Sargasso by Russell C. Connor

Author:Russell C. Connor [Connor, Russell C.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Dark Filament Books
Published: 2013-03-01T06:00:00+00:00

5

Amber watched first Lito and then Ray climb the rope and disappear over the side of the old boat (old in style, she had to remind herself, and not necessarily in age), trying to bring her blood temperature back from the boiling point that Lito’s stunt had sent it to. The man viewed the world as nothing but one big joke for his own amusement, and, to make it worse, his sleeves had slid down as he climbed, revealing muscular biceps. She looked away, refusing to watch as they reached the top. The sounds of their heavy feet treading the wooden deck above were surprising crisp and clear.

After that, the group drifted apart. Amber approached Justin and held up the pills Lito had given her. “Some antibiotics, aspirin, and painkillers. Maybe they’ll help.”

He held out a hand and said nothing.

“Not here. Come inside the cabin to one of the bunks. Some of these could knock you out.”

“And leave you alone with these guys? I don’t think so.”

“What?” Amber lowered both the medication and her jaw. “You honestly think I’d…sleep with one of these scumbags?”

He frowned in confusion. “To protect you. Both you and Cherrywine. We still have no idea what their plans are for us.”

“Oh.” She felt heat creep into her cheeks, and hoped the darkness hid it. “I don’t think they’re gonna do anything until they find these parts they need. We can take care of ourselves for a couple of hours. You’ve got to rest or you’ll just get worse.”

“Fine.”

He allowed himself to be led into the cabin. Cherrywine followed, cringing when she caught sight of the skeleton in the corner. Amber gave Justin double the recommended dosage from the bottles, hoping there would still be enough active ingredients in the old pills. He stretched out on the bunk, and she spread an old wool blanket over him that smelled like fish.

“I’m sorry about throwing the ring,” he said. “And buying it in the first place. It was stupid.”

“Just get some sleep.” She turned down the lantern to a low glow, then glanced at her watch. Almost twelve-thirty; hard to believe how far they’d come in a little over three hours. “We can talk about all that later.”

He nodded, rolled over to face the wall, and fell asleep almost immediately.

On her way back out, she met Cherrywine in the kitchen and said, “I can’t stay in this stinking room. Would you mind keeping an eye on him?”

“No problem. So…you told the truth, huh?”

“Yeah, and you were right. It was the best thing to do.”

“It usually is. That’s what I’m gonna do with Lito. Cross your fingers for me!”

Amber spun back around at the edge of the door. “Huh?”

“Lito. You know, their captain?”

“Yeah, I know who you mean, Cherry. What am I crossing my fingers for?”

Her eyes lit up with excitement as she grabbed Amber’s shoulders. “Isn’t he cute? And did you see the way he stood up for me back on their ship? I think he likes me! Maybe he’s my Prince Charming!”

“More like Quasimodo,” Amber said.

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