Chapter 142: Blood is Thicker than Sea Water

Kent watched his young quartermaster shuffle across the deck. He'd thought he heard him call Captain Morris Father, but that was not possible. Morris had only one son, and Kent had watched the boy die.

"What did you call me, lad?" Morris still held Frederick teetering over the water.

The ships staggered over a wave, sending one side of the plank tugging on its lashes and floating in midair before it clapped back to the railing. Isabel gasped, and Morris scuffed his boots against the wood to brace himself.

Hann snagged his hat from his head and halted before the plank. Tilting his chin, he presented a full view of his face to Morris.

"Annie?" Morris chuckled and drew Frederick to his chest.

Relief doused Kent's rapid heartbeat. He faced Hann, trying to make sense of the miracle that had momentarily saved his son. Over Hann's shoulder, Isabel's reddened eyes darted to his, hope sparkling within them.