A Voyage of Vengeance by Sarah E. Burr

Author:Sarah E. Burr [Burr, Sarah E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-10-05T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter Five

A subdued mood hung over the room like a cobweb, everyone settling down into dinner after a seemingly endless day. Jax couldn’t remember the last time she had this much free time on her hands, and she was already getting antsy, anxious to be back on land. She’d spoken with Jogan just before dinner, and the young man confirmed that the second copy of the ship’s master key was in his possession. While she was relieved the key had not been stolen, it complicated the puzzle of the brooch’s theft even more.

The sun’s rays had beaten off the threatening clouds, its victory evident in the glowing red of Charles and Giovanna’s pale skin. Uma and Hendrie, too, had a pink hue about them, leaving Jax relieved she had sought shelter in the shade.

Lady Carriena did not bother a toast this evening, signaling her guests to start their meal. Jax could tell her friend was particularly unsettled by the news of the Captain’s illness, as it seemed to shroud a sinister veil over the voyage. George Solomon had spent much of the day questioning the ship’s crew and staff, failing to find out any additional information regarding the stolen brooch. “There’s a skilled liar among us,” he had seethed earlier in the afternoon when recounting his conversations to Jax and Perry.

Watching the group dig into their steaming meals of asparagus and roast beef, Jax slid a knowing look down the table to where George, Uma, and Hendrie sat, waiting for her signal. Ernest Haulsinger gobbled down nearly half his plate before she secretly nodded that it was safe for the Saphire group to begin their meal. Across from her, Perry picked up his fork and pierced the juicy red meat with enthusiasm.

“Lady Carriena, if it would please you and the rest of the table, I would love to sing a new song from my father’s latest production,” Giovanna said meekly, breaking the strained silence.

Carriena smiled, relief flooding her face. “That would be an absolute delight, my dear. Yes, I think some music would do us all a bit of good. Lift the spirits, and such.” Glancing around, she was met with fervent nods of agreement.

“So, we’re just going to be mindlessly entertained while my brooch remains lost?” Lady Florence’s sharp voice cut through the brightening mood. Her cheeks were as red as her dark evening gown, a piece that was well-put together, more so than her previous night’s ensemble.

A muscle in Carriena’s jaw tightened in obvious annoyance. “Lady Florence, please rest assured that we are actively looking into the disappearance of your clip, but please have some compassion for your fellow travelers and let them enjoy themselves a bit.”

“Oh, excuse me for my misfortune ruining this cruise for the rest of you.” The old woman burst to her feet, throwing her napkin down. “This voyage is cursed, if you ask me.”

Watching Florence hobble out of the room in a rage, Jax contemplated the woman’s exclamation. A lost brooch was hardly

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