Page 30 of Wayward

“I see.” I fucking wish I had that knife now.

Z cocks his head from side to side. “But the chef heard about your detour and burst into my office, making demands. Saying I couldn’t do what I wanted to do on my own yacht. He got steamed up. Made more demands and ran at me. It was a tragic accident he had. Crew breakfast is at six, lunch at twelve, and dinner at six. Don’t disappoint me, or I’ll find someone else to give you some motivation.”

“You want me to work for you?”

“Sure, let’s call it that. Only until I hire a replacement.”

“And you’re threatening my friends, my family?”

“It’s not a threat. I’m telling you to do what you’re told to do or others will pay for your insubordination.”

“Where’s Sam?” My heart slaps around my ribs. If he was going to kill me, he might have already killed Sam.

“The captain of the Rosewood is questioning him about the currents the Rock Candy drifted in.”

I study Z’s posture. I’m not a human lie detector, but I like to think I can read people. He’s telling the truth. I turn away from him and grab an empty box from the pantry.

“What are you doing?”

I take the side of my arm and sweep the hot sauces into the box. “I don’t need to burn people’s taste buds off to give them a quality meal.”

Z laughs. “Take him back to his cabin.”

“No, if breakfast is at six, I have a lot to do.”

“I’ll leave you to it.” Z stands but then doubles back and takes a second plate of pasta.

Between the galley and the stew pantry, I find a clean bucket. I quickly scrub the counters, floor, and everything else dirty. Then I get down to business throwing away expired food. My head’s in the freezer, taking stock of what’s there, when someone taps me on the shoulder.

Chapter 13

First Light

Zane

Easton, Haley, and I are huddled together in bed. There’s a pink line of light on the horizon and dots of light in the far distance. A knock shakes the door, and it bounces open.

“Green, Morris, both of you come with us.” Holloway’s growl rattles through the room.

“Where are you taking them?” Haley shakes her head.

I kiss her cheek and hold on to her. “I’ll be back,” I say, not knowing if it’s true. I only let go of her so Calvin can give her a hug.

“Let’s go,” Holloway barks. “Move it. Now.” The man’s done with this, and us. His hand rests on his gun. It’s casually threatening.

“Happy to oblige.” I dip my head to him.

“Just move, man.” Holloway gestures with his left hand.

I step out into the corridor. Calvin’s behind me, and our cabin door closes with a thud. A lump rises up my throat. My eyes lock with Calvin’s, and I mentally push at him:Be Helpful.But what I want to say is ...is fuck this. Going along with what Z and theRosewoodcrew say was Calvin’s idea.

Calvin’s chest expands, and the most uncomfortable smile appears on his lips. “Where are we going, Holloway?”

“You’re going to clean up cat shit, Green. After I drop Morris in the galley to wait for Mr. Z.”

I’m going to decipher the book with Haley not around again today. I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or not.

Holloway winds us through the crew stairwells?where we don’t come across anyone else. It’s barely light. But that doesn’t mean anything on a ship. Where is theRosewoodcrew? There’s always something to be done. My eyes flick over to Calvin. But the plan isn’t to try and take over the boat. At least not yet. And certainly not with Holloway. I have a really strong feeling if I even flinched at Holloway, I’d be shark food.