Brochan edged up and peered over my shoulder. ‘Is that…?’

I nodded. ‘My mother. I knew they’d had a relationship but I thought it hadn’t meant much because the Bull cheated on her.’ I stared down at her smiling face, itching to take the photo with me. I didn’t have any images of her; whatever was left in the Adair mansion had been destroyed. I’d really liked to have had this one but if I took it would be like leaving the Bull a great big note saying ‘Integrity was here!’. I cursed aloud and put the photograph back inside the frame. Desire for just one photo of my mother warred with common sense. Damn him. I returned the frame to the desk but my eyes lingered on it.

‘Ta da!’ Taylor stood up and cricked his neck. He checked his watch and gave Lexie a cheesy grin. ‘And in record time, I might add.’

‘Yeah, yeah. Is there anything useful inside?’

Speck knelt down and rummaged through the contents. ‘Deeds to some land up north. Some cash, a few bearer bonds and stock certificates…’ He whistled. ‘This Bull guy really is loaded, you know.’

‘Leave the money,’ I instructed.

‘Aw, Tegs…’

‘It’s not what we’re here for. Is there anything about the wedding? Anything about Aifric?’

Speck rifled some more. ‘Not that I can see.’

‘Shite. Are you sure? Because—’

Bob piped up. ‘I think I should tell you guys that we’re about to be interrupted.’

We all swung our heads towards him. Bob held up his hands. ‘I can feel the Bull’s presence. Ommmmmm…’

Double shite. ‘Everyone out. Now!’

They didn’t need telling twice. Lexie wrenched open the door, darting out and away with the others hot on her heels. I went to join them but realised at the last moment that the sodding safe was gaping open. Gritting my teeth, I dashed back and tried to slam it shut. A piece of paper jammed in the opening. Feeling my pulse speed up, I fumbled to yank it free and toss it back inside so I could close the safe door. It was lucky that the Bull was a messy boy or he’d immediately have realised someone had been going through his papers.

I got back to my feet. Making a hasty and knowingly foolish decision, I grabbed the photo frame off the desk and ran for the door but it was too late. The Bull was only steps away.

I pulled back inside. There had to be somewhere to hide. Behind the curtains perhaps? They were too flimsy. Under the desk? No, that was stupid. I could wedge myself between the bookshelf and the wall. I leapt towards the gap just as the Bull’s shadow fell into the room. Too late.

The Bull stared at the open study door, his expression thunderous. Then his eyes landed on me, catching me red-handed in the middle of his room. So much for my supposed death. Oh well.