Page 41 of Hired by Pirates

“Did you get a close enough look?” I asked.

“Absolutely. Wonderful idea, Astor.” He flashed me the widest grin I’d ever seen upon his face. “Those cabinet locks are so flimsy I could almost pick them myself with one of your hair pins.” He ran a hand through his slicked back hair, looking around carefully. “The wood was quite nice, though.”

“Since we’re here, should we take a peek at the Town Hall stage? We can describe it to the rest of them.”

He looked around, making sure that nobody was paying us any attention other than nodding a greeting. “It’s like we’re in disguise and nobody can even see us,” he chuckled. “Yes, let’s go.”

Although I was certain that we were perfectly safe, I hoped that the Captain wouldn’t be angry that we took a tiny extra walk. He needed things to go directly according to plan, but I wasn’t quite sure how strict he was.

~ Chapter 18 ~ The Captain ~

* Timing is Everything *

I always felt a prickle of concern when any of my crew was off the ship, and any farther into town than the dock itself.

With Astor away from the Five Winds , walking around town on a festival day when it was chock full of strangers, t

he prickle was more like a buzzing hum in my ears, even with Woods to protect her. The men could all see me pacing back and forth across the mid deck, but I couldn’t stop.

I wished I had sent Tobias to keep an eye on her, but both he and I simply looked too much like sailors. Woods didn’t have that hardened look about him, and he was much smaller in stature. I knew it was the sensible choice, but I still couldn’t help the strange fluttering feeling in my belly.

“There’s no need to fret, Captain,” Tobias said, coming over to sit on a barrel near where I was practically pounding the deck with my boots. “Astor is simply a well-mannered lass taking a stroll in town. Nobody will pay her any mind.”

“The men might,” I grumbled.

“She’s with Woods. A man would have to be mighty rude to ogle another man’s woman while he’s right there.”

I gave him a flat look, raising an eyebrow. “I’m certain you know how rude some men can be.”

“Yes, but this isn’t a tavern, Captain. This is it a sweet little town, where–”

“There they are!” Jake said as he joined us.

My head swiveled from Tobias to the pier. As soon as I saw Astor, I was able to relax.

Running to meet her at the gangplank, I took her hands in mine. “How was it?”

Before she could speak, Woods held up a paper bag and shook it temptingly. “Pastries from the festival. Who wants one while they’re still warm?”

He was swarmed by the men, as I pulled Astor aside, giving her a swift kiss.

“You were worried about me,” she said with wide eyes.

“Of course, my beauty. I don’t even like it when you’re out of my sight on the ship, but having you so far away in a strange town made me feel…” I shook my head. “Disturbed.”

Her mouth fell open, then snapped shut, as if she couldn’t quite believe me.

“What is it, lass?”

“I…I’ve never had anyone worry about me before the way you do. Not ever.”

I pulled her into my arms, rubbing her back gently. “Surely there must’ve been someone.”

“Not since my parents passed. I was just the orphan girl who was a bother.”

Something clicked inside me. No wonder she was so determined to become a doctor. Not just an upstanding citizen, but someone who was respected and known, valued and useful. It made perfect sense.

She had felt like a bother.

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