“He would know something,” Storm said.
Burke agreed. “Enough for us to learn if it is my brother we chase after.”
“A good chance of it,” Philip said. “And with the prized prisoner gone and only the lad remaining, there is a bare minimum of guards around the prison.”
“Any idea where he may have been taken?” Burke asked.
Philip shrugged. “I can’t even make sense of why this man has been moved around as much as he has been. Usually a prisoner is kept in one location or perhaps moved once, but this many times?” He shook his head. “It makes no sense.”
“He’s right,” Storm agreed. “I’ve never known a prisoner to be moved as much as this man. Something isn’t right. Perhaps the lad will enlighten us.”
“The village has many items we can use,” Philip advised.
“Malcolm, Angus, and Burke will canvass the village tomorrow.”
They returned to camp in silence. With no campfire set, the group munched on the bread and cheese they had brought with them and retired early.
“A moment of your time?” Burke asked after the others had bedded down.
Storm nodded and they walked over to a large rock and sat with their backs against it.
“You seemed worried earlier about the prisoner being moved so often. Why?”
The half moon cast enough of a glow for Storm to see the concern in Burke’s dark eyes, and while she wished to ease his worry, she knew he’d prefer the truth.
“It’s as if someone wishes to hide this prisoner.”
“Why would that be?”
“I’m not sure,” she said, shaking her head. “But we aren’t dealing with a simple crime, which means it isn’t likely that you will be able to buy your brother’s freedom, if this man is truly your brother.”
“You can’t be sure of that.”
She shrugged. “As you’ve often said to me, you never know, though the evidence does prove otherwise.”
“I can’t have come this far to lose my brother this way,” Burke said adamantly. “Money speaks loudly and often erases crimes. It will aid in my attempt to free Cullen.”
“I agree that money can buy almost anything, but be aware there is that small segment money can’t buy.”
“I’ve yet to find something money can’t buy, Storm. It bought you.”
Her eyes narrowed and she sat up straight. “I was never for sale, Mr. Longton.”
“I apologize,” Burke said quickly. “I phrased that inappropriately. I admire your courage and conviction and meant no disrespect.”
“Then why say it?” she snapped.
“Frustration, foolishness, exhaustion? Have I found one that suits you?”
She laughed softly and relaxed once again against the rock.
“This is difficult for me, though I don’t like to admit it.”
“I understand. You don’t wish to fail your father. You gave your word, and your word is your honor.”
He looked at her, startled that she understood. “My father died with a smile when I gave him my word that I would find Cullen. He knew I would not fail him.”
“Yet this land and its people are foreign to you and you must depend on the assistance of a stranger to help you keep your promise. Which means you have no control over the situation, and that alarms you.”
“You are damned perceptive and damned beautiful.”
“It surprises you that the two mix so well together?”
“You are quick-witted,” Burke said with a smile.
“Part and parcel of being perceptive.”
“Your husband must have found you a handful.”
Storm smiled with joy. “Daniel claimed he wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“Neither would I.”
Storm felt her heart catch and she quickly stood. “It’s best we turn in.”
“If you say so,” Burke said and stood.
“Good night,” Storm said and turned to leave.
Burke took hold of her arm and pulled her to him. “Not so fast, pretty lady.”
He leaned down and claimed her lips in a gentle kiss.
His tenderness did her in, or perhaps tenderness was what forced her response. Whatever it was, she soon found herself lost in a kiss that stirred her long-dormant passion. It had been so long since he had kissed her, and she allowed herself the pleasure of enjoying the taste of him.
He knew how to kiss, how to titillate with his lips and his tongue.
She pulled away suddenly and ran off without a word, her husband’s face vivid in her mind and her heart in pain at betraying his memory.
Morning found Storm busy with Tanin and purposely ignoring Burke. She didn’t wish to address her sudden departure last night, and least of all did she want to discuss their kiss. It had been a mistake and one she would not make again.