“We’ll be setting sail in a few minutes,” Burke said.
Storm nodded. “We’ll be ready. How is Cullen?”
Burke looked to the railing where his brother stood staring out at the sea. “He wishes to speak with me.”
Storm placed a gentle hand on his arm. “Go, he needs you.”
Burke leaned down and kissed her softly. “I am so relieved you are here beside me.”
She pressed her cheek to his. “So am I.”
Storm watched him walk over to his brother and place a comforting hand on his shoulder. Only time would heal his wounds, but having someone there would help him.
Burke wasn’t certain what to say to his brother. He knew he would be inconsolable if he had lost Storm. He wasn’t even sure if he should mention Alaina. He was at a loss as to how to help his brother.
“You will like America,” Burke said, hoping it would help to speak to him of his new home.
“I am not going with you.”
Burke’s hand slipped off his brother’s back. “Of course you are. You can’t stay here. The earl’s men will find you.”
“They will think I sailed with you.”
Burke spoke bluntly. “Alaina is gone. There is nothing here for you.”
Cullen’s knuckles turned white from how hard he grasped hold of the railing. “My son is here.”
Burke was struck speechless for a moment. “Your son?”
Cullen nodded slowly and looked at his brother. “Before Alaina died she told me of him.”
“But she planned on leaving with you for America.”
Cullen shook his head. “No. She thought my new wealth would help us to locate our son. She planned to tell me when we reached the ship. She figured you would agree to help us and supply us with what we needed. Once we found our son we could then join you and Storm in America.”
“Why didn’t she just bring the child with her?”
“She doesn’t know where he is.”
Burke shook his head. “How can that be?’
Cullen’s hands fisted at his sides. “Her father took the lad from her at birth.”
“The bastard,” Burke spit out.
“You know I’m going to kill him, don’t you?”
“I can stay and help,” Burke offered.
“No,” Cullen said. “While I appreciate your offer, this is something I must do. Besides, if you stayed Storm would insist on staying with you, and she needs to be taken away from here if she is to be kept safe.”
“You understand my apprehension in leaving you behind?”
“I know, but I also know that you above anyone understands why I must do this.”
“I do,” Burke said. “It is an awful thing for a father to know he has a son out there somewhere but is unable to find him. I will give you all the money you need and any help you want.”
“The money will be the greatest help to me. It will buy me information.”
“You shall have whatever you need,” Burke said adamantly.
Cullen hesitated, then spoke. “I wish there had been time for us to talk more.”
“We will,” Burke assured him. “There will be time when you return home with your son.”
“Home.” Cullen shook his head. “I have never truly had a home.”
“You do now. It waits for you along with your family.”
The brothers hugged and Burke let go of Cullen reluctantly, fearful that he might never see him again.
“Give me your word you will come home,” Burke said, holding out his hand to him.
Cullen grasped his hand firmly. “I and my son will come home, this I promise you.”
The two men turned at the sound of harried voices.
Burke saw Storm speaking with the white-haired man she had freed from the prison. The older man looked agitated.
“I best see what’s going on,” Burke said, and Cullen followed him.
“I must leave,” the older man said.
“What’s the problem?” Burke asked walking up to them.
“I cannot sail to America. I must stay here,” the older man said.
“I thought you had agreed to go with us?” Burke asked.
“I’ve changed my mind,” the man said. “I want to get off the ship now.”
“I’ll help him off,” Cullen offered and looked to Burke.
Burke understood. Cullen didn’t want Storm to know that he wouldn’t be sailing with them. She would certainly disagree and then insist on staying to help him, and Cullen was right. Storm needed to get far away from Scotland if she was ever to be safe.
“Let me get some coins for you,” Burke offered the man.
“How generous. Thank you,” the man said.
“Cullen, come with me,” Burke said, and the brothers walked off together.