X Marks the Spot

ne’s thoughts. She lowered her hand from the glass a

r father’s cane as he made his way into the room. “Mister

interrupted, returning her at

emark. He leaned heavily on his cane as his hand balled

he strands of hair from her face. “If you would,

gruntled huff. He turned to the man in the doorway, offering a look of apology fo

window. She ran her hands along the silk of her dr

red in her ears: “I know you don’t wish for this interaction. I know you want to be left to yourself. But I implore that you heed what he has to sa

embrace. She pursed her lips to detest, but reali

Woodes standing in the doorway. “I apologize for my daughter’s actions.

gs. He nodded his gratitude to Mr. Seegar before clasping his hands behind his back and waited patiently for the old man to leave. “I suppose now

nk. She hastily unclasped her arms and ran her left hand

ecting his attention to the bookcase behind him. He leafed through the titles displayed, his fingers running along the leather bindings until it reached a rather large volume.

his two long legs planted firmly on the ground. His posture was perfectly straight, yet it wasn’t uncomfortably forced. He was impeccably dressed and gr

nued, lifting an eye from the book

you mean,” Diane replied, her brooding

cuse for men to ramble on and gloat about their conquests. It does

it does,” D

ked, snapping the b

hey are said,” Diane remarked, pushing herse

odes quizzed with a gr

or themself. If he shrugs off his achievements and passes the conversation off too qu

conquests but heed the other’s wo

ly. “What is it you want, Mr. Woodes? Why play these games? You have yet to

anion

er arms crossed once more against her chest. “You kno

the proper place back on the shelf behind him. “But I have learne

s my past have to

woman; quite clever and beyond intelligent.” Mr. Woodes’ feet danced back and forth along the floor. His chin falling clo

ee how that matters to me. I am not interest

Mr. Woodes lifted his gaze from the wooden floorboards and began to pace about the room. “Let me tell you another story. A story that hasn’

de. Words can’t describe how much money is lost by not dealing with this serious problem. This has become a festering thorn in the queen’s foot. Not only are we losing an important trading

t. We offer pardons to the pirates, bringing them back in favor with the crown. They will go about

re barking up the wrong tree, Mr. Woodes. I know very littl

ing. If anyone did, they would never sign on for the job. You are a smart woman, Diane. You have proven as much

n’t want to govern. I have no interest i

t is precisely what we need. And your father agrees. I’m not asking for an an