“We’re in the middle of the ocean, Eric. There’s nothing more solid than that.”

“We can’t just jump overboard, Indi. It doesn’t work like that.”

“Well when you figure out a better plan,” I bark, “do share.”

Then I spin around and storm toward the door.

“Indi!” Eric yells. “Don’t start acting stupid.”

Acting stupid?

Is he serious?

I am laying my freedom down for him, and he thinks I’m acting stupid.

I don’t look back at him, nor do I stop. I walk up the stairs, slamming the door behind me, only to run right into Jess. She squeaks and jumps backwards, her big eyes wide. “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you were there.”

I shake my head, putting my hands up. “It’s fine, I’m fine.”

“Are you okay?” she asks softly.

I feel my body relax a little, and I exhale a loud breath. “I’m fine, thank you.”

“I’m Jess. We haven’t been formally introduced.”

She extends her hand to me, and I wearily take it. “I’m Indigo.”

“That’s a pretty name.” She smiles.

I smile back. “Thank you. Is Hendrix around?”

“He will be in the dining room at this time of the day.”

I smile again. “Thank you.”

She nods, and then shrugs. “Anytime, that’s what I’m here for.”

I so desperately want to ask her why she’s on this ship, but I can’t. If she’s working closely with Hendrix then she is likely to tell him everything I say or do.

“Thank you,” I say once more, before turning and heading up toward the deck.

I need fresh air.

I need to think.

When I reach the deck, I see a group of pirates near the navigation cabin. They are all smoking and talking amongst themselves. I don’t meet any of their gazes as I walk past them to the edge of the old yet beautiful ship. I peer overboard, and see a sculpture of a mermaid soaring off the front. I smile, and I realize it’s the first real smile I’ve given in days.

I can hear the faint chatter of the pirates behind me, and I zone out, forgetting where I am for just a moment. I close my eyes and let the sea breeze tickle my face. I take a deep breath and fill my lungs, enjoying the slight burn as they expand.

“Best not get too close to the edge.” I hear a raspy voice behind me. “There’s a lot of sharks down there, but I’m sure the cap’n has already told you that.”

I spin around to see three pirates standing, staring over at me. They’re all older, and they look kind of mean. One of them laughs at the nervous expression on my face, but the laugh isn’t gentle or kind. It frightens me. I step back against the side, gripping on.

“Oh now, don’t be scared, lassie. We ain’t gonna hurt ya’.”

Why don’t I believe him?

“Just leave me alone…”

The pirate standing in the middle takes a step forward, and my entire body stiffens. “Just warnin’ you about them there sharks. Why if you fall overboard, you’re toast.”

“I know,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady.

“You seen them, then?” He grins. “Well you wouldn’t want to trip…”

He steps forward quickly, and I scurry backwards, slipping and gripping onto the railings to stop myself falling over the side. All three of them roar with laughter, and my entire body tingles with fear. They’re trying to bait me, trying to tease and taunt me. They would find it absolutely hilarious if I was to fall over the side right now. I feel my eyes burning, and I turn away, trying to steady my wobbling legs.

“Aw, now, don’t go gettin’ all upset, why . . . we’re only havin’ fun.”

Assholes.

“Yeah,” one says. “We wouldn’t want you to die on us now…”

“Leave her alone.”

I hear the voice, and turn my head to see Drake standing behind the group of guys.

“Now, Drakey-boy, ain’t no one doin’ anything wrong.”

“Leave. Her. Alone.”

His voice is like razor blades, and the pirates seem to get their backs up over it. The oldest of the group steps forward, pulling out a rusty knife. My stomach coils. Am I about to be caught in the middle of a fight? I wrap my arms around myself, stepping back further and watching with wide eyes. The older pirate steps forward, still pointing the knife at Drake.

“What did you say, Drake?” he hisses.

“You heard me,” Drake says, “I said leave her alone.”

“Since when did you become her body guard?”

“My business, Jekyll, is none of yours. Now, I will ask once more. Leave her alone and walk away.”

The pirate, Jekyll, roars with laughter and lunges forward. I watch with a horrified expression as he drives his knife towards Drake’s stomach. Just before it touches the skin, Drake’s arm lashes out and his fist drives upwards, smashing the pirate’s nose. Blood spurts from his face as he stumbles backwards. It takes only three seconds or so after that, for Drake to drop him onto the ground and press his boot to his throat. The pirate struggles beneath Drake’s boot, gasping for air.

“Do I need to kill you now?” he hisses.

“It was a joke, just a joke!” the pirate cries.

“Get out of my sight, before I make you wish you weren’t born.”