So Tess considers herself somewhat an amateur sleuth? I did get a bit confused on the whole Robert / Ollie Queen scene because traditionally Green Arrow's parents died when he was young (actually in many ways he's very similar to Bruce Wayne).
As she wandered the deck, heart in her throat but acting confident, she received a few nods from the crew. Some of them tipped their head, others acknowledged her ‘ma-am’. One leered greedily and she turned away the moment she noticed.
Wow, they're really polite for pirates.
She was broken out of her dream state when he moved away and another pirate replaced him at the wheel. Kal walked away and rested against a wooden banister. A quick movement of his arms and he had removed his shirt. She watched as he closed his eyes, facing himself to the sun. As he basked in its warmth Lois gazed at his now bare chest.
Does he know that she's watching him? I'm guessing everyone else thinks more happened in that cabin the night before than a bit of accidental voyeurism on the part of Kal. Maybe *that's* why all the pirates are being polite. If they manhandled Kal's gal they could find themselves overboard with the sharks. Now, I get it.
Kal was by no means old enough to be her father. And she was already drawn to his good looks. She also suspected that she’d seen a flare of desire in his eyes when he’d discovered her in the bath. Kal would be easy to seduce. She’d get him to trust her then ask him to take her to the Pirate King. Surely he would be in the know as the First Mate on the Kandor.
You know the funny thing is, I think Kal has just seduced her with that whole taking off his shirt in front of her act. And that whole, being a gentleman and not manhandling her the night before.
If Kal was under the impression that she was out to seduce him, after her disastrous attempt with the captain, then he was absolutely correct. But Lois was not about to make it that obvious.
You mean, as obvious as his seduction of you, Lois?
“And why would you wish to work, Miss Lois?” He tilted his head and before she had a chance to explain he turned and walked away. He swung out his arm to indicate the whole ship. “You now have free passage until we return to port. All the men here are paid to work.” He looked back at her, steel in his gaze. “And you made your intentions clear last night. A rich husband. Why would a lady such as you be eager to work?”
I don't think that's at all what she said... okay, that's what she "said" but not what she meant by those words. Anyway, maybe she wants to get paid for her work, too... and why does that sound worse than it should?
“No!” her heart jumped. “No, please don’t send me to Corbin. I’m sure you can assign me something yourself.” She pleaded with him.
Kal frowned and narrowed his eyes. “Has Corbin done something?” he asked, almost missing off the question and stating it as fact.
Umm... Yes? He's a creep.
“Mary, miss. I’m the housekeeper for the Commodore. At least, when he’s here, that is. There’s usually more of us, but Rosie left when the Master was taken and Josiah and Jeremy were sent home the day Miss Lane went missing.
I'm almost surprised that they didn't make Lois a suspect.
Suddenly the mirth disappeared and was replaced by something unexpected. Sounds faded away and all he could hear was the pounding of his own heart and the ragged breathing coming from Lois. He noticed that she was staring at his chest. As he breathed in and out it expanded his ribcage and her eyes followed. His nipples hardened with the cold air and charged atmosphere. She gulped and looked back up at him.
See! He's seducing her and he doesn't even realize it.
“Tess, you have the wrong idea. I am not the King’s Privateer. But,” he sighed, “I will do my utmost to help you. I do have … contacts.”
Privateer? Um... isn't that another name for pirate? Well, an official sort of pirate, though? Hired by the King to steal back what the pirates stole?
Is this what the Justice League as been reduced to? A bunch of pirates?
Sorry, bad joke.
“The Commodore is missing and this was left at the scene.” He held up the paper with the stylised - boxed in - ‘Z’ pattern. Oliver’s eyes widened and he turned and ran to the main entrance.
“Is The Justice ready?” he shouted out.
"The Justice"? Is that the name of another ship?
With that he turned and left and Lois set about cataloguing the items in the hold … still dressed in the aristocratic dress from the previous evening.
I don't know if that's safe Kal. You left her in a pretty dress in a quiet dark area. Dun... dun...dunnnnn.
