“Sorry, Captain.”
I scramble to a sitting position and back away from the squabbling pirates. But that lands me at the feet of the rowing pirate where I almost get brained with the end of the oar. Turning, I press my back to the side of the boat and wrap my arms around myself.
The huge hat keeps the pirate’s face in shadow, but the other two are practically leering at me, though one is holding his cheek.
“Sorry for Cock and Balls. They aren’t the brightest on my crew.” The pirate offers me his hand.
I don’t take it. I’m too busy trying not to look at the black water or think about the fact this pirate’s crew are named Cock and Balls.
“Ah, well.” The captain leans back on his elbow. “You’re suspicious.”
“Where are you taking me?”
“To my ship of course.”
“Why?”
The captain leans closer, whiskey on his breath. “What? A fellow can’t take a pretty woman when he sees one anymore?”
All I can do is blink up at the ridiculous hat.
“Of course he can, Captain. Way of the world.” The one rowing, Balls I think, gives me a rude wink.
I could scream. But what would that do for me? Bring Hook? Out of the frying pan and into the fire. I pull my knees up, though I’m careful to keep my legs together. I didn’t think this through enough. Notnearlyenough.
“Anyone following?” The captain turns his head, and I finally get a look at him in the moonlight.
He’s the one who I saw coming ashore earlier. At least I think he is. Pirate fashion isn’t too varied, it seems. He’s got dirty blond hair, a wide mustache that curls upward on the ends, and hollow cheeks. I couldn’t guess his age. He could be a worn 25 or a youthful 50.
“Naw, we’re clear.” Cock turns and keeps an eye on the shore as Balls continues rowing, his body odor wafting over me with each stroke.
I put a hand to my nose and try to breathe deeply to calm the stampeding beat of my heart. There has to be a way out of this. I glance at the black water. No way. Even if I could bring myself to jump out of this boat—which I don’t think I can… That’s it. That’s where my thought stops, because my mind can’t even contemplate it any farther. The fear is too big, eclipsing the idea before it’s fully born.
“You’ll be plenty comfortable onboard, miss.” The captain runs his fingers along the brim of his hat. “And the trip to Neverland won’t take too long.”
I whip my head around. “You’re taking me to Neverland?”
“Sure am. I made a deal with your lover boy over there. Going to come out of it with quite a load of fairy dust.” He sucks on a tooth. “Just have to deliver you.”
Surely, I haven’t misheard him. He means to return me to Peter. This is actually … a stroke of luck for once? I want to believe it, but I’ve been fooled by a pirate before.
“Are you serious?”
“I’ll have you delivered before the moon is high again.” He picks something off his leather pants and flicks it into the sea. “A deal is a deal.” He grins, the moon glinting off a golden front tooth.
I don’t know what to say. I can only hope it’s true. But I don’t feel as relieved as I might. Not when my life is in the hands of pirates.
Balls rows for a while longer, then slows the boat as we approach a ship that’s maybe half the size of Hook’s.
“Let’s go. Peter’s waiting.” The captain stands and offers his hand again.
This time I take it, and he jerks me to my feet.
Someone throws a rope ladder over the side, and I cringe when the captain gestures toward it. “Ladies first.”
“I don’t know if I can.” It’s not too high up, but my leg is already aching.
“Best get a move on then.” Cock snorts and grabs the ladder, handing the end to me.
