Ahoy!

Thank you to Mel, Gemma, and Jill!

TWO

It's nearly dusk by the time we make it to port. I'm eager to disembark, to find my way through the city of Nassau. It is by far the biggest port we have met in months, and though it is notorious for its strict regulations against pirates—a heritage set into action by Governor Rogers some fifty years ago—there is bound to be at least some news to be discovered.

It is several hours after docking until Jasper and I are given leave to disembark. By the time we do, night has fallen on the island, and the rowdiness of drunkards and gamblers has started to create a din in the air.

Jasper and I keep our wits about us as we make our way from the docks into the heart of the city.

"Where do we start?" Jasper asks as we near the town center.

I glance at him. "Most men head two places," I tell him, stuffing my hands into my coat pockets. My coat is in need of a very good wash and a few repairs, but it's the last thing of my father's that I still own, and I refuse to part with it.

Jasper looks at me. "Brothel or tavern?"

I consider it. "Tavern. The men will be less distracted. We may get more information," I decide. Jasper nods in agreement and we head away from the brothel. It will be my next stop if the tavern proves fruitless.

There are already men drunk, women painted in thick decoration hanging off their arms as they spill out of the tavern. The women giggle, shooting suggestive looks toward myself and Jasper, but neither of us pay them any mind. Instead, we step into the busy establishment.

It reeks of ale and sweat and piss. It is raucous and far too warm with bodies packed in together. A barmaid scurries past us, expertly dodging wandering hands from the drunk men she passes.

Beside me, Jasper clears his throat.

I glance at him, understanding his unease. It is in me too. This is not a place of honor nor dignity. Were it not for the quest we were on, neither of us would bother to step foot in the establishment at all.

We make for an empty table, taking a seat, and beside us, a table of sailors shout at each other over a game of cards.

"Where do we begin?" Jasper asks, looking at me. I survey the tavern. There are groups of sailors far less inebriated, and I nod toward them.

"There."

He follows my gaze and nods. We are about to stand when the barmaid appears before us. "Can I help you?" she asks. I take her in. She's far too young to be working with such a vulgar crowd. I take her to be no more than fourteen.

"Ale," Jasper says to her. "And food," he adds. The girl nods and slips away. "Do you think we are likely to find anything here?" he asks.

I look at him and shrug my tense shoulders. "I hold no more hope than I did in the last port," I admit. "But I cannot give up."

I meet his gaze, and he nods, understanding. Jasper knows better than anyone what it is I've lost.

"Let me make a round," he says, standing. I watch as he stalks across the room, easily immersing himself into the group of sailors. The barmaid returns with our food and drink, and I offer her extra coin for her trouble. She blushes when I refuse change.

"Thank you, sir," she says, dipping into a shallow curtsy. "Is there anything else you'll be needing?"

I take a breath. "I wonder if you might have heard story of the piratess Isabella?" I ask. Sometimes, it's risky asking about her. Most people fear or loathe her.

The girl's eyes go wide. "The Admiral?" she whispers, her voice thin as a ghost.

I lean toward her. "Yes, you've heard of her?"

The girl looks around nervously. "Not here in Nassau. 'Tis too unfriendly to pirates, and the Admiral is said to be far too clever to be caught so easily."

I nod, though my teeth grind together to hear the piratess talked about with any sort of praise. "Has there been word? Sighting of her or her crew?"

The girl looks around nervously before leaning toward me. "You seek a dangerous ghost, sir. But I heard word that one of her crewmen was spotted in the brothel two nights past."

I sit up. "Was he?"

The girl blushes. "Please, sir, I know not more. I don't wish to bring the Admiral's wrath upon this place," she begs.

I let out a breath and nod. "Quite right," I tell her, dipping into my pocket for another copper. I press it into her palm. "Thank you for your help."

She looks up at me with shining eyes before nodding and disappearing back into the busy room.

Shortly, Jasper is returning to the table, a foul look upon his face.

"It was useless." He grunts. "They are all fools who have never seen the wretch. They knew nothing."

I glance at the group. "I have heard tales of one of Isabella's crewmen being spotted here two nights past," I tell him. Jasper looks at me in surprise. "Eat, we must be on the move."

Jasper and I eat our fill, and when we are done, we are on our feet, leaving the boisterous tavern.

"Do you think he's still here?" Jasper asks.

I glance at him. "By God's will, he will be."