chapter 57
the Lord loves a Trier
Nate stopped by William’s room and found the British officer resting on the four-poster bed. “They’re playing us, Gunn, just like that awful Brit game.”
“If you’re referring to cricket, I don’t see how,” William said. “They’re in a very difficult situation, Yank—impossible actually. They’re just trying to do the right thing but need help to succeed.”
“You didn’t tell them about the orchids, did you?”
“Of course not.”
“Then I don’t know why they’re so convinced I have the emerald.”
“I don’t know that they are convinced,” William said. “They’re just desperate. But the good news is I’m leaving with them tomorrow on the Voyager—the very ship which brought me to South America.”
“You’re going to join their cause?”
“Don’t be ridiculous. Captain Acton was assigned to bring the king and queen to Portugal. After he drops them off, he’ll take me to England.”
“Well, I’m happy for you.”
“You don’t have to go back to America, Bidwell. Back home I can put in a good word for you, if you’d like. The people I work for could probably use an occasionally handy fellow like yourself.”
“Thanks, Admiral, but I have some loose ends in the States that need tidying up. And in any event, no one would ever forgive a Yankee who turned lobsterback.”
“Come to the reception tonight anyway. You can watch me throttle the Dutchman.”
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
Later that evening, Nate was in his room preparing for the reception, trying on clothes the king’s tailor had provided, when there was a knock on the door.
“Come in,” he called out.
Julia entered. She glared at him. “I am certain you have El Jefe,” she said without preamble.
“That’s a fine how-do-you-do, my lady,” Nate said with a mock bow.
“It was Bolívar’s idea to have you search for the emerald,” she said. “He was certain the treasure existed. He said if anyone could find El Jefe, it would be you. But neither of us ever actually expected to see you again.”
“Sorry to disappoint you, Julia. But no emerald.” Nate gave her an intense look. “So, if I just happened to survive earthquakes, ambushes, headhunters, rapids, and waterfalls, not to mention an endless green hell filled with more ways to meet the devil than can be imagined, I was supposed to just hand the gem over to you?”
She persevered. “You don’t want to understand, because you feel used. Listen to me,” she pleaded. “Without British assistance, we lose our fight. And if we lose, our people will sink into an abyss of slavery, inquisitors, and poverty.”
He said, “You’re a simple schemer.”
He deftly avoided the knee intended for his groin, but never saw the hard backhand slap that ripped across his face.
He rubbed his cheek, which took on the blush of undercooked beef. “Now that’s the Julia I know.”
She shook her head. “After all you’ve been through with the British captain, I expected more. I thought you would have learned something from him about loyalty.”
“Loyalty?” Nate asked. “I’m surprised you know the word.”
“I get it, American, you don’t have the emerald. Thank you for nothing, and may God forgive you.” She stormed out, leaving Nate alone with his cherry-red cheek.