Page 67 of The Highland Heist
Well, she certainly wasn’t going to kill her sister like Cain, but giving her a solid shake? That sounded like an excellent idea. Grace had never seriously entertained the notion of shaking her sister before, but it was oddly appealing now. The thought almost brought a smile to her face, which to her surprise, eased the tension building in her chest.
Of course logic returned just in time to remind her that she had far more pressing matters than shaking her sister like a marionette.
Just as Grace rounded the corner, she spotted Frederick and Zahra approaching. Frederick’s expression tightened the moment he saw her, a worried frown creasing his brow. Before she even reached them, he shook his head.
“She’s gone.”
Evidently, Frederick had also developed a form of clairvoyance where Lillias was concerned.
“They must have left in the night.” She gave him the letter.
He read it over, giving his head another slow shake.
A roll of thunder rumbled in the silence, and Grace’s body tensed. No! A storm at this moment? She couldn’t think clearly when thunder was involved. “How could she do this?” Grace’s voice squeaked as she tried to raise her volume over other incoming thunder. “We can’t keep her safe if she’s not with us.”
Frederick folded the letter, his expression hardening. “Because she knows we’ll follow her.” He held her gaze. “And wemustfollow her if you’re to claim the inheritance together.”
“Could she not have waited a few days?” Another rumble tumbled into the conversation.
“She’s desperate,” he said softly, his hand brushing Grace’s shoulder in a gesture of comfort. “And when people are desperate, they convince themselves they’re doing the right thing, even if it’s reckless and selfish.”
Grace stiffened as another growl of thunder rumbled overhead. She tried to distract herself with the mystery at hand. “And what of Mrs. Lindsay?”
“Awake.” Frederick glanced toward the kitchen. “The officer said she’s already named Mrs. James as the person speaking with Mr. Clark in the back garden. So now we know they’re connected.”
Grace edged a step closer to Frederick at the sound of the next thunderstrike.Christmas. Think of Christmas. It’s a beautiful, happy, joyful time with lights, greenery, presents, and mistletoe.
Her gaze slid to Frederick’s lips.Mistletoe was a very good thought.
“And—and has Mrs. James been kissed or, er, seen this morning?”
Frederick tilted his head, examining her. One eyebrow arched slowly. “No. When the officer went to check her room at six o’clock this morning, it was empty. The window was open.”
Waking up in Frederick’s arms. Now,thatwas a good thought. Nice and distracting. And in the past, when they’d been alone, Frederick’s excellent cuddling and kissing skills had served as the perfect storm distraction. But Grace glanced at Zahra.
No, that wouldn’t be the best option right now. They were solving a mystery. And they had a daughter to consider.
Grace forced a whimper under control. “Then she’s gone after Lillias.”
Was that her voice? So high pitched?
Frederick’s brow shot up.
Zahra looked between them, her gaze narrowing on Frederick. “Are we going after Mrs. Dixon, Sayid?”
Frederick glanced out the nearest window as the rain pelted the glass. “Of course we are. She’ll not get much done alone, and I’m afraid she’s not prepared for the people who may be pursuing her.”
The thunder crept in again, and Grace moved another step closer to Frederick. “Daisies are very beautiful.”
Frederick turned his attention back to her, his gaze searching her face.Where was his clairvoyance now? Had he used it all up on Lillias for the moment?
“And I love strawberries … and bunnies … and those Italian sunsets are nice too.”
His eyes widened as another rumble shook the house, sending Grace directly into his chest. His strong arms wrapped around her, and he lowered his chin to her head. She could have sworn she felt him smiling.
“Zahra, do you think you could go to your room and start packing?”
The little girl nodded and dashed down the hallway, leaving the adults in silence.
