It did not prevent Shea from still feeling her feelings for Kwame, which she had often shared with Quinn. There just wasn’t any way for the two to circumvent Shea’s family.
“She has only recently returned to Galway when her mother passed away. I didn’t think to mention––”
“Nor should you have. It is no matter, Callaghan. She made her choice. All I can do is try to understand it.”
Quinn nodded. “Verra well then. I’ll take the horse up to Shea’s and see what I can find out. We’ll meet back here in a few hours. Stay sober. Stay keen and alert.”
Kwame grinned, his teeth white against his dark skin. “Aye. You do the same.”
Not long after, when Quinn dismounted near the stables of the O’Flannery estate, she was in Shea’s embrace before she could even turn from the horse.
The O’Flannery estate, part of the MacKenzie clan’s holdings, sat on rolling emerald hills that held long whitewashed walls of stone in place. Across the green fields, white sheep dotted the landscape. A small breeze wafted by, filling the air with the scent of freshly cut grass. The estate had always been one of Quinn’s favorite places to be because it was so peaceful and calm.
“You came!” Shea squealed with delight. “I knew you would! It has been so long since I’ve laid eyes on your beautiful face.”
So long was three and a half months, when Quinn had returned to pay her respects upon hearing of Shea’s mother’s passing.
After crushing Shea to her for a long moment, Quinn pulled away and looked down into her face. “You look gorgeous... and healthy. Is your lucky husband home?”
“Thank you, and no. He went to town for business last night. I suspect he had a wee bit too much ale. Come! I have a new gazebo we can sit at.”
Quinn held Shea’s hand as they walked behind the house to the gazebo, which overlooked a healthy vegetable garden.
“Before we dive into your cryptic message, how is Kennedy?” Quinn asked. “Is she well?”
“As fresh-mouthy as ever. I swear, I might have been more like you as a child, but that girl is more like you now. She seems to think that women should be able to have the same rights as men. She’s been reading something by a woman named Jane Anger.”
Quinn shrugged. “Have not heard of her.”
“You would have if you were still a noble.” Shea waved this away. “Jane wrote in defense of our gender. It’s a piece called Jane Anger Her Protection for Women, where she argues against men dominating everything about our lives.”
“Our friend Kennedy is reading that?”
Shea nodded. “She is not the same girl you left, my dear friend, and I truly believe your facade has lead her to believe that women should be able to go and do without having to pass as a man.” Shea’s eyes travelled up and down Quinn. “You came as Callaghan. That was rather risky.”
Quinn glanced down at her attire. So used was she to playing the pirate, it hadn’t occurred to her to change into her dress clothes. It appeared that she was becoming a bit lackadaisical about keeping her secret. “Aye. I am here to inquire about the missive you sent. I cannot stay long, I’m afraid. I am here on business for the captain.”
Shea held both of Quinn’s hands in hers. “It is always pirate business with you, isn’t it?”
Quinn nodded and ran her hand across her face. “I suppose it appears that way. Pirating isn’t what I do, Shea. It’s who I am.”
Shea studied her a moment. “Who you are is a woman dressed like a pirate who has now confused herself thinking she is a pirate when she is still very much a woman.”
Quinn grinned. “But even more so a pirate... and right now, I am in need of information.”
“Your life is so very exciting. I envy the freedom you have, my dear friend.”
“All freedom has a price, Shea. The price we all pay is a steep and dangerous one. Just like it is dangerous that you sent that message to Becca. Shea, you cannot trust anyone with information like that.”
“But I knew you needed to know, Quinn. Something is happening here in Galway, and if you would only trust me enough to tell me about it, perhaps I could help.”
Quinn studied her a moment. At that moment, she understood the feeling she had felt from Shea as soon as they started talking.
Shea was bored.
As Quinn launched into her tale of the headless bodies, Shea held up her hand, her face turning pale. “That is why I sent word to you. I overheard William speaking to a MacKenzie just yesterday, before he left for the village. He said something about being able to help move them if necessary. I do not know what they were, but I could tell they were up to no good. Then I heard something about the Malendroke. I didn’t hear the conversation, just the ship. That’s when I knew you needed to come, so I went to talk to your... bedmate. Nice lass that one. I am glad you introduced us so I know someone is paying attention to your comings and goings.”
“It could be anything, Shea. Anything at all.”
“No, Quinn, I do not believe it is anything at all, and neither do you or you’d never have come so quickly—not with your lady friend so close to birth.”
Quinn sighed. “I don’t want to involve you anymore than I have to.”
“I am already involved, Quinn Gallagher. It isn’t just that there is something these men are wanting to move. William acted very strange before he left. Stern. Almost angry. He was muttering something about a bad plan or a stupid idea. Something like that. I did not inquire why because he was so intense, but I know that whatever it is is serious.”
“Was there any mention of four missing men in Galway recently?”
Shea shook her head. “There was talk amongst the clan leaders about a meeting of some sort with foreign dignitaries, and they needed to get word to Grace. I could not tell you from where, though, nor what it was about. William doesn’t want me to worry my ‘pretty little head’ over such matters. Ugh. I am beginning to see why Ken is reading Jane’s work.”
Quinn smiled softly. “Shea, I need you to listen carefully, okay? It is of the utmost importance that you understand what is happening here. Keep your ears open and your mouth closed. There is violence in motion and I need to know from where it comes. If your husband is in any way involved, you could be in danger.”
Shea listened, wide eyed, as Quinn explained the politics of Mary, Elizabeth, and Ireland. When she finished, she asked if Shea had any questions.
“Questions? Aye. What can I do to help you, my girl in pirate’s clothing?”
“Help? I just warned you not to––”
“No, Callaghan. You’ll not act all chivalrous with me. If our people are in danger, I do not wish to sit here idle when I have nothing but time on my hands. You do not get to act the man with me. So let’s try that again, shall we? What do you need from me?”
“Shea... my sweetest friend... if your husband is mixed up with this plot, you’d do best to stand clear.”
Shea gritted her teeth. “Do not do to me, Quinn Gallagher, what all the other men in my life do by making decisions for me. I’ll not have it.” Shea locked eyes defiantly with Quinn. “I deserve better than that from you.”
Quinn looked away and sighed. As much as she wanted, she could not protect all of the women in her life, and besides, Shea was right. How hypocritical was it of her to turn around and treat Shea like a glass ornament? “I apologize. You are right. Do not be irritated. I only wish to protect you.”
“I shall only be irritated should you leave here without letting me help.”
Quinn looked out over the garden, so perfectly tended and manicured. Then she stared down into Shea’s deep brown eyes. Shea was dying for something to keep her mind busy. That much was obvious. She wanted something to do and wanted to help Ireland. “I need a spy.”
Shea’s eyes lit up.
“Now, before you go all beside yourself on me, you must know that you cannot speak a word of this to anyone, especially not to William.”
“My husband has his secrets.
I have mine. What is it I am listening for?”
“Deputy Sidney’s movements. Englishmen coming or going. Anything dealing with Captain O’Malley or Mary of Scotland. Elizabeth is planning something. Of that, I am certain. Listen to men talk. Keep your head up and your ears open. If you hear anything you think I ought to know, do not send a messenger. Come to Rockfleet at once. Yourself. Do not come alone. Bring a servant or stable hand if you have to.”
“Rockfleet? Did not Bourke recapture it?”
This brought a grin to Quinn’s face. “See? You knew that he intended to recapture it before even I did. Trust no one with this information but myself, Tavish or Kwame. They––”
“Kwame?” Shea perked up. “Is he here? In Galway? With you?”
“Aye. And you are to leave him be. The man does still pine for you, and try as I may, I cannot seem to help release him of his shackles to you. He is smitten beyond compare and yearns for you.”
Shea blushed. “He still does?”
“Aye. He does. Even after you broke his heart, he can love no other. But pay attention, Shea. Swear to me you will tell no one else whatever you hear.”
“I swear. Only you, Tavish, and Kwame.”
“Good.” Quinn nodded. “Now, where did these Scottish diplomats stay?”
“At the Broken Spyglass.” She frowned. “Come to think of it, our servants were talking about them this morning and how they left early in the morning without their horses. I believe the horses were kept by O’Brien as payment for the rooms.” Shea shrugged. “That’s what William’s manservant said, anyway.”
“Good girl. I knew you’d have information.”
“What else is there to do, Quinn? I am bored beyond belief here. I visit Father, I walk the garden, but there is little excitement in my life. I envy the life you lead. I long for more adventures in my tiny world. I shall make a wonderful spy.”
Kissing her forehead, Quinn whispered, “You already do.”
* * *
“I believe know where the bodies are,” Kwame whispered once the three of them were standing at a wagon Becca had procured for a mere fraction of the coin Quinn had given her. “The men at the tavern are, indeed, English. They did not bother with the pretense of being Scottish and stopped speaking Scottish an hour in. Two pints into it, and they spoke of picking up the packages at the Frasier Farm. I believe they felt speaking in their own tongue made them safer.”
“Excellent. Now, all we need is to get them before they leave once more.”
Kwame chuckled. “Your woman took care of that.”
Quinn turned to Becca. “Oh?”
“With the leftover coin ya gave me, I paid three whores to... keep them busy fer a wee bit.”
Quinn stared at her, a slow smile creeping across her face. “It looks like you do know how to barter.”
Becca slid her arms around Quinn’s waist and nuzzled her neck. “That’s not all I can do fer ya, lover.”
Quinn pulled back and eyed her. “Sounds like you already have done more. What plan do you have up your sleeve?”
“Well... I had a few pieces to spare, so I stopped by Tilda’s.”
“The apothecary?”
“Aye. I figured maybe they needed to stay down a tad longer than a quick roll with the girls. Tilda knew exactly what I was speakin’ of, so I took care of that. They’ll not be a problem fer us. I believe I have bought us a few more hours.”
Quinn grabbed Becca’s face and kissed her hard. “You are wonderful.”
“That I am. Now, let’s get that wagon rollin’ to the Frasier Farm and go get those headless bastards.”
Kwame was already hoisting himself into the wagon. “You got yourself a great woman there, Callaghan. Count your blessings.”
Quinn watched Becca climb aboard the wagon and tossed her a grin.
“I do, Kwame. I really do.”
* * *
They stopped short of Frasier’s Farm and hid the wagon in the woods.
“Stay with the wagon,” Quinn ordered Becca before catching herself. “Please.”
Becca took the reins and nodded. “I’ll be lookin’ fer ya at the foot of the road. Give me a signal and I’ll bring the wagon out to ya.”
Kwame chuckled. “Appears you take orders from all your women, eh Callaghan?”
Quinn smacked him in the arm. “Watch your mouth. You’ll hear us coming, Becca.” Quinn started for the farmhouse. “Come, Kwame. Let us make quick work of this.”
Kwame smiled. “We walking right up to the farm house? That’s your plan?”
“Aye. And we sit with his woman until he can take us to the bodies. We will give no quarter on this. We cannot afford to.”
“And if he doesn’t?”
“He will.”
“If he doesn’t? We can’t kill Irish women, Callaghan. I’ll not be a party to that.”
“No, but we can put the fear of god in him. Watch. I’ve learned a thing or two from Captain O’Malley, and I am quite certain I am the right person for this job and know what I am doing.”
Kwame started after Quinn. “What all have you learned?”
“Well, I know that one’s imagination is always far worse than reality. I’ll let Frasier ponder what might happen to his daughters if they wound up in the cargo hold of one of Grace O’Malley’s ships with two hundred hungry men.”
“Ah. Plant the seed of fear.”
“And doubt. John Frasier loves his daughters. He also won’t risk Captain O’Malley’s wrath to appease some English men. No, I think John Frasier will be more than happy to be relieved of this burden.”
“And what of the Englishmen still living? Do we allow them to live? If we kill them, the deputy will, in fact, come after us. Killing English citizens, even in Ireland, is bad business.”
Quinn scowled. “Leave them to me.”
Quinn had been right about Frasier’s love of his daughters as well as his desire to get rid of the dead bodies stinking up his barn. Frasier had been paid a tidy little sum to hang onto the bodies until someone else came for them. He gladly handed the corpses over and pleaded with Quinn to say a good word about this to the queen of Connacht.
“Takin’ English gold will not endear ya to my captain, Frasier. I suggest ya just keep this between us and keep yer mouth closed. If the captain wishes to reward ya, she will, but I wouldn’t count on it.”
With the maggoty bodies covered with a large tarp, the three of them started back to town in the wagon, having successfully retrieved what they’d come for.
“I have to hand it to you, Callaghan,” Kwame said as they rode back. “You managed to find them and retrieve them without an ounce of bloodshed. How on earth do you do it?”
“That’s what comes of knowing good folks. I have quite a network of clansmen and women who know I only want what’s best for Ireland and our people.”
“And beheaded Scotsmen are not that.”
“Not at all.”
Becca had been quiet throughout the ordeal of loading the bodies. Reaching for her hand, Quinn squeezed it and held tightly onto it. “Do the bodies disturb you so?”
Becca cast a glance behind her into the wagon. “It is not the bodies that bother me, Callaghan. It is what they stand fer. Are we to become a pawn in this chess game between these monarch cousins?”
“It is what we are trying to avoid, my sweet girl. While Sidney and others set clan upon clan, the rest of us are fighting to keep both the Scots and the English from dragging us into a war no one can win.” Quinn kissed the back of Becca’s hand. “What else? What else is on your mind?”
“Those Englishmen with the whores? If they disappear, will not Elizabeth’s men come fer them? Too many in Galway know ya are here. Frasier is not the only one who could tell ennaone. I don’t want this comin’ back on ya.”
Quinn exchanged looks with Kwame.
“She has a point, Callaghan. We don’t want the Queen of England sending more men over here in order to retrieve more dead bodies.”
/>
“Do you both think me capable of murder? It’s one thing to kill on a pirate ship. It is another thing entirely to kill unarmed men in cold blood. I have no stomach for it. None.”
“Thank the goddess,” Becca muttered under her breath. “I was worried fer yer spirit, my love.”
“Just help me get them to the boat. Once out to sea, we’ll dump the bodies. After that, I’ll have a little chat with them about the packages being lost at sea and then send these blokes on their way. I’ll let Captain O’Malley know what is what upon her return. Any questions?”
Kwame nodded. “Where are you taking them?”
“You’ll see. When we get back to the bay, round up our men. I’m gonna need enough to get a galley out to open water.”
“That I can do.”
“What about me?” Becca asked. “I would still like to be of service.”
Quinn smiled softly at her. “You make sure no ship sets out after us.”
Kwame whirled about. “Now, how’s she going to do that, Callaghan?”
Smiling, Becca replied, “Callaghan knows just how... resourceful I can be. I’ll make sure.”
“Good. Now let’s go pick up the rest of our cargo and see if we can’t put this whole ugly mess away before more Irishmen get hurt.”
* * *
They found the Englishmen passed out in various rooms about the inn. It seemed like every Irishman nearby was ready to lend a helping hand to get the Englishmen into the wagon and out of Galway.
Kwame rode ahead on horseback to get a crew up and running on one of the twenty ships Grace had scattered around the bay.
“That was easier than I expected,” Becca said as she commandeered the wagon. Quinn rode her horse beside it, keeping her eyes roving back and forth as they went.
“The people feel it coming. Pretty soon, no Englishman will be safe here.”
“As long as they are willin’ to toss coins in our pockets, I’m afraid there will always be those willin’ to do their biddin’.”
Shiver Her Timbers: The Plundered Chronicles Page 6