Other Oceans: Book Two of the Hook & Jill Saga Read Online Free PDF Page B

gentleman like this Hook turn to piracy? And that barbarous claw, so stark in its contrast to the elegant costume! The surgeon clutched his pocket watch as he answered.
    “Yes. I have kept in practice, as your men discovered yesterday morning before they outnumbered me! But of course my rapier is gone with my ship.” He allowed a touch of anger to coat his words.
    “Nothing of importance has gone with your ship. We have secured everything you value.” Hook observed the man’s charcoal eyes as a spark of apprehension ignited in them. The prisoner’s thumb rubbed his watch.
    “Do you mean that you have also taken my— belongings? The instruments?” Doctor Hanover peered intently at the pirate. “The medicine bag?”
    “You would be of little use to us without the trappings of your profession.”
    The doctor seemed relieved, then assumed an air of professional concern. “Use? Is someone aboard in need of a physician?”
    “Certainly. And since your wife is no longer living, perhaps you’ll enjoy a change of venue. The post of ship’s surgeon is vacant. I cordially invite you to join us.”
    Taken aback, Hanover dropped his watch and let it dangle on its chain. The long scar reddened from cheekbone to chin as he allowed his outrage to dominate his response.
    “What! Preposterous! You can hardly imagine that I would throw in my lot with the pirates who have abducted me and dragged me away from my— my employment.” He looked away from the captain.
    “Of course, Doctor, I understand. You need further encouragement, some incentive, to persuade you. I assure you, the material rewards will be plentiful.”
    “You yourself are evidence of that. Every seaman has heard of the nefarious Captain Hook, and of the bounty he commands. I see now that the stories are true! Yet I insist you put me ashore at the first opportunity.”
    “The men of my crew are as entitled to medical attention as any others. And you have taken an oath, have you not, to preserve life?”
    “Not at the expense of others’ lives, Sir!”
    “Very well. I perceive the nature of your inclination. We shall speak further when you are more in temper to consider the offer.”
    “You will wait a long time for that.”
    Among Hook’s men, his courtesy was known as a warning sign. “Doctor. I admire your courage. I choose to attribute your attitude to that quality, rather than to foolishness. Courage is a necessity aboard the Jolly Roger .” The captain stepped close to the surgeon, to tower over him, his smile calculated to put the man on guard. “Take the air while you may. You will be shown to your— berth— again shortly. And you will dine in my quarters this evening.”
    “Thank you, but I should rather not.”
    “I shall overlook your insolence, this once. Mr. Smee will call for you at the appropriate time. Your belongings will be returned to you.” Hook’s glance swept over his captive. “See that you shave.” He turned away and strode down the deck.
    The surgeon sputtered, indignant, but as the captain moved away, he hastened to follow, the skin under his unaccustomed stubble suffused with a flush. “Captain! If you please, one question.”
    Hook paused at the top of the steps. He turned an impassive stare upon his prisoner while the breeze buffeted his hair and fingered the plumes of his hat.
    “I couldn’t help but notice as your men…” This time the doctor applied prudence, resorting to civility, “escorted me…to your ship. A young woman, dressed in scarlet. She stood on the deck. Another captive?”
    Hook raised an eyebrow. “And what would be your interest in her? You display disdain for everything else aboard the Roger .”
    “Well, she is lovely, and rather young. I would seek her release, if I might bring that about in some way, before…”
    The captain lifted his chin with an amused expression. “Before what?”
    “Sir, I believe you understand me perfectly well. Before anything untoward happens to