Chapter Eleven
Talon spent the next morning in an out of the way spot on deck. Bare-chested and indolent, he stretched out next to a pile of rope and soaked up the sunshine. He enjoyed the warmth of the sun, the taste of freedom and the rarity of having nothing to do.
He’d helped himself to a few volumes from his father’s library before he left, and now he plunged into the world of a novel, seeking an escape from the decisions that lay before him. He had weeks to worry about the future. For the next few days, he planned to do nothing but focus on regaining the health and strength prison had cost him.
Before his arrest, he’d never had an idle day. As a child, his life had always been a mad scramble to stay alive. Life at sea hadn’t been much better. He’d always been sweating to complete some task or another, even after he’d finally managed to get a ship of his own.
All his life he’d been rushing toward something, pushing himself harder and harder to achieve some measure of success and security. How humbling to have everything he’d worked for snatched away.
But it wasn’t his ship or his wealth that he missed the most. It was the feeling of belonging, of having somewhere to call home.
After a long while, a shadow fell across him. He glanced up, immediately on the defensive since Percy’s crew had made no secret of their reluctance to have their old rival aboard.
The tow-headed lad who stood on the deck in front of him took an involuntary step back. “Didn’t mean to disturb you, sir,” he said, his voice cracking. “I was jest wonderin’ what you was readin’.”
Talon smiled, feeling at ease for the first time in months. “Oh, it’s a fine tale of adventure. Would you like to borrow it when I’m done?”
The boy cast the book a longing look and then shook his head. “Naw, wouldn’t do me much good. Never did learn to read.”
Talon frowned. “That’s a pity. What’s your name, boy?”
The boy grinned and sat down, obviously taking his words as an invitation. “Name’s Johnny, sir. What’s yours?”
“My name’s Talon Montgomery. But you can call me Hawk, if you like. Most of my friends do.”
“You’re the pirate,” the boy exclaimed, his eyes widening with fear and fascination. “Everyone’s been sayin’ there’s a pirate named Hawk on the ship.”
Talon gave a short, humorless laugh. “I once was,” he admitted. “But right now, I’m just another passenger.”
Johnny reminded Talon of his own cabin boy, Garrett, who had been like a son to him. Garrett’s loss had been the hardest one of all to take, and he was grudgingly thankful his father had stepped in and rescued the lad. He wondered where Garrett was now and hoped he was healthy and happy in his new berth.
Johnny peered at the book. “Would you tell me this story, Hawk? After you’re done reading it?”
“Nope.” Talon shook his head, hiding a smile at the boy’s crestfallen look. “I won’t tell you the story, but I’ll do something even better if you’re interested.”
Johnny raised one sandy brow in question. “What do you mean, sir?”
“I can teach you to read, if you want me to.” It would be a way to pass the time. A far more enjoyable activity than being cooped up in his cabin all day with Daniel.
Johnny’s eyes lit up with wonder, the same way Garrett’s had not so long ago. Hell, the way his had when he’d been taught. “I’d be much obliged, sir. I surely would.”
Talon laughed. “Meet me here tomorrow after your work is done and we’ll begin.”
* * * * *
Kathryn spent the next few days in near total isolation. Talon came faithfully twice a day to bring her something to eat and inquire after her well-being. But his visits were brief, to say the least, and he avoided meeting her eyes.
She hadn’t had the pleasure of Daniel’s company and wasn’t desperate enough to seek him out. There were things she needed to discuss with him, important things, but she didn’t have the energy to deal with him at present.
Her nausea had improved, but she still felt weak and groggy.
Besides, what good would it do to get out of bed when there was nowhere for her to go except the small adjoining sitting room? She was imprisoned in this tiny cabin as surely as though she had a ball and chain around her ankle.
On the fourth day of the trip, she woke late in the afternoon, feeling groggy and sick. She pulled herself out of bed to use the chamberpot and then caught sight of herself in the small mirror on her table. Her hair was dull and wild, her face wan and pale, her eyes bruised and teary-looking.
She sank into the chair and stared at her reflection in horror. No wonder Talon didn’t want to spend time with her.
What was she doing to herself? She’d allowed Sutcliffe to beat her.
