Chapter 34

 

“Thunderation!” Frederick raked a hand through his hair as two things occurred to him. One, he must not allow these troops to harass the Radcliffs, And two, Reena was in no condition to run.

She reached for the cutlass that normally hung at her hip, then let out a sigh of exasperation when she realized it was not there. “Hurry!” She jerked on Frederick’s arm and gestured toward the jungle, a harried look on her face when he would not move.

Frederick glanced at Abraham. “They are after me, not you. Abraham, take her back to the Reckless. I’ll draw them away.”

Abraham gave a nod.

Reena tightened her grip on Frederick’s arm. “You will do no such thing. We will fight them together.”

“You can hardly walk, Reena. And even if you could, we can’t overcome ten soldiers. Go back with Abraham. That’s an order. I’ll meet you on the Reckless.” Frederick pried her fingers from his arm and handed her to Abraham, but she gripped his arm again.

“I take no orders from you,” she spat out.

“You will today.” Frederick used his harshest tone and gestured toward Abraham, who without hesitation, grabbed her by the waist and drew her beside him.

Terror streaked across her golden eyes. “You will come back to the brig. Promise me you won't leave me.”

Until that moment, Frederick had not truly grasped the depth of Reena’s need for him, the sense of utter loss that consumed her at the thought he would abandon her again.

Leaning toward her, he placed a kiss on her cheek. “You have my word.” Though he had no idea how he would keep that promise. “Now go!” He nodded toward Abraham, and the large quartermaster dragged her toward the jungle lining the road.

She stared at him over her shoulder until the leaves swallowed her whole, the hurt in her eyes nearly undoing him.

But the sound of thumping boots brought him back to his predicament. Grabbing a fallen branch, he quickly wiped away Reena and Abraham’s footprints, then pressed his boots deep into the mud as he made his way to the opposite side of the street. There, he dove into the brush and walked parallel to the road, making his way back to town. Hopefully, that would divert their attention from both Reena and the Radcliffs—while also allowing him to assess their strength before they realized where he’d gone.

Within minutes, their red coats appeared through the dense foliage, and he halted, stooped behind the trunk of a kapok tree and peered at the passing band—at least twenty soldiers now. Not good odds, even for his skill with the sword. After they passed, he leapt to his feet, pushed through the leaves, and sped out onto the street.

“Looking for me?” Grinning, he gripped the hilt of his sword.

The soldiers spun around, startled.

“That be ’im!” Sedley pointed.

“What you waiting for?” the man in charge shouted. “Arrest him at once!”

Whirling about, Frederick took off down the muddy street. The pounding of boots followed him. Soon, trees gave way to homes and warehouses and mud to sand and finally to cobblestones as he turned down Broad Street. Shops and taverns were just opening their doors. Servants and slaves rushed about, doing the bidding of their masters in the early morning, while only a few citizens were walking about.

Shouts for him to halt resounded behind him, along with the slap of boots on cobblestones. The rising sun shone in his eyes, blinding him temporarily as he hurried his pace. To where? He had no idea. But as far away from the Radcliffs and Reena as he could.

Their commander ordered them to split up. Ahead of him, more troops marched in formation, unaware as yet of the ensuing chase. He dove into an alley. The stench of rotted fish and sewage curled his nose as he emerged onto Victoria street. If only he could circle back around the troops and forge into the jungle again. There he could hide until they gave up the search and he could return to the Reckless. He just didn't know how far these troops would follow him. Or for how long.

An alarm bell rang from the fort, alerting more men to join the hunt. Thunderation! He hadn’t seen that cullion, Sedley, until he pointed toward Frederick. How had he escaped the Reckless? He hadn’t time to ponder the question as he turned right and darted down another alley—and was met with a brick wall.

He whirled about to head back the other way when three British marines dashed into the path in front of him and drew their swords.

He was cornered. And, by the gloating grins on their faces, they knew it too.

“So here’s the wretched little deserter trapped like a spider in a web.”

Frederick drew himself up, took a deep breath, and plucked his blade from its sheath. The eerie chime sliced through the morning mist. He’d rather die by the sword than be lashed, court marshaled, and possibly hung.

The men inched toward him. His thoughts sped to Reena. Would she even know what happened to him? Or would she think he had abandoned her yet again? Father, take care of her.

He met the first man's blade with a resounding clank, then swooped to avoid another sword and kicked the marine who approached from his left. The third man recovered and leapt behind Frederick. Keeping an eye on the other two, Frederick swept his blade blindly behind him. A yelp of pain told him he’d met his mark. The other two rushed at him, swords raised. Swerving his blade out before him, he cleaved it left then right, striking both their swords before he spun and dipped out of their way. Breath heaving, muscles aching, he had no idea how long he could keep these three at bay. From the corner of his eye, he saw two more men approach. Make that five to one—five well-trained men. No time to ponder his impending demise. As far as he knew, he was on good standing with the Almighty, and if this was his time to go home, then so be it.

The three advanced on him again. He crossed swords with the first, slashed the second man’s blade aside, then thrust the tip of his sword into the third marine’s leg. A line of red marched across his white breeches. Gasping, he hobbled backward. Frederick lifted his blade to meet the next attack when the two newcomers shouted and rushed toward the fray. The marines spun to face them. Frederick braced to take on five men, but the newcomers attacked the marines instead. Blades chimed. Grunts and groans filled the air.

He stole a quick glance at them. Couldn’t be. Confusion clawed at his reason as he rejoined the fight, slashing this way and that, parrying with first one, then another of the marines. Two of the marines ran off, leaving their friend surrounded. Tossing down his sword, he fell to his knees before Frederick, quivering in fear.

“Go!” Frederick shouted at him, and leaping to his feet, the man disappeared around the corner.

Breath heaving, Frederick dared to turn and face his rescuers.

Captain Edmund Merrick smiled and cocked a brow at Frederick. And right beside him stood Frederick’s father, Captain Kent Carlton.

♥♥♥

 

“Father?” Frederick said the word but still could not believe he was staring at the man who had sired him—the vicious pirate who had ravished his mother. And yet… the man who had loved him, raised him, taught him how to fish and hunt, shoot and swordfight.

The man who had taught him about God.

Kent Carlton, infamous pirate and missionary approached his son, his eyes filled with affection and a smile curving his lips. Grabbing Frederick by the shoulders, he drew him into a firm embrace that lasted a long while and grew tighter with every minute—as if he was trying to recover the distance lost between them and the years they’d spent apart. Then, nudging Frederick back, he stared at him with moist eyes.

Though approaching fifty years, his father had not aged a bit. Perhaps there were a few more streaks of gray at his temples and a few more lines on his cheeks, but he was as lean and muscled as always, and obviously still one of the best swordsmen in the West Indies.

“’Tis so good to see you, Son. We've been searching for you and Reena.”

Captain Merrick approached, sheathed his sword, and smiled at Frederick. “You've gotten better at swordplay, I see.”

Frederick huffed. “Spending time with your daughter has given me many chances to practice.”

Merrick laughed, but Frederick detected a bit of sorrow in his mirth.

Sighing, Frederick glanced down the alley. “Thank you for your help. I fear I was in a bit of trouble.”

“Aye, we heard you deserted.” Kent rubbed the stubble on his stiff jaw and eyed Frederick with disapproval. “Why? I taught you better than that.”

Ah, there it was—that all-too-familiar tone of disappointment and reprimand. The one that told Frederick he would never live up to his father’s expectations. Anger surged to join his shame. He leveled a defensive look at Kent. “Why can I never please you?”

“What?” Kent’s brow furrowed. “Is that what you…?” Shock and sorrow filled his eyes as he let out a long sigh and rubbed his jaw. “I pushed you. I did push you. Forgive me.” He gripped Frederick behind the neck and shook him, then drew him into another embrace. “I didn’t want you to end up like me. I didn’t want you to become a pirate.”

Frederick swallowed the burning in his throat as his father released him and looked down. “The desertion was not my doing, Father. Reena rescued me.”

“Rescued?” Merrick closed his eyes for a second then rubbed the back of his neck. “I can only imagine. How is she?”

“She is well. She is…the same.”

The thump of marching troops joined the rattle of carriage wheels, snort of horses, and a bell clanging from the harbor.

Kent gestured for them to leave. “Come. The Redemption and Restitution are anchored nearby. ’Tis not safe here.”

Though every fiber within Frederick longed to rejoin his family, how could he leave Reena? He’d promised her. “I cannot. Not right now.” He heaved a sigh as shouts echoed down the alleyway. “Reena needs me. She’s in trouble, and I can’t abandon her.”

“Then lead us to her.” Merrick gripped the hilt of his sword, his intense eyes narrowing.

That would mean betraying her. And Frederick couldn’t do that either. “She would never forgive me for that.”

Frowning, Merrick arched a brow. “Charlisse may not forgive me for being this close to her and not bringing her home.”

“She’s not ready yet, Merrick.” Frederick’s dream of Reena in hell burned vividly in his thoughts. “She's in trouble, and I'm the only one who can help her.”

“What kind of trouble?” Boots clapped over cobblestones, and Merrick glanced over his shoulder. “We are her family. We can all help her.”

“Why is she sailing with Antoine du Casse?” Kent asked.

“Long story. Please. You must trust me.” Frederick’s gaze shifted between Merrick and his father. Both so different, yet so much alike—both pirates who used to be mortal enemies, who at one time had attempted to kill each other. Yet both redeemed by God.

“They are down here. This way!” Voices sounded—too close.

“Go! I’ll boost you over.” Kent dashed to the wall, threaded his fingers together, and lowered his hands.

Frederick shook his head. “You first.”

“’Tis you they want.” Kent’s voice brooked no argument.

Slipping his boot into his father’s hands, Frederick allowed him to hoist him on the top of the wall. Straddling it, he glanced down on the other side—another alleyway, empty at the moment. Above the roofs of shops and taverns, morning sun sparkled over Carlisle Bay and glistened over several bare masts rocking back and forth upon the water.

“Go!” Kent said.

“What of you?” he glanced down and was surprised by the combination of fear and affection he saw in his father’s eyes.

“We can handle a few marines,” Merrick said. “Go. Tell Reena we love her.”

Frederick started to swing his other leg over the wall, but then glanced down at his father once again. “Wait! I have urgent news I must tell you.”

“No time, Son. We’ll stay here two days in case you can convince Reena otherwise. After that, meet us in Jamaica.”

“Go save my daughter,” Merrick locked gazes with Frederick. “Save her and bring her back to us.”

A glimpse of red flashed in Frederick’s vision, and he jumped onto the sandy dirt on the other side of the wall, hoping the troops had not seen him or they’d arrest his father and Merrick. He also prayed the men they’d just fought weren’t among them.

Leaning back against the wall, he listened.

“You there! What are you doing here?”

“Us?” Frederick heard Merrick say in a slurred voice. “We’re jisssst takin’ a mornin’ sssstroll.”

“D’ye know wheres the Stinkheart pub be?” his father added in a drunken tone.

“Pishaw. Just besotted sailors.” The first voice cursed. “Begone. Go sleep it off!”

Smiling, Frederick slipped down the alley.

 

♥♥♥

 

Reena leaned on the railing of the Reckless, feeling more hopeless than she had in a long while. For one thing, it had been ten hours and still no sign of Freddy. She had sent sailors with the jolly boat back to shore to await him, but as each minute passed, she feared that he had, indeed, been captured. She was a great pirate and a good captain and her crew—what was left of them—were good fighters. Even so, she doubted they would be able to rescue Freddy from a British fort. She should have stayed, fought by his side, though most likely she would now be locked in irons as well. But to be chained alongside Freddy would be better than living without him.

The moon appeared over the horizon, creating a path of silvery turquoise on the water. Wavelets slapped the hull as palms ashore whispered in the breeze. Behind her, her crew shifted about the deck, some playing cards, another playing a fiddle.

The other thing that bothered her was that even with the three maps in her possession and her memory of the other one, she was unable to determine the exact location of the Fountain. She needed Antoine's map, for it contained the land masses in the center circle which would show them where it was. With only three parts to that circle, the Fount could be anywhere in the Caribbean.

Alas—she grabbed a strand of hair and spun it around her finger—not only did she not have Freddy with her, but now she would have to find Antoine, who was no doubt as furious with her for tricking him as she was for his betrayal.

Michael slid beside her. A salty breeze flipped through his hair while the moonlight glinted it in silver. He smiled up at her with that innocent smile of his that always seemed to set her at ease.

“Don’t worry, Captain Reena. Captain Carlton is coming back.”

He said it with such confidence that she almost believed he actually knew what the future held.

“I hope you’re right, Michael, but ’tis been so long, and Freddy was outnumbered.”

“But you forget, Captain. God is with him. I know you'll see him real soon.”

Reena twirled the ring on her finger that Freddy had given her and was about to reprimand the lad for saying things he couldn’t possibly know, when the slap of oars hitting the water reached her ears and a flickering light appeared in the distance. Heart pounding, she squinted through the darkness at the jolly boat arriving and held her breath as she counted how many people were aboard. Three. That meant Freddy was with them! Wait, there were four figures now.

She didn’t know whether to be overjoyed or worried.

“De jolly boat approaches, Cap’n,” Abraham said from the quarterdeck.

“In bows!” one of the sailors shouted from the boat, and turning, she gave orders for ropes to be tossed overboard.

“Boat your oars!” the order blared from below, and Reena peered over the railing, examining each face in the dim lantern light. Aye, ’twas Freddy! He stood and yanked another man up by the collar.

Sedley! Reena gasped as anger spun an eddy in her stomach. How did he…? Wasn’t he in the hold? She exchanged a glance with Abraham, but he only shrugged.

Still, she could hardly believe it was Freddy until he swept his legs over the bulwarks and landed on the deck with a thump, all man and muscle, and none the worse for wear—save for the slice through his shirt on his right arm and a small gash on his face. He dragged Sedley over the side after him and tossed him to the deck before meeting her gaze. And for one brief precious moment, she saw a world of affection in his eyes. Throwing all propriety aside, she limped toward him and fell into his arms, ignoring the pain in her foot.

“I thought I had lost you.”

Instead of pushing her away, he wrapped her in his embrace and kissed the top of her head just like he used to do. “Lost your confidence in my abilities?” he said as Abraham and Brodie approached.

Abraham gripped his hand. “Knew yuh’d elude dem redcoats,”

“Ach now,” Brodie pointed at his wound. “I’ll see tae that.”

“’Tis nothing.” Freddy waved him off.

Michael dashed toward him and hugged him, crowding Reena out. But she didn’t mind. It reminded her of how much the children from the orphanage had adored him.

“Glad yer safe.” Jo winked at him from the railing.

A strong wind swept the joy of the reunion away as Freddy glanced back at his prisoner.

“Where did you find him?” Reena asked.

“He’s the Judas who betrayed me. ’Twas God’s justice I ran into him.”

Sedley gave a slanted smirk. “Just me luck.”

Grabbing Sedley’s blue neckerchief, Freddy hauled him to his feet. “I should string you up here and now.”