Within a Captain's Treasure Read Online Free PDF Page B

look flitted across his face before he turned away from her.
    “Captain Quinn?”
    “Put these on.” He tossed her a pair of tanned breeches and kept his back turned. When he glanced back she had started to roll the ridiculous sleeves of his shirt past her wrists. The tails hung to her knees. “They will serve for now. You’re still in need of proper clothing. I have a man working to gather things to fit you.”
    She nodded. “I’m grateful.”
    He hadn’t looked at her. Alice couldn’t read him at all.
    “The Delmar is away.” He stated most matter of fact. “We left the remainder of the crew to their dead.”
    Alice hesitated. Worry made her ask, but she was afraid she didn’t want to know the answer. “What of the other women?”
    “They were lost.” His answer was clipped. The sudden lump in her throat silenced her response. He gave her a sharp look. “Add some seventy slaves and crewmembers, I’d say you are lucky to be standing here. Even if it is in borrowed pants.”
    The faces of those poor women swam before her vision. Milly. Her sickly companion. So many dead.
    “It’s been voted. You’re to stay aboard the Scarlet Night until we can deliver you to Virginia. Many of my crew have heard the story from Port Royal. They’re pleased to have you aboard. Some will tolerate your presence, but there are a few whom you should be wary of. You’ll earn your keep tending the sick, as well as any other duty I deem suitable. Tonight you bunk here. Come tomorrow we’ll have another spot for you to bed down.”
    He planted his hands on his hips. “We’ve brought aboard those slaves left alive, some are fighting to stay that way. The ship is crowded; space is limited. You’ll be given whatever considerations we can, but I warn ye not to expect grand accommodations. Neither I, nor any member of my crew will be your personal traveling companion. You’ll do your chores, stay out of the way, and make no trouble. Do you understand?”
    Alice’s head was spinning. Her emotions ran from despair to relief to indignation with each passing second. She’d always known a life of servitude, but being ordered about like this rankled her. What did he think she was going to do? Become some demanding shrew? Cling to him like a pampered, sniveling mollycoddled twit. Was he afraid she’d open a brothel and start charging by the hour?
    “Aye, aye, Captain.” She tapped her forehead.
    He narrowed his eyes. “While you are not now, nor will ever be a member of my crew, you will show me the respect due the captain of this ship.”
    She crossed her arms over her chest and set her jaw. “Evidently such respect only extends to you.”
    Quinn shot her a warning glance as he began gathering up his logbooks and several personal items. He made a point of taking his closed razor and pointing it at her. “You’d do well to sheathe that tongue, as well. When you’re among the men, you’ll keep your head down and your mouth shut.” Quinn donned his coat before planting his hat upon his head.
    Alice notched her chin. “Do I have no say at all?”
    “No. You do not. Not unless you think you can make it to Virginia on your own.” With his arms full, he moved to the door. “You’ll remain here until you can abide by my rules and present yourself on my decks properly.”
    “I’m curious.” Alice stopped him with his hand on the door’s latch. “Which camp do you fall into, Captain Quinn? You’re not one of the pleased. Are you one of the tolerant, or one I should be wary of?”
    Quinn narrowed his eyes. “Disobey me, and you’ll have your answer soon enough.” He slammed out of his quarters.
    Alice fought the urge to hurl something heavy and fragile at the door. The nerve of the man. Frustration won. “Aaahh.” She pushed her hands into her hair and dropped onto the side of the bed. “Keep my head down and my mouth shut?” Neither was a practiced skill.
    Alice started to pace. “Insufferable oaf. Present myself