Part 54 (1/2)

The man approached him. ”Aye?”

Alex paused, unsettled by the man not addressing him as ”my lord.” Though Alex didn't hold Gealach legally, the people had nonetheless taken to addressing him as the laird.

”Where is this wine going?”

”Lord Graham has ordered it for the wedding tomorrow. A Graham la.s.s to Lord Carlisle.”

A mixture of panic and relief washed over Alex. He nodded mutely. So the deed was not done, but it would be tomorrow. That left him little time. He entered the alehouse and sought out the owner. He was directed to the back where he found the young blond man pointing out casks to be carried to the wagon.

”Sandy, what happened?”

Sandy's brown eyes widened in surprise. ”Ye're back, my lord!” His thick, pale brows then lowered in consternation. ”I'm supposing ye're wantin' to take the tower back?” When Alex just stared at him incredulously, he nodded briskly. ”I see ye do. Could ye but wait 'til after the wedding? Business hasna been so guid in years.”

”That's a fine welcome.”

Sandy shrugged sheepishly. ”He's paying in gold coin, my lord.”

Alex's gold coin, likely. Alex no longer held out hope that Ridley hadn't found the tunnels beneath the tower. ”Whatever Lord Graham has sent for, I will pay double. There will still be a wedding, but it will be mine.”

Sandy rubbed his hands together, a genuine smile spreading across his ruddy face. ”Very guid, my lord. What can I help ye wi'?”

”When did Lord Graham take Gealach?”

”The day afore yesterday. It happened sae quick-like we didna hear of it till the deed was done.”

”When is the wedding to take place?”

”Tomorrow noon, followed by a feast.”

”Did he bring a priest? Who is to wed them?”

Sandy gestured through the doorway into the tavern. ”He sent to Rees Abbey for yon priest. They stopped for a dram afore climbing the tower road.”

Alex went to the doorway and peered out. The alehouse was crowded, but he spotted colorful vestments and tonsured heads seated near the wall. Alex's eyes narrowed in recognition. Father Rae's s.h.i.+ny pate bobbed in boisterous conversation. Two monks accompanied the priest. Long suppressed anger rose in Alex. Father Rae made his home at Rees and had been responsible for much of Laine's religious instruction. He'd also been solely responsible for Laine's abuse, though the brothers were guilty of ignoring what went on in their sacred halls.

Alex crossed the alehouse, coming to stand before the priest's table. Father Rae glanced up briefly, returning his gaze to the bowl of stew before him. His head jerked back up, eyes bulging. His chair sc.r.a.ped as he stood hastily. ”I-I'm here under the abbot's orders-to-to-”

”I know why you're here,” Alex said.

The two cowled monks stood-a nefarious-looking pair, low browed and hairy. One reached surrept.i.tiously into his robes and came out with a gleaming dagger.

”Sit.” Alex pointed to the benches.

Father Rae seemed to consider his options, his gaze darting about the room.

”I let you live once, Father. I'm not in a generous humor today.”

Father Rae swallowed hard and resumed his seat. The other monks followed suit.

Alex slid in beside Father Rae, so close their arms touched. Alex's men hovered nearby, hands on sword hilts.