Page 19 of Edinburgh Escape

“Around the time Ewan was in Afghanistan,” Hank said softly.

Maggie’s heart sank to the bottom of her stomach. “So, he was married when my mother got pregnant with me.” Her vision blurred. All the years she’d wondered who her father was, her mother had kept the secret to herself for a reason.

Her mother had had an affair with a married man.

“Maggie?” Sadie’s voice sounded through the speaker.

“I’m okay.” Maggie pinched the bridge of her nose. “Just processing.”

“Are you sure you still want to meet your half-brother?” Sadie asked.

Maggie stared down at the cell phone as if she could see her friend, not the device. “Ewan had access to my information on the Ancestry site. He knows I’m three years younger than he is. Which means he knows I’m the result of his father’s extramarital affair. Why would he invite me to his home?” She looked up, her gaze connecting with Callum’s.

“Good question,” Hank said.

“That could explain the attack,” Callum offered. “If she’s of Drummond bloodline, could she inherit a portion of the late Lord Drummond’s estate?”

“Possibly,” Hank said. “I’ll have Swede look through Lord Drummond’s will for the exact wording. In the meantime, Maggie, you might reconsider your visit to the Drummond estate.”

“My plans haven’t changed.” Maggie lifted her chin. “I’m even more determined to meet these people. If they’re behind the attack, I want to know.”

“It could be dangerous,” Sadie said.

“I’ll be with her.” Callum reached across the table for Maggie’s hand.

She placed hers in his open palm, his warmth helping to dispel the sudden chill spreading through her body.

“Will you be enough?” Hank asked. “Do you need backup?”

“I’ll contact Hammer if we need help,” Callum assured Hank.

“Swede is still looking for more information,” Hank said. “We’ll keep you informed.”

Callum nodded. “I appreciate that.”

“And, Callum,” Hank paused. “Welcome to the Brotherhood Protectors.”

Callum frowned. “Sir, I hadn’t agreed to join when I took this assignment.”

“And now?” Hank prompted.

Callum met and held Maggie’s gaze. “I’m in.”

A flash of heat rushed through Maggie. Or was it the heat in Callum’s gaze transferring to her? Whatever it was, she’d felt it, and it confused her.

“Maggie, stay safe,” Sadie said.

“Stay with Callum,” Hank urged. “He’s prior SAS, highly trained and capable of defending you."

Her lips twisted. “I witnessed that first hand.” She really should have pulled her hand free of Callum’s, but her hand in his made her feel grounded, safe, protected. “I’ll keep him around.”

“We’ll be in touch,” Hank said. “Out here.”

Callum ended the call and stared across the table into Maggie’s eyes. “I guess we’re going to meet the Drummonds.”

Maggie snorted softly. “I feel incredibly stupid.”

Callum’s fingers tightened around hers.