Yet Smity had no way to know whether Cadan had found the final clue.
Which was why Cadan had sent Pell and Durwin to hide in the shadows beside the church while keeping Smity close by.No doubt Allard was at the Kraken’s Grotto by now, discovering from the barmaid and the owner Cadan’s whereabouts, and more importantly, the whereabouts of the lady and his child.
If all went according to plan, Allard would come upon them, see that Cadan only had three men, and attack.Then the rest of Cadan’s men would emerge from hiding and surround them.
Cadan smiled.He’d finally have Allard!Finally, after seven long years, he’d have his revenge.He’d draw it out of course, make the man suffer as much as he’d made Cadan.Ah, sweet, sweet vengeance!
In addition, he glanced down at Lady Fox, babe snuggled against her chest, he’d ensure the lady would be unharmed, and afterward, he would sail her to any port she desired and put her safely ashore.
A slight twinge pricked his heart at the thought he’d not see her again.Ridiculous.
She glanced his way, and even in the lantern light, he saw fear and loathing twisting her expression.But how could he blame her?
Regardless, ’twas a good plan.Then why did a wave of guilt suddenly assail him?He shifted his stance and studied the gravestone before them.
Here lies Sir Thomas Maine
Thought he could lie and cheat for gain
But God took him out in a burst of pain
Cadan snorted.
“A word of wisdom for you from above?”Lady Fox commented with sarcasm.
“We shall see.”
A noise pricked his ears, and he held up a hand to silence her.The sound of bootsteps on dirt, the crunch of gravel, the stealth movement of men.They were coming!
With a nod to the two men to keep digging and a glance at the trees to his other men, Cadan slid his handto the hilt of his blade and waited.
Chapter 19
Gabrielle was more determined than ever not to show an ounce of the terror squeezing every nerve within her.From the captain’s face, she knew Damien approached, knew there would be a skirmish at best.At worst, a deadly battle.
And she, Matthew, and Omphile would be caught in the middle.
Not to mention that if the captain’s plan failed, she’d once again be Allard’s prisoner.Only this time she doubted he’d ever let her go.
’Twas a fate worse than death, not only for her, but for her precious son.Father or not, she would not have her son raised by that vicious, heartless, swine.
Clinging to Matthew, she shared a glance with Omphile who looked as frightened as she did.Entwining her arm with hers, the mulatto attempted a smile.“Have faith,” she said.“We will be all right.I knows it.”
Ever the encourager.Even when things seemed hopeless.
Bootsteps crunched over gravel, then thudded on soft soil.The chime of blades being drawn rang through the misty night—an omen of the grim reaper’s arrival.
Cadan glanced up.
Allard’s voice stabbed Gabrielle in the back.“Ah, Captain Hayes, we meet again so soon.”
She turned to see Damien, rapier extended before him, victorious grin lifting his thin mustache.His glance shifted from Cadan to her for the briefest of moments, then to the bundle in her arms, and his grin widened.
Four pirates surrounded him, some burly, some thin, all dressed in dark breeches and colorfully embroidered waistcoats with scarves tied around their waists.And all brandishing weapons—flintlocks, muskets, swords, and long knives.
Allard wore his usual posh attire, complete with a red feather fluttering from his cocked hat.
“I believe you have something I want.”Allard pointed at her with the tip of his rapier.“And”—he craned his neck to look at the two men who had stopped digging—“I’ll take that clue as well.”
