Page 72 of Stilettos & Secrets on the 7 Seas

They were going to the pirate meeting. Plans formed in my head faster than a sail whipping in a cyclone. I’d go to the meeting and change their minds about the pardon. Then they would flee to the sea before Rogers arrived. In the chaos, I would rescue Marco—and maybe Sasha.

“I feel a vision coming forth.”

Both men turned toward me, and Rowan cocked a suspicious brow.

I raised my hand over my head and shook my index finger. Using my best Martin Luther King Jr. impression, I shouted, “I have a dream.” Then, for emphasis, I rolled my eyes back in my head and crashed to the ground. The deck was much harder than I’d anticipated, and I might have cursed upon impact. I squeezed my eyes shut and hoped for the best.

Twenty-Four

Ifluttered my eyes open. The crew gathered around me, blocking the sun. Rowan’s shadow made a nice shady spot for my prophetic revelation. His face held an incredulous look.

“I’ve had a vision.” I shifted up on one elbow.

“I told ye she was a witch.” Shrug peered down at me.

“I’m not a witch,” I said, pushing myself to a sitting position. “I’m a seer. I have these pictures that form in my head, and they come true.”

Max knelt next to me, offering a hand. “What was yer vision?”

I took Max’s hand, and he helped me stand. “I saw a giant blockade of ships preventing theSea Stormfrom leaving the harbor.”

The men burst into a cackle of laughter.

“Good.” Black Bard smiled wide. “More time ta ’ave a feast at the weddin’.”

I turned toward Max. “We cannot be married tonight. We must put our nuptials on hold until we are safely at sea. I should attend the pirate meeting and tell Captain Vane. We need to leave the harbor immediately. Before the governor arrives.”

I didn’t want to risk Marco, but they couldn’t burn this ship. It meant something. I could feel it. Why would Marco specifically send me to this ship unless it was important?

“The men are looking forward to the festivities,” Rowan told Max.

“Cook is smoking a pig on the beach.” Shrug licked his lips.

“A pig?” For God’s sake, when did Ace leave for the beach?

Max smiled at me. “It was Rowan’s idea. He thought ye might want one.”

Rowan rolled his eyes. “Casks of wine and ale ’ave already been loaded onto the transport for the beach. Once Captain Smith chooses a location, the crew weel unload them.”

“There’s to be a fine celebratin’ on the beach after ye marry the captain.” Shrug winked at me and made an obscene gesture with his hips.

I had to attend the pirate meeting and make sure Vane votednoon the pardon. After that, I must convince Max to get theSea Stormsafely out to sea before Woodes Rogers arrived, and without his blushing bride. My list was growing long and unattainable. It also included finding Ace, rescuing Marco—and maybe Sasha—and getting the hell out of Dodge. I needed something to stall the beach nuptials.

“I…I want to be married at sea. It’s a family tradition.”

The faces around me dropped from hopeful to irritated.

“My lady wishes to marry at sea.” Max tilted his head, considering.

“No!” Shrug huff-hollered. “Ye’ll be married on the beach. Wit’ the pig.”

Max’s face fell into an irritated grimace. I had to give the kid credit. He didn’t like it when the men went against him. I had a feeling Rowan had taught him that.

“Send out a scout,” Rowan suggested. “If the scout comes back with word of these ships in Miss Jennifer’s vision, we head to sea. Avoid the possibility of Rogers’ conviction. If not, weel wed on the beach.”

“You’ll get us shipwrecked, taking a woman out to sea.” Ned, the red-bearded boatswain, straddled the rails. He had come from one of the rowboats. He swung his other leg over the rail to join us on the deck.

“Ned’s right, Cap’n.” Shrug motioned toward the burly boatswain.

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