Page 8 of Promises to Keep

“Go with the men.”

Quentin said, “Okay, we will send Magnus and Fraoch once we collect the intelligence, if we need a third it will be Lochie.”

Fraoch said, “We always need a third, though Lochie is like a half since he daena ken anything about the modern world.”

“I ken enough.”

“What’s that silver square thing on the table beside yer hand?”

Lochie picked it up and looked at it, flapping the tissue paper sticking up from the top. “I daena ken.”

“Tis a tissue box, ye see...” Fraoch reached over and yanked a tissue from the hole in the top. “Ye use it tae wipe yer nose.” He tossed it ontae Lochie’s lap. “Ye are a half, tis just the way tis.”

Magnus said, “This will be easy, the modern way — we hae a plan, we winna leave anything up tae chance. We will be well-armed.”

Quentin said, “I like the idea of not leaving anything up to chance.”

James said, “I like the idea of being well-armed.”

“Kaitlyn and Hayley will spy on the guests, take photos, check the layout of the museum — it is a museum, right?”

Emma said, “Yes, I looked it up. It’s on 57th Street and Fifth Avenue.”

Magnus said, “Then Fraoch and I will rescue Lady Mairead.”

Quentin nodded. “The important part: none of us will be looping, our skill sets will be utilized.”

Lochinvar said, “And what do ye want me tae do?”

Magnus said, “For right now, naething, ye will wait with Fraoch and me for the—”

“I daena want tae wait. I am from the past, I am good with a sword and I—”

Magnus said, “Listen tae me, Lochinvar, ye are good with a sword, but this might nae need a sword. I ken it is in the past, but tis nae as far in the past as ye are used tae, there is a gulf of manners that ye daena understand. Besides, ye ought tae ken ye are tae do as I tell ye tae do.”

“Fine.” Lochinvar pulled the donut box close, grasped one, sullenly took a big bite, puffing powdered sugar everywhere. “Fine, but I winna like it.”

Magnus shrugged. “It inna on ye tae like it, I am the boss of it. We just hae tae handle this one thing afore we can go tae Florida.”

Quentin said, “I’ve never known you to be so positive, Magnus, what’s up?”

“I hae been positive before — I am positive that we are going tae win. I was positive that I was going tae be king. I am positive all the time.”

Quentin said, “Sure, but this sounds different, as if you’re being positive about something tomakeit happen, not because you’re confident, but because you lack confidence. It’s got a modern twist.”

Emma said, “Wishful thinking.”

Quentin pointed at Emma. “Exactly.”

Magnus shrugged. “Well, there are some good things about modern thinking, ye canna forget tae do medieval plottin’ though—”

I said, “Man, I love your historical jokes, highlander.”

Fraoch grinned. “Ye hae tae make yer battle plans, but if ye can also think positively about the outcome—”

Lochinvar said, “Especially when there are women around, ye hae tae convince them twill be safe or else they will wail and moan about it.”

I said, “Lochie! That is outrageous!” I waggled my finger between me and Hayley. “We are going into battle first, there is no wailing!”

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