“Come on, Sweetie Pie,” she urged the cat, scooping it up into her arms. It would be comforting to have something to cling to as she faced Gray.

She peeked out into the hallway, which was empty and lit by strange lamps anchored high on the walls every few yards. The noises of the ship were different now, like a low, rumbling hum. Thank heavens those awful clanking chains weren’t rattling anymore. She’d probably hear that sound in her sleep for weeks.

Caroline had told her to climb the stairs until she reached the top deck, then head toward the front of the ship, where she’d encounter either Gray or a man named Captain Haig. She found the compartment with the staircase inside, but it was so steep, it was almost like climbing a ladder. Holding the cat was awkward as she climbed, and it twisted out of her arms to scamper away. She missed its comforting weight.

All too soon she arrived at the top deck. The door leading out was surprisingly heavy, but she got it open and poked her head out. Wind hit her in the face, and the glare of sunlight on the ocean made her squint. They were far out to sea—much too far to turn back now.

There was no one on deck, so she headed toward the bow while the powerful winds buffeted her hair and skirts. A covered room was near the front of the ship. A wheelhouse? A bridge? She didn’t know anything about ships, but a man was inside. It was probably Captain Haig, for he looked exactly like Caroline had described, with long white hair tied back to reveal a leathery face.

Annabelle tapped on the glass, and the old man glanced over, his eyes growing wide. In two steps he jerked the door open.

“Who are you?” he demanded.

“I’m Annabelle Larkin, and I need to speak with Gray Delacroix. Can you call for him?”

“Well, Annabelle Larkin, I’d like to know what you’re doing on my ship.” There was no mercy in his eyes, but she couldn’t afford to be timid.

“It’s actually Gray Delacroix’s ship, right? I came aboard on business, and it’s probably time to discuss it with him.” She gave him a tentative smile despite the nerves shaking her entire body. The next ten minutes were going to be thoroughly awful, but she needed to confront it head on. “Can you send for him?” she prompted when the old man continued to do nothing but glare at her.

Captain Haig finally tugged on a cord near a control panel, and a young sailor appeared moments later. “Go get Delacroix,” he bit out. “Tell him we have a stowaway.”

The young sailor disappeared down the hatch, but the old one went back to staring stonily into the distance.

“Thank you,” she said.