“Then we must agree to disagree. Unless concrete evidence proves I’m wrong, I won’t allow you to send anyone else to execute her.” And what was he thinking doing that in my home?
“I didn’t send Malcolm to kill her. His assignment was to scare the lass into admitting who she is and why she’s here.” I’m not sure I believe him.
“You should’ve been clearer with your instructions because that isn’t what happened. He attacked her while she was sleeping.” I can’t tell him Bleu killed Malcolm. It will only arouse more suspicion. “I came home and found them struggling. It was dark so I had no idea it was a brother.”
“What did you do?”
“He’s dead.”
“And so it begins,” Abram sneers. “Don’t you see? We’ve lost a good brother because of her.”
“We lost Malcolm because you sent him into my home behind my back. This one is on you.”
“Mark my words. That girl’s lying in wait. She’s the devil in his most beautiful form and she’s here to sabotage us.”
“I’m warning you, Abram.” Now it’s my finger pointing at him. “Don’t send anyone else after her.”
“Or what, Sinclair? You’ll kill me? You’ll choose a stranger over your own family?”
“Enough!” my father growls. “No one in this family is killing another member.”
“I saw the way you looked at her, Thane. You have a soft spot for that lass because she reminds you of Amanda.”
Abram’s obsessed with Bleu’s likeness to Amanda Lawrence. I’m afraid he won’t be over it soon.
“Bleu reminds me of a happy time in my life but it doesn’t blind me to the risk she poses. And my son isn’t a fool. He’ll take the proper action if needed.”
Abram must understand he doesn’t get to deliver the verdict on Bleu. “You come to me if you have any further concerns about her and I’ll be the one to take care of them. Not you.”
“Do tell, Sinclair … what will you do if you find she’s not who she claims to be?”
There’s only one way to deal with a betrayal such as that. “Then it’ll be my place to kill her.”
He looks pleased. “When the time comes—and it will—The Fellowship and I will hold you to that.”
“If she’s working for the enemy, I won’t hesitate.”
“It’s good to know she hasn’t completely impaired your judgment.”
I’m not telling Bleu that Abram sent a brother after her. It’s better she believes Malcolm was an intruder coming for me. There’s also no need for her to know my uncle suspects she’s an informant.
I want to keep things exactly as they are. I’ve secretly claimed Bleu so she’s my responsibility. If her presence becomes a problem, I’ll be the one to deal with it.
* * *
It’s peculiar how quickly one can become accustomed to the presence of another in their home. I enjoy having Bleu here—but she won’t stay forever. I’m slightly regretful about ending her employment at the bar. She’s free to spend her days tending to her aunt’s final arrangements while I’m working. That means she’ll return home sooner than I’d like. I’m not pleased about that prospect. I’ve become attached to her in a short time. I didn’t think it was possible.
I’m sitting in the living room sipping a whisky and listening to Violin Sonata no. 9 when Bleu arrives home. She comes through the door carrying two armfuls of bags and I recall her telling me she’d be going by the market. I’d forgotten about her cooking dinner for me tonight—something southern.
I move to get up. “I’ll get those for you.”
“No, I’m good. Nice song choice.”
She stops by for a quick kiss on her way to the kitchen. “Hi.”
“Hi.” She giggles and looks at the drink in my hand. “Rough day?”
“Aye, my leg was giving me a little trouble but it’s much better now.”
“Would it help if I rubbed it for you?”
“I’m good but I might take you up on that offer another time.”
I follow her into the kitchen. I’ve missed my Bonny Bleu today. “Were you able to find everything you need?”
“It was a struggle.” She sighs. “I’m used to huge stores where they sell everything plus a kitchen sink. There’s only small markets in this area, which I guess is okay since I can’t carry a shit ton of groceries home anyway.”
“Sterling can drive you to a bigger supermarket.”
“I bought enough for a few days. Maybe he can take me toward the end of the week if we run low.”
She’s unloading the bags so I help. “I was thinking about something today. Would you consider staying in Edinburgh once you’ve settled your aunt’s estate?”
“Hmm … let me think about this one. I don’t work. I get to do what I want all day and then have great sex every night. Living the life of a claimed woman is tough stuff.” She laughs. She closes the cabinet and looks at me. “Oh. You’re not kidding.”
“I’m very serious.”
She leans against the countertop and crosses her arms. “I don’t know. It’s not something I’ve considered.”
“What if I told you I want you to stay?” I ask.
“I’d be taken by surprise.”
“But you wouldn’t say no?”
“It’s something I’d have to think about. I have a family to consider. And a business with a lot of financial responsibility tied up in it.”
I go to her and hold her face in my hands. “Think about it. For me.” I kiss the top of her head. “I’ll take care of you. That includes any debt you’ve incurred in your business.” She opens her mouth to speak. I suspect she’s going to argue so I place my finger over her lips. “Nothing would change. You’d still do as you please each day. And I’d do as I please each night.” She grins at the last part. “But babies and brides need to be photographed in Edinburgh as well. Bleu Mac’s Photography would fit in quite well if you wanted to work.”
“I’ll think about it.”
“Perfect. Are you getting closer to finalizing the estate?” I could’ve assisted her and had the proper paperwork done a week ago, but I didn’t want to speed the process.