Pirate's Promise (Sentinels of Savannah #5) - Lisa Kessler Page 0,67

the doorway. His perfectly manicured goatee framed his smarmy smile. His copper hair was tied back in a ponytail, and his glacial blue eyes pinned her in place. He wore an air of authority around him like a monarch’s robes.

“There you are.” He came inside and took a seat at the head of the table. Flynn didn’t have an accent, or if he did, he covered it well. He articulated his words like he’d be a lion in the boardroom. No one would ever suspect they were making deals with an actual pirate. “Sit.”

She crossed her arms, refusing to give him unearned power over her. “I need to find Greyson.”

“You need to listen.” His copper brow shot up. “There are some things you should know about our master gunner.”

Now he had her attention. She clenched her jaw and jerked the chair out. “Fine, talk.”

He glanced at the chair and back up to her face. “Please. Sit.”

Since he’d added the “please,” she grudgingly moved to the front of the chair and settled. “Okay.”

“Good.” He stroked his goatee, studying her for a moment. “Has Greyson told you he used to live here?”

“Yes.” She sighed. This was a waste of time. “He was framed for a crime he didn’t commit, broke free from the gallows, and ended up on the Sea Dog with you.”

“Aye, but that’s only part of it.” He leaned back, tipping the chair legs up. “Did he tell you about Wren?”

“No.” Greyson had never mentioned past relationships. To be fair, she hadn’t asked.

“Perhaps I should start at the beginning.” He steepled his fingers against his chin, staring at her like a predator. It was obvious Flynn had an ulterior motive for sharing this information with her, but she couldn’t fathom what it might be.

He settled all four legs of the chair back on the floor and lowered his voice. “Greyson’s mother was one of Captain William Kidd’s illegitimate children. His grandfather was hanged before Greyson was born, but his shadow stained their existence.”

She nodded. “What’s this got to do with Wren?”

“She was Greyson’s little sister.” He cleared his throat. “The missing cargo they charged Greyson with stealing was medicinal herbs.”

“He told me it was gold and spices.” Aura furrowed her brow. She wasn’t sure whom to believe.

“Because he didn’t want to tell you about his sister.” Flynn opened his hands. “If he had told you he stole healing herbs, what would’ve been your first question?”

“Who were they for…” Her voice trailed off. That made sense. She looked at Flynn. “Did his sister need them?”

He nodded slowly. “The medicine could have eased his sister’s suffering. Her lungs were filling with fluid.”

“Consumption?” Her heart clenched. “How old was she?”

“Thirteen.” His gaze flicked to the door and back to Aura. “She died the same day the cargo went missing and Greyson was arrested.”

Aura frowned. “Then he had no reason to steal it.”

“Exactly.” Flynn rose from his chair. “But he allowed them to drag him to the gallows. I think he welcomed their judgment.”

“That makes no sense.” She rubbed her forehead, shaking her head. “Why the sudden change of heart? He fought to save himself.”

He glanced over at her, with a cat-that-ate-the-canary smile. “I believe he finally realized that he was ready to leave the past behind him and make a new future. One that would no longer be in the shadow of events he had no control over, like his grandfather being a pirate.” He shrugged as he crossed to the door. “He was at the crossroads to either follow the sister he loved to the other side, or embark on a new day. He chose the new day.”

She frowned, looking over at him. “Why are you telling me this?”

He smirked. “Contrary to the opinions of the crew, my responsibility to their welfare has never wavered.”

“And sharing the story about Greyson’s sister contributes to his welfare, how?”

He lowered his voice, all traces of his smug smile vanishing. “Our gunner was willing to change his stars. He deserves a partner who is brave enough to do the same.”

His words landed on her like a boulder. But he wasn’t wrong. Greyson deserved no less.

As if he’d heard her thoughts, Greyson’s voice filtered down the stairs. “Is Aura still down there?”

“Aye,” the captain answered without taking his eyes off her. His true nautical accent bled into his voice, surprising her. “Best ye decide where yer loyalties lie, lass.”

Was the captain just telling her to choose between her career with Department 13 and Greyson? It wasn’t so