A Chance Encounter (St. John Series Book 10)

by Lora Thomas

  Madelena turned and ducked behind some crates. Kneeling down, she clutched her reticle in her hands as her heart hammered in her chest.

  “She is around here somewhere,” she heard Marco speak. He addressed another man. “What did you learn?”

  “The man at the ticket counter said she had purchased passage for France. There are only two ships traveling to France. You guard one and I’ll guard the other. Surely between the two of us, we will find her. Did she truly murder her husband?”

  “That is what Signora Russo stated. She said Signore Drakos was found in his room, a knife to his heart. Signora Russo said that Madelena threatened to kill Signore Drakos before they wed in order to collect his properties. Signora Russo claims that a servant overhead Madelena and Drakos fighting. The servant tried to enter the room, but the door was locked. By the time they gained entrance, Drakos was dead and Signorina Madelena was gone.”

  “I find that hard to believe, Marco. I mean, Signorina Madelena was always so kind.”

  “Women are deceitful, Angelo. I will go to the ship heading to Marseille. You take the one traveling to Monaco.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Madelena peeked around the crates and watched Marco head down the wharf to the ship she needed. Angelo passed by the containers and headed to the other.

  Madelena closed her eyes. “Great,” she mumbled. “Now what?”

  Looking down at her boarding pass, she crumpled it in her hand. She had wasted her money and did not have enough to purchase another ticket. She placed the card in her pocket and headed down the pier. She headed left and spotted her father heading her direction.

  “Really?” she questioned in exasperation, looking up. Could this day get any worse?!

  She turned and saw a group of people boarding the ship where she had seen Marco arguing with the black-haired man. She did not hesitate. Stepping in line with a group of well-dressed dignitaries, she boarded the boat with them. Perhaps the crew of the ship would think she was a servant. She did not speak as she stepped onto the deck. She stayed behind the babbling group and followed them below deck.

  Once below deck, the wealthy travelers entered their rooms. Madelena was standing in the hallway, looking very suspicious in her attire. She kept walking down the corridor. Each room she passed, she could hear people speaking. Spying a door smaller than the others, she pressed her ear to it. Upon hearing no noise from inside, she opened it. The door led to a small room where linens were stored. Stepping inside, she closed the door. She would hide here until her father left. It should only be a few minutes. Then she would leave the ship as she came.

  Sitting down upon the small stepstool, she readjusted the scarf over her head. She could hear footsteps hurrying down the hall. More footsteps were heard, and a man started speaking in a language she did not understand. The man laughed, and the sound of a door shutting echoed in the closet. Suddenly, there was a loud pop, and the ship swayed.

  “They can’t be leaving just yet!” Madelena said.

  She stood and staggered into the shelf as the boat rocked to the side. Opening the door, she left her sanctuary and headed up the steps. Her feet stopped upon seeing a pair of highly polished black boots. If that were the porter asking for her ticket, she did not have one to produce, and then they would toss her overboard.

  Spinning on her toes, she scurried down the steps and opened the first door she came to. Closing the door, she pressed her back to it and closed her eyes. Alarm entered her when she heard a familiar voice ask, “Are you lost?”

  Geneva held back her tears as she wrapped her arms around Oliver’s neck. “Are you certain you cannot stay longer? I know how much it would mean to Martin if you stayed. And Stephano will be so disappointed if you cannot attend his wedding in a few weeks.”

  Oliver patted Geneva on the back as he looked to Martin for assistance.

  Martin shrugged his shoulders. “She has been a bit weepy this week. Her mother says it’s the changes the baby makes.”

  “I am not weepy,” Geneva defended, releasing Oliver to dab her eyes. “I just hate good-byes.”

  “I will miss you as well, Geneva,” Oliver spoke. “I will write and expect you and Martin to write as well. I will visit again when I can. It has been a delight visiting with you.”

  Geneva covered her mouth to lessen the sound of her whimper. “You are such a good man, Oliver. I hope you find a good wife one day. A wife who will make you happy. Not some harpy who breaks your heart.” She broke down in tears and threw her arms around Oliver again. “I am so sorry. I didn’t mean to remind you of your heartbreak.”

  Oliver’s chest rose as he inhaled deeply. He had tried to put Madelena out of his mind last night by drinking most of Martin’s whiskey. It hadn’t helped. Instead, he passed out. When he awoke, his head was throbbing, and the contents of his stomach came expelling out onto Martin’s desk. It was his fault, though. Jacob had docked yesterday and wanted Oliver to stay aboard The Emerald Jewell. Oliver refused, deciding to stay with Martin until it was time to depart. If he had only taken Jacob up on his offer, he would have been aboard his brother’s ship making a fool of himself instead of his friend’s home.

  “It is all right, Geneva. No one could have foreseen the events that transpired these past few weeks. I will travel home and work until no memories remain except for your kindness.”

  Geneva rereleased Oliver and turned to face Martin. “Why can’t you say things like that?”

  “What?” Martin asked, uncertain of his wife’s question.

  “You see. Oliver knows how to connect to a woman’s heart. All you do is work!” Geneva covered her face and ran from the room.

  “That was bizarre,” Oliver said.

  Martin shook his head. “Her mother warned me that she might be a tad moody these next few months. Perhaps it is a good thing you are traveling home. At this rate, she would divorce me and marry you.”

  “I have had my fill of Roman women. They wound too deeply.” Oliver stepped forward and offered an outstretched hand to Martin.

  Martin took the offering and then pulled Oliver in for a one-armed embrace. “I will miss you, Oliver.”

  Oliver returned the affection. “Take care, Martin. I did enjoy my visit. Next time you wish to have my company, I suggest you come to my home. Less drama.”

  Martin laughed. “Not with your family.”

  Oliver left Martin’s home and climbed into the awaiting carriage. He knew he could have walked, but the hangover he was presently experiencing took a lot out of him. The carriage was a safer way. If he walked, he might find himself in the clutches of Signora Russo, and that was something he had no desire to contend with presently.

  The ride to the pier was short. After directing the coachman where to take his trunks, Oliver walked to the docks. Stopping, he turned and give one last parting glance at the city that brought him such joy and the most pain he had ever experienced. He never wanted to see Rome again. The memories made here created a wound that hurt dearly and would never heal. Turning, he ventured down the dock to The Emerald Jewell. It was a magnificent vessel. He looked forward to traveling with his brother, albeit it would be different this time. Jacob’s wife, Jules, was presently in Governor’s Harbour awaiting the birth of their second child. She had spent the majority of this pregnancy on land despite her pirate background. This child did not like the sea, and every time she stepped foot upon a ship, the contents of her stomach would come up.

  Stepping foot onto the deck, Oliver was greeted by Jacob. Not much about Jacob had changed since the last time Oliver saw him. He was still an intimidating individual with a short, dark beard and soul-sucking dark brown eyes—so dark they appeared black. He was wearing a blue shirt that was pulled taut over the muscles in his shoulders and arms.

  “It’s about time you got here. I thought I was going to have to toss some bastard into the water. He was demanding to search my ship.”

  “I’m certain you told him to go straight to hell,” Oliv
er said.

  “I did. With a little embellishment.” Jacob’s eyes scanned Oliver’s appearance. Oliver’s eyes were bloodshot and dark circles rested under his green eyes. “You look like shit.”

  “I had a rough night.”

  “Martin drink you under the table? I find that hard to believe.”

  “More like I drank myself under the table.”

  Jacob’s lip twitched with humor. “Your room is ready. Bob took the liberty of placing your trunk in your room,” he said, referring to the Chinese man who worked on the ship.

  “The coachman is bringing them. He should be here shortly.”

  “Are you still foxed? I just told you your trunk is already here.”

  Oliver pressed his lips together. “My head is killing me, Jacob.”

  “Fine,” Jacob snapped. “Go below deck. Your appearance will scare off the clientele that have booked a peaceful trip to the Caribbean.”

  “Have Bob bring me something for my head.”

  “That bad?”

  “You have no bloody idea.”

  Jacob shook his head. “Go below deck. Just as soon as the Rosses return, we’ll cast off.”

  Oliver made his way down the steps to his room. It was a room that was never available for others to book. It was reserved for family. Oliver had stayed here several times. A sizeable double wardrobe was anchored against the far wall. The large bed had a dark blue bedcovering made of silk and fine sea island cotton sheets. His sea chest sat beside the wardrobe.

  Stripping out of the brown coat, he tossed it on a chair. Untying the knot on the cravat, it joined the jacket. He loosened the laces on his tunic just as a knock was heard on his door.

  “Enter,” Oliver commanded.

  Bob entered carrying a steaming cup. “Here you go, Ollie. Makey your head feel better real quick.”

  “You don’t have to do the bizarre broken English with me, Bob. I know you can speak English better than I.”

  “Sorry. Habit. It seems to make these English aristocrats feel safer when I speak like an idiot.”

  “They are fools. What do they think you will do? Rob them blind?”

  Bob shrugged. “I could. They would never see me coming. But I like it here and see no reason to jeopardize my employment with the captain.”

  Oliver took the cup and downed the liquid. As he swallowed, his nose involuntarily crinkled. “Whatever you put in this tastes like shit.”

  “It is.”

  Oliver glowered at the grinning man.

  “Not really,” Bob said. “It is an old family recipe. It is best if you do not know what is in it.”

  Oliver handed Bob back the cup. “Thank you.”

  “If you need anything, just ring.”

  Oliver nodded. Bob left, and Oliver sat down upon the bed, cradling his head in his hands. The pain in his head was a welcome reprieve from the pain in his chest. When he learned of Madelena’s marriage, it felt as if his world was ending. He knew then that he loved her. He would always love her. He was glad Jacob had arrived when he did for he did not think he could be in the same city as Drakos without killing the man.

  The ship creaked and rocked, signaling that they were departing Rome. It was not soon enough. This should have occurred two weeks ago. Then he could have returned home whole and not the broken shell he was now.

  The sound of the door caused him to look up. The physical pain he was experiencing was instantly replaced with emotional pain as he spotted the cause. Surely, he was seeing things. That must be it. It was not Madelena, just someone who looked like her.

  “Are you lost?” Oliver asked.

  “Oliver?” Madelena’s eyes widened. Surprise was in her voice as she asked, “What are you doing here?”

  “I was going to ask you the same thing,” Oliver said, standing and approaching her, still not believing Madelena was on board of his ship.

  “Oh, Oliver!” Madelena rushed forward and tossed her arms around him. “I don’t know what to do. I am so glad you are here.”

  Oliver returned her affection. “What has happened? I thought you were married.”

  “So much has happened.” She released him and stepped back. Pulling the knot to the scarf over her head, she removed the article and draped it over her shoulders. “I will tell you everything, but first, you must hide me. The ship is sailing, and I don’t have a ticket. If the captain finds me, he’ll toss me overboard and make me swim. I’m not a good swimmer, Oliver. I would drown before I made it back to shore.”

  “Calm yourself, Maddie.”

  “I can’t, Oliver! Drakos is dead. Sandra said I killed him. I didn’t! I swear it! My father is looking for me. I will hang if I go back. If the captain finds me without a boarding pass, he will force me to go back. I cannot! I simply cannot!”

  Oliver ran a hand over her frazzled hair. “Nothing will happen to you. I will not allow it.”

  The door opened again. “Are you all right, Oliver?”

  Madelena gasped, and her hands came to her mouth as she watched a tall, black-haired man enter. This was the same man that Marco had been arguing with only minutes before.

  Jacob looked between Oliver and the woman. “Dammit, Oliver. This ship is packed with influential guests. I know we thrive on scandal, but I won’t have it this time. I warned you about bringing whores aboard my ship before.”

  “She is not a whore, Jacob.”

  “Then who is she?”

  “His wife!” Madelena blurted out. She wasn’t certain how Oliver became acquainted with the captain so quickly, but she didn’t care. She could not go back to Rome. And if pretending to be Oliver’s wife was the only means to keep herself upon this ship, she would do so.

  “Wife?” Jacob asked, his right brow rising in a familiar fashion.

  “Wife?” Oliver repeated in shock, looking down at Madelena.

  “Yes,” Madelena said, wrapping herself around Oliver’s arm. “Newly. I assume you are here to gather our boarding passes. Where did you put them, dear?” Madelena looked at Jacob and batted her eyes. “He has a tendency to lose things. You didn’t lose my ticket again, did you? He lost my last one you see. It was a complete mess.”

  Jacob simply stared at the babbling woman. When she finished, he looked at Oliver. “Would you mind telling me what is going on, little brother?”

  “Brother?” Madelena squeaked.

  A deep sigh left Oliver.

  “Oliver?” Jacob said.

  “Maddie, this is my older brother, Jacob. Jacob, this is Madelena Russo.”

  “St. John, don’t you mean? She said she was your wife. A fact you neglected to mention when we spoke earlier.” His brow came together. “Russo? You wouldn’t be the chit that man was looking for earlier?”

  Madelena’s mouth worked up and down as her heart hammered in her chest. She could not have looked more guilty unless she was holding a banner.

  “Sweet Judas, Oliver! You married a wanted woman.”

  Oliver shook his head. “No. And she is not—”

  Madelena looked at Jacob. The anger upon the other man’s face frightened her. She could not allow Oliver to tell his brother the truth…yet. If his brother knew, then he would take her back to shore. Before Oliver could finish his denial, she spoke, “Please don’t toss me overboard.”

  Jacob’s brows came together in anger and aggravation. “Why the hell would I do that?”

  “I don’t have a ticket. That’s what captains do, isn’t it? If people don’t have tickets? They toss them over and make them swim?”

  “You have read too many novels. If you do not have a ticket, they would either place you in the brig or take you back to shore. What I should do is take you back to the authorities.”

  “Then I will take the brig. I will not go back to shore.”

  “I don’t have a brig. This is strictly a passenger vessel for those who can afford the fare.” Jacob’s eyes scanned her. “And from your dress, I feel quite certain, you cannot afford the cost. Why is sh
e wanted?”

  “I can’t go back!” Madelena turned to Oliver, gripping his forearm tightly. “Please, Oliver. Do something.”

  “Look, Jacob,” Oliver began. “I will pay for her way.”

  “She is a fugitive. I will not allow my passengers—”

  “I am not wanted,” Madelena defended. “It is a lie spun by my mother. She hates me and wants rid of me.”

  “Look, Jacob,” Oliver spoke again. “If you demanded every person be imprisoned because they were wanted, then we all would be in jail. Yourself included. I can vouch for Maddie. She is no criminal.”

  “Not criminal, Oliver. Murderer. They claim she is wanted for killing her husband.” Jacob’s eyes roamed over Oliver. “And you appear to be alive and well…considering her claim that the two of you are married.” He crossed his muscular arms over his chest. “Now, what is going on?”

  A deep sigh left Oliver. “I swear, Jacob, I’ll explain everything to you in good time. Just as soon as I figure out what is going on myself.”

  Jacob’s right brow rose. “You don’t know?”

  “It is complicated.” Oliver gazed at Madelena. The terror and fear in her brown eyes tore at his soul. He knew she could never hurt anyone. She had many opportunities to tell her family that he was the man she stayed with that night, but she kept his name silent. “And she will not cause harm to your passengers.”

  “That’s well and good. But I don’t have any spare rooms. They have all been booked.”

  “Then she can stay with me.”

  Jacob shook his head. “Not this time, pup. I will not allow it and besides Aunt—”

  “Why? Just tell everyone that she is my wife. No one will be the wiser.”

  Jacob glowered at his younger brother. “If you would quit interrupting me, I would tell you why.”