Page 126 of Once Upon A Haunted Castle
“That leaves the three of us,” Jamie said.
“No, the two of you,” Lisbeth replied. “I’m glad you’re here, Jamie. I thought they would never smile or laugh again. If you’ll forgive me, the stress of the last few days has taken its toll on me as well. I’ll see you before you leave.” She kissed her sister and left the hall.
“Do you have any idea why Darla wants you away from Glen Kirk?” Jamie asked.
Laura’s back stiffened. “I see that she wants me to visit Caerlaverock to help Cousin Herbert in her place. The bigger question is why are you against taking me? Because if you are, James Maxwell Collins, I’m sure Gareth or one of the men will gladly escort me.”
“Wait, Lass. I’ve not said I wouldn’t take you with me. I’m simply inquiring as to why Darla is so anxious to have you away.” His soft tone and softer eyes quieted her. Lisbeth’s words were right. She cringed at the idea of marrying Bryce. He wasn’t where her interests lie.
“Has Bryce said anything?” He moved forward in his chair. “Has he done anything to—” His fist pounded the table making her jump.
“No, never.” Her hand instinctively covered his fist to ease his concern. “He makes me uncomfortable. That’s all.”
She removed her hand once his fist relaxed. “You said the ghost appeared after Evan died three weeks ago. You don’t have much time.” She removed her hand, got up and sat by the dying fire. Jamie followed.
“What do you mean? Much time?” he asked as he stirred the embers to life.
Laura sat and watched muscles under his shirt as he stretched and maneuvered the heavy log. The glow of the fire reflected off the gold strands threaded through his dark ginger hair and gave a soft halo effect. A smirk touched her lips. Jamie was no saint and the gossip of his escapades was legendary with the girls and women in the village. She dreamt of him at one time, a young girl’s fascination.
He turned toward her.
“Laura, you didn’t answer the question. What do you mean not much time?” He sat next to her and handed her a glass of sweet wine. She took the glass and cleared her mind of childish thoughts and the local gossip. There was more to the man. His casual manner, confident moves and the sense of control he projected, but his dalliances stopped her cold. Still, he was a good friend she could trust.
“Ghosts appear for a reason, usually to complete some mission. They must finish their task within thirty days or suffer consequences.” She took a sip of her wine.
“What are Evan’s consequences?” His mocking tone irritated her.
“If Evan doesn’t complete his task within thirty days of his death, he will be doomed to haunt Caerlaverock Castle forever.”
“I’m well aware that Darla, Lisbeth and you believe you have a gift. Ghost? Trickery if you ask me. I’m not inclined to—”
“Believe, us. You don’t believe my mother is a great healer? You don’t believe that Lisbeth can see the future, and you don’t believe that I—”
“I meant no disrespect. Magic doesn’t make things happen. That’s a childish idea.” He sat at the edge of the chair. “I believe hard work and taking action bring results.” He paused staring at the floor with his hands clasped. “So did Richard. He had a hard time believing in your… magic.”
Childish, she screamed in her head. Why the… the big… She counted to ten then counted to ten again. From the set of his jaw to the steely look in his eyes, there wasn’t any way of making him change his mind. Who was being childish?
Her anger spent, she let out a heavy sigh. “The magic in our family, from the Maxwell side, follows the female line, not the male. And, if it’s any consolation, Mother doesn’t acknowledge Lisbeth’s gifts. Although she believes Lisbeth’s ability to heal others is greater than her own. I don’t want to argue. Instead, let’s talk about Evan and Angel.”
“Yes, Evan and Angel,” Jamie looked relieved. Of course, he’d do anything to change the topic.
“Something is not right about these two deaths,” Laura said. “Mother is certain Angel wasn’t prone to temper and Evan could not be a traitor to the family. You need to know the truth. If Mother is correct, there could be a murderer in the castle. The Maxwell and the rest of the clan could be in great danger. There are questions that need answers. Who found them? Where were they found? What time of day? Who saw them last? If they argued, who heard them?”
She watched his concentration, the wrinkle of his brow and wished she could read his mind. Finally, he gave her a hint of a smile.
“You make good sense. There is a lot that may have been overlooked. A closer inquiry to find the facts should be done. According to you, there’s only a week left to resolve poor Evan.” He rose to his feet. “We best leave at first light and travel light. No carriage.”
She stood and he gave her a sideways glance.
“That’s fine. I love to ride.” She groaned inside.
