“I have a few things I need you to pick up...” He tapped the pocket-sized spiral notebook beside him, but then shook his head. “You know, don’t worry about it, I got the weapons, the biodegradable diapers, the compost stuff — we can always return later. You know where the safe house is in Yulee?”
Lochinvar nodded. “And I ken where the keys are.”
James leaned forward. “You hear that, Ash? He’s talking about the keys to the truck. That’s my truck. Lochinvar doesn’t get to drive my truck, you drive, he’s not good enough at it.”
“I am, I can do it.”
Quentin said, “You don’t have to, let Ash drive, that’s an order. No one will be there to bail you out at the police station for driving without a license?—”
James said, “Or any skill,orenough practice.”
Lochinvar said, “Fine, I winna.”
“Good, because the only person who could get you out of trouble is Lady Mairead.”
Lochinvar shrugged. “Would like tae see the auld broad but I will let Ash drive if ye will stop houndin’ me on it. We will be back day after tomorrow and then we’ll all go tae Stirling tae meet Magnus taegether?”
James ran his hand through his hair. “Man, I am not ready to move Junior yet, he’s still just days old. But yeah, we’re going to sit tight until you’re back and then we’ll all go to Stirling.”
Quentin said, “Shit, just remembered I forgot some things.” He pulled a pen from his sporran, uncapped it in his teeth, opened the notebook, and began writing.
Beaty said, “Quennie, it canna hurt tae add more diapers.”
He nodded, “I have a lot andsomeof these babies can potty train.”
James said, “Dude, Junior is a few days old.”
Quentin said, “I gotchu man, writing it on the list.” He tore off the page and handed it to Lochinvar. “Don’t fret it if you can’t get to a store, but if you get a chance, it will save me a trip.”
Lochinvar read the list with his mouth moving. “What does this word — yer handwritin’ inna good.”
Quentin said, “Mac and cheese.”
Lochinvar nodded and tucked the list in his sporran.
I whispered, “Lochie, m’laird, I’m tired.” I yawned loudly. “If they don’t need you...”
He pushed out his chair and stood. “M’apologies, Mistress Ash is tired, I will accompany her tae her room.” He bowed and took my elbow to help me up.
I said, “Thank you for the lovely meal.”
Lizbeth said, “Ye are welcome, Mistress Ash.”
And Lochie led me from the Great Hall up to our room.
In our room, Lochie crouched in front of the hearth to stir the coals, draw up the fire, and make it warm again.
I said, “I’m nervous about the jump tomorrow.”
He stood up and brushed off his hands. “It helps tae remember that the bairns hae done it. Sophie has done it, Beaty has done it. The bairns hae a gold thread that keeps the pain away?—”
“They do?”
“Aye. But we canna hae it, there arna enough for all, and we must have them for the bairns — we dinna hae enough the last jump and Archie went without. Twas verra brave, we canna expect the bairns tae hae that much courage every time.”
“Wow, thatwasreally brave of him.”
“Aye, and if ye think how Archie’s so brave and so wee, it will helpyefind the courage tae do it.”
