“Payton? It’s Bronwen Boyer.”
Payton giggled. “I do know your last name, Bron. Even if I haven’t heard from you in ages.” Almost a year, in fact. “This isn’t your regular cell number.”
“I know. It’s my work one,” Bronwen said. “I’m actually calling you in an official capacity.”
“Official capacity?” Payton leaned back in her chair. “Well, that sounds quite serious.”
“I believe it might be.”
“What do you mean by official?”
“I’m working with Scotland Yard on a confidential matter that I’m not at liberty to disclose,” Bronwen said. “Do you know a Miranda Adams?”
“Not that I can recall.”
The shuffling of paper sounded in the background. “Ah, sorry, you may know her by the name Molly Adams.”
“I knew a Molly Adams in school, but I haven’t spoken to her since graduation.”
“Right.” Bronwen sighed. “If you do see or hear from her, will you give me a ring?”
“Sure, but I can’t imagine I’ll see her. We don’t really run in the same circles, honestly. We didn’t back then either.”
“I know. I remember you hating high school.”
“So did you.” Payton giggled. She and Bronwen had similar opinions about gossipy girls and stupid boys. “Hey, is the Scotland Yard thing why I haven’t heard from you in nearly a year?”
“Aye. I’m sorry, Pay, I can’t really go into it, but when this came across my desk, I knew I had a great reason to reach out again. But I have to go. You can reach me on my cell if you see Miran… Molly.”
Payton frowned. “Before you go, are you okay?”
“Aye. Just busy. I’ll talk to you later, eh?”
“Sure,” Payton said, and the line went dead. She stared at her cell phone and shook her head. “Weird.”
Just as she dropped her cell back into her purse, her office phone rang. Her heart raced as Niall’s number popped up on the screen. “Hey, Nye. You okay?”
“Not really.”
Payton bit her lip. “I’m sorry.”
“Is Brodie still with you?”
“No. He’s gone back to the pow-wow. Did you need him?” she asked.
“Only when you’re not around.” He chuckled. “He’s not one to tell your troubles to.”
“No, I suppose he doesn’t give off the warm and fuzzies, does he?” Payton smiled as she picked up a pencil and twirled it like a drummer would his sticks. Something Niall had taught her years ago, and she often found herself doing it when on the phone. “Talk to me, bud. This has to be tough.”
“Aye, it is, but Max and I kind of figured it was coming. Kinnon’s been spiraling for a lot longer than you and I have known each other. When it’s sorted, Max and I’ll come home and give him a funeral, but right now, I’m in a bit of a jam.”
“About his death?”
“No, something else.”
“Oh. What’s happened then?” she asked.
“I think my mate’s here. In the States. Or at least on this continent.”
“Really?” Payton sat up. “What makes you think that?”
“It’s a feeling more than anything. I’m so bloody jumpy all the time and I can’t concentrate. I dropped two sticks last night during the show.”
“What?” Payton said in mock surprise. “The great metronome dropped a beat?”
“I didn’t say beat, Pay, I said stick.”
Payton chuckled. “Okay, sorry. I assumed the worst.”
“No one was the wiser, but it’s not like me.”
“No, you’re right. It’s not. Have you tried to contact her? You’re an empath, so you’d be able to speak to her telepathically.”
“Believe me, I’ve tried,” Niall complained. “Either she’s not made it to Ár mökun, or she knows how to block me. It’s driving me batty. It doesn’t help that we have the Kinnon stuff to deal with as well.”
“I’m sorry, Nye. Is there anything I can do? You know I’ll help with the funeral if you need it, unless there’s something else you need.”
“This helps, Payton. Just talking to someone who isn’t as self-absorbed as Max is always a breath of fresh air.”
Payton giggled. “Has he found Grace yet?”
“No. He’s got Broc looking, but no word yet. He can’t really do anything right now anyway. We’ve got sold-out shows for the next two weeks, and if we have to come home to take care of Kinnon, it’ll delay his reunion with her for a little while. He’s even more of a pain in the arse if you can imagine.”
“I happen to like Max,” she said. “He’s always been nice to me.”
Niall sighed. “To be honest, he’s actually quite nice. The problem at the moment is that he’s not getting his way, and he doesn’t know how to function in a world that doesn’t revolve around the great Maximilian MacMillan. He has turned away every willing female since he met Grace and it irritates him that he can’t seem to go back to life as it was. He’s actually surprised he’s lost interest in meaningless sex.”
Payton sighed. “Wasn’t he convinced he’d find her and she’d just fall at his feet?”
“Yep and she might. I hope she doesn’t, though. I hope she gives him hell.”
“You are so mean, Niall MacMillan.” Payton giggled. “Has he checked Facebook? That’s usually a great way to stalk people.”
“She has super private settings on her page and her profile picture is a sunflower.”
Payton shook her head. “Oh, he must be so frustrated.”
“To say the least, yes,” Niall agreed.
“What’s he doing right now?”
“He’s been on the phone with Connall for almost an hour. I kind of wish Con had come with us. He’s the only one Max will listen to when he’s in a rage.”
“I have never seen Max in a rage. I can’t imagine.”
“Don’t try. Hopefully, you’ll never see it. It’s ugly.” Niall sighed. “Anyway, I’ve got to go, lass. Thanks for letting me vent.”
“Anytime.”
“I’ll ring you later if I can.”
“Sounds good,” she said. “And definitely let me know if I can help.”
“I will. ’Bye.”
Payton hung up and her thoughts moved to Bronwen. She missed her friend, but with everything going on, she wasn’t sure when they would connect again. With a sigh, she focused back on the task at hand, shaking off her strange conversation with Bronwen.
THAT EVENING, PAYTON sat in the front room of her family home and tried to talk her teenage sister down off the ledge, so to speak. Amy was in love… again. And her love was unrequited… again.
“Amy,” Payton said with a sigh. “You’re seventeen. You’re too young to know if you’re in love.”
“I am not,” Amy insisted. “You were in love at my age.”
“Okay, fair enough. But you are too young to know who your mate is. Don’t you want to wait for him, instead of wasting time on these other boys?”
“You don’t understand, Pay. You never will! You’ve been stuck on Brodie Gunnach since you were fourteen.” Amy wiped her face. “What happens if you find out that he’s not your mate? You’ll wish you’d had a little fun in between.”
Well, there is that, Payton thought.
“I’ve only got a couple of weeks until my birthday,” Payton said. “It’s a little late for me to sow my wild oats now, I think.”
“Don’t be a daft bampot, Amy,” Aidan said from the doorway.
“How long have you been eavesdropping, ya big jobby?” Amy retorted.
“Long enough to confirm you’re being an idiot.”
“Okay, enough, you two,” Payton snapped.
Aidan held his hands up in surrender. “Tea’s almost ready.”
“Thanks. How about you go back to whatever you were doing?” Payton suggested.
“Gladly.” Aidan turned and left them alone again.
“Amy, you’ll find your true mate before you know
it. Have a little faith.”
“Forget it. You’ll never understand,” Amy whined as she stood. “I’ll just go to my room and die alone.” She flounced out of the room.
“Try and make it quick this time,” Payton mumbled to herself.
She stood and headed for the kitchen. The stress in the McFadden home was overwhelming and not just because Amy was melting down. The Council had made its decision, and Baldvin and Annis were being exiled to Micronesia. They were being held outside of the city until the transfer could be made, and Payton’s mother was inconsolable, still trying to find a way to let Annis stay in Scotland. Payton heard her mother arguing with her father as she drew closer to the kitchen. She wasn’t prepared for the words her mother was spewing, however.
“Payton has the power to change this, Stuart,” her mother said. “She could use her influence with Brodie.”
Payton had tried to talk to Brodie about her sister, hoping he’d grant clemency, but he refused to budge on the decision. Something she’d told her mother.
“Are you forgetting Payton was attacked?” her father asked.
“She’s fine. Brodie arrived in time. If she asked him, he could speak to the king.”
“I’ve spoken with Kade, love, and he’s in agreement with his brothers,” her father said. “Brodie is out for blood. Baldvin attacked his mate.”
“But she’s fine, and now my baby girl will die in some God-forsaken country without her family around her!”
“Phyllis…”
Payton couldn’t listen to the rest. She couldn’t believe her mother felt she had any say over what happened to her sister. Annis had always been the clear favorite, but even though Annis had done something horrible, she was still far above Payton.
Her phone buzzed in her pocket and she pulled it out to find a text from Brodie.
*What’s wrong?*
*Nothing. I’m okay.*
*I’m at your door, love.*
She sighed and made her way to the front door. She opened it to find Brodie holding a bouquet of yellow roses. Her favorite. He smiled and her heart stuttered.
“Hi,” she said.
“Hi.” He handed her the flowers. “Am I going to have to stand here all night, or are you going to invite me in?”
“Hmmm.” She grinned. “I’m not sure.”
He raised an eyebrow.
“Fine.” She stepped back. “Come in.”
He followed her inside and closed the door, leaning down to kiss her quickly. “Now tell me what’s wrong.”
Payton forced a smile. “Nothing major. Honestly. My parents just can’t seem to agree with the Council’s decision.”
His expression changed to one of irritation, but he didn’t elaborate.
“Did I miss something?”
Brodie shook his head. “Not at all. Why do you ask?”
“It’s just that I left you two hours ago. Not to mention the fact that we’ll be bound in less than two weeks. Does Kade need me for something?”
“No, love. I couldn’t drive you home myself, and I seem to have this innate desire to see your beautiful face before I go to sleep.” He smiled and kissed her palm. “And for the record, I miss you even when we’re in different rooms.”
“I kind of miss you, too.” She smiled. “So what’s up?”
“I want to take you somewhere.”
“Now?” Payton asked, checking her watch.
“Aye,” Brodie said.
“Where?”
He smiled. “It’s a surprise, but I promise, I’ll have you home well before midnight.”
“I don’t know. Mum’s just finishing up tea. We’ll be sitting down in less than half an hour.”
“I’m happy to take you out,” he said.
“Brodie. It’s a bit last minute, don’t you think?” She lowered her voice to a near whisper. “You know what she’s like if her plans are upset.”
“Payton!” her mother called from the kitchen. “Who’s at the door? Tell them it’s suppertime and to give you a ring in the morning.”
Before Payton could respond, her mother walked down the hall and caught sight of Brodie. She immediately curtsied. “Oh, Your Highness. Forgive me.”
“Mrs. McFadden.” Brodie smiled and gave her a regal nod. “Good evening. I apologize if I’ve interrupted your meal.”
“Not at all. You’re always welcome here. What lovely flowers, Payton,” her mother said. “You really should get them into some water.”
“Yes,” Payton said. “I was just going—”
“We’re getting ready to eat, Your Highness, would you care to join us?” her mother asked Brodie, cutting Payton off.
“Thank you, Mrs. McFadden, but I’m here to see if Payton is available to go out,” Brodie said.
“Of course,” her mother said after a few seconds of delay. “You really should get those flowers in water, Payton.”
“Yes, Mum.”
“Now, Payton,” her mother instructed.
“Soon, Mum,” Payton said, standing her ground and trying to keep the irritation from her voice.
Her mother turned and walked away, and Payton led Brodie to the kitchen, unsurprised to see the room vacant. Her father must have made his escape when her mother came to find her.
“She does realize you’re not a child, right?” Brodie complained.
“Not sure,” Payton admitted as she located a vase and set it under the tap. “At least she’s not still trying to bottle-feed me.”
Brodie chuckled. He stood at the entrance of the large room, leaning against the doorjamb and looking ridiculously gorgeous.
Once the vase was filled, Payton set the flowers in it and placed it on the counter. “The flowers really are beautiful, Brodie,” she said, breaking the silence. “Thank you.”
“What happened earlier, Payton?” he asked.
She stared at the ground, feeling the heat on her cheeks.
“You might as well tell me, love. I’ve got all night.”
She took a deep breath and met his eyes, although her stomach churned in protest. She filled him in on what she’d overheard and instantly regretted it when she studied his murderous expression.
“Where’s your father?” he demanded.
“I don’t know.” She squeezed his hand. “Brodie, it’s fine. My mother’s losing her daughter. She’s upset.”
“So she’s going to throw you under the bus?”
Payton rubbed her forehead. “She’s not doing that.”
“Like hell she’s not.”
“Okay, maybe she is. But I don’t think she means to.”
He raised his eyebrow. “Is your father in his office?”
Payton sighed. “Probably.”
Brodie stalked out of the room and Payton sank into one of the kitchen chairs. She was there for several minutes before Phyllis rushed into the room. “What did you tell him?” her mother demanded.
Payton frowned. “Who?”
“Brodie,” her mother whispered. “You really do want to get rid of your sister, don’t you?”
“What? Not at all.”
“You’ve always been selfish,” Phyllis accused.
Before Payton could comment, Brodie and her father walked into the room.
“Selfish?” Brodie scowled at her mother. “You can’t really be serious.”
Her mother lowered her head and pressed her lips into a thin line.
“I want you to pack a bag, love,” Brodie said. “You’re coming with me.”
“What?” Payton stood and gripped the back of the chair. “Why?”
“I’ll explain in the car.”
Payton frowned. “Daddy?”
“I’ll allow it, lass,” he said. “Brodie will explain.”
Payton escaped to her bedroom and packed what she could into her suitcase. She met Brodie in the foyer, his expression of rage directed at her mother painfully evident. Without a further word to her parents, Brodie took her bag and pushed Payton out the front door.
“Give me a minute, love.” He threw her bag into the boot and then opened the passenger side door for her.
She slid inside, buckled up, and waited while he climbed in and started the car. She gripped the door handle as he peeled out of the driveway. She could feel his anger pouring off him as he slammed his foot down on the clutch and changed gears.
Payton wished they were bound. If they were, she could read his mind and know exactly what was going on. Now would not be a good time to ask, but the suspense was killing her. Since her visions often confused her more, she tended to dismiss them. She laid her hand on his leg and knew he was calmer when he linked his fingers with hers.
“Thank you,” he said.
“Maybe you should pull over so we can talk,” she suggested as she gripped the door handle harder.
“I think I should wait until we’re back at the flat.” Brodie guided the car into the private parking lot and set the brake. He didn’t say anything as he exited the car, opened the door for Payton, and then retrieved her bag.
“Where’s the security detail?” Payton asked.
“I lost them.”
“Brodie,” she admonished.
“Not now, Pay.”
They rode the elevator up in silence, and when they entered the apartment, Brodie dropped Payton’s suitcase on the bed in the main bedroom and then dragged his hands down his face.
“You okay?” she asked.
“Other than wanting to kill your mother, I’m fine.”
Payton bit her lip. “What else happened back at the house?”
He took a deep breath. “It started when she tried to blame the Council’s decision on the fact that you didn’t try to fight for your sister.”
“What?” Payton was stunned. “Did she really?”
“Aye.”
“You didn’t tell her the truth, did you?”
“I had to, Payton!” he snapped. “She needs to know who your sister truly is. Not that it mattered—she didn’t believe me.”
“Did you expect otherwise? She’ll never believe Annis knew about the attack before it happened.” Payton sighed. “No mother wants to believe the worst of her daughter.”
“You’re her daughter, too,” he ground out.
“True.”
He grimaced. “There’s more.”
Bound by Secrets (Cauld Ane Series Book 3) Page 9
