Table of Contents
THE TRUE ONE
Acknowledgements
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Epilogue
THE TRUE ONE
One And Only Series - Book Two
SAMANTHYA WYATT
SOUL MATE PUBLISHING
New York
THE TRUE ONE
Copyright©2014
SAMANTHYA WYATT
Cover Design by Christy Caughie
This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, business establishments, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
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Published in the United States of America by
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Macedon, New York, 14502
ISBN: 978-1-61935-667-2
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Acknowledgements
My heartfelt thanks to Soul Mate Publishing.
To my editor, Stella, who gave me the chance for the first book in this series.
To Debby, for offering me the contract and giving me an early release date.
And most of all to the readers—my fans.
Keep the Spirit!
Samanthya
Prologue
Cape Verde Islands
1824
The noise from the taproom flowed through the open door. Jedediah stood to the side while one man staggered out. When the way was clear, he slid through the door into the dimly lit room. His eyes searched through the smoke and barrier of bodies until he found a large man with a red beard. His informant hadn’t exaggerated when he said the man had arms the size of tree limbs, and a chest as wide as the trunks in England’s glens.
Finally, his search was at an end. In the six months it took to find the captain, Jedediah had apparently been one port behind him. Now, his quarry was in sight. Soon he could return to London.
The bearded man threw back his head and roared with laughter. His arm snaked out and grabbed a barmaid, landing her firmly in his lap. Mayhap this man was not as fierce as Jedediah had been led to believe. But then, appearances could be deceiving. After all, his employer certainly kept his clandestine dealings separate from his noble status. Especially when he ventured to the London docks.
Disreputable men lurked everywhere.
Jedediah stared at the captain of Serpent’s Ghost. If tales were to be believed, his particular ship sailed in and out of ports as slick as a mate’s whistle. And its commander was a man to be feared—yet awed.
Some said he was ruthless.
Dangerous.
Deadly.
Diverse few said his haughtiness was more confidence than conceit. His temper flared as fierce as his red hair suggested—seemingly rooted from passion. Everything Jedediah learned had painted the man ruthless, devoid of mercy. Yet from more than one man’s lips, the words trust and loyalty were added to the intense captain’s qualities.
Those redeeming traits convinced Jedediah’s employer that Captain Stephen Radbourn was the right man for this task. Being a staffer, Jedediah had been sent to find the notorious captain.
Without drawing attention to himself, he stayed in the shadows of the island’s tavern. He’d come here for a reason. He couldn’t back out now. Slowly, he stepped forward, making his way around the raucous room to the table of the man with hair so thick, green eyes blazed in the middle of a red cloud.
“Go on with ya,” the barmaid cooed.
“Give me a taste, wench.” The captain pulled at the scanty top barely covering the girl’s bosom and lowered his head. She giggled and pretended to push away while giving him a generous view of her globes. The captain playfully drove a hand down the front of her blouse. The claim of his fondness for women was unquestionably true.
Clearly enjoying his advances, the girl wiggled closer. Her slender fingers grasped a lock of red hair and she whispered in his ear. The captain growled, removed his hand and squeezed her hip. He tilted his head and laughed again. The girl jumped from his lap with a siren’s grin and a promise in her eyes.
The captain lifted his mug, giving a salute. Another sailor, obviously in his cups, bumped into the raised arm spilling the ale. The red-haired giant growled and lunged out of his chair, swinging his arms like a ship’s sails dithering in the raging sea wind. After a good blasting, the poor sod trembled in fright and scurried away.
Indeed. Jedediah had found the right man.
Inching closer, he stood beside the colossal man’s table. “Excuse me. Would you be the captain of Serpent’s Ghost?”
The huge man spun around, amazingly swift for a man his size. He lifted his brows in a gesture that very effectively managed to convey his displeasure. Jedediah swallowed. Maybe this wasn’t the best way to approach the man, especially in a place like this.
With eyes as green as the palms on the island, the giant’s gaze held a calculating chill, dissecting every pore of Jedediah’s skin. The bushy beard covered a good bit of the captain’s face, but not enough to hide his scowl, which made his scrunched brows look about as malleable as granite.
“And who are you?” Captain Radbourn said with such a booming voice, surely the rafters shook.
Jedediah ignored his quaking knees and put on his best business face. “My name is Jedediah, but I am not important. If you are the captain of Serpent’s Ghost, I have a proposition for you.”
The hulking captain crossed his massive arms over his chest. “Go on.”
“You will be rewarded handsomely.” Jedediah gestured to
ward the table where the man had been sitting. “If you will allow me to buy you a drink, I’ll explain everything.”
The captain’s eyes narrowed with skepticism while he contemplated his decision. With a jerk of his head, he pulled back his chair and lowered his bulk. Thank goodness. Jedediah had a stiff neck from looking up. The man stood over six feet and a half foot more. The muscles on his frame looked like he’d pilfered the butcher’s shop and tied hams around his arms and thighs.
“My employer is a very wealthy man.” He wished his voice sounded stronger. Knowing this man could break his thin frame like a twig did not embolden him. Nevertheless, he had a job to do.
Propping his forearm on the wooden table, the captain leaned in close. “And just who is your employer?”
“A gentleman in England who prefers his name be kept private. However, he has instructed me to make you an offer.”
“Me,” the captain repeated.
“The captain of the Serpent’s Ghost,” Jedediah said and then held his breath.
The big man leaned back in his chair making the wooden legs creak under his weight. “Why would your employer be wanting the Serpent’s Ghost?”
“Your reputation, of course. It is told that your ship can go places none other can. I’ve heard its captain is ruthless and fears no one. Your men are steadfast and loyal. Your ship has been known to slip in and out of ports of interest without notice.”
“And you would want my ship not to be noticed?” Lines creased his forehead.
“Undetected, yes.”
“The destination?”
With a dry mouth, Jedediah answered, “India.”
No movement. The captain, still as stone, gave no clue to his thoughts. Then his jaw tightened and his eyes narrowed. Jedediah’s stomach coiled from the heated glare.
A mug of ale landed in front of him, giving him a moment of reprieve. He hadn’t noticed the girl’s arrival. With a saucy smile, she placed another mug in front of the captain. His eyes remained on Jedediah. Unable to coax a response from her previous admirer, the barmaid swung around to the next table.
“Why?”
Only one word. But the abrasive tone insisted Jedediah answer. “My employer has an interest in the Indian states.”
Leaning forward, Captain Radbourn braced one arm on the table. “If you know anything about me, you should know I am not uninformed. I am familiar with the skirmishes among the Indian princes with the British military taking away the rulers’ independence. I assume your employer is aware there are warlike Rajputs who fight against being ruled by the British.”
“There are those who fight for good, and there are those who fight purely because they are evil. Should you run into such a group, they would be relentless.”
“I suppose you did your research before you singled me out for this undertaking.”
“Yes. We delved into your background.”
A devious smile lifted one corner of the giant’s mouth. “So what were my credentials for this particular job?”
“Your brash manner captured my employer’s attention. You strike fear in the hearts of men. A more ruthless character would not be found.”
“Ruthless?”
“And fair,” he added quickly. “Those two . . . qualities do not usually go hand in hand. Your men are loyal, to the point they would lay down their lives for you.”
When the captain’s eyes blazed, Jedediah hoped he’d complimented the man and not mistakenly insulted him in some way. He took another approach. “This undertaking would make you a fortune.”
Captain Radbourn leaned back once again and crossed his arms over his massive chest. “I will not trade in opium.”
“No . . . no one expects you to.” Jedediah hated the catch in his voice. He shifted his weight, suddenly aware of the wood beneath his seat. Hard, unyielding. Like the man in front of him.
Jedediah took a steadying breath. “There are Indian spinners and weavers who do not want to fight. These men believe in fair trade but are being forced by some armies to follow certain rulers, to give up their independence. Those are the ones my employer wants to help.” He waited a moment for his words to sink in. “I must have your answer before I give you more information.”
The giant seemed to be considering. Then he asked, “Would I be carrying guns?”
“Yes. You would travel as a merchant transporting goods manufactured in Britain.” He reached to his inside pocket and carefully removed a dark cloth. An object hid inside the folds. Making sure no one could see, he pulled back one corner exposing a ruby the size of an egg.
The captain’s eyes darkened, but no other expression appeared on his face.
Jedediah waited breathlessly for a response. The man was maddeningly composed. “As I said, my employer would pay you well.”
He grew uncomfortable under the captain’s stare. Sweat broke out on the back of his neck. He willed his fingers to remain still, even though he desperately wanted to loosen his neck cloth. Trying not to blink, he prayed the giant would not plant a fist in his face.
“The money does not play a part in my decision. I own three other ships. And make a tidy profit. However, I feel a bit restless and suddenly find myself in need of a distraction.” The captain slammed both hands on the table with a bang. “I accept.”
After Jedediah nearly jumped out of his skin, relief unlike anything he’d ever known poured through his limbs. He’d taken a risk, not knowing if he would be permitted to walk away. Men had killed for less than the priceless stone he housed in his pocket. “Are you certain? Once I disclose the details of this voyage, you must follow through. I need your word.”
Anger flared in large green eyes and Jedediah feared his end had come.
“Let me assure you, if I give my word, it will suffice.”
The captain’s harsh tone unsettled Jedediah to his bones. “Our matter is of a timely nature, and it has taken me months to find you. My employer hoped you would set sail right away.”
“Is that so? Your employer must be an impatient man.”
“Quite the contrary. As I said, it has taken me months to find you. I will meet you tomorrow morning, at your ship, with more instructions.” He collected himself and gave a nod he hoped the captain would accept.
“I’ll speak to my men.”
“You mustn’t say anything of our plans to your crew. At least until after you sail. I trust no one.” If anyone got wind of this scheme, it would spell disaster—for all involved.
Stephen watched the squirrelly man slip away. What had he just agreed to? He lifted his mug and doused his apprehension as quickly as he slaked his thirst. He’d been in sticky situations before.
“What was that all about?” Stephen’s first mate, Abe, plopped his ale on the table and lowered his frame into the chair the wiry man had just vacated.
“Our next voyage.” Stephen’s gaze remained on the little man until the crowd swallowed his form. “I just received an intriguing proposal.”
“Who was that?” Abe gave a jerk of his head.
“A man of a man.” Stephen shifted in his chair. “Who just offered me a fortune.”
“Another boasting of treasure?”
“Something a mite different.”
“You have the look of mystery. If there is secrecy, there must be a threat.”
“There is always an element of danger.” Stephen regarded his first mate. “What would you do if you had a fortune, Abe?”
“Same as you. Get my own ship and sail for the rest of me life.” He lifted his mug and took a hefty swallow.
Stephen absentmindedly rubbed the handle on his mug of ale. “With one large score, I could go home for Katherine.”
“And be right back in a matter of months. Your sister is fine with relatives, and you lo
ve the sea.”
Stephen gave a knowing smile. “That’s why I still captain Serpent’s Ghost.” His eyes darted to the door.
“So what’s it to be?” Abe asked after some moments.
“The men have tonight. I’ll not disappoint them.” Stephen lifted his mug and drained it. “Tomorrow, round up the crew.”
“Rounding them up will be a chore. May require a day or two. Most of them scattered the instant we docked.”
Stephen swiped the foam from his beard. “We leave as soon as the ship is stocked.”
“Where are we headed?”
Stephen elevated one brow. “India.”
“India? We have not sailed in those waters before.”
“Aye.” Stephen frowned.
His first mate’s voice grew raspy. “Are you expecting trouble?”
“Hopefully, we’ll avoid it. We’ll not discuss it here. And not now.” His voice increased in volume and he gave a wink. “I’m off to find me a willing woman.”
Abe laughed and turned to the barmaid heading in their direction. “I have a hunch you won’t need to go far.”
Chapter 1
India
1824
Cannons exploded, sending balls through the deck of Serpent’s Ghost. Wood splintered propelling wreckage, making those fragments as deadly as a bullet. Smoke and shouts rent the air. Stephen bellowed orders to the crew, demanding to be heard over the chaos swarming on deck. Men drew their swords but the magnitude of men climbing on board far outweighed the number fighting for their lives.
The True One (One and Only Series Book 2) Page 1
