Isabel grabbed Sawkins' arm. "What are you doing?"

He gave her a cursory glance. "I'm sorry, my love. But 'tis for the best. I will explain later."

"Have you gone mad?" She yanked on his sleeve, trying to pry his aim away from Cutter's head. She dared not touch the weapon for fear it would fire accidentally.

"Wolcott, if you please." Sawkins addressed a man on the main deck as he gestured toward Isabel. The corpulent man lowered his pistol, lumbered up the ...