Page 412 of Wicked Highland Heroes

“Aye, my lady.”

“My horse has not returned,” she said.

“I was not aware of that.”

“Would she not have come home?”

Thomas nodded. “Unless something stopped her.”

“Or someone,” Liam interjected.

“Is it possible they knew I was there?” Victoria intercepted a look that passed between the two men. “You think they wanted me as well—why did they

not search for me?”

“They probably feared being too close to the keep,” Liam said.

“If only Edwin were here.” Victoria felt Liam’s fingers tighten around her hand. “My lord.” She pulled free and rubbed her hand vigorously. “How far could he have gotten?” She looked at Thomas.

“He?”

She frowned. “Do not be obtuse, sir. Edwin.

Where is he now?”

“I have no idea.”

She ceased rubbing her fingers. “I assume you mean you have no notion where he is at this moment. However, that does not mean you do not know where he was last seen.”

For the first time in their association, Thomas’s eyes reflected suspicion.

She lifted her chin. “It is a simple question, sir.”

“What does that matter?” Liam thundered. “We have no time to worry about where the English dog is.”

“That is where you are wrong,” she said. “Edwin may be the one person who can help us. After all, who else but an Englishman with a grudge against

Iain MacPherson would David Robertson trust?”

Thomas raised an amused brow, but it was Liam who broke the hushed silence once Victoria finished outlining her plan minutes later. “A perfect example of the very reason women should not involve themselves in such matters.” His gaze moved to Thomas, who only shook his head, clearly not about to embark into the hazardous waters Liam was charting.

She met the aging warrior’s gaze. “You have no say in the matter.” This statement won her a startled look from him. He opened his mouth to respond, but Thomas interjected.

“She is right, Liam. This is to be dealt with by MacPhersons.”

“Nay,” Liam said, his mouth drawn in a hard line. “I have as much right as anyone, and you know it.” He held Victoria’s eyes for a moment, then added, “Not to mention, I do not relish facing your husband after allowing such foolhardy behavior. No doubt, he will renege on the treaty between us, after separating my head from my body, that is. Besides,” he paused,

“it is not your place, but mine.”

Victoria took his hand in hers, leaned in close, and whispered, “No one blames you, Liam. You had no way of knowing. No one did.” Except Lily, she thought, and knew he understood. “No one knew David would take him,” she said in a louder voice, hoping to allay the question Thomas’s bemused expression indicated.

He nodded. “Even I had not anticipated so bold a move. They must have acted on their own. I cannot believe William would allow such provocative action. I sent word to the Robertson. If things are as I think,

David’s actions will not set well with him, nor with

Clan Chatten, for that matter.”

Victoria nodded. “But we will deal with David