Page 3 of The Devil in Plaid
Donald’s eyes bulged. He gripped the bone handle sticking out of his chest with both hands and fell back in his chair.
“Father,” Adam cried, coming to his feet. He raced at Ranulf, but all he had in his hand was his quill. Ranulf drew the dirk from his boot and thrust it into his nephew’s gut. Adam sputtered and gasped. Ranulf shoved him back. Adam fell. Blood puddled on the floor, seeping, spreading. His legs shook. He cried out, then grew still. Ranulf stood over him and watched a crimson streak of blood trickle down his golden beard.
Ranulf whirled around and smiled at Fergus before shoving the dead laird from his chair. Donald’s body thudded onto the floor. Seizing his brother’s buttered bread, Ranulf took a hearty bite. “Yer da is now laird,” he crowed, raising the dead man’s full tankard. “Long live Laird Ranulf.”
He waited for his son to echo his toast, but Fergus stood motionless, his face drawn and ghostly white.
Ranulf scowled. “Don’t just stand there looking daft, ye bastard. Go inform Kenric ‘tis time to secure the keep. If anyone resists, kill them. Then open the gates and let the rest of my men inside.”
Still, Fergus did not speak. His gaze darted between the two bodies.
Ranulf slammed his fist down. “Why are ye still here? Did ye not hear my orders?”
Fergus jerked around and dipped his head respectfully. “Forgive me, Father. I will go now.”
“No, wait!”
His son turned back around. “Aye, Father.”
“Do ye know whose face I cannot rid from my thoughts?”
Fergus shook his head. “I do not ken, father.”
“The lady we passed on the road. I’ve never seen hair so black or lips so in need of my kiss. I wonder what her name is.” He looked to where his brother lay lifeless on the ground. “If Donald were not dead, I would ask him.” He chuckled at his own jest. Then he set his tankard on the table and stood up. “Fergus, I just had a marvelous idea.”
“Aye, Father.”
“When the keep is secured, go to Castle Creagan and keep an eye on yer cousin’s bride.” He gestured to Adam’s lifeless body. “He certainly doesn’t need her now.” Then a smile stretched his face wide. “But I might.”
