But then the whispers followed—a cluster of men and women in the mouth of an alleyway, a man too-casually leaning out a ground-floor window to mutter in his fellow’s ear.

Damnation. Maybe they recognised him.

He kept his head high as if he hadn’t noticed, but his arms and hands hung loose at his sides, ready to draw weapons at an instant’s notice.

Wild Hunt—what a fool. He’d been so concerned about The Morrigan’s crew attacking him that he hadn’t even considered the pirates on shore and the land-dwellers who made their money from their trade.

“Blackwood,” Vice muttered, leaning closer as they walked, “why is everyone looking at us like they’re a few torches away from forming an angry mob?”

“I should imagine it’s because I match the description of a well-known pirate hunter. Strangely enough.” His eyebrow twitched.

“Well-known? Just how many ships have you taken?”

“Gods know—I stopped counting after the first couple of dozen.”

A choked sound came from her, which she attempted to disguise as a cough. Thumping her chest, she cleared her throat. “Anyone I’d know?”

“Perhaps”—he shrugged—“Bonny Steed, Jack Shoals, Davy Davis and his son.”

She missed a step, eyes widening. “Jack Shoal’s been grabbed? When?”

“About four months ago.”

“Bloody hells. You have been busy.” She shook her head, gaze scanning the wide road. “Poor Jack.”

“Poor Jack? No poor Bonny or Davis boys?”

“Jack was a good lad—helped me out of a sticky situation once, and we had a great night carousing after. Well, I say night—more like a weekend.” In the shadow of her tricorne, her eyes crinkled above a warm grin. The look soon soured. “Bonny, though—he was a prick. Deserved whatever he got. How’d you manage to take so many?”

He lifted one shoulder. “If I told you that, I’d be giving away all my secrets.” Including the fact this is all a ploy. He swallowed. “Let’s just say, I’ll do whatever it takes to get the job done.”

Eyes narrowed, she gave him a long look that would have made most men squirm. “Whatever it takes, huh? Come on.” With a nod, she indicated an alley between timber buildings and split off in that direction.

A shortcut avoiding so many pirates, perhaps. Glancing up and down the street, he followed.

They ducked into the shadows and no sooner were they out of sight than she whirled to face him. “Right, let’s sort this out.”

She reached for him, and he flinched, catching her wrist on instinct.