Page 85 of Wicked Highland Heroes

Erroll nodded. “Yes.”

“But he has been dead for over a year. When was Grant reassigned?”

“A month ago, I would say.”

“How?”

“Val called in a very large favor just before Trafalgar.” Erroll smiled with the memory. “I do not enjoy the popularity my brother did, so it took more than asking nicely to ensure Val’s last request was honored.”

“Last request?” Ash’s blue eyes bore into him. “It isn’t your fault he died. Val was determined to become an Admiral without help from the family.”

“Then we can blame ambition; his and Bonaparte’s.”

Ash gave a slow nod. “You tried to have him reassigned along with Grant.”

“As I said, I do not enjoy the same popularity he did.”

“I suspect the truth is more along the order of him telling you to mind your own damn business.”

“He accused me of trying to control his life; actually compared me to our father.” Erroll grimaced. “Can you imagine?”

Ash laughed. “I can. I will be sure to tell Olivia that Grant was more obedient and did as his elders directed. Mayhap she will get a little more sleep. Shall I give her your regards?”

“Of course.”

“Will she see you before you leave Mull? You know she will never forgive you if you do not visit.”

“I will be sure to visit.”

They rose and went to the main deck where a rope ladder had been slung over the side to a waiting jollyboat.

“Will I see you again before you leave?” Ash asked.

“I imagine so.”

“I assume the lady has something to do with your visit,” Ash said.

“She does.”

“You didn’t tell me how she shot you, or why you came to be on this ship.”

“The tale does not cast me in a flattering light.”

“All the more reason I should hear it.”

Erroll laughed. “I have no doubt you will. Stories like this have a way of being told and retold.”

Ash turned and fitted his boot to the first rung of the ladder.

“Ash.” His brother paused and looked up expectantly. “I have an acquaintance in the navy… Admiral Peterson. He is well acquainted with the Atlantic and the goings on in the ports of the major Colonial cities. It occurs to me that he might be of help in locating Johnson. It will take some time, but I’ll contact him and see what he might discover.”

“This would not, per chance, be the captain of Grant’s ship?”

“I cannot recall,” Erroll said.

“How very fortunate that you remembered this connection,” Ash said.

“The walk from the galley to the deck cleared my head.”