Isabel grabbed Sawkins' arm. "What are you doing?"
He gave her a cursory glance. "I'm sorry, my love. But 'tis for the best. I will explain later."
"Have you gone mad?" She yanked on his sleeve, trying to pry his aim away from Cutter's head. She dared not touch the weapon for fear it would fire accidentally.
"Wolcott, if you please." Sawkins addressed a man on the main deck as he gestured toward Isabel. The corpulent man lowered his pistol, lumbered up the ladder, and grabbed Isabel, wrenching her away from Sawkins.
"Let me go!" Pain seared up her arm and across her shoulders, bringing tears to her eyes.
Kent started for her but Smithy's pistol halted him in his tracks. "Lay a finger on her and so help me God, I'll kill you, oath or no oath!"
"You are not in a position to give orders, Captain." Sawkins' eyes glimmered with amusement. "Keep her quiet, Wolcott, but do not harm her."