Blackhearts (Blackhearts, #1)(62)

“He should pay for what he did to you.”

“Yes, but not by you. If you go after him now, it will be as





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good as admitting your guilt. We need to let your father know about Henry. Perhaps he can—”

Setting the glass down with a little more force than necessary, Teach cursed beneath his breath. Anne gave a start at the sound. He wished there were some way to soothe her, but his

mind was already busy with plans.

“I have to go out,” he said. “If anyone asks for me, tell them

I’ve retired to my room.”

She intercepted him on his way to the door, planting herself

in front of him. “Your father said you shouldn’t venture into

town again.”

“My life is on the line. Not his.”

Anne grabbed Teach’s arm. “Which is why you need to be

careful. These charges are serious.”

Teach placed his hand over hers. “And that is precisely why

I must act. I cannot idly sit by and do nothing.” He gave her

fingers a squeeze. “I will return before daylight.”

“Don’t do this. He’s not worth it.”

“Would you absolve me of my crimes, Queen Anne?”

“If it were in my power to do so. But I do not believe you

are guilty of any,” Anne said, studying his face. “Yet.”

“Trust me,” he said, her hand still caught beneath his.

She looked as if she were about to argue further, but Teach

stepped around her and exited the room.

On his way out the back of the house, Teach stopped in the





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kitchen. “Please see that Anne has a hot bath, and prepare a tray of food for her.” After the day that she’d had, Teach knew she could use both.

Margery’s mouth turned down, but she merely said, “Yes, sir.”

As much as he would have liked to stay behind and make

sure Margery obeyed his orders, Teach didn’t have the time. He

needed to find his friend John, and find him quick. Despite

what Anne believed, Teach had no intention of tracking down

Henry Barrett and killing him.

Yet.

By this time tomorrow Teach wanted to know what kind

of proof Barrett had to support his charges of piracy. It was a lie, all of it, but somehow Henry had managed to convince the

constable. Teach had to find a way to dismiss any evidence and

prove that Henry was a liar.

Instead of riding Kaiser, he decided to take an older carriage

from the stables, one that hadn’t been used recently. As much as Teach hated to admit it, his father was right. It would be better if he wasn’t recognized or seen about town.

Wearing the floppy hat John had given him, as well as the

old coat, Teach set out, thankful for the disguise.

By the time he arrived at the Deliverance, it was dark and a thick fog had rolled in, cloaking the docks in a sheltering mist.

Teach didn’t wait to search for a plank to board. He took a running jump and leapt onto the deck.

John appeared almost immediately, no doubt drawn by the





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sound of Teach landing and by the subtle rocking of the ship. In John’s hand was the telltale glitter of his knife, which he lowered to his side when he saw Teach. “Well, lookee here. The Deliverance won’t be ready for another fortnight. Bored of the good life already, are you?”

Teach grimaced, shaking John’s hand as John thumped him

on the back. “I need to talk to you.”

John’s face grew serious, his eyes narrowing. “What is it?”

Teach led him away from the rail and down the murky

stairs to the captain’s cabin. The sweet musky scent of fresh

pine and wood tar filled the air. The room itself was sparsely

furnished with a desk, chair, and a single berth, and large windows lined one wall.

Closing the door, Teach turned and faced his friend. “I need

you to take care of something for me,” he said, his voice soft.

“Tell me what you want me to do, and I’ll do it.”

It was a relief to know Teach could count on John. “I’ve

been accused of piracy.”

“What?” John burst out.

Teach held up a hand, wary of the silent docks in the distance. “Quiet. I just found out today. The constable delivered

the charges to my father.”

“But that’s a bloody lie.”

“I need you to keep an ear out. It might have been Henry

Barrett. If it was, I need you to discover what kind of evidence he has.”





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John spat on the ground over his shoulder. “I remember Barrett. Nowhere near as honorable as his father. Pity it wasn’t him who died.”

“Yes, well, if we don’t get him to withdraw the charges, I

might be next.”

“I’m sure me and the rest of the crew would be only too

happy to vouch for you.”

Teach gave a weak smile. “I wish it were that simple. Others

have been accused, but I’m not sure who they are or if the same person brought the evidence against all of us. I need you to find out for me.”