A Hidden Queen

Chapter 44

Charlie sneers, clamping his hands down on a man's shoulders. A forceful grunt lodges in his throat as he lifts him off his feet and into his partner. The soldiers howl, their limbs tangling into a heap on the deck. The young pirate spins himself around growling menacingly as red coats converge, prodding him with their bayonets. He slides his foot backward in a defense stance. Charlie falters as a sound commanding voice bellows across the deck. The silence that falls was overwhelming.

"Come, come captain. I do not have all day for you to show yourself." The man sneers.

Charlie swings his attention across the deck. The silver eyes center on the tall, strapping man with a strange British accent. His heart skips as he recognizes the man from when he took Josephine from The Governor. James. He growls. Charlie perks up as John pushes through the crowd. He leisurely positions himself a few feet from the commodore. He lifts his head upwards gazing hard at James. James quirks an amused eyebrow, a sadistic grin splitting his face.

"And what business may that be?" John asks, resting a hand on his hip.

"Oh, how fate smiles on me. Captain Jonathan Smithen, I presume?" James smirks. John cocks his head, narrowing his eyes as James' lips pull tighter. "There is much to discuss with you my dear Captain Smithen. But I do not have the luxury to haul you in for your crimes against the crow. It would seem that despite my overwhelming odds, you have me at a disadvantage."

"You seem to have me at one, as you know my name but I have not the privilege of yours." John bits out.

"Phillips." James poises. "Commodore James Phillips."

"Nice to meet you." John mocks before resting into a murderous expression. "Now release Adean and my niece."

"I think not. See I want off this ship in one piece. Therefore, we will make a bargain." James smooth talks.

"I do not bargain with men who threaten my family Mr. Phillips." John seethes.

"Don't view it as a threat Captain but a persuasion. My men and I are leaving here and you will not stop us."

"What makes you believe you have the right to ask such a thing? You are the ones that boarded our ship and attacked us!" Charlie calls out.

James' eyes flick over to Charlie. Charlie scoffs as the man's face takes on a murderous glare. Adean winces as the hold around his chest tightens.

"Captain." Adean whimpers.

Charlie growls stepping forward. He leans back as the soldiers shove their bayonets under his chin. He raises his hands backing up. Charlie's breath catches; a foul unholy laugh covering over the mob of people. The dark brows knit together as James struggles to gain control over his amusement. He brings Adean closer, pressing the gun deeper into his hair.

"You dare sneer at me for this act when you committed the same crime only months earlier. No, I only boarded to take back what was rightfully mine." James shrugs.

"She isn't yours!" Charlie shouts.

He lunges forward tackling the man in front of him. The soldier cries out as Charlie flattens him into the unmoving floor. He fists the front of the uniform pounding his fists mercilessly. Blood splatters, covering Charlie's knuckles. The soldier grasps Charlie's shirt, striking at his arm. Charlie scoff, raising his fist high. He recoils, ducking to the side as the wood splinters near his foot. The report of the rifle echoes a second later. Charlie breathes heavily, staring intently at the bullet hole. He growls low scrambling to his feet. The soldiers intersect, thrusting their bayonets forward. Charlie digs his heels into the floor, sliding to a halt. He holds his breath, tilting his head away from the sharp point that pricks his throat. The silver eyes fixate on James clicking his tongue.