The Pirate's Jewel

by Cheryl Howe

  Jewel was correct when she’d said he appeared to recognize the island. He had drawn a similar outline in the middle of a vast empty ocean five years ago, and then stuck the map in the bottom of a forgotten sea chest. His sketch might vary slightly from the map, but the island’s one inlet, a jagged cove the shape of a broken heart, was immediately recognizable. The same inlet where they would be forced to land, and the same inlet where Nolan had ordered Bellamy marooned. Would Jewel recognize her father’s skeleton?

  “That’s it, all right.” Wayland interrupted Nolan’s morose speculations. “The runes are as plain as day once you know what to look for. Gotta hand it to the chit.”

  Nolan refused to believe in such a wicked coincidence. “How can that be? You have to be mistaken.”

  Wayland laughed. “Sorry, lad. But it makes perfect sense to me. When Bellamy was captain, we must have taken that same course Captain Kent last sailed near twenty times, looking for the place he might stash his booty. Doesn’t surprise me a bit you picked the same unmarked island your grandfather did to dump the demon dogging your heels.”

  Nolan shook his head. The truth in Wayland’s logic showed him how foolish he’d been. He should have seen it for himself. He should have searched the island instead of taking Wayland’s word that it was truly deserted. Maybe he would have found a clue. Maybe Bellamy had found the treasure after all, and they would have to pry his bony claws off a handful of gold coins.

  He gulped the rest of his grog. “At least Captain Kent got to bury his demons on that island. Mine are still haunting me.”

  “Kent got hanged. That hidden treasure didn’t buy his freedom like he hoped. All you’ve got chewing at you is one skinny chit whose father you killed. Sounds like you got the good end of that deal.”

  Nolan wondered, but he was ready to change the subject. “We’ll need supplies. We’ll stop at Nassau, then head straight for the island.”

  “What about Bellamy?”

  Nolan sucked in air through his teeth. “I imagine he’s good and dead by now.”

  Wayland shrugged. “Aye. But you’re the one scared of ghosts. What are you going to tell Jewel?”

  “Nothing.” Taking her to the island where her father had been forced to take his own life or likely suffer a horrible death by dehydration was cruel. Sparing her from knowing whose carcass they tripped over seemed the least he could do.

  Wayland rubbed his chin. “Don’t want to drive her into Parker’s arms outright, then? Just want to do it with your easy charm?”

  Nolan feared he had already delivered her to Parker but didn’t say so. “This has nothing to do with any feelings for Jewel. And I would appreciate you not giving her any more advice. You’re only confusing her.”

  Wayland scoffed. “That girl’s sharper than you or I. Even outdoes her sire, who was pretty damned crafty. She’s the one what figured out the treasure’s hiding place. We couldn’t even find the island when we once bloody well stood on it.”

  “Perhaps, but she’s still innocent when it comes to what goes on between men and women.” Nolan stared into his empty grog cup and battled the urge for more. He realized he didn’t know much more than Jewel about romantic entanglements.

  Wayland waved his hand. “Hell, Parker will teach her all that. I imagine he’ll be real gentle, too.”

  Nolan gripped his mug. “Are you purposely trying to drive me insane?”

  Wayland’s slow grin was his answer. Nolan wasn’t sure why, but he suspected Wayland enjoyed seeing him lose control of himself—especially in drink and women, the two things that had made the pirate life tolerable, even sometimes enjoyable.

  “How ’bout another drink, boy?” Wayland pushed his mug toward Nolan.

  “Not that you care, but whatever you’re up to is likely to hurt Jewel much more than me.” He snatched Wayland’s mug, and then wiped it out with a rag and returned it to its latched shelf.

  The old pirate retrieved a silver flask from beneath his loose shirt and took a long draw. “If you ask me, you’re the one who’s done most of the hurting.”

  Damn him, Wayland was right. The hostility he’d used to disguise his attraction had done as much damage as any explicit instructions. And his fierce rejection might drive Jewel to a man she wasn’t ready for. All she needed was some time to see him for who he was. Just a man.

  A man who’d killed her father. Nolan cringed at the thought.

  Wayland got up and stretched. “Going to get a bit of shut-eye. How ’bout you?”

  Nolan gathered up the map and Wayland’s notes. “I’m going to kick Mr. Tyrell out of his cabin.”

  “Suit yourself.” Wayland shrugged, but Nolan could see the twinkle in his eye.

  CHAPTER NINE

  Jewel leaned on the Integrity’s rail and stared at the lights of Nassau. Nolan had already informed her that she wouldn’t be going ashore tomorrow with the rest of the crew. She hadn’t bothered arguing. Her easy agreement seemed to disappoint him. Not that she could tell much that went on behind the cool front Nolan Kenton presented her.

  Behind her, a few sailors lounged on deck, smoking pipes that were only permissible when at anchor. Embers flared with each breath, the only sign that Jewel was not completely alone. Their presence was little comfort. Never had she felt so desolate.

  She turned her face up to the sky and bathed in the wash of soft stars strewn like a luminous net across a dusky blue void. Caribbean nights proved as sultry as the days. Jewel had spent many an afternoon marveling at the azure sky that seeped into the turquoise ocean, painting everything in hot blue light. She longed to reach out and touch the clear water, to test Wayland’s promise that the sea here was as warm as the constant winds. Despite the fact that she had never learned to swim, she imagined she could ride the waves with the dolphins that followed the ship.

  Yet recalling her joy at watching the sea creatures tag along behind them couldn’t salve the sting of her last encounter with Nolan. Not even Parker could stir a smile from her. He had tried. And since he had been sent to shore with Wayland on a scouting expedition of Nassau, Jewel’s mood had turned even more morose.

  Nolan wanted news of the impending revolution as well as whether word had leaked that Captain Kent’s grandson was again looking for the infamous treasure. If all went well—and in this case, no news was good news—Nolan’s crew would have leave. If not, they’d sail on.

  She turned her back on Nassau and searched the deck for Nolan. He cared for her, though obviously without the same intensity she felt for him. His aversion to love was clear. Every time she mentioned the word, he looked like he’d stepped on a jellyfish. He had charted the course of their relationship and decided it led nowhere he wanted to go. He relied on cold, hard facts. Feeling was something to struggle against. The very fact that he cared for Jewel worked against her.

  Yes, she realized, Nolan forced himself to live by some standard that defied natural reason. He was strict about propriety, about control. Why else would he continue to wear his coat when the weather turned sweltering? Somewhere along the way, he had stopped trusting his heart and decided to live by a code alone. Getting through to him seemed impossible. He and Jewel each spoke a language the other didn’t understand—and he didn’t seem to want to learn the language of faith and love. Jewel sucked in her breath and turned to face the ocean, letting the warm breeze relax the tightness in her chest. A surge of awareness rushed through her limbs as Nolan stepped on deck. She glanced in his direction, but he quickly averted his gaze, turned and headed away. The wall he used to shield himself had been rebuilt.

  She leaned on the railing, no longer able to enjoy the night’s beauty. God, she hated knowing there was no chance for them. She still longed for him. It scared her how thoroughly.

  Wayland’s head popped up over the side, right next to where Jewel was standing. He startled her out of her spiraling thoughts.

  “Didn’t you hear me, chit? I yelled at you to fetch a lantern. Parker almost slipped coming up th
e ladder.”

  “I did not,” yelled Parker from over the side. “Get out of the way, old man, so I can get on board.”

  Wayland swung his leg over the rail. He seemed to have enjoyed himself in Nassau. His cheeks were flushed, and he looked absolutely jolly in the pirate garb they’d all donned to go ashore.

  Parker, who followed up the ladder, appeared pale. His baggy canvas pants and striped shirt hardly disguised the starched young officer beneath. His clean hair looked far too neat, even with the red kerchief tied on his head. He even sported an earring.

  As if he noticed Jewel’s scrutiny, Parker yanked out the gold hoop and winced. She plainly saw red on his pale earlobe. “You’re bleeding,” she said. She reached out to examine his ear, but Parker pulled away.

  “I’m fine. It was just bloody uncomfortable is all.” He covered his ear with his palm.

  Wayland laughed. “Thought we were going to have to get Parker here a wet nurse. Should have heard him mewl when I stuck his ear to get the hoop in.”

  Parker glared. “It was unnecessary.”

  Wayland winked. “As green as you look, we would have been picked for spies or redcoats.”

  “Your drinking certainly fooled anyone who doubted we were honest-to-God pirates.”

  Wayland playfully shoved Parker, sending him stumbling. “‘Honest to God?’ That’s it, Parker. We might get you swearing yet.”

  The lieutenant spun, his hands balled in fists, but Nolan approached before he could take a swing.

  “What are you two doing back so soon?”

  For the first time since Jewel knew him, Parker didn’t snap to attention under Nolan’s harsh gaze. “He’s impossible. Completely unprofessional.”

  “Aw, he’s just pissed because I asked Maria to let him suck on her tit. Don’t know why he’s so mad. She didn’t mind at all, and she returned the favor by sucking on his—”

  “Shut up.” Parker’s face reddened, except for his lips, which formed a thin white line. He jerked his head in Jewel’s direction, but the gesture only confirmed Wayland’s tale. “I was trying to see if she knew anything.”

  “Lieutenant Tyrell, I don’t want to know what happened unless it pertains to our plans. What news do you have?” Nolan seemed to have no sympathy. No doubt he had experienced similar situations in his youth. Jewel could only imagine what it must have been like with a whole crew of Waylands and no one to keep order. No wonder it took a knife in his shoulder to keep him on her father’s ship. All the same, Jewel felt sorry for Parker’s embarrassment.

  The man somehow found his dignity. He released his hurt ear and stood a little straighter. “We spotted some of the crew from the Neptune. It’s down here. Greeley and some of the others who boarded us were milling about. I think they recognized us—or at least they recognized Wayland. He’s pretty hard to miss.”

  Wayland clapped his hands and then rubbed them vigorously. “What do ya think, Nolan? Are you ready for a fight?”

  Nolan shook his head. “We don’t have a letter of marque, nor do we stand a chance against a man-of-war.”

  Wayland stepped forward. “Hell, I saw a load of me old mates at the Devil’s Bounty. They’d be glad to fight with us.”

  Parker clasped his hands behind his back. “They do have our men, Captain. You said yourself the war is on. They’ve blockaded Boston Harbor. They’re keeping us from our home. I don’t think they should be allowed to keep our crewmen, too.”

  Nolan raised his eyebrows. “You’re looking for a fight, Mr. Tyrell?”

  “He wasn’t keen on it at first, but after a few shots of kill-devil he came around.” Wayland reached into his coat pocket and removed a bottle. “Here. Brought you some.”

  Nolan took the bottle and flung it over the side. “I’m not going to get drunk on bad rum and attack a British warship. Nor are we ever—and I mean ever—going to throw our lot in with a bunch of pirates who are as likely to slit our throats and take our ship as they are to help us.”

  Parker glanced at the deck, but the stern set of his jaw showed he wasn’t happy. Wayland put his hands on his hips.

  “If we’re going to turn tail and run, we might as well put on skirts and start serving ale at the Devil’s Bounty. Hell, I already saw a couple of mates eyeing Parker. His fast friendship with Maria broke their hearts.”

  Parker blushed again. He continued to look at his feet and didn’t comment.

  “We’re not going to do that, either.” Nolan didn’t appear annoyed by Wayland’s remark. In fact, he almost smiled. “We’re going to be smart and we’re going to get our men back. Parker, are you sober?”

  “No, Captain.” The red that tinged Parker’s ears paled to translucent white. “I think I might be ill.”

  “I imagine you will. Go do it, then meet me in the navigation station. I’ve the design of a British man-of-war somewhere. Wayland, come with me. We have a mission to plan.” Nolan turned on his heel and strode to the companionway. Wayland followed in almost a skip.

  Parker stumbled over to the side of the ship, and Jewel cringed when she heard him retch violently. Quietly, she stole away. She would have made sure he was all right, but she had more important things to do. This was her chance to be part of the adventure.

  ***

  Nolan wasted no time. By eavesdropping and just standing around—no one seemed to take notice of her anyway—Jewel learned the plan. And surprise was a key factor.

  She went to her cabin to retrieve her weapons and change into her men’s garb. If surprise was what Nolan wanted, surprise was what he would get. Jewel had no intention of staying in her cabin and playing the damsel in need of protection. She would help somehow. Harvey had taught her well how to use a sword, and she wanted to help, to pull her own weight. She had asked to come along, after all.

  She recalled Nolan’s face as he had spoken to his men. He had been lit up from within, growing more handsome with each word. Jewel had never seen him so passionate, and his crew hung on his every move. The few lanterns that hung from the riggings were extinguished, but the excitement in the air was apparent. As was the fact that, at this moment more than ever, this crew loved their captain.

  No longer did Nolan hide behind a guise of formality. He was Captain Kenton, a natural leader. There were no rifts or struggles in his personality tonight. The ease and passion with which he planned their assault was inspiring.

  The attack was based on an event Nolan had been involved in a few years ago called the Boston Tea Party. Jewel had heard of the uprising. Everyone had. And while the insurrection had shocked the world, Jewel was more surprised Nolan had taken part. She would have sworn him incapable now of stepping outside the limits of the law.

  Tonight, Nolan’s crew would be pirates instead of Indians. They would create a row, sneak on board the Neptune and get their men. It was common strategy to force recently impressed men to stay on board while the rest of the crew had leave. With any luck, the ship would be far away before the British discovered what had happened.

  The men gathering on deck were too busy chattering and perfecting their disguises to notice her when she returned. Jewel straightened her scabbard, glad she wouldn’t miss out on the excitement—even if it meant risking Nolan’s wrath. At least, if she were caught, he’d be forced to confront her rather than continue to dismiss her with cool politeness.

  Nolan arrived on deck in a crisp blue coat. Its brass buttons caught the light, making them glow in the semi-darkness. Jewel ducked behind a mast. If anyone noticed her, it would be him. But he seemed just as excited as everyone else. Jewel sneaked a peek around the mast, wondering if he intended to go with them. He was dressed even more formally than usual. If he had decided to stay on board the Integrity, it would ruin her plan to be available to help. He’d banish her to her cabin as soon as he saw her.

  Wayland blocked Nolan’s path to the center of the gathered men, examining him from head to toe. “I don’t like it,” he was saying. “You think polished boots are going
to fool them lobster backs if they catch you onboard their ship?”

  Nolan brushed him aside. “Only the marines wear redcoats. When they aren’t in dress uniform, the officers wear plain blue coats. Trust me. They’re not in full dress on a muggy night anchored in Nassau.”

  “I still think we should just swarm the ship. I don’t like you going on board alone.” Wayland stuck his hands in his pockets and glanced away.

  Jewel leaned around the mast to get a better look. Her departure to change her clothes had been too soon. She must have missed part of the plan. And if she didn’t know better, she would think Wayland was actually worried about Nolan’s safety.

  Nolan seemed set on his course of action. “You said yourself most of the Neptune’s crew is on leave. The guards left on board won’t dare to question an officer, if they see me at all.”

  Parker stepped forward. “I’ve already passed out the clothing I secured on shore. We’re ready to go, Captain.”

  His eyes were red rimmed, but some color had returned to his face. His haggard appearance finally succeeded in making his pirate garb look believable.

  “Good work, Mr. Tyrell. You’ll lead three boats full of men to the port side, and I’ll take two empty skiffs with me starboard. Make sure some of your skiffs stay out of sight, but make a lot of noise. We don’t want them to be sure how many launches are with you.”

  “You’re not taking them skiffs by yourself. I’m going with you,” Wayland said.

  Nolan turned and shook his head. “Our decoy is a rowdy pirates’ brawl. I think you should go with Parker and make sure everyone plays his part correctly.”

  Wayland smiled his famous gap-toothed grin. Jewel noticed the crew no longer cringed when he did. “Parker’s a fast learner. He don’t need me—do ya, boy?”

  The lieutenant didn’t answer. “You’re the one who’s got me worried, Nolan,” Wayland continued. “I’m thinking you’re getting ahead of yourself, going at this alone. Not very fitting of a captain to put himself in so much danger. You got to keep that in mind.”