From what I could see, no lights were on inside. I held the side of the doorway as the boat rocked, trying to decide if I should knock or abandon this plan. If Higgins were inside, he would know I planned to tell Kael the moment I entered. Easily pushing past me, he would rush down to my unsuspecting friend, killing him in his sleep. I pictured the whole scenario so clearly. Alerting Kael was probably the worst thing I could do.

A few meters behind me, I heard two low voices approaching. I'd wasted enough time wavering. I opened the door, slipping inside before the two men approached. Through the small peep hole in the door, I saw two of the thugs we had brought along pass, perhaps on patrol. When they had cleared the area, I released my breath. I slid the lock into place.

I turned and surveyed the room. It was well lit by moonlight alone, the steering wheel at the front, facing massive windows overlooking the sea. There were several computer stations at the front as well, assisting with navigation and communication with other vessels. To the sides I noted solid wood trim and deep burgundy cushions on plush chairs. Lush carpet gave in under my weight. Kael was at the helm as I had hoped, alone. I couldn't imagine that he hadn't heard me enter, my stealthy tread still requiring practice. I approached slowly, stopping when I stood beside him. He kept his gaze to the ocean, a solid hold on the wheel.

"Hey," I said to break the silence.

"Hey, stranger."

He glanced at me, then back out at the sea.

I rubbed the kinks in my neck as I spoke, wincing when I hit the finger-shaped bruises on my neck, just above my stitches. I glanced at Kael. He didn't seem to notice my injuries. They probably weren't visible in the dim light, but they had to be there. The pain was quite real. I touched the other side of my neck feeling the same needles of pain. At least Higgins couldn't argue with the evidence he'd left behind.

"You've been asleep?" he asked.

"Not really. Garrett's sea sick."

I wasn't sure how best to broach the subject. Although, I knew I should hurry. I wasn't guaranteed any length of time alone with him.

"Unfortunately Higgins was worried he'd be hard to handle."

At the sound of his name, I flinched, "Hard to handle?" Even as I asked, realization hit. "He's drugged," speaking to myself. I started to tremble, whether it was with fear or anger I wasn't sure. I backed away, my vulnerability hitting me. I was completely alone. If Garrett was out for who knew how long, there was literally no one on my side except me. Please, Kael. Please believe me, my mind begged.

Deciding direct approach was best, I asked, "Can we talk about something?" He turned and finally looked at me. My confidence began to wither under his gaze, but I pressed on, "It's Higgins. We were talking and somehow Ava Price came up."

I had his full attention now. Apparently, he had a way of keeping the wheel straight without his guidance as he had turned to face me now. If he didn't believe me, I wasn't sure how I would recover from this.

"He completely lost control and was, um..." I touched my hand to my throat, trying to find the words. I hated that my voice had started to quiver, that I could taste the salt of my tears as they ran past my lips.

A giant lump had found its home in my throat. I tried to continue, but the massive obstacle obscured my words. How could I be so weak? Now was my chance, and I was falling apart. I pushed the words out, past the lump, nearly choking on my raw throat as I spoke, "...strangling me, pushing me over the railing."

"What!" Kael closed the distance I had created between us. He stood in front of me for a moment, before reaching up and brushing aside my hair. I heard him gasp a little before heading toward the glass, his hold on my arm taking me with him. Once there, he looked more closely, moving my hair to inspect the other side and intact stitches as well. I didn't know what to say, so I just stood there, watching his face grow more and more concerned. "Where else?" he asked gravely.

I hesitated, not wanting my lower back examined with the same scrutiny he had given my neck. "Just the rails. Into my back," I reluctantly yielded when his gaze never faltered, "More bruises I think."

"Let me see."

He tried to turn me, but this time I resisted, pushing him away as I took a step back. Already frightened, I hadn't expected this inspection from him at hearing of Higgin's assault.

He raised his hands much as he had that first night in the alley after rescuing me. Taking a step back, he reassured, "Ok. It's ok."

I raised a shaking hand to wipe my eyes and rambled, "First Garrett, then this. There is no one... And if you say anything? He says he will kill Garrett, slowly. And then send me off somewhere no one could ever find me. Something like that." I turned toward the windows for a moment, trying to keep the tears from returning, but they persisted and I spoke through them, "I almost didn't tell you because, why would you believe me? But who else is there? Honestly, who else?"

He shook his head, walking back to the main cabin. I saw him pick something up off the desk and throw it, sending shards of glass smattering onto the floor. There had been glass shatter in my room as well when he and Garrett fought. The man had a temper. If he went and found Higgins in this state, disastrous consequences could surface. I had to think of Garrett as well. There was no one defending him except me.

Kael paced for a minute, finally coming to lean both hands on windows. He spoke almost to himself, under his breath, "He's playing a dangerous game here. Don't think for a minute he'll get away with it either. Here's what we'll do for now. You don't leave my side, you understand?" As if reading my mind he continued, "Garrett's fine. It's you that he's toying with. Garrett won't be going anywhere any time soon anyway."

I cautiously came over to where he stood, noting his face was still furious and asked, "How can I possibly do that? He'll know I talked." I waited for him to explain but when he didn't I continued, "What do you mean, game he's playing? What do you think he's doing?"

Kael ran a hand through his hair before saying, "He's loyal to a fault. So, if he's got his own game plan it must be in Gideon's interest. Somehow, they must be communicating. But I thought he didn't tell anyone else."

"Ugh! You have to explain. I don't have any idea what you're talking about when you start rambling like this."

A sharp knock sounded at the door. Both of us jumped.

"Who is it?" Kael called, not bothering to hide the annoyance from his voice. "Did you lock the door? No one knocks," he whispered. I nodded, glad I had done something right.

"Higgins!" The man at the door called urgently. "Why is this door bolted, sir?"

I grabbed Kael's arm, panicked. "I can't be in here!" I whispered. "Not now."

Kael took my arm to lead me back from the windows, toward the door. For a moment I thought he was turning me over to Higgins, but he veered left, opening a door off to the side. Pushing me inside, he shut the door softly. Once again, I found myself in his bedroom. This one was far smaller than the last, but still sported the plush interior meant for a royal. A large wooden framed bed sat off to the right, the carpentry speaking to the early nineteenth century. Fortunately, there was one window which allowed some moonlight into the otherwise dark room. Rather than explore, I pressed my ear to the door, straining to hear the conversation on the bridge.

The door opened, squealing slightly on its hinges. "You need something, Higgins?" Kael's voice was cool. My breathing heavy, I prayed he was more capable of hiding his anger than I suspected.

*****

Poor Garrett :( Will Kael keep Harper's secret, or is Higgins about to find out what Harper's done? Comment and vote if you liked the chapter! Thanks guys!! :)

*****