Page 91 of Blow Me Down
Disregarding the welfare of others seems very much his modus operandi.”
That I could believe.
“There was no battle between us, Amy. No luring, no trap, no honorable death for that matter—just a bunch of innocent people sacrificed to one man’s greed.”
“But… but Pangloss said… oh, God, he lied to me? He said he was off foraging for food that day.”
Corbin frowned. “The characters can mislead, but only a few can outright lie, and from what I recall of him, he’s not one of them. It’s possible that Bart lied to him about what happened, hiding the truth behind a story of an attack that killed everyone. That would explain the lack of bodies.”
“But… people would notice!”
“Perhaps. Perhaps not. If he wanted to remain in charge, Bart may well have covered up the origins of his crew’s deaths—the loss of the crew to an attack by a feared pirate would bring the survivors together in a desire for vengeance, rather than setting them at his throat. I didn’t say anything about it because I was curious to see how the scenario would play out.”
I slumped back in my chair, having some trouble readjusting my mental impression of men I’d trusted. “I suppose it makes sense that Bart would hide it. Especially if he really is Paul, and not a computer player. Although I can’t believe that even Paul would be so… so… heinous as to sacrifice his crew like that.”
“Believe it,” he said grimly, going over to a leaded window to look out at the sea beyond the edge of the cliff. “You seem to have no trouble believing I was capable of doing the same thing.”
I caught a hint of pain in his voice that I knew I couldn’t allow to remain. I jumped up and went over to him, wrapping my arms around his stomach.
“That was different, Corbin.”
He didn’t turn around and let me cover his face in kisses, as I had hoped. “Oh, really? How is it different?”
I kissed the back of his neck, instead. “It’s like I said—youknow that these people aren’t real, but they don’t have the ability to make any such distinction, unless you programmed that into them.”
“I didn’t,” he said, pulling my hands free so he could turn around. “I suppose if I can believe you supported Bart’s intolerable cruelties, it’s only fair you can think me a mass murderer.”
“Waaaait a minute,” I said, pulling back. “You thought I supported Bart’s cruelties? I didn’t know he was doing anything wrong until you just told me.”
“You knew I wanted him out of power.”
“Yes, but I just figured it was you fulfilling your part in the scenario. All I heard was that you attacked the island willy-nilly and slaughtered almost all the men here. What was I to think but that you were taking the role of pirate to heart?”
He stared at me for a minute, then sighed. “I’m sorry, Amy. It never occurred to me that you wouldn’t know what happened. I’m an idiot for not remembering that no one knew the truth.”
I took a deep breath. “I’m sorry, too. Even if they were only computer people, I should have known that you wouldn’t do something so underhanded.”
“Am I forgiven?” He made big gray puppy dog eyes at me. I laughed.
“Yes. Am I?”
“Absolutely. Let’s have make-up sex.” He kissed my knuckles, then sucked one fingertip into his mouth.
“Man, what you can do with just your tongue,” I said, breathing heavily, praying my knees wouldn’t buckle. It took a massive effort, but I managed to pull my hand away from him and calm my suddenly racing heart. “Let’s take care of this blockade issue first.”
“Party pooper,” he said, watching as I (shakily) made my way back to the desk.
“True, but if I wasn’t, all we’d do is spend the day in bed having wild jungle sex.”
He retook his seat, a slight smile curling his lips. “And what’s wrong with that is… ?”
I thought. I couldn’t come up with anything. “Good point. However, before we indulge ourselves, I’d like to get those blockade ships out of my harbor, and supplies into town. What if we write up a statement whereby you recognize my authority in Turtle’s Back and promise not to attack while I or my duly appointed representative is in control?”
“Or you could just give me control of the island, and I’d allow you stay captain of Bart’s crew.”
I frowned. “Allowme to stay captain?”
“I could fight you for control of the island and crew,” he said with a smile that I didn’t much appreciate.
