Page 68 of Claimed Highland Brides

Angus frowned as he leaned back on the bench as if to get as far away from Delwyn as possible. “Ye’re in business wi’ him?” His mouth twisted as if he had swallowed something bitter.

“No! I am not. He has taken something of mine and I mean to get it back,” Delwyn growled.

Angus sighed, shaking his head. “Ye dinnae want tae tangle wi’ the likes of Neacel Hunter. Whate’er he took, let him keep it.”

Delwyn leaned forward, eyes wide and intent. “He took my sister.”

Angus grimaced. “I see. Weel...my condolences on yer loss.”

Slowly, Delwyn shook his head. Loss? “Tell me where I can find him.”

“He isnae a man ye want to find.”

“I’ll be the judge of that. Now tell me, where?”

Angus sighed. “I cannae tell ye tha’.”

“Why not?”

“But…” Angus continued eyeing Delwyn reprovingly. “I can tell ye where ye can find oot.”

Delwyn took a deep breath, gesturing for the serving wench to bring Angus a tankard of ale in apology. “Where?”

“There is a goldmine in the Highlands, under the supervision of a man named Douglass. Neacel and his mercenaries feel strongly that they’re entitled tae it. I hear they’ve been stirring up trouble among the miners. He might not be present there, but his men are.”

“Douglass mines, you say? Goldmines?”

“Aye.”

Delwyn thought back to his mother’s words. It made sense now. That is what he meant by owning a goldmine.

If so then he was at an advantage. Either he would find his sister, or he would be able to secure the gold and pay the ransom. He leaned towards Angus. “You wouldn’t be able to draw me a map to these mines, would you? I will make it worth your while.”

Angus sighed. “I dinnae want tae have anything to do wi’ Hunter nor his men. I’ll draw ye a map, aye, since ye’re kin is in trouble. But I dinnae want a thing in return.”

Delwyn nodded his understanding. “I thank you, Angus McTavish. And should I ever have the need for a solicitor in Scotland, you shall be my first call.”

Angus pursed his lips and nodded, still looking miserable. “Aye weel...I feel as if I might be sending ye tae yer death so dinnae thank me just yet.”

Delwyn laughed. He was built strong and no one had underestimated him like that before. “I’m tougher than I look. I shall be fine.” He nodded to the man, springing to his feet. “Now I must get some supplies together. There’s no time to waste.”

Angus raised a hand in farewell and watched him go, his eyes watchful. He got to his feet and made his way to the counter. “A paper and a quill please, guvnor,” he said to the innkeeper.

Without looking at him, the man reached beneath the counter and produced the items. Angus sat down and wrote a note, then sanded and sealed it before handing it to the innkeeper. “Make sure Neacel gets it before yon Sassenach leaves town.”

The innkeeper nodded and turned away, taking the letter with him.