Page 53 of Edinburgh Escape

Gregory appeared at the doorway, looking confused by the number of people in the kitchen. When Ewan explained they’d be sharing breakfast, the butler nodded and poured coffee into mugs for those who wanted it.

The back door opened, and Alastair stepped through. Immediately, his thick black eyebrows formed a V over his nose. “What’s going on?” he muttered.

“We’re having breakfast in the kitchen with you, old man.” Ewan clapped the chauffeur on the shoulder.

Alastair’s gaze met Cook’s.

She gave him a crooked smile. “The new Lord Drummond requests it.”

Still, Alastair hesitated, his gaze going to Gregory, who stood by the coffee maker with a mug in his hand.

“Take a seat.” Ewan waved toward the table. “Breakfast is almost ready.”

The tall, dark man moved slowly toward the table.

“You can sit by me.” Bryce patted the chair beside his. “We’re going to take Ms. Maggie out to see Montana after breakfast.”

Alastair stood behind the chair Bryce indicated and waited for the others to take their seats before he did.

“Should we wait for Ms. Fiona?” Maggie asked.

“She doesn’t eat breakfast,” Cook said and passed the serving bowl of beans.

After they’d filled their plates, Callum glanced around the table and then to Ewan. “This might be a good time to talk about our discussion from last night.”

Maggie frowned, her gaze going to Bryce. “Are you sure?”

Ewan nodded. “I agree with Callum.”

Cook and Alastair looked up from their plates and waited patiently for Ewan to speak.

“As you might have heard, we had a visit from my cousin Rory last night.”

Cook and Alastair both nodded.

Bryce frowned. “Cousin Rory? Did he stay? Will I get to see him?”

Ewan shook his head. “Sorry, Bryce. He couldn’t stay, but he did have some news that I think we all need to hear.”

Callum wondered how Ewan would present the threat without frightening the boy.

“He said that there are some bad men who might try to come to our home. You don’t have to worry because we have some nice people who will come help keep us safe. But we need to be smart and not go outside the manor without someone with us at all times.” He looked directly at Bryce. “That means you can’t go outside to play unless one of us grownups goes with you. Do you understand?”

Bryce frowned. “Are they going to kill us?”

Maggie reached out and wrapped her arm around Bryce. “Of course not. We wouldn’t let that happen.”

“Your sister is right,” Ewan said. “We’ll protect you. But you have to do your part and be with one of us when you go outside.”

“Even to the stable?” Bryce asked.

Ewan nodded. “The stables, the garden, the garage. Anywhere outside the manor. Can you do that, Bryce?”

Bryce nodded. “Yes, sir.”

“If you see any strangers, you let one of us know,” Ewan said and turned to Cook and Alastair. “That goes for you as well.”

“Yes, Lord Drummond,” Cook said.