Free The Sea Maiden by Mary Speer Page B

masculine voice said,
    “I wouldn’t do that if I were you Wilkes.”
    The barrel of the second man’s pistol was cocked directly at the scorned man’s head.
    “Captain Drake! I was just defending me’ self, did you not see? The man attacked me, struck me he did!” Remus Wilkes, a seaman aboard  the Sea Maiden, claimed.
    At the mention of Captain Drake’s name, Lynnette spun around to look at the man holding the second pistol in complete shock. It was  him, Lord Gunther’s half-brother, Peter’s employer and the Captain of the Sea Maiden, Lynnette was in aw of his striking appearance so unlike his half-brother, she was mesmerized.
    “You assaulted his lady companion and he defended her, I would have done the same! As of this moment you’re no longer a part of my crew, I will not tolerate murderers aboard my ship, now put the weapon down and get out!”
    Remus hesitated. The room went silent.
    “Get out or be carried out.” He repeated in a low menacing voice.
    Rebelliously Remus didn’t put down the pistol. Captain Drake fired his pistol just past Remus’s head; Remus jumped up and ran out the door dropping his pistol. Lynnette and the other women screamed at the gun fire. Captain Drake picked up the pistol and looked up, all eyes on him and the gun powder lingering in the air.
    “My apologies to everyone for the disturbance you can all go back to your drinks now.” He told the crowd.
    Frustrated at the unwanted attention he shouted,
    “I said get back to your drinks! Melanie! Pass a round of spirits for everyone…on me!”
    Cheering, clapping and crashing glass sounded through the tavern. “To the Captain!” They cheered. While the crowd cheered and lifted their mugs in the air in appreciation, Captain Drake turned his attention to Lynnette who was still visibly shaken.
    “My apologies Miss are you alright?”
    “Y-yes I’m fine thank you.” Lynnette stuttered.
    The truth was she was as stunned by what just happened as she was at the unexpected encounter with  the Captain of the Sea Maiden who was also Lord Harmon’s half-brother and Peter’s employer, all the same man. Then Captain Drake turned to Clifton.
    “Clifton what the devil are you doing here so late with this young woman?”
    “Looking for you Captain.”
    “What the hell for?”
    “The documents sir.”
    “The documents? Good Lord Clifton I told Gunther I was delivering them tomorrow!” Captain Drake shook his head in dismay and turned to a nearby serving girl. “Melanie bring us wine and some tea and biscuits for the young lady over to the back booth.” The serving girl escorted them to a booth at the back of the tavern. Once seated Captain Drake began to question Clifton, “Now why would Gunther send you for documents he knows I will not entrust to anyone, especially when he knows I planned on bringing them to him on Saturday? And what possessed you to bring this young woman along at this hour?”
    Before Clifton could answer, Captain Drake realized he was ignoring the young woman, and turned to Lynnette.
    “Please forgive me Miss I didn’t mean to go on as if you weren’t present.” He extended his hand to her. “I’m  Eric Drake, Captain of the Sea Maiden, at your service and who might you be?”
    “She’s Lord Harmon’s guest.” Clifton answered.
    “I asked her not you!” Captain Drake snapped.
    “Pardon me Captain, I meant no disrespect and thank you for your intervention, my apologies for interrupting your dinner.”
    Captain Drake turned back to Lynnette.
    “My name is Lynnette Attoms, I am a friend and companion of Karina Pembroke, Lord Harmon’s betrothed. I am so grateful for your assistance tonight Captain, thank you so much.” Lynnette said still sounding a bit shaken.
    The serving girl brought them their drinks and biscuits.
    “Pleasure to meet you Miss Attoms, glad I could help. I did hear about the engagement...I was rather surprised. However this is a dangerous place for a young