Other Oceans

by Andrea Jones

  Captain Cecco wore a leather vest and boots, striped silk breeches, and a smug smile. With his rise in rank, he had donned his gypsy regalia. Circling his throat was a layered necklace, heavy with linking coins and dangling medallions. Around his head he had tied a fine crimson kerchief, and crowned it with a headdress of similar medallions. It was a crucial moment, and in his men’s eyes he appeared as splendid as ever Captain Hook had appeared. While they gazed, the golden band on his biceps glinted in the morning light as he turned away and reached out his arm.

  Another arm joined with his. A delicate arm wearing bracelets. The lady’s bare feet stepped over the wreckage of the door, her golden taffeta rustled with a flash of petticoat, and then her glorious blue eyes raised up to greet the company. Captain and lady processed along the companionway, linked in unmistakable accord. She bore her usual weapons, her mother-of-pearl-handled pistol and a jeweled dagger, but on her arms that used to beg for bracelets, Red-Handed Jill now sported four thick and golden ovals. Two bright chains graced her neck, and embracing her upper arm, just below the puffed sleeve of her shoulder, gleamed the companion to Cecco’s shining armband, molded by his own hand to fit her. The highest hopes of the crowd were satisfied; the suspense dissipated.

  Of all the finery the lady wore, the most important, the one most lauded by whistles and calls from her approving crewmen, was her smile. Clearly, Captain Cecco had won the respect of their queen, and earned, in full, the confidence they placed in him. She inclined her head to the men and, with an affectionate stroke, relinquished Cecco’s arm. Stepping back a pace, she turned her eyes toward their captain, waiting as expectantly as the rest for his first command.

  He squared his shoulders, and his compact, muscular body seemed easily to accommodate the weight of a captain’s burden. “Well, men. I trust we all enjoyed the revelry last night.” The crowd assented with a hearty chorus of ayes. Captain Cecco’s even teeth showed as he smiled. “Now the hold is empty, and treasure awaits us. It is time to get back to work— and make it ours!”

  The sounds of approval issued from the throats of his men and from beneath their stamping feet. Jill’s heart beat with them, in glad relief. Tom clapped and hollered as readily as the rest, and Nibs was stoic as, watching Jill’s face closely, he brought his reluctant hands together, too. Only Mr. Smee remained silent, his arms full of tools, his eyes studying the lady.

  But the rumbling of the boards under the sailors’ feet disturbed the surgeon in his lair, who started up from his books and seized his medicine bottle on the way to the upper bunk. Chains rattled with a violence as a prisoner jolted to consciousness, too startled this time to control himself. And although his outraged shouts for assistance were drowned by the jubilation on the deck above him, from her perch within the hatch the gray-eyed girl heard his frustration before her father’s ether cut it short.

  The company’s exuberance echoed off the waters and rolled away until, a league to northeast, the scout in L’Ormonde’s nest swung his spyglass toward the Roger, where he could make out nothing clearly on the gilded pirate ship as she sailed except the black flag being hoisted aloft to fly proudly in the breezes.

  Jolly Roger had been down, but now he was up and grinning above his crossed swords, ready for anything.

  Chapter 19

  A Comparable Captain

  “Mr. Smee.” Jill paused at the door to her quarters and stole a quick look behind her. She and the captain had enjoyed a late breakfast among their cheerful crewmen, and now Cecco was making the rounds of the ship. There wasn’t much time.

  Smee managed a curt nod, then continued with his work. “Lady.” The place smelled pleasantly of newly shaved wood, and curling pieces lay around the bo’sun’s feet. Smee had restored the door to usefulness, and now it rested once again on its hinges. Avoiding the lady’s eyes, he checked for splinters, running his fingers over the fresh wood. He left the door open.

  Jill’s voice matched her urgency. “I can’t talk with you long. Keeping some distance from you is part of my accord with…the captain.”

  “You needn’t worry. I won’t be staying.”

  She ignored the impulse to lay her hand on the bo’sun, to restrain him. “No, Mr. Smee, you misunderstand. I asked you to fix the door so that I could have a moment to explain—”

  “Asked? I’d not be saying you asked me, Lady. Commanded, more like.”

  “Yes, I’m sorry. Anything less wouldn’t do. I had to earn Cecco’s confidence.”

  “As if you hadn’t earned more than his confidence by then!”

  Jill looked down. “Mr. Smee. I’m doing all I can to preserve the ship.” She raised her gaze to his, pursuing him when he moved away. “For Hook.”

  “I’m glad you’re remembering him, anyway.”

  “Remembering isn’t the hard part. It’s going on without him.”

  Smee’s gaze wandered out the door, and his chest heaved with his sigh. “Aye. And wondering how he’s getting on without us.”

  “Yes, exactly.” Her shoulders relaxed as he seemed to sympathize, but when he eyed her jewelry, she stiffened.

  “And you’re getting on, finally collecting the treasure you wanted.”

  “I’d gladly give it back—”

  “You don’t have to be saying it.” He gathered his tools.

  “I understand, Mr. Smee. His disappearance has hit you as hard as it hit me. But we don’t have time to disagree; because you and I have been so close, the men will be watching us. Listen to me, before you have to go.”

  “Is that a command, too?”

  She paused, considering how best to answer, then drew herself up. “If it has to be.”

  At last he faced her squarely. “All right, Ma’am. What is it you’re wanting to tell me?”

  Now that she had the opportunity, Jill couldn’t think what to say to the man. The speech she had rehearsed escaped her as she stared into the familiar eyes behind his spectacles, perceiving the residue of old distrust, and learning that it lacked his former affection. If she had hoped to find comfort here, she now realized it might be a long time coming. She took what solace she could in the fact that Smee was, at least, listening to her. “Please. You have to keep searching the ship. There must be somewhere we haven’t looked. That’s your job. Mine is to support Captain Cecco so that as little as possible will have changed when Hook returns to us.”

  His eyebrows shot upward. “Little? From what I witnessed last night, I’d say everything’s changed!”

  “What hasn’t changed is that I am devoted to Hook, and following his orders.”

  “As unpleasant as they may be!”

  “No matter what the circumstances. And as unpleasant as it may be, Mr. Smee, you have to respect the new captain. For Hook’s sake, and for your own.”

  “Did the gypsy tell you to threaten me?”

  “Of course not. But you’ll do no one any good in the brig. You must retain your position as bo’sun. That’s simply common sense, and I say it because you have to hear it.”

  “Well, I’ve heard it.”

  “Smee, you believe I’ve betrayed the captain. But did you feel betrayed when your Lily opened her home to my twins?”

  “Lily was doing the right thing by everyone, and I’m that glad your sons are there to take care of her while I’m gone.”

  “Don’t you think Hook feels the same about me?”

  Smee’s face flushed. “He might…if he thought it was me taking care of you.”

  “We both did what we thought was right.”

  “And I have to be wondering, Ma’am, exactly what you’re thinking will be the right thing to do with your new consort…once James Hook comes back to claim the Roger?”

  Her hand hurried to her necklaces. Smee could see in her frightened face that she didn’t want to contemplate Cecco’s chances. That gypsy had already wormed his way into her heart! Smee’s anger made him brutal.

  “Never mind, Lady. We both know what’ll happen. Someone will end sk
ewered on a sword. If Captain Hook comes back.”

  Her eyes flamed. “Don’t ever doubt it!” Then her gaze fell to the tool in his hand. As she realized what he held in the other, anguish twisted her face. She backed away. Smee smiled ironically and held it up for her to see. It flashed, one last time, in the morning sun pouring through the doorway. He read it for her.

  “‘Capt. Jas. Hook.’”

  Jill whirled to face the door. Even needing a coat of paint it was, as always, the majestic entrance to a master’s quarters. But it was only that and nothing more; Hook was gone. The hollow inside her heart broke open. She faltered, and staggered back a step.

  Seeing the sincerity of the lady’s distress, Smee felt the bitterness in his soul budge just a little. He remembered how alone the captain was before he found this woman, and how determinedly Hook worked to win her. How the simple act of desiring her had called forth a mercy for her and her sons that the ruthless man hadn’t shown in years. Except for the threatening tears, Jill’s eyes still matched the captain’s to perfection, and however the struggle ended, Smee had seen her fight with all her strength to hold on to Hook’s power.

  From the first night of his service to Hook, Smee rooted his faith in the captain’s judgment. Hook had interested himself in the feisty Irishman, kept him out of trouble and given him a position of trust. Smee had never known James Hook to misplace his confidence. Hook had been right to trust that young sailor; he had to be right in trusting Jill, too.

  Smee relented. And as he did, he felt the relief of sharing his pain. Pain that confirmed the fact that, even in the captain’s absence, Hook’s two closest companions were linked. As Smee’s gaze gentled to really see Jill, her beauty hit him like a sledge. The old urge to hold her returned in force, along with his protective instincts. His thoughts turned again to the lady’s needs. Comforting as it might be for her— for both of them— Smee wouldn’t touch her. Cecco would tolerate no more interference from the bo’sun who had so publicly objected to Jill’s choice. Smee knew the chain of trouble even being seen with her would set in motion. Instead of wrapping his arms around her, he spoke softly and nodded his understanding.

  “I’ll do what you ask, Lady. For the sake of James Hook, I’ll serve the new captain as well as I may. And I’ll keep away from you. But if you’re ever needing me, how will I know it?”

  In grateful relief, Jill sighed. It was good to feel Smee’s support sustaining her once more. “I will always need you, Mr. Smee. Just as the captain does. But you will know I’m in trouble… when I wear Hook’s ruby necklace.”

  “Hook’s necklace?”

  “Aye, Smee. If I can only have him back, he can keep his treasure. I’ll never want to wear another jewel.”

  “He’d say that you’re his treasure, Ma’am.” The tears in her eyes made her harder to resist. Smee pressed his arms to his sides. “If I see the rubies, I’ll find a way to talk with you. I’d best be going now.”

  His eyes touched her. Restraining the urge to reach out to him, she smiled in return. It was the best they could do.

  While Smee packed up his tools, Liza, wearing a knowing smile, materialized from nowhere to sweep up after him. When Smee left a few moments later, the brass plate nestled in his box, the lady worked at her escritoire across the room, and Captain Cecco was striding toward his quarters. Cecco halted on the companionway to await the bo’sun’s greeting. The men of the ship were on guard for this encounter, and many sailors watched from the deck and the rigging.

  Smee stopped. With his box slung at his side, he raised his eyes to Cecco’s. He awarded him a brief nod. “Cap’n.” Aware of the watchers, Smee waited to be dismissed. It hurt his pride, but he’d done worse work for Hook.

  As was his habit in earlier days, Cecco read the look on the Irishman’s face as the man left the master’s cabin. Cecco smiled to himself, confident that his new mistress had put his bo’sun in his place. From now on, business could be conducted in civility. Jill was adept in the ways of leadership; she had handled Mr. Smee. Cecco returned Smee’s greeting, and the two men passed.

  Cecco was adept, too. He had known Jill also needed that moment with Smee to settle herself. And now she needed Cecco. Her devoted captain would have recognized her need even if she hadn’t risen immediately upon his entrance, or her arms decked in his gold hadn’t stretched toward him, nor her beautiful eyes begged for his comfort.

  He shunted Liza out, noting the absence of Hook’s plaque as he did so. Shutting the door, he tried it to be sure the bo’sun had properly performed the job, and then he turned to his woman. His voice was tender.

  “Bellezza. Your captain is here.” He accepted her crimson hand and guided her to the window seat, and as they sat there, the sunshine of their first day together soaked into their backs.

  When she was sure his arms wouldn’t abandon her, she asked, “Sir, may I tell you a lie?”

  “Certainly. As I myself know, if one wishes to tell the truth, nothing is so useful as a lie.”

  Hesitant, she smiled, then the words burst out with a sigh. “I wish with all my heart that you were still my sailor!”

  Cecco laughed. “You, lovely storyteller, are too truthful to lie successfully. I will say it for you. You wish that you could remain faithful to each of the men you love.”

  As her lips parted in surprise, he kissed them, and he collected the fervent surge of her gratitude. As he had boasted, Captain Cecco was a man who understood women. His understanding served him well.

  She returned his embrace. Sometimes she kissed him; sometimes she kissed Hook. And sometimes…

  § § §

  “Mr. Smee.” Captain Cecco’s medallions stirred as he cocked his head. “You have a concern to mention?”

  Smee watched as the afternoon sunlight bounced off the sea to swirl on the ceiling. He stood before the desk, his hands clasped behind his waist. Next to him were Mr. Mullins and Mr. Starkey, who had accepted chairs. Mr. Yulunga stood at the side of the desk, at the captain’s left. Jill sat enthroned on Cecco’s right, opposite Mr. Smee.

  The bo’sun pulled his gaze from the ceiling to focus on the captain. “I’m agreeing with all you’ve said, Sir. I only have one question— about the post of ship’s surgeon.”

  “Ah, yes. Doctor Hanover. The lady has informed me of Captain Hook’s plans regarding him. Like our former commander, I find the ‘gentleman’ to be untrustworthy. Be that as it may, the surgeon is of value to me. I intend to make him a member of ship’s company this afternoon.”

  All the officers registered surprise. Only Smee voiced it. He cleared his throat first.

  “You mean to be saying, Sir, that you know his intentions toward the lady, and you’ll be letting him live?”

  “I have found it rewarding to keep my enemies close. But it is the lady who asked me to spare him.” Cecco turned to her. “Jill has my full permission to end his life at whatever time and in whatever manner she sees fit.”

  “Thank you, Captain.” Jill’s crimson hand fingered her dagger. Her smile was colder than any of these men had ever seen it. Even so, Smee had to fight the instinct to protest on the grounds of her safety. He knew he’d have to trust her judgment, and watch for the rubies.

  But it seemed the new captain was ahead of him, and equally concerned for Jill’s welfare. “On Captain Hook’s orders, the lady led Hanover to believe she would leave the ship with him and become his wife. On my orders, Mr. Yulunga informed him otherwise. Ever since I assumed the captaincy, Hanover has known that the lady deceived him. If he signs the ship’s articles, he will remain at liberty.”

  Smee stepped closer to the desk. “But Captain, we know from the lady’s conversations with Hanover that his pledge means nothing!”

  “This is the reason I want you all to be on guard for treachery. Until he shows himself to be dangerous, we will use him to our advantage.”

  Jill didn’t question the wisdom of allowing Hanover to sign on. Instead, her prompting worked more subtly. “
Sir, what of his partner, Captain LeCorbeau?”

  “Another reason not to alienate our surgeon. As long as Hanover is nominally free and in good health, LeCorbeau is at my mercy. The Frenchman cannot reap enough plunder by simply following the Roger. No doubt he anxiously awaits the moment he can take Hanover aboard L’Ormonde to resume their very lucrative trade in the doctor’s love potion.”

  “But how does this delay benefit us?” asked Jill. “If you intend for the surgeon to purchase his freedom, why not offer it now?”

  “My lovely one, I have a larger prize in mind.” Cecco turned to face his men. “It will be highly profitable for us when, in the end, LeCorbeau gives up and in desperation agrees to pay— not only the ransom I will demand for the surgeon’s return, but a continuing tribute from their future earnings.”

  As Cecco cast his gaze from officer to officer, his sly smile spread. He watched the gratification grow in each set of eyes. Clearly, he had impressed them with his canny plan. Even Mr. Smee looked upon him with admiration.

  “Captain!” Jill’s face lit up with a reverent warmth that increased as she anticipated the riches Cecco would haul in at the conclusion of his scheme. “An admirable strategy.”

  “Aye!” said Mullins. But he speculated, “Still, it might have been easier to keep the man in check, Sir, had he not been advised of the lady’s deception.”

  Cecco shrugged. “This is unimportant, Mr. Mullins. I have made a study of the man. His pride alone will keep him in check. The surgeon’s obstinacy is such that he will continue to strive for the lady’s favor, and his arrogance will find a reason to believe she wishes to escape with him. But this way, Jill is relieved of his attentions, and authorized to defend herself if need be.”

  “And what exactly will the gentleman be told?” Yulunga asked. “He has found access to the lady before.”

  “But only with the lady’s encouragement.” Cecco’s dark eyes rolled toward Jill. His voice was smooth. “And of course, as agreed in our accord, there will be no more of this.”