Page 84 of Cottage in the Mist
“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.”
27
“Is he all right?” Bram asked as he followed Lily back 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.”
