Other Oceans: Book Two of the Hook & Jill Saga by Andrea Jones Page B

cause such circumstances to arise, you won’t be particular, either.” She spoke casually, as if she had issued such threats a hundred times.
    “My men have collected your things from the Julianne and you may keep them, whatever you decide.” The lady raised her left hand to study her nails, then spoke again, seemingly in afterthought. “Oh, yes, we’ve taken your father aboard as well.” She raised her eyes.
    Liza startled.
    “It is our hope, the captain’s and mine, that Doctor Hanover will sign on as ship’s surgeon, in which case you will share quarters with him.”
    Liza’s face had become eager, relieved at the mention of her father, and in the space of a moment, it grew guarded, and the girl seemed to shrink.
    “I see the thought does not comfort you. A pity. What is your decision, Liza?”
    The girl in brown cast her eyes about the cabin, lifted her shoulders, and drew her eyebrows together.
    “You are afraid. Of the captain?”
    Plainly wondering how the woman guessed, Liza nodded, then aimed another look over her shoulder.
    Jill noted the direction of the girl’s glance, affirming Hook’s evaluation of Smee’s effect on children. She used it. “Mr. Smee. Kindly tell the girl what the captain expects of those who serve him.”
    “Aye, Madam. The captain demands that all hands follow orders, and that smartly. It’s smooth sailing for anyone who does his job and makes no noise about it.” He had a musical voice, the hypnotic lilt of an Irishman. Placing his heavy hand on the girl’s shoulder, he regarded her over his spectacles. She swallowed.
    “And stay below when there’s action. You’d best keep out of the way when we’re at work.”
    Liza’s face soured. She remembered the work these pirates had done aboard the Julianne .
    The lady collected her skirts and rose from the couch. “So there is nothing to fear if you do your duty. If you don’t, there is always another island to call your home.” She smiled. “What say you, girl? Shall you try the pirates’ life?”
    After only a moment’s hesitation, Liza held up her hands and twisted an imaginary ring on one finger. Her eyes questioned.
    The woman understood again, and raised a shapely eyebrow. “A ring was taken, by my men? Who?”
    Liza thought, then reached over her shoulder to pat her back. Holding up her fingers, she shaped them into claws that scraped the air.
    With a warm, indulgent smile, the lady nodded. “Mr. Cecco! Of course it was he. I might be inclined to see if he can be persuaded to give it up. Are you with me?”
    Liza smiled as nicely as she was capable of doing. She hadn’t had much practice.
    “Very well, Liza.” Her mistress extended her right hand. For the first time, the girl beheld the blood-red stain, palm to fingertips. Gasping, she drew back.
    The gaudy hand remained extended.
    “Liza.”
    Under the steely gaze of eyes that lost all likeness to flowers, the lady’s hand turned, palm downward. Clearly, the opportunity to shake it in a friendly fashion was past.
    Even Liza knew that only one course could be followed now. She took it. She reached her own hand out, touched the underside of the crimson fingers, and sank into a curtsy. As she looked down, she spied a slender foot peeping from beneath the lady’s skirts. Except for a silver ring round her middle toe, her foot was bare. This queen wore no slippers! Startled, Liza dropped her fingers.
    Her new mistress condescended to smile. “Very good. You have been warned. Serve me properly— and above all, keep out of the captain’s way. Then all will be well with you. Tom Tootles will show you to your quarters now. Settle in, and Mr. Smee will instruct him to escort you to me before dinner. Your father will be dining with us, and we must prepare for a formal occasion.” Jill turned away. “You may go.”
    Liza stood staring as the woman glided to the escritoire, seated herself, and picked up a quill, then the girl yielded to the pressure of Mr.