Stowaways

by Lily Harlem

  “Better than being stuck in here,” Harry said.

  “Ah, you might find this is your new vocation, Vidal.” Evan winked at Olivia.

  “What?” Harry frowned.

  “Being a nanny.” Evan laughed and headed to the door. “See you later, Mary Poppins.”

  Harry tutted. “Sometimes, that guy, I could…”

  Olivia laughed. “I know you could.”

  Harry rolled his eyes but grinned. “I guess I’ll see you later, too.”

  “Yes, but carry on with the schooling. You’re doing great, and I’m sure they appreciate it.”

  “Yes, can we do more alphabet?” Banna asked.

  “Sure,” Harry said. “But different today, a game called I Spy.”

  Olivia laughed. “I’ll leave you to it.”

  Olivia pottered around the engine room for the morning. Then after a ham salad for lunch, spent the afternoon fixing a winch and pulley which had gotten stuck.

  By the time she’d finished, the sun was slipping to the west. Picking up her tools, she headed back through the maze of containers.

  After a few minutes she paused.

  Children’s voices filtered toward her.

  She glanced up at the bridge. The dark windows gave nothing away.

  Following the sound, she took a right then a left. The giggles grew louder.

  Eventually, she reached the stern and set down her toolbox.

  The three children were running back and forth on an empty strip of deck. Evan and Mason stood on one side, Raul on the other. A red ball was being rolled around, and it seemed the object was not to let it hit legs.

  Banna grinned and twirled, the ball narrowly missing her. Raul grabbed it, sent it back to Evan so that Darius had to jump into the air to avoid it. He let out a peal of laughter and flung his arms up.

  Amal was next in line, and despite Harry rolling the ball gently, he didn’t avoid it. Instead he gave it a kick, sending it precariously near the railings.

  “Oh no,” Raul called, rushing for it.

  Olivia shook her head. What had happened to staying quiet and hidden? She hoped they were being brave because they knew Victor was drunk-sleeping somewhere.

  Raul lobbed the ball over the children’s heads to Evan. They all looked up as it soared by. Darius leaped for it but didn’t stand a chance.

  The game continued, the ball a blur as it shot left and right over the deck. The children were having a great time. It seemed Olivia’s husbands were, too.

  Evan spotted her. “Hey. Wanna play?”

  “Sure.” She scooted over to Raul.

  Within seconds she had the ball. Amal rushed for it, and she let him give it a good kick in Mason’s direction.

  Mason caught it on his foot, then flicked it upward, bouncing it on his knees over and over.

  “Wow.” Darius stood stock-still. “Look what he can do.”

  “I’ll teach you one day,” Mason said, tapping the ball higher then catching it. “But for now you have to not let it hit you…ready?”

  “Yes.” Darius jigged on the spot, unsure of which way to go to avoid it.

  As Mason shot it over the deck, Darius let out a happy squeal, and his long thin legs parted to allow it to go through the middle.

  Raul caught it and passed it Olivia.

  “Banna, it’s coming your way,” Olivia called, bending over and taking aim.

  Banna laughed and again twirled, the way a ballerina might. For a moment Olivia paused, appreciating how beautiful she was. With a bright smile, glowing skin, and her new clothes, she was a stunning child, all the more so because today she looked like a child, and not a tatty orphan struggling to survive.

  She sent the ball Banna’s way. Not hard, easy enough for her to dance around and avoid.

  But then the atmosphere changed. Olivia was aware of the chill before she even saw him. A flash of anger went through her. Why had they taken such a risk?

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Victor’s shadow loomed from between two containers. His big bulk was unmistakable.

  Olivia froze.

  Banna also stilled and then turned to where Olivia was staring.

  “What is it?” Raul asked, scooping up the ball.

  But he hadn’t needed to ask. Victor was there. His cheeks were red, his messy gray hair and beard catching in the wind, and the buttons on his black shirt strained over his torso. “Que diable?”

  “Shit,” Evan said, holding out his hand to Amal who was nearest to him. “Come here, mate.”

  Amal rushed to him. Darius did the same to Mason and again appeared to climb up his leg and into his arms.

  Victor staggered onto the open area of deck. It was clear he was drunk, but that didn’t make him any less dangerous. Perhaps it made him more so. “What are these children doing here?” His beard twitched, and he clenched his fists.

  “We found them, Captain,” Olivia said. “Hiding.”

  “Stowaways, on my boat,” he boomed and turned in a circle as if hunting for more. “And you didn’t tell me.”

  Olivia swallowed. Fury was coming off him in waves. Stepping back, she glanced to the right. Movement had caught her attention.

  Lucas.

  Oh, God. If he sees him and Mason together…

  But Lucas didn’t appear to care about that, and kept on walking into the open.

  Victor spotted him instantly. He spun to Mason, then back to Lucas. “You! You’re here.” He pointed at Lucas. “I told you not to… I don’t need you. Or is it him…” His voice rose with each word. “Both of you will have to go. You have been making a fool of me. And the children have made a fool of me, too.”

  “With all due respect,” Olivia said, holding out her hands. “Where can they go? We’re in the middle of the ocean, miles from land.”

  “Overboard!” He jabbed his finger at the stern. “The sea can have them, all of them, kids and you!” He stepped closer to Lucas. “You weren’t given permission to board.” He paused. “Or at least I’m guessing it’s you.”

  Lucas raised his chin and widened his stance.

  Olivia had seen that action before. He was ready for anything. But that didn’t stop a knot of fear winding up in her belly. “Don’t be ridiculous, Captain, no one is going overboard,” she said.

  “You. I should throw you over as well, you little tart. You’re playing away behind your husband’s back. Do you know that, huh?” He gestured to Raul. “Your wife is making a fool of me and you. Having these children here and getting it on with him and him.” He pointed at Lucas and Evan. “Or is it him?” He frowned at Mason. “Maybe all of them. That is the way of English women.”

  “Raul knows about my relationship with all of these men,” Olivia said, slamming her hands onto her hips. She’d had enough of Victor’s judgement. “So you can’t tell him anything. And as for these children…they’re orphans, trying to find the last member of their family, and a little kindness and understanding from you wouldn’t go amiss.”

  “Kindness, understanding. What the hell do you think I’m doing letting you on board here to work? That’s me being kind, no other captain would let strangers onto their ship.”

  “You need us,” she replied. “You have no one to help you. And when you want to sit around drinking all day, you rely on help, expert help. That is the only reason you allowed us on Joan D’Arc.”

  “Why, you little…” He loomed over her and raised his hand as if to slap her face.

  “Don’t even think about it.” Harry was behind him.

  Victor froze, and his eyes widened. He jolted to the right as Harry shoved at him.

  It was then Olivia saw Harry was holding his gun, and it was pointed at Victor. It was what he’d used to shove him.

  “Harry,” she gasped. “What are you doing?” Now he’d exposed himself to Victor, too. And there was the small matter of holding a man at gun point.

  “I won’t have this man talking of throwing children overboard or raising his hand to m
y wife.” Harry glared at Victor.

  “Who are you? Your wife?” Victor eyed the gun, then shook his head. “Listen, I don’t know what you’re all up to, who is fucking who, but let’s put the gun away and talk about this, oui.”

  “We’re more than happy to talk, and come to some arrangement,” Harry said. “But can you do it sensibly? Seems to me alcohol is fuddling your brain.”

  “Oui, I can talk sensibly.” Victor held up his palms, and his gaze landed on Harry’s face. “But you…I’ve seen you before.”

  “Sure, on the portside at Cape Town.”

  “And I told you I didn’t want you on my ship, and now you want to start a mutiny. You are playing a dangerous game with me.”

  “No, mutiny is not what I want,” Harry said, appearing perfectly at ease pointing a gun at another human being. “What I want is for you to agree to safe passage for everyone on this ship.”

  “Who else is on this ship?”

  Harry glanced around. “As far as I know, this is it.”

  “Put the gun away,” Victor said.

  Harry didn’t move.

  Victor tutted then squinted at Harry. “But I do know you, I’ve seen you on TV, or in the papers. Oui, oui, I know…” He waggled his finger in the air. “Your father is a very rich, very influential man. Dante Vidal, I am right, I know I am.”

  Harry kind of sighed. “Yes, that’s right.”

  “So you can pay for your passage, your tickets. You have plenty of money.”

  “If that’s how you want to play this out.”

  “Hey, I am not a rich man like your father. This is my life, my work, this ship, you can see it is in need of much maintenance.”

  “That’s true,” Olivia muttered.

  “So how much do you want? For me and him,” Harry gestured to Lucas with a nod, “and the kids.”

  “Five of you, that will be ten thousand euros.” Victor tilted his chin.

  “Ten thousand?” Harry raised his eyebrows. “That’s steep when you’re going that way anyway, but I’ll agree to it on one condition.”

  “What is that?” Victor asked.

  “You drop us off in Barcelona.”

  “That will cost more, it is not my usual route.”

  “I’ll pay the port tax,” Harry said.

  “And it’s hardly a big detour,” Evan said, stepping up beside Harry and resting a hand on his shoulder. “Put the gun away, mate, we don’t need it.”

  “No, you don’t need that.” Victor frowned at the weapon. “And I will be in trouble with port authorities, in France, if it is found.”

  “We won’t be with you in France.” Harry slipped the gun into its holster. “How much extra do you want for the drop off? To cover tax and docking expenses.”

  “It will be fifteen thousand in total.”

  “Done.” Harry shrugged and held out his hand. “Deal.”

  Victor frowned and studied Harry’s watch. “Maybe I’ve asked too little. You are a super rich man.”

  “You are in no position to argue, nor would it be right to when that’s very generous compensation for your trouble,” Evan said. “We’re on your boat, like it or not, but we’re willing to pay.” He paused. “And remember, there are five of us men and only one of you.”

  Victor’s scowl deepened.

  “And that’s before I tell you,” Evan went on, “the twins are black belts, Harry can actually shoot that thing, and well…” Evan shifted his t-shirt, exposing his knife. “And you want to eat, don’t you? Is there any benefit in upsetting one of the best chefs on the planet?”

  Victor tore his attention from the knife to Raul. “Merde.” He then held out his hand to Harry. “You have a deal, but I do not want trouble with these children. Seen and not heard, and when we get to Spain, you are responsible for them and their paperwork.”

  “I can organize that,” Harry said, shaking Victor’s hand. “If you’ll allow me to use the radio and make some arrangements.”

  “Oui, you can do that.” Victor tugged at his beard and threw a glance around the group. “But I mean it, keep the noise low, and you, who are not paying me, you work, every day.”

  “Yes, Captain.” Olivia nodded. A sense of relief went through her. It was all out in the open now. No more sneaking around. And the kids and Harry could get as much fresh air as they wanted. It didn’t always suit them to let Harry solve problems with money, but on this occasion it had.

  “Now you, get to the bridge.” He pointed at Mason. “Or you.” He swung to Lucas. “Whichever one of you is my damn navigation man.”

  Darius tightened his little arms around Mason’s neck.

  “Aye, Captain,” Lucas said. “I’m on my way.”

  Victor scowled. It was clear he couldn’t tell the twins apart. They’d done a good job at throwing him off their scent.

  “And I will make delicious dinner for everyone,” Raul said, throwing the ball into the air and catching it. “Full bellies make for happy crew.”

  “Oui, you do that.” Victor turned and stomped off, back the way he’d come between a stack of containers.

  “Bloody hell.” Olivia snagged a few strands of hair that were flicking over her cheek in the breeze.

  “You okay?” Harry said, squeezing her shoulder gently.

  “Yes. He gave me a fright that’s all and…”

  “What?”

  “I hate the gun, you know I do. And for the children to see it, too.”

  He dragged in a breath. “Yes, but he looked about to hit you. Lucas was close, but not as close as me.” He nodded at the railings. “And he was talking of throwing people over there, the kids included. He’s a drunk, and a dangerous one at that. He needed to know we can put up a fight.”

  “But what if he has a gun, too?” she asked. Just the thought of that was horrendous.

  “Let’s hope he hasn’t,” Harry said. “For everyone’s sake.” He put his arm around her and pulled her close. “But we’re all here to look after you and each other, so try not to worry.”

  “It’s more than us now, though.” She glanced at Banna.

  “And we will protect our little charges, too, I promise.”

  “I know you will. All of you.”

  Evan stepped in close. “It will be better now. Victor has the promise of cash, and he knows Harry is good for it. And the children we can look after properly.” He kissed her cheek.

  Olivia felt a tug on her t-shirt. She glanced to her right.

  Banna stood there, a slight frown creasing her otherwise smooth forehead.

  “Hey,” Olivia said with a smile.

  “Olivia.” Banna nibbled her bottom lip. “Can I ask you a question?”

  “Of course.”

  “Who is your husband?” She pointed at Mason. “I thought it was him, but now…” She looked up at Harry then switched her attention to Evan.

  “The thing is, Banna.” Olivia cupped her cheek and took a deep breath. “I love Mason, Harry, and Evan. Lucas and Raul, too.”

  “You do?”

  “Yes. They’re all my husbands. Can you understand that?”

  She was quiet then, “Yes. Where I am from men take many wives, so I understand that.”

  “Good.” Olivia felt another load of relief lift from her. “I wouldn’t want you to be confused by it, the way Victor is.”

  “Victor is a man who only understands himself,” Banna said.

  “Wise words, Banna.” Evan nodded.

  “I understand family and love and looking after each other,” she said. “It is why I must look after my brothers and why I must find my aunt in England. They are all I have, and I am all they have.”

  “You have us now,” Harry said. “We’ll make sure you get to your family and that you’re okay.”

  “Thank you, Harry.” She grinned suddenly, flashing her neat teeth. “Can we play the ball game again?”

  “Si, let’s play,” Raul said. “Ten minutes before I have to go to galley and cook.”

&nb
sp; Darius let out a delighted squeal and wriggled from Mason’s arms.

  Within seconds, the game had started up again. It was loud and fast, and Olivia soon found herself giggling as much as the children and her men were.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  The next six days passed without incident.

  Victor mellowed the moment Harry went onto the radio and made contact with Riley. Knowing the money had been wired into his bank account made him a much easier person to be around.

  Harry had also arranged to meet Riley in Barcelona, along with an official to take charge of the children and accompany them to England. This made Olivia feel much better. She’d grown fonder of the kids every day, and had taken to telling them bedtime stories which went on for well over an hour each evening.

  Now, as they motored past the east coast of Spain, in glorious sunshine, they were all on the bridge.

  As usual, Darius was glued to Mason’s side. The little boy hated to be parted from him, and right now he was tracing Mason’s tattoo with his fingertip as Mason checked the navigation system. He seemed particularly fascinated by the inked lion, Olivia had noticed, and often stroked over it. Perhaps it reminded him of home.

  Harry and Evan sat together in the corner, each wearing shorts and t-shirts. Evan had his feet up on a table, his ankles crossed. The hairs on his leg were so blond they shone golden. Harry had on his shades, and a cap was pulled low on his brow. Once again, his thick dark stubble had become almost a beard.

  Lucas was at the helm, Amal at his side. The little boy had been allowed to keep his hand on a shiny black lever, and believed he was steering the huge ship. The look of concentration on his face was comical.

  “We will soon be there,” Victor said from the opposite corner where he was sitting holding his hip flask. “Another hour or so.”

  “And the harbor pilot will see us in?” Olivia asked.

  “Oui, that is what happens in Barcelona.” Victor nodded and slipped his flask into the pocket of his creased white linen shirt. “Hey, kid,” he directed at Banna. “You packed your stuff?”

  Banna looked over at Evan.

  “Yeah, you can take the clothes we gave you,” he said.