Rogue Wave (The Rogue Wave Series Book 1), page 15
“Best do as she says.” Alaric responded, crossing his arms over his broad chest.
“Just one more thing. Allow me to take the prisoner down there, off your hands. He is just one more mouth to feed. After all, you will not want to have to explain to the Governor that you almost lost your ship to a fire. He will not likely grant you a Letter of Marque if you and your crew appear so careless.” Lucas said casually.
“He is of no use to me, now that I have what I came for, you can do what you like.” He waved a hand in the air, clearly ready to be on his way. “Go fetch him.” He demanded of the brawny man.
Not a minute later, Ethan strode up on deck. He walked over to Thomas, “I’ll be seeing you again.” His tone sounding more than a little threatening. Not waiting for a response, he turned and walked aboard The Trinity, stopping only to shake hands with Alaric.
Lucas walked to Catherine, placing a hand on her back. He steered her onto to his ship. As soon as they set foot on deck, the planks were removed, and the order was given to raise the sails and pull in the anchor.
Her heart lurched when Lucas emerged from below the decks of Thomas’s ship. She imagined him being beaten and bloodied. Struggling to keep herself composed, she was determined to appear as confident as Lucas and Alaric did. She helped Alaric devise the plan and spoke to him and the other men about various battle tactics; she was not about to back away and hide when she had helped them this far.
She locked eyes with Lucas, his wink causing her already pounding heart to thud even faster. Catherine expected him to argue when she handed the deed over, hoping that he would not give anything away or that she would not say anything that would make Thomas suspicious.
The sails unfolded loudly in the wind, pulling The Trinity forward with a slight jolt. Catherine stepped closer to Lucas. “I think this belongs to you.” She smiled and placed his Captain’s hat on his head.
“It did look rather nice on you though.” He grinned down at her and squeezed her. “Alaric,” Lucas said, walking up to his friend and clapping him on the shoulder. “I thank you.”
Alaric raised his hands, “Don’t thank me alone, it was your lass there that came up with the plan.” He said, pointing a finger at Catherine.
“Well, that is not entirely true,” She shrugged. “I found the fake deed you were writing, I thought it was a great idea. I figured, if you believed Monsieur Dupont would be fooled,” she lifted a hand in the air. “Then why not Thomas?”
Lucas barked out a laugh. “Unbelievable. I admit, that was the last thing I thought would be the plan to get me out.” He looked about his crew and exhaled. “Ethan, why don’t you go see Doc, he will get your back fixed up proper. Then go find yourself a hammock, I will have Cook bring you down a bowl of food. Believe me, it is far better than the grey rat food.” He gestured for Ethan to head below decks.
“Much obliged, Captain.” He nodded his thanks and headed for the hatch.
Catherine turned her face into Lucas at the sight of Ethan’s blood-soaked shirt. “How is he not in pain?” She whispered.
“I reckon he is, and likely was in an even greater deal of pain during the flogging. It is a miracle he did not get a fever, many men do.” He squeezed her tighter. “Let’s set a course to France.” He bellowed to the crew. They all cheered in response.
Catherine led Lucas into his cabin, “I put a fresh bowl of water on the cupboard over there so you can wash up. I will go and see if the meal is ready. I will not be long.” She said, reaching up to give him a tentative kiss. His arms circled around her, drawing her to him. He deepened the kiss a moment, before releasing her.
“You are probably right; I likely smell like a mix of rat and moldy brig.” He took a step back and turned to the water bowl.
He splashed some cool water on his face, exhaling. Running his hand through his hair, he dunked his head into the bowl and grabbed for the small bar of rough soap. Catherine walked through the hatch and towards the galley. The aroma of fresh food cooking wafted down through the hall. She took a step in. Cook was humming and all but dancing as he prepared the meal. She laughed, “What’s got you in such a glorious mood?’
“Well now, what do you think, Mademoiselle? Your plan worked, our Captain is safely back with us and we are headed to France.” He said with flourish of his hand. “Just wait until you see it, it will amaze you.” He grinned, spooning a large portion of fresh meat, potatoes, carrots and onions onto a platter, he added a bowl of fruits, some of which Catherine had never seen before.
“I bet. After all, it will be the largest city I have ever seen. I have heard, the customs and dress are quite different from Barbados.” She replied, taking the platter laden with food out of Cook’s hands.
“Oui, that sure be true, Miss. I will be a happy man once we get there. It will be good to visit my home country again.” He smiled, wistfully. “Now you best get that food down to the Capt’n and I will have Benjamin take this one to the new fella.” He said, pointing to another tray.
Catherine nodded and headed back to the cabin. “Supper is ready.” She said as she strode through the low hatch. Her foot paused in midair. He was standing by his desk, wearing a fresh, clean shirt that gaped open on his chest, pouring two glasses of whiskey. He turned and grinned at her.
“Mmmm that smells amazing.” He said, gesturing for her to sit down at the table.
Catherine watched quietly as Lucas enjoyed the meal. She had been so worried about him. Had imagined every possible, horrible thing Thomas could have done to him. Relief enveloped her when she saw him. Now he was safely back on The Trinity and they were heading to France to sort things out.
Then they would be headed back to Barbados. It would be another long trip but once they got home, then what? Would she ever see Lucas again? Would he simply bid her farewell and sail back out to sea? Would she be pushed back into the plantation and be tucked away or be forced to marry one of the rich men her father told her to marry? Would they be able to keep their plantation or would a man even still want her after finding out she had spent so many nights alone on a privateer ship?
“You look deep in thought and none too happy at that.” Lucas said, breaking the silence.
“Oh, I am sorry,” She tucked a bit of hair behind her ear and looked down at the cup in her hand.
“Is it that miserable to have me back?” Lucas teased.
“Of course not. I missed you more then you know. I was so worried about you.” She blurted out. Tears spilled from her eyes as she buried her face in her hands.
“Come on, luv.” He said gently as he coaxed her out of the chair and into his arms. She had not even heard him get up. “You are tired, it is understandable.”
She smiled; he had never called her that before. “I am sorry, I will be alright. I am just a bit tired I suppose.” She wiped her eyes. “I’ll take the tray back to the galley; Cook is probably expecting it.”
“No, leave it. It can wait.” His voice was low and husky. Lucas kissed her then.
Catherine closed her eyes and sank into his arms. He smelled of the salty sea, soap and the ship. She breathed him in. Lucas lifted her chin, she felt herself sway. His arm wrapped around her waist a bit tighter as he lowered his lips to hers.
She jumped at the sudden knock on the hatch. Lucas groaned and gave her one more kiss before bidding Benjamin entrance.
“It had better be good, lad. What is it?” He said, curtly. Catherine, red faced, stood next to Lucas.
“It’s Thomas, Capt’n. He’s at full sail and headed straight for us. Alaric says you better come on deck.” Benjamin explained.
“Damn!” Lucas clenched his jaw. “I’ll be right up.” He said, excusing Benjamin.
He turned to Catherine. “I am sorry, lass. I am sure it will be alright, why don’t you get some rest. I will come back down in a bit and let you know if anything has changed. It will be awhile still before his ship is upon us, anyway.” He ran a hand slowly through her hair and bent low to kiss her once more.
Catherine swallowed back the lump forming in her throat. She wanted to be nearby, but he had been right, she was exhausted and would not be any good to him on deck at the moment.
“Alright, but please be safe and come to get me at once when his ship nears.” She put her hands on his chest. She bent forward, kissing him on his bare chest.
“Aye, luv. I will. Try and rest.” He picked up the spy glass on his desk, strode to the hatch and flung it open.
Knowing Thomas was heading for them, Catherine felt drained, but restless. She walked over to the bed that sat in the corner of the cabin. Pulling down the cool sheets, she crawled in and let her head relax on the pillow. Inhaling deeply, she tried to rid her thoughts of Lucas being shot or killed by Thomas’s blade. Running her hands through her hair, she strained her ears, waiting for a command that would indicate the other ship nearing. She knew it had only been a few minutes, but it had felt like an eternity, waiting below.
Catherine flung the covers off, she quickly realized that there was no way she would be getting any sleep. She paced the room, occasionally walking over to the small, rectangular window that sat at the back of the cabin, just behind the Captain’s desk. It made her feel less alone, less trapped.
“Catherine.” The hatch opened suddenly. “The ship is getting closer, he has speed on his side but nothing more.” Lucas said, as he gently grabbed her arms. “I want you to stay with Doc, if someone comes down, looking for you to get leverage over me or to find the deed, they will first check here. They will not think to look with Doc. Benjamin will be with you as well, he may be young, but he is a fair fighter. Here, I want you to take this.” He reached for his gun belt and pulled out one of his flintlocks. The weight of the gun caused her arm to drop. “If someone comes into the surgery, you stay behind Doc, if it comes to it, do not hesitate to use this.”
“Yes, Captain.” Her voice quivered. She could not believe this was happening.
“Here, look closely.” Taking her hands, he raised the gun up. “You will pull this back, once it is fully engaged, it will be ready to fire. I already loaded it for you. It will be alright. You will be safe; this is all just an added precaution.” His lips met hers.
Catherine reluctantly pulled her mouth from his. “Promise me you will be alright, that you will not be harmed. Promise me.” She urged.
“I will do my best, lass, you have my word.” He bent down, kissing her forehead. “I want you to have this as well. My father gave it to me when I was a small lad, tuck it away.” He handed her a small dagger. She wrapped her hand around it tightly before shoving it into her pocket.
“Come on, let’s get you to Doc.” He said as he pulled her along through the hatch.
Once in the surgery she glanced around. Doc had several bottles of ointments, powders and oils set out. Bandages, clumps of lint and various surgical instruments lined the table. He was wiping a few down still as they entered.
Lucas simply nodded to Doc, who returned the gesture. Then Lucas squeezed her hand, giving her a wink before heading back on deck. Now, he wore a long sword at his side and two more pistols. She swallowed back her fear and tried focusing on a roll of bandages Doc handed her as Lucas walked out the door.
“It will be just fine, Miss Catherine. They are all very skilled fighters and have been through countless battles. Only worry the Captain has, is you.” He said, as the door opened once more.
Benjamin came in. “I see we get the highest honor and the very most important duty this fight, Doc.” He bowed dramatically and grinned. “At your service, My Lady. It is my pleasure to be able to protect such a lovely Lady this day.”
“Oh, get on with you, lad.” Doc chuckled. “Here, help Miss Catherine fix up these bandages.”
Benjamin scoffed. Despite herself, Catherine felt a bit lighter and laughed. It was better keeping her hands and mind busy with preparing the surgery rather than pacing back and forth in the lonely cabin.
The three of them cleaned surgical instruments, some made Catherine’s stomach turn at the thought of possibly having to use them. It also occurred to her while she was washing a Capital knife with boiling water that she might be in the same room with the Doc as he used the instrument. The bone saw, forceps and curved needle seemed to stare back at her, causing her to waver.
“You do not need to worry, Miss. No one aboard this ship will be needing those this day. I only had you clean them off to keep you and the lad busy.” He said, pointing a stubby thumb at Benjamin.
Catherine felt her stomach turn at the thought of them having to be used on any of the crew members, whether she was present or not. The vinegar smell was strong in the cabin, Doc explained that many of the bandages were soaked in vinegar and used for cleaning wounds. Many of the surgical tools were also dipped in the vinegar and water mixture. It kept things cleaner and if dirty tools were used or wounds were not washed out properly, then fevers were more likely to develop. The tables were spread out and hammocks strung up. They waited for the battle to begin.
Doc seemed perfectly at ease. His strength gave her more confidence. Not only was she terrified for the Captain’s sake, but she knew she would have to assist in mending far worse wounds then what she had been doing. Doc had been teaching her over the past several weeks but nothing more serious than burns, slight illnesses, splinters, and a few cuts that needed stitching. She had never dealt with musket balls digging deep into flesh and bone or wounds that bled so much the patient turned ashen and did not wake again. Doc warned her that such a long voyage was unlikely to go without some sort of fight. He had done his best to prepare her in case they were met with such an event.
There was a thunderous blast, followed by a splash and shouts from above deck. She could barely make out Lucas’s voice as he shouted, “Turn her around, mates.” Catherine put her hand to her throat. It suddenly got hard to swallow and breath.
“Take a sip of this, Miss Catherine. It will calm your nerves.” Doc’s hand was on her shoulder and the other was holding a small glass of whiskey. The smell was potent but she did as Doc bid and drank the amber liquid. A warming sensation overtook her as it trailed down her throat and settled in her stomach.
She took a steadying breath in. “Thank you Doc, it does help. What do we do now?” She asked, uncertain of how to keep her mind off of the shouts and cannon blasts. The ship rocked as one of the heavy, iron balls shot from the cannon of the other ship, splintering into the hull of The Trinity.
Catherine gripped Doc’s arm. He simply patted her hand and informed her that was certainly not going to be the only cannon ball to put it’s mark upon their ship. He looked a bit grim, but did not seem overly bothered. Benjamin had gone a bit paler, but his usual smile spread across his face as he met her gaze.
“We calmly await our first patient and hope for the best,” he adjusted a bottle of some sort of powder that had slid to the edge of the table during the last cannon blast. “And that this battle will not last long.”
The blasts from the cannons were far too loud and the pounding feet overhead drowned out what was being yelled above deck. The ship rocked again, but this time the blasts came from The Trinity’s cannons.
“It won’t be long now; men will be filing down to be fixed up and Thomas’s men will meet ours with swords and muskets.” He nodded to the hatch that led to the upper deck.
The words hardly left Doc’s lips when Catherine heard more shouts as the cannon blasts ended. By the sounds of the scraping wood, she knew they were being boarded. Muskets fired and blades clanked together. Catherine squeezed her eyes together, dreading seeing any of the men from The Trinity, that she had begun to care for and consider friends, being brought down dying or gravely injured.
Catherine felt an arm come around her shoulder, “It will be alright. I mean, well…Catherine, it won’t be easy.” Benjamin’s voice broke. “I don’t want to see them hurt either, they are all I have and they are my family. They know what they are doing. We need to be here for them, down here, and help them when they come pouring in. Doc has taught you far more than anyone else on this ship knows and he is going to need you. Our crew is going to need you, Catherine.” He squeezed her closer.
Pulling in all his strength, she knew he was right and felt herself growing more confident. She had to be ready for the injured men and needed to focus. She turned to Doc and nodded, “Thank you, both of you.” She smiled up at Benjamin, “Let’s get ready for our patients.”
“Well done.” Doc praised. “Looks like we will not have to wait long for our first patient.” Doc said, gesturing towards the hatch.
Ol’ Shorty came down, practically dragging a sailor. The man’s face was covered with blood and his head hung low, swaying from side to side. “A sword got him Doc. Down the side o’ the head and caught his shoulder.” He quickly explained as he shot Catherine a sympathetic glance before racing back on deck.
“Catherine, quickly. Grab the needle, thread, plenty of bandages and lint.” He commanded as he poured water over the wounds, careful not to get any in the sailor’s eyes. As the blood washed away, she recognized him as Jim.
Her throat tightened. Jim was one of the sailors that encouraged her by telling her tales of the sea and of his adventures. She handed Doc the bottle of vinegar water to cleanse the wound. Jim groaned as the liquid ran along his head and shoulder. Doc prepared the needle and thread then nodded to Benjamin who obediently held Jim’s shoulders down in case the man gained consciousness in the middle of being stitched up.
The hatch flew open again, three more sailors piled in.
“Catherine, you take over here. Finish sewing him up and bandage his shoulder and head when finished. After that, you and Benjamin attend to the next patient.” Doc spoke quickly, as she hesitantly took the needle from him.
