As she began to stand, there was a knock at the door. Hugh barked, "What?"
"Ye have another meetin' in a bit." Callum's voice was muffled by the thick wood. "It's about time ye get ready."
Then, his footsteps retreated. It seemed as though he'd taken Hugh's earlier advice to heart. At least he wasn't lingering.
"That man's a pain in me side," Hugh growled as he straightened out. He gave Anna the most apologetic look he could muster. "I'll check on ye later. It's probably best if ye retire to yer chambers."
He didn't say that he worried for her well-being. He didn't tell her that he was worried about how deeply this corruption ran. Instead, he just hoped that she took his advice and kept herself safe.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
Despite Hugh's instructions, Anna couldn't just go to her chambers. Things here were reaching their tipping point. If she didn't act now, she'd be at the mercy of the rumors that were circulating.
Instead of heading for the staircase and returning to their wing of the castle, she marched straight to the meeting room. She didn't know exactly when the meeting was supposed to start, but she hoped Callum would arrive early. From what she'd gathered, he was desperate to control the council meetings, even though he wasn't the head of the council.
For the second time that day, her timing was correct. As she tore down the hallway, she spotted Callum making for the room. Picking up her pace, she said, "Callum. May I have a moment?"
"Ye're busy today, me Lady," he said, barely keeping his annoyance in. "I can give ye a few seconds, but I'm late for a meetin'."
"I know," she said, raising her chin as she came to a stop in front of him. "I know everything, Callum."
He stiffened, staring down at her with a mix of disbelief and panic. Then, he pulled his top lip back. When he spoke, it was low, barely more than a hiss. "Ye best watch what ye're sayin', me Lady. Such rumors are dangerous to spread."
"The same way the rumors that you've been getting money for me are dangerous?" she challenged. "You're the one who started those, aren't you? I should tell Hugh exactly what you've been doing."
She wasn't sure what she'd expected to happen when the words left her lips. It was reckless. The man in front of her was unpredictable.
Her mistake was immediately obvious. Callum's body coiled before he lashed out at her. His hands found her wrists, holding onto her hard enough to hurt. She twisted violently, wiggling slightly out of his grasp but not enough to escape.
"Ye will keep yer mouth shut," he said, so close to her that she could smell the sourness on his breath. "If ye daenae, ye can say goodbye to yer precious wee life as Lady McDonald. Ye willnae have a life any longer. Do ye understand?"
Anna nodded, tears welling in her eyes. She yanked her wrists free, the sudden movement throwing Callum off balance. As he staggered, she ran. Her footsteps thudded against the floor, her breathing deep and ragged.
She wasn't sure where she was running to. The only thought she had in her mind was that she needed to surround herself with others. Even if their opinion on her was changing, surely they wouldn't let her be torn apart by Callum.
Her mind was so clouded that she didn't realize she was on a course directly for Emelia until the maid stopped her. Every instinct in Anna's body was screaming at her to free herself. She nearly pushed Emelia away, stopping when her hands landed on the maid's forearms.
"Me Lady!" Emelia said, glancing behind Anna as though she expected someone to be pursuing her. "Are ye all right? Ye look frightened."
"Callum," Anna whispered, unable to form a complete thought. "I… He?—"
"Shh," Emelia shushed her, steering them into a private alcove. "Ye're all right. Just speak slowly."
"I… I saw Callum going into a room," Anna said, taking a few deep breaths to steady herself. "And I saw where all of the missing money has gone. I confronted him but…" She closed her eyes, telling herself that she had to tellsomeonewhat had happened. "He threatened me, Emelia. He told me if I spoke about it that he would take my life."
Emelia blanched, her hold on Anna's shoulders tightening. She drew her bottom lip between her teeth, chewing as she turned over what Anna had revealed. Finally, she said, "Ye must tell thecouncil. Both about the money and the threat that Callum made against ye. He cannae get away with it."
Anna wanted to argue, but she knew that her maid was right. If she let Callum get away with this, she'd be under fire either way. The rumors about her being the thief of the money would continue to circulate. She knew the truth, and it was solely on her to bring it to light.
"You're right," Anna finally said, letting go of Emelia. She smoothed the front of her skirt, then tucked away the hair that had come loose from her ribbon. "Staying quiet is what he wants me to do. I won't give him what he wants."
Emelia smiled, a wavering thing. Her eyes widened when she saw Anna beginning to exit the alcove. "Ye should at least sit down for a moment, me Lady. Ye'll need a clear head."
"I don't know how long the meeting will last," Anna said urgently. "I must get there as quickly as I can. I'm…" she trailed off, looking away for a moment as she collected herself. "I'm not sure if I'll get another chance."
Hugh sat as his council argued amongst themselves. He wasn't sure why his presence was requested. Perhaps, he thought, they only wanted him here to derail his investigation into what was going on with the ledger.
Callum hadn't spoken at all since the meeting began. It seemed as though he were ruffled by something. Hugh could practically see the steam pouring from his ears.
