by Vale, Jennae
“He’s a man of the sea, Daniel. He wouldn’t be happy tied down to one place for his whole life.” She said this as much for herself as for her brother.
“He’ll come back to see us,” Daniel said, sounding very sure.
Lizzie wasn’t quite so sure, but it wasn’t something she wanted to dwell on.
“I’m going to bring this to my room.” He rolled up the map, securing it with the ribbon, and then bounded up the stairs to his room.
Left to think about her last days and nights with Rourke, Lizzie was filled with bittersweet memories. There was still a small flame of hope burning in her heart. Perhaps a miracle would occur, and Rourke would stay.
Chapter Fourteen
In the governor’s study, Rourke removed the key from the small, intricately carved box. “We’ll have to start searching for whatever this key fits,” he said, holding it up and examining it.
“I’m hoping it will lead to a treasure of our own. Perhaps the extra taxes he was collecting. Why do you think he was doing it?” This truly puzzled Lizzie. She’d had time to get used to the fact that her father had been involved in things she was unaware of. It didn’t diminish him in her eyes. He’d been a good father, and she would always love him.
“We may never know, but I think he was worried that someone back in England would discover that this island had become a haven for pirates and he would lose his position. If so, he’d have the silver he’d collected to help him start over.”
“First thing tomorrow morning, I want to start looking. I’d like to build a home for Daniel and myself on Manta Cay.” Lizzie knew it would be important for her to find another home. A new governor would arrive before too long. It was inevitable, and they wouldn’t be able to stay in this house.
“We’ve searched the house from top to bottom and tried the key in every lock,” Rourke said. “We have to put ourselves in William’s shoes. If we do that, perhaps we’ll have some luck, but in the meantime, I’m hungry.”
“Are ye sure you wouldn’t rather go back to England?” Rourke asked.
“This is my home. I wish to stay.” Lizzie hated this conversation. She knew it made so much more sense to let Rourke take them back to London, but she wouldn’t even consider it.
“Where would ye like to build yer new home?” he asked.
“I think by the leeward cove among the trees.” She smiled, remembering the last time she’d been there with Rourke. The glint in his eyes told her he was thinking the same.
“I’ll have my men get to work creating a clearing. We’ll use the wood to build it.” He scooped the last bite on his plate into his mouth and then set his fork down.
“It doesn’t have to be a big house,” she said, thinking it would be a lot of work to build something large.
“It can be any size ye like,” he assured her.
Guyton cleared the dishes from the table, and Rourke and Lizzie remained seated. Daniel was drawing a map. Ever since he’d received Rourke’s gift, he’d been fascinated by maps and had taken to creating his own.
Rourke removed the small box containing the key and placed it on the table. “I can’t believe that no one in this house knows what this key unlocks.”
“I do.” Daniel’s head popped up.
“What?” Lizzie asked, not quite sure she’d heard him correctly.
“I know where the chest is that you’re looking for.”
“How do you know it’s a chest?”
“I’ve seen it.”
“Daniel, are you certain?”
“Yes. I followed Papa one day.”
“What made ye do that, lad?” Rourke asked.
“I used to do it all the time. I would spy on him and see how long it was before he noticed me.”
“Did he notice ye the day ye followed him to the chest?”
“No. Papa got the key from that box.” He pointed to the box on the table. “Then he met a man. The same man that was with Pargo.”
“Agustin?” Rourke asked.
Daniel nodded. “They went into a cave near the cove. I hid behind a tree and waited for them to come out. I was going to follow him, but I knew he’d be coming back here. Once I was sure they’d left, I went in. It was dark, but they left a candle burning. Papa must have forgotten to blow it out. There is a big chest there.”
“Will ye show us?” Rourke asked.
“It’s still light enough for us to find our way,” Daniel said.
Lizzie grabbed some candles to light once they were at the cave.
Daniel put his things away and then taking Lizzie’s hand, headed out the back door of the house. They traversed a narrow, sandy path that led far away from the house where the path began to climb steeply.
“It’s not much farther,” Daniel said, releasing Lizzie’s hand and running ahead of them. He stopped at a thicket of shrubs and waited for them. It’s in here.”
Lizzie couldn’t see anything. “Daniel, are you playing a trick on us?”
“No. Look.” He pulled at what appeared to be dead branches, moving them away, and there it was, the opening to a cave.
Rourke lit the candles. He handed one to Lizzie. “Follow me.”
The trio entered the cave. The candles gave them just enough light to see the chest which had been placed up against the back wall, but as they approached, it was apparent that someone had broken it open and taken everything. The lock lay at their feet.
Rourke tried the key and it was a perfect fit. “Agustin.”
“Now what will we do?” Lizzie asked.
Rourke didn’t have an answer for that. “We’ll think of something,” he said. He had treasure of his own that he would retrieve for her. “Come. Let’s go back.”
Lizzie wrapped an arm around Daniel’s shoulders. Her head was full of disappointment and questions without answers. Perhaps she should let Rourke take them to London. It would be best for Daniel. He’d have a decent home, or so she imagined. Her father had never mentioned anything at all about this family he wanted her to join. The more she thought about it, the angrier she got. Why should she have to leave this beautiful place?
“Don’t worry, Lizzie. I’ll take care of ye,” Rourke said.
“I don’t wish to be a burden to you,” she said.
“Ye wouldn’t be a burden. We’ll build yer home so ye and Daniel will have a place of yer own. Ye can stay in the governor’s mansion until the new governor arrives.”
“When will that be? Will there be enough time to build our home?”
“There’s no telling when the new governor will show up, but my men will make quick work of a home for ye.”
Lizzie stopped to look at him. To search his eyes for the answer she sought. “Why are you doing this?”
“Because I care about ye.” Rourke cupped her chin in his hand. “I can no’ help myself.” He took her hand, and they all walked back to the house together.
She held back the biting, stinging tears that would otherwise burst from her eyes. How was it possible to care about someone so much, to care the way Rourke cared for her, and to still sail away? She had no answer. All she knew was that when it was time for him to leave, she wouldn’t beg him to stay. She’d be happy with her memories of him and perhaps the hope of an occasional visit.
They reached the back door through the herb garden. Daniel ran inside.
“I have to get back to The Dagger. I’ll move her into the cove, and tomorrow morning, the men will get started clearing trees. Will ye meet me there?”
“I will.”
He dipped his head and gently brushed her lips with his as if he were afraid to do anything more as it might delay his departure.
Tucking Daniel in for the night, Lizzie had just finished reading to him and kissed him goodnight.
“Don’t worry, Lizzie. We’ll be fine without Papa.”
Such wise words from a young boy. She smiled warmly and kissed his forehead. “I promise not to worry. Good night.”
Once back in her own
room, Lizzie undressed and slipped into bed. It felt empty without Rourke by her side. These past days had been a revelation to her. There was more to life than only being a daughter and a sister. She’d only begun to taste the freedom that was at her feet. It was a freedom that could be taken away as quickly as it had come, but she would hold onto it while she could.
Tomorrow morning, she would meet Rourke and show him where she wished to live. She could stay on Manta Cay. Away from the docks and the town, there was no longer anyone to tell her what to do.
Rourke arrived at the docks, but Hawes was nowhere in sight. He would be forced to wait for him. He scanned the water, searching for his skiff, but instead, he saw an unfamiliar ship arriving in port. It flew no flag, so he could not tell if it was friend or foe, pirate or warship. It dropped anchor perhaps a bit too close to The Dagger, which concerned Rourke. He glanced around again, feeling agitated. Where was Hawes?
“Cap’n,” Hawes’s voice came from behind him.
“Where have ye been? Where is the skiff?”
“I was at Red Legs. The skiff is there.” He pointed away from the docks to a sandy area where the boat had been pulled up on shore.
“Where’s Jamie?”
“Asleep in the boat I’d guess. He was to watch fer ye.”
The two men made their way to the skiff. Hawes grabbed an empty bucket from nearby and filled it with water. He dumped it on Jamie who sputtered. He sat up and looked into the faces of Hawes and his captain.
“I give ye a job to do and ye fall asleep.” Hawes grabbed him by the scruff of the neck and pulled him from the skiff.
“I’m sorry. The sun made me sleep.”
“We don’t have time for this,” Rourke said as Hawes was about to kick Jamie in the arse. “There’s a ship anchored too close for comfort. See it there.” He pointed at the unknown vessel.
“Who the bloody hell is it?” Hawes peered out over the water.
“They fly no flag.”
Hawes dumped Jamie back in the skiff and climbed in. “We’d best hie to it, Cap’n.”
Rourke pushed the boat out into the water and hopped aboard.
“Sorry, Cap’n. I should be the one doin’ that, but I be so, so… The bastards mean to board us,” Hawes shouted.
Rourke saw no evidence that was their intention. “Calm yerself, Hawes. We doona ken what they’re about.”
“We’ll be finding out soon enough,” he said, rowing furiously.
Rourke and Jamie exchanged quizzical looks, but did their best to keep up with him. Hawes was propelling them through the water faster than seemed possible.
“Slow yerself man, else we pass the ship by,” Rourke commanded.
Hawes stopped rowing, and the skiff glided to a stop at the base of the rope ladder.
“Captain Macall!”
The voice came from the neighboring ship.
“Aye. Who calls me?”
“’Tis Abner Granville from The Rebecca. I’d have a word with you, if you please.”
“What does he want?” Hawes asked.
“I don’t know. He risks a great deal to be here in the harbor.”
“Aye. That he does.”
“Row me over and wait for me.”
Rourke climbed aboard the ship, unsure if he would find himself in shackles once on deck.
“Good to see you again, Mackall.” He extended a hand, which Rourke accepted.
“Granville. What are ye doing here? Surely ye ken ye’re in danger here.”
“We hope you will extend your protection once again.”
“I’ll do my best.”
“I’ve word about the governor,” Granville said.
“The deceased, or the one to come?”
“Both,” he replied. “You can tell your man he can leave. We will see you get back to your ship. We’ve much to discuss. Michael is in the captain’s quarters waiting for us.”
Rourke went to the rail and looking over, caught Hawes attention. “Go back to The Dagger.”
“Sir?”
“Ye heard me. I’ll return later.”
Hawes gazed up at Rourke, looking like he might disobey, but Jamie picked up the oars and started rowing. He had no choice but to join him.
Rourke felt surprisingly like a man about to attend his own hanging. Abner chatted happily about the weather, ship, and any number of other things that Rourke barely heard.
They reached the cabin door where Abner opened it and waited for Rourke. “After you, sir.”
Chapter Fifteen
Lizzie couldn’t imagine where Rourke was. He’d asked her to meet him here, but he was nowhere to be seen among the men who had just arrived on shore.
“Hawes,” Lizzie ran to meet him. “Where’s Rourke?”
“I’ve no’ seen him. He told us we were to be here this mornin’ to help clear some trees, but he was no’ in his quarters this mornin’.”
“And you don’t know where he could be?” Lizzie was puzzled by his answer.
“No, Miss. He boarded a ship anchored next to The Dagger yesterday. Seemed he knew the cap’n.”
The men around them unloaded supplies from the boats and headed toward the trees.
“He didn’t come back? And you didn’t go after him?” She could hear the panic in her own voice. Something was wrong, and Hawes didn’t seem bothered by it.
“He sent us away. The ship was still there this morn.” He was looking past her now, toward his men.
This was concerning. Lizzie didn’t know what to do. Should she go look for him or stay here and wait.
“He’ll be along, Miss, like he said he would,” Hawes assured her.
She nodded, feeling uneasy.
“Where is this house of yers goin’ to sit?” he asked.
“Over here.” She led Hawes to the area where she wanted her home to be.
“We’ll get to work. Ye should sit over here.” He took her to a fallen log closer to the water. “Wouldn’t want a tree fallin’ on ye.”
He wandered off and began shouting orders.
Lizzie sat on the log staring out at the ocean. She’d missed Rourke last night and was looking forward to seeing him this morning. But now he was not only missing from the beach, but he was apparently missing from The Dagger.
The men began felling trees, but Lizzie’s heart was no longer in it. What was supposed to be the beginning of her new life now felt less exciting and more daunting without Rourke’s presence.
When the last tree had been cleared, Hawes signaled the men to head back to their boats.
“We’re done for the day, Miss,” he reported.
“Thank you, Hawes,” she said as he began to walk away. “If Rourke comes back, you’ll let me know, won’t you?”
“Aye. Ye’ve my word.” He gave a short wave to her and was off.
She headed back home with a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach, unsure of so many things.
The next morning, the men were back at work, but this time, Rourke and Hawes were both missing. Something wasn’t right.
She searched the group until she saw Jamie among them.
“Where is Hawes?” she asked him.
“Cap’n Mackall needed him aboard ship,” he said.
“Captain Mackall is back?” Relief swept through her, replaced by a new concern.
“Aye, Miss. Last night.” He cocked his head to the side. “Be ye well?”
Lizzie absently nodded. “Yes, fine. Do you know where he was?”
“No one does, Miss.” Jamie wandered a little way off down the beach, picking up stones and lobbing them into the waves and then running up to help the men as they worked.
She took her seat on the log. Yesterday she’d been worried for Rourke’s safety. Today she was angry. She hadn’t seen him two mornings in a row without explanation. If he didn’t wish to see her again, he should tell her.
“Lizzie,” Daniel ran toward her wearing a huge smile.
“Daniel what are you doing here?”
>
“I wanted to see where we would live. I followed you.” He turned to watch the men at work, moving the trees they’d felled yesterday.
“You are very good at that game, Daniel, but if you want to come with me, you only need ask.”
“It’s more fun my way,” Daniel said.
“Who is this, Miss?” Jamie joined her.
“It’s my brother, Daniel. You haven’t met him yet, have you?”
“I haven’t.” The boys were close in age. Jamie was probably about three years older than Daniel, who was ten, but he was more worldly. “The men have shooed me away. Said I was makin’ more work for ’em.”
“Shall we walk down the beach then?” Lizzie asked.
“We can search for shells,” Daniel said.
He and Jamie were off down the beach before she could even stand up. She followed after them, a smile on her face. Daniel needed a friend. He spent so much time alone or with Guyton. There were no other children on the island that she was aware of.
“Look!” Daniel was pointing out to the water.
Lizzie shielded her eyes and watched as a skiff approached the beach.
“It’s Cap’n Mackall,” Jamie said, running back to her.
Relief flooded through her as he hopped out and, helped by Hawes, pulled the boat ashore. The sight of him flooded her senses with warmth and love. He waved to her as he was joined by Hawes.
She couldn’t hear what he was saying, but after a lengthy discussion, Hawes called the men back to the boats where they boarded and began rowing away. Rourke watched them go before turning toward her.
“Jamie, ye stay with Daniel. I’ll call to ye when ye can come back,” Rourke shouted.
“Aye, Cap’n.”
The two boys ran off down the beach together, leaving Lizzie alone and confused.
“Why did you send the men away?” she asked as Rourke approached.
“I needed them on The Dagger,” he explained.
She couldn’t read the look in his eyes.
“You’re leaving?” She knew he would eventually, but why did it have to be today?
“No. I’ve news,” he said, moving closer.
