“And your need for secrecy gave him the feeling that he could make this demand and you would oblige?”
Elise let out a heavy breath. “Yes. But I haven’t let him. Iwouldn’t. I’ve made sure never to be alone when on the ship.”
“And he hasn’t assaulted you?”
“He’s ... well, he’s touched me a few times. Usually in trying to get past me in the galley. Others are always present, so he does it just innocently enough not to be questioned, while still reminding me of his demand.”
“Of all the nerve. He needs to be kicked off theMary Elise.”
“But if he is, he’ll tell Caroline’s husband where she is.”
“Well, he’s not going to know much longer, is he? After all, we just made arrangements for your cousin to escort her by train. Duran won’t have the ability to tell Worthington anything.”
Elise leaned back against the carriage seat and sighed.Only that she’s carrying his child.
Chapter 22
When Elise and Nick returned to theMary Eliseto speak to her father, they were surprised to learn he was already gone.
“Said he had something to take care of,” Sam said, shaking his head. “I don’t know what it was, Miss Elise.”
“That’s all right, Sam. We’ll just drop off these things and talk to him later.” She motioned Nick to follow her to the deckhouse.
She’d no sooner opened the door to head inside, however, than she came face-to-face with yet another problem. Booker had poor Tom up against the wall. He was just about to land a punch when Elise and Nick made their appearance. Both men looked rather surprised.
“Stand down, Duran. What’s the meaning of this?” Nick demanded.
“It’s between the boy and me,” Duran replied. “Stay out of it.”
Nick tossed aside the packages he’d been carrying. “As first mate on this ship, I am in charge in the captain’s absence, and I demand to know what’s going on.”
Duran’s eyes narrowed. “And I said stay out of it. You shouldn’tbe allowed any authority after killing most of your crew. I’ve heard you’re from a rich family, so why not go back where you belong? It might be safer for everyone if you did.”
Elise was livid. She tried to move toward Tom, but Nick held her back. “What happened, Tom?”
“He threatened to throw me overboard one night.” Fear edged the young man’s words.
“To kill you?” She looked at Duran. “For what reason, Mr. Duran? Or do you even need one?”
Duran remained silent. It wasn’t at all like him. It was apparent Tom was the only one they could count on to tell the story.
“He hates my harmonica,” Tom said, pushing out of the corner to get away from Duran. He went to stand between Nick and Elise.
“That’s what this is about? A stupid harmonica?” Nick asked. “You’d take a life because you don’t like his harmonica-playing?”
Duran’s already hateful expression darkened even more. “I’m not answering to you, Clark. You have no say over this, and if you dare raise a hand to me, you’ll be sorry. Just ask her, if you don’t believe me.”
Elise felt her cheeks grow warm. “Tom, go on and do whatever it is you’re supposed to be doing. If you find my father, send him here.”
“Are you ready to reveal all your secrets?” Duran looked at her with a slight raise of his brows.
“I am. I’m not going to live with you trying to control me. You’re an evil man, Mr. Duran.”
“You won’t say anything, or your sister will pay the price. I’ve already talked to her husband.”
“You what?” Elise felt her knees weaken. She only wanted to keep Caroline safe.
“I told him I had information on her whereabouts.” He grinned. “He paid me well. I didn’t say anything about ... well, you know. But I will if you don’t just forget about this.”
