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I shall have to choose between going mad from the anger at the patriarchy or being bored to death.

Wasn’t there a single man in the world—besides the ones she was related to, of course—who could look at her and see her talents, her mind …rather than just her body?

Bull must have misunderstood her melancholy expression, because he grimaced. “I’m sorry, Gabs, but I did think to ask about getting ye a position. He said nay because…”

“Because I was born with a female’s body,” she muttered, irritated that her deductions had been correct again, “which happens to host a brilliant veterinary mind. And great teeth.”

“Brilliant,” Bull agreed softly.

Damn .

Well, it wasn’t the first time she’d been denied an opportunity because of her sex. It wasn’t even the thousandth time. But Bull could always be relied upon to support her, so she forced a wry smile.

“That really was a smashing birthday present, although I do not think Hunter appreciated it.” The twins had always made it a habit to spend their birthday together, and fascinating sinew hadn’t been his idea of a good time.

“Just be glad he didnae insist ye join him for his present that evening.” Bull winked, and Gabby rolled her eyes.

“Judging by how elated he was the following day, I have always assumed you acquired some sort of sexual experience?—”

Bull smacked the papers on the desk. “And back to the case!”

It really was adorable how flustered her male relatives became when she mentioned knowing anything relating to reproductive acts. The fools.

“Yes, your pregnant pachyderm.” She hid her smile, folded her hands in her lap. “Do go on.”

He continued to make a show of arranging the papers, although she suspected it was just to keep his hands busy and his eyes averted as he explained.

“I have had my contact send word to Sir Richard that there’s an animal doctor in London well-suited and eager to help his pet.

Ye arrive at Inverlochy with yer credentials and yer knowledge, and ye find a reason to linger.

While ye’re saving the elephant—I dinnae doubt ye will—ye can be investigating Grey and—why the devil are ye shaking yer head at me, Gabs? ”

“Because it will not work,” she admitted, stifling another defeated sigh, “for the same reason your London Zoo contact does not want me. It has been my experience that most British men do not want a woman treating their prized pets. ”

“Aye, but Sir Richard seems to be a kind man. He might be one who would accept ye and yer talents.”

“And if he is not?” Gabby shook her head. Honestly, he was such an innocent sometimes. “You will have wasted your opportunity. No, what we need is a decoy. I will attend Inverlochy, but as your assistant. You claim to be the elephant doctor.”

Bull winced, tapping a steady rhythm against the arm of his chair. “I cannae. I’ve never worked directly with Grey, but he was one of the Crown’s top tier operatives. He might ken my face, or at least my name and description, just because of the work I’ve done.”

Not about to be deterred, Gabby frowned and sat forward, placing her palm against the desk for emphasis. “Hunter, then. He will be the veterinarian, and as his sister, I will be along to…take notes or label specimens or something. It will leave us both free to poke about. Two pairs of eyes.”

Her uncle considered her words, studying her with a cocked head. “And ye think Hunter can manage it?”

Her twin brother was the most important person in the world to her, but Gabby could admit that she was likely smarter than he was. At least, better educated. At least, had actually wanted to be educated. But Hunter had so many skills… “He is your agent. You doubt his ability to lie and pretend?”

“I doubt his ability to ken the arse end of an elephant from its trunk.”

Gabby’s chuckle burst from her. “Oh, Bull…clearly you have not spent enough time around elephants, if you would imagine anyone could get those two confused. Particularly when we are speaking of a female elephant, and not a well-developed male specimen. Some of them have reproductive organs to rival the size of a trunk?—”

“I stand by my statement,” Bull interrupted primly.

But then he pushed himself upright. “But aye, with ye feeding him lines—no’ about penises, for the love of God—I’m sure he can bullshite his way through it.

It could leave him free to investigate while ye are…

shoving yer arm up the elephant’s backside, or whatever it is ye do with pregnant animals. ”

Good Lord. “Let us hope you never plan to marry and impregnate a woman, Uncle Bull, lest your wife murder you for saying such a thing while her ankles are swollen, her back is sore, and your child is punching her bladder from the inside.”

“Never fear, Gabs.” His irreverent grin was accompanied by a wink. “I have nae plans on ever being in such a position.”

“Because you do not plan on impregnating—” she began, and sure enough, any mention of reproduction warranted an interruption.

“Because I dinnae plan on marrying,” he snapped. Then, sighing, he scrubbed a hand over his face. “This plan of yers…”

“It will work.” Gabby pushed herself to her feet and planted her knuckles on his desk, certainty flowing through her. “How do you think I have managed to work in this field for so long? I am used to men taking credit for my skills and knowledge. At least this time it will be a man I respect. ”

Slowly, Bull nodded, holding her gaze. “Aye,” he finally agreed. “I am sorry for that, but this will work. I’ll put together some papers and testimonials for ye, and have my contact put us in touch with Sir Richard.”

Gabby felt her blood humming in excitement. It always happened when she was involved in one of the cases for the Lindsay Group, but this time felt different.

This time, she was going to use her skills and talents to not only help a suffering animal, but to catch a traitor.

A man who, if guilty, deserved the swiftest punishment imaginable.

So, to business. “I will round up Hunter, and we will meet you back here the day after tomorrow. Is that enough time?”

Bull nodded and moved around the desk to offer her a hug. “Thank ye, Gabby. Ye will be doing the Crown a favor.”

And more than that, she would be ridding the world of a despicable traitor. And working on an elephant!

She would succeed.