Chapter 27

 

Reena was dreaming. No doubt 'twas morning and she was receiving the remaining thirty-eight of her lashes. Hence, she blocked the horrendous event from her mind and instead dreamt of Freddy. Dreamt that he’d come to rescue her. But of course that couldn't be. Freddy was long gone.

She felt someone place her on a soft bed. The scent of spice and oak and Freddy drifted past her nose, bringing her senses to life. With great difficulty, she pried one eye open, and the shape of a man formed in her vision—a man kneeling beside her, holding her hand. “Freddy?”

“Aye, Kitten. Hush now. You are safe.”

Safe. A foreign concept in her reckless way of life. “Where am I?” Yet she already knew. The familiar scent of wood, salt, rum, and lavender emanating from her pillow, the unique creak of timbers and snap of sails above…and Abraham’s deep tenor floating above her—all melodies in a soothing orchestra emanating from her favorite place in all the world—the Reckless. But she wanted to hear it from his lips. Otherwise, she would know she’d gone mad.

“Your brig, of course, Kitten.” He kissed her hand. “Rest now.”

She tried to move, but her back screamed in agony. “Where are we going?”

“Far away from Antoine,” Freddy muttered as footsteps pounded into the room and Brodie’s brogue filled her ears, his tone one of concern. Freddy’s presence left, and a stool scraped over the floor as Brodie took his place.

Fred squawked. “The traitorous carp!”

Beyond Brodie, Reena thought she saw Jo enter, Michael on her heels. The lad made a dash for her, but Freddy leapt in his path. “She’s hurt bad, boy. Let the doctor do his work.”

Jo set a basin of water and rags on the floor beside Brodie.

“How’s Henry?” Reena managed to mutter.

“Henry?” Brodie asked. “Ach now, the man we brought wit’ ye. He’ll live, Captain. I’ll tend tae him next.” He dipped a rag into water. “This may hurt a wee bit. D’ye wish fer somethin’ tae bite on?”

“Nay.”

Fred fluttered his feathers. “As tough as any man, says I!”

She'd laugh if she weren't in such pain.

That pain instantly grew to near unbearable…a searing agony that burned across her back and rampaged through her body. Defying every attempt to remain strong, she screamed. Tears flooded her eyes and spilled down her cheeks.

Freddy took both her hands in his and squeezed them tight. His strength not only brought her comfort, but it leeched into her very being, soothing every nerve, as if they were one. She would gladly suffer such pain if it would keep him by her side.

“Sorry, Lass.” Brodie continued his torturous ministrations, and the throbbing misery overcame her. She felt herself drifting away to another place where pain and heartache did not exist. How long she was there she didn't know, but the next thing she heard was Brodie instructing Jo and Michael to keep her quiet and still and give her something to drink.

“She's going to be all right?” Freddy asked.

“Aye. If infection doesna set in. Right now, she needs rest.”

Reena felt Jo touch her shoulder. “Take care. I will return.”

She sensed Michael by her side as well. Longing to reassure him she would recover, she opened her eyes. His blue ones, so large and full of life, smiled at her. Odd, but he had the most peaceful look on his face. “I prayed for you, Captain. God protected you. He did.” Then he rose and backed away. “I’ll bring your chocolate in a bit.”

She really must speak to Freddy about preaching to Michael.

Brodie packed up and ushered everyone out, leaving only Freddy. A chill raked across her skin, and she trembled.

Freddy must've noticed, for he grabbed a blanket and laid it over her. But she didn't want a blanket. She wanted to be in his arms, for only there did she truly feel safe.

His footsteps thudded across the deck. A chink and slush rang in her ears, and he returned with a glass of rum. “For the pain.” Setting it down, he helped her lean on her elbow then handed it to her. The room spun, but she managed a couple sips. “I will leave you to your rest.” Rising, he set the glass on the desk.

“Nay. Please don’t leave me, Freddy. Come lay with me. I’m cold and frightened.” She would never admit such a thing to anyone but him, but ’twas the truth. She’d almost lost everything—her brig, her life, and most of all, Freddy. She shifted on the bed, ignoring the pain.

Hesitation appeared on his face, but finally he lifted the blanket and slid beside her, laying his head just inches from hers on the pillow. His cross landed on the sheet between them, an ever-present reminder of what kept him from her. Regardless, she took his hands in hers and closed her eyes again.

“The pain will subside soon, Kitten.”

“Some pirate captain I am, eh? Trembling like a babe.”

He brushed fingers through her hair, easing it from her face… so gentle, it reminded her of their intimate moments together. And her heart nearly burst with love for this man.

“It pains me Antoine did this to you, Reena. I warned you about him.”

She merely nodded. “You came for me.”

“As fast as I could.” He closed his eyes, and Reena took the opportunity to gaze at him. The dark stubble circling his mouth and angling up his jaw, his strong nose and cheeks, and the strands of dark hair dangling over his forehead. ’Twas just like old times, lying here beside him. Her heart soared so high she could barely feel the pain in her back anymore. Barely.

“I knew you still loved me,” she said.

One corner of his lips rose. “You did, did you?”

At least he had not denied it. “Aye. ’Tis why you can’t leave me, though you keep trying.”

Fred squawked. “That be the truth o’ it.”

“Hmm,” he mumbled.

A tremble waved through her again, and Freddy opened his eyes, rubbed her arms, then moved the blanket up to her shoulders. “Shush, now. All is well.” Drawing a deep breath, he closed his eyes again.

“Freddy, I saw something in the plaza.”

“Tell me tomorrow. You need your rest.”

“’Twas a light, a man made of light, armed and standing next to me.”

She felt Freddy flinch, yet he said nothing for several minutes. “What do you think it was?”

“I have no idea, but it seemed…I thought you might know since you oft see things others don’t.”

“In truth, I saw it as well,” Freddy said, “while I waited to attack the soldiers.”

“You did?” She attempted to rise, but Freddy nudged her back down.

“’Twas an angel, Reena. I've seen many over the years.”

She wanted to laugh but it would hurt too much. “Why would an angel protect the likes of me?” A memory forced itself upon her thoughts—a blade of light that saved her from death during the mutiny. Could God have protected her then as well?

“Because God told him to protect you.”

“You’ve lost all sense, Freddy.” Yet, she could not deny the flicker of joy bubbling within her at the thought—the thought of being loved and cared for by the Creator of all. Especially when she was defying Him at every turn. Hadn’t Michael told her he’d prayed for God to protect her?

“Is it so hard to believe that God loves you?” Freddy asked, his eyes still closed.

It was. Especially after the path she had taken.

Minutes passed as she relaxed beside Freddy, listening to the sound of the wind against the stern windows, the waves against the hull, the grind of wood, and Abraham’s occasional shout above. The first ripple of dawn fluttered through the window and landed on the floor beside the bed. Dawn. She was so tired. So very tired.

But she didn’t want to fall asleep. She wanted to relish every moment so close to Freddy—the heat of his body, his masculine scent, the sound of his voice. The way he laid there to protect and comfort her.

“Sedley is a traitor,” she said.

“Indeed,” Freddy mumbled. “He is a liar, Reena. I've seen it in the spirit realm.”

Freddy claimed he saw visions and had dreams, but honestly, she never quite believed him. Until now.

“I want him locked up.”

“Shh. Later. Rest now.” Freddy’s eyes remained closed.

“I must find the Fount before Antoine.”

“It doesn’t matter now, Kitten. You no longer have the maps.”

Reena smiled. “That is not quite true. You see, the maps I gave Antoine were fake.”