Page 16 of Highlander’s Mercenary Lass

The girl removed the dagger from her side, placing it right in front of his face for inspection.

"This sort o' problem, sir," she said earnestly. "I am a swordswoman for hire. A fighter. I help out when there's trouble."

"Wheesht!" murmured Andrew, visibly stunned. "A wee lassie like ye?"

The girl's face hardened. "Nae so wee," she said. "That's where the coin came from. I am paid well for my skills!"

"I see," said Andrew, still running this around in his mind. He noticed that she didn't mention the extra shilling she had gotten out of him! But despite this, Andrew realized that she could be useful. "Well then, um, how about ye helping me tae find this wee lassie?"

The girl looked at him, a slight smile starting beneath her nose. "I can do that, certainly," she said, her amber-brown eyes flashing in the moonlight.

Again, Andrew caught the vague aroma of roses emanating from the lass's hair. Maybe it was something she bathed with, but the scent was enticing.

"Well, that's braw," said Andrew, sensing a restlessness in the girl. It was almost like she was straining at the leash to go. With a heavy heart, Andrew realized that it was late, and he should probably let her leave. "Perhaps ye can meet me tomorrow an'—"

"Aye," said the lass briskly. "If the price is right, I can help ye."

She smiled, pulling into his face for a second. The odor of sweet oils and scents flowed ever closer. And straight up, her complexion was every bit as alluring as it seemed from afar. The night was cold, but a heat crackled between them as she stood there, smirking in the moonlight.

"Price?" he asked politely. Inside, Andrew had been ready for this. Of course, she would be expecting to be paid!

"Aye," she said. "I dinnae come cheap, but I am the best."

An assured expression came over the lass's face.

"I dinnae doubt that, lassie," said Andrew. "But it's something we have tae talk about... Aye, alright. I'll pay ye." His green eyes twinkled.

The lass waited awhile and held her palm out.

He winked. "We can call that first shilling a down payment.” The lass immediately recoiled; her cheeks reddened. "An' then, after that, if ye can indeed help me, I'll make it worth yer while!"

The lass bristled, gathering her skirts together as if about to leave. She looked as if she was thinking about it. After a short time, she turned back towards him.

"Aye," she said thoughtfully. "Ye've got yersel' a deal."

"Braw," said Andrew, about to shake her hand. Then, he hesitated. "But there's just one wee thing."

The girl looked uncertain.

"Yer name," he said, with a soft grin. "I still dinnae ken it. I'm Andrew."

"Grace," said Grace. She turned her face towards him, her chin jutting out.

"Well, Grace," said Andrew, replaying the name over and again in his head. He liked the sound of it. "What say ye meet me here tomorrow, nice an' sharp, in the morning?"

Grace nodded slightly. "Aye," she said, this time pulling away for real. "That's braw. Until tomorrow, then."

She wound her way across the darkened street. Andrew watched her closely as she slipped across the road, over the narrow cobbled street, and out into the deep night.

Daylight bit into Andrew's eyes. It took a while for his vision to adjust to the bright day outside the inn.

He had not realized how long he had slept. The room in the inn was dark, and even though the chamber had a few customers, by the time Andrew had joined them, they were already asleep. He had been so tired, he hadn't cared where he slept. Consequently, he had blacked out for the entire night.

Andrew had meant to be up by first light, but looking at the horizon, that was long gone. Now, the sun was high in the sky, and there was no sign of Grace.

It was early, but already, it was busy. Thursday was market day in this small town, as Andrew was finding out. All around, there was farmers herding produce to the village center.

With all the smells, sights, and noises rushing at him, Andrew had no chance of knowing if Grace was out there, in the street beyond.