by Michael Aye
However, Domingo continued, "He was offered much to sign on to a privateer but he now thinks his captain is crazy so he… ah deserted his ship. He has come to me with much information and I tell him you are a fair man, Senor Gabe, and you can make a place for him on your ship. He thinks that is good… otherwise he feels his life is in danger."
"We can certainly discuss signing him on," Gabe replied. "What ship did he run from?"
"The ship you search for," the little man said, "the Barracuda. I have much information which I think will be useful to you."
Damme, Gabe thought, we must have an interview with his lordship.
"In the meantime let's keep… Paco, is it?"
"Si, Paco."
"Good. Let's keep Paco hidden so that Barracuda's spies don't find out about our friend being here." As the captains settled into their seats in the admiral's cabin the atmosphere was much different. This was a conference for battle. A battle in which some of those gathered here today might not return. Heads went up as Hazard entered and held the door for the admiral.
"Well, gentlemen," Anthony said as he took his seat at the head of the table.
No pleasantries today, Gabe thought.
"It appears," Anthony continued speaking, "that lady luck has once again smiled down on us. We have reliable information that the Barracuda was just in an area some thirteen miles south of Savannah. This is a plantation owned by a fellow named Morel. Apparently there's a good landing area here and Barracuda's Captain de Lavago was treated for wounds he received in battle against Sir Raymond and Gabe."
"Our information is he has a vendetta against the British for the loss of his property. However, our informer tells us he is now a man gone mad by his hatred and worsened by his wounds. He recently flogged one of his officers to death over having to retreat from the recent battle with Gabe and Sir Raymond. He is now, I'm told, gone back to his lair, Cayo Hueso, or as some call it Key West. Because of the tricky currents and treacherous reefs on both sides of the channel this has been the perfect hideout. One we've thought about but not ventured into. But that's about to change. Our own Lieutenant Hazard knows these waters having participated in… ah… shall we say salvage operations there before the war."
This brought a chuckle from the group. It was known that the island had been a haven for wreckers at one point and the salvage for the most part was due to the wreckers luring unsuspecting ships onto the coral reefs.
"Now, we know de Lavago is a capable foe, madman or not. So we have to go about this boldly but with the idea of limiting our loss in case the plan doesn't work."
Hazard with the help of Bart had hung a large hand drawn chart of Cayo Hueso on the bulkhead."Lieutenant Hazard thinks Merlin and SeaWolf can enter the channel here. With only minimal room to maneuver he feels Barracuda, if she's there we'll up anchor and travel down the channel and out into open waters on the Gulf side. At this point he could come about and have a broadside waiting when the would-be chasers arrive. But that's not going to happen. We, that is Warrior and Defiant, will be waiting on him once he clears the channel. Now are there any questions?" Markham was the first, "What if Barracuda's not there?"
Nodding his head, Anthony answered the question that was on everyone's mind. "The attack is to be a dawn attack. However, Lieutenant Hazard with a crew in a long boat will scout out the area before we proceed.
We will lie off the coast until the reconnaissance is complete. If everything goes as planned this should be done by midnight which gives Warrior and Defiant time to sail around the Key and be in position by dawn."
"If he's not there?" Earl asked.
"I intend to set a trap not unlike the one he laid for Pigeon. The utmost in secrecy in regards to this plan cannot be expressed enough. Bart has already set out rumors we are going out on patrol, Defiant and Merlin to the north and Warrior and SeaWolf to the south. Let's hope it is believed."
"Boat ahoy!"
"Merlin."
The challenge and reply. Gabe had still not gotten use to the fact he now commanded… temporarily commanded, a frigate. Rated as a thirty-two gun ship her main battery consisted of twenty-six twelve pounders with two eighteen pounders on either side of the bow.
Her secondary armament was four six pounders. Merlin
was one hundred twenty feet long and thirty-four feet wide with a burden of about six hundred tons. Making his way down to his cabin Gabe found Dagan waiting.
"I'm going over to dine at Colonel Manning's. They are to be taken to Norfolk tomorrow and exchanged." Gabe could tell Dagan was taking their leaving hard.
"You've become quite close with the family haven't you, uncle," Gabe said using the name he'd used all his pre-Navy life.
"Aye," Dagan replied, the hint of a smile on his face at being addressed so.
"Go then, enjoy the evening… nay the entire night but one question before you go. What's her name?" Before Gabe could blink Dagan's hand shot out and put Gabe in a headlock with one hand and tossed his hair with the other. Then just as quickly he was through the cabin door. Stopping suddenly he turned and said,
"Betsy."
The marine sentry standing at the captain's cabin door, stood at attention, shocked at what he'd just witnessed. What a story he'd have for the mess that evening.
After a quiet meal Colonel Manning made his excuses about some last minute packing to do before they were ready to start their voyage home on the morrow. The servants set about cleaning and packing the dishes as Dagan and Betsy made their way to the swing on the front porch.
A faint breeze drifted in off the Atlantic and there was a quarter moon. Dagan was pleasantly surprised as Betsy nestled in beside him.
"I will miss you," Dagan said.
For a moment Betsy didn't say a word; then taking Dagan's hand said, "And I will miss you. I was a child bride, married at eighteen to the son of the man who owned the plantation next to the Colonel. He was rich, Barracuda
handsome, dashing and fearless and I thought I loved him. What girl wouldn't? He was made an officer in the Army of Virginia only to die of pneumonia before a shot was ever fired. But it's since I've been here… been with you that I really know what love is. I liked Thomas but I never loved him and I realize that now. But is it over before it begins?" She dabbed with her handkerchief at the tears starting to well up in her eyes.
Putting his arms around Betsy and drawing her close Dagan kissed at the moisture on her cheeks tasting the salty taste of tears. "No, my love, it's not over that much I promise you. You may have to wait but I'll come… I promise I'll come."
At that moment Dagan knew his words were true.
His lips left her face and found her lips for a long, warm passionate kiss. She eased up onto his lap; their bodies crushed together, each feeling the other's heartbeat against their chest.
"My God, Dagan, I'm in love. I want you. I want you forever."
"Aye," Dagan barely whispered, "I want you and soon… soon mind you, you will be mine forever. You just wait."
"I will Dagan. I promise with all my heart… I'll wait."
Chapter Twenty-Five
Lord Anthony stood on the quarterdeck of Warrior.
Small droplets of sweat dripped from his hair running down his neck to his back. Just out of sight of Saint Augustine they intended to come about and head southward. That is of course if no sails were sighted following them.
Buck made his way over and knowing his admiral as he did said, "Questions, doubts, always the what ifs.
Don't you worry, my lord, we've covered every possible situation we could."
Nodding, Anthony replied, "You're right as usual, Rupert. Let me know when we sight the other ships."
"Aye, my lord."
As the admiral ducked into the companionway Bart winked at Captain Buck, "'E always worries but don't yew's fret. I's'll take care o' 'em proper like."
"Aye," Buck replied, "I'm counting on it." Both knowing Lord Anthony's biggest worry lay in the fact that Gabe's Merlin would
be the first to encounter Barracuda if in fact she lay in her lair as hoped for. Gabe was a seasoned officer and he'd handle himself well, Buck was sure but an extra prayer wouldn't be amiss.
It was just after midnight with a faint breeze blowing and a quarter moon shining down on the gentle ocean a mile off Cayo Hueso that Merlin picked up Lieutenant Hazard, Lieutenant Davy and the long boat crew. Once the longboat was brought aboard the orders were given to come about so they could rendezvous with the rest of the squadron who was hove to just out of sight of land.
"She's there," an excited Hazard had reported. "Not only is she there but from the number of campfires we spotted I'd say half the crew was ashore."
"We were close enough to hear their drunken laughter," Lieutenant Davy interjected, "as well as a few giggles from some of the little huts we could see that sat just at the shadows."
"Aye," Hazard confirmed, "and I'm betting there will be more than a few buggers hungover and nursing headaches in the morning from all the drinking and womanizing that seems to be going on."
"Any sign of her captain?" Gabe asked.
"No, we wouldn't know what he looked like of course but we didn't see anyone who was an obvious officer."
Once the rendezvous was made and Hazard's report relayed to Lord Anthony, final preparations were gone over and Merlin, with SeaWolf following, would enter the channel at first light. Once Barracuda was in range Merlin would start firing and if SeaWolf could bring her guns to bear she would concentrate her fire on the ship as well. If not, she was to fire on the batteries ashore or other targets of opportunity.
If Barracuda ran for it they'd be waiting and if she didn't an attempt to enter the channel would be made by Defiant. That failing a force would be sent in boats.
"She'll run," Paco volunteered. He had been brought forward due to his knowledge of the anchorage.
"Capitaine de Lavago is not such a man to risk his ship Barracuda
or fight a battle without having the odds in his favor. He will run."
"Well, I damn well hope so," Buck had growled, ready to bring the rogue to an accounting.
Lord Anthony then asked the question no one else had, nor was it mentioned in the report by either Hazard or Davy, "Are there any other ships at anchor?" Hazard's chin dropped and Davy suddenly looked crestfallen. Finally Hazard spoke, "We didn't see any others but a smaller ship could have been at anchor to the Gulf side of Barracuda. I didn't see any mast but as dark as it was I couldn't be certain. I'm sorry, my lord," a dejected Hazard said. "I saw the obvious and didn't try to get past the Barracuda to see if another ship lay alongside."
"No, you did the right thing," Anthony said wishing he had the information but trying to salve the young lieutenants sense of failure. Damme, why hadn't he sent Bart or Dagan along. They would have looked then he'd know what lay ahead, not guess but know.
Gabe straddled his legs and waited for the swell that caused Merlin's bow to rise to glide past, then raised his glass to peer toward the small island or Key as Gunnells was so apt to correct. "Cayo Hueso is the Dago name.
For us it's Key West," he'd say.
"Not yet light enough to see anything as of yet," Gabe said. He had come on deck at dawn as was his custom, shirt half buttoned, coat unbuttoned and hair all mussed.
"Good Lawd, sir," Lum declared. "One look 'et you'd plum scare dem pirates oudda dey skin. Better let Lum get you a comb."
"Later," growled Gabe. Sensing Gabe's mood Lum backed off.
"Good morning Mr. Jackson, Mr. Gunnells."
"Morning, captain."
The habitual greeting, the habitual reply.
"Mr. Jackson, let's get the men fed before we have to douse the galley fires."
"Aye, captain."
Dagan came forward with a cup of coffee. "Not like the kick you get with Silas's coffee but its got flavor," he said.
Silas always spiked his coffee wit a small tot o'
sumthin' to get you going. Lum on the other hand added a small amount of chicory to his coffee that made the coffee strong but once the taste had been developed nothing else satisfied. Caleb had gotten to where he stopped by every morning for a cup and Dawkins wasn't shy about grabbing a cup, "to help me concentrate on me duties" he'd said.
It was now fast growing light and you could now see the Key in the distance.
"Let's get underway, Mr. Jackson… quietly if you will."
"Aye, captain."
"Mr. Gunnells, make our course sou'west by west."
"Aye, captain, sou'west by west."
"Deck there," the lookout called down, "Breakers on the larboard bow, sir."
"We've a good three miles," the master said without being asked as Gabe turned to him.
It was then that Hazard spoke, "Nothing to worry about, sir."
Gabe watched as the land became nearer. "Alter course two points to starboard, Mr. Gunnells."
"Aye, cap'n, two points it be."
"Damme," Gabe said, "I hate entering into a channel like this."
Barracuda "I can get us through captain," Lieutenant Hazard declared.
Seeing the relaxed look on Hazard's face eased Gabe's anxiety somewhat but not completely. "Very well," Gabe replied. Then so that everyone on the quarterdeck could hear he said, "She's in your hands, Lieutenant Hazard."
"Aye, aye, sir."
Then to Gunnells, Hazard ordered, "We will alter course, steer west by north."
Then turning to Gabe, Hazard said, "I'd put a couple of leadsmen in the chain, sir."
Nodding to Graf, the bosun set about the order.
They were less than a mile from the entrance of the channel when Gabe ordered, "Clear for action, Mr. Jackson… quietly."
Quietly, aye," Jackson replied. He then asked,
"Should we signal SeaWolf, sir?" Somewhat taken aback by the question it took Gabe a moment to realize Markham was now on SeaWolf. He was on Merlin.
Feeling somewhat embarrassed at his momentary lapse he spoke sharply, "I assure you, Mr. Jackson, Captain Markham knows how to command his ship." Gabe was instantly angry with himself and spoke again, "Forgive me, Jem, I had no call to speak that way."
"No apologies necessary, captain," the first lieutenant replied as he went about passing the word to clear for action… quietly.
"A touch of nerves?"
Gabe turned and was facing Caleb.
"We've not had much time to talk lately," Gabe said, feeling the need to talk to his friend.
"You've been busy," Caleb replied.
"Aye," Gabe answered, "but we should never get so caught up that we don't take the time to talk even if it's over coffee."
Then Caleb spoke the words Gabe knew was coming. "After this, when the time is right and things are settled I'm going to Virginia. I want to see Dagan's niece. I've a longing for her that will not go away." Gabe had noticed the change in Caleb's demeanor around the wenches and thought so he's finally found the right woman. He could feel the emotion in his friend's voice but didn't trust himself to maintain his composure with the direction of the conversation so he jokingly said,
"Are they ready for Mr. Jewells?"
The comment had the desired effect Gabe wanted and Caleb broke out laughing after a sudden look of concern. Men running to their battle stations broke up the conversation.
"We'll talk later," Caleb said.
"Aye, later."
As the men rushed about clearing for action Gabe felt like a bystander. He could hear the different sounds all mingled together as a sort of chaos became order, each man carrying out his assigned duty. The thud as screens were torn down, the sound of feet on the planks as seamen hurried across the deck, the clearing of hammocks and mess tables as they were cleared from the ropes and tackles of the guns.
The wisp of sand being strewn across the deck and rattle of metal as a tub of cutlasses was set, none too gently, on deck. Watching the scene, Gabe recalled Lord Anthony… Gil's quick words the brief moment they were alone before getting underway, Have a
care, Gabe, no heroics today… Gabe don't close with the ship, don't let them board you.
Barracuda Like quicksilver, the loving concern of a brother was gone, replaced by the duty of an admiral.
"Cleared for action, sir."
Damme, Gabe thought, daydreaming again.
"Very well," Gabe replied, joining Hazard and Gunnells by the wheel.
Only one helmsman had the wheel but another stood by, in case… in case. They were now entering the channel and the chance of danger increased with each passing minute.
Seeing Gabe's concern, Hazard volunteered, "She'll be fine."
Well, he may have traveled this channel many times, Gabe thought, but not with some bloody rogue ready to blast you out of the water.
Entering the channel you could see coral reefs to both larboard and starboard and there seemed to be a swirl of water indicating a change in the current.
Looking over the side the water was crystal clear with multi-colored fish darting about in schools. A few jellyfish floated on the gentle swells and gulls hawked and hovered above, then like a flash dove after some tasty morsel.
Once inside the channel Dagan pointed out a pelican sitting on the stump of a dead tree. A crane standing in shallow water at the edge of a patch of twisted mangroves was startled by some unseen predator leapt up and flapped its huge wings becoming airborne while a white egret sat comfortably in her nest watching as they slipped past.
"It's hard to believe we're headed to a fight, doesn't it?" Dagan asked. "The place is so tranquil I hate to disturb it."
"Aye," Gabe replied. "I could get use to the lazy life on an island."
"Or a horse farm." Caleb had once again come on deck and spoke. This caused Dagan and Gabe to smile.
Seeing Davy approaching, Gabe turned his attention to his lieutenant. "Lookout says they can see Barracuda's mast, sir."
These were words Gabe had been expecting but dreaded to hear. "Very well, have our new midshipman, Mr… ah… "
"Hawks, sir. Richard Hawks," Davy reminded Gabe.
"Yes, well have Mr. Hawks signal SeaWolf enemy in sight."
"Aye, sir," Davy replied.
"Mr. Jackson."