolm said, “Mayhap we should finish the preparations for the body and come back to this on our return?”
“I am in agreement.” Aidan stood, indicating one of his men to come forward. “Tie the man up.”
Lachlann squared his shoulders, a fine sheen of sweat immediately covered his face.
“What?” Niall straightened as if ready to jump to his feet, but seemed to check himself, his shoulders rounding instead. “Why must ye tie him up? He has done nothing wrong.”
“One of our own is dead.” Aidan seemed confused, glancing to the others for confirmation. “Yer man has confessed to the killing.”
Niall’s head shaking quite vehemently gave Lachlann a good bit of comfort.
“An accident. No malice intended,” Niall said, his voice louder.
“They were fighting over a woman. How far the fighting went, and how aggressive yer man got, is what I will decide on. Until then, we will keep him secured so that our laws are followed.”
“If I take responsibility for my man, can ye trust me with that?” Niall asked.
