Page 44 of A Rogue in Firelight
“Can you get word to the Muirs? I need to talk with them.”
“I can do better. You wanted to ride out today. Aleck Muir often goes up and down the Lealtie Burn that flows through the distillery, making sure the water is clear of debris. We may see him if we ride that way.”
“Aye, then.” Ronan headed with Donal toward the stables.
Within the half-hour,Ronan saw a young man strolling along the edge of a fast-flowing stream: he knew Geordie Muir, younger of two brothers, by the rangy build and red hair. Spurring his horse forward, he cantered across the meadow, Donal following.
Geordie looked around as Ronan called, and then waved to another young man further down the stream. With a shout of elation, Aleck Muir came running.
Dismounting, allowing the horses to graze on sweet grasses, Ronan slid from the saddle as he and Donal met the Muir brothers under some nearby trees.
“Ronan, God above! I hardly knew you at first!” Geordie said. “Dressed like a city gentleman. We heard you were taken in Culross. You are released?”
“Aye.” Ronan shook hands, patted shoulders. “You both look well. Donal says you are looking after the distillery in my absence. How is Auld Rabbie?”
“Grandda is well, or nearly so. Getting older,” Aleck said.
“You were checking the burn?” Ronan looked past them. “Wild garlic and such?”
“And making sure the flow isna blocked where it turns toward the property,” Geordie said. “Some say the water doesna make a difference to the whisky, but it all goes toward the taste, as Grandda and you have taught us. For the latest batch, we kept the peat fires hot to dry the mash longer than usual, as you prefer, for a good smoky flavor.”
“I have left the place in good hands.” Ronan smiled.
“We do our best. But sir—while you were gone, you should know Pitlinnie is taking an interest, coming around with questions, wanting to buy up our kegs. I do not like it,” Aleck said.
“How much has he purchased?”
“More than he needs. We canna trust the man,” Aleck said.
“How much is stored? If I want to send kegs down to Edinburgh, what’s there?”
“Enough. Tell us how many and we will see to it,” Geordie said. “There are various casks at the distillery, many still aging. Our best store is set aside and not at Glenbrae. You know.”
“Aye. Still safe where it is?”
“Auld Rabbie checked it recently. Pitlinnie also asked what we have in store, how many casks in the barn aging, how many elsewhere, how old, and such.”
“The longer those casks are undisturbed the better. He knows it will be years before they are ready. Make sure he stays unaware of the other lot. What does he want?”
The brothers exchanged a grim look. “He offered to buy all of it.”
“The kegs?”
“All of it. The distillery, the property, casks, kegs, the lot,” Aleck explained. “We think Pitlinnie wants to merge Glenbrae with his distillery.”
“Lord save us. Tell me you agreed to nothing.”
“Aye. Something else he wants.” Geordie glanced at Donal. “Mairi Brodie.”
“Indeed.” Startled, Ronan did not show it. “Donal, did you know?”
“He comes around and acts the charmer. I did not think much of it.”
“The man is smitten,” Geordie drawled. “Mairi Brodie may mention it.”
“Perhaps.” Ronan glanced upward to see rain threatening in high gray clouds. He had promised to return to Strathniven for luncheon. The horses whickered. A light drizzle began. Time was passing. “I must go.”
“Where can we find you?” Aleck asked.
