A Highland Home A Contemporary Highland Romance Book Two (22 page)

With few options available, she turned her attention to Imogen. “If it’s your money you’re worried about, rest assured that I want no part of it. I’ve only ever wanted the chance to know my father. I don’t care about the money or the business. That’s not why I’m here.”

Imogen pursed her lips, her legs crossed and her gaze hard. “That may well be the case, but that’s not my concern. Your father-and yes, dear, he is indeed your father-needs to run the family business. My father worked too hard to build it up, and it would kill him to see Rory walk away and let it all fall apart.”

“I don’t see what that has to do with me. I won’t interfere if that’s what you’re worried about.” None of it made sense, and it had Rowan questioning just how sane Imogen was. It was bad enough to be kidnapped at gunpoint, but at this point, none of it even made sense.

“You see, the only thing keeping Rory at the helm is obligation and guilt. My father’s health has deteriorated enough that he can no longer run things. If he finds out that our father sent Iona away, he’ll turn his back on us. It would kill my father and ruin us.  As good as Rory’s been at dealing with the business, he never wanted it.” She scoffed and shook her head. “As if he’d be able to pursue his art without our father’s support. And it’s not like your mother would have wanted him then anyway.”

Anger flared in her gut. “If my mother loved him, then the money wouldn’t make a bit of difference. She never married. Never even dated. So don’t go telling me about my mother when you clearly didn’t know her.”

Imogen leaned forward, venom in her eyes. “If she loved him, then she would have stayed rather than take the money. Who do you think put food on your table and clothes on your back?”

“My mother worked her ass off, thank you very much. As for why she left-you tell me. Given that I’m being held at gunpoint, I can’t imagine you and your father didn’t issue your own threats. Did he threaten to disown his son if she told him?” Rowan saw the recognition in Imogen’s eyes. “So he did. Maybe it was my mother who loved him enough to not ruin him. But there’d likely be more, right? Did your father threaten to harm my mom? Her family? Her friends?” It was a stab in the dark, but again she saw the acknowledgement in Imogen’s eyes.

“And I’ll make you a similar offer. Leave Scotland and never contact my brother. I’ll make sure the deposits into your bank account will continue, and you and your friends will continue to live happy and healthy lives. Contact my brother, and you’ll all suffer for it.” She smoothed her dress pants. “Like I said, I don’t want to have to hurt you, but I will if you push me.”

“So… I agree, and what? You just let me walk out of here?” Doubtful. She had to find a way out of this mess-and if she was indeed pregnant, then it wasn’t just her life on the line.

“If you agree, I’ll have you escorted out of the country. My yacht is just off the coast here. You’ll be taken away from here, and will eventually be allowed to make your way back to the States.” Imogen sat there, her back straight, her hands linked in her lap, as if they were discussing the upcoming spring fashions over a cup of tea and cakes.

It was absurd. The whole thing was crazy. But she thought of Angus, and had no doubt Imogen was capable of sending some thug to his doorstep. “Just so I have this right… this is all so your brother will continue to run the business.”

“And to keep my father from harm. His heart couldn’t take the shock or strain of your appearance and the effect it would have. Rory never wanted to run the business, and that would have been fine, since it was our older brother, Niall, who was supposed to follow in my father’s footsteps. But when Niall died, it fell to Rory, even if he was too selfish to want the responsibility.”

Rowan remembered reading about the boating accident, and could see how it all played out. Rory would end up with the business falling on his shoulders as the next in line, whether he wanted it or not.

Imogen continued, as if lost in a past that had consumed her. “My father married Rory off to a competitor’s daughter to seal a much needed deal, making it even more difficult for him to walk away, since he’d disappoint not only his father and family, but his wife and in-laws. You see, my father has always been good at getting what he wants, and though I have no head for business, we do share that particular talent.” She let out a sigh, looking bored even in the absurdity of the situation. “I need a decision. Now. Because I’m growing impatient, my dear, and it would be far easier to just shoot ye and let ye disappear into the sea.”

Stubbornness left her wanting to challenge Imogen-to tell her she was insane. The whole situation was just absurd. “I need some time to think about this.”

Imogen scoffed. “What is there to think about, my dear? You can either live and those around you will remain safe, or I can shoot you. Perhaps it was a mistake to give you a choice. Gentlemen. If you’d be so kind.”

Chapter Twenty

Angus found Rory’s stash of whisky and poured him a glass while the poor man sat there on the sofa, not moving, his jaw slack and his face pale. No doubt it was a shock to find out you’d fathered a child close to thirty years earlier, never suspecting the truth.

“I always wondered why she left so abruptly.” Rory took the glass Angus offered him, and mumbled his thanks before taking a long sip. “But why… Iona never said anything.”

“I’ve been told by more than one person who knew her well, that she was frightened. I’d assume that had something to do with it.” Angus ran his hands down his thighs in an attempt to uncurl his fists. “She never told anyone yer name-not even Rowan. And I’m sorry to say, Iona passed about a year ago.”

“I can’t tell ye how it pains me to hear it.” Rory’s shimmering eyes settled on the amber liquid in his glass. “And Rowan… she came looking for me?”

“Aye. She’s spent the last six weeks trying to figure out yer identity. It’s why we were at Imogen’s that day-and it’s why I think she’s now in danger.” Angus sat forward, trying not to shake the man into action. “Yer sister-would she have a reason for wanting to keep Rowan from ye?”

Rory nodded, finally looking up into Angus’s eyes, a fire and intelligence there fueled by anger. “Aye, she would. I’ve been threatening to step down from running our company. If I found out that my father and sister somehow coerced Iona to leave-pregnant with my child-and then kept Rowan a secret from me, it’d be the last straw.”

That gave Imogen motivation. “Would Imogen harm Rowan to keep ye from finding out?”

The poor man looked as if he’d been struck. “By the gods, I’d hope not, but the way she’s been acting as of late, I wouldn’t put it past her. We need to find them. Now.”

Panic now threatened to consume Angus, but he had to push through it. Had to keep his head clear so he could think. “Give me yer sister’s cell number. I’ve got a friend who might be able to track its location. If Imogen has Rowan…”

“Aye. Imogen’s not been thinking straight. Even contacted lawyers to try and keep me in my current position.” He went to his desk and jotted something down. “Here’s her number. Call yer friend and see what he can do. I’ll make a few calls of my own to see what I can find out.”

Angus relayed the information to Conall, who said he’d call as soon as he managed to track Imogen’s phone.  Time seemed to be running slower than honey in the winter, and it felt like they were getting nowhere fast. If anything happened to her… he didn’t know how he’d manage.

Rory hung up the phone. “She took the family yacht from where we keep it moored. I don’t know where she’s taken it or if Rowan’s with her, but taking the yacht isn’t something she’d normally do.”

Angus answered his ringing cell within a second of the call coming through. Conall had come through for him. He jotted down the information as Conall relayed it. “Thank ye. Call me if they move from that location. Aye. We’re on our way. I’ll let ye know.”

While Angus hung up with Conall, Rory looked at the address. “I know this place-we used to summer there when we were quite young. It was my mother’s family cottage, though we’ve not been there in decades. It’s about forty minutes from here. Should we call the police?”

“Depends. How do ye think yer sister will react to the police surprising her?” The last thing he needed was Imogen panicking.

“Aye, ye’re right. We’ll call once we’re there. That’ll give us enough time to try and get the situation under control, but will give us the backup we’ll need if things don’t go to plan. I’ll make a few more calls to see if I can get more help.” Rory already had his cell out as he followed Angus out the door.

Angus insisted on driving, not wanting to risk Rory being a slow driver. And though they were making good time, it still wasn’t fast enough as far as Angus was concerned. He didn’t dare think of what trouble Rowan might be in, knowing his mind would think the worse. He needed to stay positive. Needed to know he’d find her unharmed.

“What if ye call Imogen and tell her ye know of Rowan?” It was the only thing Angus could think of to try and get Rowan back safe.

Rory shook his head. “Aye, ye’d think it the logical conclusion, but at this point, I’d worry she might hurt the lass out of spite.”

Angus didn’t quite understand. “For what?”

“My eldest brother was groomed to take over for my father when he retired, but he died before he ever got the chance. Busy studying art, I had no desire to do it, even though I was good at it. Imogene on other hand had all the desire in the world, but her strengths lay elsewhere. She’s only ever wanted to please my father and get his attention, but instead, my father insisted I run the company. It’s made her bitter, aye?”

“And by the sounds of it, just a bit insane. I swear, if she hurts Rowan…” He pounded the steering wheel, unable to bear the thought. By the gods, he loved her. From that first email. That first kiss. There could be no other.

“We’ll get to her, lad. And she has to be all right. I can’t have anything happen to her when she’s only just come into my life. All those years between us lost…” Rory looked down and shook his head, his shoulders slumped. “I should have been there for her-and for Iona. I would have given it all up for her, but she broke things off between us and left without a word. Now I know why.”

“Well, if I have any say in the matter, ye’ll have plenty of time to make it up to Rowan. We can’t be far, aye?” They were near the coast, the salt air filling his lungs. It should calm him, yet instead he found himself fearing the dangers of the sea.  Even a conditioned swimmer would have a hard time keeping their head above water around here-if they didn’t freeze to death. And Imogen had taken the family yacht.

“Nearly there. I’m calling the police. They should get here shortly.” Rory gave the police their details and pointed Angus down a different road. “That’s the cottage in the distance.”

“There’s more than one car there-do ye recognize them?” Either Imogen had back up or there were others involved.

“Just Imogen’s vehicle. I don’t know the other.” They pulled up to the cottage and got out, but before Angus could go charging in after Rowan, Rory put a hand on his arm and held him back. “Let me go in first and do the talking. I might be able to get her to see reason, aye?” 

“Aye. But I’m telling ye now-Rowan’s my priority. I’ll do whatever it takes to get her out of there safely.”

Chapter Twenty-One

“Let go of me.” Rowan tried to pull her arm free of the goon’s grip, but his fingers dug in, bruising the flesh as panic rose up in her chest. Unable to think past the pounding of her heart, she brought her knee up to his groin, her hit fueled by adrenaline. As he doubled over with a groan, she brought her foot down on his instep. It was enough to loosen his grip. She got free, but the other guy grabbed her by the waist and lifted her off her feet as she screamed and lashed out at him.

“Stop it now or I’ll shoot. Do you hear me?” Imogen held her gun in a shaky hand, her eyes narrowed and the tendons in her neck standing out.

As crazed as Imogen looked, Rowan slowed her struggles. The man put her down on her feet, and then transferred his grip to her arm to keep her from escaping. He gave her a hard shake, and Rowan took her chance, worried she wouldn’t get another. As he shook her, she lashed out a flaying fist in Imogen’s direction.

The gun went off and chaos erupted around them. The guy holding her ducked and let go. Rowan lunged at Imogen, tackling her to the ground when the door burst open.

Angus-and her father.

Seeing them distracted her enough to make a mistake. Another shot went off as Imogen struggled to get free, this time finding a mark.

Rory jerked backwards, his shoulder and chest erupting in red as he dropped to his knees. Rowan screamed and tried to make her way to him as Angus dove for the gun, beating one of the other men to it. Angus spun and pointed it at the guy, slowing him in his tracks as Angus got to his feet, a wary eye on the scene.

“The three of ye, to yer feet and yer hands where I can see them. And if ye think I don’t know how to use a gun, ye’re mistaken.” Angus didn’t take his eyes off them. The two men did as he asked, but Imogen was wailing and inching towards her brother, hesitating while Angus had a gun pointed at her. “Help’s on the way, Rowan. Just apply pressure to the wound.”

“I’m trying.” Rowan’s shaking hands were covered in blood as she leaned forward, using her weight to help stem the flow. He couldn’t die. Couldn’t. Not when he’d been taken from her all these years. Not when she’d just found him.