His hands squeezed hers. “Yes, my love,” he replied softly. “Keep quiet. My uncle and I are here to get you out of this wretched place.”
Tears streamed from her eyes like a waterfall. “No, Broderick. You must leave now. You have put yourself in danger by coming to rescue me,” she whispered brokenly.
His lips brushed hers briefly. “Do you honestly think I would let that stop me?”
Another pair of fingers worked the binds at her feet while Broderick untied her hands. “But it must. As long as you are alive, they will not hurt me.”
“And as soon as I get us out of here, they will not hurt either of us.”
“But Broderick—”
His mouth pressed against hers again, silencing her protests. The kiss was slightly longer, but not long enough for her to thoroughly enjoy. He pulled away, and seconds later, her blindfold came off. Because her eyes had been hidden for most of the day, she squinted at the small amount of light coming from the lantern.
Broderick’s face was before her, love glowing in his eyes. Her heart flipped with excitement, and she prayed he could get them out of there safely.
“Shh…” he whispered. “We don’t want to alert Lieutenant Mercer, or whoever else might be helping, that we are here.”
She nodded, then quickly glanced at Mr. Crampton. She couldn’t see his face, since he was still bent over untying her feet. She needed to tell him about Rebecca, but then the poor man might get angry, or worse… make noise. Still, they couldn’t leave here without Broderick’s idiotic cousin.
“Broderick, there is something you must know about who is helping Mercer.”
“I already know, my love. Phillip is the traitor amongst us.”
She gasped as her heart broke for the man she loved. Not only had his friend betrayed him—but his cousin as well. Now she realized that was why the other man’s voice seemed so familiar. Shehadheard it before, if only once. “I’m sorry to hear that. But there is more.”
“I’m quite certain there are more people assisting the lieutenant, but let’s get you out of here first. I will return with other members of my crew, and we will fight them all.” He grinned.
“No, it’s not that—”
“There,” Mr. Crampton said as he rubbed her ankles, looking up at her. “The binds are off. Can you stand?”
She shrugged. “Considering my legs have been numb for hours, I don’t know how well I can stand, let alone walk.”
“I shall carry you,” Broderick told her softly.
“No. That will only slow us down. Give me a moment to regain feeling in my feet.”
She stood and tested her footing. Broderick’s muscular arm wrapped around her waist to help her to stand. Mr. Cramptontiptoed to the door and placed his ear on the weathered wood. She needed to tell Broderick now, without his uncle close by.
“Broderick,” she whispered, and leaned up to his ear. “Rebecca is here.”
Broderick quickly pulled back, his eyes widening as he stared at her. Emmie took a quick peek at Mr. Crampton to make sure he was still by the door before leaning back to Broderick’s ear.
“Rebecca turned you in. She was the one responsible for my kidnapping, too.” He pulled away again, shaking his head. She nodded and leaned toward his ear again. “Your cousin isn’t very wise, but she is still your cousin and Mr. Crampton’s daughter. We cannot leave without her.”
Where is she?he mouthed.
“I don’t know where Lieutenant Mercer took her.” She shrugged. “I don’t even know if she is still alive.”
Frowning, Broderick swiped a hand over his face. Her heart went out to him. He’d had too many people betray him lately. She prayed there were no others. She feared his heart wouldn’t be able to bear it.
“I cannot think of that now,” he answered. “We must get you out of here and safely home. Then, and only then, will I be able to figure out how to return to save her.” He sighed heavily.
The burning tingles in her legs had returned, but she couldn’t concentrate or worry about that. As long as she could walk, she was fine. She tested her legs by taking a few steps. When she was confident she would be able to walk off this ship by herself, she said, “Let’s go.”
Mr. Crampton pulled away from the door and motioned with his hand. “I don’t hear anything on the other side. I think all is well.”
“I pray you’re correct, Mr. Crampton.” She touched his arm and smiled. “Thank you so much for helping Broderick.”
