The Renegade (The Renegade, Rebel and Rogue)

by Christine Dorsey

  “Tell me where she is.”

  Part of him wanted to. Keegan stared at his tormentor, feeling the same eerie sense of déjà vu as last time they met. He knew him, yet didn’t. It was the kind of foolishness that played with his mind that time too.

  Keegan wanted to hold onto his hatred yet felt it slipping away. He had no reason to believe this man innocent of ordering his father’s death, except his word. The word of an enemy.

  Keegan sucked in a deep breath. He kidnapped Zoe to hurt her brother. It was the only leverage he had. And he would give it up. Give it up for Zoe’s sake.

  As much as he wanted her with him... as much as he loved her... she was much better off with her brother. She belonged in London, not the wild hills of Scotland. She had no future with him. Hell, he had no future period.

  But if he told Lord Foxworth where Zoe was, he’d give away the hiding place of the clan. He’d seen and heard of too many atrocities against the Jacobites to chance that.

  So he continued to defy, to stare steel-eyed at the major. Keegan watched as the other man’s finger toyed with the trigger, and he didn’t flinch. But his thoughts were of Zoe, and as he took what might be his last breath he prayed she would forgive him for what he’d done to her.

  ~ ~ ~

  “It will never work.”

  Zoe threw up her hands in exasperation. “It will I tell you.”

  “There be too many of them,” Cawley said, adding his nay-saying to Will’s.

  Zoe tried to calm herself. There was too much at stake and she’d already learned that the MacLeods didn’t respond well to hysteria. “Of course, I agree with you that there are many more soldiers at Moirer than we have men.” An understatement to be sure. Since the ambush there were barely a half-dozen men able to ride, and that number included François.

  “However, we will not be counting on strength but stealth.” She ignored the subtle shake of several shaggy heads and continued. “We will go in at night. Free Keegan, and be gone before the English know what happened.”

  “Strange words they are, comin’ from an Englishwoman such as yerself.”

  Zoe closed her eyes briefly. The last thing she needed was to spar with Seonaid, but the woman clearly decided to enter this particular fray. Zoe twisted around to face her. “I’d have thought you eager to endorse any plan to rescue Keegan.”

  There was a flash of anger in those green eyes, then a swish of her head that sent red curls flying. “I do wish to bring the MacLeod back, but I do not trust ye to do it.” She glanced around, including everyone who sat around the fire in her audience. “I do not trust her.”

  There was a general buzz of agreement, though it was by no means unanimous. Mary raised her voice in Zoe’s defense as did François. And there were others who seemed undecided. But trust or no the important issue to Zoe was rescuing Keegan. For she had no doubt what awaited him at the hands of the English... if they hadn’t already hanged him.

  But she couldn’t allow herself to think that way. Pushing to her feet, wrapping the plaid, Keegan’s plaid, more tightly about her, Zoe faced what was left of the clan.

  “Whether you trust me or not, I’m the only one who can help you rescue your chief.”

  “What does she think she can do?” one of the old men said above the crackle of the fire.

  “It is not what I can do. But who I am.”

  “Mademoiselle Zoe.” François scrambled to his feet and rushed toward her. “Do not do this. Monsieur Keegan would not want it.” He grabbed her hand in both of his. “Please, think of yourself.”

  He made a comical figure, dressed in silks, a wig—Keegan had stolen it for him—askew. But it was his imploring eyes that Zoe stared into. “I have to,” she said, then immediately focused back on the group. “I am Lady Zoe Morgan,” she said, her voice clear and strong enough to carry over the wind’s howl. “My brother is Lord Foxworth Morgan. He’s most likely the man who captured Keegan. He is the major that led the attack on Castle MacLeod.”

  She expected their shock, but not the vehemence. Almost as one they began shouting and cursing. Zoe reminded herself that her brother was responsible for the death of loved ones, the loss of their livelihood. Of course she knew it wasn’t Fox’s fault, but these people couldn’t see past their grief.

  It wasn’t until someone suggested that she be bound that François gave her a push and yanked a pistol from his jacket.

  “François.”

  “Stay back, Mademoiselle Zoe. I shall protect you.”

  “But I don’t wish—”

  “Monsieur Keegan would wish it,” he said while brandishing the pistol about, swerving its aim this way and that across the group. “He charged me with protecting you.”

  “Perhaps he would have thought more of it had he known who she was,” Seonaid said, then scooted back as François aimed her way.

  “Don’t...” Zoe reached around covering the hand that gripped the gun’s handle with her own. “Please François, let me tell them.” He studied her a moment, then on her nod, lowered the gun. To Zoe’s relief no one rushed forward to grab it from him.

  “Keegan does know who I am.” Zoe took a deep breath. “He knows because he kidnapped me from my London home right after he escaped from New Gaol.”

  “She’s lyin’.”

  “It’s the truth,” François blurted out, then stepped aside again.

  “It is,” Zoe said her voice calm. “It was night. He broke into my house and spirited me away.”

  “Why would he do that? Seems t’ me he’d be headin’ for home.”

  “Because of my brother. He believed... believes Fox is responsible for his father’s death. At least for the horrible way he died.”

  “He was tortured,” came a cry.

  “An insult t’ us all,” said another.

  “I know.” Zoe held her hand up and was surprised the protests stopped. “Keegan told me about it. And I told him that my brother would not do that. But the fact remains,” she said now over the grumble of voices, “that Keegan is in their grasp and I am the one who can free him.”

  “Turn the lot of us in t’ yer brother ye mean.”

  “That’s not what I intend.” Zoe was yelling now to be heard. “If that were the case why didn’t I simply stay at Castle MacLeod? My brother would have rescued me. Or I could have taken one of the horses and headed south. It doesn’t make sense that I would tell you who I am, simply to betray you now.”

  “I’ll tell ye what doesn’t make sense. That ye’d help us.”

  “Aye.”

  “Aye.”

  “That’s what makes no sense.”

  Several of the men started to rise. François fumbled with the gun and Zoe saw any gain she’d made with the Highlanders crumbling. She stepped forward.

  “ ’Tis because I love him,” she said then watched as her words impacted each Scot. “I didn’t plan to. But then I didn’t plan to be kidnapped either. But I do.” Her voice was low. “I love him.” Tears glistened her eyes. “And I can’t bear the thought of him dying all alone.”

  Zoe scrubbed at her eyes. “Now, I don’t know about the rest of you, but I plan to go to that town and do what I can to free Keegan MacLeod.”

  The silence lay as thick as the mist on the mountains. Zoe waited, then accepted that they would let her go, but go alone. So be it. With a nod of dismissal she shifted to turn away.

  That’s when François stepped forward. “You can count on me, Mademoiselle Zoe.”

  “And me.” Pushing on her neighbor’s shoulder Mary hefted herself up.

  “Ye can’t go, woman. What good would ye be?”

  “I can shoot a gun, or hold a horse, or do whatever Zoe asks of me.” Mary edged her way through the group to stand by Zoe.

  Then came Will. Cawley and Anne stood. They all did, till there was only Seonaid sitting. Slowly, her gaze never leaving Zoe, she rose, but it was to turn her back and walk away from the puddle of light spilling forth from the fire.

&nb
sp; ~ ~ ~

  Zoe grasped the reins and prayed the horse could find his way along the road. The town of Moirer loomed before her, twinkling lights in windows surrounded by misty darkness. She was alone, but the others weren’t far off. At least she hoped they weren’t.

  Not everyone had come. In the end it was decided that the best plan called for the fewest people. Cawley and François to care for the horses. And Zoe.

  She was to be the distraction. The catalyst that would free Keegan.

  The army had taken over several houses. Anne had stolen into town earlier in the day to discover which one housed her brother... and where they held Keegan.

  He was still alive, thank God, but there was to be a trial on the morrow. On what charges Zoe didn’t know, for he’d already been sentenced to death. Whatever the case, Zoe imagined the punishment would be swift this time.

  She glanced about her as she entered the town. It was late and the streets were deserted. She imagined everyone snug inside, protected from the damp chill that penetrated her plaid. It wasn’t until she reached the front of the house where Fox was staying that her progress was slowed. A soldier stepped forward, the light from the window gleaming on his bayonet, and demanded to know her business here.

  “I’ve come to see my brother,” Zoe said as she slowly slid from the horse’s back. She ignored the soldier’s demand that she halt. “Please tell Major Morgan that I’m here.”

  “Miss.” The soldier was backing up as Zoe approached. “You can’t go in there.”

  Zoe stopped very near the man. “Please announce me. I’m Lady—”

  “What’s going on out here, Sergeant?” The door opened and light spilled onto the street. Fox stood in the doorway, his jacket open, the neck of his shirt loose. He held a pistol in one hand, a branch of candles in the other.

  Ignoring the soldier, Zoe stepped forward into the light. “Hello Fox,” she said smiling, for despite the circumstances she was thrilled to see him.

  “Zoe?” Fox stepped onto the stone porch, then thrust the candles toward the soldier. The next minute his arms were around his sister.

  Nineteen

  “Are you certain you’re all right. He didn’t...” Fox loosened his embrace. “Never mind. I’m just glad you’re safe now.” Taking her hands, Fox led Zoe to the settee. “You look so... so full of good health. I’ve never seen you like this before.”

  “I feel wonderful.” Despite her reason for being here Zoe couldn’t help being excited by the sight of her brother. “And you. So tall and handsome.” Zoe squirmed a bit under his continual gaze. “I’ve missed you.”

  “And I you.”

  “Fox.”

  “Zoe.”

  They spoke each other’s name at the same moment.

  Fox tightened his grip on her fingers. “I don’t know how you got here but I want you to know we have the man who kidnapped you locked up.”

  “Yes.” Zoe took a deep breath and continued. “That’s why I’m here.” Fox’s brows lifted, and Zoe felt a moment of panic. This wasn’t part of the plan. At least not the plan that Cawley and the others agreed to. But now that she saw Fox again. She didn’t want to hurt him. And she didn’t want to betray his trust.

  “Fox.” She hesitated only a moment. “I want you to set him free.”

  “You what...?” Fox let out a bark of laughter. “If this is a joke it’s not very amusing.”

  “It’s no joke. I want you to let Keegan MacLeod go.”

  “So he can terrorize the Highlands again.”

  “He would stop. I’m sure of it.” At least she hoped she was. “He would live in the mountains, off the land, grazing sheep, I don’t know.” Now it was Zoe clutching his fingers. “I just know he wouldn’t cause you any more trouble.”

  “Zoe.”

  “Fox, please.”

  “Are you mad? Did he do something to your mind?” The question came too easily. It was his own mind that seemed tampered with whenever he encountered the renegade. Fox shook his head. “What you ask is impossible, Zoe.”

  Leaning back against the cushion Zoe nodded. “I see.”

  “You know I would do anything for you.”

  “Yes, of course.”

  “Zoe, the man was tried by a court in London. Convicted. He’s a rebel. And as you should know for yourself a dangerous man.” When she looked away from him Fox continued. “It isn’t in my power to do this, Zoe.”

  “I know.” Zoe reeled in her scattered emotions. She’d been foolish to even suggest this. She knew her brother and his sense of duty, but even if that were not so, the very idea of allowing Keegan MacLeod to go free was ludicrous. To everyone but her.

  Leaning forward she touched her brother’s cheek. “You look tired. And I know I am.”

  “Of course. Zoe, I was just so shocked to see you here. And looking so different.” Fox stood, helping Zoe to her feet. “There’s so much I want to know.”

  “But it can wait till morning, can’t it Fox?” Zoe deliberately leaned on his arm as he led her from the front room.

  “Yes, Zoe. We’ll talk more in the morning.”

  ~ ~ ~

  Except she wouldn’t be here in the morning.

  Zoe waited in the room Fox gave her. He’d awakened a servant to help Zoe get ready for bed. The woman was a Scot, understandably surly about the interruption to her sleep, and obviously not pleased about the English soldier in the house. As soon as she left, Zoe quickly dressed again, then sat in the dark.

  The minutes crawled by.

  But she forced herself to be patient, waiting until the house was quiet, then waiting longer. Finally she judged it probable that Fox was asleep. Praying it was so, she crept from the room, feeling her way to the head of the stairs.

  The third tread from the top squeaked. Zoe had noticed it on the way up. Now she did her best to balance her weight on the side near the banister.

  Once downstairs she moved carefully toward the library they passed earlier. Inside she shut the door and fumbled in her pocket for a flint. With a candle lit she began her search.

  Desk drawers. Shelves. She scoured them all, her desperation mounting with each second. “They must be here someplace,” she whispered, standing on tiptoe and running her hand across a ledge. Her brow furrowed in concentration, so absorbed in her search she didn’t hear the door open.

  “Are you looking for these, Zoe?”

  Her eyes closed, Zoe took a deep breath, then she slowly turned to face her brother. He stood just inside the door. The light was dim, his face in shadows. It was only the ring of brass keys he held out in front of him that caught the light.

  Zoe’s gaze locked there, then shifted upward. She couldn’t see his expression, though she knew full well his dark brows would be lowered in anger... and disappointment.

  “I hoped you were asleep,” she said, taking a step toward him. “I wanted you to be asleep.”

  “Why, so I wouldn’t know of your betrayal till the morn?”

  “That’s not the reason.” Hesitantly Zoe reached into her other pocket. When she grasped the carved handle she withdrew it slowly. She knew the moment her brother saw what was in her hand. His body stiffened. Zoe swallowed back tears.

  “For God’s sake, Zoe.”

  “Fox.” She was having a difficult time aiming the pistol at him. “Try to understand. I love him.”

  “Oh, Zoe.” Fox took a step forward and the trembling in her hand grew worse. “You don’t know what you’re saying... or doing.”

  “Don’t come any closer Fox. I don’t expect you to believe me. But one day you will feel about someone the way I feel about Keegan and then you will understand.”

  “I hope to God that day never comes if it means I would hold a gun on my own flesh and blood.”

  “Don’t be angry Fox, please. Give me the keys.” She motioned toward where they dangled from her brother’s finger.

  “They won’t do you any good. There are guards.” Fox tossed them onto a nearby table. The ra
ttle jangled Zoe’s already frayed nerves. “Damnit Zoe, you’re just going to end up getting yourself killed.”

  “Move away Fox.”

  “I won’t.”

  “Don’t make this more difficult for me, please.” He folded his arms over his open shirt and held his ground.

  “Fox.” Zoe leveled the pistol.

  “I don’t think you’ll shoot. You won’t hurt me, Zoe.”

  Her name was barely out of his mouth when Fox grunted. The next moment, before Zoe’s startled eyes, he crumbled to his knees and then onto the floor.

  For one horror-filled moment Zoe thought she’d actually fired the gun. Then she saw Cawley standing behind her brother in the doorway.

  “Aye, Sassenach, but I’d hurt ye in a heartbeat.”

  “Oh God.” Zoe dropped the pistol and lurched forward, falling onto her knees beside Fox. “What did you do? Fox.”

  “Don’t get yerself in an uproar lass. I only tapped ’im on the head. He’ll be all right.”

  Needing more convincing than Cawley’s dubious testimony, Zoe moved her fingers to her brother’s chest frantically feeling for a heartbeat. When she found it her breathing began again. “What are you doing here? The plan was for me to bring you the key.”

  “And ye were takin’ yer own sweet time about it, ye were. We decided t’ see what was keepin’ ye.”

  “I had to wait till Fox was asleep. Now help me get him to his bed.” As she stood Zoe tried to lift his upper body... Without any assistance from Cawley or Will. They were busy scooping up the key and pocketing the pistol.

  When she looked around, it was Will’s eye she caught.

  “Are ye daft lass? For yer sake we won’t be killin’ the bastard. But I won’t be puttin him t’ bed like no nanny neither. Besides.” He stepped over Fox. “We need to be gettin’ the MacLeod.”

  “What... what are you doing?” Zoe asked as Cawley jerked her brother onto his side.

  “I’d think that obvious.”

  Zoe watched as he yanked Fox’s hands behind his back and bound them with cord. “He’s unconscious.”

  “And could wake up any moment. Do ye want him comin’ after us? Or callin’ out?”