Secrets Dispelled by Raven McAllan Read Free Book Online Page A

seems and I’ve no idea why. Shit, I’ve only been back here a week. That makes me think that whatever it is has been going on for ages and me around upsets their plans. And then I wonder just who might be in on their plans and who maybe set me up. And that makes me bloody angry. A toy sheep, for fuck’s sake. When they know, because I’m darned sure they do, I’d be out looking for sheep. Do you think if I’d’ve been alone, I’d have got another hit on the head? It sucks and boy, if I find out who I think it is, is behind all this, I’ll make him wish he’d never been born.” She wound down her tirade and huffed loudly. “Bastard.”
    “True, and you’ll have to stand in line. For the record, I think the toy was just to distract you. Hold on, I’m going to make some calls.”
    She stood and listened as he briefly explained the situation to what sounded like Jeff, Jess and someone he called Ailsa our friendly subbie copper. Then he put the phone away. “Jeff’s going to ring Lachy, and they’re off to rout your boss out of his lady friend.”
    Finn snorted at the description.
    “Then they’ll come here with the police. You’ll need to make a statement so I suggested we all meet in my place at Diomhair in an hour or so. Just time to feed the cat.”
    Damn, in all the excitement, she’d almost forgotten Depp again.

Chapter Six
     
     
     
    Her face was so expressive. Coll watched her fuss over a tiny tabby kitten, whisper silly endearments to it and pick it up to cuddle. The purr was louder than an alarm clock. Finn buried her face in its fur. The kitten looked at Coll in such a way it seemed to say, ‘yeah, I know, but hey, she loves me’. Eventually Finn lifted her head, looked at her watch, the cat and finally Coll.
    “How long are we likely to be? At yours.”
    The kitten blinked, stared at Coll and yawned. Coll smiled and stroked its ears. “Does that mean you want to bring him?”
    Finn grinned, and her eyes sparkled with impish glee. “He’d be all alone and he’s only a baby. His mama’s gone, his siblings are gone, poor all alone puss. He needs his human around.” She put one hand to her forehead. “Is that dramatic enough to sway you?”
    Coll chuckled. “Well, why not, I did say we’d come and collect him.”
    “Oh yeah. Damn, my Scarlett O’Hara act was all in vain, eh?”
    “Not at all. You’ll be changing your profession next. This week Diomhair Castle estate, the following The Old Vic.”
    “Nah, I hate being indoors. The estate is safe.” She sobered suddenly. “Well, I hope so. Shoot, Coll, what the hell is going on?”
    “That’s what we’re going to find out. Right, you grab what the cat needs and we’ll take him with us. Maybe bring a change of clothes for yourself. I’ve a feeling no one will think it’s a good idea for you to be here by yourself and I’ve got a spare room.”
    “Congratulations. So have I.”
    “Sarcasm doesn’t become you, kitten.”
    “Seriously, Coll. I don’t really mean to be sarcastic, but having to let someone else take charge of your life isn’t easy. If I need a bodyguard, other than Depp, I’ll make up the bed, I promise.”
    “Good, it’s booked by me then. You know, it’s no sign of weakness to accept help when it’s needed. I’ll be here for you.” No way was he prepared to let anyone else take that role. Coll didn’t stop to analyze his reactions. Gut feeling worked for him every time, and that told him whatever happened Finn was his. “I don’t think Depp will be as effective. He might purr loudly, I can growl. He’ll spit and claw, I’ll do more.”
    She opened her mouth and he held his hand up in the universal ‘hold on’ gesture. To his amazement she did.
    “But not tonight,” Coll said. “Because not only is it late, it’s odds on Jeff brings wine and it’ll be a brainstorming session. Goodness knows how long it’ll take. So I’ll ask you to stop with me, then once your bit is over, okay, if