Chapter 6.
The sultry breeze off the ocean brought the scent of salt and fishiness as well as the promise of a treasure and a sweet vengeance upon Edward, awaiting at the end of this chase. Robert pulled out his spyglass and squinted, as the blazing sun blurred his vision before he peered through it.
About a mile ahead of them, to the southwest, in the light, glistening fog, he clearly saw a three-mast warship with square rigs flying under the British colours. The Admiral's man-o'-war.
He rubbed his thumb over a largish golden ring on his index finger. Although the Damnation was smaller and faster than Admiral's first-rate ship-of-the-line, Robert let the Navy lead this hunt and kept his cautious distance. Cochrane wanted his son and the compass, and Robert would give it to him, at least temporarily, as far as the latter was concerned. The Navy could take Edward and the entire crew and send the damn Poseidon's Revenge to the Davy Jones' locker. Robert's life would certainly be easier with Edward finally meeting his fate at the Port Royal´ Gallows Point. He'd just wanted the compass and Magdalena's gold. And the girl.
Since Ray had shown up mysteriously on the deck of Poseidon's Revenge, Robert hadn't been able to stop thinking about her. If he had been right, her appearance would threaten not only his immediate plans but also his whole lifestyle. What's more, it could indicate even more danger hiding somewhere in the middle of the ocean at a desert Caribbean islands in Bermuda's Triangle. As he put his spyglass away, an involuntary grimace of angry distaste crossed over his face, and he spitted on the dark wooden planking of the quarterdeck.
"Captain." A brassy contralto came from behind and cut like a cat-o'-nine-tails' strike into his thoughts. "I see something put you in the brooding mood again, Captain."
"Nothing that concerns you, Octavia." Robert turned slowly to face her.
"No? I am the first mate of this ship. I should know why we are suddenly all hearties with the navy scum. Is it because of this bilge witch?"
Robert's blood boiled at this accusation. His teeth clenched, and he took a deep breath to steady his voice. When he spoke, his tone was composed, lightly hoarse.
"It's a means to an end. We are talking about 'Magdalena's treasure,' Octavia; some sacrifices are to be expected." He reached out and patted her shoulder rather awkwardly. "I thought you trusted me."
Octavia's cheeks turned vividly pink under her tanned skin.
"I do, captain, I just don't trust the Navy… and that witch…"
"If you must know… I want the Admiral to take care of Edward and use the opportunity to get the compass and the girl back. Catch them off guard, in a squall or a storm, attack them when they are too busy defending themselves against the Admiral's attack and to haul wind before any of them realises what happened."
"So I was right. It is about that damn wench. She is a real witch if she has this influence over you, Captain," Octavia murmured under her nose with a low grunt. "Edward was not enough for her, and she had to extend her spells over you, too."
Robert winced just for a second, and then he laughed low down in his throat.
"No one has bewitched me. I have my reasons, that's all. Now," he said as he reached for his spyglass and passed it on to Octavia. "Let's stay 'while in silence and watch the navy dogs in front of us."
"Edward?" Ray joined him at the helm and snuggled upon him.
"A distraction again?" A small grin crawled upon his face as he wrapped his arm around her. He couldn't resist her.
"Am I that much of a distraction?" She nuzzled his neck, eliciting a desperate, low growl from him.
"Like you have to ask…" He laughed against her hair and planted a kiss on her forehead.
"I love to hear you laugh; it's still so rare occurrence, my brooding pirate captain," Ray said and sighed. Her hand slid over his waist and settled on his lower back, making small circles with her fingers.
"Is it, Miss Bellamy?" Edward murmured against the softness of her hair.
"Like you don't know it yourself. Grumpy is still your signature look." She lifted her face. "I have a favour to ask you…"
"Ahh, so the distraction was intentional." A sound that was a half groan, half laughter ripped out from Edward's throat. "As always, you are doing an excellent job at convincing me to do whatever you want. What is it this time, Miss Bellamy?"
Ray let out a giggle and shrugged. Her fingers patted the small of his back.
"And as always, it'll be your decision." She paused, taking a deep breath before she spoke again. "You know, even the cruelest slave captains occasionally dance the slaves, I was thinking—"
"Oh, damn, Ray, you want me to dance the Admiral's son?" Edward snorted, startled by the proposal, "I have not foreseen you will have a taste for this kind of entertainment."
"Oh, come on, Edward, you know what I mean. I didn't mean 'dancing' dancing, in the literal sense." Her sweet lips puckered in a cute pout, and she let out a huff. "Just the human courtesy of letting your prisoner breathe the fresh air for a while and stretch his legs. It's not much, and even slavers know it's necessary, and you are kinder than any slaver." Her voice got softer again, cooing.
"I do not know if this is such a good idea, Miss Bellamy. What if he attacks us and tries to escape?"
"Be reasonable, Edward." Ray pulled out of his embrace, keeping him at her arm's distance. Her eyes searched for his, insistent. "What could he do here? He is unarmed at the pirate ship in the middle of the ocean. Alone and heavily outnumbered. He might jump overboard, but knowing him a little, I sincerely doubt that. He can't do anything; you can walk him at the point of your blade. He can't escape and can't harm you."
Edward studied her face. Oh, Ray. If you could only know what the navy lieutenant could do to you. Edward had immediately imagined a vivid scenario in which the lieutenant had attacked 'her,' easily disarming her and taking her hostage using her own weapon. And then he, Edward, wouldn't be able to do anything. He would have to just yield. A shiver ran down his spine.
"Ray, that is not that easy. It would have pained me—"
"Edward, I don't need to be there. It's not an excuse to see him, I swear to you." She lifted her head, and her eyes bore into his. There it was again; a sad and caring look painted all over her face every time she was thinking about the naval lieutenant. Her voice broke down, indicating she was on the verge of tears. "I will stay in your cabin. Just show him some kindness, Edward. It's inhuman to keep a person in the rotten brig for so many days."
He couldn't say no to her.
"All right, Miss Bellamy. You are too persuasive for your own good. Let us do that." He hesitated, considering his next words. If anything were about to happen, he would feel calmer having her at his side, ready to react if the lieutenant had taken advantage of the situation. "But you are not staying in my cabin or anywhere hidden. I want to keep an eye on you all the time. You are coming with and don't you dare to move from my side."
A sudden commotion in the murk of the brig woke Oliver up from a tormented nap. Still drowsy, he rubbed his eyes hastily, trying to adjust his vision to the blurry surrounding.
"Forgive us for the intrusion, lieutenant." Oliver recognised the snarky, low voice of the pirate captain. "I hope we haven't interrupted something important. But it is time for some fresh air for you."
The grating sound of the brig's crate creaked open downed on him with a bitter realisation.
"What is it, captain? Are you going to—"
"It's all right, Oliver." A soft, shy voice resounded behind Mortemer.
"Be grateful to Miss Bellamy here. It is just a walk."
"Ray?" Oliver's heart swelled with emotions at the mention of her name.
"I will be here all the time," she said.
"All right, go on. And no sudden moves, lieutenant," said Edward, unsheathing his sword with a loud, metallic clang. Oliver felt the cold blade pressed into his lower back.