Page 53 of The Thief
Alastair looked down at the shards and then back up to the three men standing in front of him.
“We must find out who this person is. Ronald, go back to the stable and find out who was there when that horse and the rider left. Bard, I want you to check with Eloise and see if she knows who left here this morning. Also, ask if any of the maids saw anything. They might have seen something she did not.”
“Ragan, tell Melody not to tell Scarlett, unless she asks.”
Everyone went to leave, but Alastair stopped them.
“Be discreet. Try not to raise too many suspicions. Don’t give any specific details other than when they might have left. Thank you, gentlemen.”
They all bowed quickly and left the room, leaving Alastair to his thoughts.
He sighed and sat down.
His thoughts were now his best friends.
He growled in frustration and headed out of the study to the center courtyard.
Scarlett walked down the stairs, looking around as she did.
When she saw no sign of Alastair anywhere, she went to find someone to help her.
A few minutes later, she ran into Bard, the old man looking nervous and slightly agitated.
“Bard, is everything all right?” she asked, even though she was pretty sure she knew the reason.
“No, My Lady. You must be looking for Alastair, are you not?”
At her nod, he pointed in the direction of the center courtyard.
“You’ll find him there. He will most certainly be surprised to see you.”
She arched a brow at him.
“Why would he be surprised?” she asked.
His eyes darted back and forth as if he was looking for an escape.
“Not to worry, Bard. I will find him.”
Before walking away, she rested her hand on his shoulder.
“Everything will be all right,” she said, offering a comforting smile as he rested his hand on hers and gave it a soft squeeze.
“I hope you are right, My Lady.”
With one last look, she headed down the hall to the courtyard.
A few minutes later, she walked out into the sunny courtyard, looking around for Alastair. When she didn’t find him with her cursory glance, she stepped out of the doorway and fully into the courtyard. She noticed him sitting on one of the benches that lined the area, just staring at the ground.
She stood very still, watching him as she did, wondering if he had noticed her entrance. When he made no motion to acknowledge her there, she studied his face, seeing the worry lines he had gained since she had come to Elfyre Hollow.
She truly felt awful for bringing all this on him, making him take on all her worries as well as his. She felt like a burden to him and that was very disconcerting.
She hadn’t felt like a burden with her parents, as they were her parents and loved taking care of her. When she had moved to her flat in the castle to be closer to Catriona, she hadn’t either.
However, in those situations, it wasn’t the same. Catriona was not missing, and Scarlett’s life was not in danger. She sighed, regretting it instantly when Alastair looked up at her.
“Scarlett, I didn’t see you come out. Is there something wrong?” he asked, standing up and adjusting his coat.
