Another one joined in. “You don’t look like you belong on a navy ship.”
She shrugged, and they returned to their previous conversation.
“And then, she spread her legs and invited me over. Best night of my life.”
Good grief. She bent her head to hide her blush.
“I heard the taverns in Wilmington are full of good doxys.”
“Sure are. Plenty to go around for all.”
One of the men punched her shoulder. “What about you, lad? Have you put your rigging to good use yet, or are you still green?”
Josephine’s eyes widened at the crude question and heat flamed across her cheeks as his meaning hit her. The man laughed at her obvious discomfort. “That’s too bad. Mayhap we’ll take you to a brothel ashore and we can treat you to your first. It’s how most of us gained our experience.”
“And still do!” Another voice chimed in, prompting a chorus of laughter.
Good Lord. Men were pigs. Rutting pigs.
She did not—could not—answer and turned her back to them, pretending to unpack some things into the hammock.
As the sailors secured their own hammocks and left to start work on the decks above, Josephine stared at the wood boards beneath her feet. Did Lieutenant Caldwell visit brothels like his men? Her stomach gave an uncomfortable lurch as she pictured him with a busty woman who looked an awful lot like Colette. She shook the image from her head. No, he was a respectable man.
Another image flashed. This time it was definitely Colette, standing with her arms crossed. Josephine could almost hear her voice.Oh, you poor naive thing.
Chapter Eleven
The river laylike glass, smooth and undisturbed, catching the first pale light of the sun as Isaac lifted a tin mug of bitter coffee to his lips. Dawn held a special reverence in his heart. The sun’s unhurried ascent into the sky made the minutes stretch longer than they should, giving the sense one could accomplish anything. Dusk was crueler—the sun racing for the horizon, laying waste to well-intentioned plans before they could come to fruition.
Soon, the deck would be alive with boots and voices, with orders barked and sails snapping. The stillness would shatter. But for now, he let it linger, savoring the fleeting quiet before the day made its demands. And demand it would. His face hardened as he stared out over the water.
Somewhere out there, Thorne sailed. And if Isaac had his way, their paths would cross. Many things would have to fall into place before then, though. The first of which was sailing to Wilmington with great haste. The sooner they got there, the sooner they would be able to find out what the pirate searched for.
Thorne’s cold disconnection from the world around him made him a dangerous enemy. He didn’t behave like any foe Isaac had ever faced before. Hell, he’d nearly killed his own son without so much as blinking an eye. No matter what drove him to such madness, he belonged behind bars, where he could never terrorize innocent lives again.
For now, Christian remained committed to the same outcome. As long as he wasn’t the one making the arrest, he could handle hisfather’s fate. Or so he claimed. Isaac’s gaze shifted to theRed Siren, Christian and Samantha’s schooner. Their efficient crew already had the sails unfurled, ready to tie down.
“We’re ready to sail.” As if summoned by his thoughts, Christian climbed up the steps to the forecastle and Isaac had to blink.
He’d become so accustomed to calling Christian lieutenant, that the change still shocked him. Gone was the sharp cut of a navy uniform and the crisp posture of a man who could command an entire ship without saying a word. Now, his friend stood easier, his shoulders looser, the perpetual tightness in his jaw eased as though a weight had been lifted. And yet, there were moments—like now, when his gaze swept the deck—that the old lieutenant flickered through, ever sharp-eyed and assessing.
Isaac glanced down to the dock where a wagonful of water barrels had just arrived. “The last of our supplies are being loaded now.”
A grin spread across Christian’s face. “We’ve been loaded for the better part of the last hour. What’s taking your men so long?”
“Come now, with twice the men, I’d say we’re making better time than you.”
Christian winked. “We’ll see who’s faster at sea. Maybe I’ll leave you behind and do all the interviewing without you.”
Isaac couldn’t help his smile. “Well, wouldn’t that be great? Just give me the location of Thorne and I won’t have to waste any time on shore. Sounds like a dream.”
The mention of his father wiped the grin from his friend’s face, and he twisted to look back toward theSiren. “Jesting aside, I’m glad to sail alongside you. You’ll have our unwavering support in all things.”
Isaac didn’t miss Christian’s meaning. The Thompson crew had been one of Samantha’s uncle’s finest. The merchant had been hiding his involvement in piracy for years, right under everyone’s noses. It meant his men were well-trained and disciplined. Having their help during any battle would be invaluable.
“Well, what are you waiting for? By the time you get back on theSiren, we’ll be pushing off.”
With one more wink, Christian left him, and Silas jogged up the stairs. “We’re ready, Captain.”
