“Get away from her.” Hollan’s father’s voice held a hint of panic.
Hollan knew it would kill him to watch if she was attacked and he couldn’t do anything about it. She reacted instinctively, kicking the aggressor with her foot. A soft laugh rewarded her attempt.
“My darling wife. A bare foot does nothing to me. Though based on the stench of this hold, I might catch a nasty illness by connecting with your foot.”
“Jacob?” A sob caught on Hollan’s throat. “Is it really you?”
“It’s me.”
He wrapped his arms around her and held her close for a moment. She leaned nearer and drew in his scent. “You smell wonderful.”
That comment drew a laugh out of him. “You seem to be in good humor. Are you all right?”
“I’m fine now that you’re here.” She savored the feel of his strong arms around her. She’d never take his presence or touch or encouragement for granted again.
“Want to tell me what you’re doing here?”
“Rescuing him.” She gestured toward her father in the dim light.
“Rescuing someone with your arms tied tightly around a pole. And whom would you be rescuing?”
“My father. He’s alive, just as I said. What are you doing here?”
“Rescuing my wife and apparently helping her rescue her father.”
Hollan laughed quietly. “I just about had my plan figured out.”
Jacob trailed her arms to where they were tied around the post. “So I see. And your capture by the crew, that was all part of your plan?”
“Not exactly, but once it happened and I knew my father was here, I knew God brought me here for that purpose. I just needed to figure out what the plan was.”
“Well, I’m here now to help.” Jacob put a finger against her lips. “Be quiet now; we don’t want to draw any more attention our way. I’m going to be close, but I’ll continue to pose as one of the crew until I get my plan figured out.”
“Papa’s right beside me, one pole over. He’s a little worse for wear, but he says he’s fine.”
Jacob caressed Hollan’s hair with a gentle hand before moving to her father’s side. “Gunter? I’m so happy to see you’re alive, sir.”
Hollan grinned as she watched her two favorite men interact.
“I’m happy to see you, too. My daughter told me about your marriage and all that you’ve done for her. I appreciate that you took it upon yourself to watch out for her. It’s not an easy task.”
“Papa!”
“Well, it’s true. Now, Jacob, tell me what you’ve come up with to get us out of here.”
“I haven’t figured out the details on that myself. I saw the crew take Hollan, but I was too far away to do anything about it. I watched the ship from the lighthouse until I saw the present course. I was concentrating on getting aboard but didn’t get far enough to figure out a rescue in the event I was successful. I’ve spent most of my time searching for your daughter aboard ship.”
“Well, son, you’re aboard now and you’ve found my daughter, so you’d best get to figuring out our escape.”
“Have you made friends with any of the other prisoners?”
“No. None of them have tried to communicate with me. I’m not even sure some of them are alive. From what I can tell, they’re all worse off than I am. I think some of them are former crew members from whenever the present crew took over the ship.”
“I see.” Jacob moved back to Hollan’s side and took her hand. “I’m going back up to have a look around. I’ll return soon.”
“Don’t leave us.”
Her father leaned forward. “They’re coming for Hollan soon. They want her to lead them through the channel.”
Jacob hesitated. “That might work.”
“What might work?” Hollan didn’t like his tone of voice.
“Hollan, if you’re on deck, you’ll be that much closer to escape.”
“And if my eyesight falters?”
“We’ll worry about that if and when it does.”
“I won’t leave without you and my father.”
“We’ll all go together. But I need you free and above deck.” He turned to her father. “Do they check your ties often?”
“Never.”
“Good. That’ll work in our favor, too. I’m going to untie you. I don’t want you to move until we’re ready to go. Hollan, you’ll have to get the ship stuck in a shallow, narrow part of the channel. Try to guide them close to the island. While they’re unloading supplies in order to lighten the load, we’ll make our move. I’ll come down here to get your father. You get off ship and head for the cabin on the island.”
“I won’t leave without my father. I already told you that.”
Papa motioned to her. “Hollan, you’ll do as your husband says.”
“But—”
“But nothing.” Jacob’s voice was calm but commanding. “If you’re out of the way and safe, I can better help your father.”
Hollan bit back her next words. They’d discuss this later. She watched as Jacob untied her father’s hands.
“Try to stand. I want to see if you can walk.”
Her father stood, but he wavered. Hollan wanted to cry. Her normally strong father was thin and very weak.
“I’ll be fine. You go do what you need to do. I’ll work on my stamina while you’re gone.”
“Hollan, I’ll leave you tied up until the captain sends for you.”
“Jacob.” Hollan knew the next words wouldn’t be easy for Jacob to hear.
Jacob paused.
“The captain—he’s your brother. David.”
“David’s behind this?” Jacob spat. “Why am I not surprised?”
“Promise me you won’t rush into anything.”
“I won’t worry about David until I have both you and your father safely ashore.”
Hollan didn’t like the innuendo behind his words. She had a feeling that as soon as Jacob had them safe, he’d risk his own life by going after his brother.
Eleven
Hollan didn’t have to wait long before David summoned her. Paxton’s heavy boots stomped down the stairs, echoing through the dim interior like a death sentence. She sent a frantic look at her father as the other man slopped through the muck and headed their way.
“It’s going to be fine, Hollan. Jacob’s watching out for you. God’s on our side. Say your prayers and do what David says. Don’t do anything dangerous. Let Jacob make the decisions that need to be made. Watch for him and be alert for any sign he sends you. He won’t let anything happen to you.”
“But if things don’t go as we plan. . .”
“Our plans aren’t what matter,” her father interrupted her. “Do what you need to do, daughter. But above all else, keep your temper under control. Think before you act.”
He lowered his voice as Paxton drew near. “Keep in mind what will happen to Jacob if you act in a rash manner. If he thinks you’ll be hurt, he’ll intervene before he’s ready. The two of you are fully outnumbered by the crew. The timing for our escape needs to be perfect. If at all possible, do only what Jacob told you to do. Find a way to get the ship stuck on a sandbar and let him handle things from there. Remember what I’ve taught you about the currents. If you see your opportunity to get off the ship, take it and make your escape. Jacob and I will soon follow.”
“But if you don’t. . .”
“We will.”
“If you don’t. . . ?”
“Find a place to hide and watch for Fletcher to come.”
“He’s due back tomorrow.”
“Then you’ll go to him.”
Paxton tripped over a body sprawled at his feet. He kicked at the immobile form.
Hollan glared at him as he continued his trek their way. The man was deplorable.
“Your emotions are written all over your face, Hollan, even in this dark place. Keep your thoughts hidden. If David thinks you’re anything but compliant. . .it won’t go well.”
Her father’s quiet plea drifted her way. His gaunt face looked tortured for a moment. “Do this for your mother. David caused her to do what she did. I’ll explain everything later. But we need to make things right. Do your part to get us safely off ship, and we’ll talk when we meet back up.”
Frustration edged through Hollan. She didn’t know what the next few hours would bring, but she prayed they’d bring closure for all three of them.
“C’mon. Cap’n says it’s time.”
“Time for. . . ?” Hollan stalled.
“Let’s go.” Paxton ignored her comment and untied her. He reached for her arm.
Hollan scurried to her feet and backed away from him with her arms raised in defense. She knew her father would go after Paxton if he made any untoward moves. She couldn’t let her father expose the fact that his hands were no longer tied.
“I’m ready. I don’t need your assistance.” The boat lurched, and Hollan pitched forward, plowing into him with her head.
Paxton let out his breath with a whoosh.
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to.” Hollan sent her father a quick glance and shrug. He remained in place, though his features were pained. “I lost my balance when the ship shifted.”
“So I noticed,” Paxton snapped. “See that you don’t do it again.”
“I’ll do my best,” Hollan snapped back.
She hadn’t intended to get that close to the smelly man in the first place. As it was, she felt in dire need of a sweet-smelling bath. If she ever got out of here, she’d soak in an herb-filled bath for a full day. The hold’s odors had permeated her nose and surely everything she wore. How her father had tolerated it for as long as he had she didn’t know. It had to pain him to remain below deck, a free man, and not be able to do anything about it.
They exited the stairwell, and Hollan gasped for her first breath of fresh air topside. A gentle breeze blew her way, and even the fishy scent that rode along with it smelled pure after breathing in the stale air down below for the short time she’d been back down there. Now that the sun had risen higher in the sky, the day was clear and sunny. Inspiration bubbled up from deep inside. They had to make this work. Hollan wanted off the ship.
A movement to her left caught her attention. Jacob. He peeked up at her from beneath the rim of his hat. The bedraggled outfit he wore made him blend in perfectly with the crew. She twisted the corner of her mouth up in acknowledgment before diverting her gaze.
“What do you find so amusing?” Paxton glared around at the crew.
“There’s nothing amusing about my situation. I’m simply rejoicing in the fact that I’m out of that pit for a time. Surely you can understand that.”
Paxton scowled at her. “Don’t try anything stupid. The captain doesn’t tolerate anything close to what he considers mutiny.”
Hollan didn’t answer. She busied herself looking for Jonathon. Next to Jacob, he seemed her only ally. And though she wasn’t sure his kindness would be enough to allow him to stand up against David and his crew, she had a feeling the man had a soft spot somewhere deep inside. If need be, she’d use that to both of their advantage.
“Are you ready?” David didn’t waste time with pleasantries.
Hollan walked up beside him, shading her eyes with her hand as she scoured the water ahead of them. How to best get the Lucky Lady stuck? According to her father, it wouldn’t be hard.
“We need to stay with the darker water. The path is narrow. Are you sure you don’t want to turn around and go by sea?”
“What I want is for you to do as I ask. Don’t question my decisions.” He shifted his stance. “I have authorities looking for me on the open waters. I want to use this waterway to avoid a—shall we say—unpleasant outcome.”
“You mean you want to avoid your imminent arrest.” Hollan smiled up at him.
“I will not be arrested.” His face turned purple. “I won’t be captured alive.”
She frowned. “Which means you’d prefer to be captured dead? But how will that benefit you or your crew? I’m not sure I understand.”
“Must you always be talking?” He sighed with exasperation. “I don’t intend to be captured at all. Now focus on the task before you.”
Hollan laughed. “You sound like my father. That’s his favorite thing to say.”
David stared at her. “My crew doesn’t dare to speak to me the way you do.”
“Your crew? Is that what you call them? Better it be said that they are your slaves.” She muttered the last part in a quieter voice, but he apparently heard her.
“Every man here has a right to leave anytime he chooses.”
“Maybe—but only with a knife in his back or a bullet through his head.”
David sputtered. “What gives you the right to speak to me like that? Your father has spoiled you. I’m not sure what my brother ever saw in a quick-tongued woman like you.”
“Jacob saw my heart.”
“And then, apparently, you drove him away.”
“I didn’t drive him away.” His comment cut to her very soul. Jacob hadn’t left her because of anything she’d done to him—had he? She shouldn’t listen to this man. Her father told her to focus on the tasks set before her, and here she goaded the evil man instead of focusing on her responsibilities. She couldn’t help spitting out one more remark. “That isn’t true.”
“Aw, have I hit a nerve?”
Hollan stared at the water ahead. “No, but you’re about to hit that sandbar.” She pointed a finger straight out in front of them.
David swore and spun the wheel hard to the left. Hollan hid her impertinent smile. A cough slightly behind and to her left drew her attention. Jacob worked nearby, and she was sure he’d overheard their discussion.
“You did that on purpose,” David snapped.
“I did. I pointed out the obvious. But next time you’d rather I allow you to hit the object we’re heading for?”
“No!” He reached up to adjust his hat then glared her way. “You’re trying to distract me so we’ll run aground.”
“I’m hardly trying to distract you. Do you think I enjoy your attention?” Hollan huffed out a breath of exasperation. “And if my intent was to distract you so that you’d run the ship aground, why would I warn you when I saw the sandbar coming?”
“I guess you have a point.”
She pushed her hair out of her face and gave a distracted wave toward their left. “You’ll want to steer hard to the left for a bit. The current here runs strong and pushes to the right.” Strong enough to embed them securely just off the island’s shore if things worked out as she planned. Hollan set her mouth in a pout and crossed her arms in front of her.
“You don’t have to sound so offended.”
“And why shouldn’t I after I save the ship from going aground only to have you berate me?”
The ship missed the sandbar and gently drifted to the left. David relaxed his hold, and the wheel spun out of his grip. They picked up speed as the current forced them into the smaller channel. “Wha—?”
He frantically fought the wheel. “I thought you said the current pushes to the right!” His voice rose in pitch and shook with anger. His eyes held a hint of panic.
They headed toward the island at a fast pace. Hollan sidled over to grab hold of the ship’s rail. “Did I say the current pushes to the right? I meant you’d need to steer right because the current pushes to the left. Sorry.” She raised her voice to be heard. “You can correct the ship’s course, right?”
“You did this on purpose!” David screeched. “All hands on deck—now!”
Strong hands grabbed Hollan from behind and dragged her away from the captain. “Get down!”
Jacob’s voice.
Hollan did as he said. She hadn’t quite hunkered all the way down when the ship went hard aground. Barrels and crew went tumbling across deck. David flew to the right, cracked his head on the rail, and landed facedown, motionless.
“I need to go to him. I did this.
” Hollan’s breath caught in her throat. Had her actions killed the man? She hadn’t planned for anyone to get hurt. The ship listed heavily toward the mainland. “I didn’t intend to hurt him.”
“Well, he does intend to hurt you. Remember that. You’re going nowhere but off this ship. As soon as you’re clear, head for the cabin immediately.” Jacob lifted her to her feet, and they took off across the deck at a run. He dodged both crew and debris as they went. No one looked their way with all the chaos. “David isn’t worth your concern. Not right now.”
“But my father.”
“I’m sure your father is already on his way up here. I’ll return to help him as soon as I get you safely on your way.”
They reached the ladder. No one bothered with them as the crew frantically threw barrels and supplies off ship in an effort to stop her pitching.
Hollan peered cautiously over the side. “It’s a long way down. Coming up was bad enough. My dress! The skirt will. . .”
Jacob snatched a knife from the sheath he wore around his waist and spun her around. He grabbed her skirt and hacked it off at the knees.
“Jacob!” Hollan sputtered.
“It’s filthy and ruined. You’ll move faster this way. Your skirt won’t pull you under the water.”
He resheathed the knife and eased her over the edge. “Hold the ladder tight. If you lose your grip, push off so you don’t bump against the ship. Get away as quickly as possible in case she shifts. You don’t want to be crushed beneath her.”
“And there is a very pleasant thought with which to bid me good-bye.”
“And a very likely scenario if you don’t get out of the way.” He hesitated and grasped her upper arms. “I love you, Hollan.” He pulled her close for a quick peck on her lips. “Now go. Get out of sight. Move quickly.”
She ducked below the ship’s rail and headed carefully down the ladder. Her hands shook, and she prayed she’d not lose her grip. The ship’s rounded sides made the endeavor awkward and hindered her descent. Her foot slipped, and she flailed for a moment before finding purchase again.
Just as she regained her footing, something large catapulted past her. She ducked with a scream. Another piece of her dress tore off as the large object shot past, but she was able to keep hold of the ladder.
Truly Yours Historical Collection December 2014 Page 25