AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Sabrina threw her arms around Graeme’s neck. “You be careful, husband.”
“I’ll take care of him,” Grant promised.
“You’d best, or I’ll murder you both.” Then Sabrina raced back the way she came.
“Bloodthirsty lass,” Grant commented.
“She learned it from me,” his twin replied as he studied the back door. He carefully touched it and yanked his hand back. “Hot as hell, as predicted.”
“Remember how we got into the kirk at Kinglas? We’ll need to do it like that, I reckon.”
When they were sixteen, they’d broken into the local kirk to raid the collection plate. It was a prank, and they’d always intended to return the money. The vicar had caught them dead-to-rights as they kicked in the lock on the back door.
Graeme snorted. “Aye. I’ll use that axe you’ve got on the lock.”
Grant handed it over. “Might be a backwash once we get the blasted thing open, so be prepared.”
His twin nodded and then swung the axe in a mighty heave at the door handle. The blow knocked the door handle off, and hopefully broke the lock.
“Ready?” Graeme asked, glancing at Grant.
Grant nodded, and they positioned themselves, side by side, a few feet from the door.
“Count of three,” Graeme said.
He counted off. Then, as one, they took flying kicks at the wide wooden door.
It gave, crashing inward. A blast of heat and smoke rushed over them as they both fell flat on their backs in the dirt.
For a moment, Grant lay stunned, trying to collect both his breath and his wits.
“Lads, are ye all right?”
Grant took his grandfather’s hand and scrambled up, while Dickie assisted Graeme to his feet. They turned, gazing into the flames.
Graeme started to talk, but broke off with a cough.
“The buckets, Grandda,” Grant hoarsely ordered.
“Aye.”
Within moments, the men formed a line from the stream to the back door, mostly staff from the manor. They began passing buckets along to Graeme, who stood by the door ready to heave in the water.
“Grandda, we need more men and buckets,” Grant said as he handed a full pail to his brother.
“We’ve got plenty of men. Not sure about the buckets.”
“Go see. We can get a second brigade through the back window.”
Sabrina came hurrying back. “Jeannie and Adams are both safe. Kathleen and Captain Brown are taking them to the manor.”
“Have one of the footmen go with them,” Graeme said. “Davey, if he’s free.”
Sabrina frowned but went off to do as he asked.
Grant exchanged a glance with his twin as he handed him a bucket. Clearly, neither of them trusted the captain, but that was a discussion for later. Now that everyone was out of danger, they had to focus on keeping Graeme and Sabrina’s investment—and the hope of future prosperity for Dunlaggan—from being completely lost to the flames.
Angus returned with men who quickly formed a second water line. Magnus came with him, carrying what looked to be a pile of blankets.
