“He is being watched, for I have yet to fully trust his word,” Torin said. “But you will not approach Walsh alone on that I will have your word, wife.”
“I promise,” she said to his relief. “I am perplexed as to what we should do next. We must discover who is behind this but how do we do that when isolated here on the isle? And it would make no sense for me to travel back home to see what someone might know there, for I doubt I would survive the journey.”
“You are not going anyplace. Your home is here now, and it is where you will stay,” he commanded with authority, a fear rushing through him of what could happen to her if she took such a chance.
“I am wise enough to know that would be a foolish thing to do,” Flora said, then grew quiet, though not for long. “There might be another way.”
Torin eyed her skeptically when she turned an overly sweet smile on him, and he did not think he was going to like what she was about to suggest.
“If we could capture one of the mercenaries and have him tell us where his leader is camped, you could send a troop to capture him, and he could tell us who he is to contact when ready to claim the bounty.”
He released her hand and stepped closer to her, their bodies almost touching.
Flora fought to retain her sweet smile when she would rather melt against her husband and have his arms wrap snugly around her. It amazed her how intimate thoughts constantly invaded her mind. She often shook her head in futile attempts to be rid of them, nonsensical as it was, but nothing seemed sensible since she discovered the pure joy of making love with her husband.
She almost shook her head again, realizing she had allowed thoughts of being in her husband’s arms to distract her from an important matter.
“First of all, wife, never will I allow you to be purposely placed in harm’s way. Secondly, mercenaries are a vicious lot not to be taken lightly in battle, and lastly, it would take torture to get a mercenary leader to reveal any information.”
“What if we bargained with him, made some sort of a deal from which he would benefit?”
“You never ever trust a mercenary. His word means nothing,” Torin advised.
“I must disagree with you on that,” Flora said. “I met a man who was once a mercenary and I trust him explicitly.”
“Who is that?”
“Lord Cree of Clan Carrick.”
Torin smiled and shook his head. “He is the exception… an honorable man and warrior who is respected and feared and for a good reason. His skill as a warrior is renowned as is his fearlessness in battle. There are not many who would not fight by his side and there are many who would not dare fight against him.”
“I still believe it is worth a try, otherwise what is left to us?” Flora argued. “How long must we continue to live in fear of what may happen to me? We must do something, or are we to live fearful forever?”
“That will not happen,” Torin commanded.
“And how will you prevent it?” she asked.
Torin grinned and kissed her. “What you suggested spawned an idea in me that might work. It will also help us discover if Walsh is friend or foe.”
Flora hugged her husband tight before saying, “See what debating matters can do… birth new thoughts, options, solutions. I am thrilled that you discuss matters with me. You truly are a good husband. Now tell me your idea.”
* * *
“You wished to see me,my lord,” Walsh said with a bob of his head, then turned to Flora. “My lady.”
“Aye,” Torin said, and before he could say another word his wife chimed in.
“We have devised a plan to discover who is behind this bounty on my head and we need your help.” Flora gave no one a chance to speak. She went right on talking. “We have learned that only the mercenary leaders were told the identity of the person they were to get in touch with when they had accomplished the mission. We believe that attempts on my life have waned because of your presence here that other mercenaries believe you are here to see the mission done and claim the bounty.”
Walsh quickly interrupted her. “I have no such information and my troop is not with me as I told you I left to find you after speaking with the king.”
“Maybe so,” Flora said. “But you would not travel alone. They wait for you, whether close or at a distance, and they know you are here, and no doubt wait for your orders.”
“And you no doubt wish to find out if I can be trusted,” Walsh said annoyed.
“Aye, it is only logical that we do. Though, I must admit I tend to trust you when I probably should be more cautious. My husband, however, is the wiser one in this situation.”
Torin could not stop from smiling. She praised him yet in a logical sort of way. Nonetheless, it pleased him.