*
Despite the thrill of the chase, the various packs exited the Hunt Room with dignity and order. Once outside they all dispersed to their various lairs to collect extra gear or the equipment they had already packed. Pierce noted his group was the only one that brought their equipment with them and were ready to begin.
“I assumed we’d want to be the first ones out in order to be prepared to follow Bufford,” MacDuff explained as he walked beside Pierce towards the North Tower. “That is your plan isn’t it Patrick?”
“That’s the plan Duffy,” he replied.
The Brown Pack walked the halls and galleries, trailing behind Drummond far enough to stay out of earshot. Pierce again noticed the lack of people out and about. It was like the servants had retreated into their holes like frightened rabbits in order to avoid the rampaging hunters that had been set loose. Therefore the sound of steps climbing the stairwell ahead seemed out of place and loud despite the carpeting.
“Lord Pierce,” called out Tiberius as he stepped up from the stairwell at the same moment the Brown Pack was passing it. He then motioned them to a nearby door that was closed and apparently locked as Liam tried to open it. Tiberius removed a key chain from his pocket and unlocked it, ushering everyone in as nonchalantly as possible.
The room was dark, but a sudden flash of lightning showed that it was a small sitting room. Sean lit a lamp on a nearby table that barely exposed an elegant room filled with cherry wood and scarlet fabric.
“I’m glad I caught you before you left,” Tiberius began explaining. “I just got word from my contact. The list of food has been delivered. Shipment is bound for the Crow’s Nest.”
“I can’t believe that worked,” smiled Liam looking out the window.
“What’s the Crow’s Nest?”
“It’s an old hunting lodge high up on a mountain pass,” MacDuff began, ignoring Liam’s jest. “It’s basically impenetrable; cliffs on two sides, a mountain on another side, and a long bridge on the fourth. It’s a couple of hours from here by horseback or carriage.”
“We can’t be sure that he’s there though,” Pierce observed trying to stay focused. He had felt this same rising anticipation before their assault on the pub, only for it to come crashing down.
“That’s true,” allowed Tiberius. “But the chances of all those food items being requested by someone not holding Lord Lodge are incredibly slim. That’s why he chose that combination.”
“Plus it’s the perfect place to guard someone without arousing suspicion,” added MacDuff nodding with approval.
“Are we able to miss the hunt?” asked Pierce.
“Not without arousing suspicion,” answered Sean shaking the duffle bag of equipment he was holding.
“And not without letting Bufford accomplish whatever he’s planning,” finished Pierce, realizing that they still had job to do. A job that had been given to them by Lodge himself.
“Don’t worry, I’ll take care of the rescue,” said Tiberius. “I wouldn’t want you to have to face Lord Lodge after abandoning his orders.”
“That’s true, ol’ Victor would have your head,” Liam agreed in mock solemnity.
“When do you plan on going?” Pierce asked.
“Immediately.”
“We’d better get going as well,” MacDuff advised Pierce. “We want to find a nice perch in Seville in order to follow Bufford when he shows himself.”
“Good luck,” Tiberius said extending his hand to the members of the Brown Pack.
“You too,” replied Pierce. He left the room as innocently as possible with his men following him.
“I hope he’s there,” Pierce thought aloud as they continued their journey towards the North Tower.
“I hope he’s not heavily guarded,” added MacDuff. “They’re going to need luck to assault that place.”
“We’re going to need luck as well,” said Sean following behind them. “Walking around the middle of the Spanish Civil War isn’t going to be stroll up the Royal Mile.”
A Malevolent Manner (Patrick Pierce #1) Page 60
