Leopard (Fighting Anthonys Book 7)

by Michael Aye

  The carriage moved along at a good clip, and Gabe was dozing when the carriage turned down a road shaded by mango and mahogany trees. The horses seemed to strain as they pulled the carriage up a rise where it stopped. A footman opened the door and the two stepped out to see a three story house built of coral stone and wood. Huge white pillars helped hold the house up where the stone walls ended. Looking about, Gabe could see where pineapples and bananas were planted. The walkway was lined with palm trees, and with tropical plants planted between the trees. A great lawn covered the area to where a bluff dropped away but giving one a spectacular view of the Caribbean.

  “Magnificent,” Vallin said in awe of his surroundings.

  As Gabe and Lieutenant Vallin approached the huge doors at the chief resident’s house, two handsomely attired footmen appeared and opened the doors. Once inside the foyer, a servant took their hats. A cacophony of music and voices filled the room.

  Vallin leaned over to Gabe and whispered, “Sounds like a cage of monkeys I once saw.” Gabe smiled but didn’t respond as the majordomo took his card and announced, “Sir Gabriel Anthony, Captain, HMS Leopard.” A few people looked his way and clapped. Vallin was then announced.

  One man, somewhat more elegantly dressed than the others, walked toward Gabe, “Gabe, Sir Gabe.”

  “Yes.”

  “I’m William Eden. Thank you for joining our festivities.”

  “Is there a special occasion?” Gabe asked.

  “Yes, my wife’s niece has just turned twenty-one.”

  “My congratulations,” Both Gabe and Vallin said in unison.

  “May I present my first lieutenant, Con Vallin.”

  “Vallin! I seem to recall a Vallin on my trip to Scotland,” Eden said.

  “Possibly my father or grandfather,” Vallin responded. “My father, like his father, is Lord Fergus Vallin of Glasgow.” Seeing the puzzled look, a look that Con was used to, he explained, “My father was somewhat of a wayward youth. My mother, his first wife, was an Indian princess. She had the misfortune to die in childbirth.”

  “It’s with sorrow, I hear of your misfortune. Still you come from a good family,” Eden paused as if unsure whether to continue and then went ahead, “You will find there are many cases where a son has been sent to the islands, where he is accepted without question by most. A number of them without the benefit of his parents being wed.” Gabe winced. If Eden saw it, he made no move or comment.

  A woman with a young lady in tow walked up. Mr. Eden introduced his wife and niece. “Dear, other carriages have arrived,” Mrs. Eden informed her husband.

  “We will talk later,” Eden said with a smile. “Get these nice gentlemen a glass, will you?” Eden requested, speaking to the niece.

  “This way, please,” she invited. The young lady wore a gown of pale blue. It was cut wide and low, showing off a pair of suntanned shoulders and an ample amount of the tops of her breasts. They were just as tan as her shoulders. She wore a necklace of diamonds that sparkled when the light hit them. The tanned neck and shoulders seemed to attract more attention than the diamonds. She turned taking both men, one on each arm, and walked to a table where glasses were being filled.

  “We have a fruity wine, a rum punch,” and leaning forward, she spoke in a whisper, “a weak rum punch, and a punch made with melons, bananas, and oranges.” Leaning forward as she did made both Gabe and Vallin look at the unblemished view. Gabe recovered but she caught Vallin, “You’ll not find any punch there.”

  “My apologies, mademoiselle,” Vallin muttered. “Your beauty is breathtaking.”

  Smiling, the beautiful creature said, “Not mademoiselle. Hannah. My name is Hannah Bodden.”

  “I’m Con Vallin and…”

  “I know who you are,” Hannah interrupted. “I listened when you were announced.”

  “Are we to understand that this is your birthday?” Gabe asked.

  “My birthday celebration, Sir Gabe. My birthday was several days ago, but we had to wait until today for the planters.”

  “I see,” Gabe replied.

  The music stopped again and the majordomo announced, “Vice Admiral, Lord Gilbert Anthony, Commander and Chief of His Majesty’s Navy in the Caribbean.”

  Thinking that this was the opportune time to make his departure, Gabe bowed to Hannah, “My apologies, Hannah. There are some pressing matters that I need to discuss with Lord Anthony.” Vallin’s eyes lit up when his captain made his departure.

  Hannah looked at Vallin, “I’m not stupid. He left so we could be alone. That’s his brother,” she continued. “He can talk to him anytime.”

  “I’m afraid that we are caught. Do you mind?” Vallin asked.

  “No,” Hannah replied, handing him her glass. “I’ll be right back.”

  Not wanting to be seen holding two glasses, Con sat one down. Just before Hannah returned, a woman, who appeared to be in her thirties, walked over and gave Con a smile. Her gown was even bolder than Hannah’s. It was cut very low and when she leaned over to get a glass she could have easily reached standing up, Vallin thought, she may as well have had nothing on.

  “Mrs. Patton, how nice to see you,” Hannah said.

  “Oh, dear child, you have grown into such a young lady. Soon you will be a woman.” The statement was made with Mrs. Patton’s eyes darting toward Vallin.

  He bowed and said, “A pleasure.” Mrs. Patton made an exaggerated bow, flashing her wares once more.

  Hannah put her arm through Vallin’s and said, “You promised to introduce me to the admiral, Lieutenant.” Walking away, Hannah asked, “Can you believe that brazen woman. No more than a tavern’s whore showing her wrinkled tits. Mine are much prettier.”

  Raising his eyebrows, Vallin thought, a different breed these island girls. “Where did you go?” he asked politely.

  “To have your place card changed, so you’ll be sitting by me. But if I catch you with that whore, I’ll have it thrown away and you’ll do without,” Hannah replied.

  Without what, Vallin wondered, but didn’t ask.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  SEEING CAPTAIN ALBRIGHT AND Captain Neil at William Eden’s house was really no surprise but when Albright shook the admiral’s hand, he leaned forward and said softly, “We need to talk when it’s convenient.”

  “You are welcome to come aboard my ship,” Anthony replied, wondering what was on Albright’s mind.

  “No, that would be noticed. Let’s walk outside for a smoke. There are chairs and a swing that overlooks the ocean. I’ll meet you there in half an hour if his Lordship is agreeable.”

  When Anthony nodded, Albright walked on. Should anyone be watching it looked no more than a greeting. Seeing their host, Anthony made a point in telling Eden what a wonderful meal they’d eaten.

  “Are you a card player, my Lord?” Eden asked.

  “No, my flag lieutenant is a fair hand.” He said this while clapping Mahan on the shoulder.

  “I’m average,” the lieutenant responded.

  “Well, we have several guests who enjoy a game. Perhaps, you’d like to join in.”

  “I’d be glad to, but I’m afraid that I didn’t bring any money with me,” Mahan said.

  “I will loan you enough,” Eden said. “These men are poor players so you should not have to worry. I think they play cards so that they have an excuse not to dance.”

  As Mahan walked away, Anthony engaged Eden in more conversation. “I’m curious as to the title Chief Resident.”

  “In truth, it has no authority. Grand Cayman comes under the authority of the Governor of Jamaica. When the island feels we have a need in addressing the governor, I usually lead the delegation. The Boddens, Hannah’s grandparents, was one of the first families to settle on the island in the early 1700’s. The island has mahogany, cotton, sarsaparilla, and of course the turtles. The turtles are not as many as they once were, but they still remain a fair way of support for many.”

  “I see your blacks tend to be educ
ated,” Anthony said.

  “That is true, my Lord. Most of the islanders on Cayman do not believe in slavery and I expect it to be done away with before too many more years,” Eden replied.

  “By educating some of the slaves, you will have set in place educated men who can help others of their race make a living,” Anthony said.

  Eden’s wife walked up, “William, you simply must come watch Hannah dance with this dashing Navy officer. My pardon, my Lord.”

  “No, go on,” Anthony replied. “I think I will take in a bit of the evening air and smoke one of these cigars you’ve so graciously provided.”

  “Come along, William,” his wife said.

  “Enjoy the cigar,” Eden replied, speaking over his shoulder as he was being pulled away.

  ***

  SILAS HAD CUT UP melons, mangos, bananas, and pineapple. This was placed into small bowls and cups of sugar were put between every third bowl. Cold biscuit and cheese was also laid out. A rum punch was served. This had been made early that morning, poured into jars and placed in the bilges to cool. Most of the fruit had come from the grounds of Pedro St James. Anthony made a note to himself to be sure to thank the Chief Resident for his generosity.

  Gabe had been summoned prior to the other captains. Once aboard the flagship, Gabe was greeted by Stephen Earl. “Have Dagan brought aboard and then send your boat back to Leopard.” Earl’s order was out of the ordinary, but Gabe spoke to Dagan, and then to his temporary cox’n, who gave the boat crew their instructions. Once in the admiral’s cabin, Gabe and Dagan were told to have a seat. His Lordship soon appeared followed by his flag captain, Stephen Earl; his flag lieutenant, Patrick Mahan and Bart.

  Without being offered refreshment, Lord Anthony motioned for the group to sit. “Where is your cox’n, Gabe?” Anthony asked, coming right to the point.

  “I gave him a few days off,” Gabe responded, wondering what this was about and what had Hex gotten himself into.

  “Do you know where he is?”

  “In general, but Dagan could tell you exactly. May I ask what this is all about?” Gabe asked.

  “I have been given reliable information that this woman, who has enticed your cox’n, is in league with the privateers. Ships were seen leaving the north side of the island and Marie Galante was seen on the beach talking to one of the captains. We have reason to believe this woman may be using Hex in hopes of gaining information related to the ships’ movements and such.”

  Gabe rose in defense of his cox’n, “Sir, I don’t believe that my cox’n would ever divulge any information, in regards to our ships.”

  “Bart said the same thing,” Anthony admitted. “In fact, no one in the cabin thought him to be culpable. Nevertheless, today at lunch I will announce the squadron will depart for Jamaica. From there, we will send out patrols looking for the French. This is in fact true. A vessel was sent from Jamaica with the news. We will all weigh anchor at the same time but once we reach Jamaica, you Gabe, Bulldog and Lynx will set a course for the Bahamas. Dagan and Bart will go ashore tonight and loudly fetch Hex, making sure they let anyone who will listen know their thought on visiting Jamaica where the rum runs free and the women freer.”

  ***

  LORD ANTHONY’S SHIPS HAD just set sail when the sky turned grey. The watch was miserable, first the heat and now a misty rain. Steam rose from hot decks as the misty rain cooled them down.

  “The ropes are sure to swell,” Vallin said, pointing out the obvious.

  Pittman gave a nod but didn’t otherwise speak. He knew that the rain soaked riggings would have a time of it passing through blocks and sheaves. In all likelihood, he’d have to send someone to clear the blockage.

  Land was just below the horizon when a cry came from the lookout, “Sail ho!”

  “Where away,” Vallin shouted in a voice so strong the speaking trumpet was not needed. “Heave to!” Vallin ordered.

  Just before they set sail a message from the admiral had told them to expect a fishing boat once clear of land. The boat carried a special passenger. Once the boat, a fishing smack, pulled alongside a nimble young man leaped across the short distance between the smack and Leopard’s side. Grabbing the man rope, he climbed up the battens and through the entry port. Before he could be taken below to the captain’s cabin, a sail was hauled up the smack’s single mast. The smack came about and headed back toward Grand Cayman.

  Gabe had sent for his cox’n, Vallin, the master, and Dagan. After cooling refreshments were served, Gabe introduced the young man.

  “This is Jeremy Albright, Captain Albright’s son. If you recall, it was Captain Albright who requested Lord Anthony to send a squadron to the area. He and several others had been used most terribly by privateers. Mr. Albright, I turn it over to you.”

  “Thank you, Captain. The boat which brought me to your ship belongs to a fisherman, a friend of my father’s. He does most of his fishing in the North Sound and Rum Point, over to North Side and Old Man Bay. Our fishing boat is a regular sight and most fishermen are usually a closed mouth group, so nobody pays them much attention. About a year ago, several of us was asked if we’d like to run a load of turtle meat and other food products to Cat Island.”

  Vallin went to speak, but Gabe shook his head not to interrupt. Taking a drink from his glass the boy paused and then started talking again. “We pulled into Cutlass Bay near Bain Town. Several ships were anchored there. As we unloaded our fish and turtles, a steady line of men carried crates and things to a hole in the ground where a hoist had been set up.”

  “A cave?” Gabe asked.

  “That would be my guess, sir. I’d stepped off the trail to relieve myself and when I stood up I was face to face with a rogue.”

  “‘What are you doing?’ he asked.

  “‘Relieving myself’, I replied. He shoved me aside and looked at the spot, using a torch to see. Grabbing my collar, he shoved me back toward the beach and said, ‘Next time go down the beach a ways. Somebody will likely step in it here.’ I apologized and ran back to our boat.”

  “How does Marie Galante enter into this?” Gabe asked.

  “Well, she sells her rum cheaper than most and she’s always got plenty. Besides, her husband, who was a Frenchman, was known to associate with pirates and smugglers. Men would come in and talk about when they were sailing, what they were carrying and the next thing you know you can’t remember seeing them for a while. Most men would tell everything they knew once Marie sat with them and sang a song or two, and gave a sailor just enough to look at or a slight touch and they’d be all mouth.”

  Gabe understood what effect a woman, especially a beautiful woman, could have on sailors. Looking to his cox’n Hex, Gabe asked, “What was your impression?”

  “She could easily be a temptress. I was with her day and night for several days and she did ask leading questions about how long we’d have together and when would we be leaving, would we be going far and could she expect to have me back before long.” What Hex didn’t say was the questions usually came before or after they’d been in bed together. Just that morning after a vigorous tryst, she had embraced him whispering she didn’t know how she could survive without him. She hoped he’d be back soon. Fortunately he didn’t know, otherwise she had seemed so genuine that he’d most likely have told her without thinking.

  “You were with her every night?”

  Hex went to reply and then thought for a minute before he answered. “Most nights, but my second night ashore, she begged off stating she had business to attend to. She was back before dawn and woke me as she…as she made ready for bed.”

  Everyone smiled not at what was said but what Hex didn’t say.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  THE SMELL OF RUM was obvious as Gabe, Dagan, and Hex walked through the seamen’s berth spaces. No doubt, a seaman had given his mates a little extra of their rations knowing they were in for a long night…a night in which some might not return. The men were gathered in little groups enjoying wh
at little rest they could before being called to man the boats.

  “You be going wid us, Cap’n?” a seaman asked.

  “Of course,” Gabe responded. “You don’t think I’d let you have all the fun ashore, did ya?”

  The little group laughed. Gabe always liked to walk among his men when such an assignment came up. It helped to let them know he’d be at their side.

  “Reckon they’s any loose plunder where we be going,” another seaman asked.

  “I don’t know,” Gabe replied. “If any is found make sure you share with your captain. I’m married with a family now. Any married man will tell you, trying to satisfy a woman’s desires takes a might of doing.” This got another laugh from the group.

  “That’s why ole Ned’s got so many mates, Cap’n. He pays the rent while we’s keeps ’er clothes up.”

  There was more laughter. Ole Ned was a sixty year old seaman who claimed he had a wife and seven children.

  “Said he’d went to sea to get away from the lot.” The remark of his mates keeping her clothes up caused all to laugh including Ned.

  “I’ve no worries, Cap’n. Brown,’e ain’t used ’is wedding tackle in so long ’e’s forgot what it’s for ’cepting to piss,” Ned said.

  Gabe had reached the ladder to go up on deck. He turned and said, “Keep close and keep your ears open tonight. Any plunder you find better fit in your pocket, otherwise it’ll have to be inventoried.” He started up the ladder and then turned and paused. “Brown, wasn’t that you with two of those wenches at the Forbidden Siren. From the looks of those lusty young ladies, you must have something to charm them. I doubt that Hex, young bull that he is, could have satisfied the two at one time.”

  “It were a man-sized job, Cap’n, but I couldn’t let the reputation of Leopard be questioned like some I knows.”

  “Glad to hear,” Gabe replied as he disappeared up the ladder.

  “Two of ’em was it?” a young seaman asked. “You ’ad two doxies at once?”

  “You ’eard the Cap’n, Billy. Is ye deef?”

  “That was well done,” Dagan said to Gabe once they were out of hearing of the men below. He knew Gabe had not seen Brown with anyone, let alone two wenches. But now Brown could boast of his prowess and it’d keep his and the others’ minds off the action to come later that night.