Page 64 of A Thistle Beyond Time
They followed the path that would lead them to Breaghacraig without incident. Cormac could tell that Jenna was relaxing as she allowed herself to sink back into his chest and the closeness of his body.
“Jenna, something strange has happened.” Cormac wasn’t sure how to bring this subject up, but it was time she knew what he’d discovered yesterday. “When I left you to check on the voices I heard, I came upon Jonathan and the waitress, Sophia.”
Jenna twisted in the saddle to look at him in disbelief. “You’re kidding right?”
“Nae. I’m afraid not. I heard them talking to Sir Richard. They had been following us back in San Francisco and somehow got pulled into the fog and transported here.”
“But why didn’t we see them then?”
“I’m not sure. I imagine they didn’t arrive at the same time we did, but shortly after. That would also explain how Sir Richard managed to get across the bridge and back to this time. They must have arrived at exactly the same moment. Richard most likely rode right past without seeing them.”
“Then how is it that you saw him talking to them?”
“He surely doubled back for some reason, mayhap to follow us, and came across them in the clearing. Jenna, Richard asked Jonathan to work with him. Jonathan wants you to return to San Francisco – he said something about money and Richard would be more than happy to have help destroying the MacKenzie’s.”
“But I have a restraining order against Jonathan.”
“Your restraining order is of no use here,” Cormac explained grimly. “We must get back to Breaghacraig. Ye will be safe there.”
Chapter 21
Jenna pondered what Cormac had just told her. What was Jonathan up to? He knew he was not supposed to go anywhere near her, or contact her in any way. She had a momentary thought that perhaps he might intend to hurt her. His relentless efforts to get more money out of her or the family were wearing. He should know by now that he wasn’t going to get any more. It was bad enough she had to worry about him in San Francisco, but now, here in sixteenth century Scotland he had apparently found two allies to help him. But help him to do what? That was the question. An involuntary shudder ran through her limbs.
“Jenna, are ye warm enough?” Cormac asked, concern written all over his handsome face.
“Yes. I’m fine, Cormac,” she lied. “I was just wondering why Jonathan thinks he can get more money out of me. The annulment was final and we’re not married anymore. I don’t owe him a thing.”
“I dinna ken what his plans are, but I fear he may wish you harm.”
Jenna didn’t respond. Cormac had just voiced her own deepest fear. She had never said a word to anyone, not even Dylan, but she was secretly worried that Jonathan’s motives could only be dangerous for her. She needed to get back to San Francisco and hire someone to keep an eye on him. She mentally shook her head. What was she thinking? If she went back home and Jonathan was stuck here, she might not need to deal with him again. She did feel badly for the waitress. Surely, Sophia could have no idea what she had gotten herself into. Jonathan was very convincing and had probably charmed her into helping him by lying.
“Cormac, do you think we should try to help Sophia?” Jenna asked.
“I was wondering the same thing,” Cormac said. “She doesnae seem to be the kind of woman who would willingly do Jonathan’s bidding.”
“I’m sure he lied to her, or she wouldn’t have gone along with him,” Jenna said.
“Dinnae fash, lass. When we get to my home, I’ll speak with Robert and Cailin. We’ll find a way to help her.”
Jenna didn’t really like the idea of Cormac being anywhere near Sophia. She knew the waitress had wanted him and the thought made Jenna jealous. Although why she was jealous was beyond her – she’d made up her mind she wasn’t interested in staying here in this god-forsaken place. She needed to go home and Cormac needed to stay here. She really shouldn’t concern herself with jealousy. It would do nothing to help her return home. If Sophia wanted to stay here, she had every right to go after Cormac, if she wanted. Jenna’s back stiffened and anger rose in her chest again. “How much longer is this going to take?” she asked testily.
“We’re almost there, lass. Relax. All is well.” Cormac sounded maddeningly calm.
“What does ‘almost there’ mean in sixteenth century time? An hour? Two?” Jenna much preferred being able to put things in perspective and thought for some reason that being angry at Cormac right now would assist in that regard.
“Jenna, are ye angry with me, lass?” Cormac sounded puzzled by her sudden change in demeanor.
“What do you think? I’m on a horse, which I told you I didn’t want to do. I’m in the sixteenth century, which I also told you I didn’t want to do – and now, I find out that your little friend, Sophia, is in league with my ex and some crazy English guy and they have it in for me. Yeah. I’m pissed.”
“Jenna, I really dinnae believe that Sophia had any idea what Jonathan was really up to. She seemed surprised by what he was saying to Richard.”
“Fine. Whatever. I can’t wait to get off this horse and find out when I can go home.”
“Soon enough, Jenna. Soon enough.” Cormac didn’t seem bothered by her behavior and she irrationally worried that he wanted to be rid of her, as much as she wanted to leave.
They continued their ride through the Scottish countryside. Jenna had to admit it was beautiful. Mist hung low to the ground and moss grew everywhere, making everything around them the most beautiful shade of green. Raindrops started pattering on them and Jenna was just about to complain again, when they came to a slight rise and before them, a beautiful castle appeared.
“That is Breaghacraig, Jenna.” Cormac pointed unnecessarily towards the castle, which appeared to be the only thing for miles around along with a few small cottages.
