WHILE THE others looked through the treasure, Devon gazed around the chamber, feeling a strong sense of foreboding. He kept waiting for something to happen, to go wrong. It didn’t augur well for them.
“I can’t imagine how long it must have taken to bring everything down here. Most of McKenzie’s men had been caught and hanged by that time. He had only a handful of trusted men left,” Elijah said as he walked toward Devon. “What’s wrong, Devon? Why aren’t you trying to bury yourself in riches with the others?”
“I can’t,” Devon muttered. “I have this feeling something is wrong. Makes me nervous.”
“That is just the sight of all that fortune.” Elijah grinned.
“I guess,” Devon said, although he wasn’t too certain.
Cody approached them, his whole face lit up with a wide smile. “You do realize we are rich beyond our wildest dreams, don’t you?” he chuckled happily.
“Correction. I am rich beyond my wildest dreams,” a new voice stated from behind them.
Devon turned and found himself looking straight into the barrel of a pistol. Ten men were standing near the passageway, all heavily armed. Their leader was dressed all in black, looking smugly down at him, and Devon had no doubt about the man’s identity, especially after seeing the anger in Brett’s eyes.
“Blackburn,” Devon growled.
“Hall.” Blackburn mock bowed. “We finally meet face-to-face.” His eyes focused on Brett, turning impossibly cold. “Mr. Campbell, we meet again. I believe we have some unfinished business between us. Now, gentlemen, if you please. Relieve yourselves of your weaponry.”
Devon nodded to the others, who reluctantly obeyed, letting their swords and guns fall to the ground. “You will not get away with this,” he said.
Blackburn smiled. “I already have, Captain Hall.” He turned to one of his men. “Go back to the Skull and tell Cook we have found the treasure and need every available man to help carry it back to the ship.” After the man had left, he grinned at Devon. “It is most fortunate that my ship is anchored on this side of the island. It will save precious time.”
“How did you find us?” Brett asked.
“I have been following you since you left Tortuga. The storm gave me some trouble, but my ship is better equipped to handle it than yours was. It was easy to discover this island and where you camped last night. When you went in search of the treasure this morning, I followed. I have a good tracker among my men, and you gentlemen left a visible trail. Which one of you had the misfortune of landing in quicksand?”
No one answered, but next to Devon, Elijah crossed his arms over his chest defensively, scowl on his face.
Blackburn must have noticed Elijah’s disgruntled expression, for he shook his head, tsking softly. “Very clumsy. I expected more out of one of Captain Hall’s men. Appleton, Donovan, watch the prisoners. The rest of you, start taking the treasure out. And make it fast.”
“Aye, Captain.”
For the next three hours, Devon and the others watched helplessly as the treasure was taken from the chamber, first by Blackburn’s remaining seven men, then by the dozen others brought from the ship. Little by little, all the chests disappeared, taking several trips before the task was completed.
Blackburn approached them, brushing an imaginary speckle of dirt from his clothes. “Captain, it has been a pleasure. Mr. Campbell, I’m certain you will be exhilarated to know you will be coming with me. As I stated before, we have some unfinished business to see to. I don’t take kindly to being made a fool. As for the others… kill them,” he ordered his men.
“No,” Brett shouted, blocking Blackburn’s way as he made to leave.
Blackburn raised an eyebrow quizzically. “Something to say, Mr. Campbell?”
“Don’t kill them,” Brett pleaded softly. “I’ll do anything you want, but please… don’t kill them.”
“Anything, Mr. Campbell?” Blackburn grinned.
“Yes,” Brett said.
“Are you certain? Anything?” Blackburn leered, his gaze running up and down Brett’s body lasciviously.
Devon saw Brett’s eyes widen as he realized exactly what Blackburn was asking for. “Don’t do it, Brett,” he shouted desperately.
Brett looked at him, regarding Devon sadly. “I’m sorry, Devon. I can’t let you die.” Then to Blackburn, he said, “Anything.”
Blackburn stared suspiciously at the two of them, and Devon saw the sudden understanding shine in the man’s eyes. “Ah. I see. Well, well, well! I confess I’m surprised, Captain Hall. But then, Mr. Campbell is a very handsome man.” He sighed dramatically. “Oh, very well. I’m feeling benevolent today. Mr. Donovan, please tie the prisoners securely.”
Devon fought furiously as his wrists were tied behind his back and then his ankles as well. He was thrown on the ground, his shoulder hitting the wall painfully. The others were soon sitting beside him, all bound hand and foot and leaning against the rock wall.
“There,” Blackburn said. “I did what you asked, Mr. Campbell. And to show you I’m a reasonable man, I’ll even allow you to say goodbye,” he told Brett, gesturing for him to go to Devon.
Devon watched Brett approach hesitantly and then kneel before him. “Devon?” Brett whispered softly. Devon turned his head to the side, unable to face him. “Devon, please?” When Devon still didn’t acknowledge him, Brett sighed dejectedly. “Fine. I know you are upset, but I had to do it. Would you have let me die?” He wrapped his arms around Devon and hugged him tightly. “I love you,” he breathed into Devon’s ear.
Brett moved back and looked at the others. “I hope we meet again someday.”
“Count on it, Brett,” Cody said fiercely, voice wavering.
“Take care of him for me?” Brett whispered.
Elijah nodded. “We will. Take care of yourself. We will come looking for you.”
“Enough,” Blackburn ordered. “Take him to the ship.”
Devon watched as two men grabbed Brett and dragged him away from the chamber. As they reached the passageway, Brett turned and their eyes met. Devon wanted to say something, to tell Brett he was sorry for the way he had acted as Brett was saying goodbye, that everything was going to be fine, but nothing came out. Brett smiled at him sadly, then disappeared from sight as the men took him away.
Devon tensed as Blackburn drew near, staring down at them. “You did not really think it would be that easy, did you?” the man said with a smirk.
“Meaning you are going to kill us after all?” Elijah said.
“Oh no. I may be a pirate, but I do keep my promises. And I did promise Mr. Campbell I would not kill you. Of course, there are other ways of making you disappear. I can always give nature a hand.”
Elijah frowned. “What?”
“I’m certain it will be relatively easy to blow up that passageway after my men and I go through it. Even if you do manage to free yourselves from the ropes, you will be trapped in this chamber forever and die. I’ll have kept my promise, as I’ll not be the one killing you. I’ll eventually tell Mr. Campbell. It would not be very sporting of me if I kept such knowledge hidden from him. But of course, I’ll have my fun with him first.” He smirked. “How does it feel, Hall? To know I have everything you wanted? The treasure and… more.” Blackburn laughed evilly. “Well, time to go. Die well, gentlemen. Farewell,” he said with another mock bow.
When they were finally alone, Elijah banged his head against the wall with a groan. “I hate that miscreant.”
The roar from an explosion echoed throughout the chamber, a deep rumbling growl that nearly deafened them. The ceiling in the passageway collapsed, dirt and rocks raining down on the three of them and blocking the way out.
“I don’t want to die,” Cody said brokenly when the dust finally settled.
“And you are not going to,” Elijah said. “Can you turn around?”
“I think so,” he said with a sniff. “Why?”
“There is a knife hidden in my right boot. If you take it out, we can use it to cut the ropes.”
“We need to find a way of getting out of this cave,” Devon said as he fought with the ropes binding him.
“We will. At least now we will be free,” Elijah said. “We still have a fighting chance.”
Devon narrowed his eyes dangerously. “And we will get out of here,” he said fiercely. “Blackburn has not seen the last of me yet. However long it takes… I will find him.”
BRETT SAT down on the bed, looking around Blackburn’s cabin. He had been brought to the man’s quarters as soon as he had arrived at the ship, his hands tied in front of him so he wouldn’t try to escape again. He had been left alone, the door locked after the two men had shoved him inside.
He stared out the windows, realizing it was probably midafternoon. He was hungry; he had eaten something in the morning before going on their treasure hunt but hadn’t anticipated spending so much time away from camp.
The door opened, and Blackburn entered, a wide smile grazing his face. “Mr. Campbell, I believe it’s time you kept your part of our deal. I need something to bank the fire inside; finding a fortune always does that to me.”
“You mean, stealing.” Brett scowled.
“Details, Mr. Campbell. Well?” When Brett hesitated, Blackburn glared. “We haven’t set sail yet. I can always send my men back to kill your friends.”
“No! No, I’ll do it,” Brett said, swallowing hard.
He lay back on the bed and closed his eyes as Blackburn covered him with his body, his hands beginning to paw at him. Brett bit back a groan as the man nipped at his throat, Blackburn’s bigger body grinding against his in an obscene parody of love.
Brett tried to keep his mind away from what was happening, but all he could think of was Devon. He remembered their intense yet loving kisses, the way Devon always managed to set Brett’s body on fire with a mere touch. Something rebelled inside of him, and Brett suddenly knew he couldn’t go through with it; he couldn’t betray Devon that way.
He shoved Blackburn away as hard as his bound hands would allow, his body bucking at the same time, trying to dislodge the weight pinning him down. When Blackburn became more forceful in his rough caresses, Brett moved a leg between Blackburn’s and kneed him furiously in the groin.
Blackburn cried out, his hands moving to cover his loins, and Brett took the opportunity to push him away. The pirate fell to the floor, whimpering softly, his gasping breaths loud in the otherwise silent cabin.
Minutes passed until Blackburn finally sighed and sat up slowly. “I see you are not a man of your word, Mr. Campbell,” he said, glaring at Brett through watery eyes. “That is—” A knock on the door prevented him from finishing. “Yes?” he called out as he rose from the floor.
The door opened, and one of the men Brett had seen at the cave walked in. “Captain, we are ready to depart.”
“Very well, Mr. Donovan. Set a course for Port Royal,” Blackburn ordered. “Now leave us.”
“Aye, aye, Captain.”
Once they were alone again, Blackburn stared down at Brett. “As I was saying, it is not very gentlemanlike to go back on your word.” He smirked. “Then again, neither one of us is truly a gentleman, are we? So I guess I can tell you the truth now.”
Brett frowned. “What truth?”
“Your friends are dead, Mr. Campbell. Or will be, eventually.”
“W-what?” Brett stammered. “B-but you said—”
“I said I would not kill them, and I did not,” Blackburn said. “I merely blew up the passageway’s entrance, trapping them inside the chamber. It will take them an agonizingly long time to die.”
Brett felt his blood turn cold. He looked at the man chuckling before him, and a furious rage took over his whole being. Rising from the bed in one swift move, he pushed Blackburn away from him, reached for a chair with his bound hands, and hit the man with it until Blackburn was cowering on the floor, shouting desperately for help.
Brett’s mind didn’t register the door opening or the four men trying to get him away from Blackburn; all he could see was the man who had fooled him, the man responsible for his friends’ excruciating demise. He kept swinging the broken chair, over and over again, until finally someone hit him from behind and he plunged into blessed oblivion.
DEVON DUMPED another load of rock away from the blocked tunnel and wiped his dirt-covered brow. “How long have we been doing this?”
“It feels like forever,” Cody said tiredly.
They kept digging away at the dirt and rock, their ragged breathing filling the chamber. They had been clearing the passage for hours, painstakingly removing rock after rock, in an effort to escape their entrapment.
Devon was pulling away another large boulder when he heard a muffled scraping sound. “What the—everyone keep silent,” he ordered. “I heard something on the other side.”
They stopped working and stood frozen as they all tried to hear any sounds from the other side of the blocked entrance. The scraping was clearer now, along with the sound of several voices.
“Hello?” Devon shouted. “Can anyone hear me?”
“Captain Hall?” a familiar voice penetrated the rock and dirt. “Captain, is everyone all right?” the distant voice called out again.
“John, yes! Can you get us out of here?” Devon asked.
“We are trying. Me and the boys are all here. We will get through to you soon. We still have more rock to move. You better keep going on that end as well.”
“We will. Hurry up.”
Devon nodded to the others, and they set their minds and bodies to it, digging feverishly through the blockage. Soon the sound of rocks falling echoed in the chamber as the top of the entrance suddenly became clear. A pair of hands appeared and pushed more dirt away.
Devon grinned as John slithered through the opening, sliding down on his stomach until he reached the bottom. “Captain,” he panted with a grin.
“John. Well done, man. How did you know we were here?”
“Mark was searching for food on this side of the island when he spotted Captain Blackburn’s ship. He came for the rest of us. When we got to the cove, we saw a group of men heading toward the mountains and followed them. We saw them enter the cave but decided to wait before doing anything. We almost attacked when we saw them leaving with the treasure and then Brett, but we didn’t know what had happened to you. After Captain Blackburn left, we came inside and heard the explosion. We figured you had to be here.”
“Good work. Let us get out of here.”
One by one they left the chamber and joined the rest of the crew in the passage, then followed the markings on the walls to find the exit. Once outside, Devon took a long, deep breath, relieved to be out in the sun again. They were free. Now all that was left was to hunt Blackburn down…. And kill him.
DEVON STOOD on the beach for a very long time, watching the Skull sail into the horizon until it was only a small dot on the ocean.
It hurt him to think of Brett in that man’s hands, suffering whatever torture Blackburn chose to inflict, while they were stranded on the island with no way off. They were ready to signal any ship sailing their way, but until then, they would have to be patient and make the best of a hopeless situation.
“We will find him, Devon,” Cody assured him as the boy walked up to him.
“Eventually, yes,” Devon said softly. “But what shape will he be in? It could be weeks before a ship comes our way. By then Blackburn could have killed him, for all I know.”
“He won’t.” Cody gazed at the ocean, and for some reason Devon found himself holding his breath, waiting for the boy to speak. “Brett’s… special. There’s just something about him, you can’t help but notice. No matter what life threw at him, he never stopped fighting. And he will also fight Blackburn tooth and nail.”
Devon closed his eyes on the slowly setting sun. “That’s what I’m afraid of, Cody. That’s what I’m afraid of.”
Devon felt Cody touch his shoulder and looked at him. “Don’t ask me to tell you how I know this,” Cody said quietly, expression solemn. “But I do believe you’ll get us off of this island, and we will find Brett. Alive.”
In the face of such honest faith, Devon felt some tension leave his shoulders. Maybe the boy was right and they would find a way out of this predicament. And more importantly, bring Brett back into their fold, safe and whole.
BRETT WOKE up with a splitting headache. Opening his eyes, he realized he had been taken to the ship’s hold, his hands still tied but with a new addition—he was bound to a pillar by the waist. He squinted at the darkness around him, seeing the treasure resting securely on the other side of the hold, strong ropes keeping the chests together and preventing them from slipping as the vessel swayed gently.
Hearing footsteps on the stairs, he waited until the man drew near to raise his head. He felt a profound sense of fulfillment as he noticed Blackburn was limping slightly and saw the bruises covering the man’s face. It wouldn’t bring Devon and the others back, but at least he had allowed himself a small amount of revenge.
“I see you are awake,” Blackburn said.
“How observant of you,” Brett said sarcastically.
“You know, I could take what I want, force myself on you. But that would be far too easy. I want you to submit to me, to surrender willingly.” Blackburn shrugged. “So I decided to tame the beast, so to speak. From now on, and until I say otherwise, you will remain in the hold. No walking around, no going up for fresh air and sunlight. You will have no food brought to you, and only enough water to keep you alive. You will be allowed to bathe and relieve yourself only once a day. Unless you wish to starve to death, I sincerely hope you change your mind about our deal, Mr. Campbell. It takes a very long time for a man to die this way. Although it would be ironic for you to perish thus. After all, your… Hall is suffering the same fate as we speak.”
Brett growled, trying to kick at him, but Blackburn moved out of the way. “Now, now, temper, temper. I believe I shall leave you alone to ponder the error of your ways, Mr. Campbell. Have a pleasant day.”
Brett leaned back against the pillar, looking up helplessly at the wooden ceiling. The numbness he had felt at the island when he had believed Devon dead was returning tenfold. It physically hurt to think of Devon’s suffering, and a dark side of Brett was content he would be experiencing something similar. It brought them closer somehow.
IT TOOK two weeks for a ship to sail close enough to the island to see their smoke signal. Luckily, it was a British cruiser, obviously patrolling the islands in search of pirates.
Devon waited by the beach as a long boat slowly approached, then went over to meet the officer and the six seamen coming ashore.
“Gentlemen, am I happy to see you,” he said as he shook the officer’s hand eagerly.
“Sir, I am Lieutenant Durst. What has happened? Why are you here?”
“Devon Tanner. I was captain of a small ship carrying supplies from good ol’ England when we were attacked by pirates. They took all our valuables, the cargo, and sunk our vessel. They left us on this island to perish, sir! Those… those scoundrels,” he said in mock outrage.
“Did you happen to hear the pirate’s name, sir?” Durst asked, his expression a sympathetic one.
“I believe the name I heard was Captain Hall.”
“Oh my. Sir, you are most fortunate to be alive. You were attacked by one of the most ruthless pirates in the Caribbean Sea.”
Devon raised an eyebrow at those words. “Is that so?” he said. “Then I’m truly fortunate. Twice over, now that you have come for us.”
“Is any of your crew here?”
“Yes, Lieutenant. We set up camp not far from here. It has been two weeks. We needed somewhere safe to live.”
“Of course. Show me to your camp, then. My men and I will help you bring everyone aboard.”
“Thank you, Lieutenant. Please, follow me.”
Devon lead the men to their improvised camp, grinning wolfishly as his men suddenly jumped from cover and attacked the British, not giving them enough time to fight back. Soon they had them disarmed and securely tied.
“What is the meaning of this?” Durst asked as he glared up at Devon.
“Well, Lieutenant, it’s like this. You have before you one of the most ruthless pirates in the Caribbean Sea,” Devon said with a chuckle.
The man gasped in understanding. “Captain Hall.”
“In the flesh,” Devon said, bowing with a flourish. “And I’m in dire need of a ship, which is why I’m going to take over yours.”
“You rascal,” Durst spat, his face red. “You can’t do this!”
“I’m afraid I can,” Devon said. “Don’t worry. You and your crew will be coming with us. I promise we will take you to the nearest port we can find and let you go unharmed. If I was as ruthless as you think I am, I would just leave you all here to rot. Now, you will join the rest of your crew as soon as the vessel is under our control.”
“What’s the plan?” Elijah asked.
“We wait. They will probably send more men when Durst doesn’t return. We need more clothes and weapons. We attack as soon as it gets dark. In the meantime, see if their clothes fit any of you. If they see us, the clothes may fool them long enough for us to get closer.”
“Would it not be easier to let them take us to the ship and overpower them there?” Cody asked as he donned one of the seamen’s garments with a disgusted grimace.
“Not really. See, if we do it that way, we have the whole crew to fight against, even if they are not expecting a threat from the marooned. This way, we have already eliminated seven men, and if they send more, it will be a considerable share of the crew. There will be fewer men left to fight. If we wear their comrades’ clothes, most of them will not even see us coming,” Elijah said.
“Elijah, go watch the cove. Warn us when they send more men.”
“On my way.”
Cody practically giggled as he finished buttoning the seaman’s ragged shirt. “I look like a child trying his parents’ clothes,” he said while rolling the sleeves, so they wouldn’t completely cover his hands. He turned serious. “We are getting closer, Devon. The ship is practically ours. Soon we will be able to leave this island, go after Blackburn, and rescue Brett.”
Devon nodded, his heart speeding as he thought of Brett. Two weeks was a long time, too long when you were captive to such a man as Blackburn. He shuddered as he remembered Brett’s declaration of love as he was saying goodbye, and hoped he would be able to hear those words again. And more importantly… say them back.
EVERYTHING WENT according to plan. Six more men came ashore in the afternoon, armed to the teeth and expecting trouble. Still, Devon and the others didn’t have great difficulty subduing them. Their clothes were divided among Devon’s crew, and by nightfall they were ready to attack the British cruiser.
They hopped into the two long boats and rowed calmly toward the ship. The sentries spotted them, but as predicted, seeing the familiar uniforms and clothes, let them approach. They moved swiftly, going after the sentries first and knocking them unconscious, then the seamen still wandering the decks, the ones sleeping in the crew quarters, and finally the officers’ cabins.
Two hours later, they had the British locked in the hold and were on course to Jamaica. Captain Hall and his crew were back.
ON THEIR fourth day at sea, a day after releasing the cruiser’s crew as promised, they spotted the Skull.
Devon coldly studied their formidable adversary. With its fifteen hundred tons of impressive bulk and its numerous artilleries, he knew they were in for a fight. The British cruiser was a good ship, fast, but would not be able to withstand much punishment.
Devon took a deep breath, trying to control his heartbeat. He wanted nothing more than to open fire on the other ship. But as desperate as he was to catch Blackburn, Devon couldn’t risk Brett getting hurt in the resulting melee.
“What are you planning?” Cody asked, a slight quiver in his voice betraying his anxiety.
As fierce and determined as Cody was, sometimes it was easy for Devon to forget just how new to this whole life he was.
“They have got more firepower than we do. And I don’t want to jeopardize Brett’s life, or ours, for that matter.”
“We could keep following them, wait until dark, and then use the cutters to overtake their ship,” Cody said. “Maybe they won’t spot us until it’s too late.”
Devon grinned at him. “We will make a pirate out of you yet.”
Suddenly, there was a flash of light from Blackburn’s ship, and seconds later a large cannonball whistled through the cruiser’s masts.
“They have seen us, Captain,” John shouted.
Devon closed his eyes for a moment, sending a silent apology to Brett. Knowing they had to return fire or be destroyed, he turned to his men.
“Battle stations.” Devon watched the men rush below deck to take their positions while the artillerymen aimed the cannons and firelocks. “Fire,” he ordered.
One of the men nodded, firing a single shot. The cannonball smashed through the gangway of the enemy bridge, snapping the flagpole in two on its way.
But Blackburn was not so easily defeated. In that instant, the Skull seemed to catch fire. A hurricane of steel whizzed through the air and struck the cruiser, fracturing its masts and creating chaos aboard.
“Damn it. Elijah, move us closer, quick. Our only chance is to flank and board them.”
“Aye, Captain!”
The cruiser sailed closer and was quickly hit by a second volley of fire that sent wood, cannon parts, and debris flying. An infernal cacophony of gunfire erupted, both sides matching shot for shot, cannonball for cannonball.
Both crews, bent upon victory, could hardly see each other, engulfed as they were by immense clouds of smoke that stubbornly clung to all decks, but they continued to fight with equal furor, as fire was met with fire and discharges by more discharges.
The Skull might have had the advantage of its great bulk and massive artillery, but Devon’s men were leading the attack, refusing to give up the fight. Riddled with holes, sails shredded, and now almost completely unrecognizable, they continued to fire, despite being subjected to an incessant hail of cannonballs.
In spite of everything, Elijah managed to maneuver the ships side by side. A wild cry of victory was heard throughout the cruiser, the men wanting nothing more than to get on board the other ship. The grappling hooks were hurled and the battle proceeded, only this time face-to-face with the enemy.
“Attack,” Devon shouted, jumping over the bulwarks and landing on Blackburn’s deck, already looking for the man.
The air was suddenly filled with a different kind of noise—the distinctive sound of blades clashing together as men from both crews fought for their lives, skillfully engaging in swordplay.
“Captain Hall,” his nemesis drawled from behind him. “You never cease to amaze me.”
Devon slowly turned to face Blackburn, sword already in hand. “As you see, I’m still very much alive. You, on the other hand… will not be for long,” he said angrily, as he thrust forward.
Blackburn dodged, blocking his stroke. They were facing each other, spinning in a slow circle, feinting, teasing, and learning about the other, the tiniest movement countered.
“Enough fun. Time to die, Hall,” Blackburn said with a grin.
Their swords crossed, then again and again, the sound from the blades coming so fast it was almost continuous. Devon pressed on, making Blackburn retreat. They were almost flying across the deck, never losing balance, never coming close to stumbling, paying no mind to the men fighting all around them; the battle raged on, first one and then the other gaining the advantage.
Devon was fighting furiously, ducking and feinting and thrusting, escaping by inches as Blackburn’s sword slashed the air painfully close to his left arm. He felt Blackburn gaining on him, forcing him back, seeming to gain strength as the duel advanced.
“Where’s Brett? What have you done to him?” Devon asked as he was pushed against one of the masts.
Blackburn laughed evilly. “Would you like to know? Stay alive and find out!”
Suddenly thinking of Brett at the hands of the man, Devon felt a surge of power and went into a fierce attack, striking with deadly precision, easily driving Blackburn back, landing blow after blow, slash after slash, until Blackburn was bleeding from several cuts.
“Die,” he said in a breath, attacking in earnest.
He drove for Blackburn’s left shoulder, thrusting successfully. Then another move and his blade entered the man’s right shoulder; always striking, always moving forward. And then, almost too fast for the eye to follow, the sword struck one final time, and Blackburn cried out as he was unable to parry and Devon’s blade plunged clear through him.
They stood frozen for a moment, their eyes locked, Blackburn’s reflecting pain and fear, Devon’s reflecting vengeance. Then he withdrew his sword, and Blackburn collapsed, dead on the ground.
Devon leaned against the mast, panting for breath, staring down at Blackburn’s ashen features, the blood still pouring from the multiple cuts, his eyes bulging wide but no longer seeing. Devon had finally won.
IT WAS unbelievably easy after that. Seeing their captain was dead, Blackburn’s few remaining men surrendered their weapons.
Devon regarded his captives. “Where’s Brett Campbell? Is he still alive?” His questions were met with angry silence. “Talk and you will be allowed to board the British cruiser and sail away. Keep silent and die.” When none of the men said anything, Devon clenched his jaw. “You leave me no choice,” he said, hand gripping his sword.
One of the men shifted slightly. “Wait!” he said, ignoring the furious cursing from the men surrounding him. “Were you serious? About letting us go?”
“I was. As long as you don’t show your faces in the Caribbean Sea again, I don’t really care about you either way. Again, is Brett Campbell alive?”
The man nodded. “Yes, but… he’s not well. Blackburn hasn’t been kind to him.”
Devon ignored the frantic beating of his heart at the news. “Where is he?”
“In the hold.”
Devon looked at John. “Make sure these men get on the cruiser. If they make one wrong move, kill them; otherwise let them go. Elijah, Cody, with me.”
Devon rushed to the hold and gasped at the sight before him. An extremely frail-looking Brett was lying on the dirty floor of the hold. Brett had lost weight he couldn’t afford to lose, his pallor was frightening, and he looked haggard and weak beyond belief.
“My Lord,” Elijah whispered.
Devon knelt and gently gathered Brett in his arms. “Brett?” he said softly, feeling the slight trembling in Brett’s body. “He is freezing, Elijah. What the hell has that depraved animal done to him?”
Elijah shook his head despondently. “I don’t know. We have to try and wake him.”
“Brett? Brett, wake up.” Devon patted the pale face tenderly. “Brett?”
Brett groaned, snuggling up against Devon. “Cold…,” he muttered.
“Brett, I need you to open your eyes for me,” Devon pleaded. “Come on, Brett.”
“No…,” Brett whispered in a nearly nonexistent voice.
“Yes, Brett. Do it for me, come on.”
Brett sighed gently, and then slowly opened his eyes, blinking sleepily up at Devon. He looked at Devon for a long time and began to chuckle weakly.
“What are you laughing at?” Devon asked, confused.
“Hallucination,” Brett said in a breath. “You are a hallucination.”
Devon shook his head. “I’m not a hallucination, Brett. I know Blackburn told you that we were dead, but we managed to escape from the cave.”
Brett looked up. “You did?”
“Yes, we did,” Cody said, voice trembling, and Brett turned his head to look at him, then at Elijah.
He turned his focus back to Devon, raising a trembling hand to brush over his face. Devon held Brett’s hand up with his own, pressing it against his cheek firmly. “I’m alive,” Devon said.
“You are really here?” Brett said, so softly Devon had to strain to hear. “You did not die?”
“We are really here. We did not die. Believe me, Brett. And Blackburn is dead. He will never hurt you again.”
“Oh Lord,” Brett said, struggling to wrap his arms around Devon’s neck.
Devon held him tighter, pulling him closer to him. “It’s all right, Brett. You are going to be fine.”
“I’m so tired…,” Brett whispered against his neck.
“Brett, I need you to stay awake,” Elijah said. “I have to ask you a few questions.”
Devon felt Brett nodding, so he manhandled him gently until Brett could look at Elijah.
“What are you feeling?” Elijah asked softly.
“Cold… fatigued….”
“How long has it been since you’ve eaten?”
“Been without food for—” Brett frowned, and then looked up at Devon. “How long… the cave?”
“You haven’t had anything to eat since the day we found the treasure?” Cody asked, looking horrified. “Why?”
“When he told me what he had done….” Brett sighed, closing his eyes and leaning back against Devon’s chest. “I nearly killed him. Took four of his men to get me away from him.”
“So that is why he decided to starve you to death?” Devon said, feeling furious anew. Blackburn had died far too quickly.
“I would not say yes…,” Brett said weakly. He looked up again, obviously trying hard to focus on Devon’s face. “I could not keep my part of the deal, did not let him…. I couldn’t betray you.” He tilted his head to the side. “Are you still upset with me?”
“Lord, Brett,” Devon said brokenly, resting his forehead against Brett’s. “I was not upset with you. I was angry, but not at you. I was angry at me. I made you a promise that he would not get near you, would not hurt you again, and I could not keep my word.”
“Devon,” Elijah interrupted gently. “You can do this later. Right now, Brett needs to be taken somewhere comfortable, like one of the cabins. And we need to find him something light to eat. Brett, have you been in here all this time?”
“Yes.”
Elijah exhaled softly. “All right. I need something to cover his eyes. There is not enough light here to see properly, and after so long, the light from the sun will hurt his eyes.”
Cody offered Elijah a small scarf he usually wore around his neck. “Here.”
“Thank you.”
“I’ll find the galley, see if there’s any fruit or at least something I can use to make a broth,” Cody said, rushing out.
“I’m going to find him something warm to wear. Until the food begins to work, he will continue to feel cold. Devon, you think you can carry him to the captain’s quarters?” Elijah asked, once the scarf was in place.
Devon nodded, then carried the far too frail body to Blackburn’s cabin and laid him down gently on the bed. He sat by Brett’s side.
Elijah returned with a heavy coat, which Devon helped Brett don, smiling at Brett’s contented sigh as he finally felt warm enough. Devon hovered protectively as Elijah began to examine Brett thoroughly.
Cody walked in carrying a cup filled with freshly made broth.
“It was already on,” he said. “All I had to do was wait a few minutes for it to finish brewing.”
Devon nodded. “Thank you, Cody.” He reached for the cup and then waited until Elijah placed Brett nestled against him to raise it to Brett’s lips. “Brett, I need you to open your mouth. I have some broth here for you.”
Brett obeyed, taking slow, careful sips until the cup was almost empty. He shook his head, refusing to take more, and Devon looked at Elijah.
Elijah smiled. “He did good. It will do for now. Lay him down and let him sleep for a while. We will give him more every few hours. He can’t eat too much or he will be sick.”
Devon adjusted Brett’s position until he was lying back on the bed, removing the blindfold and covering him tenderly with the blankets. He brushed a few strands of unruly hair from Brett’s forehead, then turned to the others.
“Have John set a course for the nearest island. This ship might not have suffered too much damage, but it still needs repairs. Do whatever you can now. Leave the rest for when we get there. And clean the ship.”
“What do we do with the bodies?” Elijah asked.
“Throw them overboard,” Devon said, his eyes flashing dangerously.
IT TOOK them two days to limp to the closest island, and as soon as they set anchor, the men set to work feverishly. They were all capable seamen, and several skilled carpenters and ship builders could also be found among their ranks. It took them three days to raise two new masts, reinforce the bulwarks, seal all the holes, and repair the rigging, having had an abundance of cables, chains, and ropes on board. By the end of the week, not only could the ship set sail but also engage in battle once again, for new barricades made of tree trunks had been erected to protect the cannons and firelocks.
The ship’s name had also been changed. Devon refused to let such a magnificent ship carry the name Skull, so he renamed her Destiny. It seemed fitting somehow, after all they had been through in the last months.
They were now gathered in the main cabin, trying to decide their future. Brett was sitting on the bed, much to Devon’s relief, looking alert and much healthier. Against Elijah’s orders, he had already been walking about the ship, if only for a few minutes at a time. Devon grinned ruefully. Brett was nothing if not stubborn, confronting even his own physical needs.
“So we still have the treasure, which means we are once again rich beyond our wildest dreams, and we have a more or less new ship, the Destiny,” Cody said. “Now what?”
“For now, we set sail to Tortuga. And we keep doing what we have been doing so far,” Devon said. “Blackburn might be dead, but we still have the governor to fight against. Now, after the last few weeks, I think everyone deserves a little time ashore. When we reach Tortuga, take the crew and go. I’ll stay here with Brett.”
“I want to go as well,” Brett said.
“No, you do not,” Devon said sweetly. “You are staying here.”
Brett glared at him but remained silent as the others exited the cabin to give them some privacy. “Why can’t I go ashore with the others?” he finally asked.
Devon sighed. “You know why, Brett. It has only been a week. You are still too weak to walk around town. Even if they went to the tavern, it would take too much out of you, and until you are well, Elijah said you can’t drink. What would you do, spend the afternoon watching them?”
Brett exhaled softly. “I’m sorry. It’s just—”
“You are tired of being locked up. I know. But, Brett, you have barely moved for the last month. From what you told us, Blackburn only allowed you to walk a few minutes each day. And you are still weak from malnutrition. You have to be patient.”
“Not exactly my strong point,” Brett said with a slight smile.
Devon chuckled. “It doesn’t matter. I still love you,” he said, enjoying the way Brett’s eyes lit up at the words. Devon leaned forward and brushed his lips over Brett’s. “I’ve been wanting to say that for weeks. I. Love. You. I’m sorry for the way I behaved at the cave.”
Brett nodded. “It’s quite all right, Captain Hall,” he said with a teasing grin.
Devon mock glared at him. “You are pushing your luck, sailor.”
Rising from the bed, Devon began to take off his clothes, grinning at Brett’s gaping expression.
“What are you doing?” Brett blinked, confused.
“Undressing,” Devon said with a chuckle.
“I can see that. Why?”
“I want to lie down with you, hold you for a while. The others are busy running the ship, taking us to Tortuga. No one will bother us. What do you say?”
Brett seemed to hesitate and then nodded slowly, so Devon motioned for him to lie down. When Brett obeyed, Devon sat back on the bed, then stretched beside Brett and hunkered down into the space Brett had left for him. Devon looked over at Brett, who lay acquiescent in his corner, squinting at the afternoon sun.
Shaking his head fondly, Devon reached out and pulled Brett into his arms, one hand gently directing him to rest his head on Devon’s chest. Brett stiffened for a moment, but just as Devon began to fear he had been too presumptuous, Brett relaxed, letting his arms wind around Devon’s larger frame.
Burrowing in further to bring their bodies into full contact, Brett sighed happily and said, “This feels good.”
Letting out a relieved breath, Devon hastened to agree, his hand caressing Brett’s chestnut hair tenderly. “Yes. Yes, it does.”
It felt so good that Devon had to struggle to keep his body under control. It wasn’t easy with Brett in his arms. Feeling his warmth, his spicy smell tickling Devon’s nose, made it near impossible not to become aroused. But Devon refused to do anything to upset Brett. They had done nothing more than kiss, and he was almost certain Brett was a stranger to male loving.
But just being there, wrapped in each other’s arms, felt incredibly right. It filled something inside Devon that had been sorely lacking for a long time. It was contentment, bliss. He could stay in that bed forever, enjoying the feeling of Brett in his arms.
Though Devon had been sure Brett had fallen into a healing slumber, Brett broke the contented silence a moment later.
“Devon?”
“Yes?” he whispered back.
“I need to know if…. Not that it matters, but… I wanted to ask….” Brett stammered, his uncharacteristic nervousness making Devon frown.
“You can always ask me anything, Brett. What is it?”
“Have you ever… been with a man?” Brett asked hesitantly. “Because… I’m not certain if I’m prepared, but I do wish to become… intimate with you.”
Devon smiled gently. “So do I. I have been dreaming about you for a long time, about loving you and—”
“You dreamed about me?” Brett asked, sounding surprised.
“Yes. Especially on that island. The dreams would come when I had no control, when I was sleeping. Part of me hated thinking of you that way when you could be suffering Lord knows what at Blackburn’s hands, but I was helpless to prevent them. And answering your question, yes, I have been with a man before. He died some years ago.”
Devon felt Brett lift his head. “I’m sorry,” Brett said.
Devon shook his head. “It was a long time ago. The wound has healed.” He smiled. “Now I spend most of my time thinking about you.”
Returning his head to its former place, Brett cuddled in a bit more, and Devon could feel him smiling against his chest as he whispered, “I love you, Devon.”
Devon closed his eyes at those sweet words, and to his surprise, he fell almost instantly into a deep, blissful slumber.
DEVON WOKE up to find Brett propped up on his elbow, looking down at him. Staring out the windows, Devon realized he hadn’t slept more than a couple of hours.
“Been awake long?” Devon asked.
Brett shrugged slightly. “A while.”
“What have you been doing?”
Brett smiled. “Watching you sleep, pondering about life.”
And with that, Brett leaned down and captured Devon’s mouth in a startling, tender kiss, lips gliding over Devon’s, moving them in an excruciatingly slow caress, the tip of his tongue sweeping gently over Devon’s upper lip, begging to be let in.
Devon opened to him, letting his tongue entwine with Brett’s, as Brett pressed himself more deeply into his embrace. Brett’s erection brushed against his own, and he couldn’t stop himself from moaning into the sweet mouth ravishing his. Finally coming to his senses, Devon pulled back reluctantly.
“Brett…,” he gasped. “We shouldn’t…. Oh Lord,” he groaned, as Brett moved against him, hips shifting slightly and further enflaming the physical evidence of their desire.
He regarded Brett’s flushed face, the wide dilated eyes, the kiss-swollen lips, the movement of his chest as Brett panted for breath, and suddenly Devon knew what he desperately needed from Brett.
“Brett…,” Devon said softly, allowing Brett’s eyes to meet his own, to see the need and arousal within him. After reaching for a jar containing an oily substance Devon had found just for that purpose, he handed it to Brett. “Please.”
Brett licked his bottom lip, looking down at the small jar. “I…. Tell me what to do,” he said softly.
Devon smiled, nodding his understanding. “You need it to stretch me, so it will not hurt,” he said.
Brett raised his head at that. “Hurt?”
Devon chuckled. “It will not hurt, Brett. That is why we use that substance.”
“Oh.” Then he asked, “Stretch?”
“With your fingers,” Devon said gently. “You put some inside me and loosen the muscle with your fingers. Then you put some on yourself too.”
Nodding slowly, Brett placed his hands on Devon’s chest, touching him tenderly with his fingers, making lazy circles on the hard pectoral muscles above his nipples. He licked one nipple, then the other, blowing over them softly. Devon closed his eyes, moaning deeply and pressing himself into the touch, wanting more, needing more than the light, teasing touches he was receiving.
He felt Brett run his hands along his sides, lingering over his waist and letting his thumbs stroke the stomach muscles. He groaned helplessly as the touch vanished, only to return a heartbeat later at his groin. Brett handled him slowly, carefully, obviously getting used to touching him. Devon bit his lip hard, forcing himself not to thrust, letting Brett explore to his heart’s content.
Never taking his hand away, Brett attacked Devon’s shoulder, nibbling his way up toward his left ear. Caught between the double assault, Devon tilted his head back submissively, moaning softly as Brett bit him gently on the neck, then sucked harder, alternating between nibbling and lapping at his flesh until Devon was whimpering his need.
“Brett, please,” Devon cried out.
Brett’s reply was a breathless chuckle. “Patience, my pirate. Patience.”
Devon watched dazedly as Brett moved to lie between his legs, reaching for the jar. He coated his fingers with the oily substance, and then reached down to Devon’s tight ring of muscle, a first finger brushing softly over the puckered opening.
Devon laid his head back, holding the sheets in a white-knuckled grip, feeling the finger swirling in tiny circles over his opening. He moaned as the slick digit entered him, stretching his entrance and sinking slowly deeper. A second finger soon joined the first, then a third, and Devon pushed back against the invaders, writhing and crying out as they brushed repeatedly against his pleasure nub.
Finally Brett removed his digits, coated his cock with the oil, and moved forward slightly, holding steady with one hand. Poised at Devon’s entrance, he hesitated as if waiting for something.
Devon smiled, staring into Brett’s eyes. “I’m ready,” he said.
He moaned as Brett guided himself into his body, applying a tiny bit of pressure with his hips until he was past the ring of muscle and sliding smoothly into his depths. Devon’s breath caught in his throat. It had been so long since he had felt so complete, so thoroughly possessed. He opened his eyes and gazed up at the man blanketing him, then realized Brett was staring down at him, looking entranced.
“I never thought…,” Brett said softly.
Devon nodded. “Feels amazing, doesn’t it? Now move.”
Eyes never leaving Devon’s, Brett obeyed, pulling out slightly and pushing forward experimentally. Then grinning wickedly, he did it again, and again, moving with a slow and steady grace that had Devon moaning for more. With every thrust, Brett’s cock massaged him inside, making him groan and push back against Brett deliriously.
Brett wrapped a hand around Devon’s cock and pumped it in time with his now frantic thrusts, both of them lost in the loving, letting it consume them, encompass them, destroying all awareness of time and place.
Devon’s pleasure grew, until he finally cried out, his seed bathing Brett’s hand and both their bodies. He heard Brett whimper his name, then Brett was coming deep inside him, his whole body trembling as he surrendered to the climax.
Brett collapsed against him, panting hard, pinning Devon willingly to the bed. When Devon found the strength to move again, he very gently rolled Brett off and used a corner of the sheets to clean their bodies. That accomplished, Devon pulled Brett back into his arms, stroking his silken hair tenderly.
Brett sighed contentedly and burrowed into Devon’s chest. “Unimaginable,” he said, nuzzling one of Devon’s nipples softly.
“Yes, it was,” Devon said with a smile. “Brett, I need you to know something. Just because we did this now… I don’t want you to feel obliged… just because I was prepared to do it. I don’t want you to feel like I’m forcing you. It will be in your own time, when you feel it is right. Understand?”
Brett nodded against his chest. “Yes. Thank you.”
Devon kissed the top of his head tenderly. “Rest. Everything will be fine.”
Devon stayed awake long after Brett surrendered to his exhaustion and fell asleep. Devon’s body was sated, but his mind was fully alert, thinking. He’d had a hard life, everything he had possessed had been fiercely fought for, and every person he had ever loved he had lost. He suddenly wondered if the peaceful contentment he was experiencing was not the quiet before the storm. And he prayed he would be able to survive it.
AS PROMISED, the morning they reached Tortuga, the crew was allowed to go on a much-deserved leave. The sun was already setting when Elijah and Cody returned, most of the crew still remaining behind. Devon was on the bridge of the Destiny, watching the slow harbor movement, while Brett was sitting on the stairs leading to the bridge, staring at the beautiful shades of orange and red painted across the sky.
“We have to talk,” Elijah said as soon as he jumped on board.
“Yes. You will not believe what we heard back in town,” Cody said excitedly.
Devon nodded. “Let’s go back to my cabin.” Once the four of them were all there, he asked, “So, what happened?”
“We went to the tavern, and everyone was discussing the same thing,” Cody said. “There is a new governor in Jamaica.”
“What?” Brett said, his eyes growing wide at the information.
Elijah nodded. “It’s true. Your uncle is not the governor anymore. Last week a representative from the Crown arrived at Port Royal and made the official announcement.”
“And you will never guess who the new governor is,” Cody said with a chuckle.
“We know him?” Devon asked curiously. “Who?”
“Captain Perry,” Cody laughed. “Apparently he has close friends at Court, and when the reports started pouring in about Campbell’s conduct, they decided to do something about it. And since Perry is well-known and already there….”
“And my uncle? What happened to him?” Brett asked softly.
“We didn’t hear anything on that,” Elijah said. “But he must be imprisoned after all he has done….”
“And that is not all,” Cody said. “We have been pardoned.”
“What?” Devon startled. “Why?”
“Well, we spoke with a few people, and you know how word of mouth goes, but I think Perry was given permission to set everything right. You know, to undo Campbell’s wrongdoings. The only reason we got into this business was to fight Rupert Campbell. So Governor Perry pardoned us, all of us. Crew included,” Elijah said evenly.
Devon frowned. “You don’t think this could be a trap for us? If we are being pardoned, we will have to go to Port Royal to speak with the governor. Campbell may have spread the rumors so he can catch us.”
Elijah shook his head. “There was a group of men in the tavern who were at Port Royal at the time and witnessed everything. It is not a lie. Perry really is the new governor of Jamaica.”
Devon sat back on his chair. “This is somewhat unexpected, to say the least. Brett, you know Perry better than we do. Can we trust him?”
Brett nodded. “Yes. He is a good man. If he claims he has pardoned us, I believe him. What will we do?”
Devon looked at the three hopeful faces surrounding him and chuckled. “Very well. We sail for Port Royal in three days’ time. Brett still needs his rest, and the men deserve to enjoy the rest of their leave. This had better be true, or we are all going to regret it.”