Dig after dig he tore through the ground. An hour or more into his shoveling, the hole became deep enough that the ground hit him at shoulder level. Sweat poured down his face while he dug deeper and deeper. Frustration mounted with every empty scoop. With each attempt he held his breath waiting for the sound of a thud, the shovel slamming into a chest. Each attempt produced nothing but more dirt.
“I don’t think it’s here, Viv. Someone must have gotten here before us.” He stood up, leaning on the shovel to look at her. She sat perched on the boulder, expectant eyes searching his own. They dropped at the sound of his defeat.
“It has to be there, Simon. It has to. Please. We have to dig deeper.” The tenor in her voice quaked at the thought of leaving here empty-handed... dreams dashed and plans shattered. Seeing the exhilaration melt from her face and fear refill it, fueled his resolve. If it meant digging to the core of the Earth, he would continue looking for her treasure. For her ticket to freedom and the means to protect the women she held dear.
A nod was his only response. His attentions turned back to the ground beneath his feet. A growl rumbled in his chest when he drove his shovel into the ground, laser focus spurring him to dig harder. Dirt flew around him as he descended deeper and deeper into the hole. The setting sun provided a welcomed relief, the intensity of the rays softening and stopping their constant battering of heat on his worn body. Blisters broke open on his hands, pain searing as the skin tore, but he pushed on.
Thump.
The sound sent ice ripping through his veins. His body froze in response. He pushed the shovel onto the object again. Thump thump.
“Vivian,” he breathed.
“Did you find it?” She peeked down into the hole, eyes wide with anticipation. “Is it there?”
“I... I think so.”
Carefully, he cut the dirt around the object. A square box began to emerge with each scoop. Kneeling down, he dug the rest out with his hands, his heart hammering as the box wiggled free.
“Vivian... it’s here. We found it.” The words sounded like lies as he said them, disbelief causing them to feel foreign and slowing his tongue. Pulling the box from the ground, he heaved while it slid out of its resting place. “Vivian, can you believe it?”
He looked up to where she had stood. Only the boulder remained.
“Vivian?” he asked, surprised he couldn’t hear her jumping up and down, shrieking with excitement. “Vivian, come on, we should open this together!”
Silence met his ears.
“Vivian. Did you pass out from excitement?”
No response. Worry twisted into a knot deep in his stomach. Something wasn’t right. Letting go of the box handle, he grabbed the ragged edge of the hole he stood in. Before he could pull himself up, Vivian’s face peered over the side.
He heaved a great sigh of relief. “Thank God. I thought—”
His voice trailed off. Her face was devoid of color, ashen white skin where the sun-kissed olive used to be. The whites of her eyes flashed terror when they locked with his own.
“Vivian, what’s wrong,” he asked, his heart battering against his chest.
“Simon...” her voice squeaked, trailing off. He saw now the hand gripping the back of her neck.
“Am I interrupting something?” a deep voice boomed from behind her. The interloper’s face appeared beside hers, a malevolent grin pulled wide across it. Beneath the blue tricorn hat was dark hair pulled back at the nape. Though he’d never seen him up close, he had heard rumors regarding the man’s appearance. The jagged scar across his cheek removed any doubt about the identity of the intruder currently manhandling Vivian.
Captain Cyrus.
“Let her go,” Simon growled, reaching for his weapon.
“Ah ah ah... I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” Captain Cyrus said, sealing his command with a dagger to her throat. She gasped when he tugged her head back, exposing the soft skin of her neck. A long, slow motion slid the dagger across her throat, stopping with the point touching the jugular that pulsed rapidly with her fear. “One flick and she’ll bleed out before you can climb up here. Is that what you want? Me to end this treacherous whore?”
The echoes of men shuffling above him informed him that Cyrus was not alone. From the sounds of it, there were at least a dozen other men up there. Thanks to the damn hole he couldn’t see the true threat or strategize a way out of this mess. Agony tore through him, a helpless feeling overwhelming his senses. In seconds he could unleash his fury and embed his dagger into the skull of the man holding Vivian... his Vivian. But if he missed or the men behind her got ahold of her before he could get out... no. The risk was too great. The wager involved the ultimate prize, her life.
Simon lifted his hands, holding them up in the air. Surrender was not something he relished, nor was conversant with, but keeping Vivian safe was all that mattered. “Captain Cyrus, I presume? To what do we owe the pleasure?”
“Good man,” Cyrus said with a sly smile. “I think you know why I’m here.” His gaze fell to the box at Simon’s feet. “You stole something from me and I’m here to take it back.”
“Take it; it’s yours. Just release her.” Between Vivian and the treasure there was no competition, no decision to be made. Vivian was the true treasure. She was all that mattered.
“Oh, I intend to,” he said. “Thank you for leading me to it, by the way. You saved me the effort. However, you two have been quite a thorn in my side. You’ve cost me time, men, and many lost hours of sleep.”
“You have our apologies,” Simon said through gritted teeth. “Now, release the woman, take the treasure, and be on your way.”
Cyrus tossed his head back, a throaty laugh rumbling deep in his chest. “Is that all? After this harlot stole from me and cost me so much, I should just let you both go?”
“Yes,” Simon responded.
With his free hand, Cyrus rubbed the smooth skin on his cheek. “When I found that half of the map, I wasn’t sure what it was at first, but I knew it was something special. I returned to England, then after discovering its true value, I spent countless months searching for the other half. Much money and even more man-hours went into finding the other half. Then, when it’s just within my grasp, it gets stolen from me. Taken by who? This WHORE!” He shouted the insult in her ear, the power blowing her hair and causing her eyes to squeeze shut. As fast as the outburst came on, his demeanor shifted again. “So, as you can imagine, I am a little bit jaded. A little, reluctant, to take the treasure and send her on her way. She’s a thief you know... and thieves must be punished.”
Desperation filled Simon to the brim. He looked to Vivian, her eyes pleading with him to help her. Crippled by their situation, he had no choice but to stay his ground and his hand. “Captain Cyrus, I’m sure we can come to some agreement. We are both reasonable men.”
“You’ve been hunting me, have you not? I heard tales of the great Captain Blackmore and the Dark Shark and all the things you would do to me if captured. Rumor says you’re practically a giant, yet, from up here, you don’t look so large and menacing. In fact, you look frightfully small and weak. It would seem the tall tales that preceded you were mistaken.”
Simon stood motionless, his eyes tearing through Cyrus. His muscles twitched and quaked, desperate to show this man what he was capable of... that the rumors were true. He was shackled, however, by the need to see her safe... to keep her from harm’s way no matter the blow to his pride. After this day, when assured of Vivian’s safety, he would sail to the ends of the earth to find Cyrus. With every tear through his despicable flesh, he would show him the terrifying stories of Captain Blackmore rang true.
He’d make the man utter his name as his last word on this earth.
“While I ponder what to do, why don’t you go ahead and lift that treasure up here to my crew.”
A nod of his head sent three men to the edge of the pit. All three wore the same blue uniform as Captain Cyrus, however theirs lacked the intricate gold
embroidery that adorned the Captain’s coat. With outstretched hands, they awaited the chest. Simon’s eyes narrowed as a sliver of animosity snaked up his spine. In any other situation they would all be exterminated already, their throats slit, releasing their blood into pools at his feet. Taking a deep breath, he hoisted the chest to their waiting grasps. The treasure lifted out and disappeared from his sight.
“There. You have your treasure. Now, let her go.”
“You’re in no position to be giving me demands, Captain Blackmore. I’ll do with her as I see fit. Someone has to pay for the trouble she’s caused.” The dagger twisted, Vivian cringing as it nicked open her skin. A tiny drop of blood trickled down her neck.
“Please, Captain Cyrus,” Simon begged. “Please let her go. You have your treasure. You have everything. I promise, if you don’t hurt her, we won’t come after you.”
Cyrus grimaced. “Well then, who will pay for her antics? She’s been like a whorish gnat circling my head. Are you saying you want to take her place? Your life in exchange for hers?” A malicious ember flickered in his eye. “Such a sacrifice could prove... interesting.”
Simon’s gaze drifted back to Vivian. She tried to shake her head, but the movement caused the dagger to nick her again. “No, Simon. Don’t,” she begged.
He couldn’t let harm come to her, he wouldn’t. There was no hesitation in his answer. “Me for her. Kill me and let her live.”
“Oh!” Cyrus chimed. “Such a valiant hero! So, she’s bewitched you, I see. You do realize she’s a whore, right? She doesn’t care about you. She used you to get what she wanted. It’s all she knows. Harlots don’t have feelings. Are you still willing to give your life for hers?” He clucked his tongue. “What a cheap trade.”
Simon held her eyes. The thin veil that hid his deepest feelings floated away. The emotions he warred against, tried to deny, came untethered to the surface... he didn’t even bother denying them. He loved her. As deep and as true as those feelings could flow, they carved through his soul, much like the river rushing behind him. Like a dam that gave way, his love for her burst free and washed over his body, coursing through his veins. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for her... even die. “Yes. My life for hers. Do I have your word you let her live?”
“Simon,” she breathed.
“You have my word. Well, Captain Blackmore. It’s been a pleasure.” He pulled the pistol out from his pants and pointed it at Simon. One last look toward Vivian steeled his resolve. Just one more look in her eyes and his death would be worth it. A tear slipped down her cheek.
The pain hit before the blast of the gun rang in his ears. Like a hammer to the chest, it sent him reeling backward.
“Simon!” she cried, struggling against her restraints.
Simon slumped backward, his head collapsed on the dirt. The world around him swirled with the pain exploding from his chest.
“I bid you farewell, Captain! I’ll be sure to keep her alive, as promised. She can pay off her debt to me in other ways. She’ll make a lovely addition to my ship, don’t you think?”
No!
He tried to shout but his chest felt tight, breathing getting harder with each labored inhale. No. He couldn’t take her. How could he have been so stupid? Who would save her now? He saw her face one last time before his speckled vision darkened, blurring out everything around him. A sharp ring screamed in his ears, drowning out all other sounds but the sound of Vivian screaming his name. The world started to go quiet.
Vivian.
A RAINDROP TAPPED HIS forehead, rousing him awake. The pain surged back before he could open his eyes. Gasping, Simon sat up and clutched the wound gushing blood from his chest. Memories rushed through him, each flash bringing him closer to remembering why he was here... why he lay dying in a hole.
Vivian.
Captain Cyrus had her. The thought of him touching her throbbed worse than the pain in his chest. He couldn’t die here. His death would seal her fate. Only he knew of the danger she faced trapped in the clutches of that criminal. Only he could save her.
With a growl, he pushed through the pain and climbed to his feet. A long arm reached up and clutched the grass just within his reach. Pain seared through him with the movement. He ignored it, pushing it aside. There was no pain worse than the thought of losing her. He dug his fingers in, agony causing his arms to tremble, and pulled himself from the depths of the grave he’d dug with his own hands.
But he wouldn’t succumb. He wouldn’t die here.
Alone.
Crawling to his feet he stumbled to the river. The cold water rushed against his legs, shocking his body while he trudged toward the other side. Blood loss swirled his senses, each step threatening to be his last. Only his resolve pushed his legs forward, dragging him to the other side and to where his horse would be tied. If he could make it back to the Dark Shark he could tell Sully to save her; to find Viktor and rescue her. Then, and only then, would he die.
Reaching the other side, he faltered. His legs gave out, causing him to crumble to his knees.
Vivian.
He pushed himself up, hauling his body to the road just a short distance away. If he could make it onto his horse, the animal should be able to find its way home. He was so close. Each encumbered step sent pain searing through him, but he pushed on. Finally, he reached the road and looked to where he’d tied his horse. Nothing but an empty tree stood there, the gelding absent from its shade.
No.
He collapsed to his knees. His horse was gone. No matter how determined his resolve, there was no way he could walk back to Exmouth. Having made it this far was nothing short of a miracle. Tears threatened to burst from the mounting anger and frustration. Dying wasn’t an option, yet the reality of it pushed deeper and deeper inside him.
The drumming of wooden wheels on bumpy ground pulled his attention toward the sound. Squinting through the darkness, the half-moon illuminated the silhouette of a horse and cart approaching. Was it real? Was he hallucinating?
The horse and cart rolled up beside him. Darkness threatened to rob him of consciousness, but he willed his eyes to stay open. A man dropped to the ground and knelt at his side.
“Please. Sir, I need to get to Exmouth. Please. Sully. Ship. Dark Shark. Take me to him. Tell him Cyrus has Vivian. Save Vivian.”
With those words, his body gave out. Simon slipped into the black abyss as death reached out its icy cold hand to snatch him. He hovered just out of the afterlife’s reach, his only hope marginal, inconsequential. That this stranger would not leave him on the side of the road and ride on. His life... her life... was in the stranger’s hands.
CHAPTER TEN
A DULL THROB DRONED in Simon’s chest and shook him from his rest. One eye peeked open. Am I dead? The soft glow of a lantern flooded the room. His other eye peeled open. His room. He was in his room on the ship... and he was alive. Relief flooded his battered body on the wings of a deep breath, but the pain from the heaving of his chest caused him to suck it back in through clenched teeth.
“Simon?” Sully’s voice turned his head. There in the chair with a book in his hands, sat Sully beside the lantern light. The stunned look on his face softened into a happy smile. “You’ve returned to us!”
He slammed his book shut and rushed to Simon’s side.
“I thought we’d lost you! Good God, you are one stubborn son of a bitch. We thought you dead for sure.”
“Sully,” Simon whispered, the words like glass ripping through his throat. “Vivian... Cyrus has her. We have to—”
Sully raised his hand and silenced him. “I know, Simon. The man who brought you to us, he said you told him Cyrus had Vivian. We’re sailing after her already.”
For a moment, his eyes closed in relief. He had done it. The stranger on the road had brought him to Sully. His kindness had given them hope in finding her and rescuing her from Cyrus. He would be forever grateful to the man on the road and made a note that when this was all over, he would t
ry to find that man and repay him for his kindness.
“Where do we sail? Any news?”
Sully shook his head. “No news. We spotted them sailing south. George has us on a route to follow. We’ve been careful to stay out of visual range though. We didn’t want to engage until you were awake. With no information, we didn’t want to put her in danger. What happened? Captain Cyrus found you?”
Simon nodded. “He did. He traded her life for mine, but I survived anyway,” he said, a weary smirk lifting his lip. Even that small motion caused another lance of pain to slice through him.
“Your secrecy in your mission with Vivian hasn’t gone unnoticed, and I’ve respected it. But I need to know... why did he take her? What would he want with her?”
It was time. Cyrus already had the treasure, so there was no sense in hiding the secret anymore. All that mattered now was rescuing Vivian and seeing her safe.
“Vivian stole a treasure map from Cyrus.”
“A treasure map?” Sully’s eyes widened. “Is it real?”
“Very real. I was holding the treasure chest in my arms when Cyrus appeared and took it... and Vivian as well. His anger toward her treachery and the headaches she caused him put her in harm’s way. I’m sorry I kept it from you, but I swore an oath to her not to reveal our mission until we located the treasure and she was safely away.”
Sully nodded. “I understand. Your secrecy now makes sense as does why Cyrus would take her.”
“We have to find her, Sully. Where do they sail?”
“We’re on route to hit Spain or perhaps farther south toward Morocco. It’s too early to say where he is heading. We’ve been after them for three days and will continue staying on their tail.”
The words furrowed Simon’s brow. “Three days?”
Sully nodded. “You’ve been unconscious since your arrival. A man pulled up to the docks searching for me. He told me of your words and I saw you in the back of the cart. We brought you to the ship where Peter worked on you for hours. He was able to remove the bullet, and luckily, it missed your heart by a hair. A light breeze bumping the bullet and you would no longer be of this world. You are very fortunate.”
By The Assassin's Side (Daggers 0f Desire Book 3) Page 11