Highlander's Savior(Highlanders 0f The McCall Clan Book 1)
Page 25
“Who took her?”
“Ranulf Thorburn.”
Charlie’s eyes widened. He stroked his beard, watching Henry as he paced. “That will not be easy. He is the clan laird now that the old one renounced his chieftainship.”
“That is why I am paying you more than triple your usual rates.”
Henry noticed Sir Alban’s brows hike at his statement, and knew the knight wondered how a Duke would know the brigand so intimately. “Will you undertake this task? Or shall I find another?”
Charlie stiffened. “I will do it, Your Grace. For twice that.”
Henry gestured for him to leave. “Thank you for your visit. I know of several others who will leap at this chance to earn a hundred crowns.”
Charlie did not move, and his blue eyes glittered with something akin to hate. “You asked me here first because you know I am the best, Duke. No one else can get your daughter back with Thorburn’s head on a pike.”
Henry merely stood, waiting, patient, knowing his man and his greed. Charlie would pay his men a single crown each, and hoard the rest, making him a very rich man. “One hundred,” he said slowly, his eyes never leaving Charlie’s. “Another twenty-five as a bonus if you return her within the week.”
“Done.”
Charlie spit on the palm of his right hand and held it out. Henry spat on his own, and the two clasped hands. “Ride hard and fast,” Henry said. “I have no idea how long Thorburn might keep her alive.”
“She may be dead already,” Charlie commented, his tone dry.
“If so, you receive nothing. Now go.”
Dismissed, Charlie offered a short, sardonic bow, then spun on his heel and left the chamber. Henry walked to the window, staring down. Within several minutes, Charlie reappeared, his hood covering his head. Mounting his horse, he galloped out of the bailey and down the hill to vanish.
“Your Grace,” Sir Alban said, standing beside him to also stare down. “I understand why you are doing this. But are you certain this is the only way?”
“For Ranulf to die and Catrin to return, yes,” Henry replied, his voice soft. “He could keep her for a while before killing her, or torture her, rape her. I must get her home before that happens, Sir Alban. She is all I have left.”
Do you want to know how the story continues?
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Also by Barbara Bard
● Book 1: Highlander’s Honor
● Book 2: Highlander’s Savior
● Book 3: Her Highland Devil
● Book 4: Her Highland Protector
● Book 5: Highlander's Captive
● Book 6: Highlander's Revenge