Read For Love or Loyalty: The MacGregor Legacy | Book 1 for Free Online Page B

she knew very well it would do no good. He was determined to make her pay for her father’s sins. Arguing with Malcolm would only cause her to lose precious time. She needed to convince the captain to turn around before they got too far out to sea.
    “The captain was up on deck at the wheel afore we set sail.” Deidra pointed above. “He is probably still there.”
    “Thank ye.” Lauren said, swallowing her fear. “I must go.”
    Lauren passed several more people who were trying to find their cabins with the intention of getting settled for the long journey. She reached the main deck and shielded her eyes from the bright sun as she searched for the captain. A middle-aged man with gray hair tied back in a ribbon wore a black hat and was dressed in a white shirt with a brown vest. Another man with long brown hair in his early thirties conversed with him. The elder man had a hand on the large wheel.
    Taking a deep breath, Lauren strode toward them and climbed a set of steps leading to the quarterdeck. The younger man turned, lifted a brow, and walked to her.
    “Please, sir, I need to speak to the captain. There has been a terrible mistake.” Lauren scratched at her arm in nervous anticipation.
    “The captain is busy. I am Hugh MacKinnon, his second in command. Ye may state your problem. I shall take care of it.” His speech was more cultured than she expected, with a faint English accent.
    “But the captain is right there.” She glanced around his shoulder and pointed.
    “Aye, but my job is to handle matters before they reach him.” Mr. MacKinnon followed her gaze and twisted around. He nodded to the captain as the two men exchanged a glance. “So, what is this mistake you are worried about?” He grinned in the midst of his brown beard and mustache, revealing better-looking teeth than she would have anticipated for a sailor. His brown eyes assessed her attire, no doubt judging her character.
    “I was stolen from my family and brought aboard against my will,” Lauren said. “I am not supposed to be on this ship. Ye have to turn around and take me back before we go too far.”
    “I am afraid we are already too far for that.” He laughed. “And where is this person who kidnapped you? How did you manage to escape?”
    “He left me asleep in a cabin with two other women,” she said.
    “You do not look beaten or tortured.” He assessed her and shook his head. “Did he not tie you up? Even your wrists look fine.”
    “He poisoned me so he had no need. Someone had to notice him carrying me aboard.” Lauren stepped forward, ready to plead if she had to. “Please, ye have to believe me.”
    “My girl, if he was trying to hide you, then why put you in a cabin with others to come and go as you please?” He scratched his temple. “He did not try to hide you in a private cabin so he could have his way with you, nor did he sell you as an indenture. You could have easily been hidden in the hold with so many others.” He shook his head in disbelief. “I am sorry, but your story sounds contrived.”
    Tears filled her eyes. Malcolm had known how they would react. The dirty scoundrel. “Please, believe me. I have no one else to turn to.”
    He narrowed his gaze and shifted his weight to one foot as he stroked his beard in thought. “Are you a stowaway then?” Mr. MacKinnon tilted his head. “The captain dislikes losing money. An’ stowaways cost us.”
    “Nay, I’m not.” Lauren fidgeted with the nail on her thumb. She needed to convince them of the truth. “I told ye, he gave me something. I was not awake when he brought me aboard.”
    “I suppose I could question the men who wrote the records.” Mr. MacKinnon strode to the rail and leaned over. “Mr. Smith, fetch Mr. Todd Kerr at once.” Folding his hands behind his back, Mr. MacKinnon walked back to Lauren. “And who brought you aboard?”
    “Malcolm MacGregor.” The words slid out in a rush.
    “While we wait for the other men to arrive, tell