Page 63 of The Swan Syndicate
This time her shiver was cold and not the heated one that Beckworth always produced. “That’s a rather unsettling thought.”
“Lando will step in as necessary. Just find out what port he’s going to next if you can.”
“Alright. Help me into this dress.”
Once she was properly attired, Beckworth tugged at one of her locks.
“Do you need help with your hair?”
“I thought I’d leave it loose and pull back the sides with a couple of hairpins.” Once she completed the task she turned to him. When his gaze immediately heated, she grinned, then glanced around. “Where’s my dagger?”
He picked up the dress she’d worn earlier and searched the pockets. “These pockets are big enough to hide a small child.”
“Funny. All the dresses I brought from Waverly have them. I guess AJ started the trend based on the hidden spaces Maire kept in her trunk. They come in handy.”
“Finn and Ethan were right.”
“How so?”
“Women are devious.”
She took the dagger from him and stuffed it in a pocket. “Always a good thing to keep in mind.” She took a deep breath. “Walk me up, will you?”
Lando met them at the top of the stairs. “You look fetching as always.”
“Why thank you, Lando.”
“Do you have your swans?”
“No. Am I supposed to use them tonight?”
“Damn,” Beckworth said. “I forgot to tell you.” He fished in his pocket and drew out three swans. “In case he asks about them. It’s up to you whether you show him one. We also thought it might be a good way to tell us if you need help. Simply drop one when you can. We’ll assume you need assistance.”
She nodded. “Excellent idea. I have more in the cabin on a bookshelf. Well, there’s also probably one or two lying around. Maybe on the sideboard. Oh, and maybe next to the bed. I might have left one or two in Jamie’s office.”
Beckworth took her hand, a soft smile on his kissable lips. “We know. There are a few in the galley, too.”
She gave a shaky laugh. “I admit, I’m a bit nervous.”
This time Lando took her arm and placed it through his. “A little walk before dinner will shake away the jitters.”
She took a deep breath. “Absolutely. Let’s get this party started.”
Most of the stores were closed, but as Lando had said, the walk alone was what she needed. The sea air always calmed her, and though she didn’t see any of the team, she sensed them out there.
“Jamie has several of the crew in the pubs and the inn. They’ll eat, drink, and keep an eye out, but Michelson will be the only one remaining inside until the two of you leave.”
“What about Beckworth, Fitz, and Lane?”
“They’ll be out there. Nothing for you to worry about.”
“MacDuff probably has his own men out there.”
“Beckworth’s earlier assignment was to monitor the men leaving theGrey Ghostand, if possible, determine which men are the closest to MacDuff. He might say he has his own ship but he’s not the captain.”
“Interesting. The smuggling business must be good if he can afford to pay a captain.”
“It’s difficult to know what the man is doing. He doesn’t seem to be above chicanery.” He slowed as they approached the inn. “Looks like he’s waiting for you.”
