Page 99 of A Scottish Highland Hideaway

I could hear more tinkling laughter wafting its way up the grand staircase from the Great Hall. Maybe Corrie had discovered the note and didn’t want Ezra to see it right before the party? She would tell Ezra about it, but hadn’t had an opportunity yet. Or perhaps someone had sent it to her, for Ezra’s attention?

I got up, absently smoothing my dress and still clutching the note. I made a move to push it back into her coat pocket, when my fingers brushed against something else. It was another piece of paper.

My heart hammered in my ears. I tugged it out. This too was folded up. I opened up the second sheet of paper. This one contained scribbled, personal notes about Caroline and Laura, as well as small photos of them – and scribbled beside them, was written Ezra’s weakness, in messy handwriting.

What the hell?! My heart raced. It was too much of a coincidence. What was Corrie doing with all these strange notes?

With my head still fizzing with confusion, I stuffed both notes back into her coat pocket where I found them. Should I mention those notes to her? No. I couldn’t. She would know I’d been snooping around. There could be an innocent explanation. But the thought festered with me; why hadn’t she said anything?

It didn’t look good.

I began to back away from the bed. Was she in league with someone? Perhaps someone that Ezra was naming and shaming in his book? Maybe they were in this together and were intending to split the proceeds of any blackmail money?

“Can I help?”

My blood froze.

I swung around. Corrie was framed in the doorway. There was a harsh angle to her feline features.

“I-I was looking for you.”

Her light, cool eyes travelled to the bed and her coat. “Well, here I am.”

I felt my hands tumble over each other as I stood there.

“What for?” she asked.

“Sorry?”

“Why were you looking for me?”

My stomach rolled over and over, but somehow, I managed to find my voice. “To discuss final arrangements for this evening.”

Corrie’s gaze became flinty. She looked powerful and capable in her pillar-box red dress, with its slashed neckline and matching jacket. “Everything’s in hand.” Her eyes flickered over me. “So, what are you doing in my room?”

I could feel a lump sticking at the base of my throat. It felt like my dress was clinging to my suddenly damp skin. “Why do you have those threatening notes?”

A glimpse of resignation settled on her face. “Ah. That’s a pity.”

“What is?”

“You finding them.”

Corrie turned and in one swift move locked the guest room door.

My legs jittered against my dress. Oh no. I’d put my clutch bag down on top of the bed. It was too far away to reach it. My mobile was inside.

I folded my arms, my heart pumping crazily against my ribs. Would someone even hear me if I cried out? There was a lot of noise and gaiety to contend with from downstairs. “Why?” I croaked. “Why have you got those notes and details about Caroline and Laura?”

She rolled her made-up eyes. “Isn’t it obvious?” She gestured to her coat on the bed. “I’m sure I don’t have to tell you how explosive King’s autobiography is. There are a number of influential people not very happy about its release.”

I took an unsteady step backwards in my heels. I could feel the bedframe digging into the backs of my knees. “But what do you get out of it?”

A self-satisfied smirk spread over her features. “Oh, don’t be gauche, Bailey – Lady Anastasia. It doesn’t suit you. Money. What else?” She slid me a triumphant smirk. “My initial plan had been to tell the press about you and where you were now, but that money would’ve been small fry, compared to what I can get if I help these people force old man King to retract that book of his.” She performed a sarcastic tutting noise. “I’d hoped that drunken waste of space of an ex of yours might keep your nose out of everything, but I underestimated you.”

I stood there, blinking at Corrie, trying to take it in. “So, that’s how Declan knew about me? You found him and told him where I was?”

Growing fear reared up inside me.