Cross Bones by Cornelia Grey

Author:Cornelia Grey [Regan, Editor Anne]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

They waited as the man-o’-war grew steadily closer.

The crew paced all over the deck, torn between anger and frustration. Fergus lowered the Jolly Roger, a funereal expression on his face. A white rag was hoisted up in its place. Their maneuver didn’t go unnoticed: the man-o’-war halted at a safe distance from the Cassandra, keeping carefully out of its line of fire.

Edward was lowered in a small, rickety rowing boat and slowly made his way toward the warship. Even from a distance, he could see the harsh sun’s reflection on the array of gleaming rifles aimed at him. As soon as he was within earshot, he stood up, spreading his arms, showing his uniform.

“I’m Edward Moon, Lieutenant of His Majesty’s Royal Navy,” he called. “I was sent to negotiate.”

The rifles were lowered; murmurs were exchanged. Edward waited as a rope ladder was thrown down, and he climbed slowly, trying to calm his frantic heartbeat. He needed to be lucid, efficient. The responsibility of too many lives rested on his shoulders. He mustn’t think of what would happen should he fail—the cannonballs, the stink of gunpowder, the shouts and sickening smell of blood….

“Why, Moon, it’s sure a pleasure to see you’re still among the living,” Commodore Orwell said, staring at him coldly from under his immaculate white wig.

Edward wished he could punch him.

“You’re too kind, Commodore.” He forced out a smile. And it’s certainly not thanks to you, bastard.

“I hear you are here to… negotiate on behalf of these pirates. Although why you would do such a thing is quite frankly beyond me.”

“They have spared my life,” Edward replied stiffly. “And they have behaved commendably toward me. I have to honor my debt.”

Orwell shook his head, a sardonic smile on his lips. “Why, indeed. And what do these criminals have to offer?”

“Captain O’Shea has offered to peacefully surrender himself to His Majesty’s Navy,” Edward said. He was clenching his fists so hard it hurt. “In exchange, he asks for your word that his men will be allowed to leave, unharmed, and that you will desist from chasing them any further.”

“Now, why would I ever agree to that?” Orwell snorted. “Their ship is falling apart. If they have resorted to such a pathetic stratagem, it’s clear they are in desperate conditions. It’s the perfect opportunity to seize this rascal and all his followers.”

“Commodore, with all due respect, I don’t think that would be the advisable course of action. While they cannot make a swift escape, they are strong and well-armed. They would fight with the strength of those who have nothing left to lose,” Edward argued. He was burning, urgency and fear making him bold. “Casualties among our men would be unavoidable. Our ship could be damaged, maybe even beyond repair. I assure you, Commodore, that you shouldn’t underestimate what these men are capable of.”

The commodore rubbed at his chin, a shadow passing over his eyes as he considered Edward’s words. Edward waited, holding his breath. A flash of pale blond hair flickered in his mind, bright blue eyes, an infuriating smile….

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