Page 29 of Highland Hearts

“I need to know more.”

“Trust me, you don’t,” Cavell said.

“You said yourself I am distrustful,” Cree reminded.

“Stay that way,” Cavell urged.

Cree stepped away from him, shaking his head as if disagreeing with something that was said, and whispered, “We need to meet privately.”

“That will not be possible.”

“You do not command these men?” Cree asked, stepping toward Cavell.

“Not all of them.”

“If I meet your demands, will this be done?” Cree asked.

Cavell laughed heartily and it had several of the men smiling in belief that their leader held the upper hand.

“You have never met anyone’s demands,” Cavell said, laughter still crackling in his voice.

“If you knew that, why abduct my men?”

“A question you should think on,” Cavell said. “Now they will be happy I have gotten them more time, though the fools do not realize I have given you time as well. Use it wisely.”

Cree had dozens of more questions to ask him, but it would not be wise to prolong their talk and cast suspicion.

“I want one thing from you. A sign of faith that I can trust you,” Cree said.

“What is it?”

“I want you to free William.”

Cavell shook his head. “It is the one thing I cannot do.”

Cree went to argue, then realized that William was somehow the key to this abduction. “I will speak to him.”

“That I can allow.”

Cree held his tongue as did Cavell as they returned to where Blaine had remained waiting.

“Lord Cree will visit with his men and will give us what we ask for in three days’ time,” Cavell said.

Blaine nodded, a smile creeping up at the corners of his mouth.

“Take him to his men so he may talk with them a few moments,” Cavell ordered.

“Aye,” Blaine said and nodded for Cree to follow him.

Cree could not argue that his men were not being treated well. They all appeared fit, and none complained about hunger, but all were impatient to return home. It raised suspicions in Cree. Prisoners or hostages were rarely treated well. That his men were not being made to suffer told him that whoever was behind this was not looking to make an enemy of him.

Who would do that and why?

“You do well, William?” he asked, visiting with him last.

“Aye, my lord. I suffer little. The worst of it is missing home. I fear I will never want to venture away from Clan Carrick again. How is Lady Dawn? And the twins and Tynan, and Beast?”

“They are all well,” Cree assured him. “Has anyone of the abductors spoken with you?”