Page 17 of A Scoundrel’s Promise

Pettigrew paled. “D-dueling is illegal,” he stuttered.

Ewan stepped forward. “Then, I suppose you’d better make haste to Constable Hamilton and inform him I threatened you.”

Mister Pettigrew’s mouth opened and closed without producing a sound.

Ewan opened the door.

“I will not be bullied,” Pettigrew gasped in a surprising burst of determination.

Liam chuckled and clapped the man on the back. “That’s the spirit, man. Better to die with courage.”

Pettigrew’s head snapped in his direction. “What do you mean? I am a fair shot, I’ll have you know.”

“Good, good. But you should know, Ewan was a sharpshooter in the army. One of the best. We were all members of the 3rd Foot Guard, you know, but Ewan was a Green Jacket.”

Pettigrew’s eyes widened. “It’s rumored they can take the tassel off a man’s bonnet at a hundred yards.”

Liam shrugged. “Oh, aye. That’s true—except for Ewan. He can shoot a fly off the tassel from three hundred yards.”

“That is not possible,” Pettigrew blurted.

Liam laughed. “For anyone but Ewan, aye.”

Pettigrew stared.

“On my honor,” Liam added with a grin.

“I-I must be going.” Pettigrew whirled and lunged through the door.

Liam nearly laughed as Pettigrew broke into a run.

“I believe ye frightened the rabbit,” Ewan said.

They watched him disappear around the side of the building.

“I wouldn’t have thought him capable of running at all, much less that fast,” Liam murmured. He closed the door and faced his brother.

Ewan cocked a brow. “A fly off the tassel of a bonnet at three hundred yards?”

Liam shrugged. “You willnae brag, but I’m allowed.” At his brother’s grunt, he asked, “What do you make of the cattle rustling?”

Ewan started down the hallway. “I would say someone wants the Beasts of Blackstone Abbey gone,” he replied as Liam fell in alongside him.

“Someone in Brodrick’s old smuggling ring?”

Ewan gave a slow nod.

“Are you thinking who I’m thinking?” Liam asked.

“Mallatratt.”