“Hells and Winter, Saskia, you know that kind of an edge would be worth thousands—”
“You! Janus Mikani, you owe me.” Saskia shifted to face him as he stepped closer. “What your partner’s offering covers her passage.” She narrowed her eyes.
He caught her look, and she could see he knew what was coming. Oh, good. You always hated it when I cornered you, Janus.
“So I’ll take you up north . . . only because that’s where the trouble is. And you’ll help with those Winter-blown cragger bastards, like you promised. I happen to be angrier at them than you, so it’s your lucky day.”
He folded his arms. She could feel him sizing her up. “And what do you think I’ll be doing, Saskia? Arresting the thousands of craggers along the Jagged Coast? Do a mass trial, after they come along quietly?”
She smiled. Got you. “Oh, no, you sweet idiot. I want the Janus Mikani that wrecked Black Jack’s smuggling ring, after breaking his neck and putting half his gang in the hospital. I need you to help me kill the cragger chieftain.”
CHAPTER 5
THE DOCKS RECEDED AS THE WHITE SAILS BILLOWED WITH mysterious wind. Saskia Braelan radiated an air of wild majesty as she whispered. She’s beautiful, Ritsuko admitted silently. I understand what Mikani sees in her. In some ways, they were the same: reckless abandon, pure passion, and lack of regret. That might be why their romance was doomed, however; the relationship lacked the space for two titans.
Ritsuko sensed the residual tingle of magic use to speed their departure as she stood at the rails watching the bustle of porters moving crates along the docks. Their figures grew smaller in proportion to the distance traveled. The Gull was a lively vessel, crewed by sailors who answered to Saskia Braelan, a woman who showed signs of wanting to kill Mikani.
This should be interesting.
Ritsuko turned to her partner. “Well, we made it this far. I’m not positive she won’t execute you and dump you overboard once we’ve been at sea for a while, however. You sure know how to charm a woman.”
Mikani grimaced and looked over his shoulder to where Saskia bellowed orders and steered the ship with equal ease. “She might. She could be waiting for us to get to deeper waters.” He shifted his weight as they veered around a buoy, his knuckles whitening as he gripped the railing harder. “She can hold a grudge with the best of them.”
“That’s nothing to do with you,” she teased. “Purely her character flaw?”
“She’s also flawed like the worst of them. I should know.” He gazed out toward the receding docks, looking a little pale.
“Something wrong?”
“I don’t like ships, never have.”
“Don’t tell me you’re prone to seasickness?” Ritsuko had never felt more alive than with the waves bucking beneath the sleek little ship, the wind blowing salty kisses on her skin.
“I just don’t like the thought of there being nothing but six inches of wood between me and the several hundred feet of dark, cold, clammy water filled with . . . wriggling, scaly, slithering . . . things. Down there.”
She schooled her features into a neutral expression. “You mean things with tentacles? Big, lurking, could swallow a ship whole, sort of things?”
Mikani growled at her. “I’ve half a mind to send you down to find out.”
She laughed. “Come along, before you succumb to your darker urges. We should make the rounds and get acquainted with the crew.”
He pushed away from the railing and led the way along the deck toward the forecastle, where the first mate kept watch to make sure they cleared the busy waters nearest the docks and out into the bay. Mr. Loison, Saskia’s employee, stood nearby. The clerk offered a smile as they came closer, one hand resting on a rope to keep his balance. Ritsuko surveyed him, cataloging the good quality of his tailoring to his neatly trimmed hair. He was a slender man of average height, light brown hair, and long nose, upon which a pair of round spectacles perched.
“Inspectors. So very glad to be along. I don’t often get to see the earthy side of the business.” He gestured at the first mate, a tall and lanky man who was ignoring them. Scars and tattoos adorned both the sailor’s arms and ran up along the back of his bald head in intricate patterns. “That’s Ferro. Usually serves as first mate to Captain Piers, but with Mistress Braelan along, the captain’s on shore leave for the next few days.”
“He doesn’t seem very social,” Ritsuko observed.
Mr. Ferro turned when she spoke, raising a brow bisected by a scar. “I’m not here to amuse you; I’m here to be sure the Gull makes the journey intact.”
Ritsuko didn’t let the man’s attitude impact her own manners. “Still, I’m pleased to meet you, sir. I thank you in advance for your efforts to ensure our safe voyage.”
The first mate narrowed his eyes on her, then nodded abruptly, before turning his attention back to the shifting water traffic before them. She appraised him for a few seconds longer. He wore typical sailing attire, a pair of trousers belted with a tie, and a loose, sleeveless tunic that revealed rather excellent arms. Despite his taciturn nature, he seemed like an interesting man.
“You definitely charmed him, partner.” Mikani gripped the same rope as Loison with both hands but didn’t look quite as uncomfortable now he’d stopped looking out to sea.
“Quite!” Loison said. “The most I’ve gotten him to say is ‘move.’”
“Yes, my feminine wiles are legendary.” She smiled to show she was joking, as people didn’t always know, and the clerk smiled.
“So who else is along for the fun?” Mikani asked.
“There’s the boatswain, Nell Oliver, over there.”
Ritsuko swiveled her head in the direction Mr. Loison indicated, until she spotted a short, thick-built woman of indeterminate years. Miss Oliver was dressed much like Mr. Ferro, though she had more hair, a tangled mass of black and silver, tied up in a messy bundle on top of her head. She was lecturing a young man on proper care of the decking, and the boy sighed, looking as if he wanted to kick the pail sitting beside him, but he didn’t quite dare.
“She seems competent,” she noted.
“And with her, you’ll note the cabin boy, Sam.”
“He’s a rigging monkey,” Mr. Ferro muttered from a few paces away.
That told her that the first mate was listening even if he was too busy peering at the ocean to participate in the conversation. Idly, Ritsuko wondered if she could persuade him to hoax a sea-monster attack, just to see Mikani’s face; she stole a look at him, stifling a smirk.
He was frowning and looking around the deck. “Is Big Hu still around?”
“He’s below, securing the infirmary.” Mr. Ferro gave her partner a quizzical look. “You know him?”
“We’ve met.” Mikani turned back toward her. “He threw me overboard when Saskia and I had our last disagreement.” He pulled up his sleeve, to show her an old scar from wrist to elbow. “He can be very protective of her. I should let him know that she and I are back on good terms before we get much farther out to sea.”
Ritsuko couldn’t suppress her laughter. “Yesterday, she beat you about the head and neck. If those are good terms, you couldn’t survive her wrath.” Nell Oliver was still lecturing young Sam, so she turned to Mr. Loison. “Could you show us to the infirmary? I’d like to know where to find medical attention.”
The clerk nodded and offered his arm politely. “It would be my pleasure.”
Ritsuko placed her fingers on his jacket. “Lead on, sir.”
Mr. Loison stepped away from the mast and weaved through deck obstacles to the hatch that led below. An angled ladder required her to move cautiously against the rocking ship, and she was relieved when the floor leveled out beneath her. The wood was warm and well maintained, with a series of doors down a narrow corridor. One of the sailors had taken her things to her cabin, so she hadn’t been down here yet.
“This way.” Mr. Loison turned politely to make sure she was still with him.
&
nbsp; Mikani came last as they went down toward the end of the corridor. The last door on the left was open, and it bore a plaque graven with the word INFIRMARY. It was a small but efficiently designed room with cabinets built into the walls, various canisters Ritsuko guessed were full of treatments and tinctures, along with a small bunk for ailing patients. But the most remarkable thing was the man frowning at them from within.
She grasped at once why Mikani had called him Big Hu, as he towered over every member of their party, even her partner, by half a foot. He had black hair worn in a single oiled braid, amber eyes, dark skin, and a menacing demeanor. This impression was enhanced by a massive chest and symmetrical facial scars. Ritsuko couldn’t imagine anyone looking less like a doctor, but according to Mr. Loison, this man was in charge of the crew’s physical well-being.
He also apparently doubles as Miss Braelan’s bodyguard.
“Janus Mikani.” Hu’s voice was a bass growl, like a stone elemental rumbling deep in the ground. “Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t throw you over again.”
• • •
HELLS AND WINTER. He’s actually gotten bigger in the last few years, Mikani thought.
“I’ll give you three, Hu. One; this time, I’m not bleeding out and half-unconscious, so you’d have your hands full.” Mikani took a step closer, stepping in front of Ritsuko instinctively. “Two, Saskia and I made peace, or I wouldn’t be aboard this ship. And you know it, or you’d have been on me before I got off the gangplank.” He took another step closer to the ship’s doctor, looking up to meet his eyes as he came close enough to tap Hu on the chest with two fingers. “And three, you’d miss my winning personality.”
The two men glared at each other for a long moment. Then Hu broke out laughing and wrapped thick arms around Mikani in a bruising hug. “Damn, it’s good to see you again, you bastard. I heard you survived, but you were scarce after you and Li’l White had your falling-out.”
Little White. Mikani hadn’t heard that nickname in a long time; only Hu called Saskia that, after her flowing blond locks and the white robes she’d favored back then. Though she’d taken to braiding her hair and had traded her robes for city-styled gowns, Saskia still didn’t like wearing shoes. Good to know some things don’t change.
He shoved Hu away, finding it hard to breathe. “Yeah, well, you didn’t write much, did you?” Truth was, he’d missed Hu almost as much as Saskia the first few months.
As soon as the other man loosened his hold, Mikani rubbed his ribs. “Dr. Irahi Hu, this is Inspector Celeste Ritsuko. My partner—”
“Bronze gods, man, you made it? You just lost me ten crescents.” Hu grinned, his teeth white and even, and extended a massive hand to Ritsuko. “It’s nice to meet you, Inspector.”
Ritsuko took the offered hand, looking from one man to the other with as much amusement as curiosity. “The pleasure is mine, Doctor. I’m glad you two are on good terms.”
Mikani snorted. “We both shed a few tears when Saskia ordered him to get rid of me after we broke the House Magnus blockade.”
When he was a rookie constable, Mikani had connected with Saskia and her crew when she got wind of a plot to steal her father’s ship. As it turned out, House Magnus was up to its neck in dirty dealing, but when they boarded to recover the evidence, Saskia lost her temper. Mikani tried to stop her from blowing up the ship, which was when Hu stepped in.
The doctor straightened, folding his arms against his chest. “You really should have gotten out of our way, Mikani. I asked nicely.”
“With a piece of mainmast!” Mikani shook his head and let out a rueful laugh. “I’ll pay you back for that sometime. Right now, though . . . can you tell us anything about what Saskia has in mind? Why does she want to go after the cragger chieftain?”
Hu let out a deep sigh. “Li’l White is convinced that this one’s different. I’ll admit, the raiders are acting strange, raiding too far abroad, taking no captives for ransom. They’re like beasts, Mikani. They’re more interested in murder than pillage, burning any ships that cross their path, like the lot of them have gone insane.” He shook his head, clearly puzzled.
No wonder Saskia’s worried about these bastards. And he’s right; it doesn’t make sense. I can’t remember any time when the craggers have gone for blood instead of gold.
“And she thinks this chieftain’s the key? That he’s driven them mad?”
Hu nodded. “You know how she is. She’s convinced but won’t tell the rest of us why. She swears going after him will send the craggers scurrying north along the Jagged Coast.”
A bell echoed somewhere above.
The doctor motioned for them to get out of the infirmary. “We’ve cleared port, and I have things to do before we hit the Inner Sea. Go find someplace you won’t be in the way, and I’ll see you at dinner. Maybe you can get Li’l White to tell us what’s going on.”
Mikani only made a token protest as they were shuffled out, knowing full well that no one on the ship would have time for them over the next few hours. With a resigned sigh, he led Ritsuko toward their staterooms. “Well, Ritsuko, looks like I get to teach you to play Courts.”
“Courts?”
“Card game, favorite amongst sailors. You’ll need to hold your own, or they’ll try to get you to wager everything from your shirt to your badge.”
At his gesture, she stepped into the cabin he’d claimed. His oilskin bag lay in one corner, the only item in the room that wasn’t bolted down. There was a bunk built into the wall, a small writing desk, and a couple of sea chests rounding out the stark décor.
Ritsuko leaned against the door, looking thoughtful. “I’m not sure if I want to learn. It might be fun to lose my shirt, especially to the good doctor.”
Mikani paused as he reached for his deck of cards, a tug in his chest at the thought of Ritsuko with his old friend. Over the last few weeks, they had tiptoed around the shift in their relationship. Gods know, I’m in no hurry to figure it out. He put the cards down, doing his best to keep his tone light and teasing. “Ritsuko, stay away from Hu. He’s a decent man, and I don’t want you corrupting him with your city ways.”
“You think I could? Excellent.” She was grinning when she strolled out.
Two hours later, Mikani gazed around the captain’s cabin. Saskia’s made a few changes. Or it might’ve been what’s his name . . . Piers.
Hangings had been replaced with maps, marked in various spots with red ink. The heavy table was the same, however, with the ledgers that usually littered its surface piled up against the wall. By the number of chairs—three on each side and one at the head, there would be seven guests tonight. From experience, he knew the bed was tucked out of sight in a niche, a curtain to safeguard her privacy. The rest of the cabin looked more like an office than a pirate hideaway; she truly was more businesswoman than privateer these days.
Pity, that.
Platters of food were already waiting, along with tall tin cups. Sam the cabin boy stood by the door with an ewer; Mikani hoped it was better-quality grog than Saskia bought for her sailors. The boy nodded at each guest as he or she stepped in. Mikani and Ritsuko were the first to arrive. His partner had clearly done her hair, put on a hint of perfume, and she’d actually painted her mouth.
Don’t think I’ve seen her in lip rouge since . . . well, ever. He shook his head and sat next to the head of the table. The sway of the ship was hardly noticeable now they were out in the open sea, and he’d been able to find enough distractions belowdecks to keep from worrying about the dark depths below them.
The rest filed in, Hu glaring at him over his choice of seats before pointedly taking the chair across from him and next to Saskia. Ferro and Nell filled out that side of the table, so Loison took the last spot next to Ritsuko with a murmured greeting. Saskia was the last to arrive. Her hair was barely contained in a couple of long braids that she’d looped over her shoulders, and she’d changed from the loose sailor garb she preferred aboard ship to a more form
al ensemble of crimson pantaloons and a billowy overcoat that left her forearms free. As usual, she was barefoot, barely making a sound on the wooden floor as she took her seat.
Dinner started slow, but soon the frequent refills on ale and Hu’s good humor broke the ice between the crew and passengers. Small talk prevailed for most of the meal, talk about trade winds and usual routes devolving into a pointless but good-natured argument between Loison and the boatswain over the cost of keeping the ship in good repair. On the other side of the table, Ritsuko laughed at Hu’s jokes, and Irahi delighted in it, reaching over more than once to touch Ritsuko’s wrist as he regaled her with tales of his travels with Saskia, Piers, and others.
There was no reason he should mind seeing someone else with her. We’re partners, that’s all. And if the intensity of the last case made him entertain other possibilities, well, he hadn’t said anything to her about it. He forced the ambivalence down, focusing on his food and wineglass. Yet Mikani still studied Ritsuko and Hu, a frown chewing between his brows. Part of him was glad she seemed to be getting along with his old friends while another wanted to pull Ritsuko away.
Even with the odd twinges, he eased with the chatter around him. Feels almost like old times. Finally, Saskia rang the silver bell that signaled the end of dinner. Sam scrambled to clear the plates and bring a fresh bottle of wine as they pushed their chairs back and relaxed to the soft sounds of creaking wood and the ship’s cutting across the waves.
“Dr. Hu mentioned earlier that the craggers are behaving oddly,” Ritsuko said to Saskia. “Could you tell us a little more about what lies ahead?”
CHAPTER 6
RITSUKO WATCHED MISS BRAELAN EXPECTANTLY, BUT THE other woman was sprawled in her chair, sipping a drink; she lifted her glass lazily in Mr. Ferro’s direction, and Ritsuko took that as an invitation for him to answer.
The first mate acknowledged by responding, “The Inner Sea. We sail along the skirts of Mount Surtir, near the Seven Sisters.” He leaned back against the wall of the cabin, bringing a foot up to rest on his chair. Miss Oliver smacked his knee, earning her a glare before he straightened and continued. “That’ll be the dangerous part.”
Silver Mirrors Page 5
