The Pirate's Duty (Regent's Revenge #3)(58)

Pickering glanced heavenward and tightened his lips, remaining blessedly silent.

Max leisurely slipped away from the bookcase and crossed the room. His large form dwarfed Pickering’s. “Another ship was attacked off Whitsand yesterday. There were only two survivors.”

“It’s the same scenario as with the recent wreckings,” James said. “Leaving two survivors, in case one died from his wounds, to tell those who would hear that the Black Regent is murdering innocents.”

“You can be sure Carnage is moving inland. He’s purposefully trying to draw you out of hiding,” Rigby said as he moved to the window to stand by William’s side. “Mark my words, he’s headed this way.”

“Come to get whatever it is Miss Thorpe has hidden in the Roost’s cellar, I wager.” William’s brow furrowed. “If we don’t prepare to launch soon, we’ll miss the tide.”

William was right. The increased frequency of Carnage’s notes, and his inability to find the real Fury and destroy it, was forcing the demon to retrieve his gold before the Royal Navy ended his reign of terror. Girard and O’Malley wouldn’t be able to defend the Roost alone.

Panic seized Walsingham. He glanced at Keane, who was unusually quiet as he continued to peruse the illustrations in his hands. “If we sail now, what are our odds?”

Keane slammed the book closed and stood abruptly, taking several steps toward the bookcase to return the volume to its rightful place. “Several things are in our favor, Captain.”

“Name them.” Walsingham felt the blood drain out of him because he could not think of a single one. All he could think about was living long enough to end Carnage before he murdered Oriana and then went after Chloe.

“My ship, for one.” Pride emanated from Keane as he removed his glasses. “Speed, agility, and knowledge of these waters are also in our favor.”

“You forget Carnage was baptized in these waters, Keane,” William said.

Keane held up a finger. “But he is not allied with us.”

Several of his brothers guffawed at Keane’s audacious comment.

Walsingham tightened his fists in an attempt to control his growing anger as he glared at the brothers, carefully considering his options. By dragging the Seatons into the war against Carnage, he was endangering them, as well as the men who served in their fleet. But he had no other choice, and neither did they. Talland Bay was their home. If Carnage roamed free, or took back the Roost as his stronghold, their shipping lanes would be in danger. No, Walsingham’s plan had to proceed without a hitch, and for that to happen, he needed numerous ships and men to sail them. The Seatons’ fleet. The best ever to set sail.

The brutal weight of authority pressed down on him. “Has James filled you in on the details we coordinated aboard my ship?” he asked, looking at each man in turn.

“Aye,” they replied in unison.

“And you are in agreement with the plans James and I made?” He met each of their gazes, measuring their allegiance. James was taking a huge risk masquerading as the Regent in Walsingham’s place to confuse Carnage and lead him astray. But were his brothers willing to risk their lives, too?

“We’re ready,” Max said.

“All right, then,” Walsingham said. “As soon as you’re able to sail with the tide, do so. Keep your distance from the Roost until after Carnage comes ashore. Once he returns to his ship with his treasure, we’ll make our move.”

“What if he sends someone else to fetch it?” Max asked, his eyes settling on James. “Or what if he doesn’t return to his ship?”

“Carnage is indebted to France, and the Frenchies are in desperate need of that gold. Austria’s envoy carried an armistice agreeing to pay Boney twelve million francs, but they only contributed eight million after the battle of Znaim,” Walsingham reminded them. “He’ll have to return to his ship. That’s why it’s imperative we bottle him in the bay before he can sail on to France.”

Max crossed the room to James. “Are you certain you’re prepared for what your masquerade entails, brother?”

“I am.” James grinned mischievously. “You four have had your adventures. It’s about time I get to have one of my own.”

“Carnage will be hard to trick,” Walsingham reminded them. “He and the Regent have crossed swords.”

“Let me handle the bastard,” James said. “You protect Miss Thorpe.”

Walsingham’s breath caught in his chest. “Carnage will not leave Miss Thorpe behind,” he pointed out. “She’s defied him, and he’ll want to make an example of her for his crew. If a member of his family would not be spared for standing against him . . . well, I can only imagine the motivation that would provide his men. If he succeeds in capturing Miss Thorpe, it will be imperative that you do not fire on Carnage’s ship until she’s out of harm’s way.”

Walsingham glanced around the room, waiting for the Seatons to agree.

“Aye,” Max said at last, nodding to his brothers. “You have our word. We’ll wait for your signal.”

If Oriana’s safety wasn’t at risk, Walsingham would scale Carnage’s ship and slit the bastard’s throat while he slept. But that would take time, and it was time he didn’t have. He couldn’t—wouldn’t—leave her alone. Not now. It was too risky by far. “Carnage has men scattered across the area. Fergus Argall and Watty Hammett among them.”