“Double the guard around John,” he told Alex. “And seal Lachlan’s chamber.”
Alex’s expression sharpened.
“Henry Tolford sent him,” Connor continued. “He expected Lachlan to steal the bairn and deliver him.”
“To England?”
“Aye. Find him. Put what he planned before the law. Make certain they understand that he sent a drunk man to kidnap a child to whom he meant harm.”
Alex adjusted his sword belt. “And if the law fails?”
Connor met his eyes. “See that Henry never comes near Scotland again.”
Alex nodded. “He will never come near the bairn again.”
Connor waited until Alex rode out. He checked John himself and received word that Violet’s carriage had crossed the southern bridge without trouble.
It wasn’t until then that he went down to the dungeons.
28
Connor stopped outside Lachlan’s cell and looked at the two guards.
“Wait beyond the passage.”
The older guard hesitated, his hand still on the iron key. “Me Laird, he attacked Lady Moore.”
“He is still me brother.” Connor held out his hand for the key. “Give us privacy and stay close enough to hear me call.”
The guards obeyed. Their booted steps faded down the narrow passage until damp stone swallowed the sound.
Connor unlocked the cell and entered alone.
This was where Violet had first stood before him, filthy from the road and furious enough to raise her hand against a laird. She had refused to back down. She had demanded John. One damaged link remained in the chain fixed to the wall, scraped bright where she must have pulled against it.
Lachlan sat beneath that chain.
The drink had begun to leave his system. Without it warming his face or loosening his limbs, he looked hollow. Dried blood darkened his split lip, and his hands shook against his knees. Bruises covered one cheek.
Connor closed the door behind him.
Lachlan lifted his head. Hatred sharpened his eyes, though shame broke through it.
“Come to finish it?” he sneered.
Connor stopped several feet away. “I came for the truth.”
A broken laugh scraped from Lachlan’s throat. “Ye have always preferred truth when it gave ye permission.”
“Did Henry send ye?”
Lachlan wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “Aye.”
“Did ye come here to take John?”
“He is me son.”
Connor nodded. “Did ye intend to give him to Henry?”
