The Sea Lord: Devils of the Deep Read online

  Ever so slowly, she stood and moved to the door. If luck was on her side, she’d be able to look out and gauge where she was and how hard any form of escape would prove. It was obvious that being out at sea limited her options. However, if the captain was an honorable man, she would find a way to speak to him.

  The swaying of the ship made it hard to steady herself. From the movement, it seemed they were traveling at a fast pace. Absently, she recalled an excursion with her father on a vessel in which they traveled to Portugal for a social event. It had been in the middle of summer and she had welcomed the ocean breeze along with the wind from traveling.

  Her mother had been delighted to discover that Gailyn and her younger sister didn’t suffer from seasickness. Instead, they’d enjoyed the trip immensely and had insisted they travel by water more often. Although the social event had been enjoyable, her memories of the travel there and back overshadowed any of the actual festivities.

  The door creaked as she pulled it open. Each sound seemed louder than necessary and she hesitated for a beat before opening it further. Once there was enough room, she peered out. The dim corridor was empty. There had to be plenty of crew about. It seemed the ship was large and should house many men. Not that she had any complaints about the obvious absence of any people, it was just strange.

  Voices sounded from above. Someone was barking out orders and hurried footsteps pounded over her head. Whatever was happening, it seemed as if it called for activity.

  The loud voice began shouting again and, once again, there were more sounds of people rushing about. It seemed everyone was on deck performing whatever their duties were at the moment.

  She hurried out and moved down the hallway, following the smell of food cooking. With luck, whoever had cooked was also above and she could sneak away with something to eat.

  Upon opening the door, she found a dining area. There were four tables with benches. From the dirty dishes on the surfaces and overturned cups, the morning meal had ended.

  “And who do you belong to?” A woman with an armful of dishes appeared out of nowhere.

  “Auck!” Gailyn squawked, utterly surprised at being caught so soon. “I don’t belong to anyone. I am alone.”

  The rosy-faced woman had kind eyes and a soft smile. “Come along then. How about eggs and toast?” The woman turned and began walking, obviously assuming she’d follow.

  Gailyn did. Mostly because the unassuming woman didn’t seem to find anything strange about her being there. “What ship is this?”

  The woman gave her a questioning look, but then shrugged. “The Moira. Captain Kevin MacAlpin’s”

  “I’m Gailyn Brighton,” she volunteered. “I wish to go home.”

  The woman dumped the dishes into a water-filled tub. “I’m Dot.” She shrugged again. “Not sure where home is, my dear. I believe we’re headed to the Caribbean.”

  “Oh no.” Gailyn sank down onto a stool the woman motioned to.

  Too hungry to consider her circumstances in that moment, she ate for the next few minutes and drank tepid tea.

  “Now,” Dot said, settling onto another stool. “How did you come to be here? Did one of the men sneak you aboard?” By the lack of surprise, Gailyn gathered it would not be the first time a crewmember had snuck a woman onboard.

  She let out a soft sigh. “No, I was kidnapped.” When Dot gasped, she hurried to explain. “Not by one of the crew here on this ship. I was on a wagon in a crate. Men from this ship took the cargo, which included me, from them.”

  “I see.” Dot turned and looked over her shoulder toward the doorway. “We must let Captain MacAlpin know of your being here immediately. He will be furious if this means he can be accused of your kidnapping.”

  Dot scrambled to her feet and scowled. “Stay here. No, no, let’s put you over there,” she pointed to the side of the kitchen. “No one will see you there. It’s best that I speak to the captain before he sees you.” Without waiting to see if she did as she was bid, Dot dashed away.

  Gailyn wasn’t sure what to do. She’d not considered that, perhaps, there would be another woman aboard the ship. Dot hadn’t seemed to think she was in any particular danger. Then again, appearances could be deceiving. What if the ship was filled with dangerous pirates who would relish the sight of her walking the plank and sinking to her death?

  Then there was always the possibility of being raped, attacked brutally. Gailyn began to shake so hard it was almost impossible to stand and walk to where Dot had instructed. Her mind awhirl, she grabbed a piece of bread and slathered butter on it. Then Gailyn dragged the little stool to the side of the space and sank onto it. She leaned against the wall, needing the support as she considered whether things were about to get worse.

  Nothing could be done at this point. At best, the captain would set her up in a cabin so she could travel more comfortably. Her father’s influence would hopefully be enough to convince the man to return her. She’d promise a large sum as recompense, even if it meant spending her entire dowry.

  If ever she hoped to find a husband, any hopes of marriage were now dashed. Now with this, being taken, kidnapped, meant her reputation would be in shreds. She had no doubt that word of her kidnapping was out. Her father would not give a care about inconsequential things like reputation when it came to finding her. There was no need for a dowry. If anything, this was a good way to spend it.

  “Miss Brighton?” A man walked into the space. He was huge and broad. “I’m Edgar McGregor, the captain’s first mate. Come with me. I will take you to a cabin.”

  Although obviously a Scot, the man didn’t seem dangerous nor did he look upon her with any kind of lechery. If she were to be honest, he seemed to barely notice her appearance at all.

  “Did Dot tell you how I came to be here?” she asked, following him. “I must speak to your captain. I demand to be returned home immediately.”

  The man stopped in front of a door and opened it. He motioned inside. “There are things at play that can’t be stopped right now.”

  A large boom sounded and Gailyn screamed in fright. Before she could ask what was happening, the Scot shoved her into a small room. “Stay here,” he yelled and slammed the door shut.

  When another large thunder-like sound shook the ship, Gailyn screamed and threw herself onto the small bed and curled into a ball. Whatever was happening didn’t sound good at all.

  It was a battle.

  Was it possible she was about to die at sea?

  Chapter Five

  The Moira left the ship they’d attacked crippled but seaworthy. Once news was delivered to him by Edgar that Gailyn Brighton was onboard, he’d ordered a stop and they’d left without bothering with an attempt to garner any bounty.

  To say Kevin was furious was putting it mildly.

  Anger roared through his veins until he thought they’d burst from it.

  “We didn’t know,” Beatie said, his head bobbing and his voice shaky. “We got good cargo, Captain.”

  Kevin closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Like what? What did you do with the money Edgar gave you for fruit and the other items?”

  The duo exchanged looks. “We got fruit.” Delbert spoke this time. “Lots of it, too.”

  “Mrs. Dot gave you a list of items we needed,” he said, eying the men who shuffled uncomfortably. “There best not be one thing missing.”

  Beatie lifted a hand as if seeking permission to speak. The longer the two remained in front of him, the stronger the urge to drag them on deck and shove them overboard.

  “What?” Kevin snapped.

  “There wasn’t a woman when we unloaded. I swear it.”

  Edgar must have sensed that Kevin wanted to kill the duo, because the Scot stood and stalked to the two men. Their eyes rounded. “Go up on deck and wait for me.”

  Beatie and Delbert didn’t wait for any other directions. They raced out the door faster than he’d ever seen them move.

  “I’ll take care of those t
wo, Captain. If they missed anything on Mrs. Dot’s list or mine, they will pay for it with their hides. Not just that, but neither will receive full payment for this trip.”

  “Idiots,” Kevin uttered. “If it is found out that she was aboard when we left England, it will be assumed we kidnapped her.”

  “The woman admits to knowing our ship was not her intended destination,” Edgar started, but then stopped. “Of course, what she says may not matter.”

  “Exactly.”

  “Bring her to me…” he stopped and considered. “Never mind, I’ll go speak to her.”

  “It’s best I bring her here, Captain,” Kevin insisted. “You need to calm. She is understandably upset and we don’t want her to feel threatened or intimidated in any manner. It proves fruitful that she met Mrs. Dot upon her escape from the crate in which she’d been imprisoned.”

  Moments later Kevin was still pacing when a rap at the door made him swing toward it. The door opened to show a delicate, beautiful woman who looked to him with questioning eyes before looking to Edgar.

  He first motioned for the woman to walk in. It was strange to him that Edgar didn’t seem particularly interested in the rare beauty, but more as if she were any other person aboard their ship. The woman the Scot met before leaving must have made quite the impression.

  “Miss Brighton, please enter. Sit.” He indicated a comfortable chair next to his bed.

  She moved with grace, her hips swaying side to side as she crossed the room. There was a quiet intelligence about her as she studied first the surroundings and then her blue-green gaze scanned over him. Just like the portrait, her blue-green eyes were framed with lush lashes. There was a slight crinkle between her brows and her lips pressed together as if she were forcing herself to remain silent.

  In his estimation, she had questions and demands.

  He lowered and sat on his bed. “Miss Brighton, as Edgar explained to you, we are heading to the Caribbean. Unknowing you to be onboard, we were following a ship on which we believed you were captive.”

  “You knew about me?”

  He nodded. “Yes, your father has… announced your disappearance, asking for assistance in locating you.”

  “Then you must turn around and return to England at once.” She lifted her chin and had the gall to peer down her pert nose at him. “At once, sir.”

  If it wasn’t for the fact he’d just shot at a ship for no reason and they were now racing to get away in hopes the ship would not identify them, he would laugh.

  “We cannot return just yet. We are forced to take a different route, one that must be chosen carefully as we do not wish to bring you additional harm.” He left out the fact that he needed to elude the Spanish armada or any British ships that would immediately attack the Moira.

  Kevin looked to Edgar. “Instruct the sails to be exchanged.”

  “Right now, Captain?”

  “Yes. I believe it is best.”

  Edgar frowned and finally nodded. “That is a wise decision.”

  The sails were currently blackened. It was best to use white ones to keep would-be authorities at bay. However, white sails meant they could be attacked by other pirates. He hoped the MacAlpin banner, which could be raised on a moment’s notice, would be enough to discourage fellow pirates.

  “Captain MacAlpin, are you turning the ship around or not?”

  “I won’t make a decision about our route for another day. Believe me, you will be informed immediately.”

  She stood and bent at the waist, a parcel of silken hair falling forward to form a satiny curtain over the left side of her face. “You don’t understand. I absolutely must return to England at once.”

  He wasn’t about to argue with the woman. With his own temper on a strenuous hold, it was best not to engage her.

  “It’s best you return to your quarters. Supper will be brought to you there.”

  She shook her head. “I require an answer, Captain. Surely you will turn around immediately.”

  Admittedly, he wanted to stay with her and listen to her talk and even chastise him. Even though he was still angry, his mood was somehow lightening. “I have to take precautionary measures to ensure a safe voyage back. We were steered off course while in pursuit of the other ship. The route back has to be mapped and worked out. It’s not a simple matter of just turning around.”

  Jumping to her feet and with balled fists, she took two steps until she stood almost nose to nose with him. “Do you have any idea who my father is? He is a very important man, a member of parliament. If it’s money you wish to secure, I will ensure you are compensated for my safe return. Additionally, please send a messenger pigeon or whatever it is you use to contact my father.”

  Kevin pressed his lips together to keep from smiling. The woman had gumption, he’d give her credit. Despite the dire situation she found herself in, Gailyn Brighton didn’t seem to realize he was in control of her life at the moment. Of course, it was growing quite difficult to deny her anything if he didn’t put distance between them. He slid sideways and moved a few feet away.

  “I am quite aware of who you are. As I told you, your father is, indeed, searching for you. However, I am not going to put my ship or my men in danger just to return a pampered woman to her family.”

  “You do not know me, sir. I am neither indulged nor spoiled by my father. I assist him with matters of parliament, do paperwork, letters, etc. I spend my days working and transcribing, not sitting about wasting time.”

  “And you obviously have no idea who or what I am, nor do you have the slightest inclination of how perilous things can get at sea.”

  Her intelligent gaze moved from him to the surroundings. “You seem to live an indulgent life. I do believe your accommodations are well appointed, much like those of a noble. Dare I say, you are a pampered man?”

  This time, he had to chuckle. Although he drew his sword and fought alongside his men, he was indulged and did live quite comfortably. Kevin lifted a brow. “It seems we have come to an impasse. Would you dine with me, Miss Brighton? I have some business to conduct on deck, but will return within the hour.”

  When he opened the door, a guard stood outside. “Remain here and ensure my guest is not disturbed. I will send word to have Dot bring a meal for two.”

  The guard gave him a quizzical look. “Did I hear a woman’s voice, Captain?”

  Sailors tended to be a superstitious lot and although Dot had been accepted or better yet, tolerated because of her cooking, other women would not be as fortunate.

  “No, you did not.”

  He stalked off, wondering if the guard would give in to curiosity and peek in. He shook his head. The young man would. If he was smart, he’d remain without speaking or Miss Brighton would set him straight in a matter of seconds.

  Once he and Edgar discussed the best course of action, he’d inform the beautiful woman over a meal and, perhaps, he could convince her to linger and spend more time with him.

  Chapter Six

  The sound of a door closing woke Gailyn. She’d fallen asleep, curled up in a chair waiting for the captain to return. Unsure of how much time had passed, she looked around for a clock before looking to the man himself.

  With black hair past his shoulders and eyes that seemed to see right through her, he unsettled her. For the most part, she avoided meeting his gaze and, instead, focused on his mouth. When that became as unsettling as his gaze, she looked at his nose. Thankfully, the center of his face seemed a safe place to focus.

  “Miss Brighton, dinner will be brought momentarily. I apologize for my delay. It seems the crew is quite unhappy about your presence and is demanding you be removed immediately.”

  Straight as a rod, she looked up at him. “What do you mean by removing me?”

  He shrugged, as if it were an everyday occurrence. “Sailors are a superstitious lot. Women are believed to bring bad luck.”

  “What about Mrs. Dot? She’s here, as well. Does she not count?”

&n
bsp; “They’ve come to accept her as part of the crew. I do believe it’s a pick and choose situation. For the most part, I go along and have to agree that some signs are omens. However, I have to say I do believe women should not be aboard ships, but not for superstitious reasons. Long days at sea make men… restless.”

  She understood what he meant and shuddered at the thought of dirty men touching her. “I do understand. However, it wasn’t my choice to be here and I have to agree with them. I should be returned home immediately.”

  There was a soft knock followed by Dot and an older man entering with her. “Dinner, Captain,” the man said and slid a look at Gailyn. The man’s expression when meeting her gaze was neither friendly nor was it hostile, more curious.

  Dot, on the other hand, placed her tray on the table and bustled to Gailyn. “How are you faring, dear? You must come to the kitchen. I’ll help you clean up before bed.”

  It dawned on her she must look a fright. Her hair was tangled after being uncombed for two days. Her dress was crumpled and her face was dirty and bruised.

  “I would appreciate it very much.”

  Captain MacAlpin nodded. “Dot, bring whatever is needed here. I believe there is a clean, serviceable frock in the trunk she can change in to.”

  Frock? Why would he have women’s clothing in his chambers? As much as she wanted to ask, Gailyn remained silent and concentrated on the dinner.

  Once left alone, they ate in silence for a few moments. Finally, Gailyn could keep quiet no more. “When should I expect to be home? Please tell me it will be soon.”

  “Three days at the most, Miss Brighton. We turned around and are returning by a different route. Unfortunately, it will be a day longer than it took us to come, but it’s necessary.”

  She let out a breath. Three days seemed like an eternity. Although the outcome was better than it could have been and she was being treated with care, the man before her was only doing it for payment.