Pell handed him a clean cloth, and he swiped the vomit off his shoulder and back.
All the while Pell watched him, grinning.
“Something amuses you?”
“I never saw this side of you, Captain.The nurturing father.”
Anger suddenly welled, quickly banishing any nurturing sentiments.“I am not the boy’s father,” he shouted a bit too sternly to his friend.Allard was.Which was another reason to steer clear of the lad.But who else could he trust to care for him?
Huffing, he headed for the sideboard and poured himself a drink.
Pell shifted his stance.“You’re going after Allard?”
“Aye.”
“To get the woman back.”
“And to destroy him.”
“In a French port?When we are at war with France?”
“He has gone there to hide like the coward he is.”Cadan sipped his rum.“Which is why ’twill be the perfect opportunity for me to get to him.He will not expect it.”
Pell nodded and fingered the cross hanging around his neck, a look of concern creasing his brow.“The crew voted to go after the treasure, Captain, now that you have all the clues.While I agree the fate of the women is of the utmost importance, I fear if you do not oblige them, you may be facing a mutiny.”
Chapter 24
Cadan stood on the quarterdeck, feet spread against the heaving deck, arms crossed over his chest, scanning his crew that had assembled below him on the main deck.They were a bedraggled mob from all ranks and races, wearing all manner of colorful attire they’d pilfered off their many victims, the shining satin and lace so at odds with their grime-covered skin.Some had no hair, others had braids down their back.Some were rotund, others stick-like, some with long beards, others with barely a whisper sprouting on their chins.All strapped with blades and pistols, gazing up at him with suspicion.
“I promise you all a share of Captain Demster’s treasure, and I will keep that promise!”
Huzzahs and shouts saturated the air while some of the men stared him down, skepticism written on their faces.
“But first, we stop at Martinique to repay a debt.”
Boos, threatening growls, and curses fired at Cadan like grapeshot.
“We already voted t’ go straight t’ the treasure, Cap’n.Not go after yer lady,” one pirate shouted.
Cadan gripped the hilt of his blade.“I’ve filled your pockets with more gold coins than most captains, have I not?I’ve not heard complaints from any of you.I’ve kept you safe in battle and made you wealthy men.”
Nods and “ayes” filtered through the crowd.
“We make this one stop, and then you have my word I will drown you in silver and gold like I promised.Anyone who doesn’t agree, I’ll drop off at the nearest port.Anyone who defies me will find his bed in the hold.”With that, he turned around, nodded at Pell by the tiller, and dropped down the companionway.
Grunts and curses haunted him all the way to his cabin.He shut them out with a slam to his door.
It couldn’t be helped.Time was of the essence.He must rescue Lady Fox and Omphile when Allard least expected it, and that was when he felt safe at a French-held port.
Matthew began to howl.“Blast it all!”Why had he slammed the door?He scooped him up and began bouncing him.
“’T’will be beyond risky, Captain.”Pell’s voice brought his gaze up.He hadn’t heard the door open.“Dangerous even for you.We may not come out alive.”
“We?I won’t risk you.”
“I’s going wit’ you.”Moses’ large frame filled the doorway.
“This is my battle, gentlemen.I need you to remain with the ship, keep the crew in line, and protect her against being sighted by the French.”
