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“Then perhaps you can enlighten us now, love,” Royal said, forestalling his brother’s scowling retort.
“Patty’s father, as you know, owns the pub in Dunlaggan, which is a locus of gossip. Fortunately, Patty likes to spread that gossip. I was quizzing her about Mr. Hugo’s replacement, a certain Mr. Francis. Our Patty developed tender feelings for Mr. Francis, and was quite desolate when he bolted from Lochnagar.”
“Did she say why he left?”
“He was afraid, apparently. Patty believes there was skullduggery afoot, and that Mr. Francis was determined to curtail it through evictions. In doing so, she thinks he brought someone’s wrath down on his head, enough to necessitate a quick exit.”
“Did she mention the names of the, er, skullduggers?” Graeme asked.
“She suffered a convenient memory lapse at that point.”
“Does Patty know where Mr. Francis currently resides?”
“Alas, he did not return her feelings, so he did not impart that information.”
“Apparently, he did not impart that information to anyone,” Sabrina said, troubled by Ainsley’s information. “How inconvenient.”
“I’ll run him to ground,” Graeme said. “In the meantime, Royal will be taking you and Ainsley back to Edinburgh. You’ll leave tomorrow.”
Royal lifted an eyebrow. “We will?”
“Yes.”
“No,” Sabrina said.
Graeme directed her a stern look. “Did you not hear what Ainsley just said? Francis was obviously run off under threat. Lochnagar isn’t safe for you.”
“Mr. Francis left almost two months ago. And you just noted, you’ve found no actual evidence of an illegal distillery or a smuggling operation, merely hints by MacTavish. Right now, all seems quiet, which suggests the smugglers are long gone.” Sabrina shrugged. “And as nice as Patty is, one can hardly call her a reliable witness.”
Royal nodded. “All good points. Doesn’t really sound like there’s much cause for immediate panic.”
“Oh, that’s a helpful assessment,” Graeme sarcastically replied. “Since when did you turn into an inquiry agent?”
Ainsley whacked Graeme on the shoulder. “Don’t be disrespectful to your big brother.”
“I’ll tell him whatever he needs to be told. And you ladies will do exactly as I say.”
Well, that was a bit much. “I appreciate your concern and care, sir,” Sabrina said, “but without more specific information and a credible threat—”
“Credible threat,” Graeme interrupted. “What would you find credible, Sabrina, a pistol held to your back? Again?”
“Without a credible threat,” she firmly went on, “I refuse to turn tail. The people of Lochnagar—my people—have been abandoned too many times. I will not repeat that pattern.”
“Well said,” Ainsley piped in. “Graeme, you and Royal will simply have to do your job and protect us.”
Before Graeme could explode, the door opened, and Mrs. Wilson entered. Hannah followed, trundling a wheeled cart with their luncheon.
“Oh, excellent,” Ainsley said. “I’m famished.”
When Graeme shot his brother an incredulous look, Royal gave a shrug. “Might as well give it up, old boy. The ladies have made their decision.”
“The hell they have,” Graeme said, jumping to his feet.
Mrs. Wilson eyed Sabrina with alarm. “My lady, do ye want us to come back?”
“It’s fine, Mrs. Wilson,” Sabrina said. “Please serve luncheon.”
Graeme fixed Sabrina with an irritated glower. “Insane, the whole lot of ye,” he said before stalking out of the room.
