Pearls of Fire, page 24
“And what of you? Am I to abandon my own husband?” Her frown was fierce and he loved her for it, but he’d put her in too much danger already. He was determined to get her out of this mess alive. “There is nothing you can do to save me, so I need you to save yourself. You’ll be under the protection of the British royal fleet.” Hugh’s breath caught in his throat as the sails on the magnificent vessel unfurled and he heard the groan of wood against the swirling ocean waters as it headed into Wamsisi’s port. “Leave the Pearls of Fire with Chief Tono. He’ll see they are returned where they are meant to be.”
“Oh, Hugh. It isn’t too late. It can’t be.”
He turned to her with a mirthless smile and reverently traced the curve of her jaw with his finger. “I’m not afraid to die, Emma. The important point is that you’ll live, that you’ll be kept out of Montvey’s grasp and safely returned home.”
“No, no. There must be another way. If you turn yourself in, they’ll hang you. I can’t lose you. I won’t allow it.”
“I’ll do my best to stay alive, but if I can’t… then I want you to carry me in your heart, keep me alive in your thoughts. I love you, my sweet. With all my heart and soul. Kiss me, Emma. A forever kiss that will hold me together no matter what arises.”
“A forever kiss?” She blinked hot tears from her eyes and pounded on his chest in obvious frustration. “If you want another kiss from me, then fight for your life. Fight for our happiness. Do whatever you must to keep us together. That’s what I will do. I’ll use my royal connections to save you. I’ll use the Pearls of Fire. I’ll bribe, lie, cheat, do whatever I must to keep you alive.”
“Then you won’t kiss me?”
She tipped her chin up. “Will you fight for yourself?”
“Not if it means putting your life in danger. Don’t ask it of me, Emma.” He ran his finger gently against her jaw once more. “Will you kiss me?”
“No.” She turned to walk toward the dock to meet the arriving ship, then stopped and turned back to face him with those hot tears now streaming down her cheeks. “Of course, I’m going to kiss you. I’m going to hold on to you and kiss you into eternity, you horrible, stubborn pirate.”
She marched back to him and cupped his face in her hands. “I’m going to give you a kiss that will make you want to fight for us. Not just for me. And if you hold back or try to be gentle, I vow I shall bite your tongue.”
Hugh swept her into his embrace and crushed his lips to hers in one urgent motion. No holding back. No gentleness. He wanted to devour her, to hold her against his body so that her soft curves were etched into his skin. He wanted to taste the creamy warmth of her skin and remember that taste in his mouth.
He wanted to draw her down in the sand and make love to her until his heart burst.
But the ship was nearing the dock and villagers were beginning to gather on the beach to watch it sail in.
His men were at the ready, armed and alert, but they weren’t to use their weapons unless Emma’s life was threatened.
He ended the kiss with great reluctance, easing away and placing Emma’s hand in the crook of his arm. “It’s time, my sweet.”
She wiped away her tears with her sleeve and nodded.
They waited on the dock while the gangplank was lowered to allow the captain of The Avalon to step down.
Emma must have felt his body tense beyond the mere tension of an inevitable meeting, for she turned to him. “What’s wrong? Do you know this man?”
Hugh nodded. “Captain James Harlan.”
“Harlan? But that’s the same name as…”
“He’s Richard Harlan’s brother.”
And Richard was the man he’d been convicted of killing.
Chapter Twenty-Three
“Step away from me, Emma. I don’t want you accidentally harmed when James shoots me,” Hugh said, sparing a glance at James Harlan’s frowning countenance as he strode down the gangplank toward them.
“I will not,” she muttered, stepping in front him.
Lord help him, this is why he loved her. He wanted to kiss her again for her bravery and at the same time, he wanted to toss her off the dock into the water where he knew she’d be safe. Ranji and Lagop would help her to shore if she had any trouble swimming, which she wouldn’t since she swam as well as the fabled sea snail who had once inhabited these waters.
She was the goddess who carried its spirit within her heart.
But she was also his wife and he knew her body well. She was made of soft skin and small bone. Her blood would flow as red as his if she were ever hurt.
Her action must have surprised James, for his scowl twisted into a wry grin as he reached them. “I never knew you to use a woman as a shield, Hugh.”
“I don’t.” He returned the wry smile with one of his own. “This is my wife, Lady Brixham now, but she was formerly Lady Emma Langdon. As you can see, I have no control over her. She does as she pleases.”
“Only to save your stubborn hide.” She held out her hand to James, obviously expecting him to bow over it as might be expected out of courtesy in a fashionable London salon. But they were far from London now and James was about to take him into custody.
“A pleasure to meet you, Lady Brixham.” James bowed over her hand, appearing quite sincere in his sentiment.
Hugh frowned. Why hadn’t James drawn his pistol and shot him on the spot?
“Thank you, Captain Harlan. We are so very sorry for the loss of your brother. My husband did not kill him, but he knows who did. I promise to do all in my power to bring the right man to justice.”
Hugh groaned and plucked her up by the waist to set her down behind him. Hell, he ought to have tossed her into the water when he’d had the chance.
“James, I give you my word of honor that my men will not harm you or your crew. But I cannot say the same about Lord Montvey or his men. We have them here. I urge you not to be so quick to free them.”
“You have him locked up?” His eyebrow shot up in obvious surprise. “And why shouldn’t I let him out?”
“Because you suspect he was behind your brother’s murder and not me. Is that not so?”
James crossed his arms over his chest. “Go on.”
“If you truly believed I had done the foul deed, I would already be dead, shot by the two marksmen you have positioned at the starboard portholes, or the one in the crow’s nest. Not to mention the two you think are hidden behind–”
James groaned. “Blast it, Hugh. Do you miss nothing?”
“Obviously, I’ve missed plenty when it comes to Montvey. He’s managed to destroy my family and me. He killed your brother because of me. No amount of apology on my part can ever be enough to make up for your loss. I’m willing to take the blame for that. I should have understood what my cousin was capable of and prevented it from happening.”
“I was here as well,” James said with a frown, “stationed closer to Sumatra with most of the British fleet. It is common knowledge that Montvey is of questionable character. No one in the fleet respects him. Richard detested him, but not even Richard suspected how desperately he wanted your father’s title or the drastic means to which he’d go to get you out of the way.”
“Montvey planned the attack on your brother’s ship and Nikko carried it out, but I haven’t the proof yet to bring forward to save my own neck.” Hugh turned toward the village. “I intended to question Montvey’s crew, hoping to gain confessions from them. But you showed up before I had the chance. Indeed, you showed up rather quickly. Were you following Montvey? Or me?”
“I’ve been trailing Montvey this past week. Come aboard The Avalon and let’s talk.” James turned to his crewmen and gave the signal for them to lower their rifles. “Tell your men to lower theirs, Hugh.”
With a nod, Hugh motioned to Lucifer and his crew, then turned to Emma. He took her hands in his and gave them a light squeeze. “I won’t be gone long. I only–”
She tipped her chin into the air and cast him an impertinent look. “I’m coming with you. Lead the way, Captain Harlan. My husband thinks to treat me as though I am a porcelain doll, but I’m made of sterner material. If he thinks to do something foolishly honorable, I intend to be there to stop him.”
She nudged between the two big men and strode up the plank ahead of them.
James cast him another wry grin. “And you married her on purpose?”
Hugh nodded. “Fell in love with her at first sight.”
“I can’t believe it. Hugh Le Brecque brought down by Cupid’s arrow.” James shook his head and laughed softly. “Well, come on then. Let’s figure out how to keep you alive.”
They resumed conversation in the captain’s dining quarters on The Avalon which were much grander than Hugh’s on The Persephone. Emma’s eyes widened in surprise as they entered, for she obviously hadn’t expected to find such elegance.
She sat in the offered chair beside Hugh.
Hugh thought she’d remain silent as he and James spoke, but he was wrong. Emma leaned forward as soon as they were all seated. “Why do you believe my husband is innocent of the crime? Bless you for it, but why?”
“Beside the fact that he and my brother were good friends? Beside the fact that he has always acted with honor toward my family?” James shrugged. “Every pirate has a tell.”
“What do you mean?” Emma was now listening intently. She placed her trembling hand on Hugh’s arm. She was scared, but determined not to show it. The girl was the oddest mix of softness and iron.
Soft as a lamb, but she also had the brass balls of a Sumatran tiger when it came to protecting him.
They were safe enough in the hands of James and he had no doubt Emma sensed it.
“Pirates think of themselves as artists,” James said, offering Emma a cup of tea which she accepted with a small, grateful smile. “Their canvas is the high seas. Occasionally they’ll destroy a village, but mostly they attack defenseless merchant vessels on the open waters. Each pirate leaves his own distinct trail of blood. Nikko leaves the brightest trail, for he’s the cruelest.”
He paused a moment before resuming his explanation, his voice suddenly raw. “He doesn’t just shoot his victims or stab them, but will cut them wide open and toss their bodies into the water, laughing as the ocean turns bright red and draws the sharks to the floating bodies.”
Emma inhaled sharply. “Is this what he did to your brother? Oh, Captain Harlan. I am so very sorry.”
James nodded. “I knew Nikko had done this foul deed the moment I heard the report. But we were in the midst of a major battle against the Dutch fleet and I couldn’t abandon my post.”
“The damage had already been done,” Hugh said. “You would have earned yourself a charge of treason for abandoning your post in wartime.”
“But I might have been able to prevent your arrest and return to England.”
Hugh shook his head. “No, it would have been Montvey’s word against yours. He’s the Lord Governor. His would have prevailed.”
“I suppose. But I’ve been following his movements ever since in the hope of gathering enough evidence against him. Now that you have his men in your custody, let me question them. Let me get the truth out of them.”
“I think it’s an excellent idea,” Emma said, quickly swallowing the sip of tea she’d taken and setting down her cup. “Confessing to you will carry far more weight than any confession they might have given Hugh. Everyone would believe he’d beaten it out of them.”
“I agree, Lady Brixham.” James turned to Hugh. “The sooner I start, the better. The admiral’s flagship will arrive here within the next day or two along with its escort ships. We must have our proof at the ready before he reaches Wamsisi. Any objections?”
“None,” Hugh said, his heart sinking as Emma gripped his arm. They both understood his situation was grim. The Persephone was unfit to sail and he wasn’t about to commandeer The Avalon. No, he’d do whatever was needed to keep out of James’ way while he obtained confessions. And if James failed, then Hugh knew he had to do everything necessary to protect Emma… whether she wished to be kept safe or not. “Question them to your heart’s content. But we are also searching for my wife’s father. Montvey claims to know where he is. I’d like you to ask his men about that, too.” Hugh quickly brought James up to date on the matter.
“Of course.” He turned to Emma. “Lady Brixham, rest assured that I will do all in my power to bring you good news.”
“Thank you. My father isn’t in the best of health. Montvey and his underlings are so ruthless, I fear… that is, I hope they haven’t harmed him. We encountered Nikko a little over a week ago.”
James sat up in his chair. “I’ve been looking for that scurvy bastard. Forgive my language, my lady. But where is he now?”
“Drifting somewhere north of here,” Hugh said. “Assuming his vessel isn’t at the bottom of the ocean by now. I’ll finish him off as soon as The Persephone is repaired.” He turned to Emma. “You will not be coming with me on that excursion. Are we clear on this?”
She nodded. “Do you think he’s still alive?”
James turned to stare at Hugh. The look in James’ eyes revealed he wanted Hugh to slice Nikko open and toss him into the ocean as fodder for the sharks just as Nikko had done to his brother.
Hugh responded to Emma’s question. “No, he must be dead by now.”
And if he wasn’t, then he would be by the time Hugh was through with him. He would avenge Richard Harlan’s death. He owed James that much. Just how he would manage it with the admiral’s flagship about to arrive, he wasn’t certain. He’d do his best to find a way. “If Montvey’s men won’t give you the information you need when you question them, then back away. Your father mustn’t lose two sons to Montvey’s madness. As it is, your failing to capture me will be a serious violation of your duties.”
James shrugged. “I don’t see it that way. You’re a slippery fellow and got away.”
“Pathetic. The admiral will have you clapped in irons if you tell him that hogswallop.” He turned to Emma. “Don’t waste your royal favors on me. Help James.”
“I’ll help you both.” She rose to her feet. “Are we done talking? Gentlemen, shall we put our words to action?”
At the end of the day, Emma walked up the path along the cliffs surrounding the Wamsisi harbor to watch the sunset. She needed a moment alone to sob with relief, to let down her guard and allow herself to feel hopeful, for it had been so long since she’d felt anything but dread. But this had been a good day. Captain Harlan had spent the day questioning Montvey’s men, and some of them were talking. Would it be enough to save Hugh? She simply did not know.
Hugh had spent the day repairing The Persephone, and Lord Montvey had spent the day in custody, his threats and curses resounding through the village. He’d shouted until he was hoarse.
He’d shouted until his curses and epithets were ringing in Emma’s ears. But his venomous words could not be heard up here on the cliff.
All was peaceful on this idyllic perch that overlooked the expansive blue waters that flowed into the harbor.
A warm wind swirled around her like a soft caress against her skin. It caused her gown to billow out around her legs and her light shawl to flutter. She watched the sun’s rays glisten on the water that was shimmering like a school of silver minnows swimming along with the current. Waves gently rolled against the shore in a soft shush, shush as they broke upon the ominous rocks below and then were drawn back out into the endless sea. The colors of the sky were the fiery pinks and golds of the Pearls of Fire.
Was it significant?
She was so tired of the burden the Pearls of Fire had placed on her and her family. She slowly twirled the pink parasol in her hands. Chief Tono had given it back to her earlier in the day. She’d asked him why, but he’d refused to give her an answer. Did it mean that she was meant to possess this cursed necklace?
She wanted to toss the pearls into the water, for they’d caused her family so much grief.
Yet, they’d also brought Hugh to her.
She would never have sought him out if not for her father running off to retrieve them after he believed they had been stolen. Could she save Hugh with these pearls?
She glanced at the parasol. “What am I supposed to do now? Please tell me?”
She waited for a sign. Anything. A tingle. A sighting of the fabled sea snail gliding in the distant waters.
Nothing.
Although frustrated, she silently promised herself to return here every day at sunset until she had her answer.
But as she was about to turn away from the cliff’s edge to walk down the path back to the village, someone suddenly grabbed her from behind. She felt the cold steel of a knife’s blade at her throat. “Lady Brixham, we haven’t been properly introduced,” said a big man with a raspy voice and a frightening air of menace. He turned her to face him, his knife still at her throat. “Let me amend the oversight now.”
His hair was long and black and plaited at the sides. His eyes were dark as onyx, eyes befitting a devil. He wore several gold earrings on one ear and ornate rings on several fingers. “I am the pirate they call Nikko.”
If evil had a scent, it was the foul odor of this man. She swallowed hard, determined to stifle her shudders and never allow him to see her fear. “Captain Le Brecque will kill you if you dare harm me.”
“Perhaps, but I shall take great joy in knowing he watched you die.” He tightened the grip on her arm, laughing when she refused to cry out despite the pain he was purposely causing her. “What do you say to that, my lady? And indeed, you are a fine lady.” He dragged the knife point slowly across her throat.
“I say that you are a great fool, for you are nothing more than Montvey’s witless servant and he’s about to betray you to save his own hide.” She felt the deepening press of his sharp blade against her skin and tried again not to shudder as his low, angry growl resounded against her ear.
He squeezed her arm so tightly, she feared the bone would snap. He cursed when she still refused to beg for mercy. “I ought to slit your throat right now.”
