Braeden put a protective arm around Tessa and gave them a menacing glare that silenced them. He pushed the leader out of the way and followed Tessa as she headed towards the stairs and another group of younger men who sat unmoving, ogling her as she approached. Once they noted Braeden behind her, they parted to allow them access to the stairs. They climbed to the second floor and then searched until they found apartment 218. Tessa knocked, but there was no answer. She knocked again and still nothing. They were about to walk away when the door finally opened to reveal a rather disheveled woman with three small children hiding behind her.

  “Yes.” Her eyes were filled with suspicion as she glanced from Braeden to Tessa. “What do you want?”

  “We’re looking for Kenneth Carra,” Tessa stated.

  “He’s not here. What do you want him for?”

  “He works at The Albannach Hotel for my father and I wanted to ask him a few questions.”

  “He’s not here,” she said again.

  “Do you know where he is or when he might be back?”

  “No. He’s usually home by now.”

  “Does he ever go anywhere else before coming home?”

  “No. He comes right home. I have to get to work and someone has to be here with the kids.” Three sets of eyes peered out from behind her. They were staring up at Braeden who winked at them, causing them to squeeze past their mother, who tried her best to stop them, but they were faster than she was.

  “Why are you wearing a skirt?” the oldest boy asked.

  “’Tis nae a skirt, young lad. ’Tis a kilt.” Braeden ruffled the boy’s hair. “What be yer name?”

  The boy looked to his mother and then back to Braeden. “Brandon.”

  “Brandon. What a coincidence! Mine is Braeden. I’m please to meet ye.”

  Braeden held his hand out and the boy took it, shaking it vigorously. “Yer a strong one, arenae ye?”

  “You talk funny,” said the girl, who appeared to be the middle child.

  “Aye. I do. Where I’m from everyone talks this way.” He smiled brightly at this little one, putting her at ease. She broke into a grin, that showed she was missing some teeth. “Where are yer teeth, lass?”

  “They fell out. The tooth fairy took them.”

  “Did she now?”

  “She gave me some money.”

  “Was it enough, do ye think?”

  She shrugged her shoulders and shyly looked down at her shoes.

  The youngest boy, who couldn’t have been more than two had wrapped an arm around Braeden’s leg and was tugging on this kilt. He picked the boy up in his arms. “And who have we here?”

  “That’s my brother,” the oldest boy said. “His name is James. My sister’s name is Hayden.”

  “I’m pleased to meet ye.” Braeden handed James back to his mother.

  “We won’t keep you any longer, Mrs. Carra. When you see him can you have him call me?” Tessa handed the woman her business card, which she perused.

  “Is he in trouble?” She appeared worried.

  “No. Not at all.” Tessa reassured her with a warm smile. “I just needed to talk with him.”

  “I’ll let him know you stopped by.” She closed the door and left them standing there.

  “I wonder why Kenneth lives in a place like this,” Tessa said. “He makes good money working at The Albannach. He could surely afford better.” She hadn’t met Kenneth prior to this, but she’d have to ask Margaret about him. She hated to see those three little darlings growing up surrounded by the gang from the parking lot.

  By the time they got back downstairs, the car was surrounded by young men and Sam, who sat defiantly, hands clutching the steering wheel, was eyeing them warily.

  “What do ye think yer up to here?” Braeden stood to his full height and pulled his sword from its sheath. Brandishing it with both hands, he took a threatening stance facing them.

  “Nothing. We ain’t doing nothing.” The obvious leader said.

  “Then would ye mind doing nothing over there?” Braeden swung his sword in the direction he wanted them to go and they ran. He smiled broadly and glanced the driver’s way. Sam was giving him a thumb’s up for his efforts as he unlocked the door for them to get in. Braeden waited for Tessa to get in and then took one final glance back at the would-be thugs before joining her.

  “Thanks, man. I was starting to get worried about what they might do.” Sam relaxed in the driver’s seat.

  “’Twas nothing.”

  Tessa was very impressed and said so. “That wasn’t nothing. You scared the living daylights out of them. It’s a good thing we came back when we did and a good thing you always have that sword with you. Are you okay, Sam?”

  “I’m fine now. Where to? I assume you want to get out of here. I know I’d like to and the sooner the better.”

  “Back to the casino please.”

  “You got it.”

  Braeden sat silently next to her. She could feel his tension release after a few moments in the car. “I wonder where Kenneth could be. I would have suggested we wait for him there, but I don’t think that would have been the safest plan.”

  “Ye can speak with him when he comes back to work.”

  “I’ll check the schedule when we get back to see when he works next.”

  Braeden nodded at this and gazed out the window. She wondered what he must be thinking. Tessa tried to put herself in his shoes, imagining she was seeing and experiencing all of this for the first time. She had to admit it was overwhelming to say the least. She felt a growing fondness for Braeden. Even though she hadn’t known him for long, she could tell he was a good man. She would be safe with him. A momentary vision of Danny came to mind and she gave her relationship with him some thought. She’d placed it all at the back of her mind in order to make it through the day, but here, riding silently back to the hotel, she wondered about him. The more she thought about it, the more she knew he hadn’t loved her at all. The question was, why had he asked her to marry him? The next question was, why had she agreed? She knew the answer to that was as far fetched and complicated as it seemed. He’d cast a spell on her. The more she thought about their time together, the more it made perfect sense and the more she felt like a fool for not knowing and stopping it sooner. He’d never really felt anything for her. He’d been doing his job and that job was as fiancé to Tessa McTavish.

  “Are ye well, Tessa?” Braeden asked, apparently noting the scowl on her face. “I will be. Just processing everything that’s happened today.”

  Braeden took her hand and warmth rushed up her arm. “I ken ye’ve heard this much today, but I truly mean it. I’m here fer ye.”

  “I know, Braeden, and I’m happy you are.” She smiled warmly at him. She could tell that even though he was doing his job as her bodyguard, that he would do it even if it weren’t his job. He was simply that kind of man. Her father had been wise to employ him and she considered herself lucky that he had.

  Braeden was worried for Tessa and for John. Something was wrong. He could feel it. It wasn’t just all of the things that had occurred that day. There was a feeling in the air and more importantly, his watch had been vibrating on and off all day. He took it from his sporran and held it in his hand. He wondered what would happen if he wished himself back to his own time. As quickly as he had the thought, he pushed it aside. There was no way he was going to leave Tessa and John in their hour of need. He’d left his own time before he had been able to help his clan defeat the Campbells, but he wasn’t about to abandon anyone here in this time, no matter what may occur.

  Tessa was safely in her bedroom. After the stressful day she had, Braeden hoped she was sleeping peacefully and dreamlessly. She was exhausted and needed to rest. For his part, he sat on the bed in his room trying to remember how to use the remote control Tessa had given him. She’d explained last night that it would allow him to watch the shiny, black rectangle placed just above the dresser. He’d seen them throughout the casino and was curious about them. He pushed the button Tessa told him would turn the thing on and it came to life. He watched in amazement as a man and a woman explained to him all of the things he could see and do at the casino. He watched this for a while and then it repeated itself. He gazed at the remote control and began pushing buttons. The scenes on the black object began flashing on and off, until he landed on one where a woman was explaining how to cook. He was fascinated and watched with wonder. His tummy began to growl and his mouth began to water at the sight of such delicious food. Braeden turned the TV off and headed downstairs to the kitchen, where he hoped to find something to sate his hunger.

  Tessa had explained to him that they didn’t keep much food stocked because they could eat anywhere they wanted in the hotel, so he wasn’t expecting much. When he walked into the room, he was surprised to see John sitting on a stool eating.

  “Braeden! Good to see you. You must be hungry. Sit. Sit. I’ll get you something to eat.”

  “Thank ye, sir. I’m verra hungry.”

  “I would imagine you are. A man of your size needs many calories to make it through the day and spending time with Tessa, who eats like a bird, I’m not surprised at all that you are famished.”

  John scurried around the counter to the stove and using the same frying pan he had obviously just used, turned on the flame. Braeden couldn’t believe his eyes. He hadn’t had to work at all to get the fire started. This world was full of many wonders. Would he ever see them all? John opened another door and a light came on. Cold air also rushed out.

  “What is that?” Braeden questioned.

  “It called a refrigerator. It keeps food and drinks cold, so they don’t go bad.”

  Braeden nodded his head as if he understood what John was talking about, but obviously John was on to him. He began explaining everything in the kitchen to Braeden. The stove, the refrigerator, the microwave, the dishwasher. All were amazing inventions that would have made life so much easier back in his time. What would they do all day if they didn’t have to do all of the labor involved with cooking and feeding others? He couldn’t even fathom it, but thought his grandmother would love it all.

  “The hotel buffet has a much larger version of this kitchen. There are also kitchens in each of the hotel restaurants. You should have Tessa show them to you. They are quite a bit different than this one.” When he was finished with what he was doing, John placed a plate, napkins and utensils in front of Braeden. He then slipped some eggs from the pan directly onto the plate. This was followed by toasted bread, butter and jam. “Eat up, lad. You’re going to need your strength.”

  Braeden wondered what he meant by that. He put a forkful of food in his mouth. “This is verra good, sir.”

  “What did I tell you about calling me sir. It’s John.”

  “John.” Braeden might never get used to calling him John. He was the man he worked for and he deserved respect, but as he’d already noted, things were different in this time period.

  “Braeden, I believe we are merely at the beginning stages of what is to come. Someone is going to try to rob the hotel. They made that obvious this morning when they were playing about with the tumblers. I also believe that whoever is the mastermind of this plot also killed Danny.”

  The food on his plate disappeared quickly and John busily made him more. “So, how’s my little girl?”

  “Tessa?” Braeden wasn’t sure if he’d consider Tessa a little girl, so he wanted to clarify that with John.

  “Yes. She’s my one and only. I worry about her, but then what parent doesn’t worry about their children.”

  Braeden quietly listened as John talked more about Tessa.

  “She’s a very capable young lady and I have no doubt she’ll handle all this business with Danny without issue.”

  “We went to speak with Kenneth today.” Braeden muttered between mouthfuls of food.

  “Who’s Kenneth?”

  “I’m sorry. I thought ye’d know him, but when I think on it, how could ye know the names of every man and woman working here.”

  “I’d like to and I will eventually, but it is only our first week open. Give me some time.” John chuckled.

  “Kenneth was there when the safe tumblers were turning today.”

  “Oh, yes. He works with Margaret. What did he say?”

  “We couldnae find him. I’m worried that something has happened to him.”

  “Why are you worried, Braeden? Tell me about it.”

  “Whoever is behind this mayhap didnae want anyone to know what they were up to. He saw it and they may fear he’d tell someone.”

  “But we know about it. Margaret told us. Do you think she may be in danger as well?”

  “I’m nae certain, but do ye think Margaret may have something to do with it?”

  John thought about this for a while before answering. “That’s a good question. I’ve known Margaret for years. We’ve worked together before at some other casinos on The Strip. I would never have suspected her of doing something like that. She was always very honest, which is why I hired her.”

  “We should keep watch on her either way. If she’s had no hand in it then she may verra well need our protection.”

  “Good call, Braeden. You’re going to be invaluable to me.” He clapped him on the back. “How’s the food?”

  “Verra good.” He gulped down some water. “Better than at the restaurants.” Braeden missed his Grannie’s cooking and sitting here with John in this verra fancy kitchen somehow brought him back home, if only in his mind. He missed his Grannie more than he could express.

  John broke into a wide grin. “I’m pleased to hear it. I used to work as a cook for a while. I’m sure you know I tried to work every job I possibly could before opening The Albannach. I have to say that by far, my favorite was being a line cook. I’ve always preferred to make my own meals, but since The Albannach has opened I don’t have the time.”

  “I don’t see how ye do it, John. So many people and such a large castle. Do ye ever sleep?”

  “I do and that’s what I’m going to do now. Good night, Braeden.”

  “Good night, John.”

  He sat in the kitchen and for the first time since being brought to Las Vegas, he felt completely alone. It wasn’t an unfamiliar feeling to him. He’d been alone before in his life, but he always knew the people he loved and cared for were there for him. Thinking about them now, he knew they were all dead and that in order to see his beloved Grannie again, he’d have to travel back in time. He wasn’t even sure if that was at all possible. His chest ached at the loss. If he couldn’t get back, then he’d have to make this his home and he’d fill his life with new people. He’d like those people to be Tessa and John, but he wasn’t sure what would happen once things were settled and John didnae need his services any longer. With those thoughts hanging heavy on his mind, Braeden made his way back up the stairs. Briefly stopping in front of Tessa’s room, he placed a gentle hand on the door, before returning to his own bed and a restless night’s sleep.

  Chapter 12

  “Do ye mind if I join ye, lass?” When Braeden spied Tessa heading back to the McTavish residence, he’d swiftly caught up with her.

  Tessa smiled and shook her head. He saw something in the tilt of her head and the gleam in her eyes that caught him off guard. Or was it perhaps simply wishful thinking on his part. She continued walking at a good clip, but he kept up easily, his imaginings outpacing his legs.

  His first few days at The Albannach, Braeden thought his head might explode with the constant sounds of people talking all around him. His ears hurt from the ringing, clanging and music of the slot machines and bars. His nose itched from the unfamiliar odors of cigarette smoke mixed with food and perfume. Braeden was a quick study and after just a short time he learned the names of all the new and unusual things he saw, heard and smelled. He wanted to fit in and so, no matter how shocked and amazed he may be feeling inside, on the outside he kept a controlled and measured expression on his face and it was taking a toll on him, whether he wished to admit it or not.

  A few more steps and they’d be there. He’d quickly come to think of this haven amidst the clamor as home. The relief he felt when he passed through the doors of the McTavish private quarters was most welcome. He felt like he could breathe again. The ringing in his ears slowly subsided and the rigid position his shoulders had taken melted back to normal.

  He could feel Tessa’s eyes on him and based on her concerned face, Braeden understood Tessa was worried about him and it touched his heart and soul, so much so he wished to ease her fears with one of his rarely seen smiles.

  “Are you okay, Braeden?” Tessa’s furrowed brow relaxed somewhat.

  “Fine, lass.” His light and easy tone was an effort to show her how relaxed he was. As a warrior in his own time he had learned the fine art of only allowing others to see you as strong and unafraid. He opened himself up just a bit for Tessa. He’d be strong for her, protect her and, if she’d let him, he’d love her. He gazed into her eyes and she met his for a split second before quickly averting them to scan the room. It didn’t matter that she avoided him now, because he’d noted her sharp intake of breath and the jump of the pulse in her throat. Braeden was a perceptive man. He knew the look of a woman who wanted him, but who fought it. He’d seen it before, but usually on the face of a woman who belonged to another man. Tessa had belonged to Danny, or maybe she never really had, but Danny was gone now in the midst of some very strange happenings. He’d help John solve this puzzle and then, he’d made up his mind, he would make Tessa his. He doubted she would fight it. There was something between them and he wanted to explore it further.

  Much to Braeden’s surprise, when he sat down, Tessa came up behind him and began massaging his shoulders. “You look so tense and you’ve been working so hard. Your shoulders are all in knots.”