Chapter Two
Maddie Grant takes on a new mission—the bairns in the Channel of Dubh
Gregor and Connor sat at the Grant dais in the great hall that night, a veritable feast in front of them, though Connor’s family had received no notice they’d be visiting.
Uncle Alex and Aunt Maddie, Connor’s parents, ate with them, along with his older brothers, Jake and Jamie.
His three sisters were with Gracie at her mother’s cottage.
Merewen and Gavin had already settled in for the night abovestairs.
By the time they finished their account of all that had taken place in Inverness, the food had gone cold on everyone’s plates.
“You think there are more men in the Channel?” Jake asked, setting his goblet down and pushing his chair back from the table. “Is this a never-ending saga of torture or what?”
Connor said, “Nay, I believe we’re close. Maggie and Will said the men in charge of the organization are English. We’ll see what we can find in Edinburgh, then, if need be, finish in England. If we can stop the leaders, we’re hopeful we can put an end to the Channel for good. Besides—” he added,
casting a glance at Gregor, “—we’re trying to help Linet Baird.”
Gregor nodded. “I believe Linet’s being forced into some kind of servitude. I intend to get her away from it, even though she told her sister she wishes to stay with her companions.”
Uncle Alex, one of the wisest men in the Highlands, looked at his youngest son and asked, “And what is your other reason for traveling with Gregor?”
Aunt Maddie said, “I think ’tis obvious, Alex. He wishes to put an end to this before these villains come to Grant land. They took poor Linet from her bed. What will stop them from trying the same thing here?”
Uncle Alex leaned over and kissed his wife’s cheek, lingering a bit. “You have a valid point, sweeting, but I’d like to hear our son’s answer.”
Connor cleared his throat, his way of delaying his response. Gregor knew his cousin strived to be like Uncle Alex—although Connor wasn’t quite as good at concealing his thoughts and emotions, he was improving.
When Connor spoke, he looked his father in the eye and said, “Another woman is tied up with their organization. Sela, who ran the fighting and whoring in Inverness. She’s as cold-hearted as any I’ve ever met.” He paused again, considering his words.
Jamie grinned, his brows waggling. “But she caught your eye, aye, brother?”
Although Jake started grinning, too, he said nothing but waited to hear what Connor would say.
“And why would you go after a woman who has no respect for other women?” Uncle Alex asked.
Connor didn’t hesitate this time, his quick response as telling as the words he chose.
“Because I think she’s being used, and I’d like to know why.”
He glanced at his mother. “At first, I believed what I saw, Mama, but there’s something in her eyes. I think she’s being coerced…and I won’t stand for a woman being used. Not after what you went through.”
Aunt Maddie stood up and whispered, “Oh, Connor.” She fell back into motherly tone. “You do what you must, and what your heart tells you to do.” She leaned over to kiss her youngest son’s forehead, then turned to Uncle Alex and said, “We must support him in this.”
Uncle Alex nodded. “We will. Whatever assistance you need in Edinburgh, you let us know. We trust you, son.”
“And in England? Because I suspect that’s where their trail will lead us,” Connor stated.
“Wherever, Connor. Do as you must,” Uncle Alex said. “Just don’t be foolish. We have hundreds of guards and many allies to back you up. Use them as necessary.”
Jake asked an important question, one that hadn’t come to Gregor’s mind. “And would King Alexander agree?”
Uncle Alex said, “Our king is in mourning. In the meantime, he trusts the Grants and the Ramsays to make sure the Highlands are safe. He’ll not question our motives or our actions.”
“Even if we go against the English?” Gregor asked.
“Even then. The hatred between the two kings is well-known. Everyone knows how rare it was for them to come together to support Maggie and Will’s work against the Channel. Both kings will be glad for your efforts, though do not expect them to ever come together again.”
“In other words, Connor, do whatever it takes,” Jamie said. “Jake and I will have enough warriors for you. Send a missive with the number of guards you need, and we’ll send that and fifty more.” Jake nodded in agreement.
Gregor could not help but smile. The Dubh men didn’t realize that the worst thing in the world had just happened to them.
Aunt Maddie had made the Channel her mission, in a way. Which meant it was also Alexander Grant’s mission.
They were about to stamp out the Channel once and for all.
Connor said, “I will find out what holds those two lasses. I promise you.”
Highland Brawn
Connor and Sela