19
Ashton and Brock came flying into the city of Edinburgh, their horses lathered and in desperate need of rest after the relentless pace the two men had set. Ashton led the way to his townhouse on the Royal Mile. He left Brock holding the reins while he rushed up the steps and banged the knocker loudly. His trusted butler, Shelton, answered the door quickly, even though it was still early in the morning.
“My lord!” Shelton looked flustered and a little panicked. “We were not expecting you.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t have time to send word,” Ashton said as he called for a groom to take the horses from Brock, who hastily joined Ashton in the hall. “Where is my brother, Shelton?”
Shelton paled. “Master Rafe?”
“Yes, I know he’s staying here. Where is he?”
“Well, actually, sir, he left town la
