Wild and Wicked by Lisa Jackson Read Free Book Online Page A

reproachful, his expression grim. “We will search again. Aye. But do you not think we should take after the thieves? There is little doubt that they have Yale and they have had hours to flee the castle and hide. We should waste no more time but try to track down the wretches. And the woman. She is surely a part of this deception.”
    Devlynn’s fingers slowly uncoiled. His lips flattened over his teeth. “Aye,” he agreed solemnly. “Dispense a dozen men to search the castle again and ready twenty to ride with me.”
    “Surely you should stay,” Collin suggested. “You are the lord and you are holding your guests here, some against their will. You needs speak with them. I will hunt down the bastards who did this and I’ll take the dogs, the best huntsmen and the strongest soldiers with me. Believe me, they will pay.”
    The thought of staying in the castle, pacing his chambers, waiting for news of his son, was too much to bear. He couldn’t remain here by the fire, listening to the complaints, his mind running in circles about Yale’s safety, and do nothing. “I will speak to my guests briefly. Afterwards each will talk with the sheriff. On the morrow they will be allowed to leave.”
    “They will be angry.”
    “Not near as angry as I.”
    “They may turn on you. Become enemies where once they were allies.”
    “I care not about their allegiance. Only about my son,” Devlynn growled.
    Collin looked perturbed. “Brother, please. ’Twould be best if you stay at the castle. You are the lord.”
    “Aye, and ’tis my son who is missing. I will go.” He pointed a long finger at his brother’s nose. “Call the sheriff.”
    “He’s on his way.”
    “Then you”—he pointed a commanding finger at the captain of the guard—“prepare the search party. We will need men, weapons, horses and provisions. I want the best to go with me.” Pacing angrily, he ordered, “Collin, you are to find the traitor. Someone within these walls allowed the enemy in. Find out who.”
    “The enemy was the woman,” Collin said as he glanced at the stained dress.
    Devlynn’s gut twisted. “But she was not alone. Someone within these walls betrayed us all. He allowed the woman in. He plotted my son’s disappearance, mayhap even gave him something to make him drowsy earlier. If so, he is someone I trust.” Devlynn’s eyes bored into his brother and in a low, determined voice he said, “Make no mistake, I will find the Judas and expose him. When I discover who he is, he will pay and pay with his life.”
    Collin’s smile was as cold as death. “And I will help you.”
    “Good. Everyone, I mean every man, woman and child within Black Thorn, is under suspicion.” A dozen faces flashed before his eyes. His guts twisted. What trusted servant had betrayed him and why? For gold? For vengeance? On the promise of a better freedom? Why?
    Or had it been a family member? His sister or brother?
    What of his guests? Neighboring lords who would gladly betray him for a chance to win Black Thorn?
    Or was it someone else? He considered Father Christmas and the mummers who had followed him inside. Masked. Costumed. Faces hidden. Strangers.
    “Except for the family,” Collin clarified.
    “Including the family,” Devlynn growled as he reached for his sword. “I trust no one.”
    As the words flew from his mouth, Miranda strode into the room. Her face was red with fury, her eyes sparking with anger. “This is an outrage!” Holding Bronwyn close to her breast, she impaled her brother in her furious green gaze. Music rose from the great hall again and conversation buzzed, but the revelry of a few hours before had diminished. Suspicious glances, indignant expressions and gossip replaced the merriment that had rung from the castle walls. “You cannot keep the Lord of Derwynn as a hostage. And what about Lady Camille of—”
    “They will stay until the morrow,” Devlynn insisted. “Most of the guests planned to stay the night, so it