An Imperfect Scoundrel by Alyssa Drake

Author:Alyssa Drake
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Seductive Quill LLC

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CEDRIC

“Was he still alive when you left?” asked Cedric.

“Who?” Mr. Hayward, his eyes locked on the half-filled longboat that swung out over the water, didn’t glance over as Cedric approached.

“Dubois,” he replied, attempting to keep his tone disinterested.

“Yes.” Mr. Hayward turned. “Shouldn’t he be?”

“The crew seemed intent on killing him.”

“They are,” Mr. Hayward replied. “But if Dubois is innocent—”

“You think him innocent?”

“He was shoveling coal at the time Northcott’s bracelet was taken. Evans was aware of this,” Mr. Hayward replied before he jumped into the longboat, startling the four women who were being slowly lowered to the water.

Cedric followed, landing a bit more lithely than Mr. Hayward but earning the same number of shrieks.

“So, either Dubois had help, or someone wants him to look guilty?” Cedric said in a hushed voice as he joined Mr. Hayward at the bow of the longboat. “The second option seems more likely.”

Mr. Hayward nodded, giving no further information, and sat on the bench, wrapping his hands around the seat.

“Ladies,” Cedric addressed the four hostages. “Please brace yourselves, there’s going to be a short drop before we hit the water.”

No sooner than he’d spoken the words, the longboat was cut free, and they plummeted toward the water, screams echoing from several of the women.

A small wave sloshed over the side of the boat when they splashed down, leaving roughly an inch of water in the bottom of the dinghy.

“Row!”

The command was unnecessary. Misters Northcott and Miller had already dipped their oars into the water, pulling hard.

Cedric’s gaze slid over the hostages, trapped on the benches between four pirates. Despite the fear shining in their eyes, he could see a flicker of relief at the realization they would be returning to their families soon.

Would they ever sail again?

“Why are you concerned with Dubois’ welfare?” Mr. Hayward murmured, his voice so low, Cedric wasn’t certain he’d heard his first mate correctly. “Is it because he’s from Wiltshire?”

His gaze passing over Northcott and Miller, Cedric leaned over and whispered, “I discovered something peculiar when I searched Dubois.”

Mr. Hayward shifted position and waited for Cedric to continue.

“Apparently, Mister Dubois is actually Missus Dubois.”

Whatever secret he expected to hear, this was not it. Mr. Hayward choked, his head whipping toward Cedric. “Are you certain?”

“Quite certain. I investigated… several times.”

“You sent Dubois to the brig!” Mr. Hayward’s shocked reply drew the attention of the ladies nearest them.

“Where he will be protected from the crew’s anger until we can sort out who took those items,” Cedric murmured, elbowing Mr. Hayward in his ribs.

“You should have released Dubois with the hostages,” Mr. Hayward said after several minutes. “None of the crew would realize we had five women instead of four.”

Mr. Hayward was right, he should have, but the thought of letting her go, of never seeing Alana again, had caused him to act irrationally. He’d been selfish, placed her in unimaginable danger, and if he couldn’t prove she was innocent of the crime of theft, she was going to die.

He knew she hadn’t stolen anything, knew the moment she’d been accused, but Mr.

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