Page 118 of Stilettos & Secrets on the 7 Seas

“Let’s take this matter to your cabin.” Caiyan motioned for Marco and Sasha to join us. Max left Ace, and much to Ace’s pleasure, Black Bard, in charge of the recovering crew.

Once inside Max’s cabin, Caiyan reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a familiar rolled paper. He untied it and revealed his piece of the map.

I gave a partially playful visible shiver, “I hate to think how you got that to this time.”

“I felt it important naugh to rely on my memory.”

His drawing had a larger land mass with mountains, a similar portion of the pirate crest as I’d seen on the other maps, and a part of a ship.

“What’s this?” I asked, pointing to the mountains.

“South America.” He ran his finger across the ship. “The ship is sailing toward Nassau. ’Tis the same route the Spanish fleets used to take their treasures from Cuba to Spain. The map shows the way to sail the ship, no its destination.”

“It’s why your grandfather couldn’t find the key. He was looking in the wrong place,” I said, happy to contribute the correct conclusion.

“And mine as well.” Marco spread paper on the table and selected a quill. He sketched the skull, treasure chest, Bone Island, and small islands to the Northwest. “My nonno had me sketching this same drawing since I was old enough to hold a crayon. He told me one day I’d know why.”

“Is it called Bone Island because of this rock that looks like a skull?” I tapped the skull Marco had drawn.

“Nay.” Rowan shook his head. “The natives of Key West used the island to discard the remains of their dead. ’Tis more of a sacred place.”

“Ew.”

“Ye did ask.” Rowan chuckled.

“Ponce de Leon named itCayo Huesobecause of the white rock and all the bones they found,” Max added in his that’s-so-dope tone.

“’Twas the settlers who misunderstood the meaning of the words and renamed it Key West. Eventually, it included the southern tip of Florida, and the island was left behind.” Caiyan tapped the tip of Florida on Marco’s map.

All heads turned toward Sasha. I prayed she had memorized Rogue’s map.

Sasha moved forward and pulled her linen shirt over her head, leaving her in only a thin, sleeveless undershirt.

“Babe, what are you doing?” Marco quickly shielded Sasha’s body with his own.

“Move it or lose it, blondie.” Sasha flipped her shirt inside out. Stamped on the underside was Rogue’s map, which included a portion of the pirate insignia, the compass, and the wordsCayo Hueso.

“How did you get that to this time?” I asked.

“Unlike you losers, I have the ability to control my clothing.” She positioned the other maps next to hers.

“Damn, that’s sexy.” Marco curled his arm around her waist and pulled her close.

Sasha looked down at his hands. “Like I said, move it or lose it.” She flashed him an evil glare, but her tone was playful.

“This doesnae tell us any more than what we already knew.” Caiyan’s face fell. “Regardless, I’d like to take a look at the island.”

I stepped to the table. “I need to show you something.”

“Can it wait, Lassie? We havenae much time.” Caiyan studied the map.

I lifted my skirt, exposing one rounded butt cheek. With Max’s eyes bulging, I showed everyone the tattoo of Aint Elma’s map. “It’s accurate.”

“Now, that’s sexy,” Marco said, followed by an exhaled “Umphh” from Sasha’s elbow jab into his rib.

“Ye got a tattoo?” Caiyan’s words stuttered, suggesting his mouth also hung open in awe.

I looked over my shoulder at him. “It’s not real. My cousin Darryl did a temporary tattoo. I’m not certain I would have recalled the details of the map without it.”

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