She shivered as Shelby smoothed a strand of hair behind her ear. “So you are listening, my dear. Good, then hear this. You and your partner will lead me to the treasure tomorrow, or I will start removing body parts—one by one.”
She swallowed. She didn’t know what she feared most, finding the treasure or not finding it.
Chapter Seven: The Journey Begins
Shelby was evil one minute and then polite the next. He escorted her in a dingy to a new ship. Upon arrival, he deposited her in his new quarters. However, he’d locked her in.
She’d not seen Justin since their kiss on the beach. She presumed he was in the hold with the other prisoners. At least she hoped.
The morning sun had just peeked through the parted curtains. Soon Shelby would be there demanding she find the treasure. That was when she would tell him the truth. She would tell him that without Justin they weren’t finding anything. If he desired to slice her into bits, then so be it.
The door opened. Vernon Shelby looked refreshed. His white shirt hung apart to his navel. He wore a velvet maroon coat and he’d donned a black cocked-hat trimmed in yellow. The colors didn’t coordinate, but perhaps a fellow couldn’t be choosy on the high seas.
“Today is the day you secure my treasure.” He settled behind his desk and propped his feet on the corner.
She was sitting on his bed as close to the edge as possible with her hands folded in her lap. She had to force them not to tremble. Weakness would not be shown by her. “How did you secure another ship?”
He frowned and dropped his legs. “Not that that is any of your concern, but it was purchased.”
She tapped her finger to her lip. Things were now becoming clearer. “Hmm, it seems to me that you are beholden to the Baron of Eure.”
He fisted his hands and his voice rose. “I am no such thing.”
So he was upset by the ordeal. She didn’t blame him. He seemed like the sort to be his own man, not one who wanted to suck from others.
She shrugged. “I just mention your debt to him, because the more you are indebted the less of you that you are. It won’t matter what you want—only his wants will be in play.”
He slapped the table. “I am not, nor shall I ever be indebted to that slime!”
“Then why is he helping you? I can’t see him doing so without some benefit.”
“The treasure. I’ve promised him fifty percent.” He’d returned to his seat and picked at his teeth as if he didn’t care, but he was lying.
“Fifty percent? That is a hefty price, but I assume since he has paid for the voyage, and a new ship, it is worth it. I do have one question, what happens if there is no treasure?”
The malevolent expression that crossed his face struck fear into her heart. As if lightning, he jumped to his feet and leaned over her. He pinned her arms to the bed. She held her breath.
“What do you mean?”
She swallowed. “Only that the book never mentions a treasure. It only says a treat. I’ve told you this before. Do you not think it possible that the treat is not something you can physically handle? Could it be that finding the garden, enjoying its beauty, is all that there is?”
He released her and punched the wall above her head. She wanted to shield her face, but she refrained. He needed to believe she was unafraid.
“Open the book now! I want to see it.”
She crawled from under his arms and went to the desk. She opened the book and went to step back, but he pushed her into the chair.
“Show me where is says treat?”
She turned to the last page. The only part she could read on her own.
My Detka,
This book is for you, as is the yashchiki. I’ve hidden them in the old cabin. They contain a very special treat, just for you. Do not forget—the yashchiki belong to you.
Love, Mama
He frowned and massaged the bridge of his nose. “The yashchiki…”
“Are the Chinese boxes.”
“And they were painted with a map.”
“It would seem so.” Could she convince him that the treasure wasn’t real as she had insinuated to Justin?
“That led to…”
“I thought they led to Formentera, but after further study I believe they lead here, to S'Espalmador.”
“So the trip to Ibiza?”
She sighed. The truth was her only hope. “Was a trick. I needed a larger port from whence to escape and find transport.”
He hit the desk with his fist. “So that you could come and find the treasure!”
She shook her head. “Not really, the idea was to return home.”
“But you came here, why?”
She lifted her chin. Brave. She must be brave. Justin’s life could depend on it. “Justin never believed the treasure was real, but I was unsure. How, when we were so close, could we not check for its existence?”
“So now you believe it is unreal as well?”
“I do.” She clasped her hands before her. Truthfully she felt she’d found her treasure. Justin. The kissed they’d shared on the island was more treasure than she could ever have hoped for.
“What else does the book say?” He tapped the open pages. “Read this part.”
“I’m afraid I can’t.”
His eyes widened. She lifted her hand, palm up. “Don’t be angry. I’ve told you the truth. I can’t read the book. Justin has been translating the entire time and I’ve been rewriting his notes.”
“So he has been helping me?” His voice lowered.
A cool breeze wafted through the curtains and lifted her hair from her shoulders. The shirt she wore had fallen on each side and her shoulders were bare. She would be so happy when she arrived home and could change into more decent clothing.
“He was helping me. Keeping me safe. He doesn’t care about the treasure.” Why did the words come to her now? Did his protection mean more than friendly affection?
“And now that you’ve made it this far, does he care?”
“I don’t know.” Memories of their shared kisses made her blush. It was all she’d ever wanted, well what she’d wanted since the beginning of the season, and now she had it on a deserted island before being kidnapped again.
“So you are admitting that you are of no use to me?”
“Yes.” Her voice trembled, but she wouldn’t let him see how much fear affected her.
“Do you believe your lie will save Justin’s life?”
She faced him fully and laid her palms on the desk. “I am not lying.”
His eyes were drawn to her bosom and she rose and tugged at the oversized shirt he’d provided.
He crossed his arms over his chest. “Let’s say I believe you. What would you have me do?”
“I know you aren’t going to give up your quest.”
He shook his head.
“Then I suggest you bring Justin from the jail you’ve encased him in and have him translate the book for you. Take your crew, find the treasure, or not, then leave us be.” Her voice had raised several octaves.
He drummed the desktop. “I believe you’re right.”
Her jaw dropped as he left the room and she still had all her limbs intact.
****
He’d been such a fool. He should have made Magnolia return to England. They could have taken a ship to the mainland of Spain, walked across the country, and then taken a ship to England. Instead he let her lead. And here they were. He was pacing in a jail cell of the stinky hold on Shelby’s new stinking ship.
He ran his hand through his hair. Where was Magnolia? Was she safe? Had Shelby harmed her?
At least she wasn’t in a cell.
A rat raced out and grabbed a breadcrumb from around his foot. He thought about stomping it, but that would only bring more rats. Yes, he was glad Magnolia wasn’t with him.
A door squeaked open. Vernon Shelby walked through with his hat in his hands. He looked every bit the classic pirate. Had he really changed his life because of hi
s failing business? Or had the draw of his father’s story pushed him to make unwise decisions? It could be either scenario.
“It is my understanding that I have you to thank for the route to the treasure.”
He remained silent. Shelby didn’t deserve a reply.
“Magnolia is safe.” He paused and stared directly at Justin as he smirked. “She is in my cabin; she even slept in my bed.”
Justin clenched his hands at his sides. “If you harm one hair on her head—”
“Finally something that riles you. I was wondering if you were just cold, or dead.”
He’d made a major mistake. Now Shelby knew that Magnolia would make perfect leverage against him.
He relaxed his hands and backed up toward the wall.
“I know it is hard to tell, but day has broke.”
“Good for you.” He placed his hands against the hull. He wouldn’t turn around, he wouldn’t. What exactly had Magnolia told him?
“I’m going to release you now. You will calmly walk to the main deck. There you and I and several of my men will make the journey to the island. Magnolia will be behind us on a separate dingy with some of my more ruthless compatriots.”
He leaned his head back. He didn’t like where this was going.
“Once we land we will make the journey inland until we find this paradise in the middle of nowhere. You will help with this or—”
He faced the pirate. “Or you will harm Magnolia, I get it.”
Shelby placed his hat on his head and his lips tilted into a sideways smile. He was happy with himself. He’d threatened to harm a woman and he was happy with himself.
“Rove, Charlie, please help our prisoner topside.”
The door opened and Charlie grabbed his arm and pulled him forward. He jerked it back.
“I believe I can make it on my own.”
He thrust his shoulders back and strutted to the ladder. There was no way out of his predicament. He would be forced to lead the group to the treasure. He just hoped they kept calm if and when they were dissatisfied with the results. Magnolia’s life could depend on it.
Chapter Eight: The Garden
Magnolia stood by as the hatch flew open and Justin rose from the belly of the ship. His shoulders were slumped. He was defeated. No doubt Shelby had threatened her. Otherwise Justin wouldn’t have been so easy to cooperate. He was stubborn.
She attempted to rush to him, but one of Shelby’s crewmen held her back.
Justin was grabbed from behind and escorted to a pole and made to hug it. His hands were bound and the shirt ripped from his back.
Her throat burned. What were they doing?
“Just to make sure you don’t try to run away…” Charlie cracked the whip against Justin’s broad back.
Cunning stood idly by picking at his teeth. Magnolia struggled against her guard. She stomped his foot. He yelped and relaxed his hold. She was between the whip and Justin’s back for the next strike. It landed against her cheek. The searing pain was felt in her gut.
Shelby rose from the hold. “Stop!” Then he was there picking her up. He directed his anger at Charlie. “You shouldn’t have done that.”
Tears coated her eyes until she could barely make out his face. Breathing was becoming harder.
She swallowed and licked her lips. “Whipping will not make him help you. He wouldn’t have run. He has honor. Unlike you!” She spat in Shelby’s face.
He pulled out a cloth and wiped it away. “Release Mr. Blakemoor and tend to his wounds.” Justin sagged. “I apologize for my crew’s behavior. I can give him one hour to recover then we must be on our way.”
The crew member, who acted as the doctor, placed salve on Justin’s wounds and gave him another shirt. Again it parted. Did Shelby not own a shirt with buttons?
She fell to his side. “Justin?” She smoothed hair off his face. “Justin?”
He smiled weakly and cradled her cheek. “I’ll be all right. Just give me a minute.”
He closed his eyes, but his chest still rose and fell in an uneven rhythm.
Could she really believe that Shelby had nothing to do with Justin’s torture? Maybe.
The hour passed. She’d been allowed to sit by his bedside and hold his hand. She closed her eyes. Previous adventures came to mind. Finding the missing cross, securing Polidor Tyrrel’s arrest, enjoying an escapade at a castle, and last but not least visiting the hunting cabin. That was supposed to have been a weekend of relaxation. And now this. She smoothed hair off his forehead. Would life ever go back to normal? Them on simple adventures, finding lost items?
Rove arrived. She jumped back as Rove dragged Justin to his feet. His head lolled forward and his feet turned sideways. Rove placed Justin’s arm around his shoulder and she took the other side. Together they shored him up. His eyelids fluttered open. He was hardly in any shape to traipse across an island.
Blood had dried on her face, making her cheek stiff and causing trouble as she moved her mouth.
Too bad she’d burned her bridges with Shelby. She might have been able to appeal to his manhood, since he had no humanity left.
They reached the side and Shelby assisted Justin onto the ladder. She went to climb over the side, but Rove held her back. If they tried to hurt Justin one more time she wouldn’t be responsible for her actions.
“What are you doing? Let me go.”
“I’m afraid you will be riding in another boat, Miss Quinn.”
The dingy was lowered before she could move. She leaned over the railing and Rove pulled her back before she fell into the water.
She climbed into the second dingy. Water splashed into her face as others filed in. Separation must be another way Shelby thought to control Justin. The brute had known about the whipping. She wouldn’t believe otherwise.
She crossed her arms over her chest as Rove and several others rowed to shore. When the boat landed, she didn’t move until they had jumped out and dragged the dingy onto the sand. Then she lifted her ripped skirt and stepped over the side.
Justin was already standing beside his dingy. Other than the slump to his shoulders, no doubt to relieve pressure on his scarred back, she noticed no other signs of his torment.
Shelby motioned his men forward. “We will follow Mr. Blakemoor.”
She ran past the men and placed her shoulder under Justin’s arm. “For support.” She smiled, but he didn’t smile back. He was gritting his teeth. He was in pain. Had she made it worse?
He moved away from her and stroked the scab that had formed on her cheek. He pulled his shoulders back and clenched his jaw. “This way.”
She was moved to the middle of the line. So Shelby was guarding her in the front and the back. No doubt he was worried about another escape attempt. He need not have worried, as she wouldn’t leave without Justin. And he was in no condition to run.
She kept thinking about Justin’s expression. She’d never seen him so angry. He looked ready to kill. She would be worried for anyone who got in his path after the treasure was found.
The sun beat down on their backs as they crossed the small oddly-shaped island. Green trees could be seen ahead. She hoped they found the garden soon. Blisters were forming on her feet and her skin was burning.
Crewmen lifted bladders and dumped water on their heads. No one had offered her or Justin a drink.
She staggered on. Tall weeds brushed her legs. They seemed to go on forever. Then the area opened. The plain was wide. In the center was a pool of mud, and they skirted the edge.
“We can see the entire island from here. There is no garden.” Charlie stalked to the front of the line.
“All I can tell you is the book says the treat is on an island south of Ibiez that is connected to another island by a sandbar.”
Charlie pointed at Formentera. “Then it should be that island, not this one!”
Magnolia spoke from her position. “I don’t think so. The treasure is in a secret garden—an oasis. You didn’t expect it to be
out in the open, did you?”
Charlie stalked to her position. He pulled her hair until her head tilted backward. “Do not talk to me as if you are in charge!”
She narrowed her eyes. “But aren’t I?”
He flung her to the ground. Pebbles indented her palm. She gasped as pain raced along her arm. She gritted her teeth as Rove helped her up. Four crewmen were holding Justin back. At least someone cared about her.
Charlie threw his hands in the air and stared at Shelby. “You’ve let this woman’s beauty rob you of your good sense. There is no treasure here. I’m returning to the dingy.”
Charlie stomped off. The other crew members looked to Shelby for guidance. “Let him go. We have a treasure to find.”
It didn’t take long to circumvent the entire island. They walked the shoreline then came through the middle, glancing from side to side. There was no oasis or pond of water. Just scrubland and beach. Long grass and mud pools.
She was really starting to worry that she’d made a mistake. That didn’t bode well for herself or Justin.
Chapter Nine: The Treasure
Justin had noted a reflection off a mud pool as he climbed up a small ridge. If one looked just right it resembled a pool of water. Beside the mud pool was a rock formation. It was riddled with cracks as if someone had tried to access the prize inside on more than one occasion.
The men were growing weary. He’d led them over the barren island multiple times. His plan was simple. He would lead them to the treasure after an exhaustive search then they would be too tired to care if he and Magnolia slipped across the sandbar to Formentera. There they would wait for his father instead of trying to rescue themselves. His father would come. He knew it.
“Mr. Blakemoor, if you’ve found something you should reveal it soon. I may not be able to control my men’s actions much longer.”
As if he had been controlling them so far. He sighed. Time for stalling was up. “Stand here and look over that hill. Tell me what you see.”
The Case of the Hidden Treasure (A Justice and Miss Quinn Mystery Book 5) Page 4
