"I was givin' a bit more thought to yer idea about stallin'," Fraser said, changing the subject as quickly as possible. "It willnae matter. I think the hit will come when the killer has a clear shot. I daenae think it will matter who is standin' next to ye."
"It will if I turn the wrong way, or they step in the way at the last minute. Why are we even discussin' this? We should be goin' over the area and seein' where potential threats could be. Who kens, we might be overshootin' the target zone completely," Killian said as he heard a light rap on the study door.
"Expectin' someone?" Fraser asked as they swiftly cleared the figurines from the map and rolled it up.
"Come in," Fraser called as soon as Killian gave the word. The moment the door opened, Killian caught the scent of wildflowers mixed with herbs. It was a smell that followed Leah around like a lost puppy.
"Aye?" Fraser asked as Killian tried not to pay her any heed. He didn't dare look her in the eye for fear of having her read him like a book. If there was one thing Leah was exceptional at, it was shining a light on his darkest bits. "And what do ye want lass? We're a bit busy here, so…"
"Tis five o'clock," Leah answered. There was a pain to her tone that perked Killian's ear. He dared to steal a glimpse of her, but just that split second was enough to see she wasn't doing well. The rouge that often touched her cheeks was gone, as was the smile she often wore that touched her eyes. And as much as Killian wanted to ask what was troubling her, he didn't dare ask.
"Aye, so ye can read time, well done, lass," Fraser said, his tone turning a bit too hostile for Killian's liking. "Now go away. We've far too much to do tonight."
"If that is what me laird wishes," Leah said and gave a low bow that made Killian stop to take notice. She'd never acted so obedient before, and her behavior was starting to concern Killian.
"What are ye doin' here, lass?" Killian asked as he slapped the book he was holding shut. Keeping his eyes transfixed on her, Killian moved to the fireplace.
"I thought ye wanted a report on yer brother," Leah answered. "If ye prefer I leave, then I shall go."
"Aye," Killian answered with a nod of his head. "I daenae see the purpose of yer visits any longer."
"What?" Leah asked, her voice pitching with shock and confusion. "I daenae understand. Do ye want me to have Elsie give ye reports?"
"There's nay point," Killian answered as he tried to keep himself busy with the papers before him. But the truth was, he couldn't read a single word on any of the pages. All his focus was on not letting Leah see him crack.
"Killian," Leah whispered as her attention shifted to Fraser for a moment. Killian watched as she mulled over the audience. "Why are ye doin' this?"
"What exactly is it I am doin'?" Killian asked, keeping his tone steady and sure.
"Ye ken very well what it is ye’re doin' and I daenae appreciate it," Leah said through clenched teeth. She dared to steal a step closer. Her scent flowed off her skin and swirled around him like an intoxicating liquor.
"Leah, for what it is worth," Killian said as he moved closer to her. In the soft afternoon light pouring in through the bay window, Killian studied Leah. "I honestly daenae have a clue as to what ye’re talkin' about. Now, I am very busy, as Fraser here mentioned. So if there is nay other matter of business, I think ye should go."
"But," Leah started to protest, only to clamp her mouth shut and turn on her heel. Killian watched as she stormed out of his study. He didn't like making her mad, but it was the only way he could think of to keep her safe, at least until he could catch the assassin.
"I'm goin' to make a parameter run and see what I can," Fraser said as he collected his notebooks into a neat pile. "I'll take some notes, and maybe we can have a better plan executed tomorrow during the party."
"Should I cancel it?" Killian asked as he took a deep breath, savoring the remnants of Leah's scent.
"Where is this sort of thinkin' comin' from? When have ye ever backed down from a fight? It's this lass, isnae it? She's got yer head all mixed up. Maybe ye should rethink yer plan. If ye daenae want her hurt, then take her out of the situation."
"And become engaged to one of the daughters from the council? Nay thank ye. I'd rather rot under the muck from the stalls for a week than be linked to one of those girls. Nae that they're nae pretty," Killian said as he wondered how he was going to talk his way out of this one.
"Then come to terms that ye may end up losin' the lass," Fraser said. "Because ye ken as well as I do, when the swords start swingin' accidents can happen."
"Make notes when ye go around the castle and keep yer ear to the ground. I'm sure someone somewhere will slip up and tip the scales in our favor," Killian said. Although hopeful, the enthusiasm was lacking in his voice.
"Aye," Fraser said. "Ye need nae worry, everythin' will be ready. We will be ready for whatever comes at us."
Killian glanced out the window to catch the setting sun as his heart yearned to be with Leah. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was missing something, and it was about to cost him everything. "I hope ye’re right, for all our sakes."
24
Leah wandered through the garden, enjoying the peaceful afternoon. She glanced around to find several servants busying themselves with last-minute preparations. Leah couldn't wait to see the garden and terrace all lit up with paper lanterns stringed from the trees to the trellis.
"What are ye? A half-wit? What do ye think ye’re doin'? Ye cannae put the chairs there, they have to go in the sitting room. We've nae enough chairs for two tables of cards, and ye ken how the laird likes to play his card games."
Leah's eyes sparked as the servant's voices drifted to her ear. A smile played on her lips as she thought of sitting down and playing against Killian. She couldn't help but blush at the thought of Killian losing everything off his back. It was a thought that rippled through Leah like thunder through the moors.
