by Lisa Kessler
Now he had their full attention. Even the Captain and his first mate, Duke, stared at his face. Colton peered over his shoulder. “Tell them Bob.”
The cook toddled forward, magnifying his age for dramatic effect. “I was charged with hiding the treasure centuries ago. I check up on it every year, and it’s always been right where I left it.”
“Stop rambling, old man.” The Captain straightened to his full height. “Get to the point.”
“It’s gone.”
Silence stretched across the deck for nearly a minute before Greyson came forward. “Where’d you stash it? I’ll go look myself.”
Bob moved closer to Colton. “It was well hidden for over two hundred years down in the underground tunnels.”
“Not well hidden enough,” Greyson growled.
“Busting Bob’s balls isn’t going to put the grail in your hands.” Colton ground his teeth, redirecting the conversation. “If Eli isn’t healing, it stands to reason the curse might be lifting for all of us.”
“It’s not a fucking curse, it’s a gift. Our gift. And we need to find the blasted thing.” The Captain stepped to the center of their circle, his cold blue eyes pinning Bob in place as if he were still the bloodthirsty Cap’n Flynn they’d voted to lead them lifetimes ago. “Take us to the last place you saw it, cook, or I’ll be certain you’re the first of the crew to meet yer maker.”
Colton stepped in front of Bob. “Threatenin’ him isn’t going to find the cup, Cap’n.”
“Excuse me.”
They all turned around. Colton narrowed his eyes at the well-dressed stranger on the gangplank. “Ship’s closed. Tours start at nine o’clock.”
The stranger came onboard like he’d been invited. “I’m not here for a tour.”
Colton stalked across the deck, eyeing the man in the black suit. “This is private property.”
“Are you Colton Hayes?”
“Yeah. Who are you?” He balled his hands into fists at his sides.
The man was almost the same height as Colton, taller than a few of the crew. He unfastened the button on his jacket and withdrew a business card. “I’m Agent Bale. I’m here on behalf of the US government.”
The white card bore the man’s name, a cell number, and email address. Colton lifted his gaze to Agent Bale’s face. “And I’m supposed to take you at your word? I don’t see the FBI symbol.”
The agent shook his head. “We’re not affiliated with the FBI, CIA, or any other government branches you’ve heard of. I monitor otherworldly threats.”
Colton’s brow furrowed. “Do we look like ghosts to you?”
He glanced at the others and back to Colton. “Not like any I’ve ever seen.” He cleared his throat. “There have been whispers that a black market ring of treasure hunters have located the Lord’s cup, the Holy Grail. They’re looking for a buyer.”
The Captain came up beside Colton. “How much are they asking?”
Colton grunted. “Doesn’t matter.” He met the agent’s gaze. “What does this have to do with us?”
The agent smiled. “An important artifact like the Holy Grail isn’t something you can hide. We’ve known your crew had it since the original Sea Dog sank outside the mouth of the Savannah River.”
Colton shook his head. “Don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Agent Bale moved around him addressing the others. “You all fake your deaths or disappearances when people start noticing you aren’t aging.” He pointed at One-Eyed Bob. “Sometimes a patch, sometimes a glass eye, but folks in Savannah are too polite to question why all the generations of your family never has a pair of good eyes. Only in Savannah would folks accept it without staring the facts in the face.”
He turned to Greyson. “And you’ve been working as a weapons expert and freelance mercenary.” He scanned the rest of the group. “We’ve kept files on all of you, and we know about the relic from the Spanish ship you raided. If we wanted to stop you and take the Holy Grail, we would have.”
Colton frowned. “If any of this were true, why didn’t you?”
“Because we only watch and record. We don’t get involved unless there’s a threat to American lives.”
A breeze fluttered through the sail above them. Colton crossed his arms. “We haven’t threatened anyone.”
“Which is why we’ve never met.” Agent Bale pointed around the group. “That all changed the moment that cup left your possession. If it falls into the hands of a rival government and they make their soldiers immortal, we could have a major problem on our hands.”
Colton dropped his hands to his sides. “Fuck.”
“Exactly.” Agent Bale met his eyes. “None of you posed a threat, and because no one else in the area seemed to be living forever, we were satisfied it was safely hidden and the Holy Grail slipped down the priority list. But when the antiquities underground started buzzing with this news, I had to come down to see if there was truth to the rumor.”
“Aye.” Colton nodded. “It’s missing.”
The Captain cursed under his breath. “Don’t tell him anything.”
Agent Bale chuckled. “Little late for that. I’ve had this ship and Bob’s restaurant bugged for two days. I know it’s missing, and that the immortality you’ve all been enjoying might be wearing off.”
“Shit.” Captain Flynn shook his head, storming back to Duke’s side.
The first mate was probably the strongest of them all physically. That’s why the Captain brought him onto the crew all those years ago. Colton was the crew’s pick, voted by them to take over the ship in case of the Captain’s demise.
Duke was the Captain’s pick, more of a bodyguard than a true first mate. Flynn counted on Duke’s ability to intimidate the others and quell any talk of mutiny. Now Duke worked for Flynn’s development company, most likely in the same capacity, Colton figured.
Colton narrowed his eyes at Agent Bale. “If you already know it’s gone, then what the hell are you doing on my ship?” He clenched his jaw to keep his emotions in check.
“I came to offer you and your crew a deal.” The wind ruffled Agent Bale’s light brown hair.
“We don’t even know who you really work for.” Colton’s shoulders tensed. “Why should we trust you?”
Agent Bale sized up each member of the crew and pointed at each one. “You’re Colton Hayes, the Quartermaster of the original Sea Dog and Captain of this replica. You’re Captain Ian Flynn of the original Sea Dog, and you broker big commercial real estate developments now.” He continued down the line until he finally reached Caleb, lurking in the shadows. “And you’re the ship’s navigator, Caleb Graves. You’ve collected a few degrees since the original Sea Dog sank. In astronomy, marine biology, and most recently geography, am I right?”
Caleb’s eyes widened as he stepped into the light. “How could you possibly know all that?”
“Because my division watches immortals like your crew. It’s in the government’s best interest to keep tabs on people who could potentially be assets someday. Which is why I’m here.” He turned to Colton again. “I can use my contacts to locate the group holding the Holy Grail, but the American government can’t be tied to the recovery effort in any way.”
“So what are you sayin’?” Colton held his breath.
“I’m saying who better to steal it back than a band of pirates?”
It was nearly two in the morning by the time the crew finished voting on Agent Bale’s offer. Colton didn’t give a shit about the cup for himself, but if finding it gave them a chance to save Eli, he’d do whatever it took.
The Captain crossed his arms, shaking his head. “If we do find it, what will stop the government from confiscating it from us?”
Colton shrugged. “Sounds like they’ve known we had it, and never tried to take it from us.”
“How do we know it wasn’t them who stole it?” Bob asked.
“Why would they take it and then offer to help us bring it back?” Colton glanced at the others, then
the cook again. “Makes no sense, Bob. We’ve had that cup since 1795. They’ve had plenty of years to claim it and never even tried.”
John cleared his throat. “I know we’re out of practice at privateering, but we don’t have to wait on the government to locate the thieves for us. We can find them on our own, like we used to. Deep down, we’re still pirates right?”
“Aye.” The others agreed.
A smile crept up on Colton, between finding Skye and a new mission for his crew on the horizon, something was awakening in his chest. Life. Funny to find it now that it might be ending.
As the crew headed for land, Colton called out, “Before you leave, I need a few hands on deck Wednesday.”
Everyone turned his way, the Captain frowning. “For what, exactly?”
“I promised someone we’d take the Sea Dog out into open water.”
“Someone?” For the first time since he’d stepped on board tonight, One-Eyed Bob smiled. “Any chance it’s Skye?”
Colton hesitated, but they’d all know soon enough. He nodded. “Aye.”
The Captain tsked. “Bad time to seduce women, Quartermaster.”
“You’re just sore she won’t sell her shop.” He shrugged a shoulder. “Besides, I don’t need you to sail the ship anyway.” He glanced at the others. “Any of you missing the open ocean?”
Bob, John, and Drake, the ship’s carpenter, stepped forward. Colton stared at the others. “No other able-bodied pirates?” He shook his head. “What better way to remember who we are?”
Greyson sighed. “I’ll be keeping watch over Eli at the hospital.”
“I never forgot who I was.” The Captain chuffed. “I’ve got a bloody corporation to run in Atlanta. I don’t have time for a run on the open sea.”
The Captain’s ice blue eyes were distant, betraying his words. Colton didn’t press. He’d enjoy the day more without Flynn and Duke on board anyway.
Keegan took a couple steps forward, a crooked smile on his face. “Expect me at the helm.”
Colton grinned. Keegan had coaxed the Sea Dog into making turns that should have been impossible when he was their pilot, and the man could sing. He was the frontman for a band these days, and was constantly mistaken for another pirate on television, less the hook for a hand.
“Anyone else?” Colton stared at Caleb. Their navigator had never been the same since the Sea Dog sank, staying away from open water.
“I’ve got a busy day at the university on Wednesday.”
Colton crossed his arms. “Come out with us, Caleb. We’ll be back before the sun sets.”
Caleb hesitated and Keegan draped an arm over his shoulder. “It wouldn’t be right to go out without our navigator. What if we’re lost at sea?”
Caleb looked at the two of them and sighed. “You’ve gone sailing without me for years.”
“Get yer sea legs back, Caleb.” Colton went to the helm, gripping the handles on the ship’s wheel. “Pirates aren’t landlubbers.”
Caleb rolled his eyes. “Fine. I’m in.”
Cheers erupted on board. Colton’s heart raced. Yes, he’d taken the boat out countless times over the years, but never with so many of his crew. Together they’d plundered well-armed ships, and together, they’d find that Holy Grail.
He turned around as the Captain and his first mate left the ship and faded into the shadows of River Street. Good riddance.
With any luck, Ian Flynn would go back to Atlanta where he belonged.
Chapter 7
Colton loaded up the galley with bread, cold cuts, cheeses, and plenty of drinks in preparation for tomorrow’s voyage. One-Eyed Bob was going to bring fresh pastries and hushpuppies in the morning, and according to the weather app on his phone, there were no storms on the horizon.
A perfect day to drop all the sails and let the Sea Dog race through the water.
Inside his cabin, he unlocked the safe and removed a worn wooden box holding a small stash of doubloons—Spanish gold coins that he hoped would help convince Skye when he told her the unbelievable truth. He’d been twenty-nine years old when he drank from the grail in 1795, and he hadn’t physically aged another year since.
He sat on the bed and ran his fingers through the treasure. It was the last of the booty he’d kept. The rest he’d sold over the years to fund his dream of building an exact replica of the Sea Dog.
These gold pieces were the last remnants of his life as a true privateer.
As lifetimes passed him by, he lost track of dreams. Food and drink turned bland and tasteless, and the thrill of lusty women paled, too.
Skye had changed all of that. Her fiery spirit sparked a flame inside of him, and he was addicted, starving to live again.
But he had no desire to live a lie. Skye deserved better than that, even if the truth bordered on unbelievable.
He pocketed two of the doubloons and locked the rest back in the safe. Dressed in a t-shirt and black jeans, he disembarked and made a stop at the florist before heading for the Magnolia Mystic.
An older woman and her daughter were leaving the store as he approached. He tipped his head. “Ma’am.”
She and her daughter smiled as they passed by and he reached for the door. Skye was shuffling her deck when he stepped inside. She grinned when she saw him, and a million excuses for not telling her popped into his head.
“Are those magnolias for me?”
Damn, he’d forgotten he had them in his hand. He nodded, offering them to her. “The florist said purple magnolias were for good luck, but I thought the color matched your eyes.”
“Thank you.” She turned off the neon hand in her window and locked the door before reaching for his arm. “Come on, I want to put them in water before we go out to forage for food.”
He followed her up the staircase around the back of her shop. Since she’d stepped on his boat a week ago, he’d spent as much time with her as he could. He was addicted to her smile, her laughter, and her lips.
He was having withdrawals for the rest of her, too, but they hadn’t been naked together again. She claimed that rushing into a relationship got her into trouble last time, and she didn’t want to make that mistake again.
She was worth waiting for, so in spite of the overpowering effect she had on him, he’d kept his pants on. But honoring her wishes was getting tougher every day. Even the scent of her hair got his blood pumping.
“So this is my place.” She opened the door and walked him inside.
It was his first time in her apartment. He scanned the modest space. A small kitchen, a living area with a sofa and bookcase, and a door opening to her bedroom and probably a bathroom.
It was bigger than his cabin on the ship, but not by much.
She took a vase out of the cupboard and filled it with water. Once the flowers were inside, she placed it in the center of her kitchen table and smiled. “They’re beautiful.”
Colton grinned. “They’ve got nothing on you.”
Color flushed her cheeks. “There you go being charming again.”
He stepped closer and raised her chin to meet his eyes. “Before we go to dinner, I need to talk to you about something.”
Concern lined her forehead, but she nodded and led him to the sofa. He sat beside her and struggled to find the words. “Thing is, the crew and I…”
His phone rang. He pulled it out and Greyson’s name flashed on the screen. Colton frowned. “Shit. I’ve got to take this.” He put the cell to his ear. “Hey, Greyson.”
“Colton, Eli’s awake. We need you. Now.”
“Is he…”
“His eyes are open. That’s all I know.”
Colton nodded. “Okay. I’ll be right there.”
He stuffed his phone back into his pocket, his fingertips brushing over the doubloons hidden inside. He hated himself for being relieved by the interruption, but it didn’t change the fact that he was.
“My friend Eli’s awake.”
Her eyes widened. “From the car wreck?”
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br /> He nodded. “Yeah. I need to get over there. We don’t know if he has brain damage yet, and we’re his only family.”
She took his hand in hers and held it tight. “You better go.”
He bent to taste her lips and whispered, “We can talk tomorrow morning before we sail.”
“All right.” She smiled as she pulled back. “I hope Eli is okay.”
“Me, too.” He stood up. “I’ll see you soon.”
When Colton entered Eli’s room, it was already crowded. Greyson, John, One-Eyed Bob, Keegan, and Caleb stood at the foot of Eli’s bed while a nurse checked tubes and monitors. Colton grinned when their gunner’s eyes met his. He gripped his hand and smiled as a weight lifted from his shoulders. Eli hadn’t spoken yet, but there was recognition in his eyes.
Colton stepped out of the way of the nurse and turned to Greyson. “Where’s Drake?”
The Captain and his first mate were missing, too, but no one really expected either of them to show up. The life of the first gunner wasn’t a priority to them.
Greyson shrugged. “I left him a message on his phone. He’s probably working.”
Drake had been their ship’s carpenter. He kept the Sea Dog afloat all those years ago, but today he owned his own custom carpentry business. If he was awake, there was a good chance he was working. He rarely slept anymore, only stopping his work to eat.
Another female entered the room and removed a stethoscope from around her neck. She listened to Eli’s chest, and then plucked it from her ears.
She leaned in close to Eli. “I’m going to remove this tube from your throat. I need you to cough while I pull, ready?”
Eli nodded.
“Good. Here we go.” She started to draw the tube out, and Eli coughed and gagged until it was finally free.
He gasped for air at first, while the doctor kept watch. As his breathing slowed, his eyes met Colton’s. Eli’s voice was scratchy, barely a whisper. “Cannons are loaded and ready, Quartermaster…”
Cheers erupted behind them, and Colton smiled. “Welcome back, Eli.”
Colton backed off as the nurse and doctor peppered their gunner with questions. With each correct answer, Colton breathed easier. Eli didn’t seem to have any lasting damage to his mind.
