Blackhearts (Blackhearts, #1)(63)

“Right. It’ll take me a bit to see what I can scare up. If you

can stay with the ship, I’ll be back in a spell.”

“Of course,” Teach said. “But you must return before dawn.”

John clasped Teach’s shoulder. “Don’t you worry none. We’ll

get to the bottom of this.” With a friendly nod, John opened

the door and disappeared up the stairs.

Teach had been right to come here. If there was news to be

learned, his friend would be able to gather it, for he was a pop-ular figure and well-liked by all who knew him.

It only now occurred to Teach that he’d never once thought

to go to William. William had returned to Bristol with Teach,

and the duke was an influential man in Parliament.

But somehow Teach knew William would be of no use to him.

Teach couldn’t help wondering how the meeting between his

father and his solicitor was going. Anne was right. Drummond





2 2 4


was a powerful man in the city. If he was able to disprove Henry’s allegations, Teach would deal with Henry personally later.

For the next three hours Teach kept vigil at the top of the

stairs, hidden in the shadows of the deck. The water lapped

against the hull of the ship, comforting Teach with its familiar cadence. Despite his father’s disapproval, Teach would never be sorry for the time he’d spent at sea.

If he were to hang . . .

Teach pushed those thoughts aside, his eyes drawn to a sudden movement on the docks.

John had returned.

After sliding a board into place, John was on deck within a

matter of minutes. The two of them retreated once more to the

captain’s cabin.

“And?” Teach demanded.

“Whoever accused you isn’t the same one who accused

those other men. They was caught red-handed. Someone just

threw your name in for good measure.”

The muscles in Teach’s arms and back tightened. “Was it

Barrett?”

John rubbed the back of his neck. “Don’t know for sure.

Nobody’s heard of any evidence against you, not like with those others. I’ve got someone watching Barrett’s house, to see what

he does and where he goes. You best get home, Teach. There’s

nothing more to be done tonight.”

Frustration warred with fatigue, and Teach drew his hand





2 2 5


wearily through his hair. “Bring word to my house, but don’t go to the front door. Come through the back, like you’re visiting Mary.”

“I haven’t seen Mary in days.”

“You can’t tell anyone about this, John. Especially not

Mary. You must take this secret with you to the grave, do you

understand?”

John nodded. “Don’t worry. I owe you my life, Teach. I’d

sooner sell my own mother than disappoint you.”

Having John as a friend was like having a big, vicious dog

as your loyal pet. Satisfied, Teach shook John’s hand and took

his leave.

By the time Teach reached his father’s house, the building was

mostly dark, with only a few candles illuminating the interior.

After taking the stairs two at a time, he removed his coat

and floppy hat and threw them across his bed. His father’s door down the hallway was open, the interior of his room black. As

promised, he had not returned.

Teach picked up a book from the night table and headed

to Anne’s room. He stopped outside the door and listened to

her footsteps as she paced the floor. Teach was surprised by the pounding of his heart. He hadn’t been this anxious since his father had sent him away to school for the first time. He knocked softly and waited.

Beneath the door he saw Anne’s shadow cross, before she

opened it partway, somewhat hidden from his view. She wore





2 2 6


a nightdress and a velvet robe, her damp hair hanging over one shoulder. He experienced the usual shock of awareness whenever he saw her. She’d never looked more beautiful.

Her breathing was faster than normal, but she said nothing.

There was a strange glow in her eyes, like compassion or sorrow.

He could not be sure.

“I told you I would return,” he said.

Anne nodded. “Did you . . . Did you discover anything?”

“No, not yet. But I have a friend working on it.” Teach

cleared his throat and held out Dampier’s book, unwilling to

discuss the charges any further. “I wanted to bring you this,” he said, hoping his voice sounded steadier than he felt. “I thought it might help you fall asleep faster.”

Opening the door farther, she reached out and took it from

him, her soft fingertips touching his. He didn’t let go immediately, wishing she would invite him into her room.

She did not.

“Thank you. I’ve been wondering what happens next.” She

made no move to close the door. A pulse beat at her collarbone, and he longed to run his finger along her smooth skin.

Teach took a step forward, the book still connecting them.