Rogue Wave (The Rogue Wave Series Book 1), page 10
Alaric pulled the cooked iguana off the fire, placed it on a crate, and quickly cut the meat up. Cook came over, bringing a steaming pot of beans and a few biscuits. They began tearing at the food. The pig was still roasting and from what she had gathered, would be for a while still. Doc handed her a coconut, “Here Miss Catherine, there is already a hole punched in the top.”
She sat her plate on another crate. She took the rough, round fruit in her hands. It smelled sweet, she had tried the milk that was inside a coconut once or twice before. She remembered how delicious it had been then. Now though, it was far better, she had gotten used to the rum and grog but still did not think it tasted too well. The coconut milk did far more to quench her thirst. Catherine sat down and dug in.
Lucas watched Catherine from his place at a fire further down the beach. The men around him talked, joked, and ate. Lucas took a bite of meat and biscuit, washing it down with a swig of grog. The light made Catherine look as if she was glowing, the breeze blew strands of her golden hair around. She was smiling at her shipmates, listening to them tell stories of their times at sea. Ol’ Shorty had told Lucas that she was very curious about the ships and the waters, and always asked to hear more of their stories.
Lucas watched her eyes light up at something one of the men around her said. He had seen her eyes light up much the same earlier when he took her to the waterfall. He knew she would love it and she probably had never seen anything like it. Sitting on that rock took every bit of self-control he possessed to try and focus on the coconut and not the sound of her splashing and swimming in the water. He had nearly lost his composure when she had asked if he wanted to go in the pond, let alone when he heard her step out.
As he watched her, he saw just how happy and at ease she was with the crew. Lucas had been concerned earlier when he went down to wake her up and take her ashore. He had walked into Doc’s surgery to find her having a nightmare. She had let out a little sob and he would have wagered the clothes on his back that she had said his name. When she woke, he did not miss the tear she had wiped away and tried to hide. He was not sure if it had been the dream or if her injuries were causing her pain. In that minute he was torn between wrapping her up in his arms or running and grabbing Doc.
“She’s quite a lady, ain’t she, Capt’n?” Lucas looked away from the girl that had been plaguing his thoughts to face the plump and rosy cheeked cook.
“Aye, that she is.” Lucas blew out a breath, he had been caught staring at her like a cad and saw no use in denying it.
“You know, I have never had much help in the galley. I have thrown all the other sailors out soon as theys try ta’ help. That girl though, she catches on quick and knows what she’s doin’ in there. She told me that the cook at her father’s estate used to let her go in their great, big kitchen and help on occasion.” Cook said, watching Lucas who was now staring into the fire, slowly chewing another piece of meat. “If it was up to me, Capt’n, I’d let her stay on a bit longer. I know it could be dangerous, but she can stick close and the crew and I’s, well we won’t let no harm come to her. I could really use her in the galley for the remainder of the voyage if that is what she is wanting.” Cook picked up a small stick he saw on the ground and tossed it into the fire. It spit out sparks and wrapped its red flames around the twig, eagerly devouring it.
Lucas glanced back over towards Catherine. Ol’ Shorty and Doc sitting on either side of her. Just then she looked over to him, their eyes met for a moment as she gave him a soft smile. Lucas sat down in the sand; he threw a small bone in the fire that he had worked all the meat off of.
“I am not sure it is a good idea, Cook. Her reputation is already in peril and we know nothing of her family. Not to mention we need to focus on the task at hand and do what we need to under the Governor’s orders.” Even as Lucas spoke the words, he knew he did not agree with them. He dreaded what he had to do under the Governor’s command and was trying to devise a plan so that the Baron could keep his land. What the Governor was doing to the man was not right or honorable for that matter. Plus, from the little Catherine had divulged about her home, it seemed that she had been well looked after by a caring father and the household. He rubbed the back of his neck, he could not think of her staying on board, in fact he needed to try and keep his mind completely clear of the woman. Lucas had been worried about his crew not keeping their eyes and hands off of her, but it had instead proven to be a far more difficult challenge for him.
“Oui, I hear ya Capt’n.” Cook answered. “Well, you cannot very well drop her off at the next port. It is not a very big one and not too savory. You would have to wait until we reached France. Then decide which would be safer for her, a passenger ship that could be set upon with no means of protection,” he waved a hand and scoffed. “Or have the girl sail back on our ship where, yes, we may be set upon, but we have a way to protect the lady.” Lucas glared at Cook. He knew the Frenchman was right and looking at it from that perspective left him little option. He rubbed a hand over his face and reached for the flask of whiskey that was being passed around.
Eddie sat himself on a crate and picked his violin up and played a tune most of the sailors knew. Many sang along, still eating and relaxing. Others got up and began dancing to the beat. Alaric moved closer to Catherine around the other fire. He was standing in front of her, his arm outstretched. Catherine stood up, placing her hand in the crook of his arm. Alaric led her to the middle where others were stomping around on the sand. Lucas clenched his jaw; he could not quite explain why it bothered him so much, but he did not care to see Catherine smiling up at his friend or to see him twirling her around.
As the song ended, the two faced one another. Alaric gave an exaggerated bow, followed by a perfectly formed curtsy by Catherine. She laughed, Alaric headed to the fire, grabbing a drink from one of the other sailors. Catherine walked along the beach, letting the small waves bump against her bare feet. Lucas had noticed she had long since disregarded her thin, worn shoes by the fire. Catherine sat down, staring out at the sea. Lucas knew she was enjoying herself but had to be exhausted from the last few days and their relentless events, not to mention, her injuries had to be draining her. He stood up and walked quietly over to her.
“You must be exhausted. You are free to return to the ship at any time, just say the word. You will not be bothered, the bed is made up in my cabin.” She could not hide the brief look of shock, and her yawn. “Not to worry, I had one of the men set up my hammock in the opposite side of the cabin. You have nothing to fear.” He sat down next to her. In the moonlight he could see the pink shade of her cheeks which now matched the color of her lips. Lucas looked out at the water; a dolphin leapt in the distance. He heard Catherine gasp. He tried to ignore the way it made his chest tighten.
“I cannot get over the beauty of the sea or the life that resides in it. When I am on the ship, I feel as if I am a part of all of it.” She blushed even more, “I know it probably sounds silly.”
“Not at all, you clearly have adventure and sailing in your blood.” He knew exactly how she felt and knew many of Catherine’s crew mates felt likewise.
Catherine yawned again, placing the back of her hand against her mouth. “I suppose I am ready to retire.” Now that the crew knew she was a woman, she caught herself talking the way she was properly brought up with a mix of how she had gotten used to talking with her shipmates.
“Very well, I will have one of the sailors row you out to the ship, I will follow in a bit.” He knew she would need her privacy for a little while and to be able to relax alone before he came in. Lucas stood up and walked over to a group of men, he signaled for one of them standing to take Catherine to the ship and come directly back to the beach. There were currently no sailors on board, he knew she would be in no harm and planned to follow in a bit. Doc would probably not be far behind them either, he was usually the first to find his hammock.
Lucas watched Catherine climbed the rope ladder to the deck of the ship. He took a swig of the rum. He sat on a crate, his foot moving along to the sound of Eddie’s violin. He sang along as Eddie started up a new tune. A song about the fish and the weather of the sea.
Most of the iguana meat had been picked off, as well as the biscuits. The pig would finish roasting that night. They would enjoy it on the ship the next couple of days while they traveled to the port. The crew would likely bring along several coconuts and iguanas. There were cages on board that they could keep the lizards in until they were ready to be cooked, this way the meat would remain fresh. Lucas had also told the men to fetch plenty of water from the pool they had visited earlier. Water spoiled quickly in the wooden barrels below decks. It would be nice to change them out and have clean water again for a few days.
Standing and stretching, he walked over to one of the skiffs. He got in, picking up the oar and paddling over to The Trinity. It was not as big as a Man o’ War of course, nor was she one of the smaller ships in the waters. She was strong, solid, fast, and easy to maneuver. He climbed up the side of his ship, the ladder swaying. The tied off skiff would be fine. The men would raise it up the next morning before sailing off and the rest of the crew on the beach had skiffs they could use to get back.
Lucas carefully opened the hatch to his cabin. He did not want to wake her if she was already asleep. She was curled up on his bed, facing the wall. He stepped into the cabin, closing the hatch behind him. Quietly he took his boots off and walked over to the water basin. He splashed a bit of the water on his face before wiping it off with a cloth. He thought about taking his shirt off like he usually did but thought twice about it.
Then he turned, watching the woman in his bed sleep peacefully. The blanket was draped over her legs, she shivered a bit. The nights on the ship could get chilly. Lucas walked over to the bed and gently pulled the blanket up and over her shoulders. She seemed to dig deeper into the mattress. Her hair draped across the pillow and he gently brushed his fingers against the yellow waves. He pulled his hand back, clenching it at his side and went to where his hammock was strung up in the corner. Laying on his back, his arms rested on his chest, his feet crossed over one another. Catherine’s steady, soft breathing filled his ears. He worked his jaw, knowing he would not get much sleep while the lass slept peacefully in his bed just a few feet away.
“Cook, I will be quick, I just need to get another bucket of water to finish washing these in.” Catherine gestured to the plates, trays, and cups.
“Oui,” Cook nodded, focusing on the vegetables he was cutting up.
Catherine quickly made her way down to where the barrels of water and grog were kept. She popped one open and began filling the bucket. A sense of unease filled her and something felt a bit off. She quickly closed the barrel and turned to head back up the stairs to Cook.
A sailor was standing against the wall. She had not seen him when she came down or heard him if he had followed her into the dark room. Catherine’s feet sloshed in the bit of water that was on the floor. Focusing on the hatch, she walked towards it, trying to ignore her nerves. The sailor had not taken his eyes off her or made a move. He was one of the new recruits. She had not spoken to him before and was not even sure if she knew his name. She neared the stairs and the man stepped in front of her.
She swallowed hard, “I need to get back to Cook, he is expecting me.” The sailor’s blonde hair was pulled back. He wore a dark shirt and a brown, worn vest over it. Leering, his eyes slowly roamed her body. The Captain’s words echoed in her mind. His warnings of how he did not know the new recruits as well and to always stay with one of the men he trusted more.
Catherine tried stepping around the sailor, but he grabbed her arm and slapped a hand against her mouth so she could not scream. The bucket slipped from her grasp and water splashed up, soaking her legs. Trying to free herself, his grip was too strong and beginning to hurt her arm. She bit down, hard, on his hand. As soon as her mouth was free, she let out a scream, it echoed through the wooden, damp room. She prayed someone heard her cry.
The next scream was cut short by a vicious slap across the face. She tasted blood. She kicked at the man but it did little good, he had pinned her against the wall. His hand gripped her thin white shirt, ripping it nearly clean off. In that brief moment, she was thankful for the wrap around her chest. She closed her eyes, she knew she could not pry the sailor off of her. Sobbing, she felt the weight that pressed against her lift and the grip on her arm release. There was a growl and a loud crack. Opening her eyes she saw the Captain, his eyes darker than ever, his jaw clenched tight. His fist coming down on the sailor’s face, blood spurted from the broken nose. Lucas grabbed the man by the shirt, forcing him to stand as he struck him again.
“Lucas. Lucas, that is enough.” Alaric was standing there. “I will take him below; you take care of the lass.” Alaric put a hand on the Captain’s shoulder. The Captain let go of the man’s shirt, dropping him to the wet floor. His broad chest heaved as he turned to Catherine. The look on his face went from pure rage to concern and anguish. Hesitating for only a moment he reached out a hand and Catherine rushed to him. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close.
Despite what had just happened, she had never felt safer then she did in that instant. He kissed the top of her head and the tears flowed down her cheeks, she let out another sob. A quick step back, he took his shirt off in one fluid motion and slipped it over her torn one. Picking her up, he carried her up the stairs to his cabin. She laid her cheek against his chest and closed her eyes, trying to wipe away the images of the man grabbing her.
In his cabin, he laid her in his bed and covered her up with the blankets. The Captain walked over to the hatch in his cabin and opened it, hollering for Doc. Doc immediately came in, carrying a tray of cloth and various other items. She winced as he dabbed whiskey on the lip that had now grown to twice its normal size. There were scratch marks on her chest, just above the wrap. Catherine noticed him hesitate before cleaning them as well, causing her to flinch again. The Captain stood nearby, his hands balled into fists.
The Captain walked over to her and sat in the chair he had put next to the bed. He placed her hand in his. “Catherine, I am terribly sorry. I should have kept a closer eye on you as well as the crew.”
“No you couldn’t have. It was not your fault or anyone else’s accept that man’s.” She tried to smile at him but her mouth would not let her. She closed her eyes and the Captain held onto her hand.
The next several days passed without any troubles. Catherine took turns between assisting Doc, Cook, and going up on deck. Ever more vigilant, she made sure she was never out of sight of the Captain or one of the other men he told her to stay with.
Under Cook’s watchful eye, she could now manage several parts of the meals without assistance. The first time she had tried to make eggs for the Captain’s breakfast she had turned them to rubber. Cook had been going over the galley’s inventory and was not able to help her. She had brought the meal to the Captain who she knew was probably getting very hungry. He politely tasted the scrambled mess on his tray, having to use a knife to cut a piece off. Choking, his eyes had watered at the taste. Despite her embarrassment they had laughed. From then on, she had to at least have Cook approve her dish before she served it.
During the evening meal, her and the Captain ate in his cabin together. He insisted that she not eat with the rest of the men since some of them tended to get further into their cups. The first time they ate in almost complete silence, not entirely knowing what to speak about. She asked various questions about the ports he had travelled to, which ones he liked the most and which ones he did not enjoy. How many ships he had taken and how he had become a privateer. He had obligingly answered all her questions, occasionally asking his own. She looked forward to their evening meals, he had seen so many places and met so many people. Catherine could not wait to see France. It would be the biggest city she had ever been to.
That evening, she entered the cabin holding their tray filled with salted meat, the last of the fruit and a few potatoes with a bit of rather flat biscuits. They were running low on supplies. The Captain had mentioned that Madeira would be their next stop before finally reaching France. It was much like the islands in the West Indies. She sat the tray on his desk, next to a small, old pendant. There was some kind of design on it. She touched it gently with her finger, “What is this?” she asked curiously.
“It was my Mother’s, that is a Celtic knot.”
“Are they back in Ireland?” Catherine sat down, ready to start her meal. The Captain followed suit.
He shook his head a bit as he sliced at the meat on his tray. “No. My parents passed on about a year after Alaric and I joined the Royal Navy.”
“Oh, I am sorry.” She took a small bite of her food. “My own mother passed when I was born, I never knew her.” Catherine looked back up. “What about Alaric’s folks?”
“He was an orphan. We grew up in a small village, he had lived with an aunt for the first couple years of his life, but she got ill and did not make it through the next harsh winter. My family took him in. Probably a big mistake on their part,” he grinned. “We got into far too much trouble together. The village had had enough, when we got older, we were sent to join the Royal Navy. My Da believed it would be good for us, we would learn a new skill, become more disciplined. I am not entirely sure how well it worked.”
Catherine giggled, “Do you think you will ever go back to Ireland?”
“Aye, not for a while though, I am sure.” He took another bite of food.
“Alaric mentioned you two got into a bit of mischief. He actually told me to ask you about a time when you and him were supposed to take some items to a nearby town.”
