Page 291 of Wicked Highland Heroes

“I dinna’ understand,” Ross said. “If a stranger entered the castle and went to Lady Rhoslyn’s room, someone would have noticed. Your brother could no’ have gotten inside the castle undetected.”

“Aye,” Talbot agreed, “but he could have found someone willing to bring Rhoslyn to him.” And when that traitor found the women together, he took the two of them instead of killing Lady Taresa. What were the chances Dayton would consider that a good idea? Her death furthered his interests. That gave Dayton control of the title once he married Rhoslyn.

“They canna’ have gotten far,” Seward said. “Do ye think your brother would chance returning to Stonehaven? You have a mighty big price on his head there.”

Talbot had a big price on his head in all of Scotland. Dayton couldn’t hope to outrun Talbot while burdened with Rhoslyn, who was heavy with child. He wanted the baby almost more than he wanted Rhoslyn. Where would he go? Then Talbot knew.

“Seward, you remember John Comyn’s cousin, Davey?”

“Aye,” he replied, then understanding dawned on his face. “Your brother doesna’ plan to leave Scotland.”

“Why leave when I will be dead any day?”

Seward nodded. “Then he will emerge from whatever rock he has hidden under—married to Rhoslyn.”

A man entered through the postern door. Sir Derek. He crossed to the staircase where they stood.

“What has happened?” Derek demanded. “Ye have surrounded the English army.”

There was no avoiding the truth. “Lady Rhoslyn and Lady Taresa are missing.”

“Missing? How is that possible?”

“My brother must have taken them.”

Derek stepped toward Talbot. The three men with Talbot surged toward Derek.

“Hold,” he commanded, and they stopped.

“Why did the kidnapper take Lady Taresa?” Derek demanded.

“Maybe he found them together and preferred that to killing her,” Talbot said. “I do not know.”

“She was under your protection,” Derek snarled.

“You can aid in finding her or stay,” Talbot said. “Either way, I am going.”

Derek stared for a long moment, then gave a curt nod.

Minutes later, Talbot stood with Cullen, Seward, and Derek beside the secret passageway’s door.

Cullen inspected the floor. “Two men,” he said. “Though only one ascended the stairs.”

They went outside. A warrior waited with horses for Cullen and Derek.

Cullen took only a moment to study the tracks. “Four horses. They rode north.”

“Is Davey’s home north?” Talbot asked.

“Nay,” Seward said. “But what do ye wager the tracks turn east toward his home?”

Two riders. His brother and the traitor who let him in. Guilt rolled over Talbot. He sat in the camp on the other side of the castle while someone entered and kidnapped Rhoslyn and Lady Taresa.

“I should have blocked the passageway before I left,” he muttered.

“Why did ye no’?” Seward demanded.

Talbot vaulted into the saddle. “Because I am a fool.”