Page 56 of Hush Darling
“They don’t call him Black Jack?”
Gideon stilled from polishing the silver cutlery. The fine pieces glinted in the flickering lamplight as he carefully inspected each one before laying it down. “Those who value their lives don’t.”
What if this wasn’t the pirate the Lost Boys spoke of?
She considered the matching coats. It had to be the same person. Peter had told her that people went by any name they wanted in the Never Lands. Perhaps Captain James Hook went by two names, and his enemies called him Black Jack.
Gideon set the table with fine bone china adorned with delicate gilded edges. Even the goblets appeared to be crystal. Why such opulence?
She looked at the candlelight. The ambiance confused her. The captain said she would have a light snack, but Gideon appeared to be setting a scene for a luxurious feast for two.
Was this a practiced act? His men seemed to know the dance so well.
“Does he make a habit of feeding the women he kidnaps?”
“I’m afraid we’re not in the habit of kidnapping women.” He looked back, finally meeting her eyes as if to show his sincerity as he softly warned, “Careful, dear. There are ears everywhere.”
What did that mean? When he said nothing more, she reached for the washcloth and crude lump of soap.
The sharp scent of bergamot filled the air as she silently washed her body. It was another scent she smelled on the captain, and she strangely liked it when it should have made her sick.
Gideon arranged a small vase of flowers. Nothing about this situation was normal.
Did they know what the captain planned to do to her?
She flushed at the memory of him shoving his finger inside of her. How mortifying and dehumanizing. Yet, here she was, preparing herself for more. There was definitely something wrong with her.
“The captain’s not without his compassion,” he said as if sensing her worry.
She thought of the sultan who married a new Arabian wife every night, only to order her death by the following dawn. It wasn’t until one particular woman held his interest that the murders stopped.
“What does the captain like?” If she wanted to survive, she would have to play the game.
“He values loyalty above all else. Cross him, and it will be the last thing you ever do.”
Her shiver of fear only galvanized her determination. “You said his name is James?”
“Aye, but I wouldn’t call him that if I were you. Best to stick to Sir or Captain.”
Using his name could create a sense of intimacy. If she treated him like a respectable gentleman, he might meet her with similar respect.
The elegant table created a romantic scene that mocked the true nature of her predicament. She sensed him preparing to leave and panicked at the moving of time.
“Is there anything else you can tell me, Gideon?” She purposely used his name to establish a sense of trust. She needed whatever help she could get.
“Do as he says and don’t complain. That’s my advice.” He moved to the door. “I’ll lock the door but leave the chains off. Prove yourself trustworthy, and he’ll be pleased. Try anything conniving, and he’ll see that you’re punished. Don’t make me regret my kindness, miss.”
He had been kind, but she was a captive. She didn’t know if she would keep her word. Still, she nodded anyway. “Thank you.”
“Stay safe, miss.” He bowed and backed out of the room, the heavy latch turning and locking from the other side.
As lovely as the warm water felt, she couldn’t waste time sitting there passively waiting for the future to unfold. Climbing out of the bath, she wrapped her body in the towel. Her heart thundered as she scanned the room.
She rushed to the table and snatched up a silver knife when footsteps approached. The cold metal was heavy in her hand, and she spun just as the door opened.
Captain James Hook stilled at the threshold, his dark gaze dropping to the knife in her hand. “So you’ve chosen violence.”
The heavy silver clattered to the floor in shameful surrender. “No.”
