Jaded Tides (The Razor's Adventures Pirate Tales) (7 page)

“Dammit, woman, I’ll never understand how I can love how committed ye are to some things, and at the same blasted time, despise how that commitment can turn ye from my loving wife into a…a…”

“A pirate?”

“Oh, ye’ve always been a pirate. I know better than to argue that now, but…”

“Captain, I’m only doing what we agreed upon months ago. I’m not wearing this damn binding and these baggy slops because I’m enjoying it. Do I understand it? Yes, I’m not a fool.  But I can promise you, before this mission is through, every man aboard this ship will know who I really am, and they won’t care, because I’ll have not only sewn them up and cured their sick bellies, but I’ll have saved their filthy necks as well.”.

Eight

SHE’S NO LADY

By the time I’d marched out of Rasmus’s quarters and started back to the sick berth for the afternoon, what we believed to be the
Virginia Belle
was clearly in view and no more than five miles northeast of us. I was angry because I’d lost my temper and hadn’t allowed Rasmus to convey his plans to me on how we’d pursue and ultimately capture the dirty wench.

I couldn’t imagine his plot, and it drove me mad with bitter bits of red-hot anticipation. If I did find any young women aboard that ship, I’d already decided I’d slice that captain into pieces so small the sharks wouldn’t even waste their time sniffing them out. As I walked, I found there was a purpose in my stride. I put my designs on James Robertson and decided, since his quarters were but a few steps through the passageway from mine, I’d subtly introduce myself and get a peek at whatever he was doing.

His door was open, and he stood leaning forward with his hands spread out, gazing down at his charts as I approached. He was a tall young man and not a bad looking fellow at all. Hunched forward as he was, I could easily see by his broad shoulders and slender frame that he hadn’t spent all of his time pouring over maps and drawings. His sandy hair was swept away from his face in a ponytail. He was so focused on his work that it took more than a few seconds for him to even notice I’d stepped inside the doorway.

I cleared my throat and asked, “Mister James Robertson, the navigator?”

He looked up at me fast and straightened his back, folding his arms across his chest. “And you are?”

“Ivan Razor, sir. Ship’s…well, doctor, I suppose; although two months of Sundays with a retired ship surgeon really doesn’t qualify me in my own eyes. But, the fact is, I’m all you’ve got, so I suppose that’s me. Oh, and I also help out the cook - mostly peeling potatoes.”

“That’s absurd. Your hands shouldn’t be slicing potatoes.  But then again,” he smiled and winked, “that isn’t for me to say, now is it?” He reached across the broad, dark desk with his right hand, to which I dashed forward and shook it firmly.

“Small hands—Razor, was it? But I can tell you’ve used them for quite a bit more than peeling potatoes and closing wounds,” he said, once again folding his arms, but this time with a raised brow.

  “Yes, sir…I mean, no. I worked on the restoration of the ship. I know every gun port and nail in her, sir.”

“How old are ye, lad?”

“Old enough to know we’re going after the
Virginia Belle
, and I’m not here to discuss my calloused hands, nor why you’re keeping those arms folded so tightly against you.”

“Beg your pardon? What has my posture to do with our conversation?  And how do you know of the
Belle
?” he asked, leaning forward again over his maps. His large hands and long fingers spread out like the wings of a bird.

“I’d have thought Captain Bergman, or even Mister McCormack, would have told you who I was, and why I’m even on this mission, when they signed you on.”

“Wait…you’re the one?”

“Explain ‘the one’ and I’ll let you know,” I said, taking a chair from aside the desk and pulling it under me. I then nodded to him as an invite to join me and seat himself, which he did. His golden brown eyes glimmered at me, and a smile grew across his mouth.

“You’re very good,” he purred.

“Pardon?”

“I honestly mistook you for a young lad.” He reached over and picked up a bottle and held it out with a cup and offered me a drink. I didn’t even care what was in it and sat back in the chair with a nod as he poured and handed it to me. “I’ll thank you to keep that in your hand and not set it on the desk. The slightest list, and hours of work could be ruined. I’m sure you understand.”

“You know why I’m here.”

“Obviously, only I’m surprised your husband hasn’t already informed you of our plans.”

“He’s not my husband, well at least not on this ship he isn’t, but no. Had he told me of the plan, I’d have most likely bypassed this visit altogether. As it stands now, I’m rather glad I didn’t.” I winked and smiled at him, holding out my cup in a toast.

“Perhaps I should just verify your identity before we go any further, Mister Razor. I normally don’t discuss strategies with doctors or galley hands.”

“You want proof that I’m who I say I am? Is that what you’re implying?” I asked sitting forward.

“That’s exactly what I’m saying,” he answered, leaning forward as well.

“I suppose you can’t be too careful. After all, code or not, we’ve all only been together at sea for a few days. There’s no reason not to believe any of us could be a rat, including yourself.”

“I assure you, I’m more cat than rat.”

I leaned over and set my cup on the floor. When I sat back again in the chair, I began unbuttoning my vest at a slow and methodical pace. His eyes met mine so hard with anticipation I thought to stop out of fear he would misinterpret my actions as an invitation to explore further levels of my acquaintance. However, knowing Rasmus as he now did, I was certain, regardless of what was growing in his imagination as well as under his desk, he would stay seated.

I picked up my pace and decided to get this over with. They’re just tits for Christ’s sake, and there isn’t much of them, but when I reached my binding, he said, “Please, stop.”

“What?”

“Your binding is more than enough proof. Knowing you are, in fact, the Captain’s wife, and you were fully prepared to expose yourself to me, conjured an image in my mind of being torn to shreds by the sharks. I rather like Captain Bergman and would prefer to keep myself in one piece.”

“That’s honorable of you, Mister Robertson, considering that watching a woman disrobe, for most of the men I’ve ever known, would far outweigh any loyalty to themselves, let alone their captain.” I said as I buttoned myself back into my clothes.

“I have no desire to shame you, Missus Bergman, despite my unconscious glare. I have a feeling that beneath your façade lies a beautiful woman who is more than worthy of the affections of our good Captain.” His smile was awkward, and a youthful glow washed over his tan cheeks. I smiled and found him immediately endearing. I’d never seen a young man blush before, and so close to having seen a woman’s bare breasts, no less.

“The question is, Mister Robertson, is he worthy of mine?” I winked, handing him my empty cup to refill.

“Please, call me James. Having nearly seen you undressed, I feel we’re already friends.” He chuckled. “I don’t understand what you mean by that statement about the Captain, though.”

“I simply wanted to test your reaction. You are in fact honorable and definitely loyal.  Now, may we discuss this ingenious plan of yours?”

“I’d be honored,
Doctor
Razor.”

The bottle was empty, and I wasn’t full. However, I needed to keep my wits about me. Robertson excused himself and suggested I find my way to whatever post I was supposed to be at and keep my head low. I asked him why, and the only explanation he gave was, “If I’m but the slightest bit off on my calculations, this might end up being a rocky chase.”

With the knowledge of their plot now tucked away in my hopes of success, I stumbled my way back to the sick berth and began writing in my journal. Although my head was a bit foggy, my thoughts were honest, as most men deep in their cups found theirs to be.

September 13, 1707 Two twenty five PM

Calm seas, very few clouds, and warmer than any September I can remember.

Master Green called me down from the ratlines on the main mast this morning after sunrise. We believe the Virginia Belle is coming in from her last stop in the New World, most likely the Carolinas, according to Barclay’s secret log book. At the hour of this entry, she is growing closer, and the miles have shortened between us almost enough to discern if we are correct. Captain Bergman and Robertson have a plan, and should it work, although I have mainly doubts, our hope is to board her without incident.

Captain Bergman seems tense and frustrated with my conviction to remain Ivan at all times. Our brief and passionate courtship, and even shorter marriage, seems to have left him at a disadvantage of knowing me at sea. I do not proclaim to be the greatest sailor that has ever lived but I am, however, unwavering in my duties, no matter the depth or breadth of my orders, or who gives them to me.

I pray I do not disappoint him, as Ivory loves him so, but should he become disillusioned with Ivan and long for a glimpse of his wife, it will not be beneath me to love him and strip away my armor only long enough to remind him of why he married Ivory in the first place. After all, being his wife is my duty as well.

“Mister Razor, care to join me on deck?” I heard a voice say from my doorway, and I turned to see James leaning in with his hands spread on the doorframe.

“Is this it?” I asked, turning in my chair in a flash.

“Well, if by
it
you mean are we about to go after the
Belle
, then yes, I suppose it is.” James winked and clicked his tongue in his cheek at me. I plopped my quill down on my desk and closed my log.

The rush of excitement hit me so hard it knocked the drink right out of my churning blood. I flew behind James through the passageway and up to the deck at such a speed that I came close to tripping the man. It was no longer fear that gave me wings; it was the winds of vengeance and the fresh air of freedom. Captain Bergman had called everyone to the main deck, and we sat or stood about until every available hand was present.

James moved to the center of the crowd and next to Rasmus, as did Master Green, and they stood shoulder to shoulder until our Captain stepped out and walked a circle within the circle. It seemed an eternity before he finally addressed us. I’d never seen him this way before. Of course, he’d been in charge of everyone whilst we restored the
Demon Sea
and even led us in battle with
Thunder Cay
, but there was something different about him. His posture and the way his big body moved about commanded our attention and respect. He was like a god in my eyes, and from the unmoving expressions on the faces around me, we all shared the same vision.

“Gentleman, by your mark, you pledged your service to this vessel and your crew. As you know, our first prize is but a few hours away now, but what you don’t know is how we intend to catch her. That is what I’m here to explain.”  Rasmus paced back and forth as he spoke. His voice carried above the flapping sails and the constant woosh and splashing of the sea beneath the
Jade’s
keel as she sliced through the water like a dull knife through melted butter.

“She’s called the
Virginia Belle
. She’s riding low and heavy from what we can see, and there’s not a chance in the world she can outrun the
Lady Jade
. However, unlike some ships ye may have sailed and captains you’ve served, my intention isn’t to fire on her.”

A low and widespread groan started to grow around me. It was the sound of confusion, or maybe disbelief, but nonetheless, our Captain was still speaking, and with the raising of his right hand to quiet them, he continued his pacing and removed his hat. “Settle down, men. We’ll board her, and you’ll all get your spoils, but as ye know, I have a mission other than just what she carries in her fat belly, and I won’t risk killing the innocent…ever.” His voice softened, and his eyes moved over the crowd until they fell upon mine. My heart swelled with so much pride, I had to swallow to keep it down in its place.

“Yer speakin’ of the ladies, aye, Cap’n?” Fin spoke up and asked.

“Aye, that’s exactly what I’m speaking of.” He turned and faced Fin dead on. “Ye all know what’s going on, so ye also know what is first and foremost when we board her. Myself and Master Green will go over first and attempt to negotiate in a civilized manner. However, we don’t expect afternoon tea, so the boarding party will be chosen by volunteer immediately after we’re finished here.”

“Aye, Cap’n. So, how we gonna take her if’n we can’t attack?”

“Ye all just pay attention and mind yer posts. We’re not going to face her bow to bow or even broadside; we’ve a much better course of action, so ye all have your orders. Beat to quarters men, and keep your eyes and ears open. Full canvas, Mister McCormack!” he shouted as he slammed his cavalier back on his head and stormed off toward the helm.

I wanted desperately to race after him, but Ivan held me back. I knew I needed to get to the sick berth and prepare for anything, but for a moment, I just stood there, staring out at the ship in the distance through my squinted eyes and flattened brow, panting like a thirsty mutt.