“William was called away by one of the crew before he could respond. For a moment, Davy stayed at the rail watching the shadow of the Esmeralda turn in the dark waters of the harbour. She was readying herself like a great white shark, lining herself up, making her calculations, sizing up her kill. Dawn would come soon; they would see their opponent all too clearly. The sky cleared briefly overhead. A star shone out between the clouds, and as Davy’s gaze returned to the pursuing warship he thought he saw her bare her teeth.”
Extract from ‘No Little Fame’ – included in the showcase
