Setting the glass down with a little more force than necessary, Teach cursed beneath his breath. Anne gave a start at the sound. He wished there were some way to soothe her, but his mind was already busy with plans.
“I have to go out,” he said. “If anyone asks for me, tell them I’ve retired to my room.”
She intercepted him on his way to the door, planting herself in front of him. “Your father said you shouldn’t venture into town again.”
“My life is on the line. Not his.”
Anne grabbed Teach’s arm. “Which is why you need to be careful. These charges are serious.”
Teach placed his hand over hers. “And that is precisely why I must act. I cannot idly sit by and do nothing.” He gave her fingers a squeeze. “I will return before daylight.”
“Don’t do this. He’s not worth it.”
“Would you absolve me of my crimes, Queen Anne?”
“If it were in my power to do so. But I do not believe you are guilty of any,” Anne said, studying his face. “Yet.”
“Trust me,” he said, her hand still caught beneath his.
She looked as if she were about to argue further, but Teach stepped around her and exited the room.
On his way out the back of the house, Teach stopped in the kitchen. “Please see that Anne has a hot bath, and prepare a tray of food for her.” After the day that she’d had, Teach knew she could use both.
Margery’s mouth turned down, but she merely said, “Yes, sir.”
As much as he would have liked to stay behind and make sure Margery obeyed his orders, Teach didn’t have the time. He needed to find his friend John, and find him quick. Despite what Anne believed, Teach had no intention of tracking down Henry Barrett and killing him.
Yet.
By this time tomorrow Teach wanted to know what kind of proof Barrett had to support his charges of piracy. It was a lie, all of it, but somehow Henry had managed to convince the constable. Teach had to find a way to dismiss any evidence and prove that Henry was a liar.
Instead of riding Kaiser, he decided to take an older carriage from the stables, one that hadn’t been used recently. As much as Teach hated to admit it, his father was right. It would be better if he wasn’t recognized or seen about town.
Wearing the floppy hat John had given him, as well as the old coat, Teach set out, thankful for the disguise.
By the time he arrived at the Deliverance, it was dark and a thick fog had rolled in, cloaking the docks in a sheltering mist. Teach didn’t wait to search for a plank to board. He took a running jump and leapt onto the deck.
John appeared almost immediately, no doubt drawn by the sound of Teach landing and by the subtle rocking of the ship. In John’s hand was the telltale glitter of his knife, which he lowered to his side when he saw Teach. “Well, lookee here. The Deliverance won’t be ready for another fortnight. Bored of the good life already, are you?”
Teach grimaced, shaking John’s hand as John thumped him on the back. “I need to talk to you.”
John’s face grew serious, his eyes narrowing. “What is it?”
Teach led him away from the rail and down the murky stairs to the captain’s cabin. The sweet musky scent of fresh pine and wood tar filled the air. The room itself was sparsely furnished with a desk, chair, and a single berth, and large windows lined one wall.
Closing the door, Teach turned and faced his friend. “I need you to take care of something for me,” he said, his voice soft.
“Tell me what you want me to do, and I’ll do it.”
It was a relief to know Teach could count on John. “I’ve been accused of piracy.”
“What?” John burst out.
Teach held up a hand, wary of the silent docks in the distance. “Quiet. I just found out today. The constable delivered the charges to my father.”
“But that’s a bloody lie.”
“I need you to keep an ear out. It might have been Henry Barrett. If it was, I need you to discover what kind of evidence he has.”
John spat on the ground over his shoulder. “I remember Barrett. Nowhere near as honorable as his father. Pity it wasn’t him who died.”
“Yes, well, if we don’t get him to withdraw the charges, I might be next.”
“I’m sure me and the rest of the crew would be only too happy to vouch for you.”
Teach gave a weak smile. “I wish it were that simple. Others have been accused, but I’m not sure who they are or if the same person brought the evidence against all of us. I need you to find out for me.”
“Right. It’ll take me a bit to see what I can scare up. If you can stay with the ship, I’ll be back in a spell.”
“Of course,” Teach said. “But you must return before dawn.”
John clasped Teach’s shoulder. “Don’t you worry none. We’ll get to the bottom of this.” With a friendly nod, John opened the door and disappeared up the stairs.
Teach had been right to come here. If there was news to be learned, his friend would be able to gather it, for he was a popular figure and well-liked by all who knew him.
It only now occurred to Teach that he’d never once thought to go to William. William had returned to Bristol with Teach, and the duke was an influential man in Parliament.
But somehow Teach knew William would be of no use to him.
Teach couldn’t help wondering how the meeting between his father and his solicitor was going. Anne was right. Drummond was a powerful man in the city. If he was able to disprove Henry’s allegations, Teach would deal with Henry personally later.
For the next three hours Teach kept vigil at the top of the stairs, hidden in the shadows of the deck. The water lapped against the hull of the ship, comforting Teach with its familiar cadence. Despite his father’s disapproval, Teach would never be sorry for the time he’d spent at sea.
If he were to hang . . .
Teach pushed those thoughts aside, his eyes drawn to a sudden movement on the docks.
John had returned.
After sliding a board into place, John was on deck within a matter of minutes. The two of them retreated once more to the captain’s cabin.
“And?” Teach demanded.
“Whoever accused you isn’t the same one who accused those other men. They was caught red-handed. Someone just threw your name in for good measure.”
The muscles in Teach’s arms and back tightened. “Was it Barrett?”
John rubbed the back of his neck. “Don’t know for sure. Nobody’s heard of any evidence against you, not like with those others. I’ve got someone watching Barrett’s house, to see what he does and where he goes. You best get home, Teach. There’s nothing more to be done tonight.”
Frustration warred with fatigue, and Teach drew his hand wearily through his hair. “Bring word to my house, but don’t go to the front door. Come through the back, like you’re visiting Mary.”
“I haven’t seen Mary in days.”
“You can’t tell anyone about this, John. Especially not Mary. You must take this secret with you to the grave, do you understand?”
John nodded. “Don’t worry. I owe you my life, Teach. I’d sooner sell my own mother than disappoint you.”
Having John as a friend was like having a big, vicious dog as your loyal pet. Satisfied, Teach shook John’s hand and took his leave.
By the time Teach reached his father’s house, the building was mostly dark, with only a few candles illuminating the interior.
After taking the stairs two at a time, he removed his coat and floppy hat and threw them across his bed. His father’s door down the hallway was open, the interior of his room black. As promised, he had not returned.
Teach picked up a book from the night table and headed to Anne’s room. He stopped outside the door and listened to her footsteps as she paced the floor. Teach was
surprised by the pounding of his heart. He hadn’t been this anxious since his father had sent him away to school for the first time. He knocked softly and waited.
Beneath the door he saw Anne’s shadow cross, before she opened it partway, somewhat hidden from his view. She wore a nightdress and a velvet robe, her damp hair hanging over one shoulder. He experienced the usual shock of awareness whenever he saw her. She’d never looked more beautiful.
Her breathing was faster than normal, but she said nothing. There was a strange glow in her eyes, like compassion or sorrow. He could not be sure.
“I told you I would return,” he said.
Anne nodded. “Did you . . . Did you discover anything?”
“No, not yet. But I have a friend working on it.” Teach cleared his throat and held out Dampier’s book, unwilling to discuss the charges any further. “I wanted to bring you this,” he said, hoping his voice sounded steadier than he felt. “I thought it might help you fall asleep faster.”
Opening the door farther, she reached out and took it from him, her soft fingertips touching his. He didn’t let go immediately, wishing she would invite him into her room.
She did not.
“Thank you. I’ve been wondering what happens next.” She made no move to close the door. A pulse beat at her collarbone, and he longed to run his finger along her smooth skin.
Teach took a step forward, the book still connecting them. “I could tell you what happens next,” he said, his voice low. Anne swallowed. Her blue eyes shone in the candlelight, and Teach could not have turned away if he’d tried.
“Does he die?”
“He does not. At least not for many years.”
“Is there any more sadness?” she asked.
He reached out and brushed her cheek with his thumb. “No,” he whispered.
“Does he return to the sea?”
They both knew they were no longer discussing the book. “That remains to be seen. There might be something that could tempt him to stay.”
A shadow passed over Anne’s features, and she withdrew her hand while taking the book. Teach was surprised by the strength of his disappointment.
“I’ve heard your father say that temptation is of the devil,” she said.
“Contrary to what my father believes, I do not think all enticements are wicked.”
Anne gave him a sad smile, making her look older than her sixteen years. “A wise man is not the one who knows the difference between good and evil, but the one who chooses the least evil.”
Before Teach could form a retort, she closed the door softly. He braced himself against the frame until the light from her candle was snuffed out.
CHAPTER 22
Anne
Wandering through the house the next morning, Anne found Teach in his father’s library. He sat at the desk, tracing the wood grain with his thumbnail, but stood as she entered.
There was no sign of Drummond.
“What do you plan to do today?” Teach asked, leaning against the corner of the desk.
“I thought I might go back to the city.” It had taken her a while to fall asleep, even after Teach had brought her the book. She’d been too distraught over the charges against him. If Drummond didn’t find some way to have them dropped . . . Anne didn’t even want to think about what might happen. No, she had to continue to believe in Drummond’s abilities, for herself as well as for Teach.
For the first time in her life, she liked to think she had a friend. She admired Teach’s intelligence and his drive. She envied his confidence and his ability to listen to others.
Of course, she also couldn’t deny her attraction to him. Last night, when he’d given her the book, she’d been very aware of him as a man. And more than once she’d caught a certain gleam in his eyes, one that betrayed a deeper emotion than simple friendship.
In order to put some distance between them, she had decided to return to the city for the day. Every time she saw a glistening candlestick or spoon, it weighed on her. It was one thing to steal from Richard Drummond, a cold, heartless master, but it was something else to steal from the man who had opened up his home to her.
She also hoped to hear more about the charges against Teach.
“You should go. There’s no reason for both of us to suffer. You are free to leave as you choose,” Teach said.
Anne walked toward the desk, her skirts rustling. She knew she should leave, but his voice alarmed her. She’d never heard him so despondent. “In a few days you shall be free to leave as well.”
A wry smile touched his lips. “If only I had as much faith in my father as you do, Anne.” His voice was soft and tender, the sound of her name a caress.
“He obviously has faith in you. Otherwise he would never have agreed to let you spend the year at sea.”
“He agreed to let me go only because I threatened to join the navy.”
“You didn’t,” she gasped.
“Oh, but I did. Not that I would have followed through with it, but my father didn’t know that. I’d sooner stay on land than be part of the Royal Navy.”
Anne had heard rumors about life aboard naval vessels. “Is it as bad as they say?”
Teach nodded, his mouth turned down. “They’ll take anyone, willing or not, and will use royal press gangs if necessary. On a naval ship, they rarely stock enough food and water. The only thing possibly worse is life aboard a merchant ship.”
“Not my father’s ships,” Anne said. “I saw the way he kept them.”
“No, not your father’s ships. Andrew Barrett was the exception.”
She noticed he didn’t say anything in defense of Drummond’s fleet. “I’m sure your father’s aren’t terrible either.”
“How many of my father’s ships have you seen?” Teach asked, his eyes narrowed.
Anne flushed. “None. But how bad could they truly be?”
“It depends on the captain. Anyone foolish enough to speak out on a merchant ship will most likely be punished. The same on any naval vessel. But if the crew of a pirate ship doesn’t like their captain, they won’t hesitate to select a new one.”
“I felt pity for those men I saw yesterday, for the waste and ruin of their lives. It almost sounds as if you respect them.”
He leaned back, crossing his long legs in front of him. “I don’t respect them, but neither can I judge them too harshly. If I were put in the same situation, I’m not so sure I would act differently.”
“You would not become a pirate,” Anne said, shaking her head. “They act without authority. They’re scoundrels and crooks—”
“And is your brother so very different?” Teach asked. “I’ve seen some rather questionable characters who claim to be educated and well-bred act far more maliciously than any pirate. Nobles claim that the poor and uneducated cannot govern themselves, yet I’ve witnessed destitute men do just that, obeying their own laws like a priest obeys the word of God.”
Any further argument Anne might have made was forgotten. A high-pitched scream sounded from the courtyard outside, and Anne rushed to the window, noticing a dust cloud churning near the barn.
It took her a moment to realize that it wasn’t due to the wind. Two figures wrestled on the ground, while Mary and Margery stood nearby, both of them shrieking at the men to stop.
Teach was already out of the library when Anne picked up her skirts and rushed after him. He strode through the house and out the back door, toward the commotion, his expression grim. Anne recognized only one of the participants, Tom, the young groom, his shirt torn and his breeches covered in dirt.
The other individual was a stranger, but he was strongly built. Teach grabbed his arm in an effort to pull him off the prone figure of the groom, but his efforts were rewarded with a fist to the gut. Teach doubled over, and Anne rushed to his side.
Mary sobbed, c
lutching her apron. “Stop it! Stop it, I tell you!” she cried.
It didn’t take a stretch of the imagination for Anne to realize that the other person must have been John, Mary’s beau. If someone didn’t act fast, who knew if the fools would stop.
Anne raced to the barn and grabbed a pail full of water. Charging out into the fray once more, she flung the contents onto the combatants. The force of her swing sent her flying, and she landed on her backside, next to Teach.
Everyone else froze, as if they, too, had been doused. Too shocked to move, Anne simply sat there. Teach heaved her to her feet and wrested the bucket from her hands. He turned on the two men—boys, Anne quickly told herself, for they couldn’t have been more than three years her senior—and dragged them apart. Water was dripping down their shirtfronts.
“What happened, John?” Teach demanded, looking between the two.
John pointed a thick finger at the groom. “I caught him taking liberties with my Mary,” he snarled, a pained look on his face.
Anne’s heart ached for him.
Teach turned in the direction of the plump maid. “Is this true?”
Mary twisted her mouth, clearly trying to think of a way out of her present situation.
It was enough of an answer for John. He lunged for the groom once more, but this time Teach was ready. He grabbed John around the shoulders from behind, leaning back to prevent the two of them from toppling over. “You are both dismissed,” he said to Tom and Mary through clenched teeth, struggling to hold John back.
Margery, seeing the need to intervene, pushed Mary toward the back door. “You heard him. Mr. Edward says it’s time for you to go.”
Tom stood there for a moment. “But his father hired me—”
Teach’s face was bright red from exertion. “Go now!” he bellowed.
It took Tom less than two minutes to gather his belongings and leave the property. Mary quickly followed suit, in a rush to catch up to him. She left without so much as a good-bye in John’s direction.
Teach released John slowly, his back tensed in case he needed to intervene again. He needn’t have worried. John’s shoulders slumped forward, his face crumpling with grief.
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