"Talk to me," Keltie says without preamble as I approach."What's the situation?"
"Dougal has Gretchen.Thedeamhanwants me to come alone, but that's a death sentence for both of us.I need someone who knows what they're doing."The words pour out of me rapid-fire as I pace in front of her."We must come up with a plan quickly."
Keltie nods, her expression hardening.She's ex-SAS, one of the most lethal operatives I've ever met.More importantly, she's a woman---and Dougal won't be expecting that.He's a sexist pig, aye, but mostly he's a depraved piece of shite.
"You know the layout of the manor," I remind her, as if she needs reminding.Keltie took part in Operation Tartan Glory, after all."I need you to go in there in stealth mode and find where Dougal is hiding Gretchen while I disable any security he might still have.It's also possible some of his thugs might have returned to the manor and are resurrecting at least one of Dougal's enterprises."
Keltie nods."I understand."
After a five-minute conversation, we're ready to go.Operation Celtic Liberty is now underway.
I check my watch."We've got just over an hour left before Dougal's deadline.Enough time to get in position."
Keltie hands me a small earpiece."Channel three.Keep it open."
I slip the device into my ear, grateful for her foresight."I'll approach from the main entrance.Make it look like I'm following his instructions.Once I have his attention, you go find Gretchen."
"And then?"Keltie asks.
"Then we end this.For good."
We part ways, with Keltie disappearing into the trees that surround Cairntorran while I return to my Porsche.The drive to the manor's main gates is short but feels like an eternity.
No one steals my woman and gets away with it.
Dougal MacWraith will pay for what he's done---even if I have to kill him to get her back.
Chapter Fifty-Four
Gretchen
I never dreamed I'd get kidnapped and taken to an evil bastard's creepy manor.But here I am, seated on a small couch in the sitting room of Dougal MacWraith's home with my hands and ankles bound.Fortunately, the restraints aren't too tight.But I would never share that information with Dougal.The lord of the manor told me outright that he plans to kill Kirk, and that he intends to make me his girlfriend whether I like it or not.
Ohhh, I wish I could knee him in the balls.Wish it so badly.
Scratch that.I don't want to knee him in the balls.I'd rather grab them with both hands and yank hard enough to make him scream in agony and pass out.
My fantasy is interrupted when Dougal ambles into the room while whistling---and swaggering, of course.He comes around to my side of the sofa and plops his ass down on the coffee table.And he still seems obnoxiously cheerful.Aren't evil masterminds supposed to snarl and issue evil, gruesome threats?He must be trying to psych me out.
No such luck, you rotten reptile.
Dougal glances around the sitting room and sighs contentedly."Isn't Cairntorran Manor magnificent?I killed the previous owner since he refused to sell the manor to me.Did ye know the name means Cairn of Thunder?Fitting, dinnae ye agree?"
"If you mean do I that agree you're a loony tunes piece of shit...yeah, I do agree."
He chuckles."You are wonderful, lass.Cannae wait to fuck ye."
"Kiss your pipe dream goodbye, because Kirk is coming for me."I slant forward."Mark my words, Dougal, he'll murder you for what you've done."
Dougal bursts into a fit of uproarious laughter."That's exactly what yer boyfriend will do."Dougal wipes tears of mirth from his eyes."He will walk into this room, the conquering hero, ready to save his damsel---then I'll put a bullet between his eyes."
I force myself to maintain eye contact because I won't give this psycho the satisfaction of watching me cower.
"You've underestimated Kirk before," I remind the bastard."How'd that work out for you?"
Dougal's smile falters for a second, opening a tiny crack in his confident façade that gives me a glimmer of hope.
And possibly leverage.
