Their Highland Trust

By Cindy James

Still licking her wounds from a failed relationship, medical research scientist Elle Grant really doesn’t feel like joining her best friend on a trip home to Scotland. Her vacation gets off to a bad start when a sudden storm causes her to careen off a highland roundabout and total her rental car. Things get worse when she realizes that "Captain Control"--the arrogant highland police officer who rescues her-- is her best friend’s big brother. Officer Conall Cameron prides himself on being no-nonsense and professional, but all that goes out the window the moment he meets the stubborn American beauty. She might get away with sassing police officers in the States, but not with him. Though she insists she can wait for the tow truck alone, it’s his sworn duty to keep her safe. Whether she likes it or not, Dr. Elleanor Grant won’t be going anywhere without him. When Elle and Conall stumble through a hiccup in time, fate forces them to replay a heart-wrenching family history that occurred over two hundred years ago. Will they find common ground and recognize love for what it truly is?

• Language: English
• Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
• Release date: Aug 10, 2016
• ISBN: 9781509208524

Book preview

all.

Chapter 1

No one in Scotland can escape from the past. It is everywhere, haunting like a ghost.

~Geddes MacGregor

It was just for a week, what could go wrong? The time away from the University would do her good, they said. Maybe. Probably. Right now, she was having a serious meltdown.

Men are nothing but damned controlling liars, she mumbled against the window of the plane, her breath fogging the cold glass. How could I have been such an idiot? She nervously twirled a lock of her hair between two fingers, a bad habit she’d acquired as a little girl and continued to adulthood every single time she was frustrated or deep in thought.

Thank goodness, the cool glass of the window managed to provide some relief from the throbbing pain in her head. How did I not see this happening? I should have expected this! I have to be the biggest sucker in the world.

She was her own worst enemy when it came to relationships with men. She wanted the friendship, the intimacy, but when it came down to it, well, she tried. She really, really tried. It always seemed like she put more into the relationship that what she got from it. Was that selfish? Elle didn’t think so. What is wrong with expecting honesty, or trust, or wanting somebody to ask how your day was going, or to hold the door for you, or to grab your hand and hold it as you walk in the park? Initially the men she dated seemed to like the fact that she was an intelligent woman in control of her own life. That would change the moment she offered an opinion about an important subject, like ecology, economy, or world affairs, or even which brand of peanut butter is the best. In an argument, the control she valued as necessary in her life would be thrown back into her face and reclassified as dominant and alienating. Any well versed contrary opinion in a discussion was quickly termed to be pushy or bitchy, qualities in a man that would be defined as self-assured and educated. Conversations became strained and exhausting and just weren’t worth the work involved. What was so wrong with her that she couldn’t find somebody to be just a great friend? Why did everything have to feel so unnatural?

Elle reacted the only way she knew how whenever she faced adversity—overcompensate and try too hard just to make up for her own inadequacies. She had dated Kevin for nearly six months, her longest relationship to date, and really thought that they were getting along, until he accused her of not wanting to take their relationship to a new level. Well, in retrospect, his accusation was true. He rushed things—sexual things, and she needed more time. The trust factor wasn’t there yet, and she needed to know that she could depend on him. After she caught him in many little lies, it wasn’t about to happen anytime soon.

Trust had always been a major issue with her, and she learned at an early age not to put much faith into her own parents’ promises. There were always the promises of sharing her birthday, attending school holiday plays, and even going to her graduations. She found that they would much rather pick something out online and have it mailed to her boarding school. There. Problem solved. Her parents’ research was too important to take time for such trivial events. Elle envied the other school kids whose parent arranged skating parties for them, videotaped school functions, and even packed a lunch once in a while. Her parents just weren’t those kind of people. It’s OK. I’m a big girl now and over all that nonsense. I’ve moved on with my life and said ‘goodbye’ to my past. She had a long talk with her brother Andrew, the only person who gave a piss about her life. His advice? Move on. Take no prisoners. Let no one stop you. Get yourself a boyfriend and settle down.

Kevin was a different kind of guy, though. Well, so she thought. Elle thought she had found a good thing with Kevin Gerhardt. Kevin and she had been postdocs, working at the university for about three years now. It was a ten-year struggle to complete her doctoral degree, and Elle was proud of what she accomplished. She was proud of herself for staying the course in a demanding occupation dominated by men, where it took effort to be noticed and taken seriously. Her male colleagues enjoyed each other’s company in golf outings and happy hours that women were never asked to attend. So, it meant hard work with good results to get their attentions. Elle regretted working long hours until late in the night, but she thought her boyfriend understood the time crunch of getting grants out on time. It took a lot of preparation and execution of experiments in order to gather enough data to write papers and grants, and it had been her life for about five years now. As far as she knew, the process wasn’t going to let up soon.

Looking back at it, maybe the only thing she had in common with Kevin was the science, but even that connection was becoming weak. When she passed her thesis defense, he didn’t even phone to congratulate her until the next day. The only person who called was Andrew. Heck, her mother never even called to congratulate her, Elle thought with a sigh. Oh well, it really didn’t matter that he didn’t call anyway. She didn’t need, nor require, anybody’s approval anymore. Except Andrew’s. She would live her life seeking the pat on her head from her big brother. He loved her. There wasn’t a week that went by that Andrew didn’t call or at least text her to wonder how she was, and if she needed anything, or just to tell her he was thinking of his little sister. He gave her the encouragement to continue her education and ultimately apply for her new grant. Don’t be afraid to stick your neck out there, Lil’ Sis. What is the worst that can happen? At the very worst, you can always come and stay with me for a while. But I’m sure you will have no problem with your R01 grant for the research lab. So she applied for the monies.

Andrew was right. Elle was awarded a sizable grant for her new lab. Her new life finally seemed on target, and she was getting ready to expand her wings and fly with her new lab funding. What a dream. My own lab! She’d dreamed of it, visualized it, in her mind’s eye. Only a few more projects to tie up and then freedom. Well, at least, no more slaving to realize someone else’s research dream. She, Doctor Elleanor Grant, would finally be able to control her own destiny once and for all.

From day one her relationship with Kevin, Elle always thought deep down there was a strong possibility they would probably find different paths in life. His work would take him into environmental sciences, and hers into environmental biochemistry. She held hope that they would get postdoc positions in the same area and continue their relationship. Now, in retrospect, it was no more than wishful thinking. Things were always much clearer in the rear-view mirror.

It wasn’t until she left late and walked to her car at the university parking garage, that she saw him. He was parked, but the engine was purring quietly. Curious as to why he was there, she walked up behind his car to ask him, then stopped in her tracks. There was Kevin and his lab tech, lip-locked in the front seat with hands flying over each other’s bodies. The lying snake had texted her no more than an hour ago, to say that he was going to his friend Rob’s apartment for a few beers. But here he was, sucking face with his new lab tech. If it weren’t for the cement pole behind her, she would have buckled to the ground in total shock.

The pain of betrayal rapidly converted to fury. She wanted to scream at the top of her lungs and flail her fists against his perfect car, but her heart felt too heavy to even utter a single word. If she screamed, frustration would lead to tears, and she would cry in front of him. No, she wouldn’t give the lying rat the satisfaction of knowing that he hurt her. So, with all the strength she could muster, she swallowed hard, turned, and walked away. She should have confronted him, let him know how his lies hurt her. He was never aware that she spotted him kissing the other girl. Considering how badly her parents handled their differences, Elle really didn’t know what a person said or did to manage problems in relationships. So, she ignored all calls and texts the next few days. She vowed she would never trust another man again. It wasn’t worth the disappointment.

****

I dinno ken ye are expending so much energy grieving, her friend Lara said from the airplane seat beside her. Kevin is a dick and no’ worth yer time! Now, stop making yer mascara run. Ye look like a bloody raccoon! Lara dabbed her damp drink napkin around Elleanor’s eye, but Elle gently caught her wrist.

Oh Lara, don’t fuss, Elle said softly.

Lara placed her hand on Elle’s shoulder and brushed back a lock of her hair, pulling it from Elle’s twirling fingers.

Oh now, it only hurts because he bruised yer ego. Ye weren’t with him long enough to really love the Bawbag. And dinno be fussing with yer hair, Lara responded, her Scottish accent becoming much more prominent when she was irate, something which Elle always found amusing.

He just tossed me aside like yesterday’s curry, Elle confessed quietly.

Ye canna be sittin’ on yer bahooky and bletherin’ about something that was no’ to be, Elleanor Grant. Lara fussed with the pillow at the back of her neck. Wait until ye meet my family. Ye’ll stop yer greetin’ when they set ye right! Ye will have a wonderful time and never give Bawbag another thought.

Elle screwed up her nose at that comment. ‘Greeting’ was Lara’s word for some serious weeping. She refused to weep. She was stronger than that, wasn’t she? She decided not to continue the conversation further. It was useless to argue with her friend. Elle never won an argument with Lara. Lara Cameron was a great friend and such a comfort to her, never hesitating to say what was on her mind. At times she loved that about Lara, and at other times, it could be frustrating as hell. Lara had no filter and was one fearless woman. Cringe-worthy. She could just imagine what her family must be like.

When Lara suggested that Elle should take some vacation time and come home to Scotland with her, Elle had relented. She would go to Scotland. After all, what did she have to lose? All those years she struggled for her PhD had come to an end, and now she was known as ‘Dr. Elleanor Grant’. Her R01 grant funds for a new lab wouldn’t appear for another few months, so she might as well throw caution to the wind and make Lara happy. Besides, she was looking forward to putting her nose into the cool, fragrant Highland air instead of into the hundreds of science text books and lab manuals she’d gone through the past ten years. Forgetting about that jerk Kevin would be an added bonus.

And, I can no’ wait until you meet my brothers. Con is thirty years old, and the oldest twin. He’s the more serious of my brothers. He lives in Lochaber and takes care of our Aunt Dona pretty well. I reckon I told ye about him, didn’t I? He is a police officer in Fort William. My brother Brodie is Conall’s twin and younger only by seconds. Brodie owns a fishing fleet off of the Isle of Skye which keeps him very busy. Bro is as funny and relaxed as Conall is serious, total opposites. A little like ye and yer brother Andrew. Elle smiled at the comment.

Lara patted Elle’s arm. I’ve been praying for ye to be happy and successful, ye know. Ye deserve it. ’Tis yer time now. Ye know, Elle, ye needn’t be worried. Ye will be surrounded by us druid children. We have special prayers to help for special things! Lara was such a child of the earth, quite the ‘tree hugger’ type with special prayers for too little rain, too much rain, hot weather, sickness, patience, and even finding lost keys. Everything has energy around it, Elleanor dear, Lara had explained. Spells are full of power, just like prayers! It’s just another form of thermodynamics, she would say. ’Tis no different than that.

I wish you would leave me out of your hocus-pocus magic crap. Elle sniffed.

Doctor Elle, ye know chemical electricity feeds our brain. Why is it such a far cry to believe the prayer? Spells draw from that energy? After all, it’s all energy, love. And it works! Dinno be dissing what ye can no’ prove.

Lara looked a little hurt, so Elle decided to play along. OK, then. So, what are you conjuring up for me? She rolled her head to look at Lara and smiled.

I want yer trip to be extra special, Lara said softly. She lowered her head and added, And that ye meet a sweet Caladonian boy who will make ye forget all about—what was his name—Bawbag? Lara replied with a slight sarcastic grin, wrinkling her nose for added emphasis.

Elle snorted. Yeah, that’s what I need all right, to jump into another stupid relationship. I’m still bleeding from the last one, she admonished. What do you want to do to me, rub salt into my still fresh open wound, girlfriend?

Now, dinno ye be sassing me, Miss Elleanor. Yer the one staring out of that window like a lost puppy waiting for his master to return. Ye have a ‘badittude’ like a crabbit wee bairn! Lara rolled her eyes with exasperation and put her ear buds in, head-bobbing to her tune within seconds. Elle turned back toward the window. Lara was right. Elle did need an attitude change.

I’m not giving ‘Bawbag’ one more second of my time. She smiled at the word which Lara used to emphasis disgust at the male race. Should any man make her upset, they were instantly labeled as a ‘Bawbag’. Elle grinned as she put on her ear buds and closed her eyes to nap.

The plane landed in Edinburgh a little after eight in the morning, and Elle called ahead to verify her reservations at the car rental in Fort William. She had been driving for years, but was a little nervous about driving on the opposite side of the road from what she was used to in the USA. OK, she admitted to herself, maybe a little more than nervous…she was afraid. Good thing she remembered her insurance verification in the carry-on and had reserved the car in an automatic shift.

They got their luggage and decided to have a bite to eat before boarding the train to Fort William. Situated at the end of the concourse was a tiny airport café that Lara said served a great cup of strong coffee. If there was one thing that could make Elle turn on her heels, it was the scent of an irresistibly perfect cup of coffee. Lara looked at Elle. Black coffee, chicken sandwiches and chips? Elle nodded. Lara ordered for the both of them, then pulled out her cell and dialed.

Hi, Aunt Dona! Lara squealed into the phone with delight as she talked to her aunt. It was impossible to understand what she was saying as Lara was speaking fluent Gaelic, but whatever the discussion was about, it made Lara very happy.

Lara’s family situation was very different from Elle’s. Her parents were divorced university professors who relocated to different parts of the world just to get as far apart from each other as humanly possible. Her mother was the only child of a blue-blooded Boston family, whose need for order led her to be a perfectionist, critical of anybody who wasn’t. Her father was a no-nonsense physicist, committed to discovering and defining small quantum particles. There was no place for her mother in his life, and certainly, no place for a small, red-headed girl who asked too many questions.

When they found out that Elle wanted to become a biochemist, and not an engineer, with plans to finish her degree in Ohio, they were certain their prodigy had a gene or two loose. Her parents believed that the schools in Boston were much more Ivy League, and better to prepare Elle for her career. But when Elle took a minimum-wage job in an internet café as a waitress, her parents practically disowned her, and they stopped her tuition to force conformity. Even with making her low wages, Elle was satisfied that she was independent, and she could pay her own bills and accrue her own school loans, ones that she would be repaying for a very long time.

Lara’s family, on the other hand, were very close to each other, and even though Lara completed her doctoral degree in the United States, they all talked on the phone every week to catch up. Aunt Dona was the exception, sometimes calling as often as three times a week to keep tabs on Lara’s activities. Her Aunt Dona Cameron raised both Lara and her brothers after Lara’s mother died in childbirth. Lara told her that she, the babe of the family, was five years old and the twins Conall and Brodie were eleven when they moved in with Dona, who managed to do her best to provide everything that the three children needed. Elle remembered Lara mentioning that Dona worked at the inn to make money, and sometimes they even baked goods to sell to earn money for special events.

Lara, twenty-four and working on her PhD, was preparing to start a new postdoctoral position in Molecular Genetics at the University of Aberdeen. Her brother Conall worked for the Northern Constabulary, specifically, the Inverness-shire Police Department. Lara was thrilled when her Aunt Dona phoned last week to inform her that brother Brodie was going to stop by on his way to Mallaig, but just for a few hours. She rarely got to see Brodie and was anxious to introduce Elle.

Lara’s phone conversation ended abruptly when their sandwiches arrived and Lara finished with a quick Love ye too, aye! Turning her attention to her plate she remarked, Oh my. These sandwiches look so delicious, and stuffed a large bite into her mouth. Elle’s mouth was watering as she raised her own chicken sandwich to take a bite. She couldn’t help but moan a little at how good the sandwich was and finished every bit.

Aunt Dona is so excited to have us stay over break. She said that Brodie was on his way over, but Conall is working late tonight. He will be able to join us tomorrow evening for dinner. I am so excited to see them again. I’ve missed them so very much, Lara said with the huge bite still in her mouth.

Elle stuffed a chip into her mouth. Does your brother Brodie’s fishery do well?

Lara brightened. Oh just fine, the last time I talked to him. He spends much time out on the ocean. When he comes back into port, he dates around, but nobody serious as of yet. He’s a bachelor and enjoys his freedom.

Elle nodded in understanding. It’s hard to have a full-time job like that and keep a relationship with someone. You can’t maintain intimacy if you can’t be together. Look at Kevin and me.

Lara smiled. Bawbag didn’t discuss his issues with ye. He just up and cheated. But I see yer point. With Brodie, things are compounded when the weather heads into the season where the ocean gets angry and the Isle of Skye responds with her temper. The winds can be icy and fierce. He would be at sea for weeks at a time. Can’t have a relationship like that. I just wish he’d just come home to Lochaber and stay with Aunt Dona when the winds change, but he won’t give up his business for that long. So, I’m thrilled he will be at Aunt Dona’s tonight. It’s rare that he gets an evening to spare, and even rarer that I get to spend it with him. Ye are going to like him. He’s adorable.

I’m looking forward to meeting him. Too bad your other brother can’t be there tonight, but we’ll meet soon enough, I’m sure. So, how’s your brother Conall going to deal with two nerds in the house at the same time for a full month? He sounds like he’s got his hands full taking care of your aunt, let alone you and me. Are you sure I can’t give him some money for my stay? Groceries aren’t cheap, and electricity isn’t free.

Well, if ye wish, ye can buy and fix a few meals while ye stay if it makes ye feel better, but if ye offer money to Conall, he won’t take it, I guarantee, Lara said laughing.

Then, I will help. Maybe I’ll learn how to make some Scottish fare and make Aunt Dona proud. She sipped her steaming coffee, then asked, Has Conall been dating anybody since his break up yet?

Mmmmm. No’ anybody that he’s shared information about. It’s been twelve months, and he’s still a wee bit shy. He isn’t about to get too serious with anyone, so he just ignores his adoring women. Brodie and Conall are both verra bonny and Lochaber’s most eligible bachelors, although neither has no’ a scooby about it.

A ‘scooby’? Elle asked, laughing at the comment, almost spitting out the coffee she had just sipped. That’s a new one on me.

Scooby? No clue! Sorry, Lara responded with a giggle. Conall draws attention from all the lasses with his nice uniform and such, but he dinno seem to notice their tongues hanging out for him and all. The only thing that catches his attention is the love of his job and his immersion in his work. He dedicates his life to the Northern Constabulary.

Oh, I can relate to that kind of brain-drain. Poor dude. His girlfriend must have hurt him pretty bad for him to remove himself from the social scene. She sipped her coffee. He must really enjoy working as a police officer if he dedicates so much of his time to it.

Mouth full, Lara nodded emphatically. Social scene. No. That’s no’ Conall’s world. But aye, Con is so serious. Being an officer is the perfect occupation for him. He takes his responsibility of being the family provider very seriously, whether it’s money we need, or advice. He was born a fixer and has an innate need to make everything better, even if you don’t ask him to. The trouble is, that he can no’ fix himself, and it eats him up. Getting him to let his guard down and enjoy life a little is always a battle.

She swallowed her bite and sipped her coffee. He’s been the patriarch of the family since Uncle Duncan passed, and he’s assumed the role as if his life and ours depended on it, she said thoughtfully. Con always does what he can do to make sure Aunt Dona has what she needs, and my school bills are covered. Someday, I’ll be able to help out too, so he doesn’t have to work so many hours each day. After graduating from the Constabulary Academy, Con got a small flat in Fort William to be closer to work, but he travels up to Kilmonivaig every third day after he gets off work to see Aunt Dona. Mostly she cooks for him, but he treats her to dinner in town at least a couple times a week. He leads a busy life.

Your brother sounds very sweet.

Oh, he’s absolutely the best. She smiled ruefully and pushed a curl from her face. Conall is, and always will be, my hero. But, sweet? She snorted. I will no’ say that he is sweet, Brodie can be very sweet. Conall? No, she said emphatically while sipping her coffee.

No?

Well, about as sweet as an ornery old bear with a thorn in its paw, I suppose. He’s extremely set in his ways. Whereas Brodie could be negotiated with, Conall never let me get away with a flippin’ thing growing up.

You were a devious little angel? Elle smiled with feigned surprise. Imagine that!

Lara laughed with glee. Oh, if ye only kent it! Once when I was about fifteen years old, my Uncle Duncan refused to allow me to see the boy of my very dreams, well, at least I thought he was! Ye know what it’s like at that age. I was such a drama queen. Aye, I had it bad for this boy, Liam McKay! He was quite a bit older than I, and a look-alike clone of that hot Johnny Rocket from the Sex Pistols. Remember the Sex Pistols? Liam and his amateur rock band played in one of the pubs in Fort William. Well, I snuck out to see Liam, Lara paused thoughtfully, then continued, My ‘sweet’ brother spied me hanging on the boy’s arm outside of the pub and passing around a ciggie. Conall walked up and laid the boy out flat with one punch. I was bealin’ at him! I kicked and screamed and beat his chest with my fists, but he just picked me up, flung me over his shoulder, and whacked my arse all the way to the car. What a sight that must have been with me whaling and cursing like a pirate the entire way. He scolded me the entire drive back to the house, but promised no’ to tell Uncle Duncan of my escapade as long as I swore that I would never again see this boy or put a cigarette in my mouth.

Did you keep your promise, you bad girl? Elle chuckled softly and sipped her coffee.

Ah, aye. But no’ because of Con. Lara thought a moment and corrected, Well, OK. It was mostly because of Con. I met another boy shortly after who was on the local school football team, and he was pretty nice and didn’t smoke. I soon forgot about Liam. But, I’ve always had an eye for the bad ones, she confessed with a wink, brushing back a lock of her honey brown hair.

How did Conall meet his girlfriend?

Con met his girl at University, but she wasn’t who I would have chosen for him. Morag was pretty and smart, but had a strong desire to hang around money. It was as if she were one person around Conall, but another around everyone else. She wanted to be an actress but settled for TV announcer. I guess she thought Conall couldn’t keep her the way she wanted to be kept, so she found another guy who could. Ended up leaving with the son of an aluminum company giant for London, where she now works for the BBC.

That’s too bad, Elle said. How long ago was this?

Right before Hogmanay over a year ago. He doesn’t seem to have any hard feelings about it, but he doesn’t share much of his personal life. He hasn’t really shown much interest in dating anyone lately. He’ll be all right, though. He’s just so stubborn and a bit of a control freak. He needs somebody to fuss over. Don’t tell him I said that. Lara gave her a sly wink.

They both finished their meals, paid the bill with tip, and did a little souvenir shopping before their train arrived. The stores were full of cheesy plastic goods, probably not made in Scotland at all, but all prepared for tourists. Elle browsed around the shop, looking at everything from whisky shot glasses to teddy bears adorned with clan tartans, when an item in a case caught her eye and stopped her in her tracks—a small silver dagger about eight inches from hilt to point with a beautifully ornate hand-carved oak and ebony hilt.

She learned it was a ‘sgian-dubh’ that Lara pronounced as something sounding like ‘skeen doo.’ There were inlaid polished smoky quartz stones that Lara described as Cairngorm stones from the Scottish mountains. The stones seemed to glow as the sunlight from the store window fell on it. The knife was breathtakingly gorgeous and looked very out of place in the shop of cheap souvenirs.

Elle always had a penchant for finely detailed crafted blades and grew up with a talent for martial arts and blade throwing. If somebody told her that little girls should act a certain way, she would balk at the statement and do just the opposite. She enjoyed her new found passion for two reasons. It was because weaponry was unusual for a girl to dabble in, and she loved anything old. The old weapons fit both the criteria.

This intricate little blade was not the normal souvenir gift shop tourist junk, but it appeared to be very old and extremely well crafted. Odd, that such a nice little dagger would be in a souvenir shop. She smiled as she reverently picked up the dagger. Hmmm. How did you end up in here, you little beauty? Were you waiting just for me? The knife was a little pricey but considering that it seemed to be a well-made replication of a possible ancient artifact, it was worth an extra bit of money. The blade would be perfect to keep hidden on her body and when she went home, she would mail it to her apartment so it didn’t get lost in transport, or cause her to be held in the airport for transporting a weapon.

When Elle ran her thumb over the hilt of the short dagger, a tiny blue bolt of electricity jumped from the blade to her thumb with a faint snap. She was so surprised she nearly dropped the weapon.

My gosh, there must be a lot of static electricity in here. This blade just shocked me!

Lara looked up from the magazine she was leafing through. Whatever do ye mean, it shocked ye?

A tiny thin blue spark just jumped from the tip to my thumb. It was pretty strong, too! Elle laughed, her hand still tingling. Look, Lara. It’s glowing! The stone had taken on a slight iridescence.

How odd! Lara examined the dagger a little closer. Look at that. ’Tis eerie, isn’t it? She flipped the handle over in her hands. It stopped glowing. Here— she handed it back to Elle —make it glow again.

I can’t make it. Elle took the blade handle and lifted it to the light. The stone started to glow. Well, I’ll be darned, she whispered in amazement. There must be batteries. She looked for the battery compartment but didn’t see any.

Aye. It was meant for yer hand only, because it chose ye, pet, Lara teased. Will ye be getting it, then?

Elle, in deep thought, twirled a lock of hair over her finger. I feel that I have to now. I’ve been bitten, and it’s definitely not getting away with that. She looked at the blade. "Come on