Chapter Twenty-Three

E mmie didn't know how she could doze off while sitting in an uncomfortable chair with her arms and legs tied with ropes, but she had. She shook her head, forcing herself to wake up. Her stomach growled, and she really didn't want to have to ask Lieutenant Mercer for something to eat, yet she needed food in her stomach. When someone finally came to rescue her, how could she help if she didn't have the strength?

She listened for any sounds around her, but couldn't detect any. It had been a while now since she'd heard Rebecca's whiny voice, and her fear returned. Had Mercer killed the poor, misguided, stubborn woman? Emmie prayed for Mr. and Mrs. Crampton's sake that their daughter was still alive.

Silence grew in the room. Everything seemed so very still. Once in a while, she heard the waves slapping against the ship, but by the slow rocking of the vessel, she could tell they weren't sailing. Perhaps there was a wind tonight.

What worried her was that she couldn't hear Lieutenant Mercer, either. Earlier, he had been talking to another man, but as before, they whispered their conversation so she couldn't hear any words. Not knowing how much time had passed, she could only hope that Mercer had retired to bed. But if he expected Broderick, she was certain the lieutenant would not sleep until the man she loved was captured.

"Is anyone there?" she asked softly, and waited.

No noise. Nothing different was detected from a few moments earlier. So perhaps she was by herself after all.

Her arms and legs were pretty much numb by now, but she tried to struggle out of the ropes binding her wrists. She tugged and tugged with all her might, and after a few minutes, she had to stop and catch her breath. Being so weak, there was no way she could get out of these ropes.

Tears pooled in her eyes, and she didn't have the willpower to hold them back from falling down her face. It didn't matter, since her blindfold soaked up the moisture anyway.

Helplessness swept over her, and for the first time since she was kidnapped, she felt as if her doom was very near. Lieutenant Mercer would kill her just as soon as Broderick arrived. And she had no doubt he would come for her, not thinking about his own safety at all. She at least hoped the lieutenant would let her tell Broderick she loved him before he killed her. If only she could have told her mother, brother, and father the same thing. If only…

Her thoughts skidded to a halt. Had she just heard a noise? Holding her breath, she listened again. After a few moments came the same scrape she'd heard.

She held still, listening intently. Although she wasn't really frightened of mice, she was tied up and so wouldn't be able to shoo the rodent away if it neared her. The noise definitely couldn't be Mercer, because he made enough commotion to let the whole ship—and the fishes under the sea—know he was walking. So, where could that noise be coming from?

Another scrape sounded, from the door this time. Maybe Rebecca was returning. Emmie almost hoped so, because then she'd be reassured Broderick's cousin hadn't been killed after all.

Holding her breath, Emmie listened for more. Silence lasted another few minutes before she heard a different sound. It was the squeak of the door opening. She even felt the brush of cooler air across her feet. From underneath the blindfold, a tiny amount of light came into the room. It wasn't until now that she realized how dark the room had been.

Very soft footsteps—more than set—came inside before the door squeaked again, followed by the click of the door closing. If Rebecca had returned, who was with her?

Within seconds, the footsteps quickened—but were kept light—and coming her way. Someone neared, and she felt the warmth of another body kneeling beside her chair as tender hands touched her tied ones. A familiar masculine scent filled her senses and made her heart sing with joy.

"Broderick?" she whispered.

His hands squeezed hers. "Yes, my love," he replied softly. "Keep quiet. My uncle and I are here to get you out of this wretched place."

Tears streamed from her eyes like a waterfall. "No, Broderick. You must leave now. You have put yourself in danger by coming to rescue me," she whispered brokenly.

His lips brushed hers briefly. "Do you honestly think I would let that stop me?"

Another pair of fingers worked the binds at her feet while Broderick untied her hands. "But it must. As long as you are alive, they will not hurt me."

"And as soon as I get us out of here, they will not hurt either of us."

"But Broderick—"

His mouth pressed against hers again, silencing her protests. The kiss was slightly longer, but not long enough for her to thoroughly enjoy. He pulled away, and seconds later, her blindfold came off. Because her eyes had been hidden for most of the day, she squinted at the small amount of light coming from the lantern.

Broderick's face was before her, love glowing in his eyes. Her heart flipped with excitement, and she prayed he could get them out of there safely.

"Shh…" he whispered. "We don't want to alert Lieutenant Mercer, or whoever else might be helping, that we are here."

She nodded, then quickly glanced at Mr. Crampton. She couldn't see his face, since he was still bent over untying her feet. She needed to tell him about Rebecca, but then the poor man might get angry, or worse… make noise. Still, they couldn't leave here without Broderick's idiotic cousin.

"Broderick, there is something you must know about who is helping Mercer."

"I already know, my love. Phillip is the traitor amongst us."

She gasped as her heart broke for the man she loved. Not only had his friend betrayed him—but his cousin as well. Now she realized that was why the other man's voice seemed so familiar. She had heard it before, if only once. "I'm sorry to hear that. But there is more."

"I'm quite certain there are more people assisting the lieutenant, but let's get you out of here first. I will return with other members of my crew, and we will fight them all." He grinned.

"No, it's not that—"

"There," Mr. Crampton said as he rubbed her ankles, looking up at her. "The binds are off. Can you stand?"

She shrugged. "Considering my legs have been numb for hours, I don't know how well I can stand, let alone walk."

"I shall carry you," Broderick told her softly.

"No. That will only slow us down. Give me a moment to regain feeling in my feet."

She stood and tested her footing. Broderick's muscular arm wrapped around her waist to help her to stand. Mr. Crampton tiptoed to the door and placed his ear on the weathered wood. She needed to tell Broderick now, without his uncle close by.

"Broderick," she whispered, and leaned up to his ear. "Rebecca is here."

Broderick quickly pulled back, his eyes widening as he stared at her. Emmie took a quick peek at Mr. Crampton to make sure he was still by the door before leaning back to Broderick's ear.

"Rebecca turned you in. She was the one responsible for my kidnapping, too." He pulled away again, shaking his head. She nodded and leaned toward his ear again. "Your cousin isn't very wise, but she is still your cousin and Mr. Crampton's daughter. We cannot leave without her."

Where is she? he mouthed.

"I don't know where Lieutenant Mercer took her." She shrugged. "I don't even know if she is still alive."

Frowning, Broderick swiped a hand over his face. Her heart went out to him. He'd had too many people betray him lately. She prayed there were no others. She feared his heart wouldn't be able to bear it.

"I cannot think of that now," he answered. "We must get you out of here and safely home. Then, and only then, will I be able to figure out how to return to save her." He sighed heavily.

The burning tingles in her legs had returned, but she couldn't concentrate or worry about that. As long as she could walk, she was fine. She tested her legs by taking a few steps. When she was confident she would be able to walk off this ship by herself, she said, "Let's go."

Mr. Crampton pulled away from the door and motioned with his hand. "I don't hear anything on the other side. I think all is well."

"I pray you're correct, Mr. Crampton." She touched his arm and smiled. "Thank you so much for helping Broderick."

"Think nothing of it." He stroked her cheek. "And you are the daughter of my good friend, as well. I'm doubly blessed to be helping."

Broderick picked up the lantern before moving to the door. He turned off the light before carefully opening the door and peeking out into the hallway. Emmie held her breath, hoping they would be able to leave without any problems.

Finally, Broderick looked back and nodded. He took her hand, and she tightened her fingers around his, never wanting to let go—ever again. They all took careful and very slow steps down the hallway. Darkness was thick through these halls, and she trusted Broderick would lead them out without any difficulty.

A sliver of light shone up ahead, almost a bluish color. She wanted to sigh with relief, knowing it was probably the moon reflecting off the ocean, but she didn't dare. They weren't out of danger yet. The closer they came to the light, the quicker their footsteps became. It was hard to walk carefully when hope—and freedom—were so close.

The few stairs leading to the top deck were just ahead. Broderick strode up the stairs first, pulling Emmie's hand as she followed. As his head cleared topside, several clicks of pistols resounded in the night. Broderick froze, and her heart sank.

They'd been caught!

"Welcome to my ship, Captain Hawk." Lieutenant Mercer's voice boomed in the quiet night. "Please come up, and bring your friends with you."

Broderick's hand tightened around her fingers, and she clutched his overcoat with her other hand. Once they were on deck, he pulled her close against his body, protecting her.

Mr. Crampton followed with his head lowered in defeat. Her heart went out to him as well. He had yet to learn about what his own daughter had done to bring all of this about.

She glanced around the deck. Only three other men stood beside Mercer, and Phillip wasn't one of them. As she scooted closer to Broderick, she felt the weapons Broderick had on him. If only they could beat these other men back, they might get out of here alive.

Lieutenant Mercer released a grating laugh. "Now see, Lady Sarah. Did I not tell you that Mr. Worthington would come for you?"

"Yes, you did," she answered softly.

"And I'm so very happy you're both together, once again. I want Captain Hawk to watch the woman he loves die a slow and painful death."

She sobbed and buried her head in Broderick's chest. His arms tightened around her.

"I'm afraid, Lieutenant Mercer, that your plans won't happen that way," Broderick said. "You see, Captain Hawk never loses a fight, and he for certain doesn't allow those he loves to die in front of him."

Emmie turned her head slightly to look at the lieutenant to see his reaction.

He laughed again. "Oh, but you haven't been Captain Hawk as long as the others before you. I'm quite sure I can best you yet again."

"And I'm quite sure you cannot," Broderick replied boldly.

Lieutenant Mercer's attention moved from Emmie and Broderick onto Mr. Crampton. "And what a pleasure it is to see you again, Henry. I thank you for assisting me with the capture of Captain Hawk. I'm so glad you brought him here. Well done, my good friend."

Emmie's heart sank once again. Beside her, Broderick stiffened in shock.

No! Not Mr. Crampton!