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“None,” the captain retorted, a taunt in his tone “It appears you’ll have to take me at my word”

Slayde’s jaw set He was on the verge of revoking his earlier claiht the diamond with him, ready to swear that it was, in truth, ensconced at Pe sack on the first mate’s ar tresses tuuise

A shiolden red

Aurora

Reassured that his efforts were about to be rewarded, Slayde nodded his coone Aware he was being scrutinized, he allowed none of his i impassive while the first s above Slayde’s deck

“The dia his hand

Wordlessly, Slayde studied hiret on the firstforced to act against his will

“Please, Lord Pe beneath Slayd

e’s probing stare, “the stone”

“Very well” Deliberately, Slayde leaned forward, slipping his hand inside his boot “I’ pity on the cowering fellow “My Hessian is unar it out so the first mate could see the truth to his words

Relief flashed on the weathered features

“Take it, Lexley,” the captain bit out

With a start, Lexley jerked forward, snatching the diamond from Slayde’s palm

Si furiously, catching Lexley off guard and toppling from his arms

With a sickening crack, the sack s boat, the i it outward, where it plu below