Bursting up, Perez darted around Talon’s tall form and slammed the door of his quarters. “Are you loco? Why don’t you scream it out at the top of your lungs?” With nostrils flaring, Perez pushed him into the chair. “I was warned that you might attempt to leave without finishing this job. Don’t you want to earn your five hundred pounds?”
Talon stopped short. Apparently, DuPont had given this Spaniard ample details about his mission. “Nay, sir. I’m dedicated to this assignment. But you’ll pardon my weariness as I haven’t received all the facts.”
Dropping into his chair with a sigh of irritation, Perez rubbed his temples. “I have my instructions direct from DuPont, just like you. What else do you need?”
Talon scanned Perez’s face. Who else had knowledge of their plans? The man’s lanky physique indicated he wasn’t a spy nor an assassin, nor did he look like a military man. He was nothing more than DuPont’s lackey.
Crossing into Perez’ space like a striking snake, Talon fisted Perez’s shirt front and lifted him from his chair. “My main concern is that I’m being set up as a scapegoat. Will I find myself in chains once we moor?”
The first mate coughed, his seedy gaze springing to the door. “We aren’t looking to blame anyone for anything, Señor. If you get Señorita Aringosa off the ship safely and into the Colonel’s hands, I give you my word that you will receive your fair share.”
Talon clenched the man’s collar tighter and growled. “In pounds sterling.”
The man sputtered, “Sí, of course. In pounds sterling.”
Releasing him, Talon removed his knife from his boot and placed the tip near Perez’s hands. “While I’m aboard this ship, I do things my way. Got it? I don’t need your advice on how to handle Miss Aringosa. Or do I need to make an example of you?” Eyeing Talon’s blade, Perez shook his head vigorously.
“Then we understand each other perfectly.” Turning to the door, Talon took his leave, slamming the cabin door behind him with dramatic fanfare.
Once outside, he sheathed his dagger and stomped down the hallway, whistling to alert his sidekick to his presence.
Marcus popped out from behind a dark stairwell and trailed Talon to the bunks. Talon cornered the boy. “Did you get it?” Pulling a key from his threadbare pocket, Marcus gave him a wide grin. Handing the boy a coin, Talon winked. “Good lad.
Chapter 8
STATIONED ONCE AGAIN in the galley, Talon resumed his cleaning duties, still keenly aware that something was amiss on the ship. He refused to be a pawn in this fiasco. After his confrontation with Perez, he’d have to spy on all of them—including the mysterious debutante.
As Alberto loaded a tray with food and drink for Miss Aringosa, Talon frowned. Alberto seemed to be more to her than just her escort. She didn’t resemble a wealthy debutante. Was she working for DuPont or was she as innocent as she said she was?
At this point, Talon trusted none of them.
“Psst!”
Talon glanced up as Alberto beckoned to him. With a quick gesture toward the door, the Spaniard snuck out of the galley.
Throwing his mop to the ground, Talon pulled his hat lower. He didn’t know what game Vargas was playing, but he was going to find out right now.
He waited for the cook to pass through and then walked out the door. The hallway was abuzz with sailors standing in line for their morning meal. He weaved through the boisterous group, tracking Alberto at a comfortable distance.
When they reached the top of the staircase, both men paced the long, dark corridor, arriving unnoticed at the captain’s quarters. With all other souls out of earshot, Talon seized Vargas from behind. The dishes on the tray clinked noisily as he twisted the man’s shirt front, cutting off his air supply.
“What’s this about, Vargas? You haven’t contacted me for weeks, and now you summon me like one of your lackeys?”
Alberto gasped for air. “I’ve been forced to stay away, Señor. But we’re running out of time. Señorita Aringosa needs to speak with you privately.”
Releasing the man, Talon eyed him suspiciously. “About what?”
“We need your help.” Balancing the tray precariously against the doorframe, Alberto removed a key from his pocket. “Breakfast will keep everyone busy for an hour. You must come before it is too late.”
The man certainly seemed desperate. Talon scratched his straggly beard as his instincts tingled. He had no clue what the woman’s role was in this game, but he was more than intrigued. What did he have to lose?
Tipping his hat, he gave the man a curt nod. “After you.”
As Vargas unlocked the door, Talon spied Marcus in the darkness, popping his head out from a corner. With a slight gesture, Talon indicated for him to stay put and wait. Right now, the boy was the only one he could trust.
TALON PACED THE WOODEN floor, awaiting Miss Aringosa impatiently as she finished her breakfast. Dabbing her mouth with her napkin, she placed her food aside. When her plump lips finally curved into a beautiful smile, she sat back and folded her hands in her lap. Her gaze was focused solely on him.
“Please sit, Monsieur.”
Doing her bidding, he assessed her quietly, mesmerized by the jade hue of her eyes. Vargas was pacing the floor like a rat looking for an escape route. Talon arched an eyebrow, his invisible wall firmly in place. Aye, he couldn’t trust these people with a pittance of gold.
She cleared her throat. “I appreciate you joining us this morning, Monsieur. Alberto has praised your efforts. Of course, I have witnessed your athletic prowess personally.” She batted her eyelashes.
So, now it’s to be seduction? With a guarded smile, Talon twisted his earlobe. “Not at all, Señorita Aringarso... raso?”
“You may call me Carina.” He shook his head with a snicker, and she frowned. “Pray tell, why is that humorous?”
He removed his leather hat and ran his hands through his thick hair. “No disrespect, but you don’t look like a Carina to me.” Her haughty glare caught him by surprise, and he hummed, “I apologize, Miss. I’m usually not outspoken.”
Wrinkling her petite nose, she waved her hand in the air as if she weren’t just affronted by his barbarous behavior. “I’m being silly, Monsieur, please—”
“Talon.”
She gave Vargas a sidelong glance. “Forgive my discreetness, Talon, but this matter couldn’t wait. I need your help. You see, I’m concerned for my life.” Gazing past his shoulder, she swallowed dramatically. Talon almost laughed when her hand fluttered near her décolletage.
He crossed his arms. “Is that so?”
She sniffled. “Oui. Since the debacle in the slave holds, I’ve had the notion that I’m being followed by members of the crew. Monsieur Vargas is escorting me home to meet my dear fiancé, and he agrees something might be amiss.”
Clenching his fists, Talon glared at the Spaniard. “Aye?” The man shrugged.
“It’s quite distressing.”
As she flashed Talon a look of innocence, moisture glimmering in her eyes, he stifled a smirk. He had to hand it to her. The woman had a penchant for theatrics.
He gave her his best look of sympathy. “I can see why. Taking on those rogues by yourself wasn’t smart.”
She stared at him for a moment, her eyebrow jumping just the slightest. He almost thought she was going to call him out. After a moment, she continued. “We know you have experience with a blade. And Alberto tells me you are quite adept at tracking—hence your reason for being aboard the ship and traveling to the colonies, I presume?”
He cleared his throat. “Right. I’m—a trapper by trade. Apparently, the fur business in the Territories pays well.”
“Perhaps you won’t need to earn riches with such hard labor. I can compensate you quite handsomely. Monsieur Vargas assures me you would be the perfect person to aid me.”
Foreseeing himself embroiled in yet another mess, he rubbed his temples and sighed. “I’m just a lowly trapper. How can I help a grand lady such as yourself?”<
br />
She leaned forward and whispered, “We need a spy, Monsieur Barberry.”
Alberto stepped forward, wringing his hat in his hands. “I told her about your experiences during the French Revolution, Señor.”
Tingles snaked over Talon’s scalp and he cocked his head. “Is that so?”
“Sí. Your exploits in France are notorious.”
Sitting up, Talon glared at Alberto. “That’s intriguing since only a few people are privy to my work in France. I didn’t know you were one of them.”
The Spaniard glanced at Miss Aringosa with wide eyes. The muscle in her jaw clenched. As she issued Alberto a sharp look, Talon glared at them, his nostrils flaring. They knew everything. They knew he was here to kidnap her.
Alberto groaned. “Dios mio...”
Bursting out of the chair, Talon grabbed his hat and strode to the door. “To hell with this. I’m getting off at the next port.”
“Talon, wait.” She placed a soft hand on his arm, her voice firm. “Please, I beg you. We both know there are secrets in play, but we do need your help. It’s a matter of life and death.”
As he stood toe to toe with the chit, his face inches from hers, he drank in her sweet floral scent. His body tingled, and if it were any other situation, he’d probably haul her into his arms and kiss the truth from her.
Donning his hat, he took a step back. “I can’t help you, Miss Aringosa, is it? I don’t work with people I can’t trust.”
“Look, Señor—”
“Shut up, Alberto.” The woman took a deep breath, guilt spreading across her beautiful face. “C’est vrai, my name isn’t Carina Aringosa. She is, in fact, on a different ship traveling to England to meet her fiancé. I am her best friend, Talia Montrose. Alberto and I work for Monsieur LaBarre, among others.”
Talon paced the floor in a huff, his rage boiling over. LaBarre never mentioned this tart. In fact, the lawyer hadn’t said that anyone else from DuPont’s Society would be aboard this ship. At this point, he was fed up with the lies surrounding this whole mission. It was time for answers. “How do you know LaBarre?”
Talia sank into her chair and took a deep drink of her wine. “Through my employer and associates that live near Paris. I’ve never formally met Monsieur LaBarre, but he knows my employer, the head of the Cabildo government in New Orleans. He recruited me.”
Talon crossed his arms. “Why?”
“Our sources tell us the next stage of DuPont’s fight is in New Orleans. Ricardo’s daughter is their target. I’m taking Carina’s place to protect her from that upstart DuPont. She’s my best friend.”
The woman stared at him, her verdant eyes shimmering with tears, and Talon shook his head. Not that she’d admit it, but she and her idiot sidekick were spies like him. He pushed a hand through his hair with a sigh. “So, you know DuPont hired me to kidnap Ms. Aringosa—or rather, you?”
Pressing her lips together, she hummed. “Oui. We’re aware of everything DuPont has been doing. A maid in his staff has been trailing him for months.”
Talon balled his fists. No wonder those two foppish idiots were talking so loudly. DuPont hadn’t been entirely truthful with him about his employment, but this was beyond what he’d expected. “Not that they’ve uncovered DuPont’s true motives, either. If you knew about this assignment, why the hell did they hire me?”
She bit her lip. “Je ne sais pas. Apparently, DuPont’s orders come from a different source—one he won’t reveal. We assume it’s one of his supporters. Unfortunately, the man has sent a backup into our midst.”
“Come again?”
“We’re all being watched.”
Resigned to his fate, Talon sank into the chair across from Talia. If he wanted to get off this ship, he had no choice but to help her. He set his lips in a firm line. “An evening past, Ramón Perez informed me that he is working for DuPont as well.”
Talia gasped. “Mon dieu! What is his assignment?”
“I’m not sure, but according to him, I’m supposed to do the dirty work. DuPont plans on meeting Perez in New Orleans where his assignment begins.”
Giving Alberto a sidelong glance, Talia frowned. “But this ship isn’t going to New Orleans, and Perez knows it. We’re bound for Guadeloupe.”
Talon shot up once more, pacing around the cabin as he fumed. “Damn it to hell. Will I ever know what is truly going on? First, Paris. Then Lisbon to New Orleans. Now I’m heading to—”
She answered, “Guadeloupe. It’s a French colony in the Caribbean. Their chief economy revolves around sugar and piracy. That might be the clue to this assignment.”
Talon threw his hands up in the air. “Brilliant. Now I’m expected to reconnoiter with pirates? They aren’t paying me enough.”
Alberto handed him a glass of rum. “Here, Señor. Drink your troubles away.”
Talia intercepted Talon’s acceptance of the spirits and set the filthy cup on the table with a hiss. “Imbibing this swill will not solve our problems.” She turned to Talon. “Despite how we got here, it seems we’re on the same team. we need to think of a solution to stop whatever plans DuPont has for New Orleans. It is my home, and I don’t want to see it fall into the wrong hands.”
Talon scoffed. “It’s obvious DuPont wants us nowhere near the place. What’s his motive?”
“At first, I thought Carina was his target. But I’m not so sure.” Brushing a stray curl from her face, she sighed. “Carina’s father, Ricardo Aringosa, has connections to the Lafitte brothers. They hail from Martinique, but their goods—particularly bondsmen—are shipped all over the colonies. They embody the name pirate. Ricardo was working on a deal with the Lafittes to gain trade rights on the Mississippi River.”
“You don’t know that, Señorita,” Alberto retorted.
Crossing her arms over her ample bosom, Talia glared at the Spaniard. “Oui, I do. Ricardo informed me of it before we left Lisbon.” Alberto frowned.
Talon rubbed his chin, his eyes darting from Talia to Vargas. He wasn’t sure who to believe. He hadn’t trusted Vargas since their escapade in the cargo hold. And although Talia Montrose exuded sweet innocence, that was the furthest thing from the truth. Her acting skills were worthy of some fancy opera house.
Talon snorted. It didn’t matter who these people were. He had no choice but to join forces with them if he wanted to make it home. “Whatever the plans, it seems we’ve all been duped. We can’t take anything or anyone for granted. We must discover what DuPont is planning and stay on the offensive. And if Perez is involved, we need to trail him closely.”
Alberto nodded quickly. “Sí, I agree we can’t trust Perez.”
Talon eyed the man guardedly. “Or DuPont. My assignment was to capture Miss Aringosa and take her to a covert meeting place once we reached New Orleans.” He glanced at Talia. “They planned on forcing her—you—to marry DuPont’s overbearing son.”
A wave of warmth barreled through Talon’s body, as Talia laughed mirthfully. “How would he accomplish such a feat? No priest in the Louisiana Territories would participate in such a folly.”
“I don’t think they planned on getting as far as the actual nuptials.” She ceased her laughter at once, and he gave her a grim nod. “I assure you, these men are crazy.”
Tilting her head, she raised an eyebrow. “What are they paying you, if I may ask?”
Gazing down at his fingers, Talon muttered, “Five hundred pounds sterling.”
Huffing, she stood and paced the floor. “And you took the challenge of abducting an innocent girl for five hundred pounds?”
“Actually, Miss, I took the job because I was bored.” Talon laughed dryly. “Aye, I needed an adventure. Here I am, up to my knees with a debutante spy and her faithful sidekick.”
Talia placed her hands on her hips and gave him her snootiest look. “I beg your pardon, Monsieur, but I am no ordinary debutante, and Alberto is certainly not a good sidekick.”
As Alberto cursed the woman under his breath, Talon ch
uckled. At least she could maintain a sense of humor. “Agreed. So, Miss Montrose, is it? Now that everything has been revealed, what do we do from here?”
Talia’s emerald eyes sparkled in the sunlight streaming through the porthole. Raising her fist, she held her head high. “The three of us against them. We’ll show these stuffy old men what real espionage is.”
Alberto glanced at Talon with his brows raised. “Well, Señor?”
Talon sighed. “What choice do we have?”
Talia clapped her hands together at her bosom. “Magnifique! Merci, gentlemen. I believe we’ll emerge victorious.”
Relief flooded through Talon as he exited the meeting with Talia. He’d been under intense pressure since leaving Paris. Spying on the enemy was one thing, but kidnapping an innocent woman? At least with their change of plans, he wouldn’t be committing a mortal sin.
He hadn’t wanted the assignment, but out of respect for Edouard Blanchefort, he couldn’t say no to Jacques or Madame Beaupraît. Perhaps they were in contact with Talia’s contacts in Paris. They must have known about DuPont’s plans all along because they’d begged him to take the assignment, no matter how ludicrous it was.
Not to mention DuPont had enticed him with a huge sum of money. But if the man already knew of Talia’s ruse and merely used him as a distraction...
“Son of a—” Talon’s eyes widened, and he stopped abruptly. He would never see any kind of payment for this trip, sterling or otherwise. Cursing DuPont and LaBarre, he traipsed back to his hammock to brood in silence.
“I CAN’T BELIEVE THIS! You’ve made a deal with the devil, Señorita.”
Talia took a deep breath as Alberto cursed. She hated usurping her partner, but under the circumstances, she’d had no choice. “Enough, Monsieur. We must find out what DuPont is doing, and Talon Barberry is our only hope. You know this.”
His eyebrow arched. “I am not questioning your reasons for bringing the man into our confidence, but you should have warned me first.”
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