Honor Among Thieves || Book Two

~13~

"Sam?"

Sera gently nudged the snoring geezer, who was curled up on the porch of the Faithful Bride, with her foot. "Wake up, Sam!"

He grunted and snorted as he came around, grinding a fist in his one good eye. "Whaddya want? Can't a man get some shut-eye?!"

"It's me, Sam." She said. "It's Sera."

"Sera? I don't--Oh!" He broke into a smile as she came into focus and slowly rose to his feet. "Cap'n! Haha! Wolfie said ye'd be here!"

"Where is he?" She asked, fighting the urge to gag at the overwhelming odor of urine and alcohol emanating from him. He scratched his bare stomach with long dirty fingernails before tugging down his stained shirt to cover his bulging gut. "'E's back on the ship. So's Mange an' Rook. Poor bastard still ain't got used t' the splints on 'is legs..."

She raised her eyebrows. "And everyone else? Where are they?"

He aimed his thumb at the tavern. "Ye'll find 'em all in the Bride, 'cept fer Pete. 'E's--"

"I know where Pete's at and I aim to leave him there." She snapped, crossing her arms. He scratched the snowy stubble on his chin. "Yeah, never liked 'im meself. Shady fellow. Anyways," He tucked his "cane" under his arm. "I'll head back t' the Destiny an' let Wolfie know yer on yer way while ye round up the rest o' 'em."

She nodded. "Tell him--"

"'Ey," He narrowed his eyes and peered over her shoulder at Jeremy, who had been standing silently the whole time. "Who's 'at?"

"This is Jeremy." She replied, stepping aside to allow him a clear view of the young man. "He'll be joining my crew."

"New blood." Sam sneered, running his tongue along what little teeth he had. "We'll take right good care o' ye, son."

With that, he limped off.

Sera rolled her eyes and looked at Jeremy, who wore a confused expression. "What does he--"

"Don't pay him any mind." She grumbled, taking a step toward the door. "He's senile. Has been for as long as I've known him." She glanced inside the tavern. "Now, when we go in here, you need to be on your guard. Those women will be hanging around your neck faster than--"

"Oh look, Giselle!" A redhead caked in makeup sauntered over to Jeremy and pinched his cheek. "A new client!"

"Yes!" The blonde giggled, making sure her dress properly presented her breasts. "He's so handsome."

Jeremy's cheeks flushed and a boyish grin spread across his face. "Easy, ladies. I'm not--"

"Look at these muscles!" The redhead gushed, squeezing his arm. Giselle bit her lip. "I know, Scarlett! And look at his arse!"

He yelped in surprise as she slapped his butt. Scarlett laughed and let her lips brush his ear. "How 'bout we take you upstairs for a little while?"

"Uh..."

"Excuse me, ladies." Sera growled, catching their attention as she put her hands on her hips. "I use that term loosely, of course, but--"

"It's you." The redhead sneered, looking her over. Sera smirked. "Yes it is. Leave the young man be. He's with me."

"With you?" The blonde looked her over as well. "Who are you?"

"Seraphina Drake, captain of the--"

"She's the one with Jack." Scarlett interrupted, releasing Jeremy's arm. Giselle's shoulders slumped. "He hasn't been to see us since you came along."