Isabel raced down the quarterdeck ladder. She must stop the captain before he pushed Sawkins to a watery grave.

His lordship cringed, eyes agape as Kent stormed toward him. Halting within inches before him, Kent flashed an insolent grin, then sidestepped the baron and leapt over the bulwarks into the sea with a resounding splash, leaving a flurry of chuckles behind him.

Isabel darted to the railing and combed the surface of the water, unsure whether she was afraid for ...