Unhooked

by Lisa Maxwell

“What have you done with my crew?” the Captain growls, tightening his grip around my neck. “That is the question, is it not?” Pan’s eyes dance with cold delight. Suddenly an explosion tears through the silent calm of the day. “No!” The Captain’s voice is filled with rage and pain, but his grip never loosens. Below us, his once gleaming ship is nothing but a ball of riotous flames. Black smoke billows as fingers of orange-red fire climb up the tall masts. “They were but children,” he rasps, his chest heaving against me in ragged bursts. “Ah, yes. The ever-protective Captain. So kind and caring to the boys under his protection.” Pan’s smile is terrible now. “Until, of course, he kills them. Jealous I beat you to it?” “You are a monster,” the Captain rages. His grip is so tight and fierce, I can’t help but whimper. My neck is at such a severe angle that my shoulders are starting to ache. “Perhaps,” Pan says pleasantly. “Or perhaps someone took the lads to safety before this terrible tragedy occurred. Perhaps someone has them under his protection . . .” The Captain goes very still.