Griff shifted his position to stand between her and the fast-approaching ship. The protective moment was not lost on her. Just as she’d inspected their visitors, the lieutenant would have his own spyglass trained on them. Her uncle’s number one rule at sea? Do not be recognized.
Ever.
Thompson had been a constant irritation the last few months. Late-night runs had to be cancelled, cargos better hidden—which tooktime and money, and one of their best partners had pulled out of Savannah because of the added risk. Not to mention the men who had been hanged. None of their own men, of course, but comrades in the trade nonetheless.
Samantha squared her shoulders. Griff and his crew were among her uncle’s finest. Today, Thompson was merely an annoyance. One that could be dealt with. If she returned to shore with a win over Thompson, Uncle Henry couldn’t say she wasn’t fit to captain. After all, how could one top besting a US Navy ship?
She faced her crew. “I think it’s time Lieutenant Thompson got a taste of his own medicine.”
A gleam flashed through Griff’s eyes even as he pressed his lips together in a disapproving line. “Aye, Captain.” He lowered his voice and leaned close. “Your uncle would not approve. Are you sure you want to do this?”
Samantha gave a curt nod while a burst of adrenaline coursed through her veins.
Her first fight as a pirate.
“I hope you understand I’ll be stepping back to my position.”
Her shoulders dropped. Not her fight after all. Her uncle had made it clear, if there were trouble, Griff would be back in charge. Though a retort formed on her lips, theFalconhad gotten close enough for Samantha to hear the wind whistling through her sails. No time to argue.
She bit her tongue and dipped her head. “Of course, Captain.”
With those words, the leadership seamlessly transferred over.
Griff turned. “Alright, men. Shall we show the lieutenant what happens when he stirs up a hornet’s nest—or should I say, pirate’s nest?”
A soft cheer rose from the crew.
“You know the drill.”
A flurry of activity followed and Samantha’s heart filled with pride.Under the scrutiny of the approaching ship, the preparations would seem benign. Ropes were fastened and coiled while conveniently placed crates of weapons were unlocked. The men who would fight pulled out leather half masks. They turned their backs to theFalconand secured the masks tightly.
Griff always said there was something about being locked in battle with another man that had a way of etching an opponent’s face into one’s mind. Inconvenient for a pirate wanting to stay anonymous. Every crew member was issued a mask the day he signed into her uncle’s service and risked punishment if he were ever found without it on his person. The thin leather didn’t impede vision or movement while disguising the upper facial features enough to escape identity.
Griff was the only one who kept his face clear. A risk. But one he would need to take the lieutenant by surprise. It just meant he’d have to lay low and avoid town for a while. He coughed and gave Samantha a pointed look. “Best get below. And stay down there until it’s over.”
No.
She opened her mouth to say so and he shook his head. “That’s an order, Miss Warstein.”
With a scowl, Samantha jumped down to the deck. Before she approached the door to her cabin, she caught a glimpse of the lieutenant—and the frown on his face as he steered his ship close.
She dashed inside and locked the door behind her before heading to a window. With a flick of her fingers, she unlatched it and pushed it open a crack. The lieutenant’s baritone voice floated over her.
“Ho there. State your business.”
“Just passing through after picking up cargo,” Griff answered without missing a beat.
“And why have you ventured so far off the trade route?”
“I could ask the same of you.”
Silence fell save for the slap of waves trapped between the two ships. Samantha bit back a laugh as she imagined the look on the lieutenant’s face.
“We patrol these waters on behalf of the governor.”
“Yet you fly the Georgian seal. Curious, as last I checked, we are off the coast of Florida.” A mocking tone had entered Griff’s voice.
“I assure you, we have every right to be here. You, on the other hand...” The lieutenant’s voice trailed off. “I trust you understand we will need to board your ship and conduct an inspection. If all is in order, you’ll be free to go.”
