“Hello. I’m so sorry to bother you but I’m trying to find the Croft residence.”
“I’m sorry. I don’t know them but I haven’t lived in this neighborhood for long.” She points to the cottage to her left. “Maybe you want to check with the Mrs. Darrow next door. She knows everyone in this area—along with their personal business.”
Sounds as though Mrs. Darrow may be a busybody who likes to gossip? “Thank you. I’ll do that.”
I make a beeline to the neighbor’s home, an exact replica of the nearby cottage. “Hello. I was just next door but it seems your neighbor isn’t home. I’m trying to find out who owns the property.”
“And why would ye be wanting to know that?”
“I’m sorry. I should have explained myself. I was told the house would be going on the market but I don’t see a sign with contact information. I’m hoping to make an offer before anyone else shows interest so I might secure it at a better price.”
“Are ye married?”
“Aye.” I quickly use my thumb to flip my huge diamond around so it’s facing inside. I flash my left hand. “Happily.”
“Children?”
“No.”
“Good. I’d like to get someone quiet in here to take her place. Her name is Cameron Ewart. I have her number if you’d like it.”
“Yes. That would be wonderful.”
She opens her door wider. “Come in, lass.”
“You’d likely do better reaching her at night. The lazy bag of bones stays up all night and sleeps all day. Worthless.”
I follow her into her kitchen. She takes out a notepad from a drawer and scribbles her neighbor’s name. She finds a second notepad and copies over her contact.
“I’m Mrs. Darrow, by the way.”
“I’m Joanna Glenn. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
And that’s how it begins. The unraveling of a detailed story about Cameron Ewart follows. I learn far more than I dared hope about the woman Abram came to visit.
At first glance, none of it appears to help my case but there’s room for deeper investigating.
Sin won’t like it. He’s not yet in a place where he’s able to see Abram for the monster he is. That’ll come. With proof.
I have a plan but I’ll need help. I can’t depend on Sin for that. But Isobel is a different story. She hates Abram as much as I do.
I won’t be finding a taxi for a lift home in this village. I take my phone from my purse. “I need to see you—without Thane. And I could use a ride.”
* * *
Isobel has made tea. I smell it the minute I step inside her house. Mint—my favorite.
“Come. We’ll take tea in the sitting room.”
The sitting room is an indulgent space, clearly a woman’s territory. Lavish rug. Exquisite furnishings. Delicate, feminine accent pieces. Isobel’s style is understated classy. Unlike Abram and Torri’s ostentatious home.
She places a cup and saucer on the cocktail table. I already know she has prepared it to my liking. She’s thoughtful that way.
“Thank you.” I wrap my cold hands around the warm cup and sip. It feels good on my throat.
She already knows I’m here about Abram. I told her that much over the phone. “I assume ye’ve discovered something good since ye wanted tae see me without Thane?”
I’m not sure what my findings could lead to but my instincts tell me I’m on to something. “I followed him today.”
The corners of her mouth turn up, her expression telling me she approves of my actions—unlike Sin. I’m certain he’d be very angry with me. “And?”
“He went to a house in East Lothian and had sex with a woman. I don’t think she’s Fellowship.”
Isobel sputters tea. “I’m not sure I want tae ask how ye know this.”
“It’s possible I may have picked the lock and entered the house through the back door.” I shrug. “Maybe.”
She no longer approves. I know by the way she’s looking at me. It’s the same expression Harry used to give me. I think it can only be mastered by a parent. “That was a risky thing tae do.”
Isobel is worried for my safety. I love her dearly for that. “I was in and out in a snap.”
“I understand the extent of training ye’ve had in this type of thing, but it doesn’t stop me from being concerned for ye. Especially when Abram is involved. He’s dangerous.”
“I know.” I trust Isobel. I can confide in her. “I’ve added him to my list of suspects.”
“What’s led ye tae that conclusion?”
I explain why Abram has popped onto my radar. “Sin says I can’t accuse Abram without concrete proof but I think I may know how to get it. This woman is having sex with him. She’ll know if he has a scar on his leg.”
“How do ye plan on getting her tae tell ye this?”
“Asking won’t work.” This is where the plan gets a little hairy. “So I’ll do it by force. At gunpoint.”
“Oh, Bleu. I don’t know about that.”
“I’ve had a gun pointed at my head before.” I’ve not yet forgotten the way it felt when Sin held that pistol to my jaw and threatened to blow my brains out. “It greatly improves your motivation to talk.”
“When would ye do this?” she asks.
“I was thinking the best time would be when Sin’s called away in the middle of the night on Fellowship business. It happens at least once a week. He’ll be gone until morning. I could slip out and be back before he comes home.”
“Are ye sure ye want tae do this behind Sin’s back?”
I wish I didn’t have to. “He doesn’t support me where this is concerned.”
“The girl will tell Abram it was an American.”
“I’ve been practicing my accent.” It’s not great but it’s better than Ellison’s.
I spout off a few lines in my best impression. Isobel’s expression becomes pained. “Oh dear.”
“That bad?”
“Aye. It’s fairly awful.”
I thought I sounded decent. “I can keep practicing.”
“She’s a Scots. She’ll know a phony.” She sighs. “There’s only one solution. I’ll go with ye and do the talking.”
I can’t bring Isobel into this. If Thane found out, it could cause huge problems for her. “I can’t involve you.”
“The girl will know you’re American. There’s no mistaking that sweet, southern voice. Then Abram will know. That can’t happen.”
Shit. She’s right. My goose is cooked if Abram figures out I’m on to him. He won’t want to be exposed to Thane as his beloved’s killer. He’ll go to extreme measures to avoid proof of his guilt. That includes silencing me.
“There’s a new battle brewing with The Order. We expect them tae strike at any time. When they do, Thane and Sin will be called out tae deal with the aftermath. That’s when we make our move.”
* * *
I’m face down on our bed. Sin’s body is stretched over mine, pressing my front into the mattress. He’s kissing my neck while caressing my body. Goosebumps erupt on the top of my head and spread downward. My back arches as though it has a mind of its own. The ways he can get my body to respond is amazing.
His mouth moves over my ear and he taps my hip. “Lift.”
He shoves two large pillows beneath my stomach and pushes my legs forward so I’m kneeling with my head down. “This is new.”
“I’m going to fuck you like this.”
He’s still not made good on his dirty deed promise. Is this going to be him fulfilling that?
He begins at my shoulders and scatters kisses down my back until he reaches my bottom. The bed dips as he grasps the back of my thighs and pushes them up and apart. For a moment, I almost wonder if he’s going to stand me on … Ohh!
My thought is interrupted and I go completely stupid when he rubs me where he never has before. Is this what he meant by dirty? Because it is. And I like it.
/> He licks my clit and drags his tongue through my center. That, and the massage of his finger at the same time, is overwhelming. Torturous, even. It’s simultaneously more than I can stand while I want to beg for more.
Sin’s phone rings and vibrates on the nightstand.
No. No. No. Not right now.
Everything he’s doing to me stops. And I’m left hanging. It’s horrid.
“I have to take this.”
“I know.”
He growls as he leans over me to retrieve his phone. “Aye. Got it. I’ll be there in twenty.”
I roll my hips, rubbing my bottom against his hard cock. “Make it thirty.”
He drops the phone on the bed and reaches over into the top drawer of his nightstand. “This will have to be the expedited version since I can only give you ten minutes.”
I hear the buzz of a once very familiar sound. “I found this in your knickers drawer. I think we can put it to good use.”
It’s my bullet.
His long arm reaches around to press it between my legs as he thrusts into me from behind. He’s stroking my G-spot on the inside as the bullet vibrates against my clit. It’s ridiculous how fast I come. Record time. While that’s good, it’s not because it’s over far too soon.
The onset of my orgasm ignites his. It always does.
He burrows into me hard and fast, shoving my head against the headboard. “Sorry.”
He may be apologetic but he doesn’t stop, not until he has completely emptied himself inside me.
His body is stretched over mine, his chest and stomach wet with sweat so his skin sticks to me. “Don’t go.”
He kisses the back of my neck and I know it’s because he’s going to get up. “I have to, Bonny. It’s Fellowship business. And it’s serious—not just a brother being charged by the authorities.”
Isobel predicted this. “What has happened?”
“The Order went into Duncan’s after closing. They tried to take Lorna and Greer but didn’t realize Leith was in the back. He came out when he heard their screams and shot two of them dead. The other one escaped.”
Three Order members thought they were preying upon the weakness of two helpless women. They seem to have a habit of doing that. “Lorna and Greer are okay?”
“Aye. A bit shaken up, though.”
“What would’ve happened if Leith hadn’t been there?” I know for a fact that he isn’t always around when Lorna and the girls close up.
“The women of this brotherhood are vulnerable to attack. Has anyone ever considered it beneficial to teach them basic self-defense?”
“We protect our women.”
I have to call bullshit on this sexist thinking. “The duty of a good shepherd is to protect his flock but wouldn’t a better shepherd teach his sheep how to become lions when attacked?”
“My wife, the advocate supporting equal arse-kicking skills for all.”
“Are you laughing at me?”
“I wouldn’t dare.”
“I think you do. Often.”
He kisses me quickly. “Not this time, Bonny. I like where you’re going with this. Make it happen. You have my full support.”
We get out of bed at the same time and I stand in the bathroom entrance while he dresses, my heart pounding.
This doesn’t seem a likely retaliation for Sin killing Grieve’s son. I’d expect something much bigger. But I’m not bringing it up. I don’t want Sin distracted when he goes out.
“What are you going to do?”
“Not sure yet. They came onto Leith’s turf. I suppose I’ll let him decide.”
I’m aware of Sin’s experience in such things but it still makes me uneasy. And I’m nervous for Leith.
“Is Leith prepared for something like this?” I wasn’t aware he had any experience with this side of The Fellowship.
“He can hold his own. And he has me covering him.”
Leith is one of Sin’s best friends. I know he’d take a bullet for him but I don’t plan on being a young widow. “You have a wife now. That means you have to be more careful than ever before.”
He grins up at me as he slides his gun into his harness. “Aye. And I’ll soon have a baby on the way. I want to be around for that as well.”
“I know Lorna would appreciate you looking out for Leith.”
“I’m sure she would.”
“Leith loves Lorna. I don’t know how you’ve not seen what’s clear as day.”
“He may, but I’m not sure he can ever return her affection.”
“Why not? Has something happened?”
“There’s a lot of history there.”
We don’t have time to discuss it now but I plan to revisit this later.
He comes to me and grasps my upper arms. He kisses the top of my head. “I have to go. I love you.”
“I love you too. Happy two-month anniversary.”
“Best two months ever.”
I put my arms around his middle and squeeze. “Come back to me safely.”
“Always.”
I go to the window and watch him pull away before texting Isobel. A moment later, she calls. “I’ll be there in ten minutes.”
* * *
“I’m not used tae doing things like this so we should probably go over the details one last time.”
Of course, Isobel has never done anything like this. She’s the wife of a leader. They’d never allow her to dirty her hands this way.
I give Isobel one last run-through of everything we’re going to do. “Think you got it?”
“As good as I’m going to, I’m afraid.”
We park the car at the village’s market and walk to her cottage. We creep into Cameron Ewart’s backyard. I pick the lock and spray the door hinges with lubricant before pushing it open. I go first, creeping through the house with Isobel following close behind.
I shine my flashlight on the cracked plaster walls. Some are nearly a half-inch in diameter. I missed those during my first visit. What a dump.
If Abram’s going to take a lover, he needs to provide for her better than this. Cheap bastard.
I recall the creaking boards in the ancient floor—and find new ones. I motion for Isobel to step over them while making our way through the house.
The woman is asleep so I quickly place a strip of tape over her eyes. Yeah. It’s gonna hurt like hell coming off. She’ll probably lose half her eyelashes and brows. I’m sorry for that but it’s the best way to keep her from seeing us.
She lets out a blood-curdling scream and comes up fighting. I restrain her in a chokehold.
I nod at Isobel, her cue to begin the speech she’s memorized. “We’re not going tae hurt ye, Cameron. I only want tae ask ye some questions.”
The fighting ceases. “What do you want?”
“I need some information about Abram,” Isobel says.
“I don’t know who Abram is.” Perfect. He’s convinced her to lie about knowing him. This was expected but this woman needs to understand something. I have ways of making people talk.
“He came here three nights ago. Ye had sex with him.”
She laughs. “I have sex with a lot of men.”
“I’m only interested in knowing about one of them. Abram.”
“I never get their real names.”
Isobel and I look at one another and I shrug. I mouth, “Prostitute?”
Isobel shrugs back. “He was here on Tuesday night just before six o’clock. Fifties. Tall. Muscular. Salt-and-pepper hair. Blue eyes. Always wears an expensive suit.”
“Aye. Nice-looking older guy. He always likes it rough. What do you want to know about him?”
“Describe the scar on his right leg.”
She laughs. “Are you kidding me?”
“That’s what I need tae know about, Miss Ewart.”
“Look. I can tell you his dick is long, thick, and hangs to the left. But I can’t tell you a thing about his leg.”
I may have just vomited in my mouth a
little.
“The scar would be very significant. You can’t miss it,” Isobel says.
“He never takes off his trousers. He makes me get on my hands and knees on the bed so he can do me from behind. Every time.”
He isn’t getting naked with her and rolling around in her bed. I’d bet money that’s because she’s a prostitute. He’s only interested in one thing, and it doesn’t involve cuddling afterward.
It’s clear we’re getting nothing from her but that doesn’t mean she can’t help me in the future. We came financially prepared for such a case.
Isobel takes a stack of cash from her coat pocket. “I’m leaving five hundred pounds and a contact number on the nightstand. Confirm the scar and ye’ll get another thousand. Get a photograph and there’s five thousand pounds in it for ye. Think ye can manage that?”
“I can damn sure try for that kind of money.”
I release her and nod to Isobel. It’s time to move.
“Call the number when ye have proof.”
* * *
I’m in deep shit. Sin is sitting in the living room when I come through the front door. That’s not fantastic. What the hell is he doing back so soon? I couldn’t have been gone more than an hour.
“Where the fuck have you been, Bonny?” he yells. I jerk because I’m so startled by the authority of his voice. He’s never yelled at me. I don’t care for it.
He won’t approve but I won’t lie to my husband about what I was doing. “I was following a lead.”
“A lead that required you to slip away in the middle of the night after I was called away to deal with a crisis?”
I might as well get it over with. “I knew you wouldn’t approve because it involves Abram.”
He holds up my phone. “You left this here.”
“I didn’t want a record of my whereabouts in case Abram is tracking it.”
“Do you have any idea what has gone through my head while I’ve been waiting? I have a slew of men out searching for you. I’m relieved you’re back but now I have to call them off. They’re going to know you slipped out of the house to do something while I was away. Do you know how that looks?”