Read Online A Highland Knight to Remember (Highland Dynasty Book 3) by Amy Jarecki - Free Book Online

things hadn’t sat well with Sean since he started diving into the estate’s affairs. And all had not been smooth whilst his father lived either. Small coin and livestock disappeared from the ledgers with a stroke of a pen. With each little adjustment Sean uncovered, his suspicion grew. That he had a traitor in his midst was certain. Who…was yet to be discovered.
    “A rider approaches from the south,” bellowed a sentry at the rear of the retinue.
    Sean held up his hand and slowed his horse. Circling around, Fraser galloped toward them. Of all the MacDougall clansmen, Sean trusted him the most. They had been boyhood friends and Fraser often rode with him when carrying out Highland Enforcer tasks for the Lord of Glenorchy and the king.
    “Another five head missing by the southern border.”
    Sean gaped. “Any sign of the thieves?”
    “No, m’laird.”
    “That makes no sense at all—if the outlaws are holing up in Fearnoch Forest to the west, how are they slipping unseen to the south…and where are they driving my cattle?”
    Angus rode in beside him and pulled up. “The two crimes could be unrelated.”
    Fraser’s horse snorted and stomped its right front. “I reckon someone’s testing your verve—trying to see what they can take from the new chieftain afore they get caught.”
    “They’ll be caught and the risk is nay worth the gain.” Sean looked up and watched a hawk circle overhead. “I’ve plenty of enemies, but only one comes to mind who’d go to so much trouble.” He eyed Angus.
    The older man’s shoulder ticked up. “I do not think Alan MacCoul would stoop so low, besides, he sailed off in his sea galley a fortnight ago.”
    Sean smirked. “I could never trust that bastard.” He raised his voice and eyed all his men. “Where did MacCoul sail after he left Dunollie lands?”
    No one said a word. He dug in his heels and walked his horse along the line of men. “We’ll rid the wood of outlaws, but moreover, I want a scout on MacCoul’s trail.” He spun his horse and started back the other way. Right now there weren’t many men he could trust—or who had the necessary skills to follow a cold trail. “Hell, I’ll find him myself. I’m the best damn tracker in the Highlands.”
    “That you are,” Fraser said.
    “Do you think it wise to leave your lands so soon after you’ve taken up your father’s mantle?” Angus asked. “There are a great many affairs needing your attention.”
    Sean had always trusted his father’s henchman, but presently he questioned the man’s loyalty.
    “MacDougall!” A rider galloped from the direction of Dunollie. “I’ve a missive from the Lord of Lorn.”
    Sean threw up his hands. “Does everyone ken our whereabouts?”
    “I didn’t think it was a secret,” Angus said.
    Sean pointed at the laggard’s sternum. “We need a sober discussion, you and I.” He beckoned the messenger. “Come.”
    Sean took the missive and ran his finger under his uncle’s red-wax seal and read.
    “What is it?” Angus asked.
    “My uncle…ah…has requested a meeting.” He wasn’t about to say where or when—not to Angus and most definitely not in front of all his men when there could be a backstabber about. He needed to learn whom he could trust and whom he couldn’t and fast. Unfortunately, his uncle’s summons changed Sean’s plans.
    He stuffed the missive in his doublet. “Angus, take the men and drive out any outlaws in the wood. Fraser, find out where MacCoul sailed after he left the clan. Better yet, find out where he’s holing up and report back. I want to see you at Dunollie within a fortnight.” He grasped his friend’s shoulder and squeezed. “Do not fail me.”
    “On my way, m’laird.”
    ***
    “Trevor’s galley approaches, sir,” Brus hollered from the cave entrance.
    With two more rutting thrusts, Alan ground his teeth with a grunt and finished swiving the whore he had shoved up against the cave’s wall. Pulling up his trews, he