"I'm nobody's property, you slimy piece of garbage," I inform him."And I'm not going anywhere with you or your discount mafia wannabes."
One of the goons takes a threatening step forward, but Dougal interrupts him with another gesture.The way these men instantly obey orders explains the power dynamic in the room.These aren't your average thugs.They're disciplined, organized, and deadly.
Dougal's eyes narrow, his gaze sliding from me to Kirk and back again."Ye've trained her well, Balfour.She's got the same pointless courage as you do."His lips curl into a nasty smile."But I didnae come here to take her today."
Kirk glowers at the creep."Then what are ye here for, ye piece of shite?"
"To deliver a message."Dougal gestures to one of his men, who walks over to the coffee table.The goon tosses a small object onto the table.It lands with a heavythunkamong the remnants of our snack platter.I recognize it instantly.The object is a small silver pocket watch with a familiar Celtic knot design.
"That's Kenny's watch," Kirk confirms."It's the one that belonged to his grandfather.How did you get your thieving hands on it?"
Dougal sneers at Kirk."Ye should ask where I got it from.Or rather, who gave it to me."He pivots toward his men, waving for them to exit the flat."You'll soon find out what it all means.And once everyone understands, not even an army of your clansmen and mates will be able to save ye then."
With that cryptic threat, he marches out the door with his goons in tow.Within a minute, they've all gone.
Shit.We are in so much trouble.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Kirk
Dougal MacWraith is going to die, and I will be the one to wring his bloody neck.The rage burning inside me is like nothing I've ever felt before.My pulse pounds in my ears as I stare at the door where that bastard just exited as if he owns the place---and the whole Highlands.I've always known for years that MacWraith was a villain.But I hadn't comprehended the full scope of his evil until now.Kenny was the opening act.Gretchen is now Dougal's leading lady in the most treacherous play of all time.
"Kirk?"Gretchen's voice draws me out of my thoughts."Talk to me.Please."
I spin round to face her, still trembling with fury."That watch...Kenny's watch...he'd never part with it willingly.Never."
She approaches me cautiously, as if I'm a wounded animal that might lash out."You think Dougal did something to Kenny?"
"Dinnae know," I confess."But I mean to find out.Kenny would sooner cut off his own hand than give up his grandfather's watch."
Gretchen wraps her arms around herself.My shirt hangs loose on her frame.The sight of her seeming so vulnerable only fuels my rage.But anger isn't the best response, not yet.
"I need to call my brothers," I tell the lass, already reaching for my mobile."And then we need to find Kenny."
"You think he's in even more danger than before?"Gretchen asks.
"Aye.Or worse."The possibility that Kenny might already be dead makes my nostrils flare and my fists tighten.I can't afford to think like that right now."MacWraith wouldnae have that watch unless something had happened to Kenny."
I dial Tam's number, pacing the length of the living room while I wait for him to answer.Every ring feels like an eternity.When he finally picks up, I waste no time with pleasantries."Tam, I need you to drop everything and meet me at my flat.Now."
"What's happened?"
"Dougal MacWraith showed up at my flat with five of his goons."I explain as I glance at Gretchen."He had Kenny's grandfather's watch.The silver one with the Celtic knot."
I hear Tam's sharp intake of breath."Shite.Kenny would never---"
"Exactly."I clench my fist, my nails digging into my palm."I need ye here.As soon as possible."
"I'm on my way," Tam confirms grimly."Twenty minutes at most.Should I bring Neil?"
"Aye, that's a good idea."Tam's experience as a former military medic might come in handy, though I pray we won't need those skills."I'll call Mam and Da next."
"Be careful, brother.If MacWraith's making moves this bold, there's no telling what he's capable of."
"I know.Just get here, please."I end the call and immediately dial my parents' number.
Gretchen sidles up to me, resting her cheek on my upper arm.The gentle touch grounds me, pulling me back from the edge of blind rage."Let me help, Kirk.What can I do?"
