Releasing her grip on the rail, Charlisse spun around. At least ten pirates skulked toward her, rum dripping off their chins. She dashed for the companionway stairs and flung herself down them so fast, she missed the last two steps and landed on the hard deck with a thud. Springing to her feet, she barreled into the captain's cabin.

Merrick looked up from his desk, a victorious grin on his lips. "What took you so long?"

Charlisse huffed and limped to the bed, rubbing ...