Now for a longer chapter! FINALLY!

We were escorted to the V.I.P. box at the horse tracks. Tom stood and greeted me with a kiss on my knuckles. I bit my cheek to keep from watching as he guided me to my seat by the window in our box. Jessica and Dean were standing by the window on the far left. I heard Melinda talking to Sam about what we talked about last night.

Neal was stationed by the door like a guard. He didn't look like much of a fighter but the gesture was kind.

"So Lady McCord, which horse are you betting on?" Tom inquired, leaning forward in his seat. I glanced out at the horses paraded before us. I examined each with the eye of an equine master.

"I think that Vincent's Country Bliss has the best conformation for this race," I said watching the high headed chestnut stallion prance.

"You know your horseflesh."

"My family raises some of the finest equine stock in all the Scottish Highlands."

"Oh?"

"Aye. I've ridden horses since I was a we lass."

"Intriguing, then I don't see any point in betting against someone with so much expertise on the matter," I flushed at his compliment.

"Thank ye," I muttered tilting my head in respect. He nodded smiling before turning back to the horses. The track assistants pulled the stubborn horses into their starting gates.

I leaned forward in anticipation. I was anxious as the horses. The bell rang and the horses took off like a shot. Jessica pushed her hair behind her ear, rustling her sun hat, picked special for the races.

I stood in my anxiety. A sudden longing ran through me. A longing to get True Speed and run. Just run. Away from everything. Away from these Jewels, away from Typhus, away from Tom. And even away from the knowledge that I have a protectorate.

I glanced over my shoulder at Neal. His eyes were trained on me. I quickly turned back to the race. As predicted. Vincent's Country Bliss was taking the lead. It was then I realized Tom had taken a station up beside me.

"It seems your judgment in equine prowess has proved itself. Congratulations."

"Twas merely years of practice" I waved off the compliment. I turned to him, "You will forgive my brazen rashness but I would like to see the jewels upon our next encounter. I received a call yesterday and am needed at home as soon as I can procure the jewels."

"Of course, milady," he tried to charm me. "If I may be so bold, I am taking my yacht out for a trip upriver. Perhaps you and your company may join me?" I glanced at my friends, their faces registering different things.

"We would be delighted," I agreed.

000

"What the HELL!" Jessica screeched as we got in the limo. I didn't say anything, opting instead, for retreating in on myself. I may have been team leader but everyone usually got their say. Dean's face held a look of agreement with Jessica while Melinda looked relieved to be going to the river (a fair amount, of glamor sirens in the Hudson. Why? I don't know) Sam looked anxious to get this over with and Neal… Neal's face was unreadable but his jaw was angrily clenched. I opened my mouth to say something but couldn't form the words. So instead I just rode home in silence.

000

When we got to the hotel I was the last one out of the car. I was about to go into the hotel, ready to crash into my soft bed and die. Suddenly an arm clenched firmly around my arm, spinning me into a darkened alley.

I grabbed the dirk at my ankle, as was, not only Highland tradition, but also useful. I had the dirk to the man's neck in an instant. It was Neal. I lowered the knife.

"Good way to die," I said, sheathing my dagger.

"What was that today? Agreeing with his request. I don't like it," he growled.

I jerked my arm out of his grasp, "I thought you wanted me to get the Crown Jewels. I am"

"I also want you to be safe," he said. My heart jumped into my throat.

"Why do you care?" I spat. Neal's ice blue eyes bore into my own. I saw care and worry in them. I didn't know why my insides melted or how they did. He moved closer, his breath tickling my lis and his head tilting to capture my lips. My eyes were wide in surprise, my heart racing in anticipation.

"Because… I don't trust him," he whispered, his lips dancing over mine.

I was just about to fling myself against him when he turned and left. Cursing his name I made my way to my room on legs as effective as melted butter. When I finally (if unceremoniously) arrived I collapsed and immediately was asleep.

Oh grife a chapter over seven hundred words! Enjoy.

Deans True Girl: I hurried!