AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“What?” I sat up, ignoring the fire radiating through my torso. “No. You—we—can’t go.”
“Why not? Your family’s there, aren’t they?” he asked.
“Yes . . . but . . .” I stumbled over my words, still unable to set the truth free.
“And they’re about to sail for Cambria?”
I bit my lip and nodded.
“Then we have to go.” He slouched on the edge of the bed, resting his head against the wall. I’d never seen him look so tired. “Besides, you need help.”
The door swung open and Keane nudged his way through the low doorway. He wore an Enforcer’s uniform, giving him a completely different look.
“Hey there, blondie.”
I smoothed my hair self-consciously.
Keane crouched down and spoke softly in his noble accent. “Words aren’t enough to tell you how much I appreciate what you tried to do for Nevin.”
I gulped. The image of Nevin’s staring eyes and the blood on his face reappeared in my mind, a nightmare I couldn’t forget.
“I know he didn’t mean anything to you.” Keane’s voice cracked. “But he was the closest I had to a son.”
Tears stung my eyes, but I sniffed and willed them not to fall. “I’m so sorry I couldn’t help.” The apology was inadequate, but I was afraid I’d lose the battle with my tears if I said another word.
“I know.” He stood and walked to the door, then stopped, resting his hand on the doorframe. “You were pretty clever back there, sending us to an Enforcers’ boat and all.”
I blushed. “I swear I didn’t know.”
“When I saw it, I doubted it was yours, but I ordered my men not to kill anyone on board, as you asked. The man surrendered pretty easily. Turns out he’s just the cook.”
“Thanks.” I nodded quickly so he wouldn’t say anything else.
Keane left, shutting the door behind him.
I became suddenly aware of Graham and what he didn’t know. Or might know.
He kept his eyes on the floor.
I should’ve tried to explain, but I was finished with lies and had no energy for the truth. I wanted to reach for him, to hold his hand, to go back to the way things were. But I didn’t deserve any of it.
“We should be to Tramore by tomorrow.” He stood and went to the door. “I’ll let you sleep.”
“What about you?” I wasn’t ready for him to leave me. “Have you slept?”
He shrugged and left the room without saying goodbye.
* * *
That evening,I found my way to my feet and left the cabin for some fresh air on the upper deck. On my way down the hallway, I had to stop and lean against the wall while waiting for my blurred vision to solidify. I slowly climbed the ladder to the deck, fighting the lightheadedness.
Men dotted the boat, some adjusting the sails, others resting or looking out to sea. They were all dressed as Enforcers, though their unkempt hair and overgrown beards easily gave them away. A sailboat this size was too complex to be navigated by only two people, so we were lucky to have them on our side, regardless of whatever crimes they’d committed.
Graham stood on the bow in his new Enforcer clothing, looking down at the deck as the boat glided toward the setting sun. He pointed at the sails and gave an order to one of the men. Was he the one teaching them how to sail?
I crossed the deck toward him.
He dashed to my side. “What are you doing on deck? You’ll bleed to death.”
