He extracted the chest from Fraoch’s hand.
Fraoch ran a hand through his hair. “Ye are writing a story about Mag Mòr? I hae some missin’ details, I could tell ye, I ken a great deal about him…”
“What sources are you using?”
“Primary writing, passed down, directly through the family.”
Joe Munro placed the chest beside him on the desk and tapped his fingers on it.
I was trying to think if I could somehow grab it and run.
The dog was sitting beside Fraoch looking up at him adorably, wanting to be petted. “Hae ye heard about the battles he fought? I could fill in the gaps in yer knowledge…”
“Look, how about we set up an appointment? Finch will be back in…” He called from the room. “Lydia!”
She stuck her head in the room.
“When will Finch be back? I forgot to ask.”
“He’s back in three weeks, officially.” She tapped on his calendar where it said, ‘Finch and Karrie get back.’
“Good, we won’t have to wait long, we’ll plan a meeting next month.”
Lady Mairead stood. “Of course, you must honor your son-in-law’s wishes.” She smoothed down her skirt.
“I really appreciate that you understand the situation, it’s not mine—”
Fraoch and I stood. Lady Mairead said, “Thank ye for your time.”
We left the room, climbed the stairs to the front yard where General Hammond was waiting by the Jeep.
He asked, “Mairead, what did you find out?” as we climbed in.
Lady Mairead said, “He has the Bridge we are looking for, Fraoch is capable of opening it, but Joe Munro, the historian who believes the Earl is a worthy subject, winna give it tae us. Madame Hayley and Master Fraoch will be returning tonight tae abscond with it.”
I looked at her in the rearview, my jaw dropped. “You’re kidding?”
“Nae, I never kid. Magnus and Kaitlyn’s lives depend on the Bridge. Are ye willing tae wait for three weeks for an appointment tae beg for it, or will ye take it? The silly man daena even ken what tis!”
I said, “I guess I’m willing to get the chest.”
Lady Mairead said, “Fraoch, ye ken how tae get in?”
“Aye, I will pry the window, twill be easy.”
“Good, we are decided.”
We began the drive back tae the lake house barely speaking, until Lady Mairead said, “Hammond, we need a peerage title for myself and Magnus, he ought tae be a duke or something. Twill need tae be back-dated, as I assure ye, Joe Munro is researching our lineage.”
Hammond replied, “It is already done.” He added, “That’s a time travel joke.”
Lady Mairead said, “Nae one thought twas funny.”
Fraoch said, “I thought twas hilarious.”
Finally Fraoch asked, “Lady Mairead, why do ye think Donnan dinna pass down anythin’ tae me?”
Lady Mairead was quiet for a moment, then she said, “Donnan had an evil nature, Fraoch, he enjoyed pitting one son against another. How he decided who tae support and who tae put down I canna understand. Instead he played games with his son’s lives. I believe twas all about power. Why dinna he give all his support tae Magnus and end it there?”
