Lynnette turned to face Harry , " we will reach No-Name by after noon ," she said in a relief tone
" Aye" , captain, I think the boys would want to raise a commotion when we drop anchor , " he commented casually.
" That's fine with me, as long as they report back to start repairs on the ship in the morning."
" Sure they will, they know the value of a ship like that as well as any man . Not even the prettiest whores will keep them delaying that long".
The Island sported several habitants other than the pirates . Escaped slaves mostly , indian and African alike . Lynnette who could not abide slavery if any kind , harboured them and promised harsh penalties for any men of hers who tried to return them to the bigger island for the reward their capture would bring .
In turn the escaped slaves had made the island more of a home than any other island . They set up huts , a village ; making a living by raising pigs and goats , selling fruit and fish , which they traded to the buccaneers in return for flour and other goods that has to be imported to the tiny isle .
A couple of the village girls came and cleaned her house . others making their living as whores . It was not much for life , but undeniably better than slavery had been. Few of the men had joined her crew , and would guard her back to the death . it was more than a fair trade.
." we will get a lot of money from the prettyboy's cargo ," Harry ventured.
He had been surprised, then tinkled pink , at hearing his captain had invited Captain Bradley to dinner with her . Never had she done so with a captive, and he marveled at the charm the tall, black haired man must have exerted to bring out emotional side of this steel-hearted woman . Harry bent his head to glance at her profile.
Silhouetted against the bright sun , Lynnette was breathtaking. But her expression was grim . " Aye ," she replied absentmindedly.
" He will be watched, " he might try to escape ."
" I've no doubt of that . he said as much."
". Did he now ? That's interesting".
" Why ?" she asked sharply .
" Oh , no reason . I was just thinking ', he might just make it you know ",
". Harry ", you sound as if you admire that--- peacock !" she sputtered disbelievingly. Her first mate was not one to give what was paramount as a compliment to just any man. That he rated Captain Bradley's chance for escape as within the realm of a visible was a sign of Harry's high regard .
" I will assure you ," she said darkly recovering herself , " he's no match for me ",
" He's the perfect match for you ," muttered Harry so she couldn't hear , " and that's why you hate him", he felt a surge of pure glee welling up . These next months should prove interesting .