"And you prefer prison?!" Tristan said exasperated. He still didn't know what to think. He was irritated with Pippa for taking the letter, but it allowed him to cross the last bit of floor between him and the table. He grabbed the dagger.

Then he turned and listened, half to the letter, half to see if there was anyone else in the house.

What the hell. So she had been kidnapped? Spanish gold doubloons? The Crimson Ghost? This all sounded very shady. He held up the dagger. "Put your hands up."