Josephine stared out the window. “Do you think they gamble there?”
“Of course they do. Gambling, and worse.”
Excellent.
“Why do you ask?”
Josephine turned with a wide grin. “Because I’m going there, now.”
Chapter Ten
Thud.
Josephine’s heart gave a lurching beat as she stood beneath the wood sign of the King’s Head. Loud music and boisterous shouts pulsed from within.
She pulled her shoulders straight. “Just like Tortuga,” she muttered.
But it wasn’t. This was a foreign country. The men inside would be a mix of sorts but one thing was certain—there wouldn’t be any pirates. Which she was used to.
Never mind. Standing out here wouldn’t do her any favors.Now or never. She pulled her hat low and adjusted her men’s shirt over the breeches she’d brought from Tortuga. With a deep breath she pushed the door open. Larger than the Golden Lantern with tables spaced farther apart, the only light came from primitive sconces hanging along the walls, giving the tavern a private feel. Good. Fewer eyes on her meant better chances of success.
An older barkeep stood behind the bar, scanning the room with sharp eyes and she came to a stop in front of him. He filled mugs while keeping his attention fixed on the patrons and barely spared her a glance. Until she set a coin on the counter.
She lowered her voice to the practiced one she’d gotten so good at on the island. “I’ll have an ale. And I’m looking for someone.”
He palmed the money and laughed. “Aren’t we all.”
A moment later, a wooden mug slammed down in front of her, golden liquid sloshing onto the counter. She picked it up. “I need tospeak with theTempest’snew cabin boy.”
A bushy gray brow lifted. “What makes you think he’s here?”
Her heart dropped. Was he already on board theTempest? If so, her adventure would be over before it started. She grasped for words. “I was told I could find him here. It’s important.”
“It always is.” He regarded her for a long moment, then sighed and pointed. “He’s over there.”
She lifted on tiptoes to find an older boy with an oversized tarpaulin hat hiding half his face. He sat at a table with a group of dockhands. Piles of money sat in front of each of them and her lips curved. Excellent.
“Thank you.”
She adjusted her own hat, checking for any wayward curls as she made her way over. While she approached, one man stood, his seat directly across from the boy. Perfect. Without asking, she slid into the empty chair.
“You’re not done, are you?” Josephine pulled out her money bag and set a small pile onto the table in front of her. Small, yet big enough to tempt several of the men to place bets, including the boy.
She fell into her familiar routine, making small bets in the beginning of the round, losing more than she won as she counted the cards. Then, toward the end, as the number of remaining cards dwindled, she struck hard, betting big and winning several hands. One by one, the other men dropped out, until it was just her and the boy.
Only a handful of cards remained, and after counting his remaining coins, she set an equal amount out. He scowled, but followed suit. The dealer dealt their first cards.
A nine.
A four.
She pressed her tongue against the back of her teeth. Not ideal. The boy’s face hadn’t changed, but chances were high he was closer. She would have to risk another card and pray it wasn’t the remaining 10 or face.
She nodded and the dealer slid one over.
Six.
Her breath blew out.
