Teaser Tuesday - Resurrected

I think we've all established that I suck. However, I am trying to jump-start myself on this WIP again, since the circus will be winding down in the next few weeks. So I says to myself, I says "Gretchen, old girl, what better way than to post a teaser?"

Some days, you just need a reminder that you're a writer, yanno?

Ayres's voice was steely. "And what explanation do you have for being aboard this ship? Awaiting your moment to retake her?"

Cadiz did not appear to be worried by his current situation. Maggie couldn't help but admire his cool as he stood there between the gargantuan Smith and the sharp-eyed Ayres, acting for all the world like he had every right to be aboard his old ship.

He held his hands out wide, palms up, as if to emphasize the helplessness of his situation. "One man alone? Against all of you? It is foolish, no?"

"And how do I know you're the only one aboard?"

"You search already, I think. You find no one but Cadiz."

Ayres shifted his gaze to Smith who affirmed Cadiz's statement with a curt nod. His lips pressed firmly together, Ayres took a step towards the Spaniard. "How did you get aboard my ship?"

"Your ship? La Huida is your ship now?"

"The Escape is my ship."

Cadiz's face brightened. "Ah, the English. Very funny, you are."

Ayres would not be distracted. "You did not answer my question."

Maggie saw Cadiz's large brown eyes flash in her direction. "Is he not funny, this Englishman you serve? How does he think Cadiz come aboard? Magic?"

Once again, Ayres kept his cool, and this time Maggie didn't intervene. It was like watching two fencers with utterly different styles: one spritely, fast, jumping from spot to spot in the hope of out maneuvering his opponent, the other methodical, calm, reserved and waiting for his foe to make a mistake.

"I would guess," Ayres said with his usual staidness. "I would guess one of Darlington's men aboard the Lady Jane is significantly wealthier now than when he woke up this morning."

Cadiz made a clicking sound with his tongue. "I only make decision for you."

"Pardon?"

"I know you officers." Cadiz puffed up his chest and lowered his voice, masking the softness of his accent with a deep, bull tone. "Join our Navy or we hang you." Then he shrugged. "So I make decision. I join."

"I didn't offer."

Cadiz's smile never wavered. "Ah, but Cadiz like you and the little boy there."

Little boy? "Hey," Maggie said, hands on her hips. "I'm not a boy."

Cadiz's eyebrows shot up and Maggie was instantly sorry she'd said those words. Not that he could have known--could he?--but she definitely didn't like the way he was looking at her.

Ayres turned his back on Cadiz. "You are a prisoner of war and will remain so until we reach port. Smith, take Mr. Cadiz below and place him--"

"Sail ho! Sail ho!"