Free Call of the Sea by Rebecca Hart

beverages are laid out on the right, in the dining room.” He flashed a toothless grin. “If you’re interested in the company of one of Taylor’s treats, talk with Ramona. She is mingling about somewhere. You can’t miss her.”
    “Thanks,” Captain Winters replied.
    The man nodded and went back to his post at the door.
    Winters nudged Daniel. “Come on. Let’s see if Jashir is here yet.” He headed for the grand ballroom.
    Another chandelier, similar in style to the one in the entryway, hung in the center of the space. An assortment of chairs and sofas lined the walls of the smoky room. Small clusters of men were scattered about, talking, smoking, and drinking.
    A tall woman with long blonde hair and startling Asian eyes drew Daniel’s gaze. The plunging neckline of her black dress framed her round breasts and highlighted her pale skin. She leaned against a large olive-skinned man in a turban and robes, her painted red lips whispering into his ear.
    The man belted a throaty laugh, drawing curious gazes his way.
    “That’s Jashir,” Winters said. He headed in the couple’s direction, offering a greeting here and there as he passed men he knew.
    Daniel trailed behind the captain at a relaxed pace, taking a mental inventory of those assembled. With the wide array of riffraff on display, he needed to be prepared for anything. Tension twisted his stomach, but he put on a mask of calm confidence, as if he cavorted with cutthroats and pirates all the time.
    Jashir noticed their approach and turned to face them, his arm around Ramona. He flashed a row of white teeth. “Good afternoon, Captain Winters. I am happy to see you decided to come. You will not be disappointed in the goods Master Taylor offers his guests.”
    “We’re not really in the market to buy, but you already know that.” Captain Winters offered his hand in greeting, playing the game. “It’s good to see you, Jashir.”
    Jashir grasped his fingers in a halfhearted handshake. He gave the woman plastered to his side a squeeze. “This lovely flower is Ramona Sawyer. Ramona, this is Captain Winters and…” He waved an arm toward Daniel. “I don’t know you.” His arm dropped to his side, and his eyes darkened. “Who are you?”
    Daniel’s throat tightened. He forced out the words. “Daniel O’Roarke, sir.”
    “He’s my lieutenant,” Winters said.
    Jashir released his hold on Ramona. “Go make some new friends, kitten.” He patted her backside possessively.
    Ramona purred a sultry laugh. “Pleasure to meet you, boys.” She traced a long fingernail down Daniel’s shoulder and lifted an appreciative brow. “Especially you.” Her green eyes sparkled with mischief. “Pity.” Ramona emitted a dramatic sigh and walked away, hips swaying. The faint scent of lavender trailed behind her.
    Jashir returned his attention to Captain Winters. “Let us go upstairs. There are private rooms available for our discussions.”
    Daniel and the captain followed him from the ballroom and up the wide staircase at the back of the massive foyer. At the top, he turned down the hall to the right. Iron sconces with flickering tapers lined the wall on the left, casting the long walkway in an eerie yellow light.
    Jashir entered the third door on the left, Captain Winters and Daniel close behind him.
    A round card table sat in the center of the space with six chairs placed around it. Red velvet sofas nested beneath the room’s two windows, and a pair of cots with folded blankets on them waited in the corner. A stocked bar rounded out the room’s decoration.
    “Please, make yourselves comfortable, gentlemen.” Jashir pulled out one of the wooden chairs, the thin legs scratching across the floorboards. He sat down in a flutter of robes.
    Captain Winters followed suit, taking a chair across from him.
    Daniel remained by the door.
    Winters leaned back in his seat, resting an elbow on the table. “I’m not much for small talk, and we all know why we’re