I walk in the back door, the house cool and dim compared to outside. Thunder rumbles in the distance, though it could be the ocean crashing on the far side of the cliffs. Up in this hideaway, it’s hard to know for certain.
I pass through the kitchen, then into the hallway that runs to the staircase. My steps slow when I hear Smee and Hook talking in Hook’s office. I haven’t gone in there. The doors are always closed when I pass by, and the absolutely enormous crocodile skeleton mounted over the door doesn’t look too welcoming.
This time, though, I pause and listen.
“—plenty of time to chart our course.” Smee sounds whiny. Good. I want him unhappy.
“We set sail in two nights. Tell the crew.” Hook’s tone brooks no argument, but Smee isn’t much for subtext, because he says,“We’ve been at sea for months, Captain. The crew needs more of a break.”
“Once this is done, they’ll have as long a break as they like. But I can’t rest until she’s taken care of.”
“Why?” Smee’s exasperation rankles.
“That’s none of your concern.”
“She seems stable, Captain. She’s even been out there sparring—horribly, might I add—with Widow. An ineffectual fighter, at best.”
What a dick! I’mhighlyeffectual.
“She’s fading. What that goddamn parasite did to her has left marks.” His anger telegraphs through the wall. “There’s only one way, one place, where she can become whole again. As soon as we’ve all had a rest, that’s where we’re headed.”
Smee sighs dramatically. “I don’t understand what hold this mainland girl has over you.”
“You don’t need to understand, Smee. I’m your captain. If you’ve lost your faith in me?—”
“No!” Smee practically barks the word. “Never, Captain. I … worry. That’s all.”
“Don’t. Once we handle this, the rest of it will fall into place. We’ll be rid of that bilge rat for good.”
“From your lips to Calypso’s ears.” Smee shifts, and I creep farther down the hall, but linger.
“Tiger Lily arrives tomorrow. Is everything ready?” Hook asks.
I must’ve misheard, so I tiptoe back to the door.
“She and her warriors arrive before the moon is high. The menu is ready, and everything will go smoothly. This time will be different.”
Hook chuckles low in his throat. “You mean this time won’t end in bloodshed? Don’t bet on it.”
“Everyone will be on their best behavior. I’ll make sure of it.”
“Good. We need Tiger Lily on our side for what’s coming.” A chair scrapes across the floor. “All right, if that’s all you wanted to discuss?—”
“Not quite, Captain. Alf pulled me aside earlier. He’s been out and about too much, and now sheknows.”
“Shit. Has she seen Mullins or Teynte yet?”
“I don’t think so. I’ve had them down at the ship re-equipping. Teynte knows to keep a low profile. Mullins as well.”
“All right. That’s something, at least.” The floorboards creak, and I scamper away down the hall to the staircase.
By the time the study doors open, I’m already halfway up the stairs. When I get to the top, I bump into Skylights.
“Hey.” He steadies me. “I was just coming to do another checkup, if that’s all right.”
“I’m all sweaty.” I pull my shirt away from my chest to get some air in there, but that wafts my smell to my nose. “And stinky. Can we do it later?”
“Sure thing.” He backs up so I can pass. “You’re feeling all right, though?”
