Isabel raced down the quarterdeck ladder. She must stop the captain before he pushed Sawkins to a watery grave.
His lordship cringed, eyes agape as Kent stormed toward him. Halting within inches before him, Kent flashed an insolent grin, then sidestepped the baron and leapt over the bulwarks into the sea with a resounding splash, leaving a flurry of chuckles behind him.
Isabel darted to the railing and combed the surface of the water, unsure whether she was afraid for Kent's safety or simply annoyed with him. A burst of bubbles cracked the porcelain-blue surface, but there was no sight of him. Squinting, she gazed up at the sails, drooping listlessly with nary a wisp of wind to stir them. At least the ship would not sail away without him.
"Egad, what a fool." Sawkins composed himself and turned, looking down upon the sea.
A group of chortling pirates approached the railing.
"Don't be worryin' miss." Hann stepped beside her. "The captain be a good swimmer."