“Is there anything more?” I asked.
“Aye, miss. Cap’n gave me a message to deliver. He wishes yer company for supper this evenin’.”
My first inclination was to deny the request. But Justine spoke first. “Tell Captain Lynch that we accept, and are most honored by the invitation.”
The lad grinned shyly at Justine. “Aye, milady. I’ll fetch ye then betwixt the dog watch to show ye to his quarters.”
Justine laughed, her good humor restored. “And what time would that be?”
He gave her a quizzical look, as though confused that the rest of us did not tell time by the watches. “Eight bells, miss.”
“Very well, we’ll be ready.”
Dropping a clumsy bow, the boy dashed from the room, slamming the door behind him.
“Do you think it wise?” I asked, when we were alone once more.
Her mouth pursed slightly. “Never hide from an adversary, Selah. Look him straight in the eye, or he shall perceive you as weak.”
She had a point. And now that food had been mentioned, my stomach grumbled from neglect. “I’d dine with the devil for a full belly tonight,” I confessed.
“Don’t assume you aren’t,” she said, smiling. “Just enjoy his food and keep a sharp eye.”
Chapter Seven
A Touch of Death
Captain Lynch pressed his mouth to the back of Justine’s outstretched hand. When the kiss lingered near the edge of decorum, James stepped forward and cleared his throat, leaving little doubt of his irritation.
The captain lifted his blond head. “I thank you for a most enjoyable evening.” He spoke to all of us, though his gaze never left my aunt.
Justine curtsied. “You are too kind, sir. Pray excuse us so we do not detain you further from your duties.”
He bowed, his large body moving with surprising grace.
Deadly grace, I couldn’t help thinking. Murmuring the requisite niceties, I linked my arm through Justine’s, ready to be away from the man, when he leaned over to whisper in her ear. “You may detain me whenever you wish, Miss Rose.”
My eyes widened from the blatant invitation. Justine just laughed, wagging a finger at him before following Master Calhoun down the dark corridor. James and Julian walked behind, sullen in their silence.
“You’ve made a right conquest, me lass,” Calhoun said to Justine. “Come the morn, you’ll be carrying the poor captain’s heart to Wexford, you will.”
“One must have a heart to lose it,” I mumbled.
Calhoun chuckled. “Mind you, Captain Lynch has plenty o’ heart when the time calls for it.”
We continued along the passageway, wooden crates coming in and out of view from the pocket of light cast by the sole lantern, held aloft in Calhoun’s meaty paw. The air felt noticeably cooler after two hours in the captain’s cabin, though even then I hadn’t felt truly warm despite having changed into dry clothing. With a shiver, I silently cursed the frigid sea wind, ready to trade my soul for a hot bath and down bed. Another shiver threatened when I caught sight of something that sent my heart flying into my sternum.
A girl had appeared out of nowhere, standing like a ghost between two large crates. Her eyes latched onto mine, and I recognized the mousy-brown hair and heart-shaped face, except with the addition of a swollen eye and discolored cheeks. The light moved forward another stride, and the darkness swallowed her whole.
“Gracious me!” I came to a stop, dropping Justine’s arm in the process. James and Julian stopped behind us.
Master Calhoun turned and held the lantern high. “What be the matter, Miss Kilbrid? Did a rat cross your path? The captain won’t be pleased if’n they’re nibbling his spices.”
I squinted into the shadows and pointed at the crates. “I saw a girl standing there, the same one who brought us the light earlier. But her face was bruised like she’d been beaten.”
Calhoun moved the lantern closer, shined it over the specified crates before moving it to illuminate a wider span. Nothing appeared, not even a rat. “You be sure?”
“Yes, I’m sure.” I looked to the rest of my party. “Didn’t anyone else see her?”
No one spoke, just shook their heads in thoughtful silence.
I pointed again. “I tell you, she was right here.” How could they have missed her? Were they blind or had my mind been playing tricks again?
“Well,” Calhoun said, “supposing that be the truth o’ it, she’s long gone by now. I’ll keep me eye open all the same.” He swept a full circle with the lantern, coming to a stop right in front of me.
I squinted from the onslaught of light. “If you find the girl, please bring her to my cabin. I’ve a skilled hand with healing and may be able to help.”