Other Oceans

by Andrea Jones

  Jukes checked the horizon again before looking down to see Mr. Starkey steaming his way over the boards. He met up with Mr. Yulunga and lowered his head, seeming to confide some news. Jukes saw Starkey’s hand slide from his coat pocket to produce what appeared to be a letter. Yulunga held it up and examined it. But when he lowered it again, he was smiling. He dismissed Starkey, who departed, then he sent a look up the companionway. Tucking the letter in his breeches pocket, he settled back again to stare upon Miss Liza, who inched her way toward him with a pewter cup.

  She offered it to him. Yulunga shook his head and pointed at her. Lowering the cup, she took a half step back. But Yulunga moved to tower over her and she obeyed, raising the tankard to her lips. He nodded and she drank. Gesturing with his fingers, he urged her to drink more deeply. She paused to breathe— Jukes grinned to see the curve of her breasts rising and falling above her neckline— and then she lifted the flagon again. Yulunga’s smile was broad enough to show his teeth even at this distance. He snatched the cup from her lips. While she was still off balance, he caught her hips and squeezed her against his body, then he spoke into her ear and shoved her away.

  When she turned, she was chalky pale. She raised her hands suddenly to cover her mouth, and rushed to the hatch. Yulunga laughed, moved to starboard, and tossed the rest of the drink in the sea. Jukes didn’t see Miss Liza again that afternoon, but he saw Yulunga make short, repeated forays down the stairs.

  The sea continued clear and the sailors went about their business, but the door to the captain’s quarters remained shut tight until suppertime. Mr. Noodler surfaced from the galley with a covered tray that he delivered to Mr. Yulunga. The mate pulled the letter from his pocket and tucked it under a dish. Stepping up to the captain’s door, he bent his head and put his ear to it. After listening a few moments, he rapped and entered. Jukes was waiting to watch Yulunga reemerge when Mason’s head appeared over the rail of the crow’s nest. “Shift’s up, mate. Get some supper.”

  “I will. Any idea where we’re headed?”

  “The order was to sheer off from the Frenchies.”

  “Did you get a look at the lady?”

  “Who didn’t? Mr. Smee’s confined to quarters.”

  Jukes’ tattoos crinkled as he sniggered. “Aye, that Irishman. He’s a way with the women, and no mistake.”

  “I’d say it was a big mistake. He’d no business being in there with her.”

  “Ah, Alf, he was only following orders. Who can blame her for calling on Smee instead of the doctor?”

  “Aye. It’s as much as Hanover’s life’s worth to look at her. And anyone can see the lady’s not well.”

  “And about time, too.”

  “What?”

  “Come on man, you know the way of it. I’ll lay you a wager— she’s breeding.”

  Mason opened his mouth and blew a breath. “Well. I guess we’ll be spending some time on the Island, then.”

  “Aye, I’ve a hankering to get back there. And you can be sure the captain will prefer that those Indian women tend to her needs when her time comes. Meantime, we’ll tend to theirs!”

  “Trust you to mention those women, Bill, when they’re not in reach. Now keep your mouth shut and don’t remind me about females again until we’re sailing into the bay.”

  “I’ll do that.” Jukes grabbed the shrouds and hopped over the rail. “Keep an eye on the Frenchman, Alf. My money’s on Mr. Nibs.”

  § § §

  “Captain, you needn’t worry any longer. I am very hungry, but I feel fine.” Jill did feel fine, wrapped in Cecco’s concern as he draped her dressing gown around her. He had demonstrated his love for her all afternoon, easing her cravings, gratifying her demands until at last, she was able to lie at peace in his arms. They had risen as the sun set, to prepare for the evening.

  “When I saw the rubies at your throat, I went mad with worry. I thought I saw blood.”

  “Oh. Yes.” Jill touched the jewels, then raised her hands to remove the necklace. “I remember how I came to wear them. But not much else.”

  “Our fine physician ordered his daughter to serve his famous drug. With your tea.”

  “And you found me?” Listening closely for Cecco’s answer, she slid the rubies into her pocket. His eyes followed them.

  “Yes. I found you. In the arms of Mr. Smee.”

  Her fears confirmed, Jill tensed.

  “I know that you sent for him. Because you were unwell.”

  “Sir, I apologize—”

  “Mr. Yulunga saved his life. He assured me Mr. Smee acted properly. It was Smee who insisted I be called back from L’Ormonde.”

  “Then you won’t punish him?”

  “He is confined to his quarters. This way, the doctor will believe his ploy was successful. I am certain Hanover wished to stir the trouble between you and me. Most likely he desired to make an end of Smee as well.”

  “And he nearly succeeded.”

  “Yes. In several schemes. Had Mr. Yulunga watched me act on my impulse, the entire ship would have been in uproar.”

  “A clever attempt to eliminate Smee— and weaken your authority.”

  “The doctor remembers how close the men came to electing Smee captain. He knows my crew respect him.”

  “How fortunate that Mr. Yulunga intervened. And that you are wise enough to see beyond your passions.”

  “Nor are you foolish. I realize you would not seduce a man in my own bed.”

  Jill looked down. “No. Never.” She had seduced the man, in her story. On paper.

  Cecco touched her chin and raised it. “Lovely one. We have to trust one another now. We are bound.”

  “Yes, Captain. In more ways than one.”

  “It would appear that even ‘our’ Mr. Smee understands this.”

  “And so, at last, you will rid the Roger of Hanover?”

  “If he was not a member of ship’s company, he would now be a corpse.”

  Jill’s heart filled with relief, for the lives of one man she cherished, and one man she couldn’t afford to lose. Laying her hand on Cecco’s arm, she raised up on tiptoe to kiss him, another man she prized. Yulunga’s knock sounded, and the captain broke away to answer.

  “Enter.”

  “Cook sent up your dinner, Sir.” Yulunga closed the door behind him and moved to the dining table. He set down the tray and removed the cloth, releasing the aroma of a savory stew. He presented the parchment to the captain. “And Mr. Starkey has delivered a letter from L’Ormonde.”

  Cecco took it. “It is addressed to my lady. Sit down, lovely one.” He assisted Jill to her place at the table and seated himself next to her. The parchment lay where he tossed it, on the polished wood between them. Jill stared at it, reluctant to unsettle the serenity she had only just achieved. Cecco pushed it toward her. “Read it, my Jill. I know you are eager for news of your sons.”

  “Thank you, Sir.” She picked it up and unfolded it. Scanning the contents, she didn’t know whether to laugh or to cry. She managed to do neither. Cecco read over her shoulder.

  “So our spies are settling in to their duties. But they have found nothing. No evidence of our missing master.” Cecco’s hand stroked Jill’s knee, comforting. “Bellezza, I am sorry. It is even as I predicted.”

  Jill set the letter on the table, carefully, as if it might shatter at the least jarring, and nudged it as far away as she could reach. “Yes. It is unfortunate. But not unexpected.” Hungry as she was, she sat staring at her plate. Another faint, irrational hope was dying. Hope of Hook.

  “Eat now. You must regain your strength.”

  “As you say. Sir.”

  “And Mr. Yulunga, how did the afternoon pass?”

  “All in order, Sir. The Frenchman sails behind us. Neither the Hanovers nor Mr. Smee have left their quarters. But the men are talking.”

  Cecco looked up from his meal. “Yes?”

  “They are concerned for the lady, Sir. They all saw her. They all know Smee
tended to her.”

  “Then they know the truth.”

  “Aye, Sir.”

  Yulunga’s look questioned the lady, but she held her head high as she said, “I see I must make a point of appearing on deck this evening. I am quite well, thanks to your attention, Captain.”

  “If this is what it means to minister to patients, I should have become a physician myself.”

  Jill smiled, and Yulunga’s laugh rumbled. Cecco’s mood was light. He had been crossed this morning, and nearly tricked into murder. But he’d enjoyed a long afternoon of vigorous love-making, thanks to the doctor’s medicine, and to sweeten even that, his retribution was near. “Tomorrow I will convene my officers to discuss LeCorbeau’s proposal. We will soon be searching for a new surgeon. One who, I am hopeful, will prescribe more conventional treatments.”

  Jill brightened, anticipating. “And the exchange, Sir? Tomorrow?”

  “We will come to terms tomorrow. But no doubt our doctor will keep hold of his treasure until the very last moment.” Jill’s eyes met Cecco’s. Clearly, they both remembered his threat. The very last moment. But Jill read only assurance in Cecco’s gaze. She wondered what he read in her own.

  “Jill, my lovely. I see you anticipate his diamonds already. I will settle a high price on the doctor’s freedom. And a higher price on yours.” He smiled, and then he circled his hand around her neck. With his thumb, he massaged her scar. “Do not forget. In the eyes of the surgeon, I must be angry at your supposed betrayal. Ready to be harsh with you.”

  “Yes, Sir. And I will do—” Jill heard her voice catch, “my duty.”

  Cecco observed her pale features. “You are certain that after the marriage ceremony, you will be able to escape?”

  “Yes. I will fly as soon as I have everything I want from the surgeon.”

  “Everything. Including your revenge. But I do not like you to wait until L’Ormonde is under sail.”

  Jill said, “Doctor Hanover will feel at ease by then. He must be completely unprepared when I make my move.”

  “I wish I could be there. Not only to protect you, but to witness his devastation. But are you sure you can fly?”

  “Yes, Sir. I know I can.” She smiled, and her heart warmed again at his care for her. “I have only to think of you, and of the life we have created together.”

  Cecco caught her confidence. “It is good. A surprise Doctor Hanover will never forget! His wife, his angel, winging away.”

  “Captain Cecco….Is it too much to ask…?”

  His earrings swung as he tilted his head.

  “Sir, may I encourage my sons to return to the Roger?”

  Cecco’s gaze cooled.

  She said, “They have accomplished what they set out to do.”

  “But have they learned their lesson?”

  Jill looked away, toward the letter.

  “If they approach me, I will listen. Further than this, I will make no promise.”

  Yulunga asked, “And what is the plan, Sir, after the lady rejoins us?”

  “The lady’s scheme is a wise one. If she delays her departure, we, too, will be well underway, in the opposite direction from LeCorbeau. By the time L’Ormonde can come about to chase us, we will be beyond his reach.”

  “And well rid of the doctor.” Jill’s voice was both bitter and triumphant.

  Yulunga shifted his bulk. “And Sir. The girl?”

  “She will be given her choice—”

  “No.” Jill’s face set. Her expression turned savage.

  “Jill?”

  “No, Captain. Liza will do as you decide.”

  “But you yourself have declared there will be no slaves aboard—”

  “If you see fit to give her to Mr. Yulunga, or to any of the men, I will not object.”

  Cecco and Yulunga exchanged glances. Cecco leaned toward Jill. “You are certain?”

  “Neither Doctor Hanover nor his daughter is worthy of my mercy.” Jill set down her fork and straightened, regal. “Liza is my captive. I give her to you.”

  “Well, then. Mr. Yulunga, after I have induced the surgeon to pay her ransom, Miss Hanover is yours.”

  Jill leveled a stare at Yulunga. “Be sure, if you value her health, to keep her well away from me.”

  Yulunga bowed, his malevolent grin spreading. “Yes, Mistress. I can do that.”

  Cecco’s eyes fired. “My Lady! As I have observed, your passions run deep.”

  Jill’s dark smile formed. The rubies in her pocket burned against her thigh. These jewels had nearly cost Conor Smee— Hook’s Smee— his life. But as it turned out, Liza hadn’t really stolen the necklace after all. On the contrary. She and her father would pay for it— and pay for it dearly.

  Yulunga’s liquid laugh rolled from his throat to fill the room. Jill wrapped herself in the sound. She no longer felt hungry. Captain Cecco and his mate satisfied every craving Doctor Hanover stirred within her.

  Jill felt fine.

  § § §

  “I wish to end this unfortunate business without delay.” As if in physical discomfort, Captain Cecco settled behind his desk the next morning, his shoulders tense and his swarthy face stern. For the ruse he was about to perform, his gypsy upbringing was indispensable.

  In her usual place beside him sat Jill, resplendent in golden taffeta. On Cecco’s other side stood Yulunga. Mullins and Starkey had taken seats in front of the desk, and Smee planted himself behind them. Cecco’s officers had been instructed. Like Jill, each was ready to play his role in this lucrative charade.

  The surgeon sat gingerly before the captain, careful not to touch his back to his chair, just as Cecco himself had been cautious in the early days of their acquaintance. The love of the lady, Hanover reflected, had a way of inflicting pain. And soothing it. He listened to the festering voice of the captain.

  “Mister Hanover. From the moment your daughter set foot on board, the Jolly Roger has been plagued by bad luck.”

  Hanover bristled. “You are blaming a child for the actions of your crewmen? Really, Captain. It is preposterous.”

  “Even your science cannot dispute the circumstances. I never approved of taking a girl on board. In his foolishness, our former captain cursed even himself into oblivion. It is clear the time has come to eliminate her presence.”

  Jill made her voice sound tired. “But Captain—”

  “Madam. I heard your protests yesterday. You will now hold your tongue, unless you wish to leave us.”

  “To leave?” Lowering her chin, Jill studied the rings upon her fingers. “No, Sir. I beg your pardon.”

  Cecco returned his frown to the surgeon. “Captain LeCorbeau must now depart for France to declare his prizes to his government. He has made me an offer for your services, Doctor.”

  Hanover brightened up, as if LeCorbeau’s proposal were news to him.

  “At first I refused. We cannot afford to sail without our surgeon.”

  “But…now?”

  “I assume if you accept his service, you will take your daughter and her bad luck with you. And, as it happens, LeCorbeau is willing to pay handsomely for your release.”

  At these words, the officers exchanged interested glances. But Yulunga leered. “It had better be a significant amount, Sir. I know the men were eager to watch Miss Liza grow up.” He smiled crookedly at the surgeon. “Your pardon, Doctor. But I’m sure even you admit the truth of it.”

  “Captain. Are you to allow this crude kind of talk?”

  “All the more reason to get the girl off my ship, Doctor. She has caused enough trouble, starting with the young sailors like Tom Tootles— and ending with those who should know better. Like Mr. Yulunga.”

  Although Yulunga acknowledged Cecco’s dark look, his lewd expression didn’t change. “I’m sorry, Captain.”

  “Mister Hanover,” Cecco said, “It is impossible to assess your daughter’s degree of complicity in your own violations. I take into consideration that she may have been commanded by her
father to overstep her boundaries. For the incidents I can prove, I have exacted my punishments. But today…”

  Hanover’s eyes lit with anticipation.

  “Today I have had enough of bad luck.”

  “Your gypsy superstition?”

  “Call it what you will. What do you offer for your daughter’s freedom?”

  The doctor angled his head, calculating. “Well, Captain. I cannot possibly bargain with you until you return the goods you are holding for me.”

  “Mr. Yulunga.” Digging in his pocket, Cecco produced a key. He tossed it to his mate. “Fetch the diamonds.”

  “Aye, Sir. Gladly.” While the other men stirred, Yulunga strode to the sea chest at the foot of the captain’s bed. The lock turned with a click, and Yulunga lifted the lid to seize the leather bundle. He smiled and snapped the lock shut once more. When he tossed the bag to Cecco’s desk, all the company listened with delight to its rattle. Cecco’s officers didn’t have to pretend for the doctor’s benefit; they licked their lips and shifted in their chairs. Her spuriously low spirits restored, Jill’s eyes glowed as she beheld the promising pouch.

  Hanover, too, stirred in his chair. He resisted reaching for his diamonds. Instead, he thanked the captain. “I am now prepared to come to an agreement favorable to both of us.”

  “You intend to join LeCorbeau, then?”

  “Yes.” At last he laid hands on the bag. A surge of pleasure rode up his arms. Unknotting the laces, he smiled. The dueling scar seemed to soften on his cheek. With pride, Hanover listened to the men’s exclamations as he poured a fistful of glittering gems into his palm. He counted them, then with a flourish of his manicured hand, spread them on the captain’s desk. The pirates’ gazes riveted on the surgeon’s treasure. “I believe this will compensate my lady for the loss of her attendant.”