Page 42 of My Highland Fling
Felix, who was driving the van, stopped out of sight of the house.“We’ll let Ramsay and Saber off here because they’ll search our vehicle at the gate.”
Saber and Ramsay slid from the van and melted into the growing darkness.
“Deer,” Saber said, cocking his head at the distinctive scent.“I have an idea.”
He explained his strategy, and Ramsay nodded.“Let’s do it.”
Both men stripped and hid their clothes close to the road.
Ramsay shifted, welcoming the burst of discomfort and the rush of his feline senses.As soon as he bore his sleek leopard shape, he trotted after Saber.Once they approached the herd of deer, they parted and cautiously stalked nearer.
These were wild deer and wary.Their heads jerked up as they registered the predators.The does called in distress, gathering their youngsters close.The herd edged away toward the house where he and Saber wanted to drive them.Ramsay scented the roaming guards who stood watch at the property boundaries even from this distance.Fences surrounded the rear of Popov’s home, but the view from the front of the house was not enclosed.Yes, guards patrolled the area, but no barrier meant they could drive the deer closer.
Create havoc.
As planned, the herd turned tail and ran, blind in their fear of this unknown threat.Their hooves thundered on the hard-packed road until they reached the manicured grass.They galloped toward the flat land at the front of the house.Ramsay corrected his angle, and he and Saber wheeled the herd to the right.Five minutes later, they tore across the lawn.A guard shouted.Several came running, but not one fired.
Well-trained.
Ramsay watched the herd’s progress with satisfaction.No hidden traps or unseen weapons.Popov depended on his guards to protect the property frontage.At his side, Saber called in a low grunt.As one, they melted into the lengthening shadows.Once it was dark, he and Saber would take out the guards, one by one.
Satisfaction filled him.
Hold on, Gabrielle.We’re coming for you.
Chapter 21
A Business Dinner
Gabriellecheckedontheprogress in the kitchen.
“Stop harassing my staff,” the cook, a stout elderly woman with steel-gray hair, snapped at her.
“Sorry.”Gabrielle understood the woman’s quick retort.Fear drove her.The emotion had about choked Gabrielle each time she entered the kitchen.She’d created a tasty yet simple menu with a spectacular dessert as a centerpiece.The cook could handle this easily.
The cook’s lined face softened, but none of the tension left her shoulders.“Do you think Mr.Popov will approve of this meal?Are you certain?Usually, he has rich meals with complicated sauces.”
Her accent was English with a tinge of French when she became animated, and her qualifications were impeccable.Nothing but the best for Adrik.
“I’ve observed him eating,” Gabrielle said.“His preference is for healthy foods and dishes, not overly fussy with sauces and spices.The joint of beef looks delicious.Your selection of vegetables works, and you have a variation.Some are in cheese sauces, while others require no adornment.You have individual salads while your starter of avocado and prawns is perfect.Please don’t worry.Just concentrate on doing the best job you can.If this meal displeases Adrik, I will step forward since I designed the menu.”
The cook wrung her hands and cast a disproving stare at an underling paying close attention instead of preparing salads.She lowered her voice.“I’ve seen and heard what happens to those who fall into disfavor with Mr.Popov.”
Gabrielle patted the woman’s white, uniform-clad shoulder.“The smells coming from the kitchen are delectable.I foresee a triumph.”
“I hope you’re right,” the cook grumbled.“My gut is jumping.”She stomped away to issue orders to an underling.
Gabrielle stared after her, a rash of gooseflesh rippling across her arms and legs.Then, shaking herself, she went to add the final touches to the dining table and check everything lay in readiness.
Adrik arrived as she straightened the silverware.His gaze swept the table and the tasteful centerpiece comprising low squat candles and tiny delicate white flowers.She’d kept the height low to allow the men to talk without craning their necks.
“Very nice, my dear.I approve of the simplicity.It’s unpretentious yet radiates class.I am pleased.”He took her hand and raised it to his lips.It took everything inside her not to snatch her hand free and wipe it on her red dress.Adrik stepped back a fraction, turning his attention to her appearance.“You look stunning.Red suits you.”
“Thank you,” she murmured.
Then Adrik frowned.“Do you not have a pretty necklace to wear?”
“My mother kept my jewelry.She removed it from my possessions and informed me the pieces belonged to the family.I couldn’t take them from Konstavia.”
