Terror In The Mist (The Island In The Mist Book 3)
Page 27
“Now perhaps you see why I went to extreme measures to bring you here and why I had no choice but to ask for your help with this unfortunate matter,” Governor Winters said in a tone that suggested we were suddenly friends instead of foes.
“Governor, I beg your pardon, but you haven’t asked me to do anything,” I snapped back. “I seem to have very little choice in the matter.”
He stared back at me steely eyed and began to revert to the bitter old man I’d met when I first entered the room. “Pirate, there is always a choice,” he answered coldly. “If you refuse, you and your crew will die. If you choose to embark on this task, you will have the opportunity to live out your days and leave this world when God chooses the time of your death, not me.”
I wanted to curse him at that moment but thought better of it. “I see your point.” That was all I could muster. “Captain Trimble flies under a red flag. There are no pirates in the Caribbean that are his ally. Surely you can understand my concern, Governor. You do know the meaning of the red flag?”
“Of course I know the meaning of it,” he barked in response. “The red jack means there will be no mercy… no quarter given! It means death to all that encounter Captain Trimble’s ship. I understand the monumental task before you, Captain Redd. However, you have quite a reputation yourself and have proven to be very resourceful in dire situations. I will give you a worthy ship and anything else you require.”
I stood there with my mouth gaped open like a fool. I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t know if I was currently feeling fear or anger. I imagined giving this news to my crew mere minutes after they rejoiced of the news of their freedom. I could already hear Langley’s barrage of insults and curse words that would no doubt spew from his cracked and chapped lips. None of them would want any part of chasing after Trimble and his ship Sea Witch. It would be my burden as captain to convince them otherwise.
“Give me a quill and parchment. I will make a list of the items I require,” I said at last.
The governor smiled a wide, toothy grin. “I’m glad to hear that,” he said. “Be sure to thank God tonight for sparing your life when you look up at the stars. And if you ask nicely, He may just assist you in killing Trimble.”
The governor began to laugh and I knew he was right. The only way I’d get that ring away from Captain Trimble would be to kill him. I truly believed only God could make that happen.
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