A Pirate's Possession Read Free Page A

task not just anyone could do considering Nate’s height.
    â€œWell, then, you have nothing to lose and you’ll get a free drink from listening to my rambling,” James cajoled.
    James grabbed a nearby table as soon as it emptied. Once Nate sat down, James nodded and went to fetch their drinks. With the game now over, those people that had come only for that were making their way outside. Nate felt himself breathe a little easier.
    He’d always hated crowds and he wasn’t particularly trusting of strangers, a trait that served him well in his work. Therefore, he accepted the drink and was content to enjoy his rum while he waited for James to begin what would no doubt be a proposition to go looking for the treasure together.
    If he’d bet on it, he would have won again. Barely swallowing his first sip, James began to talk.
    â€œA joint venture would be profitable,” James said.
    â€œThe only one who stands to gain from a joint venture is you.”
    James shrugged that off with a wave of his hand. “But since you only have half the map, surely another pair of eyes trying to decipher it would be better? You’d waste less time.”
    Nate chuckled. “Actually, the more people who look at it, the more trouble I’ve got.” He eyed James over his crockery mug.
    â€œYou have a ship, then?”
    Nate set his drink down, studied the man across from him. Cool gray eyes regarded him out of a rather square-looking face. From what Nate had sensed of James thus far, he wasn’t a man easily fooled. And though some would think James foolhardy for even discussing such a venture, Nate had a different thought altogether. It wasn’t foolhardy if the man knew going in he wasn’t going to convince Nate that a partnership was a sound decision.
    James didn’t expect Nate to agree to something so ridiculous, because, as Nate had already explained, he had the map. Why share the treasure when he didn’t have to? Nate leaned forward, his gaze locking on to James’s. He knew the real reason they were talking. James was digging for information.
    Nate didn’t plan on giving him any. Other than his crew and a handful of people he considered family, nobody knew anything about him. That was best, considering the fewer people who knew he sailed under the name “Sam Steele,” the better. And the longer his life expectancy became. Not that he was incapable of defending himself; hell, he’d managed just fine these last three years. However, he was a man who preferred to keep things close to the vest. It was simply less messy that way.
    â€œI have my ways of getting around,” he answered vaguely.
    â€œI’m sure you do. But I have a ship. You’re welcome to sail with me.”
    Nate’s lips pulled into a smile. “As I said, I have my own ways.”
    â€œIt’s been said that the map hasn’t been seen in its entirety for near a hundred years. Are you confident you’ll be able to find the treasure simply based on what you won today?”
    â€œAs confident as you were when you put your coins into the pot.”
    James took a swig of his drink, wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. His nostrils flared as he contemplated Nate.
    â€œMen all over the Caribbean have told one version of it or another. I’ve heard it’s more of a riddle than an actual map.”
    â€œIs that so?”
    â€œA map leading to a treasure of that size isn’t a secret. You won’t be the first to go looking for it.”
    â€œNor the last, I imagine.”
    â€œNot unless you already know what the other half says. Seems to me a person would have to have some idea of what’s written on the other half or searching would be a complete waste of time.”
    â€œYou know someone then?” Nate asked, despite the fact that he knew full well what James was doing.
    James nodded. “I do,” he said.
    There was no trace of a lie