Page 52 of Claimed Highland Brides

SEARCH AND RESCUE

Simon walked down to the dungeon to check on Daividh, still fuming about how he had handled the news to his men. Now there would be rumors about his friend in the garrison which would put his life in danger. He wanted to apologize and warn him in advance. Surely the laird would let him free soon and he did not want to aggravate the problems that might arise as a result of this.

He came to a stop by the cell, shocked to find the door hanging open, and nobody inside. He looked around, mouth hanging open, wondering what was happening. Walking into the cell, he bent down to examine the patterns in the dirt. From what he could tell, and he was no tracker—not like Daividh anyway—someone had been dragged out of here and by the looks of things, there had been a struggle.

He ran out of the cell, not thinking just acting, and went straight to the laird’s quarters. He knocked on the door, frantically shouting the McCormick’s name.

“Wha’s the matter?” The door opened and the laird peered out, looking annoyed.

“Something’s happened tae Campbell. They took ‘im!”

The laird frowned. “Who? Wha’ are ye on aboot?”

“Daividh Campbell, someone dragged him from his cell. We need tae find him.”

“Hold yer horses.” The laird opened the door wider, his arms held up in a quelling gesture. “Are ye saying that Campbell is no longer in his cell?”

“Tha’s wha’ I’m telling ye! They took ‘im.”

“Who? Who took him?”

“I dinnae ken!” Simon shouted. “Brigands for all ye ken, or maybe it was Hunter’s men. We need tae assemble a hunting party.”

McCormick shook his head. “Calm yersel’. Go back tae the garrison and I will handle this problem.”

Simon was already shaking his head before McCormick had finished speaking. “No, please listen, I mun’ help. I can track. We can get ‘im back afore something irreparable happens tae him.”

“Aye weel, ye can try,” McCormick said drily.

“Wha’s that supposed tae mean?”

McCormick shook his head as if to fling the words away. “Nothing. Let me be. I have work tae do.” He closed the door behind him and Simon was left staring open-mouthed at it. He turned, unable to decide what to do next. His legs automatically took him to the kitchens where he pilfered a loaf, chewing thoughtfully as he tried to decide whether to follow Daividh on his own. The men would not leave without the laird’s permission. Indeed, if Simon left, there would probably be consequences. But he could not just sit and do nothing.

A flash of red caught his eye and he turned to see Lady Fiona’s maid busily filling a tray with food and drink. No doubt they intended to eat breakfast in their chambers. He got up and followed her up the stairs, watching as she disappeared into one of the chambers on the east wing. He walked slowly toward the door, raised his hand, and knocked.

“Aye? Who is it?” a voice called from inside.

“My name is Simon Campbell. I am Daividh Campbell’s kin. I need yer help.”

The door opened at once. Lady Fiona regarding him with wide eyes. “What has happened to him?” she asked without preamble.

“They have taken him.” Simon’s voice shook with fear.

“They? Who exactly?”

“I dinnae ken but his cell is empty and it looks as if there was a struggle.”

“His cell? He was imprisoned?” Her voice rose with every word, as her eyes widened with horror.

“Aye.”

“Why?”

Simon favored her with a wry glance. “Why d’ye think?”

She sighed, shaking her head. “My uncle...he did this?”

“I dinnae think so. But he willnae do anything aboot it.”