Page 16 of The Highlander's Christmas Bride

“That’s the plan. Reload your pistol, lad. Take some ammunition from my kit if you don’t have any.”

“Aye, Mr. Kendrick.”

When Logan headed toward the front of the carriage to speak to Foster, he caught Donella staring at him with her mouth slightly ajar.

“Yes, Miss Haddon?”

She pointed to the unconscious man crumpled against the bridge. “I’m just wondering why you didn’t toss him over, too.”

He shrugged. “Och, that would just be showing off.”

“Mr. Kendrick, I’m not sure all this mayhem was truly necessary, under the circumstances.”

“Under the circumstances?” he echoed with disbelief. “It was truly necessary to save your pretty little arse, Miss Haddon.”

“Sir, that language is entirely—”

“What aren’t you telling me?” he interrupted.

For several moments, only silence greeted him.

“I have no more insight into this matter than you do,” she finally said.

“Then I suppose we’ll have to roust the local magistrate in Perth, or find the constable—”

“No!”

Logan frowned at her panicked tone. “Again, what aren’t you telling me?”

“Nothing. But my uncle Riddick wouldn’t like us to make a public fuss over this.”

“He’ll not like anyone trying to kidnap his niece, either.”

“There is clearly more here than meets the eye,” Donella said firmly. “I insist that you let my uncle handle this. Besides, you’ve tossed half these men into the river, and with the exception of that unconscious person, everyone else has fled.”

“Happens she’s right, sir,” said Foster from the coachman’s seat. “I canna see them ahead at all.”

“But they’ll likely return for their friends,” Donella said. “We should go.”

Logan debated with himself. He loathed mysteries, and there was definitely a mystery here. The lass was the key, but she wasn’t sharing.

“This is quite probably a clan issue, which means my uncle will wish to maintain control over the situation,” the girl added. “Not turn it over to a magistrate.”

He mentally grimaced. Although a good man, the earl was notoriously traditional and high-handed. And given the delicate state of Logan’s business negotiations with the old fellow, he couldn’t afford to offend him or his favored niece.

Davey turned and peered down the road. “I hear somethin’, sir. Several horses, maybe.”

Logan heard it too, and that tipped the scales.

“I’m going to ride up with Foster,” he said to Donella. “Pull the shade down and bloody well keep out of sight.”

“Yes, sir,” she said in a sarcastic tone.

“And don’t think this is the end of it, lass. Wewillbe having a discussion once I get you to safety.”

“I assure you, there is nothing to discuss.” She slammed the window glass shut and pulled the shade closed.

Chapter Five

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