All he needed was a rumour of a clue to Drake’s treasure that led to a quiet spot somewhere he could lie in wait. Somewhere with shallow reefs where they wouldn’t realise they were stuck until he sailed into view, blocking their exit.

Oh, yes, that would work nicely. He kept the smile under control, but his fingers drummed on his thighs as he walked back to his ship, his step much lighter than his earlier stomp and the sea air salty and sweet with impending victory.

He stroked his chin. Perhaps he could manufacture a fake clue. It could come in useful as a prop, and he could plant it somewhere. But the main stratagem would be the whispers luring her in.

It would be a simple matter to spread word around local gossips at the main ports. Sailors and dockers were a talkative lot. They’d do the rest for him, telling all and sundry about this rumoured clue to Drake’s treasure. When FitzRoy took the bait and followed the fake lead, Knigh would spring his trap.

Why sail all over Arawaké searching for Lady Vice, when he could make her come to him?

Rumour

“Bugger.”

Vice collapsed the spyglass and glanced towards the familiar ship again. Yes, the sails, that sleek hull, even the Albionic flag fluttering—definitely the Venatrix. “Gods damn it.”

For the past few weeks, Vice and The Morrigan had criss-crossed the Arawakéan Sea, stalking and taking ships and cargo. That had left them with ill-gotten gains to sell off and a need to take on food and fresh water. Kayracou Port was the best bet in the area. The island walked a thin line between serving both legitimate shipping and pirates, so long as the latter pretended to be the former.

Even better, when they’d arrived earlier today, her friend and occasional lover, a docker named Sam had reported some interesting news. And this time it wasn’t just more tall tales about ships with mysterious flags. Oh no, this was far juicier. The Venatrix had been seen a week ago anchored on a nearby island, the crew on shore digging.

Why on earth would a pirate hunter be digging? Unless he had a whiff of treasure even better than the bounty on her head …

As soon as he heard of it, Fitz had wasted no time in ordering all but a skeleton crew to gather information from every loose-lipped lubber in Kayracou Port.

The man was obsessed.

The rumours that had come back were mixed. Some put a clue to Drake’s treasure in the possession of Captain Blackwood. Others said Blackwood had searched but not found anything. Others said he was merely interested in taking the riches for himself. Whatever the truth, Fitz had stewed in his cabin ever since.

Was Blackwood here now because he’d found something? Or was it just because this was the nearest major port and he needed provisions?