Page 25 of His to Keep
“He trusted the sons to look after their sisters?” I’m amazed he didn’t leave anything specifically to Eilidh. Although my father trusted Antonio to take care of the rest of the family, he left us each a personal bequest. Even Olivia received a small fortune.
“We were close,” Eilidh says. “Jamie and Alexander would have given us a fair share.”
“I’m sure they would,” Tristan says, “but the Alexander issue remains.”
“What issue?” I ask.
“My brother is missing, not dead,” Eilidh replies. “So, I can’t access anything until seven years have passed and I can declare him…” Her breath catches at the back of her throat. “Dead.”
“Exactly.” Tristan smiles kindly. “But Niamh has been putting aside a cut of what she earns from your family’s other business interests.”
“Why would she do that if everyone believed we were all dead?”
“Well.” Tristan adjusts the cuffs of his shirt. “She probably wanted to be sure you really were gone since you and Alexander were unaccounted for.”
“I suppose.” Eilidh doesn’t sound convinced by that reason, but she doesn’t challenge Tristan on it.
“I’m sure Niamh will be generous if you need money.” The other man looks at me. “I don’t think that will be a problem, though.”
“It won’t be. My wife will want for nothing.” I ignore Eilidh’s glower. “But, of course, when the time comes, if she decides she wants some small part in her family business, I expect cooperation.”
Tristan inclines his head. “That won’t be up to me, but I’m sure Eilidh won’t have any trouble getting what she wants.”
When we pull up at heavily guarded gates at the airbase, Tristan’s driver deals with the security procedures. Judging by the friendly way the soldier on duty greets him, I’d say he’s well known around here.
“Jacob’s ex-RAF,” Tristan explains. “He’s well known in military circles.”
“And now he drives for you,” Eilidh says.
“Not usually. He volunteered today since your presence on the flight has to be handled with efficiency and discretion. He mainly advises Alasdair on foreign affairs.”
“Useful guy to have around.” I glance out of the window as we pass through the gates.
“You have no idea how true that is,” Tristan says.
We drive out onto the airfield and draw to a stop next to a large military aircraft. Tristan shakes my hand and hugs Eilidh goodbye as we’re met by a young red-haired woman in the smart uniform of the Royal Air Force.
“My name is Theresa. Please follow me, Mr. and Mrs. Smith.”
Eilidh sniggers and leans close to whisper to me, “Someone really stretched their imagination to come up with those fake names.”
We follow Theresa up the steps, and she shows us to a small cabin at the front of the plane, which has only eight seats. I guess the soldiers we’re hitching a ride with will be sitting in the back of the aircraft.
“May I get you anything?” Theresa asks as Eilidh and I sit in the front seats to the right of the aisle.
“Just some water,” I answer for both of us as we fasten our seatbelts.
“Certainly.” Theresa goes to the rear of the cabin and returns a few moments later with two bottles of water. “We’re scheduled for takeoff in five minutes, so I’ll leave you to settle in. If you need anything once we’re airborne, just press the call button above your head.”
“Thank you, Theresa.” I stretch my legs out. This may not be a typical passenger plane, but the seats are comfortable and there’s plenty of legroom.
“Do you feel like Tristan was being evasive?” Eilidh asks out of the blue.
“About what?”
She shrugs. “My family business. Niamh putting money aside.” Her forehead creases into a frown. “I have no idea why, but I feel like people know something I don’t.”
“Like what?”
