“That is for me to say,” Cadan seethed out.The man’s interest in the treasure was natural, but his greed caused him to overstep Cadan’s authority, and he couldn’t have that among his crew.
“You got your clue,” Pell said.“Let’s get back to the ship.”
“Nay.”Cadan started for the door, still angry at Durwin.“The night has only just begun.We’re off to The Kraken’s Grotto to wait for Smity.And if he bears good news, to set a trap.”
Chapter 18
What do you have for me?”Captain Damien Allard stood, feet spread apart, arms crossed, staring down at the slimy varmint who would betray his captain.He hadn’t been sure the man had spoken the truth about Cadan going to Nevis in their brief meeting on that spit of an island.But as soon as he appeared out of the darkness, Damien found both delight and disgust brewing in his gut.
Lazy-eyed Smity, for that is what they called him, shifted his feet in the sand, and scanned the beach as if looking for an escape.
But it was too late for that.Damien had already paid the man well for the information he was about to give.And he’d not take no for an answer.Neither would the eight pirates, fully armed, standing behind him, his best and most loyal men.
He wrinkled his nose, both at the smell of fish coming from the warehouse they stood behind and the stench of betrayal radiating off the man before him.
“Told ye ’e’d come ’ere, Cap’n.”Smity grunted, shifting his stance.
“Aye, and it was wise of you to choose this meeting place ahead of time.No harm will come to you, as I promised,” Damien tried to reassure him.“A bargain is a bargain.”
A cloud moved, revealing the rippled flesh on the right side of Smity’s face.“Do you not wish to punish the man who caused that?”Damien gestured toward the hideous scars.
The man’s good eye locked upon Damien.He nodded.“After ye get the woman and ’er child, ye’ll ’elp me take o’er the ship?”
“As I said.TheResolute will join my fleet under your leadership as captain.”For a brief moment, that is.What a little split-tongued weasel.“Now, where is your captain and the lady?”
A gust of wind stirred the fronds of the large palm they stood beneath as wavelets lapped against the shore to their left.
“Alls I know is ’es off to find a clue t’ the treasure.Then I’m to meet ’im at the Kraken’s Grotto and tell ’im whether yer ship arrived.”Smity snorted in derision.“’E’s got a plan to trap ye.I just ain’t privy to it.If ’e tells me at the tavern, I’ll slip out an’ let ye know.If not, jist follow us.”
Damien huffed.So Cadan hoped to trap him.What a fool.
“And”—Smity smirked—“’e’s got the wench an’ the babe wit’ ’im.”
Delight soared through Damien, and he couldn’t help but smile.Perfect.He would steal Cadan’s ship, obtain the final clue to the treasure, and get back Gabrielleandhis son.All in one night!
“Off with you now.”Damien waved at the dung-souled bungler.
Smity started away.
“And if you betray me,” he called after him.“I’ll eat your liver for breakfast.”
Smity’s one eye widened before he skittered away.
???
For any lady to set foot inside such a vile establishment was reprehensible enough, but to be forced to bring an innocent babe into such a wicked pit of hell was beyond the pale.However, the captain had insisted, assuring her that she and Matthew were safe with him.And from the way she’d seen the pirates on the street making wide berths around him as he walked down the center, and the particular one, Deadeyes, who’d scrambled off at Cadan’s challenge, she might believe it.Yet he was only one man with a mere six of his pirates against a tavern full of miscreants.
And by the smell, sights, and sounds—all of which slapped her in the face as she entered—the customers of this particular tavern were well past the point of rational self-preservation and decent decorum.Some men lay on the floor unconscious.Others were draped over chairs and tables.Those that remained somewhat alert played cards, slammed down jugs of ale, or fondled scantily clad women.Curses, along with a few chairs, flew through the air, while the eerie twang of a violin accompanied it all.
Cadan leaned to whisper in her ear, no doubt seeing the horror on her face.“We shan’t be long, my lady.Stay close.”
And for the first time since she’d met the man, she thought being close to him was a good idea.
He strode forward, shoulders back, head held high, hand resting lightly on the hilt of his cutlass as if he owned the place.With a commanding gaze, he surveyed the crowded room, eyes halting here and there…assessing any danger or looking for someone?
Pell marched beside him.
Omphile slid her arm through Gabrielle’s and pulled her tight as the rest of the captain’s men surrounded them.The scent of sour spirits, sweat, and evil filled her lungs even as lantern light transformed men’s faces into demons as they passed.
