Highland Wolf (Highland Brides) Read Online Free PDF Page A

takes from the rich and gives to them in need."
    "Well, I'm in need," said Roman, low-voiced as he clenched his fists. The landlord raised his club. His wife ducked behind his back, but Roman strode past them back into his own rented room.
    It took him only a few moments to wake and question the other two villains. But despite his threats and their obvious fear, they told him nothing more than he'd already learned. If the necklace was gone, the Shadow had been there before them.
    Roman straightened, feeling rage spur through his system as he headed for the stairs.
    "Where ... where be you going?" asked the woman.
    "Ta catch a shadow," said Roman and strode into the night.
     

Chapter 3
    It had been three days since the necklace was stolen. Three days! And in that time Roman had delayed meeting with Lord Harrington. Instead, he had searched every back alley, had questioned everyone from potters to lords about a man named John Marrow, for without the gems he had no bargaining power, nothing with which to win the lad's freedom. But not a soul had heard of Marrow.
    The Shadow, on the other hand, was a different matter entirely. The Shadow was a specter, a beggar, a prince, the devil incarnate. Every person had an opinion, and the opinions varied as greatly as the people's positions in life. Thieves envied him, the downtrodden revered him, and the gentry feared him. Though the stories differed greatly, one thing remained consistent. The Shadow took from the rich and gave to the poor.
    But who was the Shadow? And where was he? Roman scanned the occupants of the Red Fox. The inn was busy again, loud and boisterous, as if attempting to drown out the harsh realities of the world outside its doors.
    Someone had stolen the necklace. Someone was to blame. But who? Had he met the thief? Was he the sailor in the corner? The drunk on the floor?
    "So, guvnor, you're back."
    Roman lifted his gaze. Betty stood beside the table. She wore the same revealing gown he had seen on her before. Her breasts looked just as plump and pale, her smile just as seductive. But Roman was in no mood to appreciate her charms.
    It had been three days since he'd slept. Three days of hopeless searching and scorching self-mcrimination. He shouldn't have fallen asleep until the necklace was delivered. He shouldn't have failed.
    "You don't look so good, luv," she said. "Mayhap you're not accustomed to our English brews."
    "Mayhap," he said dryly, and took another swig of ale.
    "Betty, darlin', we need another round," someone called.
    "And a kiss."
    "Not for you, George," she replied, glancing at the man who had spoken.
    "Just a kiss," George pleaded. He was a big man, and fat.
    "Seems to me you was the one what said that to Sara. She's round as a melon now and sick every morn."
    Chuckles answered her rejoinder.
    'That's me, Betty, luv, potent as your rum."
    "And just as stale," added his companion. "But give me a kiss, Betty. I've spawned no babes."
    The maid placed a fist to her broad hip and laughed. 'That's because you are a babe, Arthur. Your brother would paddle your behind if he knew you was 'ere."
    "I'd rather you did the paddling, Betty," said Arthur.
    "Don't tempt her, boy," someone called.
    "'Twould be worth a few bruises," someone else argued.
    "And your wife will bruise you , Birley, if you won't be gettin' yourself 'ome," she said.
    "Ahh, Maggie's grousing all the time," complained Birley into his mug.
    "As would you be, if you was carrying your fourth babe about in your belly," Betty said.
    "You can't blame a man for stopping by for a pint now and again," said a balding man near the door.
    "But I could blame him for losing five shillings at tables when his wife is working her fingers to the bone to keep the wolf from the door, Cleat Smith," she responded.
    Cleat lowered his balding pate. "I'll win tonight. Robert owes me a game."
    "Robert Redman will forever play ya men for fools if ya act the fools," Betty warned.
    "He could beat you with his brain tied