“I’m betting that did too.”
They eyed each other warily. She was mad enough to spit fish hooks at him. He was acting as if she had had a choice in becoming a pirate. The thought hurt.
The library door swung open, and the once-muffled music blared into the room. They looked simultaneously at LeBlanc and Bonny. Jesse blinked at the woman who was all dressed up in a lovely gown of emerald green. It was completely out of character. She knew she shouldn’t have been surprised, but she was.
“Well,” LeBlanc drawled. “Seems we’ve stumbled into a lovers quarrel.”
He met Jesse’s eyes. “You know, you might want to reconsider the marriage thing if all you do is fight.”
“Get the hell out,” Dulac snapped.
He ignored the order, and the two of them entered anyway. He shut and locked the door, pulled out his pistol and aimed it at Dulac. Jesse’s stomach dropped.
“Oh, for Pete’s sake, LeBlanc, what is it now?” Dulac demanded.
He waved his pistol. “Take a seat...in separate chairs, not together on the couch.”
Reluctantly, they did as he indicated. Jesse clutched the leather arms of the chair. LeBlanc put his booted foot on the coffee table and rested his arm on his knee. The pistol never wavered away from them.
“Now,” he started, “to get to business. I believe you both have something that belongs to me.”
Jesse’s stomach flipped. He had come for the money. “How’d you get off the island?”
“Some secrets are better left as they are.” LeBlanc smirked.
Dulac remained quiet, and when she darted a look at him, he didn’t look surprised. That, however, meant nothing. She knew underneath his stoic expression was a seething man. He was simply waiting for the cards to be laid out.
“Now,” LeBlanc continued, urged on by silence. “I’ll be happy to forget about the treasure you stole from me, IF Jesse comes with me. She belongs with me, by my side on a ship. Not, dear boy, in some high faluting, high society drawing room.”
“Why in God’s name would she agree to such a thing?” Dulac grumbled.
“Her love for you.”
Confusion creased the lines in Dulac’s forehead as LeBlanc continued talking. “And, if you don’t let her go, I’ll make sure your Lifesaving buddies know of her past.”
Dulac crossed his arms. “Incredible. You’ve really thought this through. You must really love her.”
LeBlanc shrugged his shoulders. “Or something like that.”
Dulac just nodded and was quiet for a moment. Then he looked at Jesse. “And what say you to this, Jess? Are you his girl or mine?”
She knew he had lost his mind. “Do you even have to ask?”
His lips pursed together briefly. “Yes, I think now would be a good time. So on with it. Your answer please.”
“Yours. I’m your girl, Dulac, not his. Give him the treasure back.”
LeBlanc’s face grew red as anger crawled up his neck. This was clearly not the answer he wanted. “On second thought, damn the treasure. I can steal more of that. She either comes with me, or I will kill you both... now.”
Dulac rose out of the chair. “She’s not going anywhere, and we aren’t giving you a dime. I suggest you leave. All I have to do is holler, and someone will come running.”
Bonny cleared her throat. She stood by the window. “That wouldn’t be wise. You see, all I have to do is pull back this curtain and wave, and LeBlanc’s men will attack this house with all in it.”
Dulac’s light mood turned dark. “You’re bluffing.”
“Are you calling my bluff, then?” LeBlanc asked.
Dulac slowly looked from LeBlanc to Bonny to Jesse. LeBlanc waved the pistol at him. “Sit back down, please, so we can finish this business.”
Jesse met Dulac’s eyes as he unwillingly re-took his seat. She didn’t want to go with LeBlanc, but she couldn’t let him kill Dulac. Jesse searched for the answer in his blue eyes and knew what he wanted her to choose. She just couldn’t offer him to the sharks. She just couldn’t.
Her soul filled with dread, as she whispered, “Fine, LeBlanc, I’ll go with you.”
Chapter 26
Dulac struggled against the rope holding him to the high-backed chair. Bonny’s bosom was shoved in his face as she tied the gag against his mouth. She pulled back, looked at him with satisfaction and wiggled on his lap.
“Now, now, settle down. You and I have our own little business to discuss.”
She rubbed her hands on her belly and made a great effort to show him that there was a slight roundness to it. “So, darling, what shall we name our child? Dulac? But no, as that’s not a proper first name. How about we name him after your father? Do you think he would like that? A grandchild named after him?”
Dulac attempted to buck her off his lap, but Bonny just smiled at him. “None of that, now, honey. We can save that for the boudoir.”
He struggled to talk around the cloth against his mouth, but she had made it good and tight. His lips were squished against his teeth, and his jaw could not move. She patted his cheek patronizingly. “I’m not through talking yet, my pet. So, to business, then. Seeing as how that trollop ran off with LeBlanc, how’s about I take her place as your bride?”
You are insane. Just wait until someone comes in here. For surely someone has missed us by now.
Dulac hoped his thoughts had somehow penetrated through his eyes and into her feeble brain, but he seriously doubted it. How was he supposed to answer her with a gag over his mouth? So, he simply stared peevishly at her, hoping she’d take the cloth off soon so he could have his say.
“Oh, honey, I know what you’re thinking. It’s not mine. And I must admit I had to wonder if it was Jolly Joe’s, but I am regular as rain. I stopped having a monthly right after LeBlanc and I were marooned. Which means, I had been solely with you for about two months. So great news! You’re going to be a daddy.”
A sourness suddenly filled his mouth, and he desperately wished he could voice his opinions. However, he was saved any further talk from her as there was a knock on the door. Her eyes went wide, and she froze. She put her finger to her mouth, indicating that he should remain quiet.
As if I have a choice.
Bonny leaned close to his ear and whispered, “Just nod your head in agreement, and I will set you free.”
She moved back, and he glared at her, shaking his head negatively. The doorknob rattled, and his father’s voice boomed from the other side. “Cristienne? Are you in there?”
Bonny jumped off his lap, pouting. She rubbed her belly as she backed toward the French doors that LeBlanc and Jesse had left through earlier. She kept her voice low. “Then I’ll raise him to despise you, and when he is grown, he shall come for his father’s head.”
Just as she turned to leave, Dulac heard keys jangling against the inner door. Please hurry, Father.
As if in answer to his silent request, the inner door flew open before Bonny could get out of the French doors. His father took one look at him, then at her. The old man was quicker than Dulac had thought, for he caught the wench before she could escape.
Then, to his dismay, his friends from the Lifesaving Service filed into the room. He was embarrassed to have been trussed up like a turkey at his own engagement party. Within seconds, his commanding officer had set him free.
Dulac pointed at Bonny. “This woman is a pirate, but you cannot hang her yet.”
“Why?”
“Because she is pregnant with my child.”
Fortunately, there were no ladies present in the room. However, his father gave him an odd look as if to say, My, my, son, you’re certainly spreading your wild oats.
Dulac did not have time to enlighten his father. He placed a hand on his commanding officer’s shoulder. “We shall work out the details later. Right now, though, I think it imperative that I go after Jesse.”
His father glanced around, and it was obvious it was the first time he realized she wasn�
�t in the room. “Where is she?”
“Well, Father, my so-called friend LeBlanc has kidnapped her.”
“I knew that rascal was up to no good. Where do you think he took her?”
Dulac paused at the French doors. “My guess is he has a ship. So I am headed for the docks.”
“Lead the way, son, I’m right behind you.”
* * * *
Stealth was not an easy feat when wearing tails and coat. Mud and grime covered Dulac’s clothes, but he didn’t give a damn. They had finally found the most recent ship to dock in New Orleans and were canvassing the vessel from behind several crates. It was hard to see at night, but at least there were a few electric lamps.
Dulac’s thumb rubbed the revolver in his hand. His superior had given it to him before they had left the house. He imagined aiming it at LeBlanc’s head and pulling the trigger.
“Son,” his father whispered, “who’s that on deck?”
He looked in the direction his father was pointing. His eye twitched maddeningly, and he had to blink several times before he could focus. “I don’t know. Stay here. I’m going to sneak on board.”
His father placed a hand on his arm. “Let’s go get the authorities, son.”
“To hell with that,” Dulac growled low. “I want my fiancé back...now.”
The older man nodded. “I understand, son, but be reasonable. It’s a ship full of pirates. You can’t just saunter on board and expect them to hand her over.”
His eye twitched as he sat back on his haunches. “Fine. I’ll wait here while you go get someone.”
Mr. Dulac grunted. “Yeah, and your mother would skin my hide if I did that. Come with me, son. The ship can’t sail until the morning, and we’ll be back within the hour.”
Dulac ground his teeth and admitted to himself it would be better to have some help. So he nodded and led the way to the Lifesaving Service headquarters.
His superior was more than willing to send men with him, and true to his father’s word, they were back at the ship in less than an hour. This time, he led a group of thirty men on board, and the ship was quickly apprehended.
Wisely, Dulac waited above deck while his men went below. He held back on purpose, knowing he would find a reason to shoot LeBlanc. He handed the revolver to his father.
“You might want to hold this for me,” he snarled, fighting the impulse to grab the gun back and run below deck.
His patience was soon rewarded as Jesse emerged from below. She looked around, and when her eyes lit on him, she ran to him. She threw her arms around his neck, and he pulled her tightly to him.
“Are you okay?” he whispered as his hand smoothed the hair on the back of her head.
She nodded, unable to talk for the sobs of relief. Her body shook with them, and it made his blood boil. Dulac looked over her head at LeBlanc as he was dragged up on deck.
The man had been shackled from hands to feet, and Dulac reluctantly placed Jesse in the hands of his father. Calmly, he walked up to LeBlanc and stared coldly at the pirate. Before anyone could stop him, he punched LeBlanc as hard as he could in the jaw.
Damn, that felt good, he thought as he drew back for another swing. Unfortunately, he found his arm held by another. He looked into his father’s face.
“Another would be in bad form, son.”
Dulac begrudgingly admitted his sire was right. He looked at the guard in charge of LeBlanc. “Take the pirate back so that he may stand trial. Let him follow in his mother’s footsteps to the grave.”
* * * *
October 30, 1900
Della squeezed Jesse’s hand so tight she thought it would pop off. Jesse pulled her cloak closer with her free hand. They were in a warehouse that was cold and drafty. Della sat on her left with her father, Captain LeBlanc, on the other side. Jesse trembled, but not just from the chilly atmosphere. LeBlanc was going to be hanged today, and she had never watched a hanging before. Jesse wasn’t sure she wanted to watch this one, but she knew she’d never believe he was gone if she didn’t see it.
“Have you ever been to one of these?” she asked Della.
Frowning, the petite brunette nodded. “LeBlanc’s mother.”
Jesse couldn’t take her eyes off the empty scaffold. The hangman’s noose swayed slightly, and her hand absentmindedly rubbed her throat. She gulped in air after she had a brief image of the rope tightening around her neck. She swallowed and forced herself to look at Dulac, who sat on her right.
“How are you doing?” His blue eyes were filled with concern.
Jesse attempted a weak smile. “Nervous, and a bit scared.”
He grabbed her right hand and held it tight. “Here they come. Are you sure you want to watch this?”
In a quiet voice, she replied, “I can’t not watch.”
She forced herself not to look at the approaching group, but then they were all on the platform. It was like some horrible play, and she couldn’t stop watching.
Unfortunately, LeBlanc stared at her the entire time. His solemn, hate filled gaze never wavered while they bound his legs to keep him from kicking. His hands were already tied behind his back, and the Hangman’s Noose was slipped over his head. Then everyone except the Executioner left the scaffold.
“Nimrod Eldridge LeBlanc, you have been charged with numerous murders and robberies. For this, the punishment is death by hanging. Have you any last words?”
Jesse’s heart seemed to pound in her ears. She held her breath as LeBlanc continued to stare at her. His words rang throughout the warehouse and would haunt her for years to come.
“I do love you, Jesse.”
Della gasped, and rage filled Jesse’s head. Before she could stop herself, she cried out, “Well, you have a terrible way of showing it, LeBlanc.”
“Jesse,” Dulac whispered. “Don’t provoke him.”
The warehouse fell silent, and Jesse pondered LeBlanc’s parting words. Perhaps this was the reason he had not uttered a word to anyone that she, too, was a pirate.
Then Dulac’s commanding officer gave the order. The Lifesaving Service had tried and convicted LeBlanc, hence they were the ones to carry out the judgment. The executioner pulled the lever, and the trap door fell open below LeBlanc.
The minute he dropped, Jesse let go of Della’s hand and buried her face in Dulac’s chest. His arms immediately held her protectively. It was the longest eight minutes of her life, but when the attending doctor proclaimed LeBlanc was officially dead, Jesse had to admit a weight had lifted off her shoulders.
Dulac released her and studied her face. When he was satisfied she was alright, he let her go. She instantly turned to Della, who was not doing so well. Tears poured down the woman’s face.
“He was still my brother,” she managed to say between sobs.
Jesse hugged her friend until the storm of tears had passed. She was glad her eyes were dry. She would not shed a tear for LeBlanc’s death.
“Della, it’s time to go.”
Captain LeBlanc had stood and held his hand out to his daughter. Jesse let her go, knowing he would comfort her. She knew she should say something to Della but could not form any words. She watched the two walk off, pleased to see Captain LeBlanc had his arm around Della and shielded her from LeBlanc’s body.
Dulac placed his hand on her arm, and she turned to him. He gave her a weak smile. “Shall we go get a bite of pralines from Evan’s Candy store?”
Her stomach churned. How could he think of food at a time like this? She tried to remain passive. “I’d much rather just go home. I’m...I’m not feeling well.”
He nodded and led her out of the warehouse.
* * * *
November 3, 1900
That afternoon, Jesse stood nervously on the front steps to her father’s house. She held Dulac’s hand but her knees trembled. Bravely, she knocked on the door and was surprised when her father answered.
“I saw you arrive and said to hell with propriety,” he said and smiled as he welcome
d her with a hug.
Looking over his shoulder, Jesse caught the disapproving glare of his wife. A warning signal raised, and she knew she had to be wary of the woman. However, as they were escorted into the house, Jesse was surprised when the woman hugged her. Her stepmother took her hand as they entered the parlor.
A young girl of about eight sat on a loveseat. Her curly red hair tumbled down her back, and she sat straight and prim. Her face was mixed with prissiness and uncertainty.
“This is our daughter, Sara,” Priscilla said. “Sara, give your older sister a hug.”
Reluctantly, the child perfunctorily did as she was bade and sat back down. Jesse presumed she was threatened by the sudden appearance of an older sibling and became determined to set her at ease.
“And this is young Jacob.”
Seated on the floor in the corner was a small boy. He was so engrossed in his toys that it wasn’t until his father swept him up in his arms that he noticed there was company. Her father beamed as he introduced her to her brother.
“I’m six,” the young man stated proudly.
“Well, that’s a great age to be.” Dulac shook the young man’s hand. “I’m Cristienne. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“I’m Jacob, and I’m going to be a pirate when I grow up.”
Jesse’s breath caught in her throat as a sudden fear ensnared her. Her eyes met Dulac’s, but he merely smiled. “Ah, then I’d be forced to catch you, young Jacob, as I am a pirate hunter.”
The boy’s jaw dropped. “Really? Have you seen many pirates? Do you know Black Beard?”
Everyone laughed but Jesse. She was beside herself with worry. She crossed her arms and proceeded to chew her lower lip. What would her father think if he knew the truth about her?
“Can I pour the tea now, Mama?” Sara inquired.
“Please.”
Everyone took a seat, and Jesse was thankful there was another couch. She was nervous as a fish on a hook. Dulac’s leg pressed against hers, and it helped to keep her teacup from clattering against the saucer.
“So did you find your parents well, Dulac?” her father asked.
“Yes, sir, quite well. In fact, they bade me send an invite to you all for dinner next Saturday.”
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