The Hawk and the Jewel (Kensington Chronicles 1)

by Lori Wick

  She was drooping over her plate by the time she was finished, and Brandon quickly downed his coffee and left her alone for the night. Falling into bed fully dressed, Sunny slept until morning.

  *

  At noon the next day Sunny watched as a longboat rowed toward the ship, which had lifted anchor the night before and was now circling just beyond the mouth of the Thames. Two men were on the craft and one of them climbed the ladder and came onto the deck. Sunny watched at a distance as the man and Brandon talked. She saw Brandon scowl, and not sure she could watch anymore, turned away.

  “He won’t let anything harm you-do you realize that?”

  Dallas had come up to Sunny and stood by her at the railing. She tried to smile at him, but it was more than she could manage.

  “It’s just struck me how many people, including Brandon, could be harmed because of me. That scares me quite a bit.”

  “But it’s not because of you,” Dallas spoke reasonably. “I know Hawk would be upset if he knew you felt that way.”

  Sunny sighed, her gaze still out to sea. She was quiet a moment, thinking that this was the first time she had spoken to the captain. She turned to Dallas, her back still to Brandon.

  “I thank you for your words, Captain Knight, and would also like to say I’m sorry for the way I acted when I came aboard yesterday. I was quite rude, and I would now like to ask your forgiveness.”

  Dallas looked down into Sunny’s captivating face and knew in an instant why Brandon would give his life for this woman.

  “I took no offense,” he stated compassionately. “I only hope you will be comfortable while on board. TheZephyrwas not built with luxury in mind, but if you do need something, please ask.”

  “Thank you, Captain.”

  “Please call me Dallas.”

  Sunny smiled then, her first real smile since she had been attacked. Dallas returned the smile, nodded politely, and moved away.

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  Sunny’s mind ran in all directions as she once again stood alone. She had prayed herself into a semblance of calm when Brandon appeared at her side.

  “I have news, but I think we had better go below.”

  “Brandon, what is it?” Sunny clutched at his arm the way fear clutched at her chest.

  Brandon was tempted to press her below, but with the fear he saw in her eyes, he felt it almost cruel to wait even a moment.

  “Christie, your maid, has been found dead.” Brandon spoke softly and watched as grief entered her eyes.

  “How? Where?” Sunny whispered.

  “She was found in a London alley, murdered, shot in the heart.”

  Brandon reached for her as he watched the color drain completely from her face.

  “I’m not going to faint,” she whispered, even as the ship seemed to tilt.

  Brandon ignored this and lifted her into his arms. Sunny did feel quite weak, but was conscious all the way to her cabin, where she finally gave way to the tears gathering in her throat.

  She sobbed against Brandon’s broad chest until she was totally spent. He then lifted her onto the bunk, and Sunny slept before he could even cover her with the blanket.

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  “BE careful FOR nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

  Sunny read the verses and sat very still on her bunk. Her Bible, open to the book of Philippians, lay in her lap. She had slept for nearly two hours and awakened with a roaring headache. The cook had brought her some tea, and now she was trying to deal with the ache she felt inside. It was greater than the one centered behind her eyes.

  “Was Christie innocent in all of this, Lord?** Sunny spoke to the empty cabin. “Or did she make choices that led to her death?**

  No answers were forthcoming, but Sunny continued to pray and give her anxiety to God. She confessed all known sin in her life, so as to be certain that her fellowship with God would be unhindered. Then Sunny found herself asking that whoever was out there would confront her.

  “I’m not afraid for myself, Lord, and I want to see this settled. I know Brandon would not want me to take the risk, but Lord, let them come to my face. If it’s my life they want, I would wish to know why. If it’s something I possess, I’ll gladly give it.”

  Sunny felt a tremendous lift of her spirits after her prayer. Her head still throbbed, but she knew that Brandon would be coming to fetch her for dinner very soon now, and she strongly suspected that, for the moment at least, food would be just the thing.

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  Sunny dozed off again for a time, but when Brandon knocked on her door, she was in a clean dress and her hair was brushed. By just looking at her, Brandon could see a significant change had taken place. He held his inquiry for the moment, since Dallas was expecting them in the small captain’s dining room for dinner. He hoped, however, that before he took her back to her cabin, he would have a chance to question her.

  *

  “You actually jumped from the ship?** Dallas’ face was a mask of shock as he stared at Sunny’s quiet, serene features. She and Brandon exchanged a glance, and both laughed.

  “You’re giving away all my secrets, Brandon,” Sunny told him softly, and again he simply chuckled.

  Dinner, the men, and their light banter had been a balm to Sunny’s heart as the evening progressed. They had piled her plate high, and then proceeded to make her laugh so much with stories of their days together on the same ship that she couldn’t eat.

  At one point Brandon had teased Sunny about jumping ship, and Dallas had wanted to know all. It hadn’t been funny at the time, but the look on Dallas’ face had been worth any embarrassment Sunny might have felt over the retelling.

  “So how did you get back?** he now wantedtoknow.

  “Well,” Sunny answered, her eyes wide with innocence. “Brandon called to me to come back, and of course, being the compliant person that I am, I came immediately.**

  Brandon shouted with laughter on this, but Dallas hadn’t been fooled in the first place.

  “Let me guess,” he said dryly. “He dragged you back, kicking and screaming.**

  “Actually,” Brandon interjected, a smile lighting his handsome face, “she never did scream. She bit me, but never made a sound.”

  “Oh, Brandon.” Sunny’s lovely eyes now held alarm. “I’d forgotten all about that bite!”

  Instead of teasing her for worrying about an incident that was years old, Brandon’s gaze became very tender. He reached with one hand and stroked her cheek with the backs of his fingers. Sunny’s smile was one of profound gratitude and caring as she looked into his eyes.

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  Dallas had not made a sound during this exchange, but Sunny suddenly remembered his presence. She stood so quickly that her chair scraped loudly against the wood floor.

  “Don’t go, Sunny,” Brandon said softly, even reaching for her hand. Sunny evaded his touch.

  “Actually, I’d planned on getting some fresh air.” Sunny spoke these words to the tablecloth, her voice breathless with shame. “Thank you for supper, Dallas. I’m going up on deck now. I’ll see you both later.” She never once met either man’s eyes, and they both watched as she fled. The room was quiet only a moment before Dallas spoke.

  “Why hi the world are you two hiding your love from each other?”

  “It’s not that easy, Dallas,” Brandon told him with regret. “In her eyes, Pm only a brother.”

  Brandon ignored Dallas’ snort of unbelief and stood. “I realize she has nothing to fear from your men, but I don’t think she should be alone up there.”

  MI quite agree,” Dallas said, having to refrain from offering to go topside himself and look after Sunny. Brandon looked miserable right then, and the last thing his old shipmate needed was to be teased.

  Thinking how he’d been praying for a wife just days ago, Da
llas sat still for some time after the room emptied. Suddenly the idea ofnotbeing in love didn’t seem so bad to the young sea captain at all.

  *

  The light of the full moon bounced off the water, and Sunny felt mesmerized by the sight. The image of herself being manhandled and searched momentarily blocked her view of the water, and suddenly she trembled. Other than tenderness on her back where she lay on the ground, and a slight overall body ache, she had no physical side effects. Mentally, however, she was attacked all over again and at the strangest times, like now.

  Why the remembrance should come in so strongly just then, Sunny could not guess. Deep in contemplation, Sunny didn’t hear Brandon approach. She started violently, only to hear his soft, deep voice apologizing with great regret.

  “Oh, Sunny, forgive me. I never dreamed you hadn’t heard me. Are you all right?”

  “Yes,” she spoke softly, “I was just thinking; my mind was miles away.” Sunny hoped he wouldn’t ask for more than that. Now that he was near, her every sense was centered on him.

  “It’s beautiful out here, isn’t it?” Brandon commented, his heart going to the first time they had met on theFlying Surprise^a ship very much like this one.

  “Yes,” Sunny agreed with him.

  Brandon turned to lean against the railing, giving him a perfect view of Sunny’s profile and just the right angle to observe the way the moonlight played off her hair. She was so lovely to look at, but Brandon was very aware of the beautiful person she was inside as well. He watched as she folded her arms over her chest and continued to stare out to sea.

  “It’s chilly out here,” Brandon offered. “Maybe you should go below.”

  She didn’t answer right away, and Brandon heard her sigh. “Some things never change, do they, Brandon?”

  He was so surprised by this question he didn’t answer.

  “I’m still a child to you,” Sunny went on. “So much of a child that I don’t even know when I’m cold and should go inside out of the wind.”

  Brandon’s hand grasped her upper arm, and he pulled her gently to stand before him.

  “That’s not true,” he told her earnestly.

  “Yes, Brandon, it is. All your actions toward me are those toward a little girl. You kissed me once, and it repulsed you. When will I be a woman in your eyes?” Sunny’s voice was filled with regret and resignation.

  Before Sunny could draw another breath, Brandon’s head dipped and his lips captured her own. There was nothing rough or savage in his kiss or hold, but Sunny knew he was serious. She also felt as if she could melt into her shoes. After what seemed an eternity, Brandon raised his head. Disappointment knifed through Sunny when he did not speak of love

  “I haven’t thought of you as a child for years, Sunny. Nothing about you repulses me, but if there is any doubt lingering in your mind, I’ll gladly kis& you again.’

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  “No,” Sunny spoke breathlessly, tempted to say yes. Brandon released her, and she stepped back. “That won’t be necessary.”

  Brandon’s breath was as ragged as her own. “Whether or not you’re cold, Sunny, I’d like you to go below.”

  “Yes, I’ll do that,” Sunny turned without another word and made her way to her cabin. She was quite aware of the way Brandon followed her and saw her safely into her room, which made it easier for her to hold her tears until her door was closed. By the time Sunny slept, she had convinced herself that Brandon still felt only friendship for her. The kiss had been used to make a point.

  Sunny surprised herself by Ming almost immediately to sleep. When she woke in the morning, she felt refreshed, and even though it was still dark out, she knew she’d had a full night’s sleep. After lighting her lantern, she reached for her Bible, read for a time in the Psalms, and then spent some time in prayer. While telling the Lord again that she would prefer to meet her enemy face to face, Sunny suddenly had a clear recollection of the night in the garden.

  “How could I have forgotten that?” Sunny spoke aloud even as she was throwing off the covers and reaching for her robe. Unmindful of her hair and attire, Sunny grabbed her lantern and dashed to the door and across the passageway to bang on Brandon’s cabin door. “Brandon,” Sunny cried. “Brandon, I’ve remembered-““The door was wrenched open to reveal a sleepy Brandon, who had come to life from a sound sleep to pull on his pants and a shirt in order to answer her summons.

  “Are you all right?” he asked, his voice sharp-edged with concern. “Yes. I’m sorry to scare you, but I forgot all about their voices. The men who attacked me at Ravenscroft had accents. They sounded as though they were from Darhabar.”

  Brandon could only stare at her, his mind racing in all directions. A sound reached out of the darkness as someone came below decks and approached. Brandon’s arm went protectively around Sunny. She found herself huddled against his side, thinking she never wanted to move.

  “It’s me.” Dallas’ voice came from the gloom before he stepped into the dim light.

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  Brandon and Sunny both relaxed but didn’t step apart.

  “I’m glad to find you up.” His voice was serious, and Brandon tensed once again. “We’ve been contacted, or I should say, Sunny has.”

  “When?” Sunny wanted to know.

  “Just minutes ago.” Dallas held out a scroll-like paper to Sunny, and both men watched her shaking hands as she opened it.

  “Shani,” the letter began. “I wish to come aboard your ship. I have information for you, and I have something I wish from you in return. If your flag flies at half-mast by noon on the fourteenth, I will consider myself welcome.” It was signed, “Ahmad Khan, Ruler of Darhabar.”

  “The morning of the fourteenth,” Sunny whispered mostly to herself. “That’s today.”

  325

  waters. They were still praying when Dallas knocked on the door, telling them that the emir was waiting in his cabin.

  sunny paced the small confines of her cabin while Brandon, sitting in the room’s one chair, watched her.

  “When you returned to see the emir, did he give any indication that he would someday see you again?”

  “No. He was very smooth in manner, and I got the impression he was glad to be rid of me. He did question me about you, but when I said you were doing well, he seemed quite satisfied with that.”

  Sunny shook her head in bewilderment. “Do you suppose he had Christie murdered?”

  “I don’t know, Sunny.” Brandon’s voice was soft with regret as he watched the play of grief on her face.

  “I wouldn’t put it past him,” she added with remorse. Brandon, who had been having the identical thought, stayed quiet.

  “Come here, Sunny,” Brandon finally said. Sunny sat on the edge of her bunk, and Brandon moved his chair close. “Let’s take a few minutes and pray before he comes. Our God is sovereign. We need to stop fretting and put our trust in Him.”

  Sunny placed her hand in his when Brandon extended his ringers, and listened while he prayed. He thanked God for whatever His purpose was in these events and surrendered their wills to His.

  Sunny knew God’s peace as she prayed along with Brandon. It was eas> to imagine his warm hand would feel much like that of the Savior’s, large and reassuring, as she passed through these rough

  Brandon preceded Sunny into Dallas’ cabin but did not speak to the emir. He stepped aside as soon as he saw that it was safe, allowing Sunny a full view of her one-time father. Sunny came slowly into the room, her gaze locked with Ahmad Khan’s. Dallas, after stepping in behind her, shut the door.

  “I have received an update on you every month you’ve been gone.” He spoke, and his voice was just as she remembered. “Often the reports spoke of your beauty and grace. The words did not do you justice, Sham.”

  The name seemed to snap Sunny out of her trance, and she lifted her chin slightly.

  “My name is Sunny Gallagher. You will not address me as Shani.”

  Had the interchange n
ot been so serious, Brandon would have laughed. How had he entertained thoughts that Sunny might not be able to handle this situation? Brandon watched the emir bow to Sunny’s wishes, his eyes alert for any surprises.

  “Of course.” The emir’s voice was smooth, hiding his disappointment over Sunny’s response to him. “If we could have a moment alone, I would like-”

  “Wilson!” Sunny interrupted as her gaze moved to yet another man in the cabin. She missed the emir’s frown over the interruption, his eyes narrowing in anger. His gaze swept the room and found both Brandon and Dallas watching him intently, their expressions giving nothing away. The emir’s features smoothed, and he made himself listen patiently to Sunny and Wilson’s conversation.

  “You don’t recognize me without my beard, do you, Sunny,” Wilson commented, his voice more kind and personal than Sunny had ever heard it. “You hated me some days, especially when I made you study your English lesson when you wanted to be in the stables.”

  Sunny’s mouth dropped open in a most unfeminine way. “Uncle Graham?” she whispered.

  “You’ve not been out of my sight since you landed in London over four years ago,” Wilson told her gently.

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  Disappointment knifed through Sunny. “So you have been the one reporting to Ahmad Khan?”

  “No, that was your maid Tina. It became a little more difficult when you left the Jamiesons’ for Willows* End, but she was still able to keep tabs. Then you moved to Ravenscroft and she moved with you, making reports infinitely more simple.”

  Sunny’s gaze now swung back to the emir. “You will explain yourself,” she commanded him.

  “Orders, Sunny?” His voice was mocking, his eyes again glinting, this time with the light of a man who always gets his way. In Sunny’s younger days this look would have sent her to the floor, instead her chin raised yet another fraction of an inch.

  “There are no words to describe the hurt I felt when you sent me away, but that little girl is long gone. You no longer have the power to hurt me. In your letter you spoke of something you want from me. I have nothing, so I see no reason for you to stay.”