The Charlotte Series: Book 1: The Pirate's Treasure

Chapter 32

By the time they'd come to a second set of narrow steps there was no light in the narrow passage save what the lantern gave. Millicent's heart sank. She'd not really seen this place under her own power and she found her feet slowing as her mind returned to those first frightening days in the abyss.

"Come on then!" His gruff voice spurred her to lift her skirts and quicken her steps in an effort to keep up. "I haven't got all day!"

Crates were scattered willy-nilly and she stumbled when her skirt caught on a nail as she tried to climb around. She untangled herself and scurried after her guide as she cast a last look behind her. Crates both opened and sealed were strewn about like so much cast-off. These pirates of the Loxley didn't seem concerned about shifting ballast.

Her eyes grew wide and she swallowed hard against the next thought. They told her they were going to sail for England. But what was to prevent these pirates from sinking the Charlotte? They didn't need any of the captives to claim the reward for her return. She nearly ran into her guide as he stopped suddenly. The keys rattled as he fumbled with the lock.

There was a loud click and the door opened with a groan. Only two days crammed in that tiny room and already the smell of unwashed bodies was overpowering. The men nearest the door raised their arms to shield their eyes from the sudden invasion of light. Millicent bit her lip to control her urge to cry...or to scream at her guard for this indecent treatment. She must be brave...and appear weak.

"Grayson! Boy!" the guard shouted tersely.

Millicent watched as the men shifted about. Impatient, Ladd crawled out. He stumbled a bit and crushed her waist in a death grip. James stumbled out a moment later and held them both. She remained close to the door hoping to offer what fresh air she could to those still inside. She was brave until she felt James' lips upon her hair and her tears of frustration broke free.

"It will be okay Mama. You shouldn't cry." Ladd said bravely. "Me and Papa will be okay."

"You are so brave Ladd." Millicent's voice quivered but she meant it sincerely. "I will try to be as brave as you but I am afraid without you to protect me."

She touched his youthful cheek and smiled sadly. He shouldn't have to suffer such awful treatment.

"They haven't—" James' jaw clenched as he was unable to voice his fears.

"No. Captain Sutherland left a guard outside my cabin. And orders. We are starting for England in the morning. Oh James! I'm so frightened!" She leaned into him and whispered "There won't be enough rations! If I can get you out, can you retake the ship?"

"Don't be afraid my dear." He said loud enough for the guard to hear then whispered urgently "For God's sake Millicent! Don't do anything please! The Loxley is too close. We can't outrun it!"

"I will try my love." She muffled just loud enough and then whispered fervently before she stepped away, "I will think of something."

When she stepped back her eyes were shiny with fresh tears. James pulled his handkerchief out and handed it to her. When she took it she burst into hysterics and sobbed. James gathered her into his arms and made soothing noises. Ladd was very upset by the display. He grabbed hold of her skirts and buried his face as he cried.

"Enough!" the guard growled.

James lifted her chin so that he could see her face. She winked but still her tears fell. He was torn between an urge to laugh and an urge to punch the guard and try to retake the ship, Devil be damned. He kissed her and then was warmed to his core by the tenderness with which she returned it.