He looked out at the horizon. In the distance, the mast of the Sea Diamond came into view.
Rather than stop at the bench, he continued along the cliff to the shelter of the trees.
“It won’t take long to get underway once the Sea Diamond docks,” he said.
She didn’t answer. Her complete withdrawal concerned him. He needed to rescue her or her fear would turn to terror.
With his hands on her shoulders, she stood in front of him in the dappled shade of the trees. In silence, they stared as the white-tipped waves rolled on to the beach and listened to the rhythmic crash of the surf.
The stiffness in her shoulders finally gave way, and she tilted her head back to rest on his chest.
“You have my thanks.” She turned and stood between him and the tree. “I’m not usually unnerved, but the fire and the etched word—”
Darla looked into his eyes. He didn’t have any special talents. He didn’t need them to understand the hurt and pain she suffered. It was written on her face.
He took her in his arms and held her close until she controlled her trembling. When she was composed, she looked up at him. His breath caught at the raw passion in her eyes.
Should he go with his heart or his head? She made the decision for him.
Darla put her arms around his neck and his blood heated. Gently, she pulled him toward her. He didn’t resist. He couldn’t.
She brought her face close, a whisper away. Before she set her lips on his, her eyelids fluttered and closed.
He raised his mouth from hers and laid a trail of kisses down her neck. Spiraling out of control, he drew her closer, eager to find out if her soft curves molded to the hard planes of his body.
Her hands on his cheeks, she moved his head toward her. She examined every part of his face as if she were commanding it to memory, then gave him a slow drugging kiss. He thought all was lost. His body ached for her.
“Darla? Is that you?” Maxwell called not far away.
Wesley stepped away and focused on the water. In the distance, the Sea Diamond made its final approach at the dock.
“Here, in the shade,” she answered.
“You saw her, too.” Maxwell motioned toward the Sea Diamond. “Let me know as soon as we’re able to sail. Darla, pack your things. We leave when the ship is ready.”
“My thanks for the walk,” Darla said to Wesley, then headed for the house.
He kept his eyes on the water. It wasn’t difficult to understand how Maxwell felt. Anger radiated all around him.
“I hadn’t seen the etching in the table until she moved her tools. How could she sit there and say nothing to me?” He slapped his hand against his thigh and remained quiet for some time.
“This is a dangerous situation. She trusts you. Keira believes you’re the best man to protect her. I agree.” Maxwell kept his eyes on the ship coming toward the dock.
Wesley stiffened and cleared his throat. He still tasted her lips, still felt their passion. Protect her? Maxwell’s words cut deep.
Chapter Eleven
“We’re not waiting for the rest of the cargo. Tie down whatever is on board. As far as the ship is concerned, we had difficulty with the tiller,” Richards said to Wesley as they stood on the deserted dock. Neat piles of merchandise littered the area. The sun sat low in the sky and was slowly covered by darkening clouds dragged in by the wind.
“What sort of difficulty?” Wesley inspected the tiller. “We examined the Sea Diamond before you sailed and found nothing wrong.”
“I agree. It may have happened on our way to the island. We discovered a crack in the tiller when I checked the ship before we left Dunvegan.”
“Who else was in port?”
“The Sea Diamond was one of a dozen ships, most were from Inverlochy and one from Ireland. One of Lord Ewan’s soldiers kept watch over the ship while we were in port.
“I planned to replace the tiller, but we have no time now with Maxwell determined to leave before the storm. I reinforced the piece with heavy rope before we left.” Richards studied the sky. “The seas behind us were rough as we came east. This weather is moving fast. I’d feel better if we waited for the storm to pass.”
“I agree. However, waiting is not an option. As you said, Maxwell is adamant we leave as soon as possible. This steady wind may be a blessing and get us to Dundhragon before the storm.” Wesley focused his attention on the sky and the oncoming squall. It was a gamble. His men said storms were as fickle as a woman. They can be calm or turn frightfully ugly.
“I’m on my way to Maxwell.” Richards tucked his compass in his pocket. “After the difficult trip, I gave the crew leave. We travel with a small crew. Maxwell will have to consider that as well. Will you join me? The decision whether to go or not is his.”
“You go on. I want to look at the tiller. I’ll meet you there.”
The captain hurried away. Wesley made his way among the crates and bales to the gangplank. Nothing was wrong with the device before the ship sailed to Dunvegan. The thing was thick as a man’s arm.
“A moment with you, Captain.” A shadow emerged from between the crates and chests.
He stopped mid-stride and stared into the darkness.
“What are you doing here?” Wesley looked around and let out a breath. The area was deserted. “Come with me. I want to look at the tiller.”
“This is one way for me to board the Sea Diamond.” Fynn followed behind him as they boarded the ship.
Wesley unwrapped the rope around the tiller and found Richards had strengthened the wood with splints as if he were setting a broken bone.
“Even in this light, I can make out some mischief here.” Fynn ran his hand over the wood.
Wesley nodded his agreement when he felt the saw marks. “This is a clean cut, not a failure of the wood.” He looked at his brother.
“Don’t look at me.” Fynn stepped back, his hands up in protest. “I haven’t been anywhere near the Sea Diamond.”
Wesley had to agree. Neither Fynn nor any of his men had an opportunity to damage the ship.
“There are grumblings about a fire at Maxwell’s. And before you ask, I had no part in that either.” The two men rewrapped the tiller.
“I have an idea who did both.” Wesley turned to Fynn. “Justin.”
“You sure it’s not one of the men in the Association? They are the ones that have the most to gain. Justin has no reason to go after Maxwell.” Fynn said.
None of the men in the Association would harm Maxwell or his family. If anything, they would stand with Maxwell. No, Fynn had it all wrong. If Maxwell failed, Dollin, Lucas and Otter were out of business. They wouldn’t sabotage the boat. It has to be Justin. He threatened Darla.
“Therese told me Justin had a ten percent of Allan’s business and he wanted more from his big brother. The two argued all the time, especially in the tavern. Allan told him if he wanted a bigger portion, he had to do more work, but he did nothing. Yes, we raided Thomasson’s ship, but all we took was his cargo. It was Justin. I watched him put a knife in his brother’s back.” Fynn ground the words out between his teeth, as if Justin’s actions were a grievous sin.
“And he blamed the murder and destruction of the ship on you. Hand me the other rope.” He pointed to the rope by the gunwale. “I wonder if he’s responsible for the coastal village raids, too. Damaging the Sea Diamond and setting the fire are an attack on Maxwell.”
“Which is fine with me, but why?” Fynn gave him the rope.
“I looked over the Association’s finances. After Allan died, Justin came to them for a loan to buy a new ship. Maxwell wanted assurances for repayment to the Association, ten percent of all his sales until the loan was paid. He said no and left telling everyone that Maxwell collected money from members and used it for himself. He fixed up the burned boat and traded on his own.”
“Without much success,” Fynn added. “The tiller and fire. If it is him, he’s out for revenge. We know a bit about that.”
Wesley let out a breath. Everything fit neatly together. Too neatly. Something in the back of his mind told him Fynn was more involved with Justin then he let on.
“That should hold it, but I would replace it. It won’t hold for long.” Fynn stepped back from the tiller and took a deep breath.
Wesley looked at their handiwork. His brother was right. It wouldn’t hold for long. He’d speak to Maxwell and Richards and make sure it was taken care of as soon as they reached the castle.
“You should leave before someone sees you,” Wesley said. They walked to the gangplank.
“Can you smell it? We’re close, Wesley. Real close. After all our plans and hard work, our goal is within reach. Is everything ready?” Fynn rubbed his hands together. “You need help putting the rest of my cargo on board?”
“We’re traveling light, with only what’s on board.” Fynn swung around and faced him.
“What do you mean no more cargo? He’s bringing the gems, isn’t he? We promised them to MacAlpin.”
This was not the place for Fynn to lose his temper.
“He’s taking some with him.” He tossed the words out to satisfy Fynn. Now he needed to redirect the conversation before he became uncontrollable. “We’ve sailed in storms before, it’s not easy. Richards said the winds and seas are high. This blow is going to be big.”
“We’re running out of time. MacAlpin wants results. As long as Maxwell is still bringing the gems to Ewan, we must stick to our plan. When else will we have this opportunity?”
“It all depends if Maxwell gambles on the weather. I’m meeting with him and Richards now. I’ll meet you at the beach as soon as he decides if we sail.”
He waited as Fynn made his way around the maze of cargo, picked up odd ropes, and put them aside. He looked like any other crew member doing his job. When he neared one of the warehouses, Fynn nodded at him, tugged his coat around him against the wind, and was gone.
Wesley marched down the gangplank. He cast a glance at the charcoal sky and the crack in the clouds that let in a golden stream of sun. As he double-timed it to Maxwell’s, he prayed the weather and tiller would hold until they reached the castle.
These last weeks had been ideal. He’d worked hard and spent time with Darla. And in the next few hours, all that would be gone. Forever. And he was doing it willingly. He would never be with her again, hear her laugh, or see her smile. And to what end? Avenge his father? Who would come out the winner? Certainly not him.
His father’s begging eyes haunted him. Fynn was right. He had made a pledge of honor, a foolish pledge, but one that had to be fulfilled. When he looked up from his musings he stood at Maxwell’s door.
“There you are,” Richards hailed Wesley as he walked into the entryway. “I was just leaving. I gave Maxwell the options, and he’s decided we leave as soon as everyone is on board. He’s busy gathering his prized gem for the voyage.”
Soft footsteps on the stairs caught his attention. He turned and smiled as Darla came down carrying her satchel.
“I’m going to rouse the men.” Wesley nodded, but said nothing as Richards left.
She entered the library and put her satchel down by the table.
Wesley followed. He was drawn to the gems on the black cloth.
“Something about the necklace is magical,” he said. “The stones look brighter in the setting than they did loose. You have a wonderful talent.”
“The amber speaks to me and tells me what needs to be done. I knew when Father showed them to me that they would be a necklace fit for a queen.” She turned to him with a big smile. “Queen Maria.”
She put the jewelry and cloth into a pouch and set it on the table next to her tools.
“I hope the happy couple lives a long and prosperous life together.” He hadn’t meant for her to hear his cutting remark. Maria and Magnus were not his concern. It was Darla he worried about. Was Maxwell eager to deposit her at Dundhragon and marry her off to anyone?
“Why do you say that? Magnus is a good man. Maria’s very fortunate.” Her reprimand put him on edge. Surely she realized what Lord Ewan was doing. The man wanted to secure the Isles for himself.
“Of course, she’s fortunate. Her father’s arranged for her to wed the King of Mann and the Isles. He may well be a toad as long as he has a kingdom. Would you marry a toad?” Wesley asked.
“No. Only a dragon,” she said her voice light with a burst of laughter.
He didn’t find any humor in her words.
“If Magnus was a toad, Lord Ewan would still give his daughter to him. What about you, who do you want?”
“Wesley, I’m promised to another. Lord Ewan is seeing to my best interest. Arrangements like this are to be expected. While you may have a choice of who you marry, I do not. I don’t understand why who I marry is any of your concern.”
He studied her face, smoldering under her stony expression as he weighed her defense of the situation.
“Lord Ewan isn’t finding you a husband for your best interest. He’s seeing to his own gains. How can your father put your destiny in that man’s hands? Maxwell is devoted to you. Bah,” He waved his hand in exasperation. “You can’t expect more from a man like Lord Ewan. He is harsh to his people and those around him.”
“How can you make such accusations? What do you know of his lordship?” She turned on him like an enraged bull. Her indignation brought him to the boiling point and a momentary flare of heat radiated across his face. The woman was blind.
“I assure you my impressions are based on fact. Everything is done with his best interests in mind. I know. I watched him take everything from my father, his home, his livelihood, he’d take my brother too if he could catch him. You accept without question what your great lord wants you to believe. You’re naïve and childish if you think he has your best interests in mind.” He moved closer to her until he left her no room at all. Darla stood rigid, flushed, and furious. Her face smoldered underneath her stony expression. Her rage seemed pointless to him.
“His overwhelming desire to rule the isles is all that matters to him. He will use you as a political pawn as he uses his daughter. The man is a ruthless villain.”
“And you.” Darla stood inches from him, her eyes wide in anger. “What are you? Nothing but a privateer and a paid servant. I would rather Lord Ewan’s choice than, than you.” She stormed out of the library and slammed the door behind her.
He stepped toward the door and hesitated raking his hand through his hair. Was he the fool? Perhaps she knew full well what Lord Ewan planned and was in agreement. The idea made his blood boil. And she accused him of a liaison. She knew all along she was promised to another and yet encouraged him, playing the innocent.
Turning from the door, the pouch on the table caught his attention. More’s the pity he didn’t have the replica necklace with him. It would have been easy to switch it for the real one. He’d find an opportunity while they were on the ship. In no mood to see her or worse, have her think he went after her, he left by way of the garden and headed to the beach.
He navigated through the stiff wind and down the slope to the water. Fynn waited for him.
“Maxwell is everything you said. I was so blind.” Wesley paced in front of Fynn.
“The girl cast her spell on you. She’s the one who freed the boy all those years ago. I believed she was a witch then, but now I am sure of it.”
“Don’t be a fool. Darla’s no witch. Just under her father’s and Ewan’s influence,” Wesley whispered harshly.
“I sacrificed much for you, tried to keep this evil stench from you ever knowing. Many times, Father wanted us all together. I told him I would stay in Scotland. It was better Lord Ewan and Maxwell hunted me than go looking for you,” Fynn said his voice faded, losing its hard edge.
For several heartbeats, Wesley was too startled to say anything. Had he been blind to his brother’s protection? Had he overlooked his devotion to the family? Was he so absorbed in his own life that
he saw nothing of the sacrifices his brother made?
“I had no idea.” He embraced his brother. “I should never have doubted you.”
“Take them by Kerrera Sound,” Fynn said. “We’ll lay in wait for you there. Is your heart still in the plan?”
“More than ever. She defends Ewan, the man who stole our home, to the last. I want to devastate them all.”
“The wind is getting worse. I can taste the storm in the air. Perhaps it would be best to go back,” Darla said to her father as they sat in his cabin. Once again she worried for his safety.
“I understand your concern, but going back is not an option. Thomasson’s been about making mischief, speaking to anyone who will listen. You’re not safe in Ellenbeich. This is our only way,” her father said. “We’re going to Dundhragon.”
She turned toward the door as the sound of boots marching down the passageway grew louder.
“I agree. We should change course,” Wesley said as he entered the cabin with Richards.
“What’s this about a course change? I thought we had made a decision?” her father said.
Richards put a map on Maxwell’s desk.
“When we planned this voyage, we guessed at the weather. The winds are rising faster than we anticipated. We need more protection. We’ll be hit with less wind and calmer waters if we go up Kerrera Sound on the east coast of the island rather than sail on the Firth of Lorne.” Richards pointed to the new course on the map. “It will add time to our voyage, but we’ll arrive in one piece. If we’re caught on the firth in the heavy weather we could be in for trouble. We don’t have Lord Ewan’s soldiers to help the crew.”
“Kerrera Sound is a battlefield of rocks and at night difficult to navigate. We need a full crew to maneuver the Sound. We only have half the usual men,” her father said.
Wesley held his hands loosely behind his back. “That will do. Richards and I know these waters. The Sea Diamond has a flat bottom and without much cargo her draft is shallow. We can take her through.”
As they spoke, Darla remained quiet, distracted by a thread on her dress. Unsettled by Wesley’s presence, her own words echoed in her head. Privateer. Paid servant.
The Pirate’s Jewel Page 12