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Royal peered at his pocket watch in the dim twilight. “It’s past time to hand over the money, so we’d best not dawdle any longer. Hopefully the others are now in place.”
Their plan was simple. Sabrina, with Royal and Chattan, had boldly ridden in. Since Barr would be expecting them, there was no reason to try to mask their approach.
In fact, their obvious arrival would hopefully serve as a diversion. Wilson, Mr. Monroe, and several villagers were to row quietly across the loch under cover of the falling dusk, and wait just offshore. If Barr tried to escape or hurt someone, they would spring into action.
It sounded easy, but could go wrong in so many ways.
Sabrina smoothed the skirts of her pelisse, surreptitiously checking the inside pocket to ensure her pistol was easily accessible.
“Remember, just give him the money and get out of the way,” Royal instructed. “No heroics, all right? We’ll do the rest.”
Good thing she’d neglected to mention that she was carrying a weapon. “You must be thinking of some other Lady Sabrina. I’m never reckless.”
He snorted. “You’re as bad as Graeme. No wonder you’re perfect for each other.”
“It’s grand to have such a brave lady come home to Lochnagar,” said Chattan. “Your grandda would be fair bustin’ with pride, ye ken.”
Since that made Sabrina feel rather misty, she simply gave him a smile.
Royal gave her a quick hug. “Off with you, lass, and be careful.”
She headed down the hill, carefully picking her way over the rocky, gorse-covered ground. How absurd would it be if she tripped and sprained an ankle, like one of those silly heroines in lurid stories? Sabrina knew she was no heroine, but the current situation seemed to call for one. That meant making no careless moves, keeping her nerve, and not falling flat on her face.
The shed was just a squat, dark blot on the shoreline. A light flickered at the back window as a curtain was moved aside. Then all went dark again but for the glow from a lantern on the pier. It cast enough light for her to safely walk around to the front, where another lantern sat on a crate by the door. It illuminated the rustic porch and a boat tied close to the shoreline.
Sabrina had no idea if the villagers were already in place out on the water, safely hidden by darkness from prying eyes. If not . . .
You’re a heroine, remember? Go rescue your hero.
She stepped firmly onto the porch, but stayed at the edge when the door opened. Suddenly, a bulky figure stood backlit in the doorway.
“Took ye long enough,” he growled.
“Mr. Barr, I presume?”
“Jackie’ll do fine. We don’t hold with fancy titles in these parts, lass.”
“My name is Lady Sabrina, and youwilladdress me by my proper title, especially since you are trespassing on my lands.”
When she heard a familiar snort from inside, her knees wobbled with relief. Graeme was alive and apparently well enough to be amused by her answer.
Jackie strolled out. He spat a wad of chewing tobacco that landed mere inches from her boots. Royal had warned her that Barr would try to bait her.
“Yer lands? Ye never set foot on them until a few weeks ago. My family’s been here for decades, ye ken. Until yer bastard of a da kicked us off.”
“I regret the negative impact of the Clearances, and I will do everything I can to correct all of it. What I cannot do, however, is ignore criminal activity or allow you to terrorize the villagers or my people.”
“Sabrina,” Graeme called from inside, “just give him the money and let him be on his way.”
Jackie’s hard, intelligent gaze studied her, so she studied him back. His stance was relaxed, both hands thrust into the pockets of a rough wool coat. He didn’t look nervous at all.
“Yer fella’s got some sense, ye ken. Get ye in here, and let’s make the deal.”
“Sabrina, stay out on the porch,” Graeme barked.
She mentally rolled her eyes. “Yes, Mr. Kendrick. I’m aware.”
Royal had warned her about that, too. If she went inside the shed, she could be taken hostage. Keeping her distance from Barr would allow the men in the boats a clear line of fire, if necessary. Royal was also making his way around to the other side of the shed, so—
