Brackish.
“It’s connected to the sea.” She pulled herself back up and retrieved her blade. “How long until low tide?”
Griff glanced at the setting sun. “An hour or so.”
Her nerves fairly vibrated. “We wait.”
He ran his fingers along his jaw and a slow smile spread. “It’s genius.”
“If it’s true.” She sank down cross-legged and stared at the water.
It had to be.
The men found shaded spots beneath the trees, but she stayed put, her eyes glued to the rocky wall across from her. The spot beneath the “X” on the map.
Inch by inch, the water retreated. Mosquitoes buzzed around her face, their incessant whine filling her ears. She batted them away, refusing to look away from the sinkhole.
And then she saw it.
A dark crescent played at the water’s edge, shadows stretching deep. She rubbed her eyes in case they played tricks on her, and jumped to her feet. “Griff!”
He strode over and his gaze followed her pointed finger. “I’ll be blowed. An underwater cave.” He gripped her shoulder. “You did it. You found it.”
A tremor ran through her as she took a shaky breath. “Do you really think it’s in there?”
He grabbed the map from her and jabbed a finger on the “X” with a grin. “In another half hour or so, we’ll find out.”
Tommy ran over, and when Samantha pointed to the gap above the water, he let loose a whoop. The crew crowded close and Samantha began to unbuckle her belt.
Before she could slide the leather strap free, a sound she knew well slipped through the excited chatter of her men. The ring of steel blades being loosened. Her hand closed over the hilt of her rapier as she spun toward the trees and pushed two men aside.
“To arms!”
But it was too late. While her crew fumbled for their weapons, a laugh echoed over the sinkhole.
“My thanks for solving the mystery of the treasure’s whereabouts.”
*
Dozens of Thorne’sbrutes materialized out of the shadowy underbrush while Griff and her crew bunched together at the water’s edge. Samantha’s heart constricted. They were good and trapped.
“I’d put those swords down if I were you.” The captain strode into the clearing with a smirk. “Wouldn’t want anyone getting... hurt.”
A few of his men laughed.
Thorne came to a stop in front of Samantha. “We scouted the area earlier, to no avail. I must confess, I almost gave up. Until my runners reported spotting your ship.”
Her stomach lurched. They’d been out there all along. Waiting in the trees.
She pulled in a ragged breath. “Where’s your ship, then?”
He chuckled. “Just up the coast. Although, by now, she’s likely on the way to overtake yours.”
Bile burned her throat at the thought of the three men they’d left behind. They wouldn’t stand a chance.
Thorne lifted his sword and ran his thumb across the point. “A little birdie told me you’re quite skilled with that blade of yours.”
She blinked at him as he met and held her gaze.
