“I’ve never smelled anything like this before.” Bringing the spoon to her lips, she took a small taste and her eyes closed on a sigh. “So lovely.”
Lovely indeed. He pressed his teeth together and forced his gaze from her enraptured face. Unfortunately, his quick turn brought him face to face with Christian, who gave him a knowing smile. Isaac shot him a scowl in return and dropped his eyes to his plate instead, taking a sudden interest in his cherry glazed turkey.
A knock came from behind him and the butler walked in with a letter on a silver tray. “I’ve an important missive for Lieutenant Caldwell.”
Isaac frowned as he took it and glanced at the governor’s seal. He unfolded the page and scanned the first lines. Re-read them. His pulse picked up as the weight of Christian’s ever-sharp gaze settled on him. “Thorne’s come out of hiding.”
Samantha dropped her fork and turned toward Christian with a worried look. He kept his gaze on Isaac and extended his hand. “What did he do?”
Isaac passed the paper. “He attacked a Naval supply ship off the coast of North Carolina, near Wilmington.”
Darkness clouded Christian’s features. “Why? Going after the Navy when he knows his recapture is top priority doesn’t line up. It’s not smart.”
“Well, this is the lead I’ve been waiting for. Now I know where to sail. The rest of my men will arrive tomorrow. We’ll be ready to leave by dawn the next morning.”
“There were survivors.” Christian lowered the page and stared into space, his eyes flitting back and forth as his mind worked. “Is he getting sloppy in desperation, or was there something on that ship worth the risk of revealing himself?”
“Every move he makes is precisely calculated. Desperate is not part of his vocabulary.” Samantha set her hand on her husband’s forearm. “He’s not likely to be anywhere near Wilmington by the time you get there, Isaac.”
He nodded. “I know. But hopefully we can find out where he’sheaded next.”
“I’m going with you.” Christian’s voice came calm and steady from his spot at the head of the table.
Isaac jerked his gaze up. “You know I can’t take you on as part of my crew.”
Christian shrugged. “Doesn’t matter. I’ll be taking my own ship.”
Samantha frowned. “Christian, I don’t think it’s wise—”
“I want to interview the survivors. If I can find out what he was after, we may be able to narrow our search.”
Isaac chewed the inside of his cheek. He shouldn’t allow it. If Christian came face to face with his father again, there was no telling what he would do.
As always, his friend seemed to read his mind. “Never mind. I’m going regardless, even if you won’t let me sail alongside you.”
The weight from earlier returned in Isaac’s chest. “Very well. But I’m giving you strict orders to not engage with Thorne, no matter the circumstances.”
“You know giving him orders is pointless.” Samantha crossed her arms. “If he goes, I go.”
“No.” Isaac and Christian said it at the same time.
“Not after what happened last time. He knows he can get to me through you. I won’t risk it.” A ripple of fear passed across Christian’s face as he pleaded with his wife.
She crossed her arms. “If I don’t go, you don’t go.”
Isaac pressed his fingers to his temple. Once she put her foot down, there was no dissuading her. They argued back and forth, Samantha insisting she could hold her own, and Christian reminding her how Thorne had nearly killed her. Multiple times.
A cough came from next to them, and Christian and Samantha both stilled. They’d probably forgotten Miss Montclair sat there, listening to their every word. Isaac hadn’t. How could he? She’d been staring at him the entire conversation, the heat of her gaze threateningto break his concentration.
She cleared her throat. “I’d like to come as well.”
His head snapped up. Surely, she jested. Her earnest gaze said otherwise, and a curse formed on his lips. This damn mission was on the verge of becoming a circus.
“Absolutely not.” He ground out the words.
“Please?”
“This is a dangerous government mission. There’s no place for civilians.”
