And how could he do that married to a prostitute? Wouldn’t that make him just as much of a failure as he’d always been?
He couldn’t shake the images bombarding him day and night of her in other men’s arms. Many other men. Of them groping her, fondling her, kissing her…and God knew what else. He’d wanted a pure woman, an innocent woman to make a fresh start with. A godly start.
Blake broke from the group of colonists and headed toward him. Holding his side, he moved slow and hesitant, pain lining his features. James shook his head. He’d commanded him to stay in bed and rest for at least another week, but the colonel wasn’t accustomed to taking orders. Still, not a minute passed in which James didn’t thank God for helping him save Blake’s life. It was truly a miracle.
A miracle like Dodd waking up from a coma after eight days. The man’s recovery was astounding. After eating every piece of fruit and fish in sight, he was back to his impertinent, greedy self. In fact, he’d even been strong enough to join the pirates at the temple today.
Thoughts of the ex-lawman vanished when the colonel stopped beside James, shifting weight off his bad leg and staring out to sea.
“Sit.” Closing the book, James slid off the boulder and gestured for Blake to take his spot.
“Don’t coddle me, Doctor.” He grinned.
“That’s an order, Colonel,” James returned. “From someone who has had his hands inside your gut, I believe I have the right.”
Blake pressed his side and eased himself to the rock. “If you’d stop reminding me, it might stop hurting.”
“It will stop hurting when it heals, and it will heal when you rest.”
“You sound as bad as Eli—” His gaze jerked to the pirate ship, anchored offshore, its stark masts golden columns in the setting sun. “Blast it, I miss her.”
James should say something here, quote some comforting scripture about how God would rescue her and all would be well. But James had learned two things in the past months: One, God’s ways were often not what anyone would expect, and two, God needed no defending.
Blake stomped his boot in the sand, the leather soles sinking into the grains. “Would that those pirates would find their infernal gold and release Eliza and Magnolia. Yet if they do find the gold, they are likely to free the final beast.” Blake squeezed the bridge of his nose and grimaced. He nodded toward the book in James’s hands. “Have you discovered anything of value?”
James sighed and shook his head. “The beginning told how the beasts came to be imprisoned and how they can be freed. The middle consisted of nothing but poetry, songs of praise, and a tale of a mighty prince coming to rescue his people. I can’t make sense of how it connects to the rest.”
“And the end?”
“Talks about ‘the six,’ whoever or whatever that is,” James said. “Something about the six being the only ones able to put the fallen angels back in chains.”
“But who are these six? How are we to find them and what exactly can they do?”
“The book doesn’t say. At least not yet, but I do have a few more pages to interpret.”
Blake nodded. “Best get to it. I fear we don’t have much time. I want my wife back. And I want this madness to end. I’m tired, Doc.” His normally stormy gray eyes had turned dull as fog. “So tired.”
“We all are. But we can’t give up now.”
Wincing, Blake rose to his feet and gripped James’s shoulder in a brotherly squeeze just as shouts of glee and raucous laughter down shore caught their attention. The pirates, Captain Ricu in the lead, his red feather aflutter atop his hat, burst from the jungle, jugs of liquor in their hands. Songs in Portuguese filled the air as the band stomped across the sand to their side of the beach where the captain and three of his men began rowing one of their cockboats out to the Espoliar.
Dodd, Patrick, Moses, and three more colonists brought up the rear and headed toward them.
Acid welled in James’s belly. Nothing good could come from the pirates’ joyful mood.
Nothing good but gold. And lots of it, according to Dodd and Patrick—gold that filled the fourth alcove from floor to ceiling.
“Filled? The entire alcove?” James asked as the other colonists assembled around the two treasure hunters.
Dodd smiled and rubbed his hands together then winced at the cuts covering them. Shaking dirt from his hair and shirt, he glanced at Patrick, who remained as unsoiled and modish as one could in the middle of a jungle. He fingered his goatee. “Stuffed full. A veritable fortune! Just like the old pirate who gave me the map said.”
“What of the chains?” Blake eyed the man with suspicion. “The shackles?”
“Don’t worry about them.” Dodd took a sip from a canteen one of the colonists handed him. “If they are there, they’re buried. And probably lying in the dirt like the others. Nothing’s there but gold, I assure you. No imaginary beasts that will destroy mankind.” His chortle filled the air, drawing a few chuckles from the crowd, before he slid to sit on a stump, his breath coming hard and his face paling. Even in his weakened condition, his vulgar gaze searched the mob and latched upon Angeline, where it remained for far too long.
James’s insides bunched in a knot. Hugging herself, Angeline turned and walked to the other side of the group where Dodd couldn’t see her, causing James to wonder once again whether they had met in the States. The thought of the circumstances of that meeting made bile rise in his throat. He squelched the vision and focused on Patrick, who was continuing to prattle on about how rich they were all going to be.
Hayden crossed arms over his chest and snorted. “You are bigger fools than I thought if you think you’ll see any of that gold.”
Dodd and Patrick exchanged a knowing glance. “We shall see,” Patrick said. His grin sent ice down James’s spine. It seemed to have the same effect on Hayden as he studied his father with suspicion. Regardless, James had bigger problems than Patrick and Dodd’s greed.
And from the look on Blake’s face, he agreed.
Though James had entertained doubts—many doubts—along the way, and though everything within him wanted it to be false, he knew the fourth beast was still chained in that alcove. He wasn’t sure how he knew, but he did. He also knew that the removal of the gold would no doubt aid in the monster’s release. Especially if someone read the inscription above the tomb. In fact, now that James thought of it, the gold had probably been hidden there as bait for greedy men—just the type of men whose hearts were dark enough to free the fallen angel.
Everything he’d read in the Hebrew book, everything that had happened, finally started to make sense.
Dodd slowly stood, color returning to his face. “We start pulling out the gold first thing in the morning.” He peered through the crowd looking for someone. James didn’t need to turn around to know Angeline had slipped behind him. He could smell her coconut scent, feel her presence in the way his heart leapt, his throat burned, and every sense came alive.
“I don’t care about the wretched gold!” Mr. Scott shouted. “My daughter is held captive by pirates! I want her back and I want to leave this loathsome jungle.” Mrs. Scott clung to her husband, looking as though she’d aged a decade in the past few weeks. Poor woman. Mr. Scott was looking none too well himself, his lack of interest in gold speaking volumes as to his present discomfort.
Mumbles of assent bounced through the mob.
“The pirates won’t keep us here any longer will they?” Mrs. Jenkins drew her daughter into her skirts.
Blake scanned the crowd. Though most wouldn’t spot it, James knew his friend, could see the angst roll over his face. “I have no idea. But I urge you not to give up on our colony just yet.”
“What colony?” Mr. Scott’s ensuing chuckle was contagious.
“Oh, I almost forgot,” Patrick’s assured voice, along with his eyes, flew over the group—both finding a perch on his son, Hayden. “The pirates said they’d release your wife.” He hissed the last word before turning to Blak
e. “And yours, Colonel. Right now, in fact.” He flicked fingers in the direction of the ship. “Ricu feels you have learned your lesson and won’t attempt any more tomfoolery.”
Hayden needed no further impetus to take off in a spray of sand, parting the crowd with his exuberance. Blake, though equally exuberant, followed at a much slower pace. Within minutes the two ladies were rowed to shore and deposited in their husbands’ arms. James turned away from their tender reunions, feeling his own eyes mist at the intensity of affection between husbands and wives. Unfortunately, those eyes landed on Angeline standing in the distance, staring at him. She tore her gaze away then strolled down the beach, her green skirts swaying in the breeze. At the very least, he owed her an apology for his cruel words and abominable behavior. But he couldn’t face her. Not yet. And definitely not alone. Not until he had a better grip on his emotions and wouldn’t fall prey to those pleading violet eyes of hers.
Besides, he had a far more pressing matter at hand. Somehow they had to stop the pirates from removing the gold and releasing the fourth beast. If they didn’t, James feared all would be lost.
The moon floated atop the horizon, draping glittering silver over the sea. Her stomach a torrent of angst, Angeline had skipped supper and gone for a walk, in desperate need of some time alone—to think, to mourn, to pray. She’d hugged Eliza and Magnolia, laughing and crying for what seemed like hours before Blake and Hayden demanded their wives back. At least some good fortune had finally shone upon the colonists. Some sign that God had not forgotten them—that perhaps this whole nightmare would come to an end. Another sign was that the pirates had lessened their sentries around camp. No doubt they no longer cared if the colonists escaped to Rio, for by the time any of them made it, the pirates would have gathered their gold and sailed away. Which also meant that perhaps they didn’t intend to murder them before they left.
Stowy nestled deeper against her chest. Running fingers through his soft fur, she thanked God for the stray cat who’d wandered into her life aboard the New Hope. Even back then, God had known she would need a comforting companion. Lifting her skirts, she dipped her toe in the bubbling foam of a wave, smiling when it tickled her skin. Wind pulled hair from her pins and tossed it behind her, and she drew a deep breath, filling her lungs with the salty, fresh smell. She’d grown to love Brazil, its creamy-sanded shores, emerald waters, verdant, steamy jungles, and high, lofty mountains. There was a wildness, a purity, that lured her heart away from the pretension and conventions of society. She could be happy here.
If only James would love her.
And if they could conquer these beasts.
But neither of those things was likely. Hence the reason for her walk. If they didn’t find a way to restrain the fallen angelic monsters, things would get worse—far worse, according to James. If they did defeat them by the grace and wisdom of God, James would still not love her. And she couldn’t live with that. At least not side by side with him in the same town, eating meals together, seeing him every day.
Either way, she would have to leave this beautiful place. Go back to a land where she was wanted for murder and had no way to support herself. But this time, God would be with her, though she supposed He’d always been. But this time, she would call upon Him, rely on Him, trust Him.
A shadow emerged from the sea like a mermaid coming ashore. Water dripped off his hat and coat as he headed toward her. The visions no longer startled her. In fact, whirling around, she hurried in the opposite direction, ignoring the man she recognized from her past, ignoring the lurid suggestions bubbling from his lips like the foam atop the waves. Laughter bellowed from down shore where a flickering fire and a bawdy ruckus told her the pirates were already deep in their cups celebrating their impending wealth.
The colonists still circled their own fire, partaking of their meager meal of roasted fish, coconuts, and mango mandioca pudding. Off to the side, James sat on a rock. Hayden held a lantern while he finished interpreting the book. As if that would do any good. Angeline quickly chastised herself for her lack of faith. She’d felt the love and power of God the past few days, she truly had. But she couldn’t imagine what He expected any of them to do against such evil.
Oh, Lord, protect us all. Protect James.
“Come now, Angel, make ole Neal happy like you used to.” Still dripping from the sea, the heinous man leapt in front of her.
Ignoring him, Angeline walked the other way. She wasn’t ready to join the others. In fact, she must—no, she desperately needed to—put as much distance between her and James for the remainder of her time in Brazil.
Another shadow leapt out at her.
Not bothering to lift her gaze, she brushed past it. Sweet saints, was she to have no peace at all tonight?
“Now, that ain’t very friendly.” The voice halted her.
Dodd. She slowly turned to see his predatory smile gleaming in the moonlight. “I thought you were a vision.” She lowered her shoulders. “But now I see you are only a nightmare.”
“Ah…” He laid his hat over his chest. “The lady pains me greatly.”
Stowy perked and stared at the man. “What is it you want?” She continued walking.
“Did you miss me while I was unconscious?” He slid beside her.
“No.”
“Yet, I distinctly remember you caring for me, sitting by my side and washing my face.” He caressed his own cheek and moaned in delight. “I can still feel your loving touch.”
Angeline longed to slap the moan from his lips. “I suppose I might have.” In fact, she could only remember one time she’d done so, and that was when she and Hayden had spoken about…she snapped her gaze back to Dodd’s.
He grinned. “I see you remember.” Jumping in front of her, he faced her and walked backward as she proceeded, skimming her with lurid eyes.
Swinging hair over her shoulder, Angeline stiffened her jaw. “What do you want?”
“It’s simple, really. You see, I’m about to be a very wealthy man. Much wealthier than the good doctor.”
“I care not for your financial standing.” Stopping before she bumped into him, she stared out to sea, wishing more than anything for the kraken to emerge from the foamy waters and drag her down to the depths.
He grabbed her arm. “Hmm. I don’t think you do. In fact, you’re becoming quite the bore, Angeline. Playing the righteous prude does not become you.” He released her and slid fingers up to her neck. “I much preferred the harlot.”
Stowy hissed at him.
Frowning, he backed away.
Angeline lifted her chin. “The harlot is gone, sir. I am a new creature. I have been cleansed and forgiven by God.”
His shoulders shook as laughter barreled from his mouth. “Well, I’ll tell you what, then, Clarissa. Just for old times’ sake and since I like you, I really do, I’ll not tell a soul that you are a murderer as well as a prostitute if you give me just one night. Just one night with dear old Dodd. Is that too much to ask for?”
She felt Stowy tense in her arms, nails springing from his paws. Perhaps she should release him and allow him to gouge Dodd’s eyes out. But that wouldn’t be pleasing to God. “Are you so desperate and so pathetic a man that you have to threaten to ruin a woman’s life for one night’s pleasure?”
“Desperate, aye,” he said. “Pathetic…well, why don’t you let me show you just how pathetic I am?”
Angeline was suddenly glad she had skipped supper. “I wouldn’t spend the night with you if you could make me queen of England.”
Dodd’s face fell. His eyes narrowed and the lines at the corners of his mouth became spears.
“You are too late, Dodd. James already knows.” She wouldn’t tell him just what he knew. “So you have no power over me.”
“Whether that is true or not, you forget one thing, my dear.” He slid fingers down his thick sideburns. “I am a lawman, bound by duty to bring murderers to justice. And if you don’t give me what I want, that’s just what I inten
d to do, bring you home and make you stand trial for murder.”
C
HAPTER 34
Thank you all for meeting this late.” James circled the fire and tossed another log into the flames. Sparks leapt into the air, disappearing into the darkness where the moon seemed to absorb them in its advance across the sky. Snores rumbled over the thunder of waves from both pirate and colonist alike, ensuring James all but the six of them were asleep. For what he had to say was not for prying ears. Nor for the faint of heart.
“We have no choice.” Blake’s tone grew solemn. “We must do something.”
Hayden led Magnolia to sit on a log. “Are you sure about this fourth beast?” He scratched the stubble on his chin. “I haven’t seen many visions lately. None, in fact, last week.”
“I have.” Holding his side, Blake eased to sit beside his wife. “And my nightmares have increased.”
Eliza glanced at Magnolia. “We saw many visions while on board the Espoliar. Aside from the rats, they were our constant companions.”
Magnolia squeezed her husband’s hand. “If Eliza hadn’t been there, I would have gone mad.”
“If we hadn’t been together, we both would have,” Eliza said.
“And you, James?” Blake asked. “Have you been spared these torturous apparitions now that your fear of blood is gone?”
James stared into the fire, wishing to God that were true, but lately he’d been seeing his father everywhere…chopping wood in the distance, walking down shore, dashing through the jungle. But every time James rushed to confront him, he disappeared. If only he could speak to him, tell him how sorry he was. Just once. “It was God who took my fear from me, and no, I have not been spared.”
All eyes turned to Angeline as she lowered to a stump and adjusted her skirts around her feet. “I’ve seen many,” she finally said. “Too many.”
James scrubbed his face, battling the irresistible pull to look at her, not wanting to see the pain on her face that he heard in her voice, not wanting to see the sorrow and anger in her eyes every time she looked his way.
Abandoned Memories Page 28
