Rogue Wave (The Rogue Wave Series Book 1), page 12
“How long will we stay in port?” Catherine asked.
“Just the night, we will leave at first light in the morning.” Lucas answered, keeping a close eye on their surroundings. They came to the main street that held fruits, animals, supplies, gowns, jewelry, and an array of many other items. It was not far from the main docks, but it was a bit less busy and slightly less dangerous.
They walked along, slowly looking at the stalls and shops. Catherine picked up a large shell. “Did you know, if you hold the opening up to your ear, you can hear the ocean?”
Catherine looked at him skeptically, then covered an ear with her hand and held the shell up to the other ear. She listened carefully for a moment, a smile began playing on her lips. Giggling, she set the shell back down carefully. “You were right.” She exclaimed, “I had no idea shells did that.” Catherine beamed up at him, then looked back down at the items on the shelves.
They continued to walk, enjoying the sounds of the port and seeing something other than just blue ocean. Small bushes and vines spread along the stone wall, lined with tall, full trees. As they walked down the street towards a tavern he remembered, they passed a man with a woman pressed against a wooden building. She giggled, grabbing the man closer to her.
Lucas glanced at Catherine to see if she had noticed the indelicate display. It was after all to be expected in most ports. Though it no longer shocked him, Catherine had probably never witnessed that kind of behavior. Catherine was positively scarlet and was looking in the opposite direction. “Try not to pay too close attention to the actions of the people in port. They are, well…” He tried to think of the proper word.
“Much like the women that stole your’s and Alaric’s goods those years ago.” She said simply, looking up at him.
Perhaps she was more perceptive that he had realized. “Well, yes, I suppose they are.” He looked straight ahead, hoping to find the tavern soon.
After a while winding through the narrow streets, they found the place “Welcome to The Shipwreck.” He waved an arm up at the swinging sign that hung above the door. It had a picture of an old, half sunken ship carved into it.
Lucas grabbed the handle and opened the door. The smell of delicious food hit him and his stomach answered. He walked them to a table that sat in a far corner. The place was cleaner and far better than the taverns closer to the docks. A woman came over, batting her eyes at Lucas and standing much too close, her skirts brushing against his sleeve.
He cleared his throat. “An ale for my friend and I and tonight’s special, please.” He looked at the woman and smiled politely as he tried shifting further away in the small chair. All around them, men were gambling, talking, laughing, and drinking. A few men were holding onto women that clearly worked at the place. The women would lean against them or sat on their laps, talking and kissing. Lucas tried to draw Catherine’s attention back to him. Catherine however, seemed completely fascinated.
“I dreamt of adventure, from the time that I could talk. Now here I am, in a tavern, miles from my home, with a Captain sitting across from me.” She blushed at the last statement.
“Is it all that you hoped it would be?” He asked. The woman brought their ale and a steaming dish of meat and vegetable pie. Lucas took a bite of the delicious and fresh fare and was pleased when Catherine took a small bite and smiled in approval.
“It has been far better than I ever expected.” She favored him with another smile. “Completely different than what I had imagined, but certainly better.” She took another bite of her food.
“Adventure wasn’t the only reason I left, though.” She hesitated. “Before I left, Lord Anderson asked for my hand.” She looked down at her plate, pushing the food around. “My father accepted. I was so distraught that I knew I could not wait any longer. I would never get another chance to leave and see the world on a ship, if I did not leave right away.” She let out a soft breath, not looking at the Captain who had all but stopped eating. “I gathered my things and left the next morning after my father had gone.”
“I see. You are not pleased with the match then?” He asked, searching her face. It had not occurred to him that she might be engaged. Thinking back on it though, he did remember the Baron mentioning that his daughter was to be married. Despite himself and what she had just told him, he was happy that she did not care for this Lord Anderson.
“No, my father had always told me I would be able to choose who I married, but he did not keep his word. When a good match came along, he agreed to it, without even asking me.” She whispered.
Unsure of what to say next, he watched her for a moment before taking another bite of food. He was hungry but had lost his appetite. They continued to eat in relative silence since the boisterous tavern made it hard for them to hear one another.
Lucas took the last bite of his meat pie, running it through the remaining bit of gravy that pooled on the plate. He wiped his mouth with the napkin. Catherine took one last sip of her ale and stood when Lucas did. He dropped a couple coins on the table as they turned to leave. He was pleased she stayed close to him as they walked out of the crowded and noisy tavern. They were not two steps out of the door when a man pushed himself off the wall.
“Well, well, well, if it ain’t the notorious Captain Harding. Ain’t it a grand coincidence we are both here at the same port?” Lucas could not believe who stood in front of him. His shirt hung open, revealing the large tattoo on his chest. The man’s smile never reaching his eyes. Lucas tensed and stepped closer to Catherine. “You know, I never did think I would ever see you again. I suppose there was a time I never thought I would see anyone, ever again.” He sneered at Lucas, who never took his eyes off the pirate. “You see,” the man shifted his eyes to Catherine. “This here Captain of yours, didn’t take too kindly to me and had me marooned on an island, with nothing. It was a miracle a ship passed by when it did and took pity on me.” His gaze raked over her body, Lucas’s eyes hardened. Did he know? Catherine shivered next to him.
“What is it you want, Thomas?” Lucas spoke firmly.
“Oh, nothing. Just wanted to say hi to my old Captain.” He tilted his head at them and walked off down between a couple of buildings.
“Let’s get you back to the ship. I have a few things I need to get. I will make sure there are men on board to look after you.” Lucas said, his hand resting on her back again as he steered her in the direction of the docks. Seeing the worry on her face, he tried to reassure her. “It will be alright, there is nothing to fret about. I will not be long and that man you met will not try and board the ship.”
Back on the ship, Lucas made sure Catherine was safe with Doc and Cook. He knew Ol’ Shorty was somewhere on the ship as well, and it would not be long before Alaric was back on board either. He had to make sure Benjamin made it back to the ship and had not gotten himself into any kind of trouble.
Leaving Catherine in the galley with Cook, she set herself to peeling potatoes. Cook probably did not need the help, as most of the crew would be eating in one of the taverns. But, Lucas knew Cook welcomed the company and he would do anything to protect the lass, especially after what had happened. Lucas felt sorry for the red-faced cook, he blamed himself for Catherine’s injuries and the incident with the sailor. It had not been his fault but Cook had expressed to Lucas, that he had indeed allowed Catherine to fetch water on her own, therefore should assume responsibility.
Lucas walked past the various stalls and shops, looking at and picking up several trinkets. Ol’ Shorty had told him it would be Catherine’s birthday any day now. Lucas came across a stall that had many bracelets, watches and brooches. He remembered Catherine’s interest in his mother’s pendant. He scanned the items looking for a specific design.
“Canna help ya?” The attendant said lazily.
“Thank you, yes, I’d like this brooch, please.” Lucas pointed to a brooch with vines and small flowers engraved into it in the shape of a knot. In the middle was a small sapphire. The attendant cocked an eyebrow at him. Lucas placed a few coins on the desk. She grinned a toothless grin, her wrinkly skin crinkling at the corners of her eyes. She handed him the brooch, quickly stowing the coins away safely in some hidden place in her gown. Lucas thanked her and continued further down the street.
Knowing Thomas was in port and Catherine was on board the ship, he did not feel entirely comfortable leaving her too long but wanted to make today special. Despite how much she told Shorty she loved being at sea and on board The Trinity, there had to be a part of her that was missing her father and her friends.
It was not long before he found a shop where several different styles of gowns were displayed. They may be in France in a couple days and Catherine would probably enjoy having a proper gown to wear in the new city. He walked in the shop, hesitating a moment. A plump woman came forward, “And how can I help you, young man?” She looked Lucas up and down with an appreciative smile.
Lucas shuffled his feet, “I am looking to purchase a gown and…well…all that goes with it.” Lucas cleared his throat, feeling a bit foolish. Perhaps he should come back with Catherine.
“Ah, not to worry, just tell me a bit about your lady friend and I will find you the finest of gowns and garments we have that might suit her.” The woman assured him, leading him to a book that was filled with gowns of all colors and styles. Lucas rubbed the back of his neck.
It took a while but finally they had decided on what the seamstress had assured Lucas would be the most modern and appropriate of gowns. Lucas left with a large box under his arm and the brooch in his pocket. He patted it, making sure it was still safely tucked away.
“Where is Catherine?” Lucas walked into the galley, expecting to see her.
“She is in your cabin, Ol’ Shorty is standing outside the door. She said she wanted to rest a bit and read.” Cook grinned when he saw the box. He opened his mouth but quickly shut it when he saw the glare Lucas was giving him. Cook chuckled and turned back to his work.
Lucas went straight to his cabin. His chest tightened at the thought of giving her the gifts. He did not know how she would react. He reached the hatch and nodded at Shorty, who grinned and winked in return. Lucas knocked on the door, cracking it open a bit. “Catherine?” He waited for a response.
“Come in Captain, I was just reading a bit.” She sat up in his chair and smiled.
Lucas cleared his throat and placed the box on the table. In the window behind her, the stars were becoming brighter as the sky darkened. “I was told it was your birthday. I, uh, wanted to get you a gift.” He nodded to the box.
Catherine’s eyes were wide with surprise. She glowed in the lantern light. She looked from him to the gift. “I, I don’t know what to say, Captain.”
“Go on, open it.” he nodded at the white box, tied with a blue ribbon.
Pulling the ribbon gently, it unlaced. She lifted the lid and moved aside the thin paper. “Oh, it is lovely.” She stood up and pulled the dress out, holding it up to herself. Lucas could not tear his eyes from the sight. She twirled around with it, causing the bottom trim of the dress to flare up. The color of the dress reminded Lucas of the sunsets Catherine often went up on deck to watch. “Captain, it’s beautiful. Thank you.” She walked over to him and wrapped her arms around his neck.
Lucas pulled her in tighter, his hands spread across her back. He could feel every curve, and reluctantly let go of her. “I nearly forgot,” He reached into his pocket and pulled out the brooch. “Just one last thing I saw. I thought you might like it.” He placed the gift in her hand.
With a small gasp, she ran her fingers over the design. She looked up at him and his breath caught. A tear escaped and slid down her cheek. He gently wiped it away, not taking his eyes from her. He bent down and placed his lips to hers, pausing, waiting to see if she would pull away from him. When she did not make a move, he deepened the kiss, pulling her closer to him, crushing her body against his.
Thomas had his men spread out through the small city. It had not taken him long to find Lucas. He followed him, hiding behind the different shops and booths. He suspected that the sailor with him was the Baron’s rebellious daughter but was not completely sure until he spoke to them at the tavern. He noticed how Lucas stepped closer to her, willing to protect her from him.
At first glance the girl did look simply like a very young sailor. On closer inspection, there was no mistaking her curves, slightly hidden in the baggy shirt or the look of fear that flicked through her eyes. He watched them go into the building. He was not going to let the Captain know of his presence at first, but he could not resist seeing Harding’s stunned expression. Thomas had not missed how quickly the Captain had taken the girl back to the ship or how Harding bought a trinket and purchased a gown.
He shook his head; he could not believe how soft the fierce Captain had become. It was clear the man had fallen for the wench. He wondered if the girl knew he had the deed and was simply trying to get him to hand it over to her.
Thomas was biding his time; he knew the Captain was likely to leave his ship the next morning. He would want to make sure they had all the supplies they needed, and all was in order to make it to France as soon as possible. Especially now that he knew Thomas was in the same port. He would not hide in his cabin with the girl, he would be watching over his crew, instead. Once Lucas left his ship, Thomas would have his opportunity.
There was nothing he could do at the moment; he would have to stay alert and make sure Harding did not try anything that would ruin his plan. He hung close to a tavern that had a perfect view of The Trinity. Taking a long drink from his tankard, he sat back in an old, wooden chair. The activity from the tavern filtered outside. He listened to the ruckus as he kept his eye on his prize.
The next morning Thomas was awoken by a hard kick to his boot, “Captain, git up, the docks are gettin’ busy. I’m bettin’ Harding will be makin’ his way off that ship soon.” Grady said, rubbing a hand over his tired face.
Thomas stood up and spit at Grady’s feet, “Kick me again and you will no longer have a foot to kick with.” He snarled at his first mate.
Thomas stretched and twisted, his back cracking. He had spent all night in the old chair. He rubbed the back of his stiff neck. On Harding’s ship, a few men were walking about the deck, testing the riggings and checking the sails.
As he had suspected, The Trinity was clearly not wasting any time. They would be setting sail as soon as the supplies were all loaded and the crew was accounted for. If his plan went correctly, they would be short one particular crew member.
The next several minutes passed achingly slowly, he needed Lucas to leave his ship if he had any chance of carrying out this kidnapping. He looked around, he saw his men were all where they were supposed to be, awaiting his signal. Thomas watched the crew on board working efficiently.
More men were filling the deck, the sound of wood scraping over the planks drifted to Thomas’s ear. The men began putting supplies in position and taking already loaded goods below. Several men stepped down the plank and onto the docks. He watched them move over to a few casks and barrels. He recognized a couple of the crew members, though he could not remember their names except for the one everyone called Ol’ Shorty. Thomas stepped closer to the wall of the tavern.
Finally, the blasted Captain emerged from below deck. He ducked not wanting to be noticed. Lucas was speaking with his first mate.
He disliked Alaric, almost as much as he disliked Harding. He had been right there with Lucas, ready to defend his Captain, and did not so much as blink when they had marooned him. Thomas kept an eye on them, waiting. He saw Lucas go below decks again.
He took a step forward, glancing at Grady who stood nearby, and shrugged in response. A few minutes later the Captain came back up, but he was not alone. Lucas shoved the man forward, taking him to the plank that led to the dock. Thomas chuckled, so another man met with the disapproval of the mighty Captain. He wondered what the man could have done.
Harding took the sailor a ways from the docks, he must be taking him to the authorities that were in charge of the port. Thomas could not let him out of his sight, he nodded for one of his men to follow. He spat on the ground again, twisting his lips, he had not anticipated this. He would have to wait until his man came back. He punched the wall next to him, he needed this to work.
Impatient, he was about to send another man after them when he spotted Lucas winding his way back through the now busy and loud docks. Harding confident as he strode through the crowds. It irked Thomas, he would wipe the smile from the man’s face soon enough. Thomas checked to make sure his men were still in their positions and ready to carry out the plan, his ship was already waiting for them.
They all looked ready for a fight; they were itching for some excitement. It had been a long voyage. Normally Thomas and his crew would be out pillaging smaller ships, whether they be enemy ships, passenger ships or merchants. He did not care much what they were or who they worked for, as long as he got what he wanted out of it.
The crew from The Trinity were loading the remainder of their cargo back on board. Alaric stood on deck, marking the records, and keeping track of crew, barrels, and cases. Lucas stood against the corner of a nearby building, watching over the proceedings of his crew. Lucas shouted something at one of the sailors that caused a ripple of laughter to travel through the men.
Thomas nodded to a couple of his men, they ducked behind the taverns and other buildings. Thomas led them to the back of the building Harding stood against. He motioned for three of the men to continue forward. There was a thunk, Thomas grinned as he watched Captain Harding falter and stumble backwards. Thomas’s men quickly dragged the unconscious Captain into the alley. They bound his hands and legs, stuffing a dirty, old rag in his mouth in case he woke. As the men lifted him, Lucas let out a groan but did not move.
