Blackhearts (Blackhearts, #1)(37)

Until now Anne had done her best to choose less obvious

objects, of lesser value, and she’d always made sure she was quite alone before she took anything.

The incident just now had been close.

Too close.





13 0


But Anne wasn’t willing to give up the spyglass. Not if she wanted to reach her goal.

Drummond was notorious for his stinginess, and Anne was

actually surprised that more people hadn’t stolen from him. Or

perhaps others had taken from him, but they’d been too smart

to get caught.

With less than three weeks left to plan her escape on the

Deliverance, Anne would have to be extra careful. If anyone was to be caught, it would definitely not be her.





13 1


C H A P T E R 1 3

Teach

Teach had just slipped into a fresh shirt and breeches when an

incessant pounding sounded at the front door. Closing his eyes,

he was tempted to climb back into bed. His tongue was still

thick and dry from the ale the previous night, and his efforts to erase Anne’s image from his head had been futile.

He’d visited two different taverns on his way home, trying to figure out how he could talk his father into letting him

command the Deliverance before he married Patience. But the more he drank, the less control he had, and it hadn’t taken long before a pair of blue eyes had occupied his mind completely.

The pounding continued. Margery had gone into town.

He’d sent her away to check several shops in search of his father’s missing silverware. Although Drummond had told Teach not to say anything, Teach seriously doubted the elderly housekeeper

was the thief. If anyone was stealing from the household, they 13 2

would have to get rid of the evidence somehow and the shops were a good place to start.

What he’d really like to have done was dismiss Margery for

hitting Anne. But any serious action would have to wait until

his father returned.

There was no sign of anyone in the hallway, but he heard

footsteps approaching in the entryway below. He had just

turned the corner at the top of the landing, when he saw the

color drain from Anne’s face as she opened the front door.

In the light of day, it was clear the night had not been kind

to Henry Barrett. His thick, pale skin resembled a loaf of bread before it was properly baked.

“They’ve got you answering the door now, have they?”

Henry sneered.

Blocking his entrance, Anne scowled at him. “Maids are

required to do a variety of jobs. I’m certain you remember my status in this house.”

“You better watch yourself. I could make your life very

uncomfortable if you’re not careful.”

Teach moved silently toward the stairs, his hands clenched

at his sides, his vision momentarily clouded by rage at Henry’s

threat. It was clear he and Anne knew each other from somewhere. Had Anne worked in Henry’s household before? No

wonder she was so sharp-tongued.

“What do you want?” she asked, not bothering with any

pretense of civility.





13 3


“I want to see that dirty bounder, Edward.”

“He isn’t here. I will let him know you called.”

Henry shook his head and pushed his way past her into

the large hall. He looked up at the rich tapestries and paintings adorning the walls, no doubt trying to determine their worth.

“I saw him last night. I’d recognize him anywhere.”

“And I you,” Teach said with deadly calm, reaching the bottom step.

Henry and Anne both turned at his approach. Teach’s mood

didn’t improve when he saw the slight coloration near Anne’s

eye. Margery would definitely answer for that.

“Should I get you some refreshment, sir?” she asked Teach.

“No, that won’t be necessary. This won’t take long,” Teach

said, barely managing to control his fury.

Taking her cue, Anne walked in the direction of the kitchen.

“What do you want?” Teach asked, turning to Henry.

“What you took.”

Teach raised his eyebrows. “And what would that be?”

“My money. I know it was you near the tavern last night. You

might have fooled the others, but not me.”

“Really?” Teach drawled. “What if I told you I’ve been sick

these past few days and haven’t been out of the house? What

would you say then?”

“I’d call you a liar! That was you, and I’m here to collect

what’s mine.”

“Be careful what you say, Henry. I’m a fairly good shot, and





13 4


I won’t have my integrity questioned by someone like you.”

“And I won’t be robbed by the likes of you. If you don’t

return my money, I’ll report you to the constable—”

“And tell them what? I stole the money you stole from those

men? Somehow, I doubt the constable would be very sympathetic.”