Free Rapture's Tempest by Bobbi Smith Page A

arousal.
    Looking at Jim now from beneath lowered lashes, she regarded him with a new respect. She wanted him…and the thought surprised and frustrated her. There was no time for dalliances…she had to get the information, and fast.
    Annabelle’s thoughts were interrupted by Nathan’s return, and the rest of the evening passed in a comfortable fashion. It was after ten when Jim finally rose to leave.
    “Thank you for a wonderful evening,” he told them.
    “Must you go so soon?” Annabelle sounded disappointed and, in truth, she was. She knew her lack of response had troubled him, and she had hoped they’d have another chance to be alone so she could lay those fears to rest.
    “Yes, I’m afraid so. In fact, I meant to tell you earlier…we’re pulling out tonight.”
    “Tonight?” Annabelle was upset for more reasons than one.
    “I’ve got to make a run. We’ll be leaving sometime after midnight.”
    “But when will you return?”
    “It will be every bit of ten days, possibly longer, but go ahead with your plans for the party. I’m sure I’ll be back in town by then.”
    “All right, but I’m going to miss you. I was hoping that you’d be here to help me with all the details.” She pouted prettily.
    “I’m sorry, Annabelle. But you know my job has to come first.”
    “I know,” she admitted. “And I do understand. It’s just that on such short notice…”
    “From now on, I’ll try to let you know a little further in advance,” he promised, glad that she was going to miss him. “If you do need any help with your planning, I’m sure my mother and sister would be glad to help.”
    “Well, be careful. I’ve been hearing rumors,” Nathan put in.
    “Haven’t we all,” Jim agreed as they moved into the hall toget his coat. “But there’s no need to worry. I’ll be fine. And I’ll see you as soon as possible.”
    “Good night,” Annabelle called as he left the house, and then, after watching his carriage drive away, she slammed the door in a fury. “Damn!”
    “I know. If only we could have found out a few hours sooner…”
    “There has to be a way.”
    “We’ll figure it out. I have every confidence in our plan. But if we are unsuccessful, there’s always Wade’s idea. He can be most persuasive.”
    Annabelle nodded in agreement. “He certainly can be, and from what I’ve seen of Dorrie Westlake, she’ll be no match for Wade’s practiced charm.”
    “Good.”
    “You know, Father, I’m not going to rest easy until we’ve delivered the gold.”
    Nathan looked at his daughter, his pride in her determination quite evident. “Neither will I, Annabelle. Neither will I.”

Chapter Nine
    Jim banged loudly on the connecting door, bringing Delight straight out of her bed.
    “Get up, Murphy! It’s after four!” Jim’s voice thundered as he pounded on the portal. “Get my breakfast up here.”
    Having slept in her clothes. Delight took only the time necessary to pull on her boots before grabbing her coat and running from her little sanctuary.
    “Yes, sir. I’m on my way.”
    Jim only growled at Murphy’s retreating back, and Delightpicked up her pace, not wanting to risk his displeasure. She needed this job, of that there was no doubt.
    She was back in a few short minutes with his meal, for the cook was well aware of the captain’s schedule and had the food ready. Struggling to close the cabin door, she almost dropped the tray, and Jim glared at her for her clumsiness.
    “Are you always like this, Murphy?” he asked sarcastically. Morning was not his best time of day, especially when he’d gotten little sleep the past three nights.
    “No, sir.”
    “Good. I’ll be looking forward to seeing an improvement.” When he noticed her disconcerted look, he instructed, “I eat at my desk.”
    “Yes, sir.” Quickly placing the breakfast on his neatly cleaned-off desktop, she hastily withdrew to what she hoped was a safe distance. “Do you need anything else