Matthew's dark eyes widened. "Indeed? Who?"
"Roy and Parlan. There could be more."
"Saints! I never suspected."
"Nor did I."
"How did you find out?"
"Someone overheard them talking and reported it to me." Neacal did not want to bring Anna's name into this, for that might put her in danger.
"Do you want me to lock them in the dungeon?" Matthew asked.
Neacal shook his head. "I want you to act as if you're disgruntled with me in front of Roy and Parlan. Pretend to be on their side and find out how many clan members are in with them. See if you can discover their plans. It has something to do with Sleat."
"Damnation, man. They plan to overthrow you and bring in Sleat as chief, do they not?"
"I think so. Have you heard anything?"
"I just remembered—after your brother was killed, a couple of the men suggested asking Sleat for his help."
"Do you remember who?"
"Gegrim was one."
"Aha." Could it be possible that all his guards were against him? How on earth would he find so many replacements? He would worry about that later. First, he had to weed out all the dishonorable men. "Pretend I have relieved you of your position as war leader." Neacal gave a wry grin. "That will convince them you have truly turned against me. I'll run the sham of searching for a replacement."
"'Tis brilliant… although I hate to imagine or pretend such a thing. I am truly honored and grateful you chose me for such an esteemed position."
"And I'm honored and grateful you agreed to do it. You're one of my most trusted clansmen and friends. As you pretend to be angry with me, also observe and report back to me those men who seem loyal to me. I need to know if there are any I can rely on."
He prayed he could trust at least a few of them.
***
Late that night, after Vardon finished piping, Constance awaited him at the edge of the great hall. She had been secretly talking with him at every opportunity and sending him flirtatious glances, which she knew he couldn't resist. No man she set her sights on could resist her.
'Twas not his person she wanted but what information he carried. Surely, he or the other musicians knew something about Anna Douglas that Constance could use to remove her from Bearach Castle.
She had observed Neacal watching the harlot and 'twas clear he was enamored with her. If they were in the same room, he could scarce keep his eyes off her. If Constance was not allowed to keep her love, then neither would Neacal be. He'd destroyed her life and any chance she had at happiness.
When Vardon's eyes met hers, she winked and forced a playful smile. After covertly glancing around to see who might be watching, he headed toward her. She retreated through the doorway, took two steps up the stairwell and looked back. When he appeared, she motioned for him to follow her. Upstairs, she waited inside her bedchamber doorway. 'Twas mostly dark, the only light coming from the low-burning hearth fire and a few candles in her room.
He emerged from the darkness of the stairs, still carrying his bagpipes under his arm, then he drew to an abrupt halt. "What are you about, my mysterious lady?"
"Come inside and find out," she whispered and pushed the door further open.
He glanced behind himself, eyed her for a moment as if trying to decide, then hastened inside.
Smiling, she closed the door. "I've been wanting to see you in private," she said, keeping her voice low and seductive.
"Aye, well. I've been craving the same thing."
She approached him slowly, so as to appear impassioned but not too forward. After laying his pipes on the foot of the bed, he hesitantly placed his hands at her waist. Although he was a nice-looking man, he was not the kind she was drawn to. He was too tame for her. Only daring, devilish and exciting men got her blood to pumping. But she could tolerate him long enough to gain the knowledge she wanted.
"Why am I so drawn to you?" she breathed, sliding her hands up to his shoulders.
Appearing entranced, he shook his head.
