by Rebecca Hart
Curled up in the lounger, her knees wedged against the upholstered arm and feet tucked against her bottom, Ellie was the picture of tranquility. Soft red curls framed her heart-shaped face and long dusty lashes nestled against her flushed cheeks. Little pooh sounds blew past her barely parted lips with rhythmic regularity.
Daniel watched the steady rise and fall of her chest and the all too familiar urge to protect her surged within him. How could he let her charge after Jashir? She had no idea what the man was capable of, or how hard it would be for any of them to get within striking distance. He knew if he refused to aid her, she’d only find another way to hunt him down. Only he’d not be around to save her should she run into danger. Daniel ran frustrated fingers through his hair. No. He’d have to stay close while she risked life and limb in her need for vengeance.
He sighed and tore his gaze from Ellie, refocusing it on the logbook lying open before him. Dawn would arrive in just a few more hours, and he had about half still to read through. He couldn’t take the chance the captain had written anything that might reveal Daniel’s cursed bloodline to his daughter. Just the idea of Ellie learning the truth turned his blood to ice. She’d never forgive him.
Daniel read the same log entry for the fourth time, words blurring together by the time he got to the end of the paragraph. With a grunt, he pushed up from the desk. Maybe some air would clear his head.
Careful steps carried him silently around the desk and across the darkened room. Once outside, he inhaled a chest full of the crisp night air and lifted his face to the starry sky. Moonlight peeked through the smattering of clouds to illuminate the deck of The Siren’s Call. His skin itched as the song of the waves lapping against the ship’s hull penetrated his consciousness. He ached to dive beneath the inky depths and feel the rush of water over his skin.
An entire year had passed since he’d changed form for a full moon cycle, as his blood curse demanded. When they reached port, he’d have no choice but to transform. He didn’t know when he might have another opportunity. Ellie would be busy for weeks settling her father’s estate and tending to her mother. Knowing Mrs. Winters the way Daniel did, he doubted she’d let Ellie out of her sight once she laid eyes on her again. Plus, the damage to The Siren’s Call’s mainmast would need to be repaired and her coffers restocked. As he let the idea sink in, a smile stretched his lips. His fingers wrapped around the rail. His gaze scanned the breakers chasing them toward their destination.
Just a little while longer.
***
Ellie stood against the bulwark and squinted across the sun-kissed breakers toward the approaching shoreline. Home.
Her fingers tightened around the top rail as Newquay came into view. Excitement tightened her chest while tiny fingers of panic tickled the back of her neck. Her emotions pulled her in two directions, caught between her joy at being home for the first time in five years, and utter terror at having to tell her mother that Papa was dead. Ellie couldn’t imagine Mama surviving without Papa. He was her life.
Ellie blinked away the tears burning her eyes and cursed her weakness.
“You all right, El?” Nelson placed his warm hand over hers. “You’re looking rather pale.”
Ellie tried for a reassuring smile. “I was thinking about my mother. Her entire life revolved around Papa. Getting his things ready for when he set sail, doing all that was needed while he was away. Her every action and thought seemed to revolve around what’d make Papa the happiest or most comfortable. I can’t remember her ever doing a single thing for herself. I’m worried she’ll be completely lost without him.”
“There’s little sense worrying over things that have yet to happen, child. Give your ma some credit. If she’s anything at all like her daughter, she’ll hold up just fine.” He squeezed her shoulder. “Do you want me to come along?”
“No. I’m afraid this is something I need to do on my own.”
Nelson turned and glanced over his shoulder at Daniel standing on the quarterdeck with Jacobs. “What about him?”
Ellie followed his gaze. Her pulse jumped when she caught sight of Daniel. He’d shed his shirt and the strong lines of his muscled chest glistened in the bright sunshine. Heat flushed her cheeks. “Good question.” She released a sigh, tore her gaze away from the visual treat. “He thinks I should tell the crew who I really am.”
Nelson’s eyes widened. “And what do you think? Do you believe they wouldn’t sail with you if they knew the truth?”
She lifted her shoulders in a shrug. “Daniel knows them far better than I. He’s lived with them, served beside them all for years. I’ve known them a little under a week.” Her fingers knotted together. “You’ve had the chance to get to know most of them. Do you think they’d sail with me if they knew?”
“They sure loved your pa, but there’s only one way you’ll ever know for sure if they will swear loyalty to you.”
“Yeah, I know. That’s what worries me.” She turned away from the rail and watched her father’s crew scurry about to complete their daily tasks. No hand lay idle. Like cogs in a wheel, each man had a job and knew it well enough to not need direction or prodding to get it done.
She knew they could be trusted to listen to any command Daniel gave them. Would they follow her if she asked? Would telling them she was the captain’s heir help her cause? The churning of her thoughts only served to ratchet up Ellie’s anxiety level. She nudged Nelson with an elbow. “I need a favor.”
The sincerity in his dark eyes when he faced her calmed her raging thoughts. At least she had one crewman she could depend on. “You have but to ask, and it will be done.”
Ellie’s gaze swept back to Daniel. “I need you to keep an eye on Captain O’Roarke while I deal with my mother. Follow him. Keep track of what he does and who he meets with.”
Nelson’s eyes narrowed. “Do you think he’s up to something?”
“I hope not, but something about him keeps niggling at me. He’s hiding something other than what he knows about my father’s dealings. I just have no idea what that might be.”
“You have my word. I will not let him from my sight.”
“I knew I could count on you.” Ellie slapped Nelson on the shoulder, a wide smile splitting her face.
***
Once he’d left orders for the crew remaining on board for the night watch, Daniel headed for the captain’s quarters to pack a bag. His hand slid along the banister as he climbed the stairs to the quarterdeck. His palm recognized every groove and knick in the wood of The Siren’s Call. How much tonnage she’d hold and how fast she sliced through the seas under full sail. At some point in the ten years since he’d been aboard, the brigantine had become home.
Daniel entered the cabin and went to his locker. With a quick glance behind him to ensure no one had followed, he knelt and flipped open the lid. He reached into the cabinet, shifted a scratchy wool blanket to the left, revealing his sealskin.
He grabbed a rucksack from under the bed and stuffed the skin inside. A quick glance around, and he added a fresh shirt and his pocketknife to the bag. Tossing the sack over his shoulder, he pushed to his feet. He made a final scan of the room before long strides took him back to the open hatch.
Outside, Daniel searched the deck for signs of Ellie. He found her standing beside Nelson near the gangway. She’d traded the wide brim hat for a skullcap, and soft waves of fire curled out from beneath the tight-fitting fabric.
A burst of heat ignited in his chest. He inhaled deeply and straightened his shoulders. Preening? Really?
Shaking his head at his own lunacy, Daniel crossed the deck in relaxed strides. He nodded to Nelson and produced a warm smile as his gaze landed on Ellie. “Are you ready?”
She lifted the bag slung over her back. “Yeah.” Her eyes didn’t meet his, but swung to Nelson. “You know where to find me if you need me.”
“Aye, don’t worry, El,” Nelson said. He turned his pale blue eyes to Daniel. “Keep her out of trouble, will you
?”
Daniel huffed a laugh. “How can you expect me to do what you haven’t been able to?”
Nelson cracked a wide grin. “It doesn’t mean I’ve stopped trying.”
Ellie pushed between them, her face contorted into a grimace. “Good luck to you both.” With that, she headed down the gangway.
Daniel turned to Nelson. “Is she always so frustrating?”
Nelson patted Daniel on the shoulder. “You have no idea, lad.”
Daniel followed Ellie up the road that wound through the heart of Newquay in silence. His hand itched to reach out to her, lend her comfort, but he kept his arms locked at his sides.
Ellie trudged along, not looking left or right, a crease stretched across her brow.
He sighed. “Why are you running?”
She stopped, turned her scowl in his direction. “I’m not running. Why do you walk so slow?” Her gaze drifted away from him, to something behind him. Her expression softened. “Jameson’s,” she whispered.
Before he could ask who Jameson was, Ellie stepped past him and headed toward the door of the mercantile.
“Where are you going?”
When Ellie spun around, his heartbeat stopped. A brilliant, childlike smile lit her face and her blue eyes sparkled with unsuppressed joy. The carefree sprite he’d known so well had returned. “Jameson’s, of course. Best sweets in town.” She turned the latch and stepped into the store, leaving him gaping in the street.
Once he recovered, Daniel followed her inside.
The general store was much larger than it’d appeared when standing in the street. Long glass cases filled with a variety of treats greeted him first, their aromas mixing to start his mouth watering. Beyond the cases, shelves of displayed goods lined the walls. To the right, the store opened up into a larger space where heavier equipment and bolts of fabric were showcased.
Ellie stood in front of one of the cases, her palms pressed to the glass.
“Don’t drool on the glass.”
She wrinkled her nose at him. “Don’t be a grump. Have a treat. It’ll cheer you up.”
Stunned by the change in her demeanor, Daniel turned his attention to a selection of pastries and tried to collect his scattered thoughts.
“Well, if it isn’t Elysandra Winters, returned home at last. I was beginning to think Poseidon had found you and taken you for his bride.”
Ellie squealed with delight and spun about to face a round bald man in a white apron. “Mr. Jameson!” She started toward him, but only took two steps before her steps froze. “Wait. How did you know it was me?”
Jameson belted out a laugh and waved a dismissive hand. “Lass, I’ve known you since you were born.” His eyes swept her up and down. “I see now how you managed to escape Newquay undetected, but I’m afraid I’d recognize those big blue eyes and flaming red curls anywhere.” His smile broadened. “You’ve grown up since you’ve been gone. How long has it been now?”
“Almost ten years since I’ve seen you last. The last time was when Mama brought me in for a fitting prior to my going away to school.”
Jameson shook his head. “Too long.” His eyes lifted to Daniel. “Who’s your friend?”
“Oh.” She glanced at Daniel, sporting an apologetic smile. “This is Daniel O’Roarke, part of Papa’s crew.”
Mr. Jameson waddled around the counter. “Nice to meet you, Daniel.” He slid open one of the glass doors of the display case and returned his attention to Ellie. “How is your father? It’s been some time since I’ve seen him in here.”
Daniel tensed, watching Ellie deflate before his eyes. Before he could stop it, his hand reached out and grasped hers, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
She stiffened at the contact, but didn’t jerk away. “Papa was killed at sea,” Ellie replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Oh my,” Jameson said, shaking his head. “I’m so sorry to hear that, child. Your pa was a good man. My condolences.”
Ellie cleared her throat. “Thank you, Mr. Jameson.”
“Here.” The merchant bent, sticking his head into the case. He removed a bulging apple pie from one of the shelves, wrapped it up in brown paper, and set it on the case. “Take this to your ma with my regrets. You tell her if she needs anything….” He wrung his chubby hands together. “Anything at all, she has but to ask.”
Ellie wiped at her eyes with the back of her hand. “I will, Mr. Jameson. We’re headed to the house now. Mama doesn’t know yet.”
Daniel gathered up the pie, nodded his thanks to the merchant.
Jameson clucked his tongue. “She loved your pa something fierce, but having you home should help ease her grief some. She was distraught when she learned you’d gone. Just lost without her little girl.” He shook his head sadly, eyes taking on a faraway look. After a moment, he snapped back to the present. “You make sure you remember to tell her what I said, Ellie.”
“I will, Mr. Jameson.” Ellie faced Daniel, her eyes dull, the spark of life that shone in them just a short time ago extinguished. “You ready?”
Daniel tilted his head. “I thought you wanted a sweet treat.”
Ellie sighed and swung away from the counter. “Yeah. I changed my mind.” Eyes downcast, she shuffled out of the shop.
With the homemade pie tantalizing his nose, Daniel headed after her. Jameson’s voice reached him as his hand gripped the door latch.
“You take good care of that girl, young man.”
Daniel glanced over his shoulder at the merchant, smiled. “I’ve made that task my life’s mission, sir, but she sure as hell don’t make it easy.”
Jameson’s rich laughter floated across the shop. “Nothing of value ever is.”
***
They made the rest of the trip in silence. Ellie just couldn’t bring herself to make polite conversation, and Daniel didn’t seem to mind.
Ellie reached the top of the winding hill that led from Newquay to the sandy bluffs where her childhood home perched, and came to a stop. Her heart threatened to pound from her chest. She slid the sack from her shoulder and gaped at the modest cottage. Not a thing had changed in five years. A knot tightened in her stomach as she stared at the whitewashed front door. How can I do this?
A warm hand on her shoulder told her Daniel had caught up with her brisk pace. “You all right?”
She swallowed and tried to speak, but the tears she held in an iron vice clogged her throat. She shook her head. I don’t know how to tell her!
“I have a suggestion, if you’re willing to hear it.”
Afraid she’d dissolve into a sobbing mess if she looked at him, Ellie kept her eyes affixed to the house. “What is it?”
“I think I should tell her the bad news. I was there when he died, I’m his first mate. It should come from me.”
She bristled at his words. Ellie wrapped the anger around her, anything to drive away the chilling anguish. “I’m not a coward.”
“It’s not about that. I can make the cut clean.” He sliced the side of his hand across his other palm to illustrate his point. “Convince her that your father didn’t die in vain. I can show her the reward to help buffer the pain. We found you.”
“You didn’t find me, Daniel. You were in a cell, remember?”
His eyes rolled. “Aye, but your mother doesn’t know that, and I don’t have a problem telling a little fib for the greater good.”
Ellie considered his suggestion. Mama didn’t really need the whole truth. Maybe it would be better. She wrinkled her nose. If she agreed, she’d have to admit his idea was a good one, which made the choice all the more difficult. “I think you’re right.”
Daniel reacted like he’d seen an apparition. “Did I hear you correctly?”
A reluctant smile pulled at her lips. “Aye, you heard me.”
“I know this is hard for you, Ellie, but it’s the right thing to do.” He tilted his head, captured her gaze. He wore his concern in the creases of his brow. “Are you ready?”
&nbs
p; Ellie took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Stiffening her spine, she nodded. “Ready.”
Chapter Sixteen
Pulse hammering in her ears, Ellie watched as Daniel’s hand lifted to knock on the door. She closed her eyes and tried to calm her breathing. The door latch clicked, sending them wide open again.
Yellow light poured onto Daniel and the porch floor.
Tingles shot down her spine.
“Evening, Mrs. Winters.” Daniel smiled at the open doorway.
“Oh, Daniel! Come in, come in.”
Her mother’s voice slid down Ellie’s spine like warm honey, undoing her resolve. She ached to reach out, give and take support, inhale Mama’s sugary scent. Ellie leaned against the wall for support.
“In just a minute. I have some news first.” Daniel cleared his throat, manufactured a tight smile.
“What? Why aren’t you coming in? Wait, where’s Michael?”
“That’s part of the news, ma’am.”
“Oh my Lord.”
When Daniel stepped forward in a rush, panic sliced through Ellie. She threw herself from the wood clapboards and darted for the open doorway. “Mama!” She barreled into Daniel’s backside, bouncing off with a whoosh of expelled air. Staggering back, she gripped the door frame to keep from toppling backwards.
“Ellie!” Mama screamed, green eyes wide with shock. She gaped, her frail hand flying to her throat. She reached toward Ellie, and then her entire body went limp.
Daniel lurched forward. He grabbed Mrs. Winters before she crashed to the floorboards and swept her into his arms. “That went well, don’t you think?”
Ellie tossed him a glare. “I couldn’t see her from outside. I thought she passed out.”
He chuckled, the husky sound rippling along her skin. “Aye, that she did.” Daniel twisted, scanning the open parlor. He jutted his chin toward a pair of doors on the left. “Which of those is her bedroom?”
She gave herself a mental shake. “The far one.”
Daniel carried Ellie’s mother into the back bedroom and deposited her on the wide bed. “Bring a light in here.”
