Jack: A Scottish Outlaw (Highland Outlaws Book 1) (9 page)

Isabella stood in front of the door to the great hall with Jack at her side.

“Are ye certain this is what ye want to do?” he asked.

She nodded, not trusting herself to speak. As much as she longed just to run away in the night, away from Berwick, away from her duty to Hugh and from her father’s pain, her conscience bade her stay to say goodbye.

“Wait,” she said when Jack reached for the handle. She gathered her hair and knotted it at the nape of her neck. Then she squared her shoulders and drew a deep breath. “I am ready now.”

Jack swung the door wide. She stepped through. The high dais was empty. She knew her father had retired to the solar for the night. A pang stabbed at her heart as she pictured him there, alone with his misery. She shook her head, forcing her mind to stay focused. First, she had to deal with Hugh who was sitting with Quinn and the other monks at one of the long tables. A sad smile tugged at her lips as she watched him throw his head back, his easy laughter ringing out at something the abbot had said. She would always love Hugh. He was her dearest friend, a brother to her soul, but she was never meant to be his wife.

Her stomach twisted as she set off across the room. He looked up when she approached the table. Concern instantly furrowed his brow. He rose. “Bella, what has happened to you?” His fingertips reached out, tucking a wayward lock of her hair behind her ear.

She ignored his question, not wishing to explain that her wimple was in tatters on the stable floor. “May we speak?” she said, her voice low. “In private.”

The concern she had glimpsed in his eyes changed to wariness. His shoulders stiffened. Nodding, he gestured for her to go in front of him. 

Jack watched as Bella turned stiffly on her heel. Hugh shot him a suspicious look before he followed after her. Together, they disappeared behind the screen at the rear of the high dais.

Abbot Matthew cleared his throat, drawing Jack’s gaze.

“Don’t look at me like that,” Jack said as he turned away from the abbot’s stern eyes.

“Ready yer swords,” the older man said dryly. “Ye’re a fool if ye think he’ll give her up without a fight.”

“I should have stolen her when I had the chance,” Jack muttered, his eyes trained on the screen, but Bella had assured him that neither her father nor Hugh would force her to stay. “Remember who my mother was,” she had said. At the time, he had bit his tongue, feeling he should not point out that although her mother had been a commoner, she was also the daughter of a wealthy merchant; whereas, he was a penniless thief.

After some time, a door slammed. Jack rose when he heard the stomp of footsteps approach.

He glanced at Quinn. “Do not interfere.” Then he planted his feet wide, keeping his arms lax at his sides. He was the larger man by far. Still, he had resolved not to fight back against Hugh unless he threatened his very life. Hugh barreled around the screen and headed toward him with fists clenched, his veins straining against his neck. Jack stiffened, readying his body to absorb the fullness of Hugh’s fury. Only steps away now, Hugh pulled back his fist, his nostrils flared. Jack closed his eyes the instant before Hugh’s knuckles plowed into his jaw. Pain shot through his skull. He fell back, landing hard on the ground. Heavy footfalls retreated through the hall, the noise pounding Jack’s head.

“Ye deserved that. Didn’t ye?”

Jack lifted his eyelids just enough to see Quinn standing above him.

“Aye, that I did,” he said, reaching out his hand. “Where did he go?”

Quinn pulled him to his feet. “Back the way he came. I presume to try to convince Bella to forget your common, thievin’, Scottish hide.”

Jack shook his head. Then winced, regretting the action.

“Now what do we do?” Quinn asked.

“I do not ken,” Jack snapped. “‘Tis not every day I steal a lady from her betrothed.” He found a seat on one of the benches. “I suppose we wait for Bella now.”

After what felt like an age to Jack’s throbbing head, though it had really been just a matter of minutes, Bella came out from behind the screen with her father and Hugh in tow. Her pain stricken eyes locked with his.

He started toward her, but then the doors to the hall burst open. A man, who emanated authority but appeared to have fewer than forty years to his credit, stormed into the room with two guards at his side. His velvet mantle swished about his hips as he turned to scan the hall, his lip curled with open disgust.

“Lord Percy, I did not grant you entry!”

Surprised, Jack glanced back at Isabella’s father whose voice had echoed off the ceiling. Lord Redesdale stepped in front of Bella as if shielding her. His eyes flashed with anger. Jack could not believe his transformation from frail shadow to defender. Jack swung back around and eyed the intruder. Even he had heard of Lord Percy who was counted among King Edward’s favored advisers.

Lord Percy’s pale blue eyes narrowed on Lord Redesdale with naked contempt. “You were remiss in not sending word of your daughter’s return,” he said. “I had to hear from a servant.” The word servant flicked off his tongue as if expelling a disease from his body.

Bella’s father stepped forward. “No more remiss than the king not sending me word straight away of her attack.”

Lord Percy’s eyes flashed. “How dare you reprimand the king?”

“I will when his folly pertains to my daughter,” Lord Redesdale shot back.

Lord Percy gave pause. Then a cocky smile slowly spread his lips wide. “I will not lie, David. Even though you chased away the messenger I sent the last time I called for your support, I came here expecting a very different reception. Scottish peasants attacked your daughter. You should be at Berwick Castle as we speak begging King Edward to retaliate.”

Lord Redesdale gestured to Jack. “Brother Peter witnessed the attack. He is convinced those responsible were not peasants, Scottish or otherwise.”

Jack stepped forward to show his support for Isabella’s father. Still, Lord Percy did not bother to glance his way. He stared hard at Lord Redesdale. “Coward,” he spat. “If my daughter was attacked, and her virtue assaulted, I would see those guilty brought to justice.” 

“Wait,” Jack said, locking eyes with Lord Percy. “I told no one of her near rape.” He stalked toward the English lord. “I intentionally left that detail out, thinkin’ it would distress Lord Redesdale unnecessarily.” Jack stopped a breath from the English lord. Images of fine swords and tattered clothing flashed in his mind. “It was you,” Jack snarled. “Those were yer men, dressed to look like peasants.”

“Prove it,” Lord Percy hissed.

“I just did.” Jack grabbed his tunic and slammed his body into the wall. He shot a sidelong glance at Percy’s men, but Quinn and the Redesdale guard had them surrounded.

“What of your vows, Brother Peter?” Lord Percy sneered.

A slow smile curved Jack’s lips. He pressed his forearm hard against Lord Percy’s throat, then leaned close and whispered in his ear. “I’m not a monk.” From beneath his robe, Jack produced a dagger, the tip of which he jabbed against Percy’s throat. “I’m a thief. My sins are many, and I don’t mind addin’ yer murder to the list.”

Lord Percy’s eyes narrowed. “You are one of the masked bandits who stole the girl from my men.”

Jack shrugged. “Ye aren’t in a good position to make accusations.”

“Brother Peter, release him.”

Jack glanced over his shoulder. Lord Redesdale stood behind him. His eyes held a feverish gleam. Jack move aside but kept his dirk at the ready. Lord Redesdale stepped closer. “You ordered your men to attack and rape my daughter?” he said, his voice soft and deadly.

Lord Percy spat on the ground. “She is the daughter of a commoner, a whore whom you have mourned for the last five years when you should have been at court paying homage to your king.”

“My king?” Lord Redesdale said as if he could not believe Lord Percy had dared to speak those words. Jack watched Lord Redesdale’s hands curl into tight fists. His chest heaved. “My king!” Lord Redesdale’s voice thundered off the high ceilings. He raised his clenched fists in the air, threw his head back and raged. “He killed my wife. My heart,” he cried, beating his chest with his own fist. “He is no king.” He seized Lord Percy, throwing him to the floor and straddling him. He pulled his fist back and slammed it down, hammering Lord Percy’s face again and again. Blood gushed from his nose and mouth and splattered the wall. Lord Redesdale snarled and grabbed Lord Percy’s tunic with both hands, lifting his bloodied head off the ground. “I denounce him,” Lord Redesdale bellowed in his face. “Do you hear me? I denounce King Edward.” Lord Redesdale’s chest heaved as he stood, dragging Percy toward the door. “Get out of my house.”

One of the Redesdale guards grabbed Lord Percy from his lord’s hands and tossed him at the feet of his men who lifted him up and carried him from the hall. But before the door closed behind them, Lord Percy shouted, “I will see you drawn and quartered.”

Doom closed in around Isabella, choking the breath from her lungs. She grabbed Jack’s hand. “Why did he say that?”

Jack raked his free hand through his hair. “Yer da just denounced King Edward. He’s guilty of treason.”

“You have to go.”

Isabella whirled around and looked at Hugh who had spoken the rushed words. His hands gripped his hair. Terror had widened his eyes. “You have to go,” he said louder, coming toward her. “It will not take Lord Percy long to gather his men. He will come back. You and your father will be arrested. You will be sent to the Tower, and your father will be put to death.”

The abbot came forward. “I fear Lord Hugh is correct.”

The room started to spin. “Oh God.” Her knees gave way, but Hugh caught her.

“Listen to me,” Hugh said. “You and your father must run. You cannot delay.” Hugh turned to Jack. “Ride north and do not stop until you run out of land. Edward will hunt for them.” Hugh looked back to her. Tears stung her eyes. He pulled her close. “I have never imagined life without you. If only I had—” He shook his head. “No, it is too late.” He cupped her cheeks. “Be Jack’s or someone else’s. I don’t care. I only care that you live. Promise me you will live.”

She nodded through her tears. “I promise,” she said, her heart pounding.

Hugh drew a shaky breath and he stepped back. Then he turned to Jack. “Do not delay.” A moment later, Hugh was gone.

Isabella gripped her stomach while she watched Hugh leave her house and her life forever. The room was spinning.

“Do not panic, Bella,” Jack said, grabbing her shoulders.

Swallowing down her tears, she nodded, gaining strength from his midnight eyes. She turned to her father.

“I do not regret what I said, Bella.” His voice broke. “I spoke the truth. A truth I have swallowed everyday since the last time I brought your mother home.”

For the first time in years, her father’s eyes shone bright and clear. A sob tore from her throat, and she threw her arms around his neck.

“Listen to me, both of ye. ‘Tis imperative that we leave now,” Jack said.

She looked over her shoulder at Jack. Her eyes narrowed on the vein pulsing at his neck. She nodded, then turned back to her father. She took hold of his hands and brought them to her lips, then she said, “Papa, we must go.”

Lord Redesdale’s eyes darted about the hall. “But what of our home, our things?”

Jack’s fist came down hard on the table behind her, causing her to jump. “They’re no longer yers,” he growled. “The only possession ye have now is yer life and the lives of yer daughters.”

Bella’s heart sank. “Catarina.” She grabbed Jack’s arm. “My sister’s husband, he is not a kind man. There is no telling what he might do.”

Jack squeezed her hand, then turned to Quinn. “Ride to Ravensworth castle and retrieve the Lady Catarina.”

Quinn nodded and bowed low to Isabella. Lifting his head, his dark eyes smiled up at her. “Fear not, Bella. I will steal your sister away.” Without another word, he turned on his heel and raced from the hall.

“Jack,” Abbot Matthew said. “We must hurry. We’ll leave the wagon and help ourselves to Lord Redesdale’s horses.”

Jack nodded and grabbed Isabella’s elbow, pulling her toward the door.

“Wait,” she said.

Jack shook his head. “No more delays, Bella.”

“But would not coin be helpful to us?” she said.

He threw his hands up. “Aye, coin is always helpful.”

She pressed a kiss to his lips. Then turned to her father and reached into his pocket, retrieving a key. “I will be right back,” she said before racing from the hall and up the stairs to her father’s solar. Unlocking the large chest beside his bed, she grabbed several bags of coin and her mother’s jewels. Piling everything into a leather satchel, she swung the bag over her shoulder and raced back to the hall. 

“We are ready, Jack,” she said, barreling into the room.

“Why does everyone keep calling him Jack?” her father said. “I thought his name was Brother Peter.”

Isabella grabbed his arm. “I’ll explain after we’ve escaped with our lives.”

They had left Berwick at a gallop and did not slow their pace until just after dawn when they reached monastic land. The abbot and his monks continued on toward the monastery while Jack, Bella and Lord Redesdale disappeared into the woods. Jack expelled a tense breath. For years, the forest had hidden him and his family away, allowing their crimes to go unpunished. The trees had been watchful guardians to which he entrusted those he loved most, and would no doubt give them sanctuary one last time. Patches of mist circled around jutting rocks and wove through the underbrush, painting the earth in white shadow. His appreciative gaze followed the ghostly wisps. He smiled, dropping the reins. While his horse picked its own way toward camp, he wrapped both arms around Bella’s waist. She smiled up at him. The morning sun slanted through the leaves, streaking her unbound sable waves with gold. He absently wove his fingers through her hair as he bent his neck back, admiring the tangled, green canopy overhead. Having glimpsed the cold interior of a great fortress, the richness of the forest struck Jack as never before.

Trees like sentinels creaked in the wind, announcing their return as they rode into camp. The pit fire burned bright, and the log seats were fully occupied by three of his brothers, his wee lassies, Rose, and one unexpected visitor. Jack frowned when he met Bishop Lamberton’s stern gaze, but an instant later a chorus of girlish squeals erupted as his lassie’s raced toward him. He slid from his horse with Bella in his arms and set her down in time to feel the impact of five girls’ unabashed delight.

“Jack,” they cried.

“Let him breathe, lassies,” Rose said. Jack reached over the girls and gave Rose a quick hug, knowing it was Bella who actually held Rose’s interest. 

“My lady, ye’re back!” Rose said, turning to the woman at his side.

Jack smiled down at Bella who had reached out to embrace his sister. “I never thought I would see you or this place again,” Bella said.

Rose’s eyes welled with tears. “Are ye here to stay?”

“No, Rose,” Jack said. His sister’s eyes flashed at him. He threw his hands up in mock surrender. “None of us are.”

Rose arched her brow at him. “What is that supposed to mean?”

“I’ll explain,” Jack said, laughing as Florie shouldered her way past Moria to hug his leg.

“Welcome back,” Ian said, picking his way around the girls. “Where’s Quinn?”

Rory stepped forward. “Aye, Jack, where’s Quinn?”

Before Jack could answer a throat cleared behind him. He turned and looked at Bishop Lamberton.

“Judging by your present company,” the bishop said, looking pointedly at Lord Redesdale. “You clearly have much to explain. However, I insist you first remove the robe you wear.”

Jack nodded, peeling Florie off his leg. “Forgive me, Bishop. I meant no offense.”

Jack disappeared into his hut, emerging minutes later divested of his monastic robes. As he walked back toward the fire, he smiled when he saw Bella’s appreciative gaze travel from his tall black boots, past his black hose, to the black tunic belted at his waist. She smiled her approval. He fought the urge to sweep her up into his arms and retreat back to his hut. With regret, he turned from her and looked at her father. “Lord Redesdale, I would like ye to meet Bishop Lamberton; my brothers, Ian, Rory, and Alec; my sister, Rose; and my wee lassies, Moira, Florie, Anna, Mary, and Maggie.”

Ian was the first to step forward. He bowed, but Bella’s father shook his head. “You need not bow, lad. I am lord of nothing now, expect my own conscience. I have or rather I will, in due course, be stripped of my titles and wealth.”

Jack crossed the glade to his horse and pulled the satchel of coin out of his saddle bags, giving it to Lord Redesdale. “Yer claim of poverty is not entirely true.”

“How has this come to be?” Bishop Lamberton said, his eyes darting between Lord Redesdale and Jack.

Jack cleared his throat. “In short, Lord Redesdale—”

“Please, Jack,” Lord Redesdale interrupted. “Call me David.”

Jack smiled slightly and nodded. “David has denounced King Edward and is now guilty of treason.”

The bishop’s eyes widened with surprise. “Then your lives are in danger.”

“That is the truth of the matter,” David said.

Jack nodded. “We must leave. All of us,” he said, raising his voice for his family to hear.

“Wait.” Ian grabbed Jack’s arm. “What of Quinn? Is he hurt?”

Jack shook his head. “Quinn has journeyed to Ravensworth Castle to retrieve Isabella’s sister. Now that Catarina is no longer a lady, Bella and David fear her husband will not honor their marriage.”

“Or worse,” Bella chimed in.

Brows drawn, Rory asked, “What are the rest of us to do?”

“We must flee,” Jack said. “Doubtless Edward has men already searchin’ for our trail.” Something pulled at Jack’s tunic. He looked down at Florie’s smiling face. “Is it time to play yet?” she said.

He squatted down and motioned for all of his lassies to come to him. “Nay, my lassies, we cannot play, for we are goin’ on an adventure. And I need all my girls to help Rose with preparations.”

“Where will we go?” Rose asked.

“To the Isle of Colonsay,” he said. Then he turned to Bella and David. “Our father’s people come from there. I am confident we will be welcomed.”

“But what of the other children, Jack?” Ian said.

Jack pressed his eyes closed to think. He had not considered the dozens of other children still reliant on his support. 

“We’ve stolen coin hidden away in the hole,” Alec said, his voice flat and his eyes downcast. “That should keep them fed for a while.”

Isabella whirled around to face Alec. He must have sensed her gaze, because he looked up. She had never seen his face up close. His long, black hair fell across eyes as black as Jack’s. “Show me the hole,” she said.

She followed him down the path that led to the stream where she, Rose, and the lassies had enjoyed their picnic. Before too long, he stepped off the path toward a patch of dense thicket. “’Tis there,” he said.

She stared him hard in the eye. He remained aloof, his face like finely carved wood—beautiful but unchanging. She circled around him and parted the brush and saw the black hole, though she dared not looked down.

Bella arched her brow at him. “This is where you wanted to stick me?”

Alec shrugged. “It seemed a good idea at the time.”

She stalked up to him and brushed a lock of black hair from his eyes. Despite his shield of impassivity, she could feel his power as one feels the strength of a caged animal. Then she remembered Rose confessing that he had the sight.

“You feel nothing to keep from feeling everything,” she blurted.

His expression never altered. “Let’s go,” he said. Then without another word, he turned around and headed back toward camp.

She followed after and remembered Rose telling her that she had a special place for Alec in her heart. Now Bella understood why. He was so cold and distant, it would have been hard to love him otherwise.

Back at camp a bustle of activity was underway. She crossed to where her father stood. “Are you well, Papa? You seem confused.”

He smiled. “I am not confused, perhaps a trifle overwhelmed. As far as I can tell, Rose and Jack’s lassies are coming with us, but Jack and Bishop Lamberton appear to disagree on whether or not his brothers should come.”

Jack raked his fingers through his hair as he looked hard at the Bishop. “I cannot divide my family.”

“Do think they will be safer with you,” the Bishop replied. “You are on the run, Jack. There will be a price on your head. But your brothers are still unknown, traceless.” The bishop paused, drawing a deep breath. “Damn it, Jack, Scotland still needs saints.”

Jack pressed his lips together while he thought. “Then they will have to decide for themselves.”

Rory who had been standing by chimed in straightaway. “I’m sorry, Jack, but the cause is in my blood. I want to stay and be useful to the bishop. I want to fight for Scotland.”

Jack closed his eyes against the tightening in his chest. Instinct bade he fight to keep his family together. Still, at two and twenty, Rory was a man. He met Rory’s pale blue gaze. “A tiny isle is no place for ye, at least not now. But mind ye’re careful. Stay out of trouble, and stick to the code.”

Then Jack crossed the glade to where Alec stood alone. He waited for Alec to look at him or speak his choice, but his younger brother remained silent, his eyes fixed on the ground. After several long moments past, Jack had his answer. He pulled Alec into a fierce hug. “Make yer way to Colonsay one day,” he said.

Then he stepped back and looked to his youngest brother. Ian was sitting on the ground, letting Moira braid his long, tangled red hair.

“What say ye?” Jack said, then held his breath.

Ian looked up at Jack. “Bishop Lamberton is right. Yer an outlaw now and so are Bella and David. Ye cannot run with five wee ones. I will take Rose and the lassies to Colonsay myself. We will strike out on our own.”

Jack expelled the breath he’d been holding. He placed his hand on his youngest brother’s wide shoulder. “Thank ye, Ian.”

Bishop Lamberton stepped forward then. “I will ensure the other children are taken care of, which settles matters. Now, you must put some distance between you and Edward’s soldiers.”

Jack clasped his offered hand. “Thank ye for everythin’.”

The Bishop smiled. “You have given more than your share to the cause, Jack. Now is your chance for that peaceful life I know you dream about when you think no one is looking.”

Jack winked and wrapped his arm around Bella’s waist. “I am already there.”