“More mead?” Hannah asked Burke.
He nodded and held out his tankard.
“When did this occur?” Storm asked.
“Three, maybe four weeks ago.”
“Do you know for certain if his name was Cullen?” Storm asked.
“I cannot say for certain, but the name does sound familiar.”
Storm stood. “We must go.” She took Hannah’s hand and dropped several coins in it.
“I cannot,” Hannah protested. “There are those needier than me.”
“And this man beside me has agreed to help them, leaving you free to accept this gift.”
Burke finally spoke. “Storm is right.”
Hannah wept, hugging the coins to her chest. “You are a godsend, Storm.”
“Some claim I’m the devil.” She laughed.
“No, an angel. This will feed my family and others. God bless.”
After quick hugs and more tears, Storm and Burke took their leave and made their way to the woods unnoticed.
“We wait for Tanin,” Storm said, pacing the forest floor, the crunch of leaves distinct beneath her booted feet.
“You’re upset. Why?”
Storm stopped pacing. “It makes no sense that this man was taken to Glencurry. His crime was here in Dunwith.”
Burke reached out and took hold of her arms. “What’s wrong with that?”
Her hesitation upset Burke even more, but the rustle of branches had them both taking cover. Burke wrapped his arm around her slim waist and dragged her behind a thick bush. Her waist was tiny. He could practically wrap his arm clear around it. How she swung a sword, he’d never know. There was strength in her small frame and feminine curves that reminded him that she was a woman, a woman who felt good in his arms.
He wanted to hold on to her, offering security, safety, sanctuary.
She, however, broke free once she saw that it was Tanin.
“Food is stored for them where none will find it and there is enough to feed more families,” Tanin said, holding the rolled bedding out to her.
Storm nodded and took the bedding, disappearing into the woods.
“You found what you needed?” Tanin asked.
“We found that we may have to go to Glencurry,” Burke said.
Tanin’s head jerked, his eyes turned wide.
“Glencurry seems to cause an adverse reaction in people. Why?” Burke asked.
“Earl of Balford at Glencurry is not a man you want to deal with,” Tanin advised.
“Why?”
“He cares little for human suffering.”
