Twice In A Lifetime by Jennifer Jakes Read Free Book Online

Alicia, but I won’t babysit.” And she couldn’t stay here in the past. Not unless Ian started listening— really listening— to her. A bossy husband was bad enough, but a bossy husband, no tampons and no microwave? No way. She wasn’t doing without modern conveniences just to end up miserable and divorced again.
    A muscle twitched in his jaw. “Fine. I do not have time to argue. We will discuss this later.”
    “Promise?”
    “Yes. After we find Alicia.” He strode to the desk and pulled out a map. “Show me where Daniel’s property is.”
    She glanced at the map. How could she be sure the coves and beaches were still the same? “He said his home was on the north side.” A house somewhere in Ocho Rios to be exact, but she wasn’t going to say that. What if Ocho Rios didn’t exist in 1768?
    Ian pulled the map closer and pointed to the area. “Where at?”
    She shrugged. “That’s all I know.”
    “Damn it, we can’t search the entire northern coast.”
    “He mentioned something about a popular bay nearby.” There was a spa he liked there but that too had to remain unsaid.
    “St. Ann’s Bay? Discovery Bay?”
    “Yes, St. Ann’s. ” Good Lord, that’s where Daniel kept his yacht.
    “Good.” Ian replaced the map. “I’ll let my men know. We should be there by afternoon.”
    “Can I go ashore with you?”
    “Absolutely not.” He yanked open the tall cabinet and took out a pistol.
    “Why?” She grabbed his arm as he reached for a sword. “You still think I’m on Daniel’s side?”
    “No.” He shook free. “I think a pirate’s cove is no place for a lady. I plan to visit a few taverns and inquire if anyone has seen Roberts in town or if they know where he stays.”
    “Then you’ll need my help. Someone to watch your back.” What if he got hurt?
    “Which is precisely why I’m taking two of my best men.” He headed for the door. “Besides, what use could a woman be in a fight?”
    She grabbed his sleeve. “Give me a chance and you’ll see.”
    “No.” He sat her on the bed. “I won’t have time to guard you.”
    She jumped to her feet. “I don’t need you to guard me.”
    “I said no. I will tell you what we find out as soon as I get back.”
    “But—”
    “No! ” His jaw tightened, his expression unbending. “I don’t want to hear another word about you going ashore.” The door slammed shut.
    Damn his stubborn hide. Fine. She wouldn’t say anything else. But whether he liked it or not, she was going. He needed help.
    Scurrying to the cabinet, she fished out a pair of pants and yanked them up. They hung low on her hips but with the shirt un-tucked no one woul d notice. She slipped on a vest then took one of Ian's hats from the peg.
    He said taverns were no place for a lady. He hadn't said anything about a boy.
     
    ***
     
    Izzy watched the men file down the gangway, Ian in the lead followed by the lieutenant and a short man. She pulled the hat low on her brow and crept along the rail. A few crewmen worke d at the ship’s stern, some hanging like bare-chested piñatas as they checked the sails. Thank God none of them paid her any attention.
    Scurrying down the plank, she let herself be swallowed by the crowds, then ducked behind a man with a cage of squawking chickens. Donkeys brayed, children laughed and women in bright colors hurried down the dusty streets, carrying everything from babies to fruit. Tropical chaos.
    Smoke feathered into the cloudy afternoon sky, the strong smell of roasted meat making her wish she’d eaten more than a piece of bread for dinner, but the thought of Ian’s disapproval churned her stomach.
    She left chicken-man and stepped behind a stack of rum barrels. Ian and his men were easy to follow— whores called and waved, flashing smiles and breasts as the crew walked down a street lined with brothels. A jealous burning clenched Izzy’s fist. It wouldn’t take much to knock out what few teeth those whores had, the red-haired one in