For the next three hours, we hammer out all the options and plot various scenarios.Once we've come to a mutual agreement on the parameters, it's time for the test runs.We dinnae want to do that here at Thane's home since Dougal might have secret cameras, or his men might be listening in with who-knows-what type of undetectable spying devices.
Keltie reveals what her part in this adventure will entail.I cannae deny she's very clever, not to mention brave.The rest of our gang explain what they'll do, and I'm equally impressed by them.Even some of the lasses who aren't former military will take part in the mission.It almost feels like an episode of that old television programThe A-Team.
Of course I know that program.I am a stunt man, after all.
And that brings us to my assignment.
I hook one finger under Gretchen's chin, encouraging her to look at me."You've heard what part I will play in this operation.How do you feel about that?"
She sits in the chair beside me, wringing her hands."I can't claim I'm one hundred percent okay with this.But I know it needs to be done, and I'll meticulously follow whatever instructions you give me."
I kiss her hand."You are wonderful,gràidh."
Gretchen clasps my hand more firmly, and when she speaks, her tone is more serious than I've ever known her to be."I'm all in on this mission, and I'll follow my instructions.But I can't honestly say I'm gung-ho about it."
"That's understandable.Just remember, everyone here knows precisely what they're doing and how to do it---and so do you."
"I get it, and I'm ready."She grasps my face, pulling me close enough that our noses touch."But listen to me, Kirk.If you die, I will hunt you down in the afterlife and haunt you for the rest of eternity."
She is the most extraordinary lass in the world.And I mean to stay alive so we can have several children and many grandchildren.I'll need to marry her first, but it will be my honor to take her as my wife.
I drag her into me and crush my mouth to hers.Then I nuzzle her cheek."Ahm coming back for ye.Remember, 's e Albannaich a th'annainn!"
My mates jump up as one and shout in English, "We are Scots!"
Chapter Forty-One
Gretchen
Operation Tartan Glory has begun.Those are words I never imagined I would think, much less say out loud.But this is a genuine military-style effort to save Kenny and destroy Dougal's dominion over the seedy side of the Highlands that few know about and none would want to encounter.And here I am, the virtual assistant who has joined this little army of Scots.
My parents understand why I need to do this, but naturally, they're concerned.Kirk reassured them that I won't die---in his Scottish way.But my dad stunned me with his response.
"I'm going with you and your buddies," Bert Carver declared."I was in the military, remember?"
And I'm still trying to process that.My dad hasn't been active duty for years, but the determined look in his eyes tells me he's not joking.
"Dad, this isn't like your missions in the Middle East."
"Sure it is, kiddo.Bad men doing bad things that need to be stopped."
Kirk gives my father an appraising look."What was your specialty, sir?"
"Communications and tactical support," Dad says."And I can still shoot straight."
The two men share a look that communicates something I'm not privy to---some warrior code that doesn't require words.
Kirk slaps my father's arm."We could use a man with your experience."
I feel like I've stumbled into some kind of parallel universe where my dad and my Scottish boyfriend are bonding over tactical operations.I want to protest, to say that my father's involvement will only add to my worry, but I've seen that look on his face before.It's the same one I get when I've made up my mind.
"This isn't a bloody tour group," Kirk mutters."But having someone with communications experience might save our erses when we're in the dead zones around Cairntorran."
"Dead zones?"I ask.
"Aye," Kirk says."MacWraith has set up signal jammers all around his property.Makes it harder for anyone to coordinate an approach or call for help."
My dad smiles, and I recognize the expression---it's the same one he wore when he'd solve particularly difficult puzzles with me as a child."Jammers can be defeated if you know what you're looking for."
