"I want to watch the blighter rot in jail for the rest of eternity."I can barely contain my rage as I hold Gretchen close, her warmth against me the only thing that stops me from losing control and throttling MacWraith.
The wail of a vehicle siren tells me the constables have arrived.The siren winds down, but I know Sorley and Fergus are already on the scene.They burst into the room, weapons drawn, and instantly ken the situation.Keltie has Dougal pinned down, Gretchen is in my arms, and the destruction around us tells the rest of the tale.
"Yer a truebiùidh, Balfour," Sorley affirms, holstering his sidearm and pulling out handcuffs."We'll take it from here."
For Sorley to call me a hero...that makes me a touch uncomfortable.
Keltie steps back, allowing the officers to secure Dougal.The bastard winces as they roughly haul him to his feet.Dougal's face is a blood-stained mess from Keltie's handiwork.
"This isnae over," MacWraith hisses."I'll find you again, and next time, there will be no rescue."
I move closer, my hands curling into fists at my sides."There willnae be a next time, ye piece of shite.Yer going away for a long, long time."
Sorley wrenches Dougal's arms behind his back, making him wince."Kidnapping, assault, criminal threats combined with the previous charges including prostitution, illegal gambling, and the rest.That should keep ye locked up nice and tight, MacWraith, for the rest of your natural life."
"Add attempted murder to that list," I say, remembering the gunshot that narrowly missed my Gretchen."And whatever other charges we can pile on from Operation Tartan Glory."
Dougal narrows his eyes to slits as his bloodied lips curl into a cold smile."Ye think a jail cell can hold me?I own half the guards in Scotland."
"Not where you're going," Fergus says."Ahm sure you'll enjoy the special high-security wing Her Majesty's pleasure.I hear the guards there take particular interest in men who kidnap innocent lasses.And your favorite judge cannae help ye this time."
Sorley chuckles."Aye, he's facing corruption charges."
I keep my arm wrapped protectively around Gretchen as the officers drag Dougal toward the door.Having her safe in my arms will help calm the storm inside me.
"I'll be out before ye know it," Dougal shouts over his shoulder, virtually spitting the words."And when I ahm free---"
"Mhac na galla," Keltie groans, while slapping a piece of duct tape over his mouth.Thebod ceann's eyes bulge."That's much better."
While Sorley and Fergus lead Dougal away, I return my full attention to Gretchen.Now that the immediate danger has passed, I can finally see the exhaustion in her eyes and the slight tremble in her lips that she's been fighting to control.My brave Gretchen, putting on a strong face even after being kidnapped by that psychotic bastard.I pull her closer, gently resting my forehead on hers.
"It's over,mo chridhe," I whisper."He cannae hurt ye anymore."
She wraps her arms around my waist, and her fingers dig into my back as if she's afraid I might disappear."I was never really afraid because I knew you'd come for me."
"I will always find you, no matter where in the universe you are or how long it takes."I crush my mouth to hers, only for a moment."You are mine forever, and it's time we bound bodies and our souls the proper way."
"That's what I want too," Gretchen whispers in my ear, "but not in front of the constables---or Dougal."
"Aye, not until we're home."I glance at Fergus."May we go now?"
"Anytime ye like, Balfour."
We hurry out of the manor with Keltie following behind us to ensure there are no surprises waiting outside.The Highland air is crisp and clean, like a blessing from above after the suffocating tension inside Cairntorran Manor.I keep Gretchen tucked at my side with my arm firmly around her waist as we approach my Porsche.
"Thank you, Keltie," I say, turning to the woman who helped save everything that matters to me."I couldnae have done this without you."
Keltie nods once, crisply, and her lips curl into a wee smile."I was doing what needed to be done, that's all.MacWraith's had this coming for a long time."
"I'll never forget what you did today," Gretchen tells her.
"Take care of each other," Keltie replies, already moving toward her own vehicle."And I'll expect a wedding invitation."
I wink."You'll get one, that's for certain."
By the time Gretchen and I walk into our flat, we both need a lie-down.I escort Gretchen into the bedroom.She's putting on a brave face, but I can see the tension in her shoulders and the slight tremble in her hands as she sits on the edge of our bed.
"Would ye like a bath,mo ghaol?"I kneel before her and clasp the lass's hands in mine."Or perhaps some tea?Of whisky?"
