Charlisse fled down the stairs, tripping over the last tread. The street, pirates, harlotseverything blurred before her as musket shots zipped past her head.

She prayed one would hit her.

A scrawny pirate leapt into her path, blocking her way. Light from the tavern glistened over the silvery blade in his hand while a set of pointed, brown teeth grinned at her with malice.

Shoving her arm against the knife, she stormed into him, not caring whether she lived or ...