THEY ARRIVED at Port Royal without incident, although Devon could feel the tension building in the crew. He couldn’t really blame them. Most of the men had some sort of sentence set upon them unjustly by the ex-governor, while the others simply related with their fight against Campbell. Now they had a chance to be free from those charges, and yet they feared it was all a deception. It would be a trying day.
No one tried to stop the four of them as they went ashore. Although Devon looked around constantly, he could see no suspicious individuals hiding in the shadows, nothing out of place that would lead him to believe they were indeed walking into a trap.
As they drew closer to the governor’s palace, he stopped and looked at the others. “We’re here. There will be no turning back after we go through those gates. This is our last chance.”
“I still say we should go,” Cody said, impulsive as ever.
“I agree,” Elijah said.
When Brett nodded, Devon exhaled softly. “In that case, let’s go.” They walked over to the gates and stopped before the royal guards. “We wish to see the governor,” Devon said to the two men.
“Is he expecting you?” one of them asked, watching them curiously.
“In a way,” Brett said. “Just tell him that Devon Hall and his crew are here to see him.”
The two guards exchanged a look, and then the one who had spoken earlier nodded. “Wait here.”
Devon watched him go inside and disappear into the impressive two-story building, only to return a few minutes later and wave at the guard still at the gate.
“Seems you are in luck,” he said as he opened the gates. “Go with Hill.” He gestured toward the other guard. “He will take you to Governor Perry.”
They approached Hill, who led them into the house, past several opulent corridors, until they finally stopped before a closed door. The guard opened it and motioned them inside.
“This is the Chamber of Power,” Hill informed them seriously. “The governor will be with you shortly.”
He closed the door behind himself, leaving them alone in the wide room. Devon realized immediately why it was called the Chamber of Power. The walls and ceiling were ornamental displays of weaponry, an obvious reflection of the governor’s power. It was not a room for comfort, but for show, and he wondered why Perry would send them to wait there.
Before he could deepen the thought, the door opened and the former Captain Perry walked in, a wide smile grazing his wrinkled face.
“Gentlemen,” he said. “I see you have heard the news. Welcome to Port Royal.”
“Thank you, Governor,” Devon said as he watched the man sit down. “There are several pieces of information spreading throughout the islands. One of them in particular interests us.”
Perry chuckled. “Yes. I can guess which piece of information it is. And I can assure you that it is true. You have all been pardoned. The four of you and your entire crew as well.”
“Why?” Devon asked, not yet ready to give up.
Perry sighed. “I began listening to the rumors about the rebellious pirate Hall long before we ever met. These tales told of a man who attacked the governor’s troops and ships carrying cargo from or for the aforementioned governor, who had sworn to bring Rupert Campbell down mercilessly. Captain Hall, I like to think of myself as a good judge of character. Since I met first Brett and then yourself and your crew, I knew everything to be true. I had also been aware of Campbell’s doings for some time, reason why I wrote to England.”
“So?”
“So, I’m a great believer in justice. You fought for what you thought was right, and I’m aware of the circumstances surrounding your father’s death. I’m also aware it is said Campbell had something to do with it. In the face of those facts and your actions, I have seen fit to arrange for the pardons. I also have a proposition for you.”
“Proposition?” Devon asked suspiciously.
Perry grinned. “Quite. I want you in my fleet. Things are going to change around here, Captain. Although I can understand what you did and why you did it, I will not tolerate piracy. I already have a man who will handle all the navigation affairs, but I also need good, loyal men to command the ships and fight pirates such as Captain Blackburn.”
Devon’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “That is one pirate you won’t have to worry about ever again.”
“Oh?”
“He is dead,” Cody said helpfully. “Who is the man you were speaking of? The one responsible for navigation affairs?”
“Robert Travis. He is a good friend and a good man. What he does not know about the sea has yet to be discovered. Should you accept my proposal, you will be under his command only. You will answer to no one but him.”
“Can I have a word with my men before giving you my answer?” Devon asked.
“Of course,” Perry said, rising from his chair. “I have some business to see to. I shall return in a few minutes.”
Once they were alone, Devon turned to the others. “Well? This involves us all. What do you think? Should we accept?” he asked, knowing that whatever the answer, their lives would never be the same again.
THE DOOR opened and three servants walked in carrying a few chairs, Perry right after them. The chairs were placed around a large mahogany table situated in the center of the room. Once that was accomplished, the servants left, and the governor motioned them toward the seats.
“I thought it would be better if all of us were to sit down. We have a lot to discuss,” he said as they took their seats. “So, have you decided how to proceed regarding my proposal yet?”
“Yes,” Devon said. “We accept. But we would like to be given some time before meeting Travis and sailing off.”
“Of course, of course. Excellent. Gentlemen, welcome aboard,” he said with a slight smile. “So to speak, of course.”
Brett cleared his throat. “Governor, may I ask, what has become of my uncle?”
Perry scowled. “Unfortunately, he escaped before we could place him behind bars. Somehow he found out about his deposition before the official announcement. He vanished. Obviously, he knew what would happen should he stay at Port Royal. I have men looking for him, but they have yet to find him. I do have some good news.”
“Good news?” Elijah said.
“Yes. Mr. Thompson, who I believe was the foreman at the Campbell plantation, was captured four days ago and charged with murder. Apparently after what happened at the plantation, Campbell blamed him for not being able to control the slaves and fired him. Thompson moved to Port Royal, and unable to find work, was forced to resort to thieving to survive. One of his victims fought him, and Thompson ended up beating the unfortunate man to death. Thompson had quite a lot to say about his association with Rupert Campbell and their… business ventures together. I believe this is yours, Mr. Campbell,” Perry said, handing Brett a piece of yellowed paper.
Devon saw Brett examine the document before looking up at Perry with a frown. “I don’t understand,” Brett said.
“It is quite simple, Mr. Campbell. Thompson told me how you were forced to sign the deed of the plantation over to your uncle. He stated that he and his men held you at gunpoint until they completed the transaction. Well, I am handing the deed back to its rightful owner. I am certain that between you and your mother, you will decide what to do about the property.”
Brett nodded. “Thank you.”
“There is more. When I moved to this house, the first thing I did was clear my… predecessor’s office of all his possessions. Imagine my surprise when I discovered this,” Perry said, showing a large stack of papers resting on the table.
“What is that?” Cody asked curiously.
“Ownership documents belonging to all the slaves. It seems your uncle did not believe them to be safe back at the plantation. Once again, these are yours, Mr. Campbell.”
Brett exhaled softly. “Would you be willing to help me with those, Governor?”
Perry raised his eyebrows quizzically. “Of course. What do you wish me to do?”
“I want to see to their emancipation. I believe they will need some documentation to make it official, but I have no idea what is necessary.”
The governor nodded. “I can have the documents drawn for you. All you will have to do is sign them. But… I mean no disregard to Elijah, but are you certain, Mr. Campbell? If you do decide to rebuild the plantation, you will need workers.”
Brett grinned. “That is my point exactly, Governor. I would like to have them back as workers, not slaves. I believe I can afford to pay them a small salary, at least until the accounts are balanced.”
Perry shook his head. “You truly are an amazing motley crew, gentlemen. Very well, I will see to the documents. But you still need to find the slaves. They disappeared after the plantation burned down.”
Devon cleared his throat. “We might have a lead on where to find them,” he said, remembering Joseph. “As soon as you have the documents ready, we will look for them.”
“They should be done by tomorrow afternoon. In the meantime….” Perry leaned back in the chair with a smile. “I want to know exactly how Captain Blackburn died. I seem to have missed the last round of rumors regarding your adventures. Most lacking on my part. So, tell me everything. I want to be able to imagine the battle as if I had been there. It will cure some of my sorrow. It will be some time before I’ll be able to sail the Caribbean Sea.”
Devon nodded, and they all contributed to embellish their exploits, starting from the last time they had seen Perry. They did leave some things out, like the fact they had a fortune hidden in their ship’s hold. It never paid to be too careless.
“WHERE TO now?” Cody asked as they went through the governor’s palace gates.
“We should go back to the ship, tell the crew everything is all right,” Brett said.
“I want something to drink first. I think we are all entitled to a little celebrating,” Elijah said. “There should be a tavern around here somewhere.”
Devon nodded. “Tavern it is, then.” He turned to Brett. “What are you going to do about the plantation?”
Brett shrugged slightly. “I guess I should rebuild it. I can use my part of the treasure. And the workers can help.”
“I like the idea of a salary,” Elijah said. “And about freeing us… I… uh…,” he stammered, embarrassed.
Brett chuckled gently. “It is quite all right, Elijah. It’s the right thing to do. As for the salaries, it is a good business venture. They know the work, and they will do it better knowing they are free. It will be my gain.”
Elijah scowled. “That makes it sound so ruthless. That is not why you did it.”
“No,” Brett said seriously. “But this is the way I was taught. I always see the practical side of every action.”
They found a tavern and walked in, then ordered ales all around. For the first time in a long time, Devon let himself go. He was free to come and go as he pleased, no troops to hide from, no patrol ships to elude, no gallows to fear. It was the start of a new beginning.
THE NEXT day, Devon and the others returned to Port Royal to once again see Governor Perry. As they strolled through the crowded streets, they were greeted as heroes, the news about Blackburn’s demise having spread throughout the town.
They were allowed into the palace immediately and taken to see the governor, who rose from his chair with a grin as they walked into the room.
Perry shook their hands eagerly. “Gentlemen, how are you faring? Mr. Campbell, I have those documents ready for you. As soon as you sign them, they will become official. All you will need to do is give each of the former slaves their document, and they will be free.”
Brett nodded. “Thank you,” he said softly, already signing the first document.
Devon turned to the governor. “I have spoken to my crew. They are understandably exhilarated about having been pardoned and working for the right side for once,” he quipped with a grin. “We have a ship and a full crew. I am sure that will save you some time and bureaucracy.”
“Indeed. Most of the men I chose to command my fleet are without ships or crews. It will take some time before everything is prepared. But should some major problem occur, I can always count on you,” Perry said.
Brett finished signing the last paper. “There. All done.”
Perry nodded. “Good. You can take them with you, then, and good luck finding those men. In the meantime, I got word that Robert Travis will be arriving in Port Royal exactly a week from today. I expect you all to be here. Until then, the time is yours to do as you please. Enjoy.”
“Thank you, Governor. See you next week,” Devon said, following the others out of the room.
“Back to the tavern again?” Cody asked pleadingly once they were back out in the streets.
Brett gave him a mock scowl. “You are turning into a drunkard, little hog.”
Cody slapped his arm none too gently. “Shut up.”
Devon chuckled. “Why not? We have nothing better to do for the next few days. You can drink to your heart’s content.”
“I’ll be along shortly,” Elijah said. “There is a healer who lives around here who sells some of the herbs I use to heal some of our ailments. I’m almost out, so I need to get more.”
“Can I accompany you?” Brett asked. “I’m in no hurry to remain for hours on end surrounded by a drunken, noisy crowd.”
Elijah nodded. “Sure.”
“Excellent. Devon, will you keep these documents safe for me?” Brett asked, handing him the slaves’ emancipation papers. “Would not want them to get lost. They are far too valuable. Elijah, I believe this one is yours,” he said, giving Elijah his document. “You are officially a free man. We will join you soon,” he added to the others.
Devon watched the two men walking away, wishing he could have asked Brett to stay behind. He had never been the possessive type before, but for some reason, he hated to be parted from Brett. Maybe because Brett was so prone to finding trouble.
THEY HAD just left the healer’s establishment when Brett heard something off to his right. He stopped moving, eyes searching their surroundings quickly.
Nothing.
As he turned back around, he had enough time to hear Elijah groan from beside him, and the world exploded into stars.
Brett woke up some time later, his temple throbbing painfully from the blow to his head. His hands were tied behind his back, his ankles bound as well, and he was gagged.
Opening his eyes, he saw Elijah lying beside him, also tied up and gagged, his eyes still closed. A trickle of blood ran down his neck, and Brett realized they must have hit Elijah on the back of the head as well.
They were being taken somewhere. Brett could hear the horses’ hooves as they moved forward, and he felt nauseated each time the wheels of what appeared to be a cart hit a hole in the road. The two of them were hidden in the back, covered by a rough cloth, obviously to avoid anyone seeing them.
He could tell they were no longer in Port Royal; it was far too quiet for that. He could not hear the usual buzz of the lively town, the frantic noises coming from the harbor, or even the constant cry of the seagulls. From the silence surrounding them, Brett would guess they were heading inland, and by the bumps on the path, traveling on a scarcely used road.
Dragging himself closer to Elijah, Brett bumped gently against him until he heard Elijah groaning pitifully. Brett waited patiently for Elijah’s eyes to open, wincing sympathetically as Elijah flinched at the sudden light. Finally, Elijah blinked and turned his head slightly to look at Brett, who raised his eyebrows and shrugged helplessly. They were in trouble again.
They remained close together for the remainder of the journey, giving each other whatever meager comfort they could manage, until they finally reached their destination. The cart came to a halt with a shouted command from a harsh male voice.
“Finally,” someone said, and Brett gasped at the familiar voice. “I was starting to believe you would never get here. Were you successful?”
“Yes. But we were forced to bring one of the others as well. He was never alone.”
“Does not matter. Let me see him.”
The cover was thrown back, and for the first time, Brett saw his captors—two of the plantation’s former guards. Beside them stood a smug-looking Rupert Campbell.
“Well, well, well. Nephew, we meet again. It has been such a long time, has it not? Are you not going to greet your uncle?” Then Campbell chuckled. “Oh, of course. Silly me. You can’t speak with that rag in your mouth, can you?” He reached for the gag and, none too gently, pulled it from Brett’s lips. “What about now? Anything to say?”
“What do you want?” Brett snapped angrily.
“What is rightfully mine,” Campbell said, all humor gone from his face. “I could not believe when my men returned from town yesterday and told me not only that Blackburn had been killed at Hall’s hands, but that you were back and were going to be working for that old acrimonious Captain Perry. I also noticed there was no mention of a certain treasure belonging to McKenzie, which makes me believe you have appropriated it for yourselves. Well, I want it. Hall had better be able to trade the riches for you, or he will be a member short in his crew.”
“He will tear you to pieces,” Brett said angrily. “You still owe him for his father’s death. If you do this, there isn’t a rock big enough on Earth for you to crawl under.”
“We shall see, Nephew. We shall see. Take him to the slave quarters. He can stay among the ruins, for all I care. But I want one of you watching him at all times,” Campbell said.
Brett was dragged from the cart, and for the first time, he realized they were back at the plantation. His uncle had been hiding in plain sight all that time while Perry’s soldiers had been looking for him far away from the Port Royal area.
“What about the Negro?” one of the guards asked his uncle.
A shudder ran through Brett’s body at the hateful look his uncle threw Elijah’s way. “I don’t care. Do with him as you will. He is yours.”
One of the men grinned. “Thank you, Mr. Campbell. We can sell him tomorrow at the slave auction. He will make us a good profit.”
“Did you provide for the note to be sent to Hall?”
“Yes, sir. We offered a gold coin to a street urchin to give the note to Hall at the tavern where they were staying.”
“Good. Now, take my nephew to his new accommodations and get rid of the slave. I have some thinking to do.”
“Yes, sir.”
The men reached for Brett again. He did try to fight their hold, but tied up hand and foot, he was no match for the guards. He managed to steal a glance at Elijah, taking in the frightened light in the usually warmth-filled brown eyes, and wondered if he would ever see Elijah again. Brett knew his uncle wasn’t planning on letting him live, and even if Devon managed to rescue him, he would probably be too late to save Elijah from being sold in the auction.
DEVON GLARED at his drink. “Where the hell are they? It has been over an hour.”
Cody gulped down the rest of his ale. “You think something might have happened to them?” he asked, worry clear in his voice.
“This is Brett and Elijah we are discussing,” Devon said. “Before I met them, I got involved in the occasional battle, an odd skirmish or two with the governor’s troops, and that was it. Now we get trapped in caves, sunk by storms, stranded on deserted islands, engaged in battle every two days…. We have been through three ships in the last weeks.”
“We are also rich, Destiny is a much better ship than the previous ones, and we have never had so much fun before,” Cody said with a gentle smile.
Devon sighed. “Yes, there is that. They sure get under your skin, don’t they?”
“Captain Hall?” a small voice asked from beside him.
He turned his head to see a young boy, maybe six or seven years old, looking expectantly up at him. “Yes?”
“I have something for you,” the boy said, big blue eyes blinking fearfully, giving Devon a folded sheet of paper before running away and disappearing from the tavern.
Devon unfolded the note and read it, feeling his anger growing at the words scribbled hastily onto the worn paper.
“What does it say?” Cody asked.
“‘Meet me tonight at midnight with the treasure or he dies. I’ll be waiting at the Campbell plantation.’ It’s not signed, but I can guess who it is from.”
“Rupert Campbell,” Cody said grimly. “But… the note says ‘he dies’? He must mean Brett. But what about Elijah?”
“Hopefully, the note was written before they were captured. They were probably just trying to catch Brett, but he has never been alone, so they decided to take Elijah as well,” Devon said.
“Now what?” Cody asked, worrying at his bottom lip.
“We get ready for tonight,” Devon said. “And this time Campbell is not getting away from me.”
THEY LEFT Port Royal as soon as it got dark, Cody driving a cart loaded with large wooden boxes to hide their cargo, and Devon riding a black stallion.
They had been traveling the dirt road for nearly an hour when bad luck struck again. Devon was riding beneath the branches of an overhanging tree when a dark figure dropped without warning from the foliage. The attacker landed on Devon’s back, nearly sending him crashing to the ground.
Devon’s terrified mount reared up in panic, but the attacker hung on. For an instant, Devon was too startled to react, but reflexes honed by years of danger took command. He quickly reached for his knife and thrust the blade at the body blanketing him.
The robber loosened his hold with a cry and fell sideways from the saddle to crumple on the ground. Devon patted his mount’s neck soothingly, easing the horse’s panic.
“Devon—” Cody began.
“Not now,” Devon said with a shout.
Devon remained where he was; road bandits rarely worked alone, and sooner or later more would emerge from the shadows. He did not have to wait long. Three more rose from the long grass beside the road. One made for Devon, while the rest approached the cart.
Without a thought for the consequences, Devon reached for his pistol, hand as steady as a rock as he aimed it at the bandit coming at him. His bullet struck the man in the middle of the chest, the bandit flinging his arms out with a groan, as he crumpled from his mount.
Devon then charged at the two men heading toward Cody, using his thighs to guide his mount while he turned his empty weapon into a club. One blow felled the second man, and Devon kicked out his left leg and struck the other swiftly. Both men reeled away, driven off by the savagery of his resistance.
A shot pierced the air, cutting down one of the men, while the other scattered away, probably not liking the shifting odds.
Wheeling around the tree, Devon looked up. The branches were empty, so he slid from his saddle. “You all right?”
“Yes, yes,” Cody said shakily.
“Nice shot,” Devon said, as he led his mount to stand by the cart.
Cody gave him a shaky smile, blowing imaginary smoke from the barrel of his pistol. “Thank you. Certainly saved your hide.”
Devon scowled. “Don’t push it.”
Cody released a delighted peal of laughter. “Oh, how the mighty have fallen. Captain Devon Hall, the Phantom himself, rescued by a seventeen-year-old boy. You will never live it down.”
Devon rolled his eyes, even as his lips twitched involuntarily. Brett and Elijah weren’t the only ones who had grown on him.
“Are you done?” When Cody merely grinned at him, Devon shook his head. “Let’s keep going, shall we? We still have at least half an hour before we get to the plantation.”
Cody’s smile disappeared, replaced by the worry and nervousness that Devon knew he had been trying to hide. “Yes,” he whispered. “Let’s go.”
BRETT WATCHED his uncle pacing around like a caged animal before him. It was nearly midnight, and they were waiting by the steps of the collapsed main building. The rope binding his ankles had been severed, but his hands were still firmly tied behind his back, and one of the guards had a tight grip on his arm.
“What do you intend to do with me?” Brett finally asked.
His uncle glared at him. “Trade you for the treasure, of course.”
“And will you allow us to leave safely?” Brett asked dubiously.
“Do you doubt my word?” his uncle asked, raising an eyebrow in mock puzzlement.
“In a word… yes,” Brett said sarcastically.
His uncle laughed. “And you should. You are correct. I do have other plans. Like killing you, Nephew. You are the reason why I have been surviving on bread and water for the last few days, why I have been sleeping on the ground like a common vagabond. Before you came along, the slaves knew who the master was and how to behave. But because of you, I have lost everything I held dear. You have cost me my plantation, my fortune, my position as governor, my strongest ally’s life, and even that treasure. It is time I take matters into my own hands. You must pay for what you have done.”
“Devon will not allow you to kill me,” Brett said, knowing his beloved pirate would do anything in his power to get Brett out of his uncle’s clutches safe and sound.
“He will not have much choice. Not with a pistol aimed at his men. And by the time he realizes what is happening, it will be too late.”
“You’re nothing but a vicious criminal,” Brett said angrily.
“Perhaps,” his uncle conceded. “But I will be an extremely rich criminal in a few more minutes. And you will be dead.”
AS SOON as they drew close enough to the plantation, Devon was able to see the three men standing before the main house, the light from a lantern shining eerily around them.
He recognized Rupert Campbell immediately, in spite of it having been some time since Devon had last seen him. He still stood tall and rigid, still full of himself. Not even being on the run had slumped Campbell’s proud bearing.
Behind him stood Brett, his hands obviously tied behind his back, the third man holding a dagger pressed against his neck. Devon shuddered as he realized that just one slip would be enough to kill Brett.
“Hall,” Rupert Campbell said when they were finally close enough to talk.
“Campbell,” Devon said back, making no move to dismount from the horse.
“Let us get down to business, shall we? I believe I have something you want, and you have something I need.”
“You want this?” Devon asked in a deadly voice, gesturing toward the cart.
“Bring it closer,” Campbell ordered harshly.
Devon shook his head. “Release Brett first. And where the hell is Elijah?”
Campbell laughed humorlessly. “I believe you have yet to understand who is in charge here, Hall.” He turned slightly. “Mr. Pitt, if you please,” he said nonchalantly.
Answering to his voice, the man holding Brett pressed the dagger closer to his captive’s neck, breaking the skin and making Brett cry out in pain.
Devon glared at Campbell, but relented. “All right. It’s your move.”
“That’s better. Mr. Pitt, you can rest for a moment. Answering your question, Hall, the slave is no longer here. He did not interest me. He was simply at the wrong place at the wrong time.”
“Is he dead?” Devon asked in a low, dangerous tone.
“Dead? My goodness, no. That is the last thing my men would want to see happen. But I still have my dear nephew. And unless you give me what I want, I will kill him.”
Devon saw Brett trying to speak, but the dagger brushed dangerously close to his throat, and he quieted down. Devon had to make the exchange rapidly, before things got out of hand.
“Fine,” Devon said furiously. “Cody, take the cart over to our former governor.” Devon smirked as Campbell glared at his words.
Cody nodded, slapping the reins and forcing the horses to move a little closer to the three men. He stopped when he was inches away from Campbell and jumped from the cart, then walked backward carefully, his eyes never leaving Brett’s captors.
Devon saw Campbell gaze curiously at the boxes and nod. “Good, good,” Campbell said softly. “You know, Hall, I have to say I am disappointed. After all this time and you still have not learned your lesson.” He grinned. “You, sir, are a fool,” he told Devon as he gestured for his man to act.
“No!” Devon shouted as he pulled out his pistol and tried to shoot Pitt, who was swinging his blade down over Brett’s exposed neck.
Devon heard Cody yell something from behind him, and then a shot rang out, but his eyes never left the man holding Brett. Devon held his breath as Brett suddenly kicked Pitt in the shin, then dropped to his knees, taking advantage of the fact Pitt had moved his arm slightly away. Not wasting any time, Devon aimed his pistol and shot him in the stomach.
Seeing Pitt fall in a heap on the ground, Devon finally risked looking behind him. Cody was standing beside a dead Campbell.
“You killed him?” he asked.
“I did,” Cody said, breath stuttering. “He was going to shoot you, I had no choice.”
Devon gave Cody a quick a hug. “It’s all right. You did well tonight, Cody. I’m damn proud of you.”
Cody nodded at him, eyes bright. “I know,” he said, chuckling when Devon rolled his eyes.
“By no means do I wish to interrupt such warm conversation, but would it be possible for one of you to cut my ropes?” Brett asked sarcastically from behind them.
“Sorry, Brett,” Devon said, cutting through the binds imprisoning him. “Are you all right?”
“Yes,” Brett said, touching his neck with a grimace. “It’s merely a scratch. I have to say, though, that is one experience I have no wish to relive again.”
“Pitt?” Devon asked.
“Dying,” Brett said. “With a bullet in his stomach, it will take him a long time to do so. Is that the treasure?” He glanced at the cart.
“No,” Cody said. “We filled the boxes with rocks, figured your uncle wouldn’t have much help and would be too busy with you and Elijah to check it. He was such an arrogant man, it did not even cross his mind we would try to double-cross him. He should have known better.”
“Taking a great risk with our lives, weren’t you?” Brett chided, glaring at Devon.
“I’m sorry. But we didn’t exactly have much time for planning. Where is Elijah, Brett?”
Brett’s eyes darkened. “My uncle had another man working for him. That worthless scoundrel took Elijah back to Port Royal. He intends to sell Elijah tomorrow at the slave auction. We have to hurry back to town.”
“They can’t sell him. Didn’t you give Elijah his freedom papers?” Cody asked with a frown.
“Yes. But I heard my uncle speaking with one of the men. They destroyed the document. There is no way of proving Elijah is free now. We will have to buy him back,” Brett said grimly.
Cody exhaled softly. “Lord, I’ll never complain about not having anything to do all day. If we keep going this way, we will all perish from exhaustion.”
“Cody, release the horses from the cart. We can leave it here. You and Brett can ride the horses back to Port Royal. We have a long ride ahead of us, and we have to be up early for the auction.” Once both Brett and Cody had their mounts, Devon nodded. “Let’s ride. We have a friend to rescue.”
THE TOWN square was filled to capacity as they arrived for the auction. Devon watched the proceedings with an unemotional eye, trying not to let his distaste at the whole thing get the best of him. In spite of having been a pirate until recently, it never ceased to amaze him the evil man could dispense on another human being. It was truly a frightening thing to behold.
With Brett and Cody by his side, they waited patiently as slave after slave was sold, men, women, and children alike. Finally the merchant gestured to his helpers, who brought a tightly bound Elijah forward for inspection.
“Fine slave, new this morning,” the merchant told the crowd. “As you can see, he is a strong one, well-built, fit for hard work. He is cultured too, well-spoken. Not too many of ’em like that. Name is Elijah Jackson.”
“How much?” someone shouted from the audience.
“For you, Master Johnson? Three gold coins.”
“I will give you five,” another voice yelled from the back.
Devon looked around. The square was full of soldiers. They would not be able to fight their way to rescue Elijah. They had tried to find Governor Perry that morning to let him know what was happening but were told the governor was away on business. The only thing left to do was buy Elijah back. At least now they had the money to do it.
“Six coins,” he said, grinning as Elijah glared at him.
“Very good,” the merchant crooned. “Who else?”
“Seven,” Master Johnson shouted back.
“Eight,” Devon said. “Brett, have a quiet word with Master Johnson, will you? Persuade him it is not in his best interest to buy that slave.”
Brett winked. “It will be my pleasure.”
Devon watched Brett move through the throng of people in the square until he was by Johnson’s side. Brett said a few words, and suddenly the startled man looked straight at Devon, who saluted him and grinned. Seconds later Brett was back with them.
“Will he stop bidding?” Cody asked anxiously.
“Yes,” Brett said, looking very pleased.
“What did you tell him?” Devon asked, curious.
Brett laughed softly. “Well, I told him that you were the famous Captain Hall and that if he so much as looked at Elijah again, we would snatch him from his home one day and cut him up into little pieces, which would then be sent to his family.”
“Brett,” Cody practically squealed. “That was amazing. I would have told him we would gut him and feed his insides to the farm animals. But… I guess that will do,” he said with a mock sigh, making Devon and Brett laugh.
“Who will give me more than eight coins?” the merchant called out. “No one? Then sold to the man in black.”
“I guess that’s me. Come on, let’s go get Elijah,” Devon said to the others.
A few minutes later, they had paid for their “slave,” who was glaring at them while he rubbed sore wrists. “Did you really have to buy me?” Elijah grumbled.
“It was the only way. We couldn’t find the governor, and there was no time to waste trying to explain the situation. Come on. We need out of this place.”
“Not yet, Devon,” Elijah said. “Joseph is here.”
“What? Why?” Brett asked. “I thought you said he was hiding in the jungle with the other slaves.”
“He was, but every once in a while, some of them come to town for food. He was caught two days ago, and when he could not prove he was free and no one claimed him, he was sent to the auction.”
Devon sighed. “All right. This may actually be a good thing. I still have all the documents Perry gave you, so we can prove that Joseph is free. And it will save us the trouble of having to go after the others in the jungle. Let’s go talk to the merchant.”
Twenty minutes later, Joseph was hugging Brett enthusiastically. “Young master. You is well.”
Brett smiled gently. “I’m fine, Joseph, and please, don’t call me that anymore. Seems like life has given us both a hand, because we were ready to go in search of your hideout tomorrow.”
“Why?” Joseph asked curiously.
“The new governor has given me the deed to the plantation and also the slaves’ ownership documents.”
“So the plantation is yours?”
“Yes. And I have also made arrangements for all of you to be free. The documents are all signed and valid. You can take them with you.”
Joseph’s eyes grew wide. “W-we are… free?”
“Yes. Is it possible for you and the others to meet me tomorrow at midday at the plantation? I want to make you all a proposition.”
“Proposition?” Joseph asked.
“I wish to rebuild the plantation, Joseph, and I would be infinitely grateful if you kept working there. Not as slaves but as independent workers. You would receive a small salary at the end of each week in exchange for your services. I don’t know how much I can afford to pay, since it will probably be a few years before the fields will give us enough to make a profit, but—”
“We stay and work for ya,” Joseph said hurriedly. “You’s a good man, and we needs money to be free men. What we been doin’ in that jungle ain’t livin’. You’s givin’ us a second chance, and I thinks everyone will take it. We be there tomorrow.”
Brett nodded. “Thank you. Don’t forget, tomorrow at midday.”
“That reminds me,” Cody said when Joseph had left. “We left the bodies behind.”
“Good. Maybe the animals fed on them,” Devon said cruelly. “We’ll report the situation to the governor, let him decide what to do. Either way, I’m sure Campbell’s former slaves will rejoice in seeing their nemesis’ dead body.”
Elijah yawned suddenly. “Lord, I’m exhausted,” he muttered.
Devon nodded. “We should go back to the ship. We can use a few hours’ sleep after the night we had. I think it’s time for us to start enjoying the free days we have been given before meeting with Robert Travis.”
Cody sighed contentedly. “Yes. All is well that ends well,” he said, yelling as Brett cuffed him on the head. “What?”
Devon exhaled softly as he followed the others back to the ship. They were finally rid of all their enemies, and Lord willing, they would finally be able to have some much-deserved peace.
DEVON WALKED into his cabin to find Brett already in bed and fast asleep. Brett was lying on his stomach and obviously naked under the sheet covering him. Not that the linen was doing much; it was pooled around Brett’s waist, showing the smooth expanse of his back, a leg also uncovered from the thigh down. All in all, Devon thought, a beautiful sight.
He shuddered as he noticed the small wound on Brett’s neck, the result of Pitt’s dagger. Devon had come close to losing Brett yet again. He suddenly felt the need to be with Brett, to touch him, to love him.
Knowing most of the crew was on shore and that they were virtually alone, Devon decided to take the chance. Even if the others heard them, it was not as if they didn’t know what was going on between them.
Devon undressed quickly, then knelt on the bed, allowing his eyes to feast on Brett’s body. Finally satisfied he had memorized every sensuous curve, Devon crawled up on his hands and knees until his lips were directly above Brett’s shoulders. Grinning wickedly, Devon leaned down, nibbling first on one shoulder, then the other, licking on the creamy skin to ease the sting. Brett moaned and squirmed beneath him but still didn’t rouse.
Moving the sheet aside, Devon ran his tongue up and down Brett’s spine, slowly, little catlike strokes that had Brett moaning and whimpering almost continuously.
“Devon…,” Brett groaned, coming fully awake. “Please….”
“Please what?” Devon asked teasingly, hands gripping Brett’s firm mounds and kneading gently. “Please… do this?” Running his tongue slowly up and down Brett’s cleft, Devon gripped tighter as Brett whimpered and jerked. “Or please… do this?” He breathed hotly over the tiny pucker before licking slowly across the opening.
Enjoying Brett’s little mewling sounds, Devon began to lave it with his tongue, nipping the wrinkled bud with his teeth and stroking Brett’s balls and hardening cock.
“Please, Devon,” Brett begged in a restrained voice, his breath coming in tiny gasps of pleasure with each sweep of Devon’s tongue.
“Are you certain you are prepared now?” Devon teased, nibbling at the sensitive skin.
“Lord, yes,” Brett said impatiently.
“Very well,” Devon said as his tongue dipped inside the tight channel, making Brett groan low in his throat, his legs spreading wider in wanton invitation. “Turn over, I want to see your face.”
Brett turned around, lying on his back, and Devon straddled his hips, one finger brushing lightly across a taut nipple. He moved his hand low to brush across Brett’s smooth skin at the juncture of hip and thigh, while his lips targeted the twin peaks. Devon’s wet tongue slid slowly across the hard nubs, wrenching a low moan from deep within Brett’s body.
He felt Brett wiggle under his body weight, trying to press harder against him, wordlessly expressing his need. Devon chuckled, kissing and licking across Brett’s tightly wound body, enjoying the way Brett arched into his touch.
Devon moved over Brett, possessing the sweet, addictive mouth thoroughly. Brett opened up to him immediately, both of them moaning as their cocks brushed heatedly together.
Pulling their lips apart, Devon reached for the jar with the oil and slowly coated Brett’s cleft with it. Sliding one finger inside the tiny puckered entrance, he moved it carefully in little circles, until the channel grew used to the intruder. When he thought Brett was ready, Devon added a second digit, smiling as Brett groaned at the strange sensation. Devon gently manipulated his fingers first one way, then another until Brett was writhing helplessly on the bed.
Finally a third finger joined inside the tight channel, and he waited for Brett to loosen up. At last, that moment came, and Devon tenderly caressed Brett’s flank in response, stilling his probing motions.
“It’s time, Brett,” Devon whispered, watching the glazed green eyes shine with approval.
Devon rubbed the oil up and down his shaft, coating it thickly so Brett wouldn’t feel too much pain. His fingers pushed gently at the loosened hole, making sure Brett was prepared. Devon lined up his cock with the entrance to Brett’s body and began to slowly penetrate the tight opening.
Brett tensed up almost immediately, groaning painfully beneath him. He made as if to push Devon away, but Devon grabbed the wandering hands and pressed them firmly to the pillows with his own.
“I know it hurts, Brett. Take a deep breath, let your body get used to me,” Devon gritted out, brushing his lips gently over Brett’s sweat-sheened forehead, while trying desperately to control the impulse to thrust into the virgin heat of Brett’s body.
Finally, after what felt like forever, he felt Brett loosen up around him. Devon remained still for a moment longer, their gasping pants the only sound in the otherwise silent cabin.
“I have to move, Brett,” he said, his control just about gone.
Watery green eyes blinked open and gazed up at him. “Then move,” Brett whispered back, a slight smile grazing his lips.
Slowly Devon began to undulate, his cock sliding gently in and out of the tight passageway. He kept Brett’s hands captive, lacing their fingers together as they began to move in a perfect rhythm.
Devon buried his face in Brett’s neck, nibbling softly. One of his hands slid down and gripped Brett’s wilted cock, bringing it back to full arousal, the other still binding Brett’s wrists tightly. Brett moaned and whimpered in response to Devon’s dual assault, bucking frantically against Devon, their thrusts getting harder and faster as Devon continued to pump Brett’s cock, willing him to come on his hand.
With a loud gasp of completion, Brett finally surrendered to him, his seed flowing hotly over Devon’s hand and their bodies. The clenching of Brett’s inner muscles sent Devon over the edge as well; growling low in his throat he bit sharply on Brett’s throat, filling Brett’s passage with his ejaculate.
They lay together for a long time, wrapped in each other’s arms, allowing their heartbeats and breathing to slowly return to normal.
“Devon?” Brett finally said quietly.
“Yes?” Devon asked, his head never leaving its resting place on Brett’s chest.
“It was worth the wait.” Brett’s tone was amused.
Devon chuckled lightly. “I’m so very glad you think so.” He kissed the nipple closest to his lips.
Cuddling Brett close, Devon wrenched the sheet free and drew it up over them before giving in to sleep.
WHEN DEVON woke up, Brett was not on the bed or in the cabin. Dressing quickly, he walked out of what was now their quarters and found Brett staring enthralled at the dawning day. The sky was changing from red into gold and then into a yellow-white brightness, the sun rising over the horizon, giving it the impression it was emerging from the calm sea.
Devon found himself watching Brett instead, loving the way Brett’s white linen shirt brushed over pale skin in the breeze, skin Devon had caressed mere hours before.
Brett wore a black leather, short-sleeved jerkin with a buckle-up front, tight black breeches, and knee-high boots. Brett was also wearing the black leather sword belt that Devon had found for him, with an anchor-shaped buckle. Devon found himself incredibly fortunate with the knowledge that Brett would stay by his side forever.
“All right?” Devon asked softly, wrapping his arms around Brett’s waist from behind.
“Yes. Just enjoying the view. It has been so long since I have been allowed to fully enjoy such a magnificent act of nature.” Brett tilted his head up to look at Devon. “You do realize we are finally liberated, don’t you? No more Captain Blackburn, no more Governor Rupert Campbell. We have been given the chance to start anew. No more ghosts from the past, no more hate.”
Devon smiled, leaning down to kiss the upturned nose. “Yes. We are going to be all right.”
“All of us,” a new voice stated, and they turned to see Elijah and Cody standing behind them.
The four of them remained in comfortable silence, watching the sun shine down on Port Royal while the town slowly came awake. It was the start of a brand-new day for the good people of Jamaica. But it was the start of a brand-new life for the men who, from that day on, would see that the islands in the Caribbean Sea were a safer place to live.