“Quarantined. Excellent.” Quinn slipped her fingers free and paced the small area, trying to figure out how to go about setting things right with Karma. Extra prayers, kindness, adopt those ten damn kittens? Crap. Her stomach recoiled, churning the greasy fries in her belly. Her throat tightened as concern ripped through her body.
Collin shook the man’s hand. “Keep us posted and have Tanner call when he’s done to give us an update. Could you also get word to Mr. Smith that I’m taking Ms. Thatcher to stay at the castle?”
“What? No.” Quinn shook her head. “I can’t leave him in there.”
“Afraid you’ll have to, Ms. Thatcher. I’ll call when everything is clear.”
Chapter Five
Collin ledQuinn back toward the pub. His mind raced as he tried to understand how the disease had hit when the wee lass hadn’t even been in Scotland for a full twenty-four hours. This was the only confirmation he needed. The curse was in full swing. Keeping her close while the rest played out was the only way he’d survive whatever happened next.
“I have to call Johnny’s family,” Quinn mumbled with her brows pinched together.
This was the first time he’d seen a panic-stricken expression on her face, and not the cool resolve she’d previously portrayed. She was truly concerned, and she wasn’t even aware the worst was yetto come. “You should wait until we hear back from the doctor. There’s no need to get them worried until we have some facts.”
Quinn nodded and stayed surprisingly quiet as he helped her into the passenger side of his truck. Ian was wise to wait until she was inside the truck before he approached. “Judging by the look on the lassie’s face, I’m guessing the curse has started.”
“Aye. The hotel is quarantined.”
“Disease was the first item listed in the curse.” Ian patted Collin’s back as he rounded the truck. “If it follows suit, next up is death. You might want to lock your chamber doors. Good luck, ole friend.”
Collin nodded as an unshakable feeling came over him that they’d all need a bit of luck to come out unscathed. The drive to the castle was uneventful, and yet he knew what was waiting inside. He’d be lucky if all of the staff didn’t up and quit when they found out he’d brought the American home with him for more than a midnight tryst.
“You know this isn’t necessary.” Quinn finally spoke as Collin killed the ignition in the driveway. “If there is another hotel in town, I can stay there.”
“Donae be ridiculous. You returned the emerald. You’ll be my guest.” He gave her a reassuring smile as they both got out ofthe truck on the rock-covered driveway. The crunch of rocks beneath Collin’s boots was the only sound in the eerie night. Even the breeze from earlier was gone, as if warning him of things to come. “Besides, there isnae another hotel in town.”
“I can’t imagine why you aren’t overflowing with tourists. I’m sure it has nothing to do with Mr. Grabby Hands, or the ancient hotel, or even the lack of food choices.”
Collin chuckled. The drive to the castle had restored her spirit and smart replies. He was much more capable of dealing with a feisty lass than a scared one.
“Give Scotland a chance. It will grow on you.”
“Like fungus beneath toenails,” she mumbled as he led her into the castle.
The normally loud atmosphere had been replaced with stillness. The only sound that greeted them was the ticking of the tall grandfather clock. The staff had already left for the evening, and those who lived in the castle were tucked away in their rooms. Quinn slowed her step and frowned.
“This isn’t what I expected.”
“What did you expect?” Collin rubbed his neck while trying to view the space with fresh eyes. The renovations over the years had made the castle more welcoming and less primitive. The cream-coloredwalls complemented the expensive marble floors. The decorations and furniture were antique but tastefully placed around the room. A vase with roses sat in the middle of an antique table of the large open entryway. Most women walked over and sniffed the fragrance. Quinn Thatcher wasn’t most women. She eyed it with a bit of alarm.
“This is modern-day chic. I pictured primitive and manly. Maybe a wall filled with pictures of past lairds and full suits of armor with shields and swords. Half-clad maids with boobs hanging out while perched on the knees of drunken men.”
“You’ve confused my castle with Ian’s. We donae have the drunken men or half-dressed lassies, but we do have the armor and shields. We keep those in the ballroom.”
“Right, ballroom. I’m sure you use that all the time.”
“You’d be surprised.” Collin risked life and limb by placing his hand on the small of her back and leading her toward the stairs. The soft flannel of her shirt kept him from feeling the heat from her body. She either didn’t notice that he was touching her or was too tired to protest. His bet was on the latter. “Let’s get you settled in the guest room while I check in with the doctor at the hotel.”
Collin led her to the room next to his. It was the second best room in the castle, and reserved for the lady of the house. It was prim, proper, and elegant, nothing like the outspoken, spunky American who would be staying in the space. Regardless, she deserved the best for what she’d returned to his family.
He pushed the door open and had expected her to love the space. To actually praise the beauty of the space, like most overnight guests would. He should have known Quinn wasn’t like an ordinary visitor.
Quinn covered her nose sneezing continuously as she vehemently shook her head and pressed her back against the hallway wall.
“Is it no’ to your liking?” Collin asked, unsure of her problem.
“You’re trying to kill me, aren’t you? I would have expected it from Ian, but not you.”
