Tudor Redemption (Tudor Dynasty Book 4)

by Jamie Salisbury

  “Or she got dropped on her head. That would explain a lot,” Britt concurred.

  “Okay. Show’s over girls. I don’t know about you two, but I think I’d like to go for a sail. Either of you game?”

  “Daddy, we’re all running on zero sleep. You especially. Let’s save sailing for tomorrow. Britt and I have to start looking for a woman for you. You know, play matchmaker.”

  I stood, picking up my coffee. “Thanks, but I don’t think I need any matchmaking for a while. I think it’s time for me to recover from that drama. A nap? Now that sounds like a totally great idea.”

  We walked back across the street, and as soon as I had the key, the girls went rushing out to my SUV to make sure nothing had been done to it. Me? I went upstairs and stripped the sheets off my bed, and the one’s in Britt’s room. I wanted no reminder of Alana. A can of Crisco sat on Britt’s dresser. I shook my head as I walked out of the room with an armful of laundry. I didn’t want to know any of the greasy details, though I would throw it up to the girls to see their reaction.

  Chapter Six

  Two days later, the weather much improved, I set sail across the sound with my youngest daughter. Destination? Bainbridge Island. It was a good day’s sail, and if at the end of the day we didn’t feel like heading back, we could easily stay the night.

  True, it’s a touristy place, but away from the small, bustling area near the ferry terminal, it was still unspoiled. The residents there made sure to maintain the old forest growth. It made the island lush and green.

  My other reason for taking Andiamo across the sound was to do a thorough check of her. Though I’d had her gone over before having her put back in the water, I wanted to make sure everything was in perfect running order.

  Courtney was at the wheel. The wind shifted, which meant she needed to make adjustments. I was sitting in the cockpit watching the other boats, enjoying the day, when all of a sudden she loosened the winches, letting the jib furl. I turned and looked at her, knowing something wasn’t right.

  She’s an excellent sailor. Both the girls had learned at a young age, taking classes and learning from me, Amadeus, and my dad. This time, she proved all those hours weren’t wasted.

  “Court?”

  “I have no steering, Daddy.” As if to prove it, she turned the boat to the left. Nothing. Same thing when she tried to go right. “I was going to start turning us toward Bainbridge a minute ago and got no response.”

  By now, the boat had slowed way down. We both scrambled into action to let boats around us know we were in distress. I have to give her credit—she never panicked.

  Given that the wind was excellent for sailing, I knew it would be no time at all before someone figured out we were having problems of some sort. I mean, a sailboat sitting in the middle of the sound?

  “Daddy, we aren’t in the path of the ferry, are we?” she casually asked. Ferries are a big part of travel on Puget Sound, and there are many. The one between Seattle and Bainbridge is particularly popular.

  “I don’t think so,” I replied. “I’m going to radio for assistance. You be on the lookout. If any boats come close, start waving your arms.”

  A few minutes later, I rejoined her. I noticed a good-size cabin cruiser headed slowly toward us. One thing about the boating community—they look out for each other.

  “I see you’ve got us some help.”

  “I hope so. I think the cables snapped, Daddy.”

  “Probably. At least one. Did you feel anything before it happened?”

  “No. Nothing.”

  “Okay. Let’s see if we can’t get a tow.”

  The powerboat slowed to a crawl, pulling up next to us. A boy not much older than Court grabbed the side of my sailboat to hold her as the cabin cruisers engine slowed to neutral. A man about my age appeared out of the pilothouse.

  “We’ve lost our steering,” I shouted.

  “I can tow you back. Where do you need to go?”

  I told him where I moored the boat. He nodded.

  “You sure you don’t mind? I made a distress call letting them know our location. Someone should be here before too long.”

  “In the meantime, you’re a sitting duck in the water. Throw a bowline to my son. Tell them you’ve got a tow back to land.”

  “Thanks,” I shouted again. The cabin cruisers engines were loud even in neutral. I noticed Courtney already headed up on deck to ready the line. While she did that, I lowered the main and jib.

  Within minutes, we were heading back to the docks, thankful we’d gotten a tow, but silently cursing. Getting this fixed would put my little trip off schedule. The marine repair shop adjacent to the marina would be busy this time of year. I’d been casually looking around at other boats. I’d gotten the bug for a new one ever since Amadeus had bought his Tudor Queen. She was sleek. Fast too. Perhaps this was an omen for me to start looking again.

  I sat down in the cockpit next to Court. “Perhaps it’s time to look for a new boat.”

  “Seriously, Daddy? What would you get?”

  “I don’t know yet. Something a little bigger.”

  “Like Uncle Amadeus’s?” She squealed.

  “Yeah, in fact, I’ll give him a call. See what he thinks.”

  “You’re due for a new boat, Daddy. Andiamo’s the only boat you’ve ever had.”

  “That you can remember,” I corrected. “I had a much smaller one before you and your sister were born. Yeah, I think it’s time.”

  “I can research stuff on the internet for you.”

  “That would be a big help.” I rattled off a couple I was interested in. “I want one about the size of Amadeus’s.”

  “Seriously? I love his boat!”

  “Yeah, so do I.” An idea popped in my head. While I had her here, might as well ask her about her singing. The track I’d heard the other night had blown me away. She had talent she’d been hiding. “Speaking of Amadeus, he said you’re quite a gifted singer. He played that song you recorded for what’s his name. Something you want to tell me?”

  “Ooooo, I’m going to kill him! He wasn’t supposed to let anyone hear that. It was for Jake’s birthday.”

  “Kind of hard to do when you’re related to a bunch of musicians. So, what gives, Court?”

  “Nothing to tell.”

  “Really? You just sing in the shower? With a voice like that? Who do you think you’re talking to?”

  She rolled her eyes and blew out a breath for dramatic effect. Court knew how to be a drama queen when it suited her. Runs in the family. “Okay, here’s the deal. I have been playing some gigs. Happy?”

  “If that’s what you want. You know I’d never force you into the business. Do you have a band? Tell me.”

  “I’ve tried to put together a band. So far, nothing’s clicked. They’re either a bunch of jerks with huge egos and no talent, or once they find out who I’m related to, they’re sucking up in hopes of meeting one of you. It’s kinda hard to be a Tudor in this town. At least in the music scene.”

  “Or you can make it work to your advantage.”

  “That’s what Uncle Amadeus told me. He also told me the story behind Aunt Mary and Archangel.”

  “Did he?”

  “Yeah, he said I needed to stand out from the crowd. That’s what she did.”

  “What do you have in mind?”

  “Well, I play piano, guitar, and I can sing pretty decently. Why can’t I use them all?”

  “You can. Did you share this with Amadeus?”

  “No, actually, he’s the one who pointed it out to me. He offered to work with me on my piano skills.”

  “He offered?”

  “Yeah, after he heard me. Jealous, Daddy?”

  “No, Amadeus has an excellent ear for talent. Plus, he’s a very talented pianist.”

  “You do too, Daddy. Don’t sell yourself short. He also said if Granny Grace weren’t so pre-occupied with Aunt Mary’s babies, he’d suggest her.”

  “Your gra
ndmother would be an excellent teacher as well. She could have been a great concert pianist. Instead, she got married and had all of us.”

  “I know. She and I have talked about it.” She hesitated for a second. “Did you know Peter’s been encouraging her? I think he wants to see her fulfill her dream.”

  “Really? I’m glad. She should. Your grandmother’s very talented.” I didn’t want to go off on her, but I was pissed. Seemed everyone knew about Court’s musical ambitions but me. My smart daughter, however, picked up on this.

  “Daddy, I haven’t talked to you about all this because you were busy with Alana. Going back and forth to London. Now that you broke up with her, I wanted to give you some space. I was going to discuss it with you when you came back from your trip.”

  “Well, that might not be happening now. Or it might just be postponed. Why don’t you enjoy your summer? Work with Amadeus if he’s offering, but don’t ever think you can’t come to me about anything. Ever.”

  Our conversation drifted, the marina coming into view. In a short time, we said goodbye to our rescue and had my boat with the repair crew. I was looking at a minimum of a week just for them to get it out of the water. Yes, summer was a busy time for these guys. Court and I grabbed our gear and headed to the car.

  “Well, this sucks, Daddy. Now what?”

  I started the SUV’s engine and pointed to the console. “Get Amadeus on the phone. I have an idea.”

  “I thought you were sailing with Court today,” he said.

  “No steering, Uncle A. We had to get towed back to the dock. Now Daddy can’t go on his trip.”

  “Courtney!”

  “That’s definitely a problem.” He chuckled. “What happened? Cable break?”

  “Probably. They won’t even be able to get it out of the water to look until end of next week.”

  “Bummer.”

  “Daddy wants a new boat, Uncle A!”

  “Is that so? What are you looking for?”

  “Not a clue. Wasn’t serious until this happened. But one of those Blue Jacket’s sounds nice. “

  “You’re due, Dame. Overdue, in my opinion. I might be able to help you out on that.”

  “Really? How’s that Uncle A?”

  He chuckled at Court’s enthusiasm. “I was looking at selling mine, but there are too many memories attached to her. That and Zara about ripped me a new one when she found out I’d bought a forty foot Blue Jacket without consulting her. Interested?”

  “Hell yes, I’m interested.”

  “Um, if you’re interested, why don’t you two come over? I took possession of the new one yesterday. We can take her out. See what you really think.”

  “Can we, Daddy? We’ve got plenty of time.”

  “Okay, A. We’re heading to the ferry terminal. This is crazy, but I want to take her out.”

  “See you guys in a while then. Logan and I’ll go clean her up and get her ready.”

  “See ya, Uncle A.”

  Chapter Seven

  Pulling up to the front of Amadeus and Zara’s home an hour and a half later, I had to curb my daughter’s enthusiasm. She’d chattered non-stop the entire way over, texting her sister and Jake about our adventure.

  “Look. We’re going sailing. Your uncle and I will have to talk about money later. If. I. Like. The. Boat.”

  “You already do, Daddy. She’s yours. Admit it. You’ve always wanted one.”

  I sighed and shook my head. Damn kid knew me too well.

  “I’ve got to sell Andiamo first.”

  She was off, skipping to the front door. I saw Zara waiting for me. Court had vanished, and Zara didn’t look happy.

  “Why the serious look? What’s up?” I said, hugging her. “Oh and sorry for no warning. This was A’s idea.”

  “You know you’re always welcome.”

  “What’s up?”

  “Alana.”

  “Geez, what now?”

  “She’s released a statement.”

  “About us? Good for her. I’m sure it’ll put her in a favorable light.”

  “But of course.”

  “But?”

  “Do you want me to tell you, or do you want to read it?”

  “Give me the highlights. I don’t want to read anything she’s put out.”

  Zara shut the front door, and I followed her into the family room. The two little ones were nowhere to be found. Nap time, and I was intruding on the small bit of quiet my sister-in-law got every day. “You can tell me later, Zara. I know you don’t get much alone time during the day with the little ones.”

  “No, I want to tell you, because I want to respond to her garbage.”

  “Okay...”

  “In a nutshell, Alana said that she fired you claiming the two of you had vastly different ideas of which direction her career should go.” Zara paused, turned around in a circle, and then looked at me. “Damn bitch! She then goes on to say that she was never engaged to you. That any relationship between you two other than professional was an unfortunate misunderstanding.”

  “In other words, it never happened.”

  “Yes.”

  “If you want to respond for me, Zara, do this. Say that while it’s true we’ve parted professionally, I will have nothing to say regarding her delusional comments about our intimate relationship. Add something to the fact that she knows what truly occurred between us. You know how to word those things. Make sure you refer to her by her last name. Her French last name, her real one.”

  “I’ll do it.”

  She was smiling.

  “What?”

  “I’m so glad to see you’re not torn up over all this, Dame. Amadeus and I were so afraid you would be devastated.”

  “No. I saw it coming, as soon as we went to tell her family. She just gave me the perfect out.”

  “Well, we’re both happy you’re out from under her. I’ll get this written up.”

  “Just send it. I don’t need to see it first. If she says anything or anyone contacts you, handle it or send it on to the attorneys.”

  “Consider it done. Now go sail. A said you’re looking for a new boat. Something about you and Court got stranded in the sound? You’d be getting your brother out of hot water if you decide you like it.”

  “Yeah. Time to move on. Guess that includes boats.”

  Zara moved close and put her arms around me. “Everything will work out for you, Dame. Don’t let this little setback with Alana eat at you.”

  “You don’t have to worry about me having a pity party because of that one. Live and learn. Right now, it’s all about the sailboat.”

  Kissing her on the cheek, I headed out the door toward the dock. From the looks of the activity down there, it appeared Amadeus had his son Logan and Courtney readying the brand new Blue Jacket. The pair were in the middle of attaching the main sail to the mast and boom.

  I chuckled at the sound of the two. Court was instructing her young cousin in the proper way to unpack a sail. Logan didn’t seem to be taking too well to being taught by a girl. Amadeus was sitting in the cockpit area watching the two banter back and forth.

  I climbed on board, eyeing the cobalt blue hull as I did. Gorgeous. I sat down across from him and observed the two young pups. “Got your crew hard at work?”

  “Logan needs to learn how to do it himself. Court’s a natural teacher.”

  “It isn’t rocket science, Logan. Elizabeth or Wolfgang could do it. Stop being such a moron.”

  “Shut up, Court.”

  “Hey, hey,” Amadeus shouted. “Enough. She’s right, Logan. You should be done by now, and have the jib hooked. Chop chop, or neither of you are going to get to go.”

  He winked at me. He knew how to get his point across.

  “But Dad...”

  “Don’t want to hear it, Logan. Listen to Courtney, she’s been sailing a lot longer than you have.” He turned to me. “I take it Zara told you what’s up?”

  “Yeah. She’s handling it for me.�
�

  “Good to hear. By the way, I may have a buyer for your boat.”

  “Seriously?”

  “Yep.”

  “Dude, are you going to leave me hanging?”

  He chuckled, still trying to be a kid. He’d done this as a boy. He’d hear some huge news and would drag it out…

  “Amadeus! Spill!”

  “Angus.”

  “Angus?”

  “Yeah, Angus. Seems our brother has decided sailing’s kind of fun. He got wind about my new boat, and was all hot and heavy about wanting to buy this one.”

  “I take it you told him no?”

  “Told him she’s too big for his first one. He wants me to help him find a boat.”

  “There’s hope for the boy after all.”

  “Yep, and I think yours would be the perfect starter for him.”

  “It would be. I should have upgraded long before now, but it’s been great for the girls to learn on.”

  “You haven’t really had much free time to enjoy it anyway.”

  “That’s all about to change, A.”

  “Good, glad to hear it. It’s about time.”

  “Hey, you two, are you finished yet? We want to sail today, not next year, you know,” I yelled up at the kids who were now working at the front. Snapping the jib into place.

  “You want me to go over anything before we head out?”

  “No, let’s just get out and sail. I figure you and I can take her out alone another time.”

  “Okay, watch this,” he said, pulling out a boat horn. He blew it once, almost sending both kids over the side.

  Courtney wasn’t amused and was quick to point it out. “Dude, grow up, will you? Sheez. We’re done, okay?”

  “Just keeping you two on your toes. Come on, get everything stowed, and get the bowline ready. Logan, come on. Move it, man.”

  We heard grumbling over who was going to do what. Typical.

  “I spoke to Court about her singing,” I said quietly.

  “And?”

  “We’ll see. I told her whatever she needs, I’ll do whatever I can.”

  “I’d like to see her go to somewhere like Julliard. Like Mary. Study music theory or something. But I’m just her uncle.”