Finally, Kai turned toward the crew of the three in the dinghy and said, “It’s been a crazy day. We could use some assistance if you’re willing. We’d like to speak with your captain.”
Chapter 10
THEY WERE DEFINITELYpirates.
From the moment Kai set foot on the ship, he recognized the wily looks of the multi-colored crew as they eyed the rescued passengers up and down. They were clearly a hodge-podge group of men from all over the world, who probably stayed at sea most of the time, stealing cargo and taking over ships. They possibly didn’t see women until they made port every few weeks. And he really didn’t like the way they ogled Hollyn.
“We need to talk to the captain.”
They were walked past the stares of the men. Hollyn seemed to be oblivious as she smiled and waved along the way. He wanted to tell her to look like the killer she could be, but he knew she was still processing the death of her father’s henchman. He should appreciate the fact that she wasn’t a stone, cold killer, but right now, he would have rather she put the fear of her abilities into them.
The squishy-clang of their water-logged shoes on the metallic staircase announced their approach to the captain, who turned as soon as they entered the bridge of the ship.
He raised his arms wide at the sight of them and wore a large, full-teeth grin. “Ah! Here they are! My high-flying guests. Why did you decide to drop in?” He laughed heartily at his bad joke. He spoke English with a thick South African accent.
He was just a little too friendly for Kai’s comfort. There was just something fishy about it, and it had nothing to do with the ocean smell still clinging to their skin.
Hollyn walked toward him; her hand extended to shake. Kai almost pulled her back, but he didn’t want to give this guy any indication that he could use her as collateral to put Kai into a bad spot and force his hand.
The captain grabbed her hand and pumped it a couple of times as he asked, “And what’s your name, little lady?”
She looked back at Kai, her gaze imploring him to speak for her. Part of him wanted to see her sing these shady sailors into submission, but that would take some convincing that would have to wait until later.
“She’s Hollyn, and I’m Kai. We need to hitch a ride to Saint Helena Island.”
For just a moment, the captain stared at her, his eyes tightened with questions, but he just shrugged and said, “That Island is barely inhabited. Nothing of interest there. Famous only for being the place of Napoleon’s exile. What business do you have there?”
Kai had been ready for this question, but he would have to work hard to sell his story. “We’re biologists studying the Saint Helena plovers there.”
“What about your equipment? It’s at the bottom of the ocean now, isn’t it?”
“We sent everything to the island ahead of time. Now, aren’t we glad we did?”
He looked at Hollyn and she nodded vigorously.Don’t oversell it.
“Convenient.”
