She emerged into utter stillness. All the pirates abovedecks stood mute, their gazes locked on their surroundings.
Heather spotted Percy near the bowsprit and strode toward him.
“What is happening?” she whispered as she drew close.
He smiled grimly, but pressed his lips to her ear. “We’ve reachedGolfo Mexicano. These waters are full of other pirates—and British warshipssearchingfor pirates. We must sail with caution.”
Heather trained her gaze ahead. Caution, indeed.
Minutes seemed to crawl by, the air filled with tension, perspiration, and the odd shuffling of feet on the creaky ship.
The silhouette of a ship appeared in the distance, and Heather held her breath. They moved swiftly on the water’s surface, drawing nearer.
“It’s not making to approach,” Percy murmured in her ear.
Then, land was on the horizon, with other ships dotting the water around it. And suddenly, the tension began to melt away, replaced by a tangible excitement from the crew.
How long had it been since these men had seen land? Longer than Heather, no doubt, and yet she couldn’t deny the buzz of anticipation that hummed just beneath her skin.
They approached quickly, sailing between moored ships before Percy finally began shouting orders.
“Uncat the anchor!” he bellowed. “We’re here, men!”
The rowing boatrocked precariously as Percy helped Heather onto the dock, and his gut dipped with nerves. The sunlight brightened her hair, lending it hints of copper, and the warmth of the morning brought a rosy hue to her cheeks. She’d tied herhair in a knot at her crown—as she was wont to do—and some strands had broken free to frame her face. He wanted to run them through his fingers.
Instead, he winked at her as he tied off the boat. “Best to remain near to my side. Keep your dirk close to hand. Remember your training. And do not make eye contact with anyone unsavoury.”
She glanced beyond the docks toward the pubs, shops, and brothels. “Percy, that iseveryone.”
He jerked his head in a nod. “We are in accord, then. Come. Donovan is to oversee the unloading of our pilfered goods. Let us find a ship bound for England.”
He’d told the men to enjoy some recreation time, but they know naught of his intention to abandon them. Not even Donovan was aware of this plan.
He led the way from the docks into town. Heather fell into step beside him. She kept her hand draped easily over the sheath of her dirk, and her spine was stiff with the tension that veritably radiated off her.
Over the next hour, Percy approached at least a half-dozen first mates from different ships, and each looked at him as though he were mad. At their response, he’d followed up with inquiries about a possible vessel for purchase. Lord knew he could find men willing to make the journey for some coin, if he but had a means of transport.
“I daresay these men feel the same way that you did about approaching the shores of England in a pirate ship,” Heather said, squinting toward town as they walked.
The gentle splash of seawater against the wood posts of the dock, the squawk of gulls, and the rhythmic thumpof their boots hitting the planks echoed around them. All while his insides churned.
Percy grunted his agreement. He ought to have considered that before they arrived. And why he thought a merchant ship might be waiting in San Luis to bring them home was beyond him.
“I need to think,” he muttered. “Iwillget you home, Heather. I simply need to consider all our options.”
They reached the edge of town and passed a bo’s’n and smithy before Heather spoke again.
“What if the officers aboard the British warships—and on the shores of England—did notknowthat a pirate ship was, in fact, a pirate ship?”
“How—” Percy frowned. “Do you mean wehideit?”
She shook her head, dislodging another lock of her golden-red hair. “No. I mean wedisguiseit.”
“Most naval officers and captains are aware of all of England’s sailing vessels. I doubt we could disguise thePandorain any such manner so as to convince them it’s one of theirs.”
“What of a Spanish frigate? Or mayhap a merchant ship? There must be some ships that are not as well-known to English officers. Surely there is paint in San Luis for the figurehead, a new flag, and sensible attire that a sailor might wear for the crew.”
“A merchant ship from the Americas, mayhap,” Percy mused.
