by Perrin Briar
“If you’ll just hand the boy over, we’ll let you get on with your mission,” Stoneheart said.
Aaron gripped the boat’s edge. Jim helped pull him up. Zoe locked eyes on Jim, who nodded back at her. He would keep him safe.
“You have two days,” Stoneheart said. “You will meet us at Hollow Cove at 4.00pm on the second day. That’s if you want to see your boy again. I wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t.”
“Wait,” Zoe said. “We need more time.”
Stoneheart wasn’t interested in what the family had to say. He slapped the two men holding the ropes. They released their grip and let the pulleys work their magic. They unfurled, letting the ship’s boat strike the sea’s surface below, knocking the family members off their feet.
The family regained their composure. Bryan picked up the oars and began to row. The family had made it away from the Mary Celeste, but it had come at great cost. They would have to return, and if they weren’t successful, Aaron would pay the price.
16
BRYAN HALF EXPECTED to eat a bullet as he rowed toward shore, thinking each stroke might be his last. Stoneheart was impulsive, and even the slightest of breezes might alter his mind.
Zoe wouldn’t take her eyes from the Mary Celeste, even when they had made land, gripping the ship’s boat with both hands. They didn’t bother to pull the ship’s boat onto shore. Let the pirates fetch it from wherever the current took it.
“This is great,” Zoe said. “We’re on the land, minus Aaron. And we have to go find a map that might not even exist, for a treasure no one knows the location to, and to top it all off, we’re in the middle of nowhere with no idea of where we need to go, and no way of getting there even if we did.”
“You’re right,” Bryan said. “About everything. Save one thing.”
“What?” Zoe said.
“We know where we have to go,” Bryan said. “We have to go to New London.”
“Great,” Zoe said, folding her arms. “We’re halfway to achieving our goal already.”
“Why do we have to go there?” Cassie said. “The map could be anywhere.”
“Stoneheart keeps his map in his cabin at all times,” Bryan said. “Why would the British king be any different?”
The sun was already beginning to rise over the thick forest canopy, casting long finger-like shadows across the meadow. Birds sang their early morning chorus and the forest settled in for the long day ahead. Underneath it all was a noise, altogether different to the sounds of nature.
“Do you hear that?” Bryan said.
Cassie and Zoe listened.
“Hear what?” Zoe said.
“Sh,” Bryan said.
And now they listened again, they did hear it. But still they couldn’t identify it.
“What is that?” Cassie said.
“Bells,” Bryan said. “It’s the sound of ringing bells.”
Zoe and Cassie’s eyes glinted. That could only mean one thing.
“There’s a town nearby,” Cassie said.
“Yes,” Bryan said. “It might not be the one we want, but it’s a start.”
They skirted the forest, not wanting to take the difficult journey through its underbrush. They rounded a finger of land that jutted out to sea. As they came around it, the town on the other side came into view.
First came the quays, long and flowing, heading out to sea before giving up just a few dozen yards from where they started. Most of the ships were trawlers, copies of the kind they had come across just a few days ago.
“Let me do the talking,” Bryan said as they approached a boy taking crabs out of traps and setting them in a larger container.
“Excuse me,” Bryan said. “Do you know how I might get to New London?”
“You from the East Islands?” the crab boy said.
“Why do you say that?” Bryan said.
“By the way you talk,” the crab boy said. “You sound funny.”
Well, you sound like someone from a bad Walt Disney movie, Bryan thought. But he didn’t say it.
“How would we go about getting there?” Bryan said.
“The East Islands?” the crab boy said.
“No, New London,” Bryan said.
“Ferry,” the crab boy said. “Runs every half hour. From quay five most days.”
“Thank you,” Bryan said.
The fisherman at quay five looked the three family members over, staring openly at their clothes. He clearly didn’t approve. Cassie pursed her lips. A man wearing overalls splattered with fish guts shouldn’t be so opinionated about fashion.
“Excuse me,” Bryan said. “We’re looking for the ferry.”
“Out of towners?” the fisherman said.
“Is it that obvious?” Bryan said.
“East Islanders, I’d say,” the fisherman said.
“We need to take the ferry to New London,” Bryan said.
“I can do that,” the fisherman said, turning his head to spit.
“I thought you were a fisherman?” Zoe said.
“We do what we must to make ends meet,” the fisherman said.
“Great,” Bryan said. “We’ll take three tickets.”
“Three shillings,” the fisherman said.
“Shillings?” Bryan said, digging in his pocket. “I have US dollars. You can have everything I have.”
The fisherman took the money and turned it over in his hands. He fixed Bryan with a pinched expression.
“Is this some sort of joke?” he said.
“Not so far as I know,” Bryan said.
The fisherman handed the money back.
“No fare, no crossing,” he said.
“How about my watch?” Bryan said. “It’s made from gold.”
The fisherman looked at it, then shook his head.
“Nah,” he said.
“It’s twenty-one carat,” Bryan said.
“It ain’t no carrot,” the fisherman said.
“How about my necklace?” Zoe said.
“Fake pearls,” the fisherman said. “You can see they are. They ain’t got no lines.”
“That’s because they’re perfect,” Zoe said. “They’re not fake.”
The fisherman shook his head. He wasn’t having any of it.
“Take your merchandise elsewhere,” the fisherman said.
Another family approached, wearing traditional early twentieth century style dress: long dresses for the ladies, smart black suits for the men. The father of the British family proffered his tickets. The fisherman took them without checking and bowed.
“Thank you,” the fisherman said. “In you go, if you please. We’ll be departing in just a moment.”
Bryan and the others moved aside, heading back down the quay.
“What are we going to do?” Zoe said. “We have to get to New London. We don’t have time to walk there.”
“We’ll jump on board while the ferry is pulling away,” Bryan said.
“Oh you will, will you?” a voice behind them said.
They turned to find the crab boy carrying empty crab cages. He pushed through them, gripped the ladder, and climbed onto the ferry’s deck.
“You work with the fisherman?” Bryan said.
“I do,” the crab boy said with a nod.
“I have a gold watch-” Bryan said.
“I heard what you have,” the crab boy said. “I suppose it’s no surprise you have so little. I’d have as little if I was homeless too.”
“Homeless?” Bryan said. “What makes you say that?”
The crab boy looked the family up and down, shaking his head at the state of their dress.
“These jeans are Calvin Klein!” Cassie said.
“So you admit stealing them,” the crab boy said. “Take them back to Calvin whoever before you get in more trouble.”
Zoe took a step forward.
“We’d really appreciate it if you could help us,” she said. “We’re not bad people. We’re just in a bit of a hurry. We ne
ed to get to New London as soon as we can.”
The crab boy pursed his lips.
“I was homeless once,” the crab boy said. “I know what it’s like to think I have nothing to offer. But you should know you always have something of value to offer someone.”
“What do you want?” Bryan said.
“A kiss,” the crab boy said. “And a cuddle.”
“No!” Cassie said, turning pale. “No way! You can’t make me!”
“It’s just a kiss and cuddle,” Zoe said. “It’s a pretty cheap cost of passage.”
“No!” Cassie said, folding her arms. “I won’t do it. I refuse.”
The crab boy rolled his eyes.
“I don’t want them from you,” he said. “I want them from her.”
He pointed to Zoe.
No one was more shocked than Zoe at hearing this.
“Me?” Zoe said. “Why?”
“All aboard!” the fisherman bellowed at the opposite end of the quay.
“Are you going to kiss and cuddle me or not?” the crab boy said. “Time’s growing short.”
“Well?” Bryan said to Zoe. “Prepared to take one for the team?”
“Aaron did,” Zoe said. “I suppose there’s no way I can say no now, is there?”
Zoe and the others climbed the ladder onto the ship’s stern. Zoe wagged a finger under the crab boy’s nose.
“No tongues,” she said.
“Tongues?” the crab boy said, cocking his head to one side.
“Never mind,” Zoe said, not wanting to arouse the boy’s curiosity.
“Follow me,” the crab boy said. “If the captain sees you, I’ll be for it.”
17
THE BOAT left the quay and turned away from the dock. The crab boy left the family soon after leading them to a small room piled with passenger luggage. Wherever they had boarded the ship, it appeared to be a weekend trip resort for the rich.
Cassie was quick to start opening bags and root through them. She picked out dresses, jackets, shoes, pants and shirts.
“What are you doing?” Bryan said.
“We’re meant to infiltrate the British, right?” Cassie said. “So it’ll help if we look a bit more like them, don’t you think?”
Bryan couldn’t fault her logic, but he still didn’t like the idea of going through other people’s belongings.
“All right,” Bryan said. “But try to get everything from just a couple of suitcases.”
He intended on leaving his watch in one suitcase, and Zoe’s pearl necklace in another.
Zoe stood to one side, arms folded. She looked nervous.
“Are you all right?” Bryan said.
“Yeah,” Zoe said. “I just feel a bit weird about having to be intimate with someone I hardly know. Plus, he’s so young.”
“Shut your eyes and think of me,” Bryan said.
“And that’s meant to make it better?” Zoe said.
Bryan smiled and took her in his arms.
“We’ll soon be in New London, and we can plan our next step,” he said. “We’re doing this for Aaron. Whatever we have to do over the next couple of days, it’s all for him.”
Zoe nodded.
“You’re right,” she said. “We have to get him back. No matter what it takes.”
“The crab boy left after we set sail,” Bryan said. “With any luck he’ll be too busy and might not even turn up before we arrive.”
“Sorry to disappoint you,” the crab boy said, coming into the room. “I see you found the luggage.”
“I was just seeing what people packed,” Cassie said.
“It doesn’t matter to me what you do with it,” the crab boy said with a shrug. “They were stupid enough to leave it with us in the first place.”
“Terrific service,” Bryan said, rolling his eyes.
The crab boy approached Zoe, holding out his arms. He took a few steps toward her. Zoe shook her head, pulling away.
“I’m sorry, I can’t do this,” she said. “It’s too soon.”
“Then I suppose you’ve got a long swim,” the crab boy said, moving back toward the door.
“Wait,” Zoe said, letting out a sigh. “How about a peck on the cheek, no hug?”
The crab boy pressed his lips together.
“No deal,” he said, pushing the door open.
“Wait, wait,” Zoe said. “Yes. I’ll do it. All right.”
The crab boy turned around, but did not leave the door.
“No tricks,” he said.
“No tricks,” Zoe said.
The crab boy joined Zoe in the middle of the room again. Zoe wrapped her arms around him, kissed him on the cheek, and stepped back.
“There,” she said. “Done.”
“Is that how you hug your kids?” the crab boy said.
“My kids don’t smell like crab,” Zoe said.
The crab boy sighed, and then took his overalls off. He let them form a pile on the floor.
“Better?” he said.
“Marginally,” Zoe said.
“Forget it then,” the crab boy said, reaching for his overalls.
He seemed hurt, angry. He was their one chance of getting to New London. Zoe shouldn’t squander it.
“Tell me a bit about yourself first,” Zoe said.
“What do you want to know?”
“You’re stalling,” the crab boy said.
“No, I’m not,” Zoe said. “What’s your name?”
“Rory,” the crab boy said.
“Okay Rory,” Zoe said. “How old are you?”
“Fourteen,” Rory said.
“Where did you grow up?” Zoe said.
“New Birmingham,” Rory said.
“What do your parents do?” Zoe said.
Rory shrugged.
“I wouldn’t know,” he said. “I’ve never met them.”
“You never met your mother?” Zoe said.
“That’s what I said, didn’t I?” Rory said. “You know what? This is a bad idea. Enjoy your journey.”
He turned, his face curled with anger, and headed for the door.
“No, wait,” Zoe said. “Come here.”
Rory turned his angry glare on her.
“I’m sorry,” Zoe said. “I recently lost my son and… and you remind me of him a little.”
“What was his name?” Rory said.
“Aaron,” Zoe said. “He was a little younger than you, but I still miss him.”
Rory’s anger melted. He wasn’t a bad kid. He was just a little rough around the edges and didn’t know how to control his emotions.
“I want you to hug me like I was him,” he said, his voice soft, barely audible. “I know I’m not him. But I want to feel like I could be. That probably sounds stupid.”
“No,” Zoe said. “Not at all.”
Zoe moved toward Rory, who now looked nervous. Zoe wrapped her arms around him. It was still awkward and uncomfortable, but they were embracing.
Rory tightened his grip. Zoe reciprocated. Then she closed her eyes.
And then something happened.
Zoe’s expression turned calm, the lines around her eyes disappearing. She put her head to the boy’s greasy hair, and it became clear to Bryan she was thinking about Aaron. Rory was about Aaron’s height, and with her eyes closed, it was easy to fool yourself. Slow tears spilled out the corners of her eyes.
They rocked as they moved in a circle. It was a deeply personal moment. Bryan looked away. Rory just wanted a little affection in a world that didn’t care.
Rory pulled back and wiped at his own eyes. He looked tired, but happy at the same time.
“You can come with us, if you want,” Zoe said, wiping her wet cheeks dry.
“Travel with a bunch of East Islanders?” Rory said, slipping his overalls back on. “No thanks. I’ve got a reputation to uphold.”
He left.
18
ZOE LEANED on the railing, watching the trail the ferry made as they scythed thr
ough the water. Nature’s watery footprint. She wore a plain white traditional dress with flower patterns on it. Bryan, wearing a smart brown suit just a little long in the arms, joined her.
“How are you holding up?” Bryan said.
Zoe shrugged. Bryan placed his hands on her shoulders and applied pressure. She could prevent being turned around if she wanted, but she didn’t fight him. She burst into tears as Bryan took her in his arms and held her tight.
“We’ll get him back,” Bryan said. “I promise.”
Zoe nodded, but the action was weak, matching her conviction.
“And you remember what he was like on the ship,” Bryan said. “Who would have thought he would be so at home on a boat? He must take after his father for his adventurous spirit.”
“George was good on boats,” Zoe said. “He must have inherited his genes.”
“Fortunately,” Bryan said with a smile. “Fortunate for him, and for us.”
“I wish George were here,” Zoe said. “He’d know what to do. He’d have felt at home here.”
The statement was a powerful blow to Bryan. He felt physically winded. He wanted to pull away, to show Zoe how much it hurt him to hear her say something like that, that he felt less of a man for it. But he didn’t. He couldn’t afford to be selfish, not now. Not when they had so much on their plates and so much they needed to do.
“We’ll get him back,” Bryan repeated.
The ferry began to slow as they approached the quay. They came to a stop. The gangplanks fell a moment later and the passengers began to disembark.
The city of New London took the family’s breath away. It was shiny and white, like a pearl clinging to the mountain’s lower flank. A majority of the buildings had been carved into it. It was a perfect natural defensive position. The palace itself was a large protrusion halfway up the mountain, supported by thick columns of marble that stuck out at a forty-five degree angle, bolstered by the ramshackle houses that had been built below it. No building was built higher up the incline than the palace, and Bryan suspected no building ever would be.
It was quite a sight, one none of them would forget in a hurry. It was unlike anything Bryan had ever seen before, save in a big budget Hollywood movie. Hidden here, somewhere amongst the catacombs, was a small scrap of paper with the map they were looking for.