Page 90 of Highland Flame

“If it’ll help out my friend, sure,” said the man. “But who is goin’ to believe me? I’m no’ even from this town.”

“He’s right,” said Nash. “We need more proof.”

Cam thought of the items North had taken back to the castle. Those were not going to prove that Yvaine’s hit over Dun’s head wasn’t what killed him, after all. “Do ye have a couple shovels we can borrow?” he asked the man.

“I suppose Keithen has some in the shed. But why?”

“There is only one way we’re goin’ to clear Keithen and his sister, and we need to move quickly since it is almost dawn.”

“Cam, Violet wants to ken how much longer we need to keep that cur up in our room,” said Red, coming down the stairs looking exhausted.

“Keep Bart there just a little longer,” said Cam, sliding off the stool. “Red, do me a favor.”

“Anythin’,” said Red.

“Go see if the undertaker got back into town yet. Bring him here along with the butcher, the tanner, and the baker. Tell them all to meet me behind the tavern by the henhouse.”

“The henhouse?” she asked. “Why?”

“Just go, and be fast about it.”

“All right, I’m goin’.”

“Can ye meet us out back as well?” Cam asked Farlan.

“Is this the whisky talkin’?” asked the man. “Or will it really help Keithen?”

“Nay, I’m serious. This is very important if we’re goin’ to help Keithen.”

“All right then,” said the man.

“Come on, Nash.” Cam left with Nash right behind him. He stopped in the shed and found two shovels, handing one to his friend.

“Cam, ye’re drunk,” spat Nash. “What the hell are we doin’ with shovels?”

“Nay, I’m no’ drunk. I need ye to help me.” Cam walked out to the biggest apple tree by the henhouse, seeing the wooden cross that marked Dun’s grave.

“What are we doin’ here?” asked Nash. “Isna that . . . Dun’s grave?”

“It is,” said Cam with a smile.

“Cam, I’m no’ likin’ the sound of this,” said Nash, his face becoming pale.

“Haud yer wheesht and get diggin’,” said Cam. “We’re about to have a show ye willna forget. I hope to hell I’m right about what I suspect, because whatever we find is goin’ to seal Yvaine’s fate one way or the other.”