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“It was a bit of a sticky wicket,” he admitted. “But it wouldn’t have been a problem if I hadn’t slipped and fallen arse over teakettle.”
“It happens to the best of us, lad,” Logan said in a sympathetic tone. “That’s why it’s best to be prepared for every contingency.”
“Whatdidhappen, dearest?” Donella gently prompted.
After a quick glance at the clock, because he reallywasgoing to be late for his meeting, Braden gave a highly expurgated version of events.
Logan nodded his approval. “Throwing your bag in the bastard’s face was quick thinking, lad.”
Donella tapped her husband’s arm. “Language, dear.”
As if on cue, father and son rolled their eyes in identical fashion.
Braden repressed a smile. “I would have been well away from the bast . . . er, idiots, if I’d not slipped in some disgusting muck. Fortunately, my would-be attackers spent most of their time issuing empty threats instead of getting down to the business of robbing me.”
Joseph frowned. “Then how did they manage to wreck your coat?”
“Er, that happened when I slipped and fell. I hit the cobblestones quite hard.”
“Now this is starting to sound like a fish tale,” Logan said with disapproval. “Pursued by two armed villains, you go down in the muck, and yet somehow you return home basically unharmed and unrobbed. Please explain how you managed that feat.”
“We were just off Cowgate at that point, so I raised bloody hell calling for the watch. There’s a watch booth right near there, you know. As soon as the watchman heard me, he blew his whistle and came running.”
Logan crossed his arms over his chest. “I have never seen a watchman come running in my life.”
“Well, this one responded promptly. Clearly, the pair that attacked me last night were short on courage, since they took to their heels when they heard the whistle.”
His brother narrowed his eyes, obviously still suspicious.
Donella poured her husband another cup of coffee. “Thank goodness for the watch, then. But perhaps you could be a bit more careful, Braden. Try to avoid some of the more dangerous parts of Old Town.”
“I’d be happy to comply, if only my patients wouldn’t insist on living there.”
She wrinkled her nose. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to sound callous. We are so fortunate to be up here in New Town, while so many live in those dreadful tenements.”
Logan leaned over and gave her a kiss. “Good thing you’re doing a bang-up job of giving away half our fortune to charitable causes, love.”
“We can afford it,” she pertly replied.
“Aye, we can.” Logan returned his attention to Braden. “I’m afraid I’m going to insist that you carry a pistol from now on, old man. I know you’re not fond of them, but I’m even less fond of the idea of you getting carved up like a joint of beef.”
Braden snorted. “A distinctly unappetizing thought.”
“Then we’re agreed. You will start carrying a pistol with you at all times.”
“I will at night, but I hardly think pistols are appropriate for the Royal Infirmary or the classroom.”
His brother leaned forward. “You’ll carry one atalltimes, or I’ll start going with you on these night calls.”
Braden snorted. “That is certainly not happening.”
“And you work hard enough, darling, without taking on bodyguard duty,” Donella said. “If Braden is properly armed and takes precautions, he’ll be fine.”
“This isn’t new for me, you know,” Braden added. “I’ve been dealing with patients in Old Town for several years.”
Logan tapped a finger against his chin. “That’s actually an excellent idea, Donella. The best solution might be to hire Braden a bodyguard.”
“Good God, Logan,” Braden said, exasperated. “This is literally the first time anyone has tried to rob me. And that’s because almost everyone knows who I am, and that I’m there to help them.”
