Kicker's Journey by Lois Cloarec Hart

Author:Lois Cloarec Hart [Hart, Lois Cloarec]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781933720616
Publisher: P.D. Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2009-06-01T00:00:00+00:00

~ * * * ~

Kicker stood in the shade of a tall ash and mentally reviewed her performance over the past few hours as she surveyed the large crowd scattered across the lawns and gardens of the MacDiarmid home. She had been introduced to countless people, and, concentrating on her diction, limited herself to brief pleasantries, allowing Madelyn and their hosts to carry the conversations. Kicker was certain that she passed muster, or at least sailed beneath most people’s notice, which suited her fine. As quickly as possible, she retreated to a quiet sanctuary to observe and listen.

As always, Kicker’s gaze rarely left Madelyn for long. Watching her effortlessly charm their new neighbours under the attentive auspices of Mrs. MacDiarmid, Kicker could not help remembering Lil Harrington’s cautionary words.

She won’t always make it easy for you, girl. Many’s the time she’s jumped before looking, and lived to regret it.

Madelyn’s behaviour since their arrival at the Steeple Seven disturbed Kicker more than she would acknowledge to herself. She trusted her own instincts. Once the decision to cast her lot with Madelyn’s was made, Kicker never second-guessed herself. Judged by Madelyn’s tears and words, though, the same could not be said of her partner. Kicker wondered if Madelyn now regretted her impulsive choice to leave England with a lower class lover in tow. She desperately wished she could ask someone for counsel, but as that was impossible, she strove instead to remember every word of Lil’s advice.

There may come a point where she begins to question herself, to wonder what she’s gotten you both into. I’ve seen her do it before. That’s when she’ll need you most; that’s when you’ll have to reach deep into your soul and pull up strength enough for both of you. Can you do that? Will you be there for my girl when she needs you most, even if she pushes you away out of fear?

Aye, I promised I would, din’t I?

Lost in thought, Kicker didn’t notice anyone approach until a man stopped and stood silently beside her. When she realized that she wasn’t alone, she looked up to see John Blue Wolf soberly watching the crowd, too.

“I looked for you, Mr. Blue Wolf. Missus Glenn tol’ me you wanted to see me?”

He nodded but said nothing, so Kicker resumed her surveillance. They stood together silently for long moments, before John said, “Do you see the man to Rupert Arbuster’s right?”

She had been keenly aware of the arrival of Rupert Arbuster and his entourage less than an hour before. With Wynne’s words in mind, Kicker kept well clear of the man. Now she studied the tall, thin man next to Arbuster.

“Aye. I see him.”

“His name is Rick Biggart, Miss Stuart, and you would be wise to stay well out of his way. He is an indefatigable, remorseless bloodhound once set on a trail. He has no mercy, qualm, or conscience at carrying out his master’s bidding.”

Certain she knew the answer, Kicker nevertheless asked, “An’ his master is?”

“Rupert Arbuster.

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