But Liam’s eyes stayed fixed on the instruments. His life’s work was laid bare in the hands of men who didn’t understand or care what it was worth—only that it could be sold. And that thought made the fear twist into something sharper, something closer to despair. The pirates moved quickly once the first crate was open.
One man barked an order, and another grabbed the edge of the box, dragging it across the deck with a screech of metal against wood. Foam padding spilled out as the instruments jostled, delicate pieces clattering against each other. Liam lurched half out of his seat. “Stop! You’ll break them!” The tall pirate was on him instantly, shoving him back down with a snarl.