Page 37 of Enchanted By a Pirate
"A few people say that, but I can't imagine it's true."
They chatted for some time while drinking the delicious cocoa. It was hot and made Anna feel warm and cozy, as if she were safe at home. What a good thing it was to have met Elena.
Unfortunately, she didn't find out much. Elena brought up the captain repeatedly, trying to find out everything she could about him. Anna was evasive and tried to steer the conversation back to that time.
"I keep trying to recall what happened that last day we saw each other."
"Your last day at the nursery?" Elena pouted. "Well, you definitely didn't say much of a goodbye."
Either she had left in a hurry or she had intended on returning. "I'm sorry, Elena. I don't know exactly what happened myself."
"It was definitely a Friday and you had the weekend off. You said 'Bye' cheerfully and called out, 'See you Monday.'"
Okay, so she hadn't planned to leave — or at least she hadn't let Lotti and Elena know. Then why hadn't she returned? Had she learned something? "Had I been at all restless during the day? Did I hint at something or meet someone?"
Elena brought the cocoa to her lips. "All I know is that your cute friend picked you up." She frowned and peered over the cup rim. "Why, don't you remember?"
"Oh," Anna waved her hand, "my memory has never been the best." She chuckled.
Unconcerned, Elena laughed too. "Anyway, Lotti was as surprised as I was when you didn't show up Monday. You were extremely knowledgeable about plants and worked hard — as Lotti constantly told me. Well, now we're both no longer there. Strange that you forgot." That suspicious look again. It was high time to say goodbye. She wouldn't get any more information out of Elena anyway.
She put her hand over her mouth in mock surprise. "Oh, I completely lost track of the time. Thanks for the lovely morning, but I have to go." She quickly waved at Ingrid so she could pay and rummaged in the pockets of her pants until she remembered something. Even if she found a few coins inside, they definitely wouldn't be accepted as payment. She paled. Oh no, she couldn't pay the bill. How was she going to get out of this pickle?
Elena didn't take her eyes off her. "Everything okay?"
The only thing she could do was be honest — at least halfway honest, unless she wanted to scrub the kitchen floor. She looked at Elena contritely. "I don't have any money with me."
"Oh." Elena blushed brightly, as if it had actually been her oversight. Nervously, she searched her purse for coins. "I barely have enough money for one cup. You always used to pay, you know? I thought… I'm sorry. Did you think I was treating you? I wish I could, but look." She held out three small copper coinsin her cupped hand. "That's all I have with me. Since I stopped working for Lotti, I don't go out for cocoa anymore."
Ingrid had already reached their table and peered suspiciously down at the two of them. "You can't pay?" Her tone was extremely stern. Anna wanted to sink into the ground and Elena was beet red. Apparently, the few copper coins weren't enough for her cup either.
Somehow, the situation had to be remedied. Anna looked directly at Ingrid apologetically. "I'm sorry, we…"
"I'll pay for the ladies!" A gold coin landed on the table. Anna's eyes followed the man's hand up the arm and even before she saw the face, she knew who was standing next to her.
It was the captain.
Wrapped in his dark leather coat, he looked like a mysterious savior — or the daring pirate that he actually was. He had the top two buttons of his black shirt undone, exposing his muscles. When Anna realized she was staring, she blushed. Before she could lower her eyes, he caught her looking. He winked at her and held out his hand.
"Are you coming, darling?"
Confused, Anna blinked as Elena whined loudly. "So, you are still together. Why didn't you tell me?"
"I…" But the captain radiated such unease she refrained from explaining. Perplexed, she took the proffered hand. "See you, Elena."
None too gently, the captain pulled her out of the bar and into the alley. Stunned, she didn't resist, but once outside, she freed herself from his grasp. "Why did you drag me outside so roughly?"
Angry, he turned to her. His gaze was unyielding. "What were you thinking, entering such an area? Have you been forsaken by all the good fairies?"
"I met this friend from before. Why are you chastising me? You are here. Were you following me?"
"Following you? More likely you were following me." A cheeky grin appeared on his face, but he immediately became serious again. "I had business to attend to and saw you through the window — and I probably wasn't the only one, damn it! How could you be so careless?"
Was he implying that whoever framed her had their spies roaming the cities searching for her? Unfortunately, it couldn't be ruled out, so she had to agree with him. Still, she wasn't there to hide. She had to save the fairies. How could she do that if she remained in the forest so as not to be discovered by anyone? She thought of what else he'd said and she calmly met his accusing gaze. "If you're doing business in this area, I guess I can go drink some cocoa."
He took her hand again and pulled her along. His gait was brisk and his strides so long that Anna could barely keep up. "Where I do business isn't always the right place for a lady to spend her free time." He trudged through the alley grumbling, his gaze diligently scanning all intersections and shadowy corners. The neighborhood was dark and narrow, with countless winding passages connecting to the alley and plenty of wooden shacks and large barrels that could serve as hiding spots.
Warily, she looked around but didn't perceive any threats. She tripped over a stone and broke free from him. "Don't pull me like that. I'm going to fall on my face." Even though his hand felt warm and comfortable in hers, she didn't want to be dragged along like a naughty schoolgirl.
