Page 411 of Wicked Highland Heroes

“It is past midnight.”

“Aye.” Taking her hand, he led her to the table.

“But it is unlikely they will harm him just yet.”

Victoria allowed herself to be gently pushed into a chair. “That is not so, and you know it.”

Liam seated himself and looked away, calling for ale.

Her heart skipped a beat. “Hide your expression as you will, my lord. That does not change the facts.” Liam sighed and squeezed her hand. “Do not give up on him just yet. Never a more stubborn lad graced God’s earth.”

She laughed, despite her worry. “Aye. Let us pray it works to his advantage.”

They both looked up when the postern door again opened. At sight of Thomas, Victoria rose.

“We lost the trail, my lady,” he said when he neared. Thomas clasped Liam’s hand. “The party split in two a few miles south of the meadow. Our men separated, but the trail east was lost in the rain.” “And the other party?” she asked.

“I do not know,” he answered. “We rode back as far as we could, but their trail, too, is gone.”

A surge of dizziness assailed Victoria. A strong arm encircled her waist, and Liam eased into her the chair.

“Do not despair yet,” Thomas said. “If the others do not return by sunrise, we will begin again.”

Liam nodded. “I will fetch men from Talturn to help.”

“We must talk.” She stood so quickly, a spasm of pain knotted her knee.

“What is amiss?” Liam demanded.

Victoria gave a harsh laugh. “How am I to answer that?” She looked at Thomas. “You are cold and wet and surely hungry.” She motioned to a lad leaning against the wall. “Fetch Thomas a bath.” “My lady—” Thomas began.

“Nay,” She held up a hand. “The refreshment will stand you in good stead through the night. When you

finish, we will speak in the library.”

An hour later, Victoria sat with Thomas and Liam in Iain’s study. She fixed her gaze on Thomas, who sat behind Iain’s desk. “What are the chances he still lives?” she demanded.

“Good. They must have plans. Otherwise, they would have killed him immediately.”

“Then he is in no real danger?”

Thomas’s expression grew cautious. “I did not say that. I only meant you need not despair—just yet.”

“The bastards have hatched a plot in revenge for the lad keeping their kinswoman,” Liam cut in.

Thomas leaned forward on the desk, pushing aside the plate of food that lay untouched. “I agree.” “Do they mean to ransom one for the other?” Victoria asked.

Thomas shook his head. “They know Iain would retaliate once he was free.”

“I do not understand,” Victoria said. “If they plan to make him pay, why not kill him when they found him?”

“Lass,” Liam said, “mayhap you should let us deal with this.”

“Nay.”

Liam sighed. “All right, then.” Taking her hand in his, he said, “Chances are they did not kill him because they mean to make the most of the task.” Victoria swallowed, but the action did nothing to halt the wave of nausea sweeping through her. “You mean they intend to torture him.” She looked at

Thomas. “Thomas.”