Marcus knew quite well that no matter who they caught tonight, he was no closer to apprehending whoever it was behind the far more dangerous pirate ring that had banded together under one ringleader.
At best, the pirate leaders were unaware of how close their smuggling ally at these docks had come to being captured and Marcus was no closer to finding them.
At worst, they’d recovered Roger themselves to ensure he couldn't speak, and were now well aware that Marcus was in pursuit.
In short, they were back where they had started, with no new leads on who was behind the ring of thieves or how they’d gotten a high-ranking officer like Roger to do their dirty work on shore.
Whoever was behind this operation certainly had sway. Either this person evoked love or fear from her allies...or both. The best leaders Marcus had ever seen understood how to wield both.
“What are you still doing here?” Caleb groused. It was no doubt his leg making him sound even surlier than usual. “Like I told that foolish girl before, I don’t need anyone fussing over me.” He arched a brow as he looked up at Marcus. “Certainly not you.”
“Mmm.” Marcus tried not to let his amusement show. “You certainly made that clear to Abigail.”
Not that it had done any good. As his oversized shipmate had cursed and growled after the doctoring was done, Abigail had dutifully coddled him, ignoring his protests as though he were an insolent child.
It had been quite entertaining to watch, on Marcus’s part.
Caleb had not been amused.
But it was Abigail’s sister who was on his mind now. And how, exactly, he could keep Minerva in his life without risking Alistair and Henri’s happiness.
“Why are you still here?” Caleb grumbled again.
Marcus exhaled loudly. “I thought perhaps you might need a hand getting back to the ship. Or are you too proud to admit you might need some assistance?”
Caleb glowered at him as he struggled to his feet, ignoring Marcus’s outstretched helping hand. “That’s not what I meant.” He gave Marcus a meaningful look when he was on his two feet, though leaning heavily to his left. “I meant, why are you here?”
Marcus frowned as Caleb nodded toward the doors. “You should be back out to sea by now—”
“What, and leave you behind?” he started with a laugh.
“Yes.” Caleb’s seriousness had Marcus’s grin fading fast.
Marcus had always had a knack for finding things to laugh about in life, but he’d never been a fan of hiding behind humor. Not when his heart was aching and his closest, oldest friend was staring at him like...well, like he knew it.
“What are you saying?” Marcus asked.
Caleb sighed and scrubbed a hand over the scruff on his jaw. Caleb never had been good with words.
Or goodbyes.
And Marcus had a hunch that’s what this was.
“I’m not going with you,” Caleb said. “And I think you know why.”
Marcus took a deep breath and nodded. “Our run is over, eh? Never thought I’d see the day.”
Caleb’s mouth hitched up on one side in a rare grin. “Nor did I. Never thought we’d make it out alive, to be honest.”
Marcus nodded, bittersweet emotions choking him. “But it’s time.”
Caleb dipped his chin. “It is. There’ll always be another villain to chase, more justice to pursue, and wrongs to set right. At some point, you’ll have to make your peace with that and start anew.”
Marcus looked away from his friend. Up until very recently he’d had no idea what his next step would entail. He’d had no clue how to live a life that didn’t involve danger and adventure at every turn. Up until two days ago, he’d been unable to look into the future and see anything but fog.
But Minerva had changed all that. When he looked at her, he saw a future.
“We both have to figure out what we’re doing next...” Caleb glanced behind him to the place where the nobility still gathered. “But you can’t do that here.”
Marcus huffed. “I’m not going to just leave you behind.”
“I want you to.” Caleb’s expression grew hard. Shuttered. “I don’t know where I’ll head next, but it’s time we go our own ways.”
Marcus nodded. He supposed there was no reason Caleb couldn’t be caught on English soil, and there was no rush for him to leave, especially while he was still healing.
Caleb nodded as if he could hear his thoughts.
Maybe he could. After years of working side by side, they had a connection that few shared. He gave a weary sigh as a whole new sadness hit him with full force. “I don’t know what to do next.”
He just knew who he wanted at his side when he did it.
“You always talked about settling in America,” Caleb offered. “Find a place near the sea. There are people there who could use your help, too, you know.”
He nodded. He knew what Caleb meant. He’d long talked about settling there, finding a way to help the abolitionist movement there where no one knew him. Where he could start over. The real problem was, with whom?
“It’s time you gather up the rest of the crew and get out of here. Begin your new life.” Caleb once again knew exactly what he was thinking. He smirked as he glanced toward the door. “Unless I’m not the one you’re sticking around here for.”
Marcus gave a short laugh that ended with a sigh. “Am I a hopeless romantic if I stay?”
“It goes without saying that you’re a hopeless romantic,” Caleb said. “Though this is the first time I’ve ever seen you in love, it doesn’t surprise me one bit that you’d go and lose your senses.”
Marcus laughed at his friend’s aggravated tone. In love. He supposed that was what this was.
Caleb shifted and dropped his voice. “But you’re a fool if you risk your life any more than you already have just because you’re sweet on a girl.”
Marcus sighed as he turned toward the door, wrapping an arm around
