“Think nothing of it.” He stroked her cheek. “And you are the daughter of my good friend, as well. I’m doubly blessed to be helping.”
Broderick picked up the lantern before moving to the door. He turned off the light before carefully opening the door and peeking out into the hallway. Emmie held her breath, hoping they would be able to leave without any problems.
Finally, Broderick looked back and nodded. He took her hand, and she tightened her fingers around his, never wanting to let go—ever again. They all took careful and very slow steps down the hallway. Darkness was thick through these halls, and she trusted Broderick would lead them out without any difficulty.
A sliver of light shone up ahead, almost a bluish color. She wanted to sigh with relief, knowing it was probably the moon reflecting off the ocean, but she didn’t dare. They weren’t out of danger yet. The closer they came to the light, the quicker their footsteps became. It was hard to walk carefully when hope—and freedom—were so close.
The few stairs leading to the top deck were just ahead. Broderick strode up the stairs first, pulling Emmie’s hand as she followed. As his head cleared topside, several clicks of pistols resounded in the night. Broderick froze, and her heart sank.
They’d been caught!
“Welcome to my ship, Captain Hawk.” Lieutenant Mercer’s voice boomed in the quiet night. “Please come up, and bring your friends with you.”
Broderick’s hand tightened around her fingers, and she clutched his overcoat with her other hand. Once they were on deck, he pulled her close against his body, protecting her.
Mr. Crampton followed with his head lowered in defeat. Her heart went out to him as well. He had yet to learn about what his own daughter had done to bring all of this about.
She glanced around the deck. Only three other men stood beside Mercer, and Phillip wasn’t one of them. As she scooted closer to Broderick, she felt the weapons Broderick had on him. If only they could beat these other men back, they might get out of here alive.
Lieutenant Mercer released a grating laugh. “Now see, Lady Sarah. Did I not tell you that Mr. Worthington would come for you?”
“Yes, you did,” she answered softly.
“And I’m so very happy you’re both together, once again. I want Captain Hawk to watch the woman he loves die a slow and painful death.”
She sobbed and buried her head in Broderick’s chest. His arms tightened around her.
“I’m afraid, Lieutenant Mercer, that your plans won’t happen that way,” Broderick said. “You see, Captain Hawkneverloses a fight, and he for certain doesn’t allow those he loves to die in front of him.”
Emmie turned her head slightly to look at the lieutenant to see his reaction.
He laughed again. “Oh, but you haven’t been Captain Hawk as long as the others before you. I’m quite sure I can best you yet again.”
“And I’m quite sure you cannot,” Broderick replied boldly.
Lieutenant Mercer’s attention moved from Emmie and Broderick onto Mr. Crampton. “And what a pleasure it is to see you again, Henry. I thank you for assisting me with the capture of Captain Hawk. I’m so glad you brought him here. Well done, my good friend.”
Emmie’s heart sank once again. Beside her, Broderick stiffened in shock.
No! Not Mr. Crampton!
Chapter Twenty-Four
Broderick’s mind turnednumb. This couldn’t be right. His uncle wouldn’t betray Broderick’s trust. Would he?
He swung in his uncle’s direction, still holding Emmie against him. Henry, who had been standing with his head lowered, suddenly looked up and glared at Lieutenant Mercer.
“How dare you tell that outright lie.” Henry squared his shoulders. “I’mnotyour good friend, Lieutenant Mercer. And the only reason I agreed to bring Broderick to you was because you threatened to kill my daughter if I didn’t heed your command.”
Henry turned and looked at Broderick. “You must believe me, Broderick. I would never hurt or betray you, but…” A tear slid down the older man’s cheek as he swallowed hard. “Lieutenant Mercer told me he would kill Rebecca if I didn’t bring you here. Please, forgive me.”
Broderick’s heart tugged from his uncle’s pleading. He’d already been hurt by his friend. Yet things added up where Phillip was concerned. When Broderick pieced together all the times he had thought there was a traitor on his ship, at least he knew he was right to suspectsomeone. But things didn’t add up with his uncle. That could only mean one thing.
Broderick nodded. “I believe you, Uncle. And I forgive you.” He turned and glared at Mercer. “Only men like this can sinklow enough to threaten family members to go against each other. Lieutenant Mercer, you are not human. You have no heart.”
The man marched up to Broderick with hatred in his evil eyes. “It’s because of you that I have no heart. You killed my brother.”
Broderick shrugged. “I can only assume that your brother deserved to die, because I don’t kill unless to protect myself or my friends. Who was your brother, may I ask?”
