CHAPTER 38
KAITLYN
...AND IT DOES NOT GO WELL
“Ihae made some decisions.” John stood and put his palms on the heavy oak table. “My father was murdered in his solar by Lady Mairead’s husband, Wilfred Weaver, with nae witnesses. I hae ordered Wilfred tae remain in the dungeon while the gallows are built?—”
Lady Mairead said, “Nae, John, ye canna!”
“I hae decided.”
Lady Mairead stood, “Nae!”
Magnus stepped forward. “John, there is nae reason for this, Wilfred did naething wrong, he was assaulted while attempting?—”
John interrupted, “I am also arresting Sean Campbell for failing tae guard the Earl. He has made an oath and dinna live up tae it. I assume it is corruption.”
Birk stalked to the door and ordered two guards to enter and take Sean down to the dungeon. They looked apologetic as they moved toward him. Sean tried to brush them off but they grabbed his arms.
Lizbeth yelled, “Nae!” Liam held her, trying to calm her.
John said, “Nae argument, Lizbeth, it has been decided, take yer seat, ye winna get up until I tell ye tae. Sean will go tae the dungeon until the gallows are?—”
Lady Mairead had gone pale. “Tae the gallows?”
“Until I decide what his punishment will be.” He nodded and the guardsmen pushed Sean from the room. Sean argued, but they continued out the door and down the corridor, Sean’s yelling echoing behind them.
John continued, “And as for ye, aunt, after this meeting adjourns, ye will be confined tae yer rooms.”
More color drained from her face. “Ye canna lock me in, sire, I canna accept it.”
He scoffed. “Ye will accept it, tis my decision.” Then he added, “Liam ye will be in charge of my guard. Lizbeth yer duties are done… Balloch castle winna need yer services anymore.”
She stood, “But I…”
“I told ye tae keep yer seat.”
She sat back down, defeated.
Magnus was furious, I thought he might go ballistic.
Fraoch was keeping his cool, but his eyes went from person to person in the room, a standoff, watching their weapon hands, calculating, deciding.
Henrietta said, “Lady Lizbeth, ye must see that we canna hae someone from yer side of the family working here, not anymore. Right, John? It would cause a strain on my humor.”
John nodded and turned to Magnus. “I expect ye tae respect my decisions, or I will hae ye put in the dungeon as well. There is not one person in Scotland who would hold this against me. All of ye conspired tae kill the Earl taeday.”
Fraoch said, “Och nae.”
John leveled his eyes. “Ye want the dungeon as well, Fraoch?”
Fraoch said, “Nae, there is entirely too much discussion of dungeons, we could plan a funeral befittin’ an Earl and come up with a beneficially useful agreement instead.”
“Wheesht, Fraoch. Or I will hae ye put in the darkest of the pits.”
Fraoch huffed.
Magnus said, “There must be a deal we can strike, John, the household heard the insults, they ken what transpired between the Earl and Lady Mairead, they saw Wilfred go up tae ask for an apology.”
