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“Yep, he’s here, so we don’t need to wait around and twiddle our thumbs.”
“Good. This place helps Aurelius. He feels better.”
“That’s good,” she said.
“It’s better than good,” Aurelius said with his old, lofty air. Jari almost wanted to jump on him and kiss again right there.
“Did you fall in the water?” She raised an eyebrow at their bare feet and damp trousers.
“Erm, we had to cool off,” said Jari.
She gave him a funny look and turned her horse. “Follow me.”
***
“Merriment and Mermaids.” Jari eyed the bright pink ship with the lettering. “Really?”
“Tenth says he has a couple of clients who like to play sex games that involve pirates and other things, so I guess he’s also a floating whorehouse now.” Este shook her head. “You wouldn’t believe what some people are into when they have money to waste. Tenth is a decent guy, and he won’t ask questions. I told him to keep his mouth shut and where we're going.”
“Mmm. So we’re supposed to go out in a bright pink ship, and he’s not worried about us going to Ash Island?”
“It’s fine.” Este led them closer. “Tenth owes me.”
“If it floats and won’t spring a leak, that’s all I care about,” said Aurelius.
The sailors that took their horses up the gangplank appeared like any sailors with their leathery skin thanks to ages in the sun. Este took her pack, plus the one that had the items. She hadn’tsaid a word about what was inside, and she was entirely herself, so she hadn’t been secretly poking around inside.
Tenth looked rather like a pirate with his hat, duster coat, and face lined by years in the sun and wind. He also had a curved sword at his side. He asked Jari if he wanted to play prisoner after Este introduced them as Jerry and Morian.
“The fee is reasonable, and it’ll make the journey a little more fun.”
“Uh, no,” said Jari.
Este shoved Tenth’s shoulder. “They’re not clients or interested in whatever games you’re offering on this thing.”
“I just thought I’d try.”
She could have changed Jari’s name a little more. He glanced at Aurelius. Morian didn’t fit him at all.
Tenth said they could have his cabin because it was the best one, and they were special friends of Este.
“Just don’t mind the chains and anything you find in there. The sheets are clean.”
“Come on,” mumbled Aurelius. “Jerry.”
Jari almost expected the cabin to look like a dungeon for sex slaves or something, but it was pretty normal.
“Was he kidding-oh.” Jari spotted the chains and shackles attached to the bedposts. “I guess people pay to be ravished out at sea by the ‘scary’ pirate captain.”
“People will pay for anything if you think of it. I think a pink ship rather ruins the scary pirate feel.” Aurelius dumped his pack and boots on the floor. “At least nothing is pink in here.”
“I’d deal with pink all day as long as you feel better.”
Aurelius gave him a small but genuine smile. “Don’t get your hopes up too much.”
How could he give Jari his smile, the gentle one that smoothed out his face and Jari wanted to hug him, and then say to not get his hopes up?
Aurelius gestured at his eye. “If it’s still mostly gold, I think that proves Mammon isn’t truly gone.”
