A Highland Home A Contemporary Highland Romance Book Two (15 page)

Gordon shrugged. “I couldn’t tell ye, lad. But at the time, I don’t believe he did. I will tell ye that she was scared-though if the father didn’t know of the child, then I’m not sure who had her so frightened.”

“Was she just upset or truly frightened?” Angus had to know. It would be the difference between being able to tell Rowan of her father or having to keep it a secret.

“Scared like I’d never seen her before-and Iona Campbell wasn’t one for theatrics or hysterics. She knew leaving like she had would all but do her father in-and it did-yet she still went.”

“And Iona didn’t say who had her so scared or why?” Bloody hell. Angus didn’t know what he was going to do.

“If the lad didn’t know he was to be a father, then I can only imagine it was someone close to him. But she refused to say, worried that she might cause me trouble.” Gordon gave his head a slow shake. “I loved the lass-and she was a good person, no matter what ye’ll hear others saying. I forgave her long ago and even told her I’d raise the child as my own, but she said she had to leave. Left me heartbroken, I’m afraid.”

With his head spinning, Angus thanked Gordon for his time, before heading back to Conall’s home. Conall said little during their drive, but his mood had darkened considerably and Angus wondered if he’d still be willing to help find Rowan’s father and dig deeper on Imogen.

“I truly appreciate ye taking me to see yer father, Conall. I know it was hard for him.”

“What ye don’t know is that my father’s ne’er been truly happy. My mother was no more than a distraction from his broken heart and though he loved her in his own way, it wasn’t enough-and my mother knew it.”

Angus knew Conall’s parents had divorced when they were still in secondary school. “I can’t imagine it, and it’s all the more reason I sincerely mean my thanks. I know we’ve not always gotten along in the past, but I appreciate ye putting our past behind us to help.”

Angus let out a sigh. “Let’s see what we can do to help the lass, aye? There’s no point in having more tragedy come out of this mess.”

They sat down in the living room with the laptop, and it didn’t take long for Conall to start pulling up information on Imogen. The printer was spitting out pages so fast they were spilling out onto the floor. Conall didn’t even look up, but Angus started to gather and reorder the pages.

He looked at several of the pictures. Pictures of Imogen with her husband and children. Another of her and her father at an HEA meeting and yet another of the HEA board of trustees. Angus took a closer look, and recognized the man who had plowed into Rowan the first time they were at Imogen’s. Imogen’s father also looked familiar.

He turned his attention to the pages of text. Most were about business acquisitions and mergers. Some rumors of new products or speculations about drilling. Rumors of the old man’s failing health and more speculation as to what would become of the business. Looked like the son was set to take over.

“Can we dig further back into the past? I don’t know that current news will hold many clues as to what happened over twenty-five years ago.”

“I’m working on it, but there’s not a whole lot online from that time period. Mostly business and real estate transactions, births, deaths and marriages.” More paper shot out from the printer.

Angus sighed and ran a rough hand down his face. “I just don’t know. Maybe I was mistaken about Imogen. And even if she was lying, who’s to say it was about Rowan’s father?”

Conall shrugged as he continued to type, not bothering to look up. “What does yer gut tell ye? In my experience, it’s seldom wrong.”

“It tells me that she’s lying about not having any information about Rowan’s father.” He flipped through the pages again, his mind churning but coming up empty. His gaze landed on the photo of the company heads, which could easily pass as a family photo. “Do me a favor. Search for problems involving Imogen and this bloke here-looks like he’s her brother. When we went to visit her the first time around, he was there and they were having a row. Nearly knocked Rowan down the stairs in his anger.”

“Well, ye know the old man’s in ill health. According to this list, they are indeed siblings. His name’s Rory Murray. Could be that with the patriarch no longer able to head up the company, there might be some in-fighting on who’ll be taking over.” More tapping on the keys. “Aye. Looks like the son wants out. Wasn’t ever really much of a businessman, but looks like he married into another powerful business family. Guess there was no chance of escape, though they’ve divorced since then. Also looks like Imogen has been there as her father’s assistant.”

“Still doesn’t tell us what she was lying about.” Angus replayed the short conversations he’d had with the woman and turned up empty.

“I’ll keep digging, aye? But now I’m going to kick ye out. I’ve got work to do.”

Chapter Thirteen

Rowan ignored the stares and whispers, a smile on her lips, as she grabbed a bit of yogurt and fruit at the grocers for a late lunch. After the night she had in Angus’s arms, she didn’t give a damn what they said. Nothing could ruin her good mood.

“Thank you.” She got her change from the woman behind the counter, giving her a big smile and refusing to play their games. This would be her home, and she’d do her best to win them over-if not for her sake, then for Angus. She wouldn’t allow it to become an uncomfortable place for him.

“Hmph.” A scowl of pursed lips faced her as her groceries got bagged none too gently. “Is Angus not with ye today? Surprised he managed to get free of ye.”

She bit back all of the smartass responses bubbling to her lips.
He’s actually tied to my bed.
Or maybe…
That’s because he’s so exhausted after the night we had, that he’s lying in bed in a spent heap.
Instead, she refused to rise to the bait. “He’s working, but I’ll be sure to send him your regards. Have a lovely day.”

Ignoring the tightness in her chest, she told herself it would take time-but it
would
happen. She’d win them over one by one. And then maybe the feeling of constantly being watched would go away. She glanced around but didn’t see anyone paying her any outward attention, even if it still felt like her every move was being scrutinized.

She wandered back towards her gallery to finish painting. Her good mood had spurred her on during the morning, and she’d gotten plenty done. The electrician would still need to come, but she hoped to have the place open in just a few weeks’ time.

Just a bit more to do before heading home, though she swore Angus said he’d be swinging by. Pulling out her cellphone, she checked the time and to see if she’d missed any calls or messages. It was after four, and no one had tried contacting her.

Unlocking the door, she stepped through, and found an envelope that had been pushed through the mail slot. There was nothing written on the envelope, but once she’d unfolded the paper within, she knew the letter was for her.

The pounding of her heart echoed in her ears as anger bubbled up in her chest. Taking a deep breath, she held onto it until her lungs burned and then calmly slipped the nasty note back in its envelope before tossing it in her handbag. She picked up the paint brush and popped the lid on the can of paint, but her focus was shattered and her attempt at work was futile. Even her appetite had vanished.

Knowing she wouldn’t get anything more done, she grabbed her few groceries and locked up. More paranoid now that she’d been threatened, she kept a sharp eye on her surroundings and headed to the safety of her car. Once there, she quickly texted Angus to let him know she was no longer at the gallery and was heading home.

She thought about swinging by his house, but if he was still busy with patients, she wouldn’t feel comfortable letting herself in and waiting without him there. The stares and whispers were one thing, but this pushed the matter to a whole new level. Now that she’d taken the leap with Angus, she found herself desperately wanting him to hold her and tell her things would be fine.

So, where the hell was he? Up at seven that morning, it’s not like she’d slept in. Yet Angus was already gone by the time she awoke, a pot of coffee made. He’d left her a note saying to make herself at home and he’d catch up with her at the gallery later in the day. But the day had come and gone and there was still no sign of him. 

Once she’d decided she wanted a serious relationship with Angus, she could have sworn he would be the one guy who wouldn’t make her second guess herself-or second guess her decision to sleep with him.

Whenever she’d given in to a night of passion, it seemed she could never quite escape the niggling thought that she’d made a mistake once she was looking at things in the light of day. She’d have bet the house that Angus wouldn’t have her doubting herself, and yet… here she was now wondering if he was going to show up or call.

She debated dinner once she got home, but it only made her think of Angus, and whether she should plan something for the two of them, or eat on her own. As if picking up on the annoyed girlfriend vibe she was sending into the universe-since she supposed that was what she now was-her phone rang.

Angus apologized and said he’d be by in a few minutes, and though she was relieved to have finally heard from him, she had to force her doubts and annoyance away. He was a busy man, after all, and it’s not like men were known for their good communications skills when it came to relationships. Sure, they could talk a storm around business, sports and politics-but dealing with relationships? Not so much.

True to his word, he was there just minutes later. “Sorry I was late, love.” He leaned in and gave her a quick kiss as she stepped to the side to let him in.

She forced a smile to her lips. “No worries. I was just thinking of dinner. Have you eaten?” She looked at him, but only found dark circles under tired eyes, his gaze refusing to settle anywhere for long. What the hell was up?

“Nae, love. And I’m starving. Do ye want to head to town for a bite?” He brushed a stray curl from her face, his touch lingering.

The knot in her gut loosened just a little, and before she could think, she had her arms wrapped around his waist, the feel of him comforting, her anchor in a storm. “I don’t want to go back to town. Not tonight.”

Something in her voice must have betrayed her, because he pulled away and looked at her, his brow furrowed. “Hey… what’s happened?”

She debated whether or not she should tell him about the letter. If she did, he’d worry and heads would likely roll. If she didn’t, he’d still worry-and if he found out later on, he’d be furious with her for not being honest with him. In the end, it wasn’t a risk she was willing to take. She knew there was no place for dishonesty in a relationship-not if you wanted it to survive.

“Promise me you won’t get angry.” She dug around in her bag and pulled out the envelope. “Promise me, Angus.”

“I’ll make no such promise.” He snatched it out of her hand, his jaw already clenched as he yanked the paper out. Angus unfolded it and immediately tensed, his voice straining with fury as he read the note. “
You’re not welcome here. Leave Scotland, or you’ll be sorry you stayed.
”

His fist curled around the paper, crushing it, his teeth clenched tight as he spoke. “I’ll murder the bastard who sent ye this.”

“Forget about it, Angus. It’s nothing more than one of the locals venting.” She let out a weary sigh, even if it felt good to know she was no longer alone. “It’s been a long day and I’d rather not do this. Besides, it’s a plain paper, plain envelope, and even the font is typical. Not even the police could manage to figure out who sent it.”

“Grab yer things. It’s not safe for ye to stay here on yer own.” He started to pace the floor, the kitchen far too small to contain him.

“I’m not going to let anyone scare me off.” She stepped in his path and looked up at him. “This is why I didn’t want to tell you.”

“How could ye think of
not
telling me, Rowan?” His eyes roamed over her face, while his hands ran down her arms. “I promised to keep ye safe, and I meant it. Now get yer things or I’ll get them for ye-and I’ll warn ye now, I haven’t always been known for my fashion sense.”

“I’m glad I have a choice in the matter.” With a glare, Rowan spun around and headed to her room, cursing under her breath as she tried to curb her annoyance. She threw a handful of items in her carry-on bag, including her camera, and headed back downstairs. “I’m only staying for a day or two.”

“Ye’ll stay until it’s safe.” He hefted her bag over his shoulder and with a gentle hand on the small of her back, tilted his head at the door.

They drove to his home in silence, his speed way too fast for the narrow lanes, though she supposed he’d been traveling them his entire life. She knew he’d overreact, and it should bother her, but after her past relationships, it was a welcome change, since it meant he cared.

The sound of his tires crunching the gravel of his drive echoed in the car as he pulled in towards his home. With the car in park, he reached out and twined his fingers with hers, bringing her hand to his lips. “Ye’ll be safe here, love.”

They got out of the car and headed in, though the conversation wasn’t over. She appreciated his concern and thought it sweet, but she didn’t want him getting paranoid and stringing villagers up by their ankles. “I was safe at home too, Angus. It’s nothing more than one of the locals being grumpy that I’ve snagged one of their cutest bachelors.”