When they entered through the back door of the cottage, Thane insisted on going first. He wanted to be certain it was safe. He saw Winston dead on the floor as Ackerley had said, but no one else was about.

      "It's clear," he called out.

      Everyone walked in and Chance had one of his men help remove the corpse. They tossed it through the front door like a sack of potatoes and returned to sit at the table. The food was still out and there was still plenty left in the pot.

      "Would you like to eat?" Leighton offered. "I'll change my clothes and return in a moment."

      When Thane was satisfied they were more interested in their free meal than the rest of the place, he followed Leighton outside. He joined him by the outdoor basin of water and rested his hand on his back as he washed his face.

      "Are you all right?" he asked gently.

      He felt Leighton begin to tremble and watched his hands grip the sides of the shallow tub.

      "I was so scared, Thane," he began to sob.

      Thane pulled him into his arms and caressed his back.

      "I failed you," he said with a shaky breath. "I swore no one would ever harm you, and I failed to keep that promise. If your friends hadn't arrived, I ... I didn't know what to do. I felt so helpless. I'm so sorry, little fox," he whispered against his ear.

      He held Leighton a little longer before a noise at the doorway drew their attention.

      "Forgive me," Chance said as he stepped out to join them. "I didn't mean to interrupt. I wanted to see how Leighton was doing. Ferne wanted to come, but I didn't want her hugging the wind out of you," he laughed softly.

      The two men grinned as they straightened.

      "I'm better, thank you," Leighton replied. He gingerly touched his face with his hands to test the swelling. "This'll go down soon enough."

      He tried to smile through the fear that was still churning in his stomach.

      "How did you find him?" Thane wondered protectively, prepared to stop Leighton from being hurt again.

      Chance sat on a stool and folded his arms as he explained.

      "My sister and I have been with the pirates since our father died," he began. "The captain ... Holt is his name ... took her as his wife. He's been good to her. He's been good to us both.

      We weren't sheltered children. Our father was the leader of bandits, so we were familiar with most things from that world.

      Captain Holt felt we would make better pirates than bandits. He offered us a safe place on his ship, with the freedom to leave anytime we wished. He took a quick liking to Ferne and she fell in love with him. I wasn't going to let her stay on that ship without me, so I stayed, too.

      When we pulled into the harbor last month, Ferne wanted to find you," he directed his comment toward Leighton. "Captain Holt had heard our stories about you and about that night you made an enemy of Father, so he wanted to meet you. He thought you were either an incredibly brave man or incredibly stupid. He said either way, you made him laugh.

      He allowed Ferne and I to bring a few men with us to find you. During our travels, we overheard that soldier talking about your escape. We knew it was you when he mentioned the ambush by the bandits.

      We followed him and the other two until they reached the last village. I was certain he would find you if you were still alive, so he was our best bet. We followed them after they left town, but we couldn't stay too close. Since this is the only road this side of the prairie, we knew we could hold back a good distance.

      We came up on that clearing just as they had you both on the ground. We made our way around the trees to ambush them."

      Thane stepped forward to stand before Chance. He held out his arm for him to take. Chance hesitated at first but seeing how this man had cared for Leighton, he grabbed Thane's forearm in a brotherly gesture.

      "You did what I should have been able to do," Thane told him as they stood embracing each other's arms. "I owe you everything. If there's anything you or your sister need, tell me. I'll find a way to get it."

      Chance shook his head with a smile and patted Thane's arm with his free hand.

      "There's no need for that," he replied. "Leighton is a dear friend to us, a fond memory. I'm only relieved we arrived in time."

      Leighton stepped up to them and Chance moved away from Thane to hug him.

      "How are you, my friend?" he asked Leighton. "I mean really," he said as he pulled away. "How have you been?"

      Leighton gave a small chuckle.

      "Shouldn't it be me asking you? And your sister?" he added. "I'm the one who took your virginity and rushed off in the dead of night leaving you to deal with your father alone."

      "Father worried more about going after you than disciplining us," Ferne called out from the doorway. "What's everyone doing out here?" she asked as she wrapped her arms around Leighton's waist.

      "I was telling them how we found Leighton," Chance answered.

      "Did you tell him Holt wants to meet him?" she said with a giggle.

      "I did," he nodded with a grin.

      "You should come with us," Ferne told him. "You can meet my husband. He knows all about our special night."

      Leighton's eyes widened and Thane couldn't help but laugh.

      Leighton let go of Ferne to stand closer to Thane. "I don't mind meeting this captain, but I don't think I would do well on a ship. My home is here with Thane."

      They watched as he wrapped his arm around Thane and Thane as he rested his arm around Leighton's shoulders.

      "He can join us," Ferne said, unswayed by Leighton's rejection of the offer.

      "I think that's a good idea," Chance remarked. "No one will be looking for you aboard our ship, and if you want to get off at another port anywhere in the world, I know Captain Holt will take you there. Just have my sister ask for you. He does anything his Ferne wants."

      They laughed when she punched him in the side for teasing about her relationship.

      "I'd like to think about it first and talk it over with Thane," Leighton replied.

      "Of course," replied Chance. "After we eat, we'll help you take care of those bodies in case anyone comes looking for them. Then, we can wait for you back at the last village. If you decide to join us, be there at dawn."