by David O'Neil
As she finished the sinking ship slipped under the waves, with a gurgle of air and a small explosion of dust and broken furniture as it sank out of sight. There were several boats full of men struggling among themselves.
As he watched one of the boats spun and started dashing towards the Daisy lying hove-to. She lay a quarter mile off and showed no signs of noticing the fast moving launch.
“Mr. Donald, ask the gunner to stop that boat.” Martin’s voice was calm.
Athol Donald looked at the fast moving boat and called out to the Master gunner. “Mr. Carson. Stop that boat, if you please.”
The Master Gunner smiled and got the crew of the bow chaser to shift the gun a little and remove two of the quoins. He looked along the barrel nodded to himself and applied the match to the loaded gun. Taking his time, he stepped aside and nodded to Mr. Donald.
The gun crashed and jumped back against the retaining ropes. There was no sign of a splash, but the speeding boat stopped suddenly. Then the two ends folded upward, spilling the crowd of men into the water.
None of the other boats made any attempt to rescue the men struggling and sinking in the water, they all continued making their way toward the distant line of the African coast. After a while the disturbance in the water ceased. Martin sent the carpenter over to help with the repair of the corvette Minette. He also arranged for a party of the prisoners to be transferred to the corvette to man the pumps while the work was being done. Despite grumbling, the men went without trouble when they were reminded of the fate of their fellows, now no longer moving in the water.
The Hermione was seaworthy and, it seemed, loaded with bullion. In the circumstances Martin decided that it should be transferred to the Fox. With working parties under the supervision of Lieutenant Donald, the work of transfer was undertaken.
There was a truly astonishing amount, apparently the output of several mines for the past eighteen months.
“This will be a bone of contention for some time, I should imagine.” Athol Donald commented.
“How so?” Martin asked with eyebrow raised.
“Which Admiral is in charge here? Will it be Cochrane in the West Indies, or are we still under Portsmouth?”
“Interesting, Mr. Donald. Now how many prisoners have we got and where do we put them?”
“I thought perhaps we could send the prizes to Gibraltar, and the prisoners with them. If we send Daisy with them she could bring our crew back with her.”
“That makes sense, though I think we may need to find a place for the ladies. I am uncomfortable with our bilges stacked with bullion, however new our timbers may be.”
“So it’s Gibraltar for us all, sir?”
“Make the signal to the other ships. We can depart now.”
The familiar shape of the Rock was on the horizon when the cutter came into view, beating south west as fast as her sails would take her.
The signals exchanged between her and Daisy quickly established that she was carrying urgent despatches for Captain Forrest-Bowers on HMS Fox.
In his cabin Martin opened the packet of orders and private mail.
Placing the private mail to one side he opened the sealed papers from the Admiralty.
The opening sentence informed him he was recalled to the Admiralty, for orders. The body of the letter stated that his recall was for assignment to special duty, and that his return was required with all despatch. Meaning as soon as possible!
Calling the Commander Brown to attend on board, Martin spoke to Mr. Donald. “We will not be calling at Gibraltar, but proceeding direct to Portsmouth. My new orders specify, ‘with all despatch’, so I will pass command over to you, Commander Brow for the Gibraltar delivery of the prizes. While this wind holds there will be little to gain using a cutter, so Daisy will accompany us. If there are any problems I will transfer to her for the balance of the voyage and you will take Fox into Portsmouth. Call Haskall and our people from the prize. I will brief the Commander when he is aboard.”
The knock on the door announced the arrival of Brown, and Martin gave him his orders. Though the need for a prize crew would make him short-handed, it was for a short distance only, so it would be a minor inconvenience.
Standing, watching Brown returning to his ship, Athol Donald approached Martin. “What about the ladies, sir?”
“I believe they were bound for England, were they not?”
“Yes, sir. They were.”
“Then they may as well accompany us on this rush to Portsmouth, d’ye not think? After all, if we put them off at Gibraltar, there may be difficulty in returning them home.”
“Just so, sir. I will inform the ladies of your decision.”
“Is it any lady in particular, Mr. Donald?” Martin had a small smile as he spoke.
Donald flushed. “Well, sir. It does seem that Mistress Rankin shares many of my interests and we have discussed the possibility of meeting in the future.”
“My impression is that she is a fine woman who would stand well as a sensible man’s wife. You are not married, Mr. Donald?”
“Indeed I am not, sir, though mainly because the opportunity has not arisen.”
“It seems fate has played into your hands on this occasion. Good luck, Mr. Donald.”
“Why, thank you, Captain. And I hope your news was good as well.”
Martin realized that having put his private mail to one side when he opened his orders, it was still on his desk unopened. Teasing himself, he took a turn around the deck before he descended to his cabin. Arranging the letters in date order, he opened the first.
Jennifer was happy to announce that she was never better and the new baby was kicking occasionally but expected now at term with no problems. Lady Jane was well and always asked after Martin. Giles was itching to return to sea, and Isabella was with child but still great fun to be with.
There followed other news about the estate at Eynsham and the progress of the new stables.
Martin opened the second letter and found a very different story. There had been trouble at the London house. A party had got out of hand and the subsequent fire had damaged both houses. It transpired that the incident had been arranged by Sir Paul Rowland, prior to his departure to the Colonies in irons.
Since no one had actually been hurt Martin was unworried. So he proceeded to the third letter. Jennifer started the letter but it was taken over by Lady Jane, the sad message being that the expected baby was no more. A fall had led to a miscarriage and Jennifer was quite ill.
Jane said that all was being done that could be done. She was in good hands. She finished by saying that she hoped the West Indies would not keep him away too long. As they all missed him.
With the news he had received, Martin lost no time. Handing command over to Lieutenant Donald he transferred to the cutter, Daisy, to make all speed to England. The urgency of Martin’s need to get home was all that Lieutenant Reed needed, he drove the cutter to her limits. Martin was landed at Portsmouth after an anxious two-week race up the coast of Portugal and the English Channel. He lost no time hiring a post coach to London.
When he arrived after dark anxious and tired, Lady Jane met him at the door of their home, and it was then Martin realized, that there would be no good news awaiting him. She greeted him thankfully. Holding him back briefly before taking him to her daughter. “Martin, before you go in, the doctor was here earlier.” There was a pause and her voice broke as tears ran down her cheeks. “There is no hope, my dear.” She turned and took his hand. “She knows you are coming.”
He found Jennifer in poor case, and though his appearance lifted her spirits, it was evident that there was nothing to be done. His beloved was dying, her face fine drawn and pale. He could not do more than be there, holding her.
Poor young Jane their daughter had no real idea what was going on, only that her mother had been ill and something awful was happening.
The following morning, aware that her father was sad, she did her best to cheer him, but co
uld do little to lift his mood.
Around the sad household events were occurring, life progressed despite all. As the family mourned, the world elsewhere registered the news of another naval coup for a favorite Captain.
The cargo carried by HMS Fox caused considerable stir at the time. Despite the secrecy surrounding the transaction, word got about. Happily after the gold and silver was securely tucked away. Martin’s share made him completely independent for life, and for Donald there was sufficient for him to contemplate marriage, providing the lady agreed.
In the case of the crew, most had more money than they had ever had in their lives. When the gazette published the story the people of England cheered. Already known for the exploits earlier in his career, Martin confirmed his place as a hero’s in the public’s eyes.
For this latest event his fame was assured. The announcement of the award of the Freedom of the City of London and a ceremonial sword was greeted with fervour by the people, avid for news of success after the years of war dragging behind the seeming invincible rollercoaster of the Napoleonic armies.
The knighthood seemed inevitable and was promptly bestowed. Through it all Martin stumbled, numb at the knowledge of his beloved wife, Jennifer’s, desperate fight for life after the loss of her child.
As the news of Martin’s situation became known, the wave of sympathy allowed him privacy and time to be with Jennifer during her last days.
Charles Bowers looked at his adopted son with sad eyes. Martin stood in uniform, the honors, newly awarded, glinting on the navy blue of his tunic. He was gazing out of the window.
He turned to Charles, his face calm, and said “I am eternally grateful for the fate that brought me here to be with my beloved when she left us. Our daughter I know will be cared for when I am away. Now please tell me why I was recalled from the West Indies?”
Charles looked at Martin gravely, then, “I was trying to do something about that, but I’m afraid I do not have the power as yet. The man you call ‘plain Mr. Smith’ was responsible for that. He has asked to see you as soon as you are able. I do not know why nor do I know of any reason for your employment rather than in command of a ship.”
Martin smiled grimly, “For whatever reason I will be forever grateful to plain Mr. Smith for having me brought back to be with Jennifer during her last moments.”
“I also am pleased that things worked out that way, though I object to the cavalier way he cancelled orders of the Admiralty, and makes use of naval personnel. He has asked that you be given time to arrange your life.
Later, alone in his room Martin stood at the window, he had seen his daughter Jane and said goodnight to her. Now, alone once more, he gazed out at an uncertain future……
The End
Counterstroke # 1....Exciting, Isn’t It?
O’Neil’s initial entry into the world of action adventure romance thriller is filled with mystery and suspense, thrills and chills as Counterstroke finds it seeds of Genesis, and springs full blown onto the scene with action, adventure and romance galore.
John Murray, ex-Police, ex-MI6, ex management consultant, 49 and widowed, is ready to make a new start. Having sold off everything, he sets out on a lazy journey by barge through the waterways of France to collect his yacht at a yard in Grasse. En route he will decide what to do with the rest of his life
He picks up a female hitch-hiker Gabrielle, a frustrated author running from Paris after a confrontation with a lascivious would-be publisher Mathieu. She had unknowingly picked up some of Mathieu’s secret documents with her manuscript. Although not looking for action, adventure or romance, still a connection is made.
An encounter with Pierre, an unpleasant former acquaintance from Paris who is chasing Gabrielle, is followed by a series of events that make John call on all his old skills of survival to keep them both alive over the next few days. Mystery and suspense shroud the secret documents that disclose the real background of the so called publisher who is in fact a high level international crook.
To survive, the pair become convinced they must take the fight to the enemy but they have no illusions; their chances of survival are slim. But with the help of some of John’s old contacts, things start to become... exciting.
Counterstroke # 2....Market Forces
Market Forces, Volume Two of the Counterstroke action adventure romance thriller series by David O’Neil introduces Katherine (Katt) Percival, tasked with the assassination of Mark Parnell in a hurried, last-minute attempt to stop his interference with the success of the Organization in Europe. As a skilled terminator for the CIA, Katt is accustomed to proper briefing. On this occasion she disobeys her orders, convinced it’s a mistake. She joins forces with Mark to foil an attempt on his life.
Parnell works for John Murray, who created Secure Inc that caused the collapse of an International US criminal organisation’s operation in Europe, forcing the disbanding of the US Company COMCO. Set up as a cover for money-laundering and other operations designed to control from within the political and financial administration, they had already been partially successful. Especially within the administrative sectors of the EU.
Katt goes on the run, she has been targeted and her Director sidelined by rogue interests in the CIA. She finds proof of conspiracy. She passes it on to Secure Inc who can use it to attack the Organization. She joins forces with Mark Parnell and Secure Inc. Mark and Katt and their colleagues risk their lives as they set out to foil the Organization once again.
Counterstroke # 3....When Needs Must...
The latest action adventure thriller in the Counterstroke series opens with a new character Major Teddy Robertson–Steel fighting for survival in Africa. Mark Parnell and Katt Percival now working together for Secure Inc. are joined by Captain Libby ‘Carter’ Barr, now in plain clothes, well mostly, and her new partner James Wallace. They are tasked with locating and thwarting the efforts of three separate menaces from the European scene that threaten the separation of the United Kingdom from the political clutches of Brussels, by using terrorism to create wealth by a group of billionaires, and the continuing presence of the Mob, bankrolled from USA. An action adventure thriller filled with romance, mystery and suspense. With the appearance of a much needed new team, Dan and Reba, and the welcome return of Peter Maddox, Dublo Bond and Tiny Lewis, there is action and adventure throughout. Change will happen, it just takes the right people, at the right time, in the right place.
Donny Weston & Abby Marshall # 1 – Fatal Meeting
A captivating new series of young adult action, romance, adventure and mystery.
For two young teens, Donny and Abby, who have just found each other, sailing the 40 ft ketch across the English Channel to Cherbourg is supposed to be a light-hearted adventure.
The third member of the crew turns out to be a smuggler, and he attempts to kill them both before they reach France. The romance adventure. now filled with action, mystery and suspense, suddenly becomes deadly serious when the man’s employers try to recover smuggled items from the boat. The action gets more and more hectic as the motive becomes personal
Donny and Abby are plunged into a series of events that force them to protect themselves. Donny’s parents become involved so with the help of a friend of the family, Jonathon Glynn, they take the offensive against the gang who are trying to kill them.
The action adventure thriller ranges from the Mediterranean to Paris and the final scene is played out in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower in the city of romance and lights; Paris France..
Donny Weston & Abby Marshall # 2 – Lethal Complications
Eighteen year olds Donny and Abby take a year out from their studies to clear up problems that had escalated over the past three years. They succeed in closing the book on the past during the first months of the year, now they are looking forward to nine months relaxation, romance and fun, when old friend of the family, mystery man Jonathon Glynn, drops in to visit as they moor at Boulogne, bringing action and adventure into their lives o
nce again.
Jonathon was followed and an attempt to kill them happens immediately after his visit. They leave their boat and pick up the RV they have left in France, hoping to avoid further conflict. They are attacked in the Camargue, but fast and accurate shooting keeps them alive. They find themselves mixed up in a treacherous scheme by a rogue Chinese gang to defame a Chinese moderate, in an attempt to stall the Democratic process in China.
The two young lovers, becoming addicted to action and adventure, link up with Isobel, a person of mystery who has acquired a reputation without earning it. Between them they manage to keep the Chinese target and his girlfriend out of the rogue Chinese group’s hands.
Tired of reacting to attack, and now looking for action and adventure, they set up an ambush of their own, effectively checkmating the rogue Chinese plans. The leader of the rogues, having lost face and position in the Chinese hierarchy, plans a personal coup using former Spetsnaz mercenaries. With the help of a former SBS man Adam, who had worked with and against Spetsnaz forces, the friends survive and Lin Hang the Chinese leader suffers defeat.
Donny Weson & Abby Marshall # 3....A Thrill A Minute
They are back! Fresh from their drama-filled action adventure excursion to the United States, Abby Marshall and Donny Weston look forward to once again taking up their studies at the University. Each of them is looking forward to the calm life of a University student without the threat of being murdered. Ah, the serene life.... that is the thing. But that doesn't last long. It is only a few weeks before our adventuresome young lovers find that the calm, quiet routine of University life is boring beyond belief and both are filled with yearning for the fast-paced action adventure of their prior experiences. It isn't long before trouble finds the couple and they welcome it with open arms, but perhaps this time they have underestimated the opposition. Feeling excitement once again, the two youths arm themselves and leapt into the fray. The fight was on and no holds barred!