The Resolute by MaryLu Tyndall

Author:MaryLu Tyndall
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Ransom Press

Chapter 20

What was Cadan going to do with a baby? And a wailing one at that? Especially when he had a battle to fight. He attempted to bounce the babe up and down as he’d seen Lady Fox do, but the child would not cease. How could they sneak up on the Resolute undetected with such an annoying racket!?

Water bubbled down the side of the cockboat as his men shoved off from the dock and headed toward the ship. He’d know soon enough whether the Resolute remained under his command or whether his most hated enemy had taken that from him as well. First his wife, then his freedom, and now Lady Fox. He’d be damned if he’d also lose his ship to that spineless squid.

Morning sun caused him to blink as water from the oars splashed his breeches, cooling his skin. If only it would cool his fury.

“Here.” He handed the infant to Pell, sitting beside him. “Quiet him.”

Pell snorted. “Do I look like a nursemaid?”

Cadan’s eyes drifted down to Pell’s cross. “Maybe pray to your God.”

“Humph.” Pell swung the babe back and forth in his arms, only causing young Matthew to scream all the louder. “I think he’s hungry.”

Smity chuckled. “Looks like yer out o’ luck in that department, Cap’n.”

Durwin smiled, but his eyes were seeking out the Resolute.

As were Cadan’s. It remained at anchor, bobbing in the incoming surf, which was a good sign, indeed, for if Allard’s men had taken her, she’d be setting out to sea.

Sharp rays of golden sun speared her three bare masts, set her lines aflame, and angled across her deck. She was a beauty. The only woman who had never betrayed him. And he would not lose her.

Wind whipped him, cooling the sweat on his neck and flapping his shirt as they rounded the hull of a nearby schooner. The chime of swords and shouts of battle finally met his ears. Good. They were not too late.

Yet the element of surprise would be lost to them with both the daylight and the incessant howling of the babe. But it couldn’t be helped. He would not stand by and allow his ship to be taken.

But what to do with the child? He glanced around the boat, and his eyes landed on a wooden chest that carried knives, pickaxes, and extra rope.

“Empty the box,” he ordered Durwin.

Pell arched a brow. “You aren’t thinking…?”

“I am. What else can I do?”

Pell frowned but offered no alternative.

After the box was emptied, Cadan coiled the rope to form a cocoon, then laid Matthew inside and shut the lid. A few holes on the side would provide air.

Oddly, the baby ceased screaming.

“See?” He shot Pell a satisfied smirk. Then facing forward, Cadan checked his flintlock, and gripped the hilt of his sword.

They were but yards from the ship now. Shouts and grunts, along with the crash of blade and pop of pistol serenaded the squawk of birds and slap of waves. A distant horn blared from the fort.

Over the starboard rail, a pirate spotted them and shouted over his shoulder.

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