by Wendi Zwaduk
“It’s tight.” He removed the oars and began rowing ashore. “You’re not worried?” he asked. “This is a pretty big risk.”
“My mother always said I liked adventure. From the time I was a little girl, I never did what was asked of me. Here, let me grab one of the oars.” She settled beside him and rowed in time with his movements. “She told me I’d be trouble. Mother died when I was ten. Father never remarried although the good Lord knows plenty of women have tried to take her place. I think he once believed in love and because she died, he decided love was a useless emotion.”
“That’s horrible.” But he understood. He’d loved once before as well. Delia Marie. Thinking about her tightened his chest. He’d once planned a future with the vibrant redhead. He would work in the shipyards while she’d raise the family they’d planned to create. The night he’d gone to ask for her hand, he’d found she’d left with another man—one with money. She wanted a life of luxury, not children at her hip. He’d vowed he’d gather great riches and live the life she so desperately wanted.
He couldn’t deny he liked the pirate’s life. No working, only robbing from the rich and dispersing some of the wealth to the downtrodden. He wasn’t a Robin Hood by any means. Not nearly so noble. He doubted he could change his life for Sarah, but he’d risk it.
“We’re almost there,” he puffed. With her help, they’d reached a set of docks in no time. “Ready?”
“Yes. We’ll go to Tobias right away.” She tucked the oar into the slots on the inside of the lifeboat. “He’ll sort you out.”
“These won’t work?” Killian tied up the boat and helped her onto the docks. “I’m trying to go incognito, not make a scene.”
“I’m sorry.” She blushed. “I assumed… Forgive me?”
“You’re forgiven, but first we have some ground rules. I’ll be this John Thomas you need. I’ll give you the lead in this charade, but if I feel it’s time to abandon ship, I’ll go. Understood?”
“I’ve underestimated you.” She laced her fingers together. “You’re more of a cutthroat than I expected.”
“One too many close calls and failures made me cautious. I like to know what’s going to happen.” He offered his arm. “Now, we must work on our story. Where do I live exactly?”
“The Moorington Apartments. They rent rooms by the month. Father wouldn’t know who comes and goes there.” She draped her arm around his and walked in time with him. “You’re in the trade business and you’ve made your money…hmm…”
“My father is a wealthy playboy up in Boston and I’ve run away to Norfolk to start a new life in the Moorington Apartments.” The lie rolled right off his tongue. “I didn’t want attention, but I couldn’t pass you up.”
“You’re good at creating a false life.” She rested her head on his shoulder. “Too good, I believe.”
“I’m a pirate. We do what we need to in order to survive.” Including acting the part of a wealthy man just for the sake of a beautiful woman. He focused on his mission. “I was at the docks, looking for work when I spotted your boat. I swam out to rescue you and am now taking you home to your father.”
“Very good. You sound quite noble.”
“I try.” He patted her hand. He liked the way she fit beside him. More than anyone, she fit with him, too. “How far from your father’s house?”
“Only a few blocks. You can’t miss the house. It takes up half of the block.”
She spoke so nonchalantly. His minx from the yacht switched personas so easily. Would he even fit into her world? Would she want him to once he’d helped her out of her predicament? No, no, he reminded himself. Focus on the mission.
“There it is.” She sped up her steps, nearly dragging him across the busy city street. “This is the Moyer Mansion.”
Killian gritted his teeth to keep his mouth shut. She wasn’t joshing about the house. Three stories sprawling over half a city block. The white façade gleamed in the late day sun. A wide porch surrounded the home and manicured lawns stretched all around the building. Her father really must’ve had money. Killian screwed up his determination and made up his mind. He’d help her, and if he ended up with a broken heart, then that meant the fates didn’t want him to keep the women he loved.
“Miss Sarah?” A woman surged off the porch and hurried down the concrete walkway. “It is you. We were so worried.” The redhead threw her arms around Sarah’s neck and sobbed. “Frederick said pirates. I thought you were dead.”
“No, Delia. I’m quite fine.” Sarah hugged the woman. “Where’s Father?”
Where was Father? Killian barely heard their conversation. The more he looked at the redhead, the harder the realization hit. He’d found his Delia. She could blow his cover if she recognized him. Damn it.
“Who is this fine young man?” Delia gripped Sarah’s arm tight. “He’s very handsome. Is he your rescuer?”
“I am.” Killian bowed. “John Thomas. I saw her floundering and rushed to her aid.” His stomach churned. “You’re Delia? Nice to meet you.”
She batted her eyelashes and giggled. She didn’t seem to recognize Killian at all. “Frederick will be so happy to see you. He’s been worried sick. Your father threatened to fire him, but when he found out Freddie and I are expecting, well, he relented.”
Expecting? Bile rose in his throat. So much for her not wanting a family. Apparently she wanted to bear children, just not his children.
“Let’s go inside. It’s getting drafty. Mr Thomas,” Sarah said, “won’t you come with us?” She offered her hand to Killian. “I insist.”
He debated refusing but nodded. “I’ll follow you. Run along.”
“Good.” She tipped her head to the side just a bit—enough for him to notice. Worry clouded her eyes. Instead of questioning him, she allowed Delia to pull her up the walkway.
Killian kept up behind her and accepted his fate—he’d either be found out by the ever-vigilant Freddie, have Delia realize who he was, or Sarah’s father wouldn’t buy the ruse. He said he’d help Sarah and vowed he’d see the mission through. Damn promises anyway.
Chapter Seven
He wasn’t acting like himself. Sarah kept from glancing back at Killian. She’d conned him into the mission, but she could tell he wasn’t happy. Something had spooked him. His normally sweet and controlled disposition wilted. Their plan couldn’t be failing—not yet. She refused to let them fail.
Once inside the house, Delia left Sarah and Killian alone in order to retrieve Sarah’s father.
“What’s troubling you?” Sarah murmured. She stepped into Killian’s personal space and stared into his eyes.
“I’m fine.” He raked his fingers through his hair. His gaze never settled on any one place.
“Planning to rob us blind?” she snapped.
“I had what I wanted but you insisted on being brought home.” Killian folded his arms, effectively shutting her out.
She wanted to say something and reassure him, but Delia, Frederick, Isaiah and her father entered the foyer of the house.
“My girl, you’re home. I worried about you.” Mr Moyer engulfed her in an embrace. “You must tell me about your trip and the young man who brought you back to me.”
“Why don’t we adjourn to the parlor?” Sarah said. She disengaged from her father and steered Killian into the side room. “This will be nicer.”
“You make me wait to see my beloved.” Isaiah followed her father, Nelson, into the parlor, but didn’t sit. His words might have sounded romantic to anyone else, but Sarah knew the truth. The only thing that mattered to Isaiah was money.
“Enough, Isaiah,” Mr Moyer snapped. “Be nice to our guest.”
“Who is this guest, then?” Isaiah notched his chin in the air. “We don’t allow riff raff in the Moyer House. Wait on the street and I’ll have the maid find you a crust of bread.”
“He’s not riff raff,” Delia exclaimed. “He’s the man who saved our Miss Sarah. He’s a hero.”
Sarah curled her arms around Killian’s tight bicep. “I’m very grateful to him. These awful pirates kidnapped me and then had the gall to leave me in the bay in a tiny lifeboat. It was dreadful.”
“When I spotted you in the bay, I knew I had to help.” Killian’s voice dropped an octave. “Can’t leave a lady alone in the world.”
“Peculiar.” Frederick narrowed his eyes. “You look familiar. Have you been in Norfolk long?”
“Only a few months. I’ve kept a low profile. If my father found out where I was, he’d be sure to haul me back to Boston.” Killian tensed, but his expression never wavered.
“Boston? What does he do?” Isaiah asked. “Trash collecting?”
“He’s a shipping baron. Moves things from place to place for a small fee.” The muscle in Killian’s jaw quivered.
Nelson put his hand in the air, keeping Isaiah behind him. “Thank you, my boy, for bringing my daughter home to me.” He placed paper money in Killian’s hand. “Here’s a crisp hundred dollar bill. I swore whoever brought her home deserved a hefty reward.”
“Thank you, Mr Moyer, but no thank you. I appreciate your kindness, but seeing her home safely is reward enough.”
“Truly.” Isaiah strolled around Nelson and clapped Killian’s shoulder. “Why don’t I see you out?”
“Isaiah,” Sarah snapped. She situated herself between the man she loved and the man she loathed. “We should give him refuge for the night. Dinner at least. He’s gone out of his way to assist me and deserves a kindness beyond money. The guest wing surely must be open.”
“He probably wants to go home.” Isaiah nudged her out of the way. “He’ll be happier at home.”
Killian sighed, but she swore the sound was more of a growl. “I’ve had a lovely time meeting you, Sarah. I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors. Goodbye, love.” He kissed her hand then bowed. “Good evening.”
Sarah fought back tears. His farewell sounded so final. She watched him weave through the others in the parlor. When the front door clicked shut, her heart tore in two. He’d taken a piece of her soul with him. She wanted to run after him. Coming home had been a mistake.
“Come now, darling.” Isaiah grabbed her elbow. “Darling? Don’t tell me you’ve formed an attachment to him. He’s beneath you.”
Beneath her… “Did you miss me?” she managed. When Sarah looked up into Isaiah’s eyes, she didn’t feel warmth—just a chill.
“Of course. I made some of the wedding arrangements while you were gone. I’m sure you’ll find them satisfactory.” Isaiah nodded to Nelson. “Hyacinths for the church and ice sculptures for the reception on the back lawn. I’ve even purchased you a gown for our big day.”
She stared at Isaiah, unable to speak. He’d bought her a gown? The one thing she didn’t need or want, he’d gone ahead and purchased. More proof he didn’t know her at all. She balled her fists. “I’m wearing Mother’s dress.”
A faint smile crossed her father’s lips.
“You want something new and fashionable,” Isaiah spat. He clicked his tongue. “I know what’s best for you. I don’t have time to listen to your foolishness. Nelson, where were we? I believe we needed to go over the details of the Levant Packing acquisition.”
“Just a moment.” Nelson held up his hand once more. “I’d like a word with my daughter.”
“You’ve got all evening to see her,” Isaiah replied. “This acquisition won’t wait.”
Nelson slowly turned his attention to his protégé. “I’ve not seen my Sarah in almost a year. I’ve missed her terribly.” He smoothed his index finger and thumb along his salt-and-pepper mustache. “For being such an enthusiastic suitor, you’re not showing me you care. Money does not mean more than her well-being, are you telling me it does?”
Sarah pressed her lips together and wobbled onto the arm of the sofa. She’d never heard her father speak in such terms. His apparent shift in attitude pleased her.
“We all have business to attend to. I’ll be certain to entertain my future bride at the cocktail hour.” Isaiah stuffed his hands into his suit coat pockets. “This is more important.”
“My daughter is more important than any acquisition.” Nelson bowed his head. “As I said, I’d like a word with my daughter.”
“As you wish.” Isaiah clapped his hands.
Frederick and Delia scurried out of the room ahead of him. Isaiah took his time. Did he want her to challenge her father for the right to keep Isaiah in the room? Not a chance. He finally closed the door and left her alone with her father.
“I’m quite glad to be home, Father.” Sarah scooted off the arm of the couch and took a seat on the cushions. “Thank you for the lovely trip.”
Nelson sat beside her and slipped her hand into his. “Do you expect me to believe this charade?” He paused and stared at her. “Sarah, I’m quite certain that man didn’t simply rescue you from the bay.”
She wanted to ask him how he’d figured her out but kept quiet.
“I’ve learned to read people. That boy you accompanied cares about you. Tell me the truth of his identity and how you’ve come to know him.”
“Father, I can’t.” He’d have Killian arrested, certainly. After all he’d taught her and the way he’d treated her, she couldn’t give Killian up.
“Do you truly wish to marry Isaiah?”
“No.” She’d answered too quickly. “I don’t love him and never have. I’ll do what you see fit, but no, I don’t want to marry him.”
Nelson nodded once. “I assumed so.” He stood and walked across the room to the painting of her mother. The grand oil painting decorated the space above the mantel. “Dot was right. You’ve got her free spirit.” He touched the gilt frame. “I never told you about the night your mother died.”
She gulped and toyed with the beading on her dress. Her father rarely spoke about her mother, let alone the night she passed.
“Your mother used to believe things I never thought possible and convinced me to be more than I was. Dorothy encouraged me to travel back to England and speak with Father. She said I flourished once Father and I made amends. She was right. My Dot.” He withdrew a handkerchief from his pocket and dabbled his eyes beneath his glasses. “The day Dot told me we were going to become parents, I panicked. I wasn’t ready to be a father. She said otherwise and was right. We had so much fun.” He smiled, despite his misty eyes. “Do you remember the night my Dot left me?”
“Mother was sick. She had me sleep in her bed the night before. I wanted to stay with her but you made me go to school. When I came home, you kept me in the nursery.” She remembered sitting with her stuffed bear and her porcelain dolls, talking to them and hoping her mother would be fine. Nothing was ever the same.
Nelson touched the skirts on the painting then turned his attention to Sarah. “She was round with your brother. I wanted a boy to teach the business. I knew you could handle it, but I wanted you taken care of.” He shook his head. “There were too many complications late and once the doctor came.”
“Mother lost a lot of blood and you lost the both of them,” she whispered.
He removed his glasses and wiped his eyes again. “I swore I’d never lose you, too, but it seems I let my money cloud my judgment. I did what I thought was best. Isaiah would have treated you well with the finest dresses and furs. He’d make sure you lived in a sweeping estate with horses and the grandest parties.”
“I’d be bored,” Sarah whispered.
“I’m sure.” Nelson managed a smile. “You never liked parties. Too much trouble to pander to people you didn’t care for.” He touched the painting once more then rounded the couch to sit beside her. “Now tell me the truth about Killian Thomas.”
She gasped. The charade hadn’t worked. “There’s not much to tell.”
“The infamous pirate kidnaps my daughter, treats her well as far as I can see, and pretends to be someone else in order to bring her back to me. I’d say there’s plenty to tell.”
“And you fell for him?”
“Father.” She refused to be so frank with him.
“Be honest. From what I can see, you’re head over heels in love with the rascal.”
She might as well do as he’d asked. “I have fallen in love with him. He’s terrible because he’s a criminal, but there’s a good side to him. He risked his life and crew to bring me back.”
“I see.” Nelson snapped his fingers.
Rodgers, the butler, marched into the parlor. Nelson whispered something to Rodgers Sarah couldn’t hear. Rodgers then nodded and left the room again.
“What’s going on?” she asked.
“Clean yourself up for dinner, child. Wear something cheery.” Nelson stood. He replaced his glasses and refolded his handkerchief. “We’re going to celebrate.”
Sarah surged out of her seat. She wanted to question him but hesitated. “Yes, Father.” The idea of eating nauseated her. She wanted Killian to come back. She’d never catch up to him if she snuck off to find him.
“Oh, and, Sarah?” Nelson said, standing in the doorway.
“Yes, Father?”
“The next time you decide to take the car for a secret joyride, don’t leave your hat on the seat.” He winked then left her alone.
He knew about her jaunt in the car? The tips of her ears burned. He wasn’t supposed to find out. She smiled and glanced over at the painting of her mother. Yes, she shared Dot’s wild spirit. She wondered what her mother would say if she found out her only daughter had fallen in love with a pirate? Would she laugh? Be stern? Or encourage the coupling? Sarah smiled. She’d like to think her mother would’ve approved.
Sarah smoothed the wrinkles from her dress then headed to her bedroom. She didn’t understand what was going on, but maybe it was time to follow her heart and trust her father.
