“Very good.” He rested his hands on the table, leaning towards them. “Now, Vice, I’m sure it will help our friend here appreciate his altered position if you were to take him ashore with you tomorrow.”

A strangled sound came from her throat. “Ashore?” Tomorrow they’d arrive at Nassau. That was her chance to explore the latest happenings in town, arrange the best deals with the local stores for Perry’s cargo manifest, and even pick up items for her crewmates. “But I always go alone.” And life aboard, much as she loved it, afforded barely any time alone now she didn’t have her own cabin.

“Well”—he smiled but it didn’t reach his eyes—“you can have a little company this time, can’t you?

“I can carry your shopping.” Blackwood raised his eyebrows.

She stared at him. She blinked. Exhaling through her nose, she shook her head. Did he think she was picking out a new gown or decorating the guest wing?

Fitz cleared his throat. “I’m sure Vice will appreciate any assistance, won’t you?” He waved his hand. “And take your time. I’ll make sure Perry gives you a little something extra to spend.”

Take your time. She sighed. This wasn’t about her—he just wanted Blackwood off the ship, away from him and his crew. And much as he’d couched it with a question, it wasn’t a request.

“Aye, Captain,” she said, backing towards the door. “Well, I’d best go and check over the list with Perry, make sure we haven’t missed anything.” Perry never missed an item from the cargo, but Vice needed to get out of here and no way was she asking for permission to leave like some Navy lackey. “Excuse me, gentlemen.”

Nassau

“A lovely day for a walk, isn’t it?” Knigh tried a pleasant smile as he sidled up to Vice while she waited for the gangway to be slid into place.

So this was the infamous Nassau. A long stretch of brilliant green-blue water lay between chaotic wharves and a low sandy island that sheltered the harbour.

Past the wharves, the town—well, it looked like most small towns that had sprung up in Arawaké. Since the local island nations had invited foreign powers to the trading table, offering parcels of land to found settlements, dozens littered the islands. Nassau could almost be any one of them. True, there was no sign of soldiers and more buildings were timber than stone or brick, but the same could be said for a lot of the younger, smaller towns in the area.

Knigh’s eyebrows rose. Not what he was expecting, especially after Perry’s warnings.