)O(
As James stepped down from the carriage, he cast a glance at the door to his home, almost expecting to see Aaron waiting. Opening the door, he was greeted by Rodney.
“Sir, the Captain has asked for you,” The man-servant was grim.
James bounded up the stairs and knocked on the door to Aaron’s room. “Johnson? Are you all right?”
Abruptly, the door to his own room opened. Ike Stern eyed him from within. “He’s here, sir. I been tryin’ but he’s not in good shape.”
Barely suppressing a snarl of outrage, James glared at the young man and brushed past him. He entered the room to see Aaron had pressed himself into the darkest corner of the room. He was curled into a tight ball—as James had seen him do aboard the Maid—and had his eyes closed tightly as he shuddered. James calmed himself and approached gingerly.
“Johnson?”
Aaron’s nightshirt was still on but someone had managed to get him into some breeches. His hair stuck out at odd angles and there was a smear of something across the back of Aaron’s hand. James tossed a questioning look up at Stern.
“I was tryin’ t’ get him t’ eat something, toast with jam, so he’d have some strength but—I don’t know,” The youth looked deeply ashamed but James sensed that the boy was, truly, not at fault here. “Aaron? Cap’n Dunbar’s here fer you.”
There was no response though James truly didn’t expect there would be one. Gently, James took Aaron’s hands in both of his own. After a moment, the azure eyes opened, the distress in them heart-wrenching. He glanced up into James’s face and his eyes narrowed; a glance down at James’ hands holding his own followed. Without warning, Aaron dove into his arms.
“Ye’re not dead,” He heard Aaron whisper repeatedly. There were no tears, just the gradual cessation of the tremors that rocked Aaron. Finally, Aaron managed to speak a little louder. “I thought—Must’ve been a dream. Navy man came t’ tell me that you-you died! An’ McSwain came back t’ get me. I was back on the Maid with ‘im an’ he’d-he was gonna--.”
James said nothing just found himself gazing at Ike Stern. The boy’s eyes were dark with misery and his bearing was like that of a badly-broken horse. He’s gone from being Aaron’s sole source of hope and courage to just another person who causes him terror
and pain. It would devastate me, James mused. Finally, he spoke.
“We are due in court in just an hour, Johnson. We need to get you dressed and ready to testify. Can you do that?”
Stern’s intake of air, full of shock and rage, nearly drowned out the sound of Aaron’s voice. Only the nod of Johnson’s head told James for certain what Aaron had answered. “Anythin’ fer you.”
"Very good," James answered. He cast a glance up at Stern. "We need some privacy, please."
Ike's eyes widened then he set his jaw and slammed out the door. James felt Aaron recoil at the sound. Once they were alone, James pulled Aaron tighter against himself.
"It will be all right, Raven, I swear," He said and stood, drawing Aaron to his feet. "I have some medicine for you to take. The doctor says it will make you feel braver. Would you like that?"
Aaron didn't respond and James realized he was in true distress. He got Aaron to the bed somehow and managed to disentangle himself. He found a clean shirt on the bed--Stern's handiwork probably--then took the comb from his dressing stand. He turned back and just gazed at Aaron for a moment. He'd never seen anyone or anything who so exemplified the word "broken." It frightened him then. How could he be so passionately in love with someone so obviously damaged? Yet, he had seen Aaron react with courage and spirit all those years ago. Somehow, James was determined to bring that back to Johnson. It will take time, He told himself. It took time to break him; it will take time to mend him. He only hoped that they had that time.
Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out the bottle of sugar-water that he'd put the medicine into. Alma's instructions had been quite explicit. Give him a tablespoon of the powder mixed into an equal portion of sugar water to induce a heavy sleep. A second tablespoon, given a few hours later, would put Aaron into a coma. A final spoonful given a few hours after that would either kill him or give him the appearance of being dead. James watched his hands shake with dismay. There was no other option now but he didn't want to be the instrument of Aaron's death.
He had Aaron dressed and groomed--though he didn't dare shave the man with his hands trembling as they were--for court within a few minutes. He found a spoon on the breakfast tray when Aaron suddenly turned to face him.
"Do ye love me?"
Startled, James just stammered for a few seconds before answering. "Of course. Do you love me?"
Aaron managed a sly grin that weakened James' knees. "More'n any other, love, an' twice as much as some. Kiss me."
James did as ordered, tasting marmalade and butter on Aaron's tongue. He tried to ignore the sensation of bones under Aaron's skin as it made him all too aware how costly one mistake would be. When Aaron pulled away from him, there was a hitch in the hoarse voice.
"I'm goin' t' do this, Jamie, I swear," The bright eyes were searching James' face for something. "Jus' promise me ye won't leave me? Couldn't take that."
James nodded, unable to speak, then slid the spoon into the same pocket as the medicine. Perhaps he had underestimated Aaron. Perhaps Aaron could manage to tell his story before a crowd of possibly hostile strangers. Finally, he placed his palm against Aaron's face. "I won't leave you, I promise. How could I leave the treasure I scoured the Caribbean for, hmm? This is what we'll do. We'll save the medicine for now. If you need it, I’ll give it you at the time. I promise you, my love, you have nothing to fear. Both Ike and I will be there, as well as a company of marines. No one will be permitted to ever hurt you again."
Aaron nodded and struggled to smile at him again. James offered Aaron his arm then helped him to his feet. They stepped into the corridor in time to see Ike Stern emerge from his own room. Ike smiled genuinely when he saw Aaron.
"Cap'n, how are ye feelin'?"
Aaron met Ike's eyes then looked away almost immediately. "Fine, love. Thanks very much fer yer help. I- . . ."
Ike drew closer, meeting James' gaze briefly. "I din't mean t' frighten ye, Aaron. I just thought--."
He started to reach for Aaron, who flinched away dramatically, clutching James' arm. Ike's face darkened perceptibly and he glared up at Dunbar as if to say "this is you're doing." James shrugged then pulled his watch out.
"We must be going now," He could see that they would have barely enough time to make the trip to the fort. If something went awry, they might be disastrously late. "I suspect we should tread cautiously where the court's patience is concerned."
He heard Stern inhale, probably to say something, but he turned Aaron toward the stairs. It took precious minutes to convince Aaron that he had to leave the house in order to enter the carriage for the journey. Finally, they were all loaded into the carriage, Aaron wedged into a corner and clutching James' sleeve, Ike on the other side of James studiously attending to what passed them in the street. James checked his pocket for the "medicine" again, realizing that he would have to take action very soon.
As the hack pulled up in front of the fort, James drew the bottle out and gave it an extra shake to make sure it was mixed. Ike Stern caught his eye. "What's that?"
"Medicine for Aaron," James replied. "It's supposed to calm his nerves."
"I just don't understand why this Governor fellow seems t' think Aaron's fakin'," Ike groused. "He'll see fer himself, though, won't he?"
James nodded. "I'm afraid he will. If you'll step out of the carriage, I'll give Aaron a dose then we can both escort him inside, all right?"
For a moment, Ike looked at him with uncertainty then gave him a slight smile. "All right. I'll be waitin'."
James watched him go then turned to Aaron, drawing out the spoon. "We have to decide now, Aaron. Do you wish to take this medicine?"
When Aaron's ey
es met James', he knew what he had to do. There was a void in those blue eyes that James couldn't stand. He pulled the stopper on the bottle and poured a dose into the bowl. Leaning close, he whispered into Aaron's ear.
"Just take the medicine, love. Trust me, it will be all right."
)O(
Chapter 23:
Johnson's Trial
Fortunately, the trial was deemed by certain circles to be the social event of the season. Courtesy of the crowd waiting to observe the trial, they were far from late. At the sight of so much humanity, Aaron pulled back into the carriage. "I can't."
"Captain, we're both here to protect you," James said gently.
"Both?" Aaron's eyes grew puzzled and James nodded toward Ike, who waited on the other side of the carriage door. His eyes narrowed when he saw Stern. "Henry?"
"No, sir," Stern said quietly. "Ike. You remember little Isaac?"
"Ah," Aaron answered, struggling gamely to smile. "O' course. Can't be afraid now, can I? Got two strappin' lads t' keep me safe."
"Exactly so," James said and offered Aaron his hand.
Aaron stepped down from the carriage, clinging to James' sleeve. Ike hovered on Aaron's other side, glowering at the crowd as it seemed to close around them. James could hear the excited mutters and could almost understand what they said. He suspected it wasn't complimentary. Rogers appeared at his side at that moment.
"Sir, Admiral Mercer sent me to collect you. We have set a room aside for the witnesses," Rogers's eyes slid from James to Ike then to Aaron. He swallowed hard then turned abruptly. "Make room! Clear the way, please, everyone!"
James had to suppress a smile. Rogers could always be trusted to do something about a situation, even if it was wrong. In this case, Rogers had chosen the right thing to do. He glanced down at Aaron to see that he was talking to himself, silently, his eyes glazed as he stared at the ground. James looked up at Ike, whose face had grown sorrowful. Ike met his gaze and shook his head slowly. This did not bode well for Aaron. James felt sick inside. I apologize, my love, but this will be over very soon, He promised silently and rested his fingertips across Aaron's.
When the marines closed ranks around them, James glanced over to see Aaron's reaction. There was, unfortunately, none. He continued to stare at the ground and speak noiselessly. It was at that moment that Ike chose to take Aaron's other arm. Aaron looked up, startled, then realized who it was. For a moment, he managed a weak smile but he couldn't sustain it. Ike brushed impatiently at tears that started in his eyes and thrust his jaw out.
They were nearly to the chamber set aside for the witnesses when Rear Admiral Mercer approached. James turned to Aaron and rested his hand on the former pirate's back. "Rear Admiral, may I introduce you to Captain Aaron Johnson, formerly of the Saucy Maid? Aaron, this is Rear Admiral Edgar Mercer."
At the touch, Aaron looked up but he didn't seem to understand that James was introducing him to someone. Mercer, who had offered his hand, lowered it and gave James a regretful look. "Good to meet you, Captain. Captain Dunbar, may I speak to you privately?"
Before James could answer, Governor Robbins strode by, nodding briefly to the naval officers then stopping to glower at Aaron. Aaron shivered and Ike put an arm around his shoulders. "It'll be all right, Cap'n."
"So, this is Captain Johnson," Governor Robbins said, with a sniff. "Somehow I expected someone more prepossessing, considering."
James felt his jaw tighten and glanced up in time to see Ike's face ruddy. He grabbed the young man's wrist so that their gazes met. "Do nothing."
Resentfully, Ike yanked his arm away and turned his attention back to Aaron. James turned to address Mercer. "Sir, I cannot guarantee that Captain Johnson will be able to testify. As you may note for yourself, he's--."
They turned back in time to see Aaron collapse into Ike's arms. Ike clutched at Aaron with one arm while he tried to use the other hand to pat his face. "Aaron? Cap'n, can ye hear me? Please, Aaron, wake up."
For a moment, James worried that this was something else rather than the drug he administered. He drew close to Ike then turned to a nearby marine. "Go fetch the physician."
While they waited for Dr. Hudson to arrive, James and Ike were able to move Aaron into a nearby office and stretch him out on a table there. Ike placed Aaron's head in his lap and James removed his coat to drape over Aaron. James stepped closer to Ike and spoke.
"When Dr. Hudson arrives, he will need to look Aaron over. I will be back in a few minutes but, for now, stay with him and take care of him. I know you can do that."
Ike stared at him as though he had sprouted a pair of wings then nodded. "Aye, sir, that I will. Um, let me know when 'tis time fer me to speak against them bas-them? I don't want t' miss me turn."
James read in the golden eyes the same fury that was in his own heart and couldn't suppress a smirk. "I most assuredly will. I hope this convinces the Governor that Aaron is truly unable to testify."
"Agreed," Ike nodded then James returned to Mercer's side.
"How is he?" Mercer asked, a thrust of his jaw indicating Aaron.
James shrugged. "I don't know, sir. He's had a great deal of difficulty sleeping since the subpoena came and this morning was nearly catatonic with fear. I am afraid this may be the final blow."
"I see," Mercer said softly. He turned to look over at the Governor, who was speaking with a local landowner. "Robbins is still not convinced. I'm not sure what is going on in his mind. In any case, the Governor intends for you to speak first, Captain. Then Johnson, should he be capable, and then the boy. The good doctor should be here momentarily. I asked him to attend today's trial for just this possibility."
"Thank you, sir," James said softly. When his eyes met Mercer's, his superior shook his head, seized James' elbow and drew him aside.
"You have spoken with Johnson and the boy, have you not? They are aware that they will need to leave as soon as the trial is over, I'm certain," Mercer's blue eyes were sharp as they stared into James'.
"Yes, sir," James answered, meeting the older man's gaze directly and hoping his bluff would work. "Stern especially has plans to leave Port Royal as soon as things are settled here. The presumption is that Aaron--Captain Johnson—will accompany him."
"Very good," Mercer sighed. "I've been corresponding with the Admiralty in regard to your career. The thought, at this time, is that you are perhaps a bit young to be raised to a rear-admiral but there is no one who would question your credentials. They are prepared to name you Commodore, my boy, then, when the time is right, you will most assuredly become the next admiral of the fleet."
James nodded, although he wanted to tell Mercer the truth, that his career was no longer the top priority in his life. "Thank you, sir."
Mercer spotted Hudson passing them. "The good doctor has arrived. Go check on the patient. By the look of things, it will be noon before we actually get this trial started."
"Yes, sir," James tried not to hurry but he was worried. He stepped into the room to see Dr. Hudson rolling back one of Aaron's eyelids.
"This is not good," The doctor muttered as James drew close. "Describe his symptoms before the collapse."
"He was shaking, speaking to himself, and barely able to focus. He hasn't been sleeping much at all the last few nights and has been having terrible nightmares when he does sleep," James said quietly.
"An' he didn't seem t' know us at all," Ike added, his hand stroking Aaron's hair most affectionately. "Is he going t' be all right, sir?"
Hudson shrugged. "I'm not sure. He seems to be in a coma but the symptoms you describe wouldn't result in that. Are you sure there is nothing else you observed?"
James caught his breath, praying Stern wouldn't mention the "medicine" he'd seen James give the Captain earlier. When Hudson glanced up at him, James shook his head gravely. To James' relief, the incident must have slipped the boy's mind. Hudson sighed heavily.
"Well this is a most unfortunate turn of events. Captain Dunbar, may I speak
with you outside?" Hudson led James into the hall. Ike remained in the room with Aaron, watching them leave with apprehension but not wanting to leave Aaron.
"You're concerned," James said as he turned to face Hudson just outside the room.
"You might say that," Hudson replied. "In his physical condition, he cannot go without food for very long. We can try to feed him liquids--broth, juice and the like--but if he aspirates--chokes on it--he could develop pneumonia. Starvation or pneumonia, both have only one likely outcome in this situation. My apologies."
Despite his composure, James felt tears burn his eyes. He wiped them away and Dr. Hudson laid a gentle hand on his arm. "I shall go speak with the Governor. I don't hold out much hope for a recovery."
James nodded, trying to keep his emotions in check. He glanced around and spotted Rogers standing at the courtroom door. When their eyes met, Rogers approached. "Sir?"
"Things look grim," James cleared his throat when his voice came out choked. "My apologies. Things look grim for Captain Johnson. As soon as the Governor gives his consent, I want you and a few marines to transport Aaron back to my home. Leave him in the care of Rosemarie and let her know that I will be home as soon as possible, is that clear?"
"Yes, sir, very much so. I--," Rogers glanced down at his shoes then smiled consolingly up into James' face. "I am very sorry, sir. I know he had become a good friend to you."
"Thank you, Michael. We must hold some hope but the news has not been good," James managed a grim smile in return. "As you were."
)O(
Chapter 24:
The End of the Matter
Even though James wanted nothing more than to be by Aaron's side, he realized that his whole plan would be in vain if the trial did not go forward, the monsters convicted and sentenced. The Governor agreed to allow the trial to proceed even without Captain Johnson's testimony. James was first to testify. Fortunately, the whole notion that Aaron had been repeatedly raped was deemed so distasteful that the testimony was deliberately kept away from the subject while James was on the stand. In fact, James was mostly asked to describe the circumstances of his kidnapping (including the fact that Dunkirk had been killed in a most ruthless manner) and then about the various reports on the activities of the Saucy Maid and her crew since then.
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