A man stepped out from the shadows. She could not place him, not until a pouch full of coins landed at her feet.Herpouch.
“You!” she accused.
“Aye, me.
De Roux chuckled. “Ah yes, you have met George, I believe. What was it you said? ‘It’s hard to imagine one can put a price on someone’s life, yet, to me his life is not worth a penny.’ Those were the words, George?”
“Aye, captain, word for word.”
Belle struggled against her hold. “You are vile,” she snapped at the both of them.
“Perhaps it’s time to tell her captain,” George said, his smile a nasty delight.
Tell her what?
“I was saving the best for last.”
The rotten beast started to drag her to the side of the ship.
“Lower the plank!” Edgar demanded.
Plank?
And then it hit her.
“Ah yes, what do you think,ma belle? I know. It’s a bit archaic, but your friends have given chase, not leaving me much choice. But, look at it this way, my dear, sweet, Belle, by walking the plank, we are giving them a grand show.” He glanced at his men as they put good work in readying the tool of her demise. “Now let us see whether they can save you, shall we?”
“You are despicable!” she spat, the instinct to survive sharp in her mind. She’d learned to swim as a child. If she could hold out long enough, her friends may get to her in time.
She dragged her feet as she was pushed toward the plank, her onlookers cheering in glee. De Roux stood silent, watching every nuisance of her expression. She schooled her expression, refusing to show fear.
“I admire the woman you’ve become, my sweet,” he drawled. “It seems such a waste to kill you, but admiration does not wipe out hatred.”
“Go to hell!”
She was pushed from behind as soon as the words left her lips and her knees hit the ground with a painful thud.
“Mind ye language, lass. That is the captain you’re speaking to.”
Belle grunted, lifting herself to her feet again. She shot Rotten Teeth a glare.
He motioned her toward the plank.
With an exaggerated sigh, she shut her eyes in an attempt to gather all her strength. Another push brought Belle back to her surroundings. She took a step forward, her gaze lifting to the sky. No stars could be seen tonight, no moon.
Another step.
The sloshing sound of water hitting the ship’s side should have caused her panic, but instead, it served to calm her frayed nerves. The ship was alight with fire sticks, but the waters were dark. Even if her friends did manage to catch up with her, how would they find her?
Rough fingers grabbed her waist and lifted her to the plank, shoving her further onto it.
Belle gasped as she almost fell forward, but managed to righten herself.
A pistol cocked behind her.
Fabulous.
She shot De Roux a glare of her shoulder. “Is that truly necessary?”
