Dead Man's Chest (The Plundered Chronicles Book 5) Read online

  Quinn looked deeply into the eyes of her first mate and oldest pirate friend. He had never steered her wrong. Ever. “You want me to return to Galway.”

  Tavish nodded. “Aye, lad. You’ve been pushin’ ’em hard fer months… actually, fer a good year now—ever since ya heard Evan came outta the shadows.”

  Evan.

  Her true love. Maybe not her only love, but a woman she loved with all her heart and soul. Quinn had thought they might make a life together one day.

  Fate had a different idea.

  “That’s not the reason why we—”

  “Save it fer someone who doesn’t ken ya quite the way I do, lad. She never leaves yer heart and yer eyes never stop searchin’ fer her. After all these years, ya never stop hopin’ we’ll run into her.”

  She wouldn’t even try to deny it.

  When a horrific experience turned Evan toward the darkness, she released Quinn from their connection and disappeared into the shadows of the Borderlands where she went on a one-woman crusade against the Border Reivers who had raped and abused her.

  Those fuckers had broken Evan, and Evan broke Quinn’s heart.

  “Yer lass has dispatched hundreds of Reivers in the years since Mary was kilt. Maybe even thousands. Even if ya did find her, all that killin’ would change a person. She’s not the same lass ya fell in love with.”

  Quinn nodded sadly. “I know she’s probably not the woman I fell in love with, Tavish. I know that with my head, but my heart isn’t as smart. It wants the woman I love back.”

  “I ken that, lad. I really do, but ya’ve been drivin’ the crew hard ever since Lake told ya he’d heard she’d left Scotland.”

  “Have I?” Quinn was genuinely perplexed.

  “Aye. It’s time to give ’em some time off the deck and off the water. They need it. You need it. I doona mean to sound like a harpy, lad, but I ken how easy it is to get sidetracked when yer heart hurts. We’re free from enna obligations to enna one now…unless yer meeting with Lady Killigrew changed that.”

  Quinn sighed loudly. She knew he was right. “I respect you for coming to me, Tavish. While we do owe Lady Killigrew, I don’t believe she has enna intentions of asking for us to repay her, but I promise we will spend time on land once we finish our visit with her.”

  “No idea why she wants us to go there?

  She rose. “After we pay our respects to Lady Killigrew at her lovely house, we’ll head home, but we owe her. It’s the least we can do to thank her for saving us.”

  “Home. I think the men would really appreciate family time.”

  “Family time?”

  “Aye. How long has it been since you’ve been home? Not Galway, but to yer brother and father?”

  Quinn shook her head. “Couple of years. Last time I went, my father lectured me the whole time about getting a husband.”

  “And Patrick?”

  “I met his wife and babe. He seems happy. He looks good. Getting thicker around the waist, for sure. There’s no reason for me to go home at the moment, Tavish.”

  Tavish inhaled deeply. “Yer father cut the ties that bound ya and ya said some pretty harsh things to him. Don’tcha think it’s time to forgive and forget?”

  “Not at this time, no. Though I would like to see Kennedy and Shea. I haven’t visited all of them for over a year, but it would be nice to see them. Sometimes,” Quinn shook her head. “Sometimes it feels like we’re living in such different worlds, that after we share small talk, there’s nothing else left to say.”

  Tavish slapped his thigh. “Well, there you have it. Ya best find yerself friends or family to visit so ya doona feel thattaway. Family means everythin’, aye?”

  “Mind your old business, old man. I said I haven’t visited them. They always try to talk me into coming home. They’ll never understand that home is where my crew is.”

  Tavish laughed. “Yer so much like her.”

  “Who?”

  “Grace. You served so much time under her, yer more like her than you’d ever admit.”

  “She taught me a great deal, Tavish.”

  “Aye she did, and a fine captain you’ve become. I ken we’ve suffered our losses, but fer the most part, we’ve managed well on the water. Galway will be good fer ya. Fer all of us.”

  “We’ll see. Let’s visit Lady Killigrew and then we can talk about it.”

  Tavish started out the door, then stopped and turned. “Callaghan, ya ken how much Maggie and I care fer ya, aye?”

  “I do.”

  “Then trust an old man who’s known ya many years… It’s time fer ya to find yerself another woman.”

  Quinn pushed him out the door. “Begone before I leave you with Lady Killigrew.”

  The next morning, when they pulled into the pier, Quinn stood on the deck, hands clasped behind her back, rolling back and forth on her heels. The air was crisp and sweet and felt good on her face as they pulled into the pier that extended in front of the Killigrew home.

  “Tavish said ya might take us home,” Quinn’s second said, standing next to her.

  “Aye, Fitz. I’ve a mind to giving you all some time for you to see your families. You know…regroup. Wine, women, and wondering when we’re leaving for the sea again.”

  Fitz chuckled. “I, fer one, could use a good set a tits to lay my head fer a few days.”

  Quinn waved to Lady Killigrew who appeared on the dock. “You and me both.”

  Fitz turned to her. “I’ve been with ya fer a lotta years now, and as yer friend, I just want ya to be happy. Yer business is my business, Captain. If I learnt ennathin’ from my time with Grace on the Mal, it’s that a happy captain is a happy crew. If ya need a wench, we won’t get one out here, that’s fer sure.”

  Quinn stood in silence a moment before turning to her old friend. “I don’t feel unhappy.”

  “Not the same, is it?”

  “I suppose not.”

  When all the crew had cleared the deck, Quinn walked down the ramp and into the warm embrace of Lady Killigrew.

  “Thank you for your generous hospitality, Lady Killigrew. It’s strange allowing you to treat us since it is we who owe you.”

  “Please, you and your crew can dine in the hall. We’ve plenty of food and drink.”

  “I have nearly two hundred men.”

  “I know. Come. You can clean up in my lady’s chambers.”

  Once Quinn had washed the sea off her face and arms, she joined Lady Killigrew at the head table that overlooked a square of tables overflowing with meats of all kinds, luscious fruits, and a few items Quinn couldn’t name.

  After filling her plate with food, Quinn sat next to the woman who had saved her ship and crew from certain destruction, suddenly wondering what this feast was all about.

  “I want to thank you for saving my ship and my crew. It didn’t look like we were going to make it from that one.”

  “You’re welcome, Captain, but as you know, a woman in my position seldom does anything for nothing. True, we are always looking for plunder, but it was providence that brought us to you.”

  “We are most appreciative that you were.” Quinn caught the extended gaze of a pretty young woman standing back by the serving table.

  Lady Killigrew leaned closer. “Appreciation is one thing, Callaghan. I have served you quite well in the past with ships and whatnot. And while I am certain you appreciate that, I believe it is within my purview to ask something of you.”

  And there it was.

  “I have a proposition for you that will require a great deal of sailing, but could mean a lot of booty for us both.”

  Quinn leaned forward, intrigued by her words while remembering Fitz and Tavish’s “I’ve been advised to give my men land time to see their families, so if this is time important, then—”

  “It isn’t. One or two weeks either way won’t make much of a difference, but I need to know you will get my package delivered as quickly as you can after that,”

  “What sor
t of package?” Quinn’s interested was piqued as she tore a piece of meat from a turkey leg.

  Lady Killigrew snapped her fingers and a servant brought over a small box about one foot by one foot and about one inch high.

  “This.”

  Quinn took the box. It was very light. “How many of these are we talking?”

  “Just that one.”

  Quinn stared at her. “Just this box? You want me to sail somewhere in order to deliver this one box?”

  “Yes.”

  “And where are we taking this?”

  Lady Killigrew lowered her head and her voice. “I need you to sail to the New World.”

  Quinn stared at her, open-mouthed. “I’m sorry. Did you say you want me to sail to the New World?”

  “I did.”

  “That’s a harsh two-month journey over rough water from which any number of ships have not returned.”

  “I am well aware of that, Captain but as you know, Francis Drake has made himself and his queen very rich from his visits to the New World. I would not ask this of you if I did not believe we would both prosper from it.”

  Quinn studied the small box. It was so light, it felt as if there was nothing in it. “Do you wish to tell me what is in here, for if it isn’t jewels or gold, which I know it isn’t, I see no reason to risk my ship or crew on such a perilous journey for just one box.”

  Lady Killigrew cleared her throat. “I understand. I also understand that you came to me needing that ship of yours, and we traded your smaller ship of far lesser value for it.”

  “And all it held.”

  “Yes. That very ship of yours, the Emerald, would also be at the bottom of the sea had I not brought my own around to aid you.”

  Quinn grit her teeth. There was a reason Lady Killigrew was so good at her profession. She knew exactly how and when to exact payback. “This is why you asked me here.”

  “I believe, Captain Callaghan, that you owe me a favor, and I am calling that favor in.” She sipped wine from a very expensive looking goblet. “You’ve always struck me as an honorable person, Captain. You can’t deny you owe me—not just for saving your crew and ship, but for trading with you for that ship. You know as well as I that you came out of that trade far ahead of me. Your hold had a couple chests of silver, some spices, and a few dozen bags of beans, rice, and smoked meats. The Emerald is a larger, faster, and better-equipped vessel than the Fortune Teller ever was or could be.”

  On that, Quinn had to agree. She’d made a deal with Lady Killigrew to trade the smaller, lighter ship and its contents sight unseen for the Emerald.

  Quinn definitely came out with the better deal.

  “There’s nothing honorable about risking my crew and ship to deliver a box of… of what?”

  “Important things.”

  “Aye. Sure. You want me to tell my crew we’re deliverin’ this box of important things across the world… and for what?”

  “Oh, are you asking what is in it for you and your men?”

  “I am aware of the purported riches in the New World, m’lady, but we are not traveling such a distance without some sort of contract of guarantee. It is too risky a proposition without something firmer. I know we are beholden to you, but I need more than important things. I need something that will make it worthwhile to my crew.”

  Lady Killigrew withdrew a scroll from the brown leather pouch tied around her waist and slid it over to Quinn. “I’m no amateur, Callaghan, nor am I someone who takes advantage of friendships such as ours.”

  Opening the scroll, Quinn read the English writing before rolling it back up. “That’s quite a substantial offer.”

  “As you’ve said—it’s a long voyage. You and your men will be justly compensated for your time.”

  “And the purse is there. In the New World?”

  “Yes. My sister and her husband will fulfill the debt and pay you and your men.”

  “And what is your slice?”

  “Mine? I will reap the benefits of their labor. You needn’t concern yourself with me, Callaghan. This is one of those situations where everyone gains. My sister gets the box, you get paid handsomely, I get the final product.”

  “If we make it back alive. It’s a four-month hard journey round trip in rough seas, with both English and Spanish travelling as well.”

  “Indeed.” Lady Killigrew rubbed her chin in thought. “Perhaps I can sweeten the pot for you, personally.”

  “I’m listening.”

  “You will be gone at least four months. That should give me plenty of time to find her.”

  Quinn’s goblet froze in midair. “Her?”

  “Your real love, Evan.”

  Just the mention of Evan’s name took her breath away and it took her a moment to recover. “Our time together is over, Lady Killigrew. I’m quite certain Evan is not the woman I fell in love with.”

  Lady Killigrew laid her hand on Quinn’s arm. “People change, Callaghan. How long has it been now since you’ve changed so much? Four years?”

  “Almost five.”

  “And yet I can still see it in your eyes—that longing—that yearning to see her face once more. You’re lonely, my dear. I can feel it from you as easily as I can smell the pig roasting. I will find your Evan and convince her to see you one last time. I suspect some sort of closure would help heal your heart.”

  Quinn lowered her goblet. “What makes you think you could talk her into that?”

  “Deal making is what I do, Captain. Everyone has a price, Callaghan. Even you. I’ll find Evan, her price, and then I’ll pay it.”

  Watching her men drink and carouse, laugh and tell stories, Quinn wondered if they would be at all willing to travel so far away from their beloved Ireland.

  Would she even have the courage to ask them?

  “I appreciate the generous offer, but I cannot say aye or nay until I speak with my men.”

  “Of course. Take the box. Should you choose to go, you will have it. If you choose not to, you can return it. I trust you implicitly.

  Quinn nodded. “I’ll take good care of it, and again, I appreciate your offer as well as the offer to find Evan. If we decide to go, however, you need not waste your time looking for Evan. She knows how to find me and has chosen to live her life without me.”

  “Perhaps.” She rose. “Would you be so kind as to take one of my girls as a messenger?”

  “I suppose I can do that. My men do not suffer from the notion that woman brings bad luck to a ship.”

  Lady Killigrew smiled. “Excellent.” Snapping her fingers at a young woman with long, brown hair who had been staring at Quinn, Lady Killigrew waited for her to join them. “This is Captain Callaghan. Callaghan, this is Kaylish.”

  Quinn bowed toward Kaylish, who curtseyed.

  She was a beautiful young woman who turned men’s heads. Full bosom, tapered waist, deep blue eyes, and kissable lips made Quinn wonder if bringing her on board was such a wise thing to do after all.

  As if reading Quinn’s mind, she said, “You needn’t worry about me, Captain. I can hold my own against most men.”

  Tavish stumbled over to Quinn, bits of food caught in his beard. “Bring her, Callaghan, and I guarantee ya will have yer hands full of fightin’ and fussin’.”

  Maggie quickly joined them and sent her husband back to their table. “I apologize, Captain. Too much drink in my husband and…well…ya ken.”

  “I do. What are your thoughts?”

  Maggie did not even glance at the girl. “My dear, it is your ship, your crew, and your decision. I’ve kenned ya long enough to respect yer choice. Ya always do what’s right by the fellas.”

  “She says she can hold her own.”

  Maggie looked at Kaylish now. “Then believe that she can and move on. Besides, once we get the crew to Galway, no one’ll give her a second thought.”

  Quinn nodded and thanked Maggie for her counsel. Then she glanced over at Fitz, who was playing a card game with Gallagher.
/>   Her crew understood boundaries and lines drawn in the sand. They would no more harm this girl than they would Gallagher.

  “Thank you, Maggie.”

  Maggie nodded and returned to her husband.

  “Verra well then. We sail at noon.” Quinn handed Kaylish the box. “You are in charge of whatever is in the box. Bring it with you. Keep it safe. When we decide what to do, you can keep it safe. Do you have enna questions for me?”

  Kaylish shook her head and said in Gaelic, “I know what my job is and what my duties are, Captain. I’ll be ready to set sail when you are.”

  Quinn must have appeared surprised because Kaylish smiled knowingly. “Do not make the mistake men make of me, Captain. Under estimating a woman is never wise. I bring many talents to the table.”

  Quinn opened her mouth to reply, but realized that what she was about to say might offend a young lady such as she.

  “Callaghan? Will she do?”

  Quinn nodded. “She will do just fine.”

  Left alone to finish her meal, Quinn ate in silence, watching Gallagher fall asleep with her head in Fitz’s lap, watching Tavish and Maggie dance, smiling at One Eye, telling a story about Grace, and the two Galloglaigh warriors she picked up seven years ago. Seanie and Laing were arm wrestling everyone who was foolish enough to play.

  These men were the salt of the earth—her favorite people on the planet. They were good men, strong fighters, loyal people.

  She loved them with all her heart.

  So, could she ask them to sail two months and far, far away to deliver something she didn’t had no idea about? Did she explain to them or did she rule them as Grace would, and just command? These men were far more than just associates. They were her family, and for better or for worse, she was the head of household, and she’d need to decide whether her honor was more important than her crew.

  She was pretty certain it wasn’t.

  “How about it, Callaghan? Your fellows prepared to truly take on the sea?”

  Quinn studied the men as they laugh and drank, sang, and passed out. “If the purse is large enough to make a difference in their lives, ya have a deal.”

  When they pulled away from the dock with Kaylish on board, Quinn addressed the crew about Kaylish being a messenger to report back to Lady Killigrew, and that respect and decorum were required.