On the other end, Divana stood beside Runner, who’d been assigned to show her the ropes. The lad had been given instructions not to allow “Davy” out of his sight—though Runner, Lachie Mor, and Mr. MacNeil were privy to Divana’s true identity and sworn to secrecy. The problem? As far as Kennan was concerned, Davy still looked like the redheaded lass who, on the isle of Hyskeir, had twisted his heart around her little finger. No set of breeches or a feathered cap could hide the lassie’s feminine allure.

Damn it all.

If anything happened to her, Kennan would never forgive himself.

And, though this voyage was about revenge and reclaiming that which was rightfully his, he’d do his damnedest to keep her safe—starting with his present address to the crew. “I’m certain many of you have heard we’ve found a stowaway.”

Dissent rumbled from the ranks, whistled back to attention by the boatswain, Mr. MacNeil. On the deck, the quartermaster gave Divana a shove in the shoulder—blast Lachie’s manhandling. Kennan noted he’d need to have a word with the man posthaste.

“Though he spirited aboard in a barrel, I ken this lad,” Kennan continued. “His name is Davy Campbell, the youngest son of Laird Alexander Campbell of Ardslignish—”

“A bloody Campbell?” griped Ethan, elbowing the sailor beside him.

Kennan gave the man a dead-eyed stare—an expression so fierce, few ever deigned to challenge him. “It is my duty to see to his protection until I’m able to return the lad to his kin. He will fulfill the role of cabin boy and will be taking direction from Runner. But hear me now, and hear me clear, I’ll tolerate no mistreatment. The lad may be a stowaway, but he’s as close as kin to me. If any man aboard has a grievance with him, you’ll bring it to me or your quartermaster first.”

“Aye, aye!” boomed Lachie Mor.

“Aye, aye, Captain!” the men shouted in unison.

“Very well.” Kennan pulled his spyglass from his belt and slapped it against his palm. “We’ve made good headway thus far and I commend you all. Keep your minds and hands on task, and we’ll anchor off Nassau within the month, God and wind willing. Dismissed!”

Divana flashed a bonny smile and gave him a wave. God’s stones, he’d need to school her on masculine behavior. She ought to be adjusting her crotch and scowling at him. But Lachie Mor thumped the top of her cap and ordered Runner to set her to swabbing the decks.

After the two moved on, Kennan motioned for the quartermaster to join him on the upper deck.

“I reckon your chat went well, Captain,” said Lachie, his gap-toothed grin disappearing beneath his dappled gray whiskers.

“Mayhap. However, I do not care for your rough treatment of our new cabin boy.”