Page 84 (1/2)

Chapter 13

«»

It was just shy of eight o'clock when Julian steered the skiff into Fowey's harbor Tying the craft securely to the dock, he leapt out, frowning as he assessed the unsavory typesabout the wharf in search of potential prey

"Traveling by boat wasto get here," heAurora climb out beside him "Daht, we could have sailed ed from the bowels of hell"

"What good would co about with more curiosity than fear "Barnes visits these taverns only at night We had no choice about our tiht"

Julian was glaring at a sli fellow slunk away "Rory—remember what I said," he murmured to his wife "Keep your head down and your eyes on the path Stay close tohera few loose strands of hair beneath her bonnet "You can't help being beautiful," he grumbled "Let's hope I don't have to kill anyone before we cross over and make our way to the Brine Come"

He seized her ar her away fros across the road

The path was rotted, the stench of ale more potent than that of fish and salt air coress Behind the the few fishing boats that were anchored there, then receding into the chilly night sky

A chipped sign reading The Brine told them they'd reached their destination

"Thishersteps to a shoddy building that more closely resembled an abandoned shack than it did a tavern

"Not exactly Carlton House, is it?" Julian returned dryly He tensed, glancing back for the u sound he heard was indeed the sound of the waves and not that of an approaching enehtened as they reached the pub door "Ree from my side or take matters into your own hands" His lips twitched "And for heaven's sake, don't offer to join the sailors in a game of whist"

"Very funny" Aurora's fingers clutched her reticule, pressing it close to her side

"You aren't carrying anything of value in there, are you?" Julian inquired, the sound of raucous laughter greeting their ears

"Only the necessities," she assured him

"Good Then, let's see e can learn" With that, Julian shoved open the door and guided Aurora in