What did draw the eye was the astonishing array of fiery jewels around the beauty's neck. Diamonds and sapphires mounted in enough gold to make Quero's mouth fill with drool. It also brought forth visions of her lying in his bed, naked but for the jewels, parting her thighs for him as she begged for sanctuary.
~~
Despite it only being two months, it felt like a lifetime ago that Bella had been laced into a stomacher and a stiffly boned farthingale. Evangeline Dante, for whom the gown had been purchased, was slightly smaller in stature than Bella, and although Molly had done her best to make adjustments, there was only so much flesh that could be compressed and contained within the confines of the bodice. The plumped overflow was impressive, almost more so than the necklace that Jonas had draped around her neck.
Old habits died hard and Bella's fingertips tingled as they danced lightly over the double circle of jewelled clusters. There had to be a hundred diamonds of varying sizes surrounding round and square-cut sapphires as dark as the midnight sky. Matching clusters hung from her earlobes and circled her wrist. A pearl the size of a robin's egg winked and twinkled with every slight motion of her hand.
Choosing the jewels was the first time Bella actually realized the extent of Dante's wealth, for she had been literally rendered speechless when Young Pitt had opened one of the casks Grundy had retrieved from the buried cache. Inside was layer upon glittering layer of necklaces, bracelets, rings, brooches in every color, every precious stone imaginable—and some Bella had never seen before.
Dante had scooped out a handful and spilled them on his desk, then another and another until Bella was almost light-headed. The sapphires had caught his eye and he had given them to Young Pitt to shine the stones and polish the gold filigree. Cleaned, the necklace lay like a ring of blue fire around her neck.
"That should be an adequate enticement for Quero," Dante had murmured with satisfaction.
"It is an adequate enticement for every penny thief on the island," she countered, touching the stones with a nervous hand.
"If you are having second thoughts, if you have doubts—"
"No. No, I am not having any doubts. I am just trying to control my... baser instincts."
"If it helps ease the pressure, you may help yourself to anything in the chest and squirrel it away in your velvet pouch."
Bella did not hesitate to reach into the glittering bounty and take a handful of jewels, an act that only made Jonas grin and shake his head.
Earlier in the day Grundy had sailed the pinnace into Havana's harbor, passing easily between the guns of the two fortresses, and quickly becoming lost in the forest of masts that filled the bay. Most of the treasure fleet was assembled and taking on provisions for the voyage to Spain. Anchored almost bow to stern were galleons filled with hardwoods and hides, pearls and jewels, exotic spices, tobacco, rum and cacao bound for Cadiz and Seville. They averaged forty guns apiece and crews of four and five hundred. Scattered among them were the India Guards, smaller with fewer guns, but able to move swiftly to defend the fleet.
After Bella's party disembarked and settled into the small inn at the edge of town, Grundy had weaved in and around the maze of ships like a gnat searching for the two among the hundred they hoped to find. It took the better part of three hours before the sharp eyes on deck spotted the familiar silhouettes of the Avenger and the Iron Rose. Tempers had flared and passions had burned red-hot again as they saw the Spanish flags mounted on the masts. The stunned crew on board the pinnace could almost hear the two valiant ships groaning at the humiliation and it took every ounce of Grundy's willpower to turn the pinnace away.
~
It took only slightly less willpower for Bella to hold her impatience in check as she watched Governor Quero make his way slowly around the room. He had endeavored several times to catch her eye but she had so far only acknowledged one such attempt with a fleeting smile. She knew his type all too well. Born into wealth but always greedy for more. Pompous, full of his own conceits, accustomed to being fawned over by those wanting favors. Exactly the type she usually enjoyed toying with. Unfortunately she had to play a very different part tonight so when his aide approached, she greeted him with a shy, uncertain smile.
"His Excellency, the governor, has heard of your recent troubles and wishes me to convey his respects and welcome you to the Castillo de la Real Fuerza. Further, he hopes you are enjoying your evening thus far."
Bella's smile faded into an embarassed apology. "Forgive me, but I do not speak Spanish."
Diego switched seamlessly into heavily accented English. "The Governor speaks four languages most excellently, señora."
"My aide exaggerates," Quero said, coming up behind them. "I only speak three with modest fluency. I am still attempting to learn the language of the native Miskita Indians."
Diego bowed and moved aside. "Lady Bellanna Harper, I have the honor to present His Excellency Don Jerome Fiorello Quero."
Bella managed to execute a delicate curtsy without toppling over on her too-tight shoes. "Your Excellency. The honor is mine and I most humbly accept your hospitality."
Quero held out his hand to assist her out of the curtsey even as he waved his aide away. "Diego informs me your ship was recently attacked by pirates?"
She delayed answering until his gaze rose above her bosoms. "Indeed, Excellency. Dutch brigands attacked and captured the ship I was travelling on… the Swallow. Thankfully, they had no use for the crew or passengers and we were set ashore on some little island, I know not the name. Happily we were allowed to take our personal possessions, which were not searched." She hesitated for effect and touched a fingertip to one of the clusters of sapphires. "My servants and I were picked up by a French caravel and brought here, to Havana, it being the closest safe harbor."
"For that we shall be eternally grateful. You must give me the name of the French captain and I shall see that he is adequately rewarded."
Bella gave him one of her most engaging smiles. "Indeed. I was further hoping, Your Excellency," she paused to curl her lower lip briefly between her teeth, "to appeal to your sympathy and generosity to allow us to remain in Havana until safe passage can be arranged back to England."
A raucous cheer rose from the far side of the chamber and Quero frowned at the disturbance. "I have no doubt such arrangements can be made. Come, let us find somewhere quiet to sit where you can tell me more of this harrowing adventure."
Bella fluttered her lashes and took his arm. "You can have no idea how harrowing it was, Your Excellency. I vow I have been on the verge of fainting since we came ashore."
"Diego." He turned brusquely to his aide and murmured in Spanish. "Have a bottle of my very best Madeira sent to my private library. Two bottles. And do not disturb me for anything less than a volcanic eruption."
The aide bowed again. "I shall see to it personally, Excellency."
Quero offered Bella his arm and led her past groups of curious guests before exiting through an arched adobe doorway. As the noise from the reception room faded, the clicking from her glass heels over the marble became more pronounced. At the far end of the hall, Quero guided her through tall double oak doors that led into a library. Three of the four walls were comprised of shelves filled with books that rose twenty feet to the vaulted ceiling. The third wall boasted several large windows and a pair of oak doors cut into the foot-thick adobe.
His aide was setting a tray on the desk as they entered. Quero waited at the door until Diego exited the room, then turned to close the door, intending to leave Molly and the other two "servants" out in the hallway. His effort was blocked by a strong hand as Jonas Dante, his clean-shaven face unrecognizable under the brown stain, pushed his way into the room. He nodded at Young Pitt, who remained outside in order to alert them if anyone approached.
"What is the meaning of this? Know your place, man. Get out or I shall call for the guard!"
"Do that, Excellency, my mood is ripe for a killing."
Quero splutte
red. "You insolent beggar! Who are you? What do you want?"
Jonas reached up and removed the turban. When he shook out the mane of red hair that had been stuffed up out of sight, Quero's eyes widened with shock.
He stumbled back a step. "You!"
"Aye, Jerome. Me."
It was Quero's worst nightmare come to life and the horror of it was stark on his face as he flung up his hands and broke into a high-pitched splutter. "I knew nothing of the attack! I had no foreknowledge of the raid! I played no part in it nor did I take any pleasure in the victory! You know me, señor. We have done business in the past. Had I been informed a raid was planned, I would surely have found some way to warn you and your family!"
Jonas tilted his head like a sleepy lion watching his prey squirm. "And yet we heard plans for the attack in London two months ago from a complete stranger."
Quero wilted and stumbled back several more steps until he bumped against a chair. He sat down heavily and started babbling as he swabbed at the beads of sweat that shone across his brow. "I swear to you… I swear it on the heads of my children… I knew nothing of these plans. Not until it was far too late to do anything about it. Recalde hid his ships in Santo Domingo. They were there, apparently, for weeks… months… awaiting word from his dog of a spy when to attack. I knew nothing of this. No one knew. His plan was a well-guarded secret. The crew and soldiers on those ships were not even permitted to go ashore lest the smallest whisper escape. Now, he brags. Of course, now he brags and boasts of his cleverness, and struts about like a golden god, but at the time… nothing."
Jonas's smile was cold enough to freeze the words in Quero's throat, a stunning contrast to the fires of hell burning in the amber eyes. "He will become nothing again for I intend to pull his guts out through his eyeballs and hear him scream for the death of every man, woman, and child who was slaughtered on Pigeon Cay. The same will happen to you if I find out you are lying."
"Señor—"
"Where is Recalde?"
Quero's lips trembled and moved, but the best he could offer was a whimper as he shrank lower in the chair.
Dante loomed closer, his hands balling into fists. "Where. Is. He?"
"H-he is not here tonight. He is being entertained by the captain of the fleet on board the flagship, the San Jacinta."
"And the prisoners? Where are they being held?"
Sweat started to stream down Quero's temples, soaking the goffered ruff around his neck, running under the collar of his doublet.
Dante loomed closer, his hands curling into fists. "I know there were captives taken from the island. Recalde left witnesses behind."
The governor avoided Dante's gaze and drew a square of linen out of his sleeve to swab his forehead. "Aii, the incompetent fool."
Dante made a sound in his throat and Quero quickly held up his hands. "Until yesterday, your father and brother were locked in the dungeons of La Punta. Today, they were removed."
To his credit, Jonas's expression remained cold and impassive as he tried not to react openly to the news that Simon and Gabriel were still alive. "Removed where? Where were they taken?"
Quero glanced up briefly, then down again. "The San Jacinta arrived in port last week from Panama and is being refitted for the journey home. In the hold are stout gaol cells which have been reinforced with heavy iron doors. Your father and brother were taken there this morning. As for the rest of your men, they are being held on board the Avenger, which Recalde intends to sail home with the fleet. They are of little value to him and are slated to be sold at auction."
Jonas snarled again and Quero cringed, raising his hands to ward off an anticipated blow. "Your mother and sister are being treated quite fairly, however. I can promise you that. By my own orders, despite Recalde's protests."
This time, no amount of willpower could keep Jonas from exclaiming, "What? What did you say?"
"I was not aware your mother had lost her arm but she is, of course, as lovely as ever. And your sister—" he lowered a hand to touch his belly. "Naturally I insisted she be extended every comfort in her condition. I would not allow Recalde to put her in the dungeon with the others, and Dios mio, the conditions on board the ships would not suffice either."
"If they are not in a dungeon and not on board the ship… where the devil are they?"
Quero clasped his hands together. "Here, of course. They are here in Réal Fuerza, locked in a comfortable apartment in the north wing. Heavily guarded, to be sure, but provided with plenty of food and water and soft beds."
"Take me to them," Jonas demanded.
Quero's eyes bulged. "That I cannot do, señor. The guards! They have orders to shoot anyone who tries to approach the chamber. Even I would be in grave peril, for that arrogant piece of shit Recalde—" he leaned over and spat for emphasis—"trusts no one, not even me, the governor of all Cubana."
Dante stared for a long moment then beckoned to Bella. He lifted the mass of glossy black curls at the nape of her neck and unclasped the triple strand of diamonds and sapphires, then carried the glittering fistful over to Quero and spilled the jewels in his lap.
"You are a resourceful man, Jerome. I'm sure you can find a way to get past those guards."
Quero looked from Dante's amber eyes to the puddle of sparkling gems in his lap. In a slow exhalation of breath his entire demeanor underwent a change. He sat straighter in the chair. His jaw stopped quivering and became square and firm. The rivers of sweat ceased to flow and he actually smiled as his fingers brushed over the sparkling bounty.
"There are a dozen more where that came from," Dante said easily. "And more gold than you can carry if you get me in to see them tonight."
"Tonight? Ah. Alas, but that is impossible, Capitán."
"It will be less possible tomorrow from your grave."
Quero flushed as he took Dante's meaning, then glanced at Bella and more specifically the smoothly uncluttered expanse of her breasts. "There... might be a way to distract the guards. They are, after all, only human. If la bella dama and I were to stroll down the hallway and if she were to work her magic on them as she did on me, perhaps they could be persuaded to turn a blind eye."
Dante shook his head. "No. Too dangerous."
"No more so than coming here tonight," Bella argued softly. "And if it is the only way to give your mother and sister some hope, to let them know you are alive and working to free them, then I am willing to take the risk. Moreover, I will have a gun," she said, smiling at Quero. "and I will shoot him through the eye at the very first sign of trouble."
Quero arched an eyebrow. "A gun? Where will you hide it, dear lady? In your lovely bosoms?"
Bella slid both hands into the concealed pockets Molly had sewn into the voluminous blue silk skirting and withdrew a brace of pistols.
Quero blinked. "Resourceful as well as beautiful. An intriguing combination."
"And one not to be trifled with," Dante said. "You may trust me on that. On the other hand, Excellency, I trust you about as far as I trust a hungry mosquito on a hot, humid night. Certainly not enough to allow you out of this room with or without a gun held to your head."
"Señor, I give you my word."
"Which would hold true for as long as it took you to leave this room and sound an alarm."
"Señor! You offend me."
Dante drew a dagger from beneath his tunic. In half a stride he had Quero pulled to his feet and the tip of the blade pressed under his left eye with enough force to split the skin and scrape the edge of the socket.
"The fact you are even breathing offends me," he hissed. "Now, you're going to tell me exactly where my mother and sister are being held, and you are going to remain here, quiet as a mouse, until I come back. And should either of them tell me they have been mistreated while in your care, a quick death by gunshot will be the least of your worries."
Chapter Twenty-Six
Bella was humming softly as she turned a corner and started strolling along the corridor, seeming to admire
the tall portraits and tapestries that graced the walls. The hallway was empty save for two burly guards standing in front of the last doorway on the left. They wore the molded steel breastplates and crested morion helmets identifying them as conquistas, Spain's elite fighting force. They had swords strapped to their hips as well as pistols and pouches of shot looped to bandoliers across their chests. They had been slouching against the wall chatting—one had been scraping grime out of his fingernails with the tip of his knife—but both came instantly alert as Bella approached.
The taller of the two said something to her in Spanish, likely a caution, warning her to stay away. But the closer she came and the more brilliantly the light from the wall sconces bounced and reflected off the jewels Dante had replaced around her neck, the wider their eyes grew and the less stern their expressions.
They said something else to her but she shook her head and offered one of her sweetest, most apologetic smiles.
"Forgive me, señors, but I do not speak Spanish." She appeared to notice their guns for the first time and a hand fluttered to her breast, the enormous pearl ring subdued amidst the ropes of fiery jewels around her neck and wrist. "I was to meet with his Excellency the governor in his private chambers but I fear I have become turned around. So many corridors!"
It was clear neither of the two guards understood much English beyond 'his Excellency' but they were too dazzled to object further when she glided past the door and stood at the arched window to look out at the moonlit hills that surrounded the harbor.
"How lovely," she murmured.
"Señora…"
When she turned back around, she held both cocked pistols in her hands. Her smile was still in place, although the innocent befuddlement had gone out of her eyes leaving them cold and hard.
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