Other Oceans: Book Two of the Hook & Jill Saga (50 page)

“I offer you and the lady my sincere apologies for Liza’s shocking lapse. I can only attribute it to youthful curiosity, and…well, the circumstances aboard a pirate ship are after all not ideal for bringing up a young girl.” As the memory of Hook’s assault on his daughter flashed through his mind, Hanover congratulated himself for delivering this understatement so successfully.

“Yes. I regret that as your captain, I must caution you to keep the girl in line from now on.”

However unfair, this aspect of the conversation worked in the doctor’s favor. He pursued it. Thanks to Liza’s misadventures, the chains would not be disturbed, and to keep Hook’s imprisonment secret, it would be necessary to guard him almost constantly. “In that case, you will be pleased that I have instructed my daughter to keep to our quarters as much as possible.”

Cecco drained his wine and signaled to Yulunga to pour again. “You please me very much, Doctor. I see that we will be able to move beyond any bad feeling that yesterday’s events occasioned.”

“I would not have signed on as your officer if I believed otherwise.”

“To demonstrate my goodwill, Doctor Hanover, I will allow you to voice your opinion before I make my next decision. Regarding the spare quarters next to your own.”

The surgeon’s attention focused. “Indeed?” Hanover disguised his anxiety behind a sip of wine. If that cabin was taken over, the risk of someone overhearing the missing captain would be too great.

“Yes. Now that Mr. Yulunga is promoted to first officer, he has requested those quarters. I am inclined to grant his wish, yet I observe that the room is useful to you in your professional duties.”

“It certainly is! You know from your own experience that the men prefer to consult me in a place apart from my daughter. And as I have just promised, from today Liza will be confined to our quarters more frequently.”

“Your point is well taken. Mr. Yulunga, your private quarters must wait— until other arrangements are made for Miss Hanover.”

Standing by the desk, Yulunga simply said, “Aye, Sir. As you advised, some things are worth waiting for.”

Trying to read his expression, the surgeon watched cautiously, puzzled by the satisfied smile that marked the black face instead of the belligerence he had often witnessed there. It seemed Captain Cecco exerted influence over the fearsome African, authority similar to that of Captain Hook’s. “Thank you, Captain, and Mr. Yulunga, for your understanding. And…I’m afraid I must beg one more instance of your indulgence.”

Cecco’s hand waved with a tinkle of gold. “Please.”

“As you are aware, the one concession Captain Hook made to me and my daughter was to place our quarters off limits to the rest of the company. It is my hope that you will continue this courtesy.”

The Italian smiled his easy gypsy smile. “These simple arrangements are the least we can do, Doctor Hanover, when you exhibit such equanimity in the face of defeat.”

“I have learned to be philosophical. In the course of my career, for instance, matters have not always arranged themselves to my satisfaction. Yet, over time, perseverance has always served me.”

“You will do well to continue directing your perseverance in the arena of your profession. Red-Handed Jill will no longer be available to you.”

Hanover felt his pockets for Jill’s handkerchief. Sorry for its loss, he grasped his watch instead. “I did not intend to imply—”

“It is a powerful thing, the emotion a woman such as my Jill can inspire in men! And so unfortunate that because of our emotions, you and I were compelled to disregard our friendship and deceive one another.”

“A regrettable truth.”

“As we begin our mutually rewarding arrangement as members of the
Roger
’s brotherhood, I must lay down some rules. I am sure that as my lady’s former suitor, you will understand as I impose some restrictions on you both.”

Having prepared himself for this inevitability, Hanover remained calm. “Yes, Captain. I understand.”

“You are, of course, at liberty to stroll the deck each morning, as has been your custom.”

Delighted, Hanover smiled.

“But, of course, my lady will no longer join you.”

The smile faded. “…Very well.”

“If you wish to continue the reading lessons for your daughter, I have no objection. You will, however, conduct them in your own quarters.”

Here Hanover raised his eyebrows.

“Without my lady.”

The surgeon inhaled. “I see that Jill has been frank with you.”

“You will not speak her name so casually.”

Taken aback, Hanover conceded, “Again, Sir, I apologize.”

“My lady has no other choice than to be frank with me.” Taking another taste of wine, Cecco lingered, savoring the tension as the doctor sat rubbing his watch. “She urged me to remind you that she has been consistently honest with you, as well.”

“Yes….The lady may rest assured that I am aware of her candor.” He himself would tell her the same thing, when—

“You will not speak to my lady again.”

“Sir?” Hanover ceased to stroke his watch.

“I have forbidden Jill to communicate with you. I now forbid you to speak or write to her.”

“But…we are shipmates….How it will be possible to carry out such an order?”

“You are a clever man, Doctor. You will find a way.”

“I feel I must ask….Is this order prompted by the lady’s request, or by your desire to control her?”

The layers of medallions that circled Cecco’s neck glowed golden. “Can any man control that woman? It has been proven only that
you
could not.”

Hanover glanced at Yulunga before replying. “Out of respect to the pledge I just made to you, Captain, I choose to disregard your insinuation.”

“A wise decision, Doctor.”

“But I must protest this severe penance for the sin of courting Red-Handed Jill. You can hardly blame me for feeling as I did!”

“I do not blame you; I simply inform you that your hopes are at an end.”

“Regardless of my hopes, I fail to understand how, living in such close quarters, we can avoid speaking to one another.”

Cecco set his cup on the glossy surface of his desk. He followed it with his dagger, which he clapped down smartly. “Any of my men can tell you. I have a reputation for my carving skills.”

Hanover stared at the knife.

“I will not wait to ask the questions first. Any association between you and Red-Handed Jill will earn your disfigurement.”

The surgeon’s face paled, his scar darkened. He set down his cup. “You might have mentioned this before I—”

“You have been warned.”

Hanover gripped the arms of his chair.

“The lady is mine now, and I will afford you no opportunity to steal her.”

Hanover bit back an angry retort, choosing an even tenor. “I am no longer under the illusion that your mistress cares for me. The facts were…laid bare to me last night.”

Yulunga snorted.

Cecco allowed an edge to enter his accent. “I find your humor to be in bad taste, Doctor. Further reference to my lady’s charms will end my forbearance.”

Hanover’s scar twitched. “Very well. I am not so foolish as to try you.” He reached for his cup and took a steadying swallow. This captain was proving to be nearly as clever as the first!

“And now that we are clear on that subject, one issue only remains to be settled between us.”

Hanover experienced a sinking sensation in the vicinity of his stomach, informing him the worst was yet to come. Managing a heartier tone than he felt, he braced himself. “I am at your service, Sir.”

“Yes. And to guarantee that service, I require some surety.” He motioned to his mate. “Mr. Yulunga, please.”

Yulunga strode forward. Under the astonished eyes of the surgeon, he grasped the medicine bag. He shoved the wine cups aside, placed the valise on the desk, and opened it. Stepping back, he positioned himself behind the doctor.

The captain closed the book of ship’s articles, then moved the knife and the quill so that the desktop in front of him was clear. With a gesture, he directed the doctor. “Remove the contents, please.”

“I don’t understand!”

“Among other things, I wish to see this miracle love-potion you have devised.”

Hanover drew a deep breath. “You know of my formula, as well. I see.” His gray eyes sparked with anger, but he obeyed. He stood and seized the mouth of his bag to yank it wide. Then, gentling his motions, he began to transfer each of the vials to the pirate’s desktop. Every click made its impression in the surgeon’s soul. When a neat row of bottles stood before Cecco, Hanover said, “These are all of the medicines I carry with me. I keep replenishments in my quarters.”

“The instruments, too, please.”

“But—” From the determination on Cecco’s face, Hanover knew protest would be useless. He bent to his task, and too soon all the tools and symbols of his profession lay displayed for the captain’s examination. When the bag was empty, Hanover stood with his chin high, holding his breath and hoping against hope to escape the coming nightmare, praying that Jill had
not
told her captain everything. Perspiring, he strove for an air of calm.

Cecco’s gaze moved over the instruments, his eyes narrowing as they contemplated the powders and liquids in their little glass bottles. “And which is the famous philter?”

Not without pride, Hanover indicated a purplish fluid in a plain vial. “This. This is all I have left of it.”

“All? Then you will be concocting more?”

“I cannot do so without the key ingredient.”

“Ah. The lotus, I believe?”

On the brink of the abyss, Hanover gave only a nod.

“And these others, for what do you prescribe them?”

The surgeon attempted a casual attitude. “There are too many to go into detail— one is a sleeping draught; another a cough remedy. This one is to relieve symptoms of ague, this, for cleansing wounds, this, to settle an upset stomach, and this, for weakness of the lungs and liver— I have dosed
L’Ormonde
’s mate with it. As you may recall, he is due for more treatment.”

“You will see to him soon. And this one, of which you have an abundance?”

Hanover considered the large, tightly-corked bottle. “Ether. Very useful in performing painful procedures. I carry an abundance because life at sea requires treatment of many serious injuries.”

“And, I believe, too much can be lethal?”

Hiding his urge to use it now, Hanover answered. “Yes.”

Cecco looked to Yulunga and, with a ring of his many coins, jerked his head. The African established himself beside the desk, signifying that the doctor should resume his seat. Shifting his gaze between the two men, Hanover did so, balancing uneasily on the edge of his chair. Yulunga took hold of the medicine bag and reached into it.

“What are you doing?”

The captain’s accents reassured while his words alarmed. “Please calm yourself, Doctor. Knowing your very interesting history, I find I cannot simply accept your pledge that you will be loyal to me. Mr. Yulunga is merely collecting the surety which I advised you I require.” Cecco’s gaze was distracted from the surgeon’s panicked face as Yulunga yanked out the bag’s false bottom.

“No!”

But Yulunga tipped the bag over the desk. A delicious peppering of gems sprinkled the surface. With his eyes shining, Cecco set his arms on either side of the jewels to stop them bouncing away.

The physician watched, in mounting horror, as the pile of treasure grew. Then, from the huge hand of the African slithered the best piece, the bracelet encrusted with diamonds. Next issued a necklace and a watch fob, each set with precious, clear stones, far beyond price. Last of all, as Yulunga gave the bag a final shake, out rolled a plain gold wedding band, and a dainty pearl ring. Yulunga grinned at the sight of the little girl’s trinket— modest, indeed, compared with her father’s affluence. All three men stared at the pile of brilliants between the captain’s forearms.

“Well, Doctor! I understand why you wished to keep this cache a secret! I see that you are concerned it might be taken from you.” Cecco shrugged. “Do not worry yourself. Now that you have signed our book, we are brothers in ship’s company. As such, none of us may steal from you. All I demand at this moment is assurance that you will remain with the
Roger
and serve her men to your highest capability.”

There was nothing to say, and Hanover said it.

Smiling at the opulence shining alongside his bracelets, Cecco spent a moment filling his eyes with the sight, then concluded his business with the physician. “I now grant you a trial period, at the successful end of which I will return your precious treasure. You and your daughter may, of course, keep your sentimental pieces— both of the rings. Mr. Yulunga, you may return the pearls to Miss Hanover. Perhaps they will bring to you the same luck I enjoyed.”

Yulunga extracted the rings from the pile, and he smiled as he pocketed the pearls. “Thank you, Captain.” He offered the wedding band to the surgeon.

Pale and sweaty, Hanover finally swallowed and reached out for it. He didn’t want to ask what luck the pearls had brought to the gypsy, whose self-satisfied smile made his medical officer ill. When he was able to think about it, perhaps he would question Liza.

Cecco said, “You may return your supplies to your valise, Sir. But you are perspiring! Please, feel free to remove your coat. I will not stand on ceremony when one of my worthy officers has experienced such a shock.”

It didn’t occur to Hanover to slip the wedding ring on his finger. He deposited it in his watch pocket and clenched the arms of his chair. Having lost his athletic grace, he hauled himself to his feet and searched his coat for a handkerchief with which to tamp his dampness. Yulunga said, “Doctor, allow me.” He grasped the gray velvet coat collar, sliding the garment from the surgeon’s shoulders.

“Yes. Now we will not disturb you as you replace your belongings in your bag.” Cecco tossed his dagger to Yulunga.

Catching the knife, the first mate grinned his darkest grin. He held the coat over the captain’s desk, then proceeded to rip the satin lining. Within seconds, more diamond drops were raining on the glittering hill.