Fraser 02 - Highland Quest by B. J. Scott Read Free Book Online Page A

just arrived and knows nothing about the man you seek. She—”
    The warrior to Donald’s left delivered a punishing blow to Donald’s stomach, silencing his slurred words.
    “Who are you? Why do you hold my uncle in chains?” Fallon raised her chin and glared at the MacDougall leader. She already knew the answer, but had caught her uncle’s discerning stare and the quick shake of his head before he doubled over in pain.
    “My name is Dungal MacDougall.” He widened his stance and crossed his arms over his muscular chest, an act that made him look even more imposing. He took a menacing step forward and studied Fallon like he was judging a prize horse at an auction. “Mayhap the old man is telling the truth. I would have remembered one so fair.” He stroked her cheek then lifted a lock of her hair.
    To keep from reacting to his vile touch, Fallon stared straight ahead and clenched her fists in her skirt. She wanted to swat his paw away, to tell him how disgusting she found his uninvited advances, but feared the repercussions would fall squarely on Donald’s shoulders.
    Dungal’s lips curled in an evil grin. “You are a coy little minx, but I tire of this game. The man I seek is an enemy of the English crown. He is a fugitive from justice. We have reason to believe your uncle offered him refuge—a treasonable offence. Tell me where Bryce Fraser is or your uncle will suffer for your insolence.”
    “She knows nothing,” Donald sputtered.
    “My uncle speaks the truth. You are welcome to search the croft and the grounds if you wish, but you’ll find no one.” She stepped aside, giving him access.
    Dungal inclined his head in the direction of the hut. “Take a look.” On his orders, two of his clansmen moved forward to check it out.
    The minutes seemed like hours until the men returned. “There is no one inside, but it has been over a sennight since the battle. He could have come and gone.”
    “Fraser was badly injured when I left him to die on the beach. I should have beheaded him and made sure he dinna live. The next time we meet, he willna be so lucky.” Dungal returned his attention to Fallon and moved to within inches of where she stood. “I will ask you again. Did you and your uncle tend to Bryce Fraser’s wounds and help him to escape?”
    Dungal dragged his calloused finger along her chin, down her neck, and across her shoulder, before grabbing her upper arm with a crushing force. “Tell me where I can find Fraser and I may show mercy. Lie to me, and you will join your uncle on the gallows. It would be a shame to see such a pretty neck stretched and snapped by the hangman’s noose.”
    Fallon nibbled on her lower lip. She had no idea what to do. Telling Dungal what he wanted to hear might save her uncle’s life, or mayhap could buy him more time. However, there were no guarantees when dealing with the Devil. How could she betray Bryce?
    She swallowed the bile rising in her throat. Her eyes remained focused on her uncle. “I dinna know the man you are looking for. I was summoned to care for my sick aunt. But I arrived too late. She died of the pox shortly after I got here.” She bowed her head and crossed herself.
    After a few minutes of silent deliberation, Dungal faced his men. “Take the old man to the village, where he will be tried and punished for treason.”
    “Nay!” Fallon lunged forward and clutched Dungal’s forearm. “You canna arrest and execute an innocent man.”
    Dungal tossed his head back, a cruel laugh resonating from his chest. But just as quickly, his cynical smirk changed to a threatening scowl. “On King Edward’s orders, I can and will do as I see fit. I have every reason to believe he aided a fugitive wanted for murder, concealed his whereabouts, and allowed him to escape. For those crimes, he will pay. As for you . . .” He paused, then wrenched his arm free of Fallon’s grasp. “I have yet to decide your fate.” He stomped toward his men. “Let’s