Other Oceans: Book Two of the Hook & Jill Saga (20 page)

“Profit. LeCorbeau’s giving him a pretty percentage. A bonus for us, and with no extra work! I guess the Frenchman holds Hook in high esteem, too, if he wants to follow him.”

Cecco’s eyes narrowed. “The Frenchman has always hated Hook. There is bound to be more to it than that, but apparently our captain finds it useful to humor the man. Hook has never considered any kind of partnership before. Always he has worked alone! So…It will be interesting to watch what happens.”

Jukes groaned. “I’d better be off to find the surgeon. I hope he’s as good as he looks.”

Cecco’s suspicion remained firmly in place. He lowered his voice. “Is anyone as good as
that
gentleman appears? I believe I know where you will find him. I trust our captain is keeping a close eye on him.”

His mate dropped his voice, too. “He’s mighty attentive to the lady, if that’s what you mean. He spent quite a bit of time in her quarters last night, and for all she’s so delicate-looking, I’ve seen her with a sword. I don’t believe she’s ever been ill in her life.”

Nibs bent to lean toward them. “No, Jill’s up to something. She’s never had a fainting fit except in play-acting. She’s good at it when she wants to be.”

“Aye, she fooled him.” Jukes nodded. “But that Hanover’s got a hungry look about him. I’ll wager he’s not so far above profiting from plunder as he seems. And where the lady’s concerned, Cap’n’s sure to have the surgeon under control. Any day now, he’ll be one of us.”

“Or dead.” Cecco’s dark eyes aimed at the surgeon. Doctor Hanover stood across the room, in the doorway of the galley.

Tom was suddenly standing, tucking in his shirt, and after hearing Cecco’s prediction, he jerked his head up. He kept his voice low. “I hope for Miss’ sake the doctor makes the right choice.” He ran his fingers through his disorderly hair. “I’ll tell him you need him, Mr. Jukes. I’m on my way out.”

Jukes’ decorated face lost its symmetry as he smirked. “I wouldn’t bother trying to impress the man, lad. Whether he’s one of us or not, no sailor’s going to be good enough for
that
man’s daughter.”

Tom grinned. “She’s the stubborn one! If I can get
her
to like me, I’ve no worries about him.”

Nibs tightened his kerchief and hopped off the barrel. “Forget the girl, Tom. Catch a captain’s eye like me and Jill, and your fortune’s made!”

“I’ll stick with girls, thanks. But it’s probably just as well Hook laid down the law. I don’t want Hanover to cut me one of those scars.”

“It could only improve you, mate.” Nibs clapped his brother on the back and followed him.

Jukes chuckled, but Cecco remained silent, watching Tom strut toward the ship’s surgeon. Hanover had collected his meal and taken possession of the captain’s own chair at the center table— with no hesitation. The watch dangled at the man’s waist as he sat with perfect posture in his impeccable suit. Cecco angled his head as he observed. The matter on his mind required some reflection, maybe some action. Profiting from the captain’s plunder was one thing. Plundering from the captain, quite another.

The gentleman didn’t claim to be a pirate yet, but he was certainly seizing his opportunities. Yes, Mr. Cecco decided, it was time to seize a few opportunities of his own. When Jukes finally left the galley, the common Italian sailor rose from his humble bench, rolled his shoulders, and sauntered to the captain’s table. He smiled his easy gypsy smile, and he sat down.

With no hesitation.

§ § §

Both Hook and Jill had slept well, if not long. Hook observed that the parties involved in the new routine were becoming accustomed to it. Jill’s girl entered early and tidied up the clothing that littered the cabin. Smee recovered the boot knife from her curious fingers, and although unusually quiet today, he shaved the captain and polished the hook as Jill dressed with her servant’s assistance behind the curtain. Jill emerged with a waft of exquisite perfume, and she had such a light in her eye that Hook decided on the spot to gift her with the ruby necklace at the next opportunity. Perhaps she sensed the bent of his thoughts; she had foregone her opals today.

Only one event ruffled the peace of the morning. Hook’s temper was riled when the shirt he wore the previous evening couldn’t be found. The suit lay where he left it when he undressed in the moonlight, and the girl hung it away. But Mr. Smee’s habit of looking after the captain’s garments discovered the discrepancy. A subsequent hunt proved fruitless. Instinct always told Hook to attribute trouble to the newest member of the company, but, reading his thoughts again, Jill forestalled immediate action against her servant, not addressing the issue directly, but reminding Hook in a guarded fashion that the girl’s father had yet to be won— which reference sent Smee into a deeper mood than before. In any case, it was clear the shirt wasn’t on the girl’s person, and as nothing could be proved immediately, the captain held his annoyance in check. Confident Jill would handle the problem, he allowed himself to be placated, vowing inwardly to exact punishment if called for, later on. A captain’s belongings must be sacrosanct, and discipline must be maintained.

Equanimity was restored. Established behind his desk, Hook sat comfortably. The cabin was set to rights, the girl sent away, and the lady settled with her morning teacup in a chair at Hook’s right. His charts were rolled up and the instruments set aside. With his claw, he tapped the desk.

“Not only did we enjoy a fine meal, but we entered into partnership. You will be happy to know that your sons, Madam, as predicted, were of service to me.”

“Mr. Starkey is doing an admirable job of training them, Sir.” She smiled on Starkey, who balanced on the edge of a chair before the desk, bumping his fingers over the ridges of his ruler. His scar-marked face went purple above the loose knot of his kerchief.

“Thank you Ma’am. They’re good lads.”

Smee had refused a seat and stood beside Starkey, his back straight and his hands clasped behind his waist. “LeCorbeau went after the bait, Ma’am, showing off his ship to the new hands.”

The captain continued. “With some urging by Mr. Starkey, the
commandant
could not refuse to make good his offer. I would say the events of last evening were mutually satisfactory— LeCorbeau enjoyed the company of our young men, and we acquired information.”

Jill said, “A tour of
L’Ormonde
, her arms and contents. I’m glad the boys were useful. And did the
commandant
behave himself?”

“He was a model of restraint. He merely inquired what price I would consider in exchange for Mr. Nibs’ freedom.”

“Reminiscent of our Doctor Hanover’s offer in regard to me.”

“Excepting that the gentleman wished to
rescue
you from debauchery, my love, whereas LeCorbeau…”

“
Chacun à son goût
, as his countrymen say. But you refused him?” She sipped her tea.

“Oh, no, Madam. The decision is entirely up to the young man, as I indicated to LeCorbeau. I am not in the mood to deny our new partner anything at the moment. But the day will come! Mr. Starkey, instruct Mr. Nibs to employ discretion when in sight of our sister ship. We may engage in frequent rendezvous in the next weeks, and I’ve no desire to disappoint LeCorbeau prematurely.”

Jill frowned. “I don’t understand why he wishes to play jackal to your lion.”

Pride roused Smee from his solemnity. He said, “He’s a sly little rooster, but he could barely keep a civil smile on his face— the idea of playing second fiddle to the grand Captain James Hook! He’d not be standing for it, I’m thinking, without some prize waiting for him at the end.”

Hook turned to Jill. “You witnessed Doctor Hanover’s reaction to the advent of
L’Ormonde
. After our gathering in the galley, I am convinced there is a link between Hanover and
L’Ormonde
’s captain. It does not prejudice me against his joining us, but I must know everything. Once again, Madam, your talents are required.”

Jill was about to voice her suspicions, but Smee interrupted.

“Captain, Sir.” Smee’s forehead furrowed. “You’re surely not wanting to allow that man near the lady again. Not after last night?”

“Although I appreciate your concern, Mr. Smee, I believe the lady is capable.” Hook swiveled to face her. “But is she willing?”

“Aye, Captain,” Jill replied, “The game’s begun. It would be a shame to forfeit now.” Her eyes glowed in anticipation. “As you say, the stakes are fabulous.”

The Irishman shifted his stance. “Sir.”

Hook regarded his bo’sun, then nodded to Starkey. “You may go, Mr. Starkey.”

The sailor stood. “Aye, Captain. Lady.” He bobbed his head toward the pair, and clomped from the captain’s quarters, untying his kerchief to mop the back of his neck. He was glad to get well away. He never liked being close to the captain and his claw, and Smee had been brooding since before the party on
L’Ormonde
. It was clear the bo’sun had something on his mind that the captain wouldn’t be pleased to hear.

The door snapped shut.

“Now, Mr. Smee. Tell me.”

Smee’s agitated gaze settled to rest on Jill. “Ma’am, since taking on young Miss, we’re missing our morning chats. But I’m thinking I know the direction of your thoughts.”

She set down her teacup. It rattled on its saucer.

“There’s more to Hanover than he lets on. It seemed to me you were holding your own with the man, but only just. I don’t advise you to go courting that kind of risk again.”

“Mr. Smee, the captain forbids me to take part as yet in the kind of danger the rest of you must face. In the meantime, this gambit is a service I can easily perform, at little risk. Very little, compared to the battles you gentlemen fight.”

“Jill has informed me of the gist of the interview, Mr. Smee. Name your concern.”

“Well, Sir…the man had the gall to propose that the lady should go away with him!”

Jill adjusted the cup on her saucer. “Yes. As I told the captain, the doctor’s display of confidence was quite enough to take my breath away. But knowing you were near was a great comfort to me.”

“Begging your pardon, Lady, but when he got to tempting you with the diamonds, I fair had to rein myself in.”

Hook raised one eyebrow. “Diamonds, Jill? So you led him right to the heart of the matter! How ever did you refuse him?”

She regarded her lover with her clear blue eyes, unabashed. “Sir. I didn’t.”

The captain returned her gaze, only half of a shrewd smile coming to his lips. His tone was thoughtful. “I see. So the game is advancing more swiftly than we anticipated.…Very good, my love. You are doing excellent work.”

Smee reddened. “But Sir, the things the man said! How he’ll get his hands on her, that as soon as he gets the chance, he’ll near kill her with his love!”

“Sentiments shared by every man aboard, Mr. Smee.”

The color on Smee’s face deepened.

As he registered the sincerity behind the bo’sun’s discomfort, Hook’s features sharpened. His voice assumed an edge. “Did the man touch her, Mr. Smee?”

Reluctantly, Smee shook his head. He glanced at Jill. His broad shoulders rose as he drew a breath, then he addressed his captain again. “But to be honest, Sir, it’s only a matter of time.”

Jill held her head erect and remained silent. It seemed that Smee had removed himself promptly from the companionway at her signal. Too promptly to have learned the extent of the doctor’s orders, or his final request. Or Jill’s reply.

“Very well,” Hook said. “I have instructed the lady to act according to her own judgment. Madam, if at any time you require Mr. Smee’s protection, you will inform him,” Hook directed his gaze to the bo’sun, “and he will oblige. Now Mr. Smee, you will please bring the surgeon to me. I will assign him his new duty, as my lady requests, and also break the news of my decision. Unless he surprises me, you will proceed as discussed. Wait for him to grant you access to his quarters, where you will attend to the necessary arrangements. No doubt he will wish to accompany you.”

“Aye, Captain. He’ll not be pleased!”

“As I still hope for his eventual capitulation, we shall have to find a way to appease him. The lady will attend to that.”

The lady inclined her head. “Aye, Sir. I had intended to inspect Liza’s quarters today in any case.”

“Excellent. The timing is right for this move. We are nearing the islands, and I expect we’ll sight a choice vessel any day now. Thank you, Mr. Smee.”

“Sir. Madam.” Smee nodded as usual, but as he turned to go, the eyes behind his spectacles lingered on the lady. That strand of hair was out of place again.…He balled his fingers together before he could obey the impulse to fix it. He thought how her perfume smelled like her skin— sweet and exotic. And she had that look about her, part heaven, part heathen. It was no wonder the doctor had fallen for her so quickly. She returned Smee’s look without blinking, and he had to be satisfied. For the moment.

As he made his way out of the captain’s quarters, he heard Hook speaking to her.

“Diamonds, Jill? Can you long resist such—” The china saucer clacked on the desktop, and abruptly, his words were stopped.

The Irish bo’sun grew a resigned smile. His hand slid into his breeches pocket, where he closed it over a square of fine white cloth. He didn’t pull it out. He already knew that a little of her scent still lingered on it.

She was good for the captain, and Smee was grateful for her. James Hook wasn’t alone any more.

Smee hoped that that great man would never be alone again.

§ § §

Containing his mood, the surgeon assisted the mistress as they descended the stairs and strolled aft below decks, trailed by Liza. Lit by the morning sunlight that squeezed through its gunports, this deck, too, was bordered on both sides by cannon. Only one or two poked their snouts out to sniff the breeze. All up and down the hull, the iron monsters were held in place by tackle, taut or slack, depending on the pitch of the ship. Boxes of shot to feed them were stored against the forward bulkhead, which closed off the galley. In contrast to the silent menace of the guns, a crate of chickens clucked and clattered, awaiting the cook. In a streak of white fur, the cook’s cat scampered away. Hanover ignored the surroundings, supporting Jill’s arm as he guided her past the weaponry and the mizzenmast, toward the aft quarters. Inwardly, the doctor fumed over recent events.