Cottage in the Mist Page 24

"I meant no disrespect." Frazier waved a hand, his lips lifting in the semblance of a smile. "Only to say that I canna understand why Bram would leave Robby here with the en—" He stopped, frowned, then amended his words. "—with people he distrusts."

  "And I told you," Jeff said, "he didn't have a choice. Besides, even if he did, he'd find no one better than Geordie and Lily. Geordie is a healer. And as Geordie alluded to, Lily has been with Robby continuously since he was found. She refused to leave him. Even when Fergus wanted to move on to try and find Iain."

  "There's no need to defend me, Jeff." Lily sent her friend a smile and then lifted her head to meet Frazier's gaze. "Robby will come to no harm in my care. Of that I can assure you."

  As if to underscore her words, Robby moaned and automatically Lily smoothed back his hair, her gentle motion quieting the thrashing man.

  "Is he waking, then?" Frazier stepped forward, his focus now on the injured man.

  Geordie touched his cheek. "Nay, only fighting off the last of the fever. With the crisis past, he should settle in and sleep until morning at least."

  "Mayhap I should be the one sitting with him," Frazier offered. "After all, he's my kin."

  "That he is," Geordie said, his narrowed eyes making him seem more dangerous. "But what the lad needs now is peace and quiet. So I'll thank you to take your leave. If he wakes I'll call for the Macgillivray."

  Frazier's frown deepened and he seemed about to say more, but then abruptly he turned on his heel and left the lean-to.

  "Not a man to trifle with," Jeff observed.

  "Nor a man to trust," Lily noted, watching as the older man strode away.

  *****

  "Ach, you're a stubborn man." Alec threw a rock across the clearing, shaking his head. "You'll believe Lily's story about where she came from, but you willna believe it when I tell you it wasna my men at Dunbrae."

  "I don't know what to think anymore." Bram pushed to his feet and ran a hand through his hair. Dougan followed suit, although the big man's hand was on his claymore. Alec waved him down again and he sat with a dissatisfied grunt. "From the way it looks, I'd say that Lily was lying, too."

  "Except that you know that isn't the case." This from Iain, who'd remained uncharacteristically quiet as Alec had continued to deny the allegations against him and his clan.

  "Yes, I suppose I do. At least about some things," Bram grudgingly admitted, dropping back down to sit on a fallen log. "But even so it doesn't mean she's not conspiring with Alec against me."

  "Are you crazy, man? She didn't come here for me. She came for you. And believe me, she's made that more than apparent to all of us." Alec's voice echoed across the open expanse beyond the trees, and Bram could see Lily's head turn, her dark hair swirling around her shoulders.

  He didn't want to feel anything at all, damn it, but just seeing her, even from a distance, made his blood stir. Bram jerked his attention back to the conversation. "She's a Comyn."

  "Who loves a Macgillivray," Alec countered. "It doesn't appeal to me either. But it is what it is."

  "A hell of a mess," Fergus summarized as he joined the four of them.

  "What of the men?" Iain asked.

  "Ranald is watching o'er them. And for the most part they're settled. Although I canna say they're pleased with the situation. I suspect everyone will be sleeping with their hand on a weapon and one eye open tonight. But for the moment at least, there's peace." He sat down on the log beside Bram, first eyeing Dougan and then turning to Iain. "I take it you've decided to believe Alec?"

  "We're agreed to try and keep an open mind," Iain said. "Partially because you believe him."

  The older man sighed, stroking his beard. "That I do. Or at least I have to admit there's a ring of authenticity."

  "But then how do you explain Dougan's sons trying to kill me?" Bram asked, still not trusting the other man. They'd told Alec of the attack at Duncreag but hadn't gone as far as to mention the other attacks.

  It was Dougan's turn to look astounded. "What rubbish are ye spouting now?" His eyes narrowed as his gaze met Alec's and his hand moved to his weapon. "I told ye we couldna trust the whoresons."

  Alec frowned, but waved his hand to still his second. "What makes you believe the men you're speaking of were Dougan's sons?"

  "They told me themselves," Bram said, frustration cresting. "First Murdoc Macniven when he attacked me in the mist and then his brother today in the mountains."

  Dougan sputtered and Alec's amused gaze met Bram's. "Ach, but you see there's a wee problem with that notion."

  "And that would be?" Bram challenged.

  "Dougan has no sons." Alec shrugged and looked to his captain.

  "Only three braw lassies," the big man said with a shrug. "No' fer lack of tryin', mind ye. And even if I did, I'd no' name one o' them Murdoc." He almost smiled, then seemed to remember the serious nature of the situation and his countenance darkened again. "I tell you true. I have no sons."

  And suddenly Bram felt his anger deflating. As barmy as it seemed, he believed everything Alec as saying. Which didn't mean he'd start calling Alec Comyn friend. But it did seem that someone else had betrayed him. Betrayed his clan. Someone who wanted him to believe that his most hated enemy was behind it.

  Alec's green-eyed gaze seemed to pierce right through him. "I ken this is hard on you. And I accept that you dinna trust me. I canna say I trust you either. But for the moment, at least, it seems we share common interests."

  Without thinking, Bram's head turned, his gaze moving to the lean-to and the shadowy image of Lily tending to Robby. Common interests indeed. His body tightened and he fought a wave of pure desire.

  Bollocks.

  She might not have been in league with Alec against him, but she was still a Comyn and common interests aside, Macgillivrays and Comyns were not meant to fall in love with each other. The last time that had happened his clan had practically been destroyed.

  "I dinna see what we could possibly have in common," he snapped, forcing himself back to the matter at hand.

  "Alec's right, Bram." Iain laid a hand on his shoulder, and Bram jerked free.

  "How can you say that? He's a Comyn." He knew he was letting his emotions hold sway, but somehow the idea that this man had a claim—albeit a familial one—on Lily made his blood boil. Not that he had a claim anymore. Even if he could get beyond the fact that she was a Comyn, how could she ever forgive him? He'd let her down in so many ways. It was all such a bloody nightmare.

  "We're no' talking about Lily," Alec said, cutting right to the heart of the matter. "We're talking about someone trying their damnedest to play us off against one another. Someone who orchestrated the murder of your clansmen and tried to pin it on me."

  "And that same bastard is behind the rumors of your involvement as well," Iain interjected. "They want your kin to believe that you betrayed your own clan."

  "But I didn't." Bram felt as if the world were spinning out of control. Again he looked toward Lily, this time with longing. But it was too late for comfort. "I'm no' a traitor."

  "And I did no' betray you either," Alec said. "Which means that, at least for the moment, we're fighting on the same side."

  There was no arguing the fact. It was time to put their differences aside. Alec might never be his ally. But the man was right—he was not an enemy. And truth be told, at the moment, Bram could use all the help he could get.

  "So how do we go about identifying the traitor?" he asked, feeling as if he'd fallen into a deep, dark hole.

  "I dinna ken," Fergus said, "but I reckon the best place to find answers is to start at the beginning."

  "Dunbrae." Just saying the name brought Bram's resolve to bear.

  "Bram?" He jumped at the soft sound of Lily's voice, his skin prickling at her nearness. He'd been so engrossed in his mutinous thoughts he hadn't even noticed her approaching. "Robby's awake. And he's asking for you."

  CHAPTER 27

  "IS HE ALL RIGHT?" Bram asked as he followed Lily b
ack across the clearing, Iain and Alec close on his heels. He refused to meet her eyes. In truth, he had no idea what to say. He was still angry. Maybe irrationally. Maybe with cause. Who the hell was to say? He was just so confused, and the feeling didn't sit well at all.

  "He was well enough to drink some broth," she replied, shooting a glance his direction, clearly aware that things were not right between them. They might never be right again. "And Geordie thinks that's a good sign," she continued. "But he needs rest, only it seems he won't be still until he's talked to you."

  "'Tis to be expected, considering everything that's happened," he shot back, his tone harsher than intended.

  "I know." She nodded, eyes on the ground as they walked. "But he's not the only one who needs to talk to you."

  His breath caught in his throat at the pain that echoed through her words, but he waved a hand in frustration. God's blood, he wasn't handling this well at all. He opened his mouth to tell her that he needed time, but for better or worse, Frazier chose that moment to stride across the clearing calling for attention. "Bram, a moment, if ye will."

  Relief spread through him. Relief and chagrin. He'd never thought himself a coward. But this woman had a power over him like no other.

  "What do you want?" he snapped at his father's man, stopping abruptly, Lily almost falling when she tried to follow suit. Automatically his hand closed around her elbow, sparks of unfettered desire chasing up his arm. He jerked his hand away, his eyes on Frazier.

  "Tell me it isna true. That yer no' throwin' yer lot in with Comyn and his men."

  "I'm no' throwing my lot in with anyone, Frazier. Least of all a Comyn. But I canna dismiss what I've learned here today."

  "They're lies. All of them. I saw them at Dunbrae. They slaughtered yer father. And tried more of the same with you."

  "I think maybe we're the ones who have the wrong of it. And until I can find the answers I seek, I'm giving Alec Comyn the benefit of the doubt."

  "Well, then I expect you'd best be explaining that to Iain's men."

  Bram frowned. "It's my understanding that they already know much of the situation."

  "Aye, from Ranald and from me. They need to hear it from you."

  "But I'm on my way to see Robby."

  "He's awake?" Frazier frowned. "But the healer told me it would be tomorrow at least."

  "Apparently he was wrong." Bram started forward again, but the man pulled on his arm.

  "Let me go to him then. He knows me. That should settle him until you've talked to the men."

  Bram blew out a breath of frustration. "Frazier, Iain's men haven't a care what I have to say. If anyone should speak to them it should be Iain."

  Iain nodded. "I'm happy to do so. Although I canna believe they're doubting Ranald."

  "Are you satisfied?" Bram asked Frazier, not actually caring what the man thought. At the moment, he was simply in the way. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to see Robby."

  "Fine." Frazier nodded. "But I'm coming, too."

  For a moment Bram considered refusing the man, but then thought better of it. No matter what else might be true or false, Frazier and Robby were kin. And the two of them had saved his life. He owed Frazier that much at least. "'Tis glad I am of your company."

  He started forward again, but stopped when Frazier didn't follow. "Is there something more?"

  "Aye," the man said, his eyes narrowing. "I ken yer hurry to talk to the man, but surely you dinna wish to do so with an audience?" He nodded toward Alec and Lily. Then toward Jeff and Geordie still tending Robby. "Seems to me that whatever Robby might have to say is best kept among ourselves. At least fer now."

  There was truth in the old man's words. And if Bram hadn't been so muddle-headed about Lily he'd have thought of it himself. He raised his brows in question as his gaze met Alec's.

  "I've no need to pry. You'll tell me what I need to know when you've talked to your man." He lifted a hand and waved Geordie to him. Jeff rose as well, and the two men closed the distance between them. "Geordie, we'll give Macgillivray time alone with his man."

  "But, he still needs a healer." Geordie started to protest.

  "Mayhap, but right now they need privacy."

  "I'll stay," Lily offered, her voice so low it was almost a whisper. Almost as one, the assembled company turned to look at her. "I'm not interested in eavesdropping. Only in making sure Robby is all right. I can stay out of hearing range, but that way I'll be close in case I'm needed."

  "'Tis a compromise," Alec offered with a shrug. "Find me when you're finished." He walked away, Geordie following.

  "You won't let anything happen to her?" Jeff asked, his frown a warning.

  Bram's hand curled into a fist, and he resisted the urge to plant one between the man's eyes. After all, he'd seen them together in his vision—or whatever the hell it was. And despite Iain's reassurances, the man seemed too bloody protective when it came to Lily.

  "Have no fear. I'd ne're let anyone hurt her."

  "Does that include you?"

  Bram took a step forward, but Lily moved between them. "I'll be fine, Jeff." The two of them exchanged a long glance and then with a sharp nod, Jeff walked away.

  Frazier shifted his gaze between Bram and Lily. "Surely ye canna mean to tell me that ye trust her. To hear ye tell it she's betrayed ye at every turn."

  Lily started to protest, but Bram cut her off. "I dinna know what I believe and what I don't. But right now we canna take a risk with Robby's life. Let's just say that she's the lesser of two evils." Beside him, he felt her tense as his words sank in.

  "Bram, please…" Lily began but Frazier cut her off with a wave of his hand.

  "Yer makin' a mistake, lad. Best that you send her back where'er she came from."

  Bram closed his eyes for a moment, wishing that they would both just disappear, but since that wasn't likely, he'd better get on with it. With a sigh, he opened his eyes again and lifted a finger to stop Frazier from further comment.

  "She stays. But she'll stay back." His gaze met Lily's and she nodded, green eyes banked with something he couldn't quite identify. "All right, then, we go."

  The lean-to was silent, Robby still and unmoving. Bram ducked beneath the canvas, followed closely by Frazier and then Lily, who moved to the far side of the enclosure, where she dropped down onto a large rock near the pouches that held the healer's herbs and poultices. If he hadn't known her as intimately as he did, he'd have assumed she had no cares at all, but the tension around her mouth and her tightly interlaced fingers sent a far different message.

  Purposely ignoring her, he turned to Frazier. "I want to talk to him first. You can wait over there. I'll motion when it's time for you to join us."

  Again the man looked as if he wanted to object, but with a sharp sigh he moved to the edge of the lean-to across from where Lily sat.

  Bram knelt beside his friend.

  "Robby, can you hear me?"

  His friend moaned and moved restlessly. From his periphery vision, he saw Lily start to rise, but he waved her back.

  "Robby?"

  "Bram?" The name came on a guttural whisper. Robby swallowed and then his eyes flickered open. The ghost of a smile chased across his face. "Ach, yer a sight fer sore eyes."

  "I could say the same for you." Bram felt the back of his eyes prick. Bloody hell, he'd not expected to ever see the man again. And yet here he was smiling up at him. All of that thanks to Lily, a small voice whispered in the back of his mind, but he ruthlessly pushed the thought aside. "How are you feeling?"

  "As if I've been gutted like a pig and then roasted on a spit for all to see."

  "Well, 'tis my understanding that between the attack and the healers you're no' far wrong. But the important thing is that they're saying you'll get better."

  "The lass?" Robby asked, struggling to sit up. "Lily?"

  "Be still," Bram soothed. "You're far too weak to be trying to rise. Lily is here. Just over there." He nodded in her direction and his friend
calmed.

  "She saved my life."

  "That she did," Bram agreed. At least of that much he was certain.

  Behind him, he felt Frazier creeping closer, the man clearly needing to feel a part of things. But Bram wanted time alone with his friend, so he turned and waved Frazier back again. With a grimace, the man obeyed.

  Turning back to Robby, Bram was surprised to find his friend's face gone white, his eyes wide with concern. "You've brought Frazier?" he asked, his breathing harsher now.

  "Aye, he managed to escape as well."

  Robby shook his head slightly and whispered something Bram couldn't hear.

  "Hold on," Bram said, bending closer. "I can barely hear you."

  Robby's face had gone from white to red, his mouth moving, his eyes, if possible, even wider. "Traitor," he whispered. "Traitor."

  Bram struggled for understanding. Was he still talking about Lily? Bram's blood ran cold at the thought, but surely he'd missed something.

  "Robby, I know—" he began, but was cut off by Lily's scream.

  "Bram, watch out, he's got a knife."

  Almost simultaneously, Robby surged up, his face twisted in anger. "Traitor," he said again.

  And for half a second, Bram believed Robby was coming for him. But then in an instant his mind cleared, the truth sinking in, and he grabbed his dagger, swinging around to face Frazier as the other man snarled and leapt at him, showing no favor at all to his supposedly injured knee.

  Off to his left, he could see Lily edging toward Robby, who was trying valiantly to push to his feet. But it was Frazier who held his attention, the other man swinging his blade, managing a cut across Bram's shoulder.

  Behind him, he heard Lily's sharp intake of breath, and then Robby speaking. "'Twas Frazier. He's the one who tried to kill me. He's in league with the men who attacked Dunbrae."

  Bram dodged another of Frazier's thrusts, his mind scrambling to make sense of what had just been revealed. "But you helped to save me." The words came out of their own volition as he circled the older man.

  "No' by choice," Frazier snarled, brandishing the knife. "I had no weapon, so there was no way I could take both you and Robby. I had to let you go."