“He’s a cutthroat pirate.”

“He is. And I have word he purchases his supplies right here in this very shop.”

“Ye’re mistaken.”

“Och aye? He comes to Port Royal for his supplies—thinks he won’t be caught now most of the blackguards have moved on. Now tell me, when was he last here?”

“Why should I tell ye?” asked the man, heading back to the counter.

“Because I aim to see him to his grave.”

“Ye sound awfully confident—especially for a man I’ve never seen nor heard tell of afore.”

“Do you want to keep your fifty pieces of eight or nay?”

The man folded the dress and set it in the middle of a square of parchment. “Sometimes Vane sends his men for supplies.”

“Are any of his men here now?”

“I can’t say.”

“Cannot say or will not?”

Pulling out a length of twine from a spool, the shopkeeper said nothing and set to tying the parcel.

Kennan took one of the shiny stones and rubbed it between his fingers. “What happened to Jack?”

“Succumbed to the bloody flux.”

That wasn’t the response Kennan was hoping for, but he wasn’t finished yet. “You have a nice shop here. It would be a shame if you were robbed of everything you held dear—just as I was.”

“I have protection.”

“From whom? Pirates like Vane? At what cost?”

“Well, sir, I reckon ye just touched on why my prices are so high. And ye’ll find the same from every merchant in Port Royal. Aye, Vane visits from time to time as ye are aware, but I cannot tell ye the last time I saw the man. And if it is Vane ye want, I wager ye’ll have a long holiday in hell, ’cause that’s where ye’re headed.”

Kennan picked up the parcel and looked the man in the eye. “I think not. After all, I’m nay the bastard who’s sold his soul for a morsel of false protection.”

* * *

Divana gaped at Kennan as he came out of the shop. “Ye’ve a parcel?”

Kennan scowled. “What of it?”

When Runner shot her a vexed expression, she couldn’t help but snigger. Aye, the captain forbade them from shopping, while he had quite a sizable bundle under his arm. “Was the shopkeeper of any help?” she asked.

“Nay. Though he did confirm Vane and his men do come here for supplies.” Kennan led them away. “Runner, how many ships were at anchor in the harbor?”

“Four, sir. A frigate, a cutter, a schooner, and a galleon looking as if she was full of rot.”

“And not a one of them belonging to Jackson Vane?”

“At least none that attacked the Reel, sir.”

“Och, we’re so close I can feel it in my bones.” He gestured with an upturned palm. “Lad, take your dog down to the wharf and see what you can learn about the ships in port.”

“Straightaway, sir.”

Divana gave Bannock a pat before the boy led him away. “Where are we off to, Captain?”