Against the Sea II: Tales On and Under the Sea

by John E. Christ

  The boss pointed his sword at Sean. “Will you shut up!”

  “May I answer his questions?” Teri moved toward Sean. “I think I can put his fears to rest.”

  The boss grunted and scanned the horizon. A storm squall appeared to the north.

  “What are you looking at Roy?” Teri said to the boss who turned abruptly toward her with sword raised.

  “I said no names,” the boss now identified as Roy said. “I don’t want our plans any messier than they are now.”

  “You expect me to believe after all we have been through.” Teri frowned. “I haven’t seen you show mercy to anyone yet. How can I expect you to start now?”

  “You will have to trust me on this one,” Roy said. “The way I have it planned we will disappear and these guys will never see us again.”

  “You said that before,” Teri said. “But in the end you always do the same thing.”

  “It will be different this time. Wait and see.”

  Sean moved toward Teri. “What are you both talking about?”

  “Get back!” Roy raised the sword. “What we talk about is our business and not yours. Do you understand or would you like to go overboard?”

  “I am quite comfortable where I am. I don’t mean to interfere in your conversation. I was just curious.”

  “Keep your curiosity to yourself,” Roy bellowed and turned back to see where the distant storm was. He ordered his men to head away from it.

  Out of earshot of Roy, Sean moved closer to Teri. “I get the impression you are not in total agreement with Roy. How did you get involved with him?”

  “I am not exactly one of Roy’s men,” Teri said slowly.

  “That is obvious.” Sean chuckled.

  “No, what I mean I am not part of Roy’s original crew of pirates. I happen to be one of his victims he has let live, providing I join his group.”

  “You lost your boat too?”

  “Yes.” Teri sighed. “I was out here sailing by myself with my two cats when Roy and his gang overtook me. I didn’t have anything of value with me except my boat. It turns out that is all he wanted. Roy threatened to kill me but desisted when I pled for my life by volunteering to join his group. He had to think about it so he took me captive. The longer he kept me the better it became for me.”

  “So you became part of his crew by default.” Sean smiled. “You are lucky.”

  “My remaining was based on my staying with Roy and his crew at all times,” Teri continued. “I have not been allowed any freedom ashore. I am in reality a prisoner.”

  “Why are you telling me this?”

  “Because I am tired of this kind of life; I want to go home. You and your friend are the best hope I have had yet.”

  “And why is that?”

  “Almost all the boats we hijack try to fight back. With our weapons we have never lost a battle with mere amateurs.”

  “Well, it so happens Jake and I are mere amateurs.” Sean smiled. “Coming out in the ocean in my sailboat is a passion with me. In a real sense, I am only a weekend warrior. My real job is in an office in a high-rise. What can I possibly do against a trained professional? Besides, the odds are two to one.”

  “One to one.” Teri smiled. “I am on your side. But in the meantime I have to appear on the opposite side until we find the right time to take over. Sooner or later someone is going to have to sleep. I know Sam and Jojo have been awake almost twenty-four hours now.”

  “Sam and Jojo?”

  “Sam is the tall, sandy haired guy with blue eyes and crooked teeth. Jojo is the other guy, completely the opposite, short, swarthy, straight white teeth. Both follow Roy without hesitation. We have to deal with them the same as we have to deal with Roy. All are ruthless and totally without compassion.”

  “Except for you.”

  “Except for me.”

  “And you expect me to believe what you say?” Sean glanced at Roy. “If my life depends on it, I have no choice. I would certainly like better odds.”

  “Let me tie you up.”

  “What?”

  “Let me tie you up,” Teri said softly. “I will make sure you can easily get out of the ropes. I will put you next to your partner and do the same for him. You tell him everything I told you because I don’t think Roy will give me another chance to talk to either of you.”

  Under the watchful eyes of Roy, Teri tied both Sean and Jake back to back with the mainmast between them. The tightness of the ropes around his wrists made Sean doubt the validity of what Teri had told him. However, when they were finally left by themselves Sean realized he could easily slip out of the ropes. With the men below and Teri at the helm Sean proceeded to tell Jake what Teri had told him. At first, Jake was incredulous, but when he tried his own ropes he knew he could free himself at any time.

  “Now what do we do?” Jake said. “We can get free but we have no weapons. Even if the physical odds are even, we don’t have a chance against that sword and those guns.”

  “Wrong,” Sean said strongly. “We have the element of surprise in both numbers and timing. Roy and his goons won’t suspect we are free. I think the best chance we have is if that squall catches up to us. You and I are experienced sailors on my boat. Our guests don’t seem nearly as proficient. Once the storm hits, we will make our move.”

  “Sounds like you already have a plan.”

  “I do.”

  “Then tell me.”

  “When the storm hits, I expect two or three of them will go below to stay out of the wind and rain. The fourth will man the helm. It’s possible one will be on deck to adjust the sails. The best scenario is for Teri go below with Roy. I think you and I can handle the other two. What do you think?”

  “Sounds good, but do you trust her?”

  “I don’t think we have any choice. We will have to play it by ear and see what happens. I have a feeling it will turn out in our favor.”

  “Here it comes!” Jake said loudly.

  A blast of cold wind hit the sails solidly. The free ends cracked loudly. Sam took the helm from Teri motioning her to go below. Jojo sprang forward and adjusted the jib. Roy watched until he felt everything was under control. As he headed below the rain hit and engulfed the boat in a screen of water blanking out the entire surrounding ocean.

  “Do you have everything under control?” Roy shouted. “If so; I am going below.”

  “Got it, boss,” Sam shouted. “This is a light breeze compared to what I’ve been through.”

  The wind gusted, the ropes moaned. The waves rose another foot slapping the hull with a monotonous rhythm. All around the rain pelted down dotting the deck with innumerable splashes. Sean released his hands as did Jake. Visibility even on the deck was limited by the rain. Jojo carefully gripped the rope side rail making his way back to the stern. When he was next to Sean, he stumbled.

  “Hey, watch out!” Jojo hollered. “You want me to fall overboard?”

  Jake rose quickly, slamming both fists into Jojo’s chest. “Yes, we do.” Jojo fell backwards over the rail into the ocean.

  “What’s going on? Are you all right Jojo?” Sam shielded his eyes from the rain. “Come on back here where I can see you.”

  A form moved back toward the helm. “Ah, there you are,” Sam said.

  “Yes, here I am!” Sean jumped on Sam. Jake followed and took control of the helm.

  The two men struggled silently. For a brief moment Sean was not sure he could overcome his adversary. By a stroke of luck Sam slipped hitting his head solidly on a cleat. With blood streaming freely across his face all fight vanished. Sean pushed the dazed man to the stern and tossed him into the roiling water.

  “Two down, two to go,” Sean said.

  “I thought you said the blonde was on our side.”

  “I am going to assume nothing,” Sean said. “The odds are at least more favorable now. It would be better if she was with us.”

  “Well, now what?”

  “We have a little time to thi
nk,” Sean said slowly. “This storm is not going to last long, but long enough. We have to get the boss out here alone. Only by separating them can we win easily.”

  “I’ll call them.” Jake moved toward the hatch below.

  “Not yet.” Sean looked astern. “Let’s make sure we put some distance between us and the two we dropped overboard. I don’t want any chance of them getting back on board.”

  The wind eased to a light breeze and the waves flattened to gentle ripples. The rain thinned. Sean heeled Gusty to take maximum advantage of the wind. Jake adjusted the rigging bringing the boat over to almost forty-five degrees. The bow easily sliced the water. Teri popped her head out from below immediately recognizing the situation had changed on deck. She glared at Sean and ducked below.

  “What was that all about?” Jake said. “I am sure were going to find out which side she is on real soon.”

  “She could have called out right then,” Sean said. “But she didn’t. I think that proves she is on our side. I agree we will soon find out.”

  The rain stopped and the sun blazed through the scattering clouds. The wind abated but was strong enough to push Gusty along at a reasonable pace. Andros Island and Nassau were well within a day of sailing.

  “I can hardly wait for this to be over,” Jake mumbled. “I hate being on edge.”

  “Keep quiet,” Sean said softly. “Get up behind the hatch. I will stay at the helm. When Roy or whatever his name is comes out, you jump him and I will join you with the stun gun.”

  “You still have yours?”

  “The one I had on me was taken, but I had an extra stowed under the seat. I have tried to prepare for every eventuality.”

  “Bet you never imagined being hijacked by pirates in the Bahamas.”

  “The thought remotely crossed my mind. I never thought I would be an important target.”

  “Well, you’ve learned differently. I just hope we stay alive to talk about it.”

  A bearded face poked out from below. Sean and Jake froze. Roy climbed up on deck immediately recognizing Sean was at the helm. He turned quickly avoiding Jake’s lunge at him. With Jake flat face down on the deck Roy pulled the sword out and pointed it at the back of his neck.

  “Where are my men?” Roy growled. “What have you done with them?”

  Sean and Jake remained silent.

  “Boys, where are you?” Roy shouted looking fore and aft. “If you are hiding, this is no time to joke around.”

  “Your men decided to abandon ship,” Sean said clearly. “They found no reason to stay

  “You think you’re a comedian.” Roy kicked Jake squarely in the ribs and pointed the sword at Sean. “Turn this boat around.”

  “It won’t do any good,” Sean said slowly. “They fell over in the storm without life vests. I am not sure they can swim long enough. Trying to find them would be futile. It has been several hours since they fell over.”

  “You killed my men?” Roy scowled. “You will pay for that. I should run you through with his sword and feed you to the sharks. Or better yet tie a rope around you and troll for sharks.”

  “You can’t get rid of us now,” Jake coughed. “You need us to sail the boat.”

  “Not at all,” Roy sneered. “Teri and I can handle this old scow.”

  “It would be much easier for us to help you,” Sean said coolly. “We are unarmed. You have the upper hand.”

  “So did my men,” Roy huffed. “And they are now fish food. I don’t trust you.”

  “It’s time you started somewhere,” Sean said. “Don’t you have any confidence in having control or are you a coward?”

  “Shut up!” Roy shouted waving the sword in a broad arc. “I am not afraid of anything or anybody. You bums aren’t nothing to me.”

  “Sir, we are not bums,” Sean said flatly. “We both have respectable jobs and families.”

  “You will be what I say you are.” Roy kicked Jake. “I am in charge here and you will take my orders without question. Is that understood?”

  “We understand.” Sean watched Jake slowly rise to his feet. “You will have better cooperation from us if you desist from physical violence. What can we possibly do against you? We are defenseless.”

  “I don’t buy that one second. As long as you have breath you are dangerous to me. That means I will be watching you every second. If you try any more funny business, you will join my men. Is that understood?”

  “I agree,” Jake said weakly. “May I go down to my bed? I think you broke my ribs.”

  “No, you’ll stay up here where I can watch you both. If you need rest, go forward and stretch out on the deck. I don’t want you out of my sight.”

  “Roy is everything all right?” Teri said.

  “I have under everything under control. Come out and give me a hand.”

  A minute later Teri emerged from the cabin wearing a thong bikini. The sight caught all the men by surprise, especially Roy. They watched with mouths agape as she positioned herself next to Roy.

  “What do you think you’re doing?” Roy sputtered. “Now is not the time to dress like that.”

  “Dress like what?” Teri cooed.

  “With that…” Roy was speechless.

  “Marvelous bathing suit...” Sean grinned. “I fully approve. What do you think Jake?”

  Jake coughed once. “I agree totally.”

  “You guys are perverts,” Roy huffed. “Go below and put on something decent.”

  “And if I don’t?” Teri pulled at the strap to the bikini bra. “What are you going to do?”

  “This is no time to play games.” Roy flushed. “We have a serious problem here and I need your help. Now go below and get dressed properly.”

  “If you don’t like what I am wearing, I will take it off.” Teri deftly flipped off the bra top. “Is that better?”

  “What are you doing, you fool?” Roy was livid. His entire focus was on Teri. “Get below now!” He screamed.

  Sean spun the helm to port. Gusty responded immediately. Both Sean and Jake lunged at the off-guard Roy who struggled to maintain balance. The sword flew out of Roy’s hand overboard. Unarmed, Roy swung his fists aimlessly. With one concerted motion they threw Roy into the water. Roy sunk quickly below the waves and resurfaced treading water.

  “Get me out of here,” Roy shouted. “I’ll get you for this. Come back here!” With Sean at the helm, he turned Gusty back to take maximum advantage of the wind. Although Roy swam fast, he was not fast enough to catch up to the accelerating boat. A short ways behind him there was a dorsal fin slicing the water toward him.

  “Don’t leave me,” Roy cried. “You can’t do this to me. Have mercy.”

  Teri waved back at Roy. “How much mercy did you ever show to all those victims you pirated,” she whispered. “You have only got what you gave to others. Your debt to them is paid.”

  “Here’s your top back.” Sean held the bra top at arm’s length. “Your ruse worked really well. I thank you.”

  “I am glad you approve. I am glad to finally get away from those brutes. My life has been a living nightmare with them.”

  “Were they bothering you?” Jake said.

  “I was able to take care of myself,” Teri said. “I happen to be an instructor in martial arts. None of those guys would ever dare get near me.”

  “Then how did you lose your boat to them?” Sean said. “I would think you could easily overpower that sickly group.”

  “Hands and feet are no match for automatic weapons.” Teri smiled wanly. “I have something I want to show you. Wait here.”

  Teri went below and Jake sat beside Sean at the stern. Jake remarked that Sean had been right to trust Teri as events had developed. The wind gusted slightly filling the sails and pushed them faster through the idyllic waves.

  “This is paradise.” Sean sighed. “I wish I could always be out here.”

  Teri noiselessly came out of the hatch aiming an AK-47 automatic rifle at them.

 
“What is this all about?” Sean’s eyes went wide. “Why are you pointing that gun at us?”

  “It should seem obvious to you.” Teri smiled. “This boat is now mine.”

  “What you mean?” Jake grew pale. “Do you mean you are hijacking us?”

  “I am not hijacking you.” Teri laughed. “I am taking back what was stolen from me.”

  “But this is not your boat,” Sean sputtered. “I am sure you can get your own boat when you get back to shore.”

  “Not as easily as this.” Teri grinned. “Now stand up with your hands in the air and face the stern.”

  Sean and Jake looked at each other and did exactly as ordered. Once standing Teri shot them both in the back. The force of the bullets threw them off the stern into the following wake. Teri put down the gun and sat at the helm. She took off her thong and glanced up at the bright sun.

  “Nice day to get a tan.” She laughed. “And I get to do it my way.”

  Maelstrom

  “Why are you doing this?”

  “I’m sorry Cap’n but my reasons are for me and me alone.”

  The Captain tried to stand but the second mate shoved him back down onto the sand. He shook his head with disbelief. The men he trusted most had totally betrayed him. Shoeless, clothes splattered with his own blood from a scalp wound, he tried to gather his thoughts.

  “You will not get away with this.” The Captain sat propped up by his arms. “You will hang by the yardarm.”

  The first mate, Jeremy, brandishing a short sword laughed. “They have to catch us first, Cap’n. But then again, they have to know what happened and who is going to tell. Are you, Bill? Are you, Jacko?”

  “Not I, Jeremy,” Bill said loudly.

  “Nor I.” Jacko grinned.

  “What about the other men?” The Captain wiped streaks of blood off his cheek. “Is everyone in on this mutiny of yours?”

  “Pretty much...” Jeremy laughed. “And those that ain’t will soon be shark bait.”

  “I can’t believe this.” The Captain shook his head. “What have I done to deserve treatment like this? Have I treated you men poorly?”

  “Nay, Cap’n,” Jeremy said. “I must say you’ve been one of the best I’ve had the privilege to sail with. It’s your honesty that I have trouble.”