Ransom by Julie Garwood Page B

longer serves any purpose.”
    â€œExactly,” Hugh agreed. “So you see, beating him will not concern the Highlander at all.”
    â€œWhat did the baron get out of this bargain?”
    â€œThe Highlander gave him gold and something more,” he said. “I will leave that for Alford to explain. If he wants you to know, he’ll tell you.”
    Edwin was incensed to be left out. He shoved his elbow hard into Alford’s side. The baron jerked upright and muttered a blasphemy.
    Edwin then demanded to know the particulars of the bargain. Alford took a drink before answering.
    â€œThe traitor gave me information more important than gold.”
    â€œWhat could be more important?” Edwin asked.
    Alford smiled. “I told you he gave me the name of the clan Christen hides in, and when he has gotten what he wants, he vows to tell me the name she uses now. So you see, if Gillian should fail me, the Highlander will come to my aid.”
    â€œWhy won’t he tell you now? It would make it so much easier if you knew . . .”
    â€œHe doesn’t trust our baron,” Hugh chuckled. “This Ramsey must die first. Then he swears he’ll give us her name.”
    Gillian couldn’t believe the three of them were talking so freely in front of her. They were all too drunk to be cautious, and she doubted that any of them would remember a word he said come tomorrow morning.
    Edwin and Hugh seemed to think Alford was going to be given a reward by the king, and they were now discussing what he would do with it. She was blessedly thankful for their inattention, for when she had heard that the Highlander would soon arrive at Dunhanshire, she felt as though the floor had just dropped away. Inwardly reeling, her stomach lurched with her panic and she swayed on her feet. Fortunately, Alford appeared oblivious to her distress.
    She knew why the traitor was coming, of course. He was going to tell Alford that the wrong boy had been taken, and God help Alec then. Time was about to run out.
    Alford yawned loudly and squinted at her. “Ah, Gillian, I forgot you were standing there. Now what were we discussing? Oh, yes,” he said as he turned to Hugh. “Since Gillian has so graciously offered to take the boy’s beatingfor him, you may accommodate her. Don’t touch her face,” he warned. “I’ve learned from experience that the bones in the face take much longer to heal, and I do so want to send her on my errand as soon as possible.”
    â€œAnd the boy?” Hugh asked.
    Alford sneered at Gillian when he answered. “I want him beaten too.”
    She pushed Alec behind her. “You’ll have to kill me first, Alford. I’m not going to let you touch him.”
    â€œBut I don’t want to kill you, Gillian. I want you to bring your sister to me.”
    The mockery in his voice was deliberate, for he wanted her to know he was laughing at her pitiful attempts to protect the child. Did she really believe her wants mattered to him? And how dare she give him orders, telling him what he could and could not do. He would get his way, of course, but also teach her a valuable lesson at the same time. She would learn once and for all how insignificant she was.
    â€œI swear to you, if you harm the boy, I won’t bring Christen to you.”
    â€œYes, yes, I know.” Alford sounded bored. “You’ve already made that empty threat.”
    Hugh pushed his chair back and struggled to stand. Gillian frantically tried to think of something she could do or say that would stop the atrocity.
    â€œYou don’t really want Christen back, do you?”
    Alford tilted his head toward Gillian. “Of course I want her back. I have grand plans for her.”
    Deliberately trying to incite his wrath to take his attention away from the child, she laughed. “Oh, I know all about your grand plans. You want King John’s precious box, and you