Page 129 of Edge of Yesterday

Cailean took a napkin off the table, dipped it into his ale, then grasped Julianna’s hand and cleaned the wound.

“It’s just a prick,” he said, and she bit back laughter at the thought that he was referring to Crowe.

~*~

Cailean forced his fury into submission and said little until Crowe and the sheriff left.

“What did they want?” Julianna blurted once the men disappeared into the archway beyond the great hall.

“They want to question Cailean about the deaths of the men they found outside Heatheredge last week,” Lennox said.

Julianna looked at her father. “Papa, ye cannae allow it. Crowe is only looking for a reason to get even with Cailean for marrying me.”

He nodded. “Aye, but we cannae ignore the sheriff’s demands.” She opened her mouth to reply, but he cut her off, “I told him that when Alexander returns we will meet at Heatheredge Tower.”

Her mouth thinned. “He will try to convince Alexander to do as he wishes.”

“I plan to speak with him before then. Cailean and I will see him in Inverness.”

“I cannae leave Julianna,” Cailean said.

“She will be safe enough here at Raghnall,” Ravenstone said.

Dread swept through Cailean. She would be vulnerable to Crowe’s mercy while he was away. “Nae. I can’t leave her.”

“Cailean,” the baron began, but Cailean cut in.

“You dinnae understand. He will finish what he started with Hugh Murray.”

Lady Ravenstone looked at him. “Why are ye so certain he was in league with Hugh?”

Cailean hesitated. He couldn’t tell the truth. Which left him only one option. “I simply know.”

Silence followed for a long moment, then Julianna said, “Crowe cannae hurt me as long as I stay inside Raghnall’s walls.”

He lifted a brow. “That is a problem, isn’t it Julianna?”

Lennox dropped his gaze in a clear attempt to hide laughter and even Lady Ravenstone’s mouth twitched in amusement.

Julianna’s eyes narrowed. “I can stay home, if I choose.”

“That is no’ in debate,” he said.

She whipped her head in her father’s direction. “Papa—”

“Nae, Julianna, ye are married now. You dinnae look to me for guidance.”

“It isnae guidance I want.”

“Perhaps that is what ye need,” he replied softly.

She shrugged. “I suppose, then, that Cailean will no’ go with ye to see Alexander.”

“It’s more likely you will go with us,” Cailean said.

Her mouth fell open. “I do no’ want to see Alexander.”

“You aren’t worried about your husband?”