by Michael Aye
“He better get gone before the dead man’s mates get him or LaFitte hangs him,” Cut Nose volunteered.
The pirate must have been thinking the same thoughts. He dropped the pistol and turned toward the entrance but stopped and headed toward the bar and out the back.
“He’ll go to New Orleans and will sign aboard the first ship sailing,” Banty said.
“Aye, if he makes it that far,” Cut Nose added.
Captain Taylor and Turner came in soon after. He inquired about the commotion and then said, “The ship should be refitted and Turner will be in charge of seeing what all is needed.” As the last venture had been unsuccessful, he was going to New Orleans to get some money out of the bank for the crew. Most all of the crew had money put up for just such situations.
Taylor told Cooper to go get Sophia and in the morning he, along with several men, would accompany him to the bank in New Orleans. Taylor gave a list of men to make the trip to Mac so that he could round them up and have them ready in the morning. He then bid the two good-by and took his leave with the quartermaster, Turner, following.
“Taylor is a rare one,” Cut Nose said. “Most Cap’ns pays up and a man’s got nothing after a fortnight ashore.”
“Aye,” Banty agreed, “but there’s them that don’t have money on account.” Looking at the list Mac held, Banty continued, “Most of them whoresons are at Tammy’s place dipping their wicks. I know that wench, Che Che, has got some of the sod’s tongues hanging out.”
“Wait here,” Mac said to Cooper. “I’ll be right back and then I’ll go with you to Cindy’s.” Cooper nodded, Mac no doubt wanted to spend as much time with Lucy as possible.
***
The trip to New Orleans took the usual three days. Each night when they camped, Cooper and Sophia found a spot away from the others and loved the night away. On occasion, a blanket would be hung between two trees to offer more privacy. Each morning the men would grin or poke fun at Cooper, but Sophia was treated like royalty. The group was falling all over themselves to do for her on the trip.
Cooper had his thoughts on Sophia when he realized someone had shouted his name. Captain Taylor was looking at him with a stern look and Sophia was giggling, while the rest of the men were grinning. Cooper had been thinking of the lovemaking he’d enjoyed since returning from the ill-fated voyage with Gaspar and hadn’t even noticed they were already at the wharf in New Orleans.
“Now that I have your attention,” Captain Taylor was saying, “I want you to take Sophia to the hotel, and tell Deborah I’m in the city, and if you can keep your thoughts together meet me at Lawyer Meeks office.”
“Aye, Captain, Lawyer Meeks office.”
“I expect to see you there in no more than an hour and a quarter,” Taylor added in a firm voice.
Well, no time for dallying, Cooper thought with a grimace. He still had the look on his face when he eyed Sophia. Seeing the downtrodden look on his face, she giggled again. Cooper lost the grimace and smiled as he helped Sophia out of the pirogue and onto the dock. If he could catch one of the many cabs now plying the city’s streets, he might find time to dally.
***
Taylor was already at the Meeks’ office when Cooper got there. He was out of breath and sweating in spite of the cooler than usual fall. He’d not found a cab, therefore he had to rush to get Sophia settled in. He had taken a few moments to speak with Deborah and Otis and then legged it to the lawyer’s office.
Captain Taylor would not watch the clock but he did not tolerate a laggard person. Meeks’ secretary greeted Cooper, and told him he was expected and showed him back to where Meeks and the captain waited. Meeks took one look at Cooper and ordered a glass of tea.
Taylor explained that he had a bill of sale for one of the ships they’d captured. LaFitte had been able to sell the other but this ship, being larger than the others, had not found a buyer willing to lay out the coin for it. Taylor had decided to purchase the ship and add it to the merchant fleet in which he held a partnership. The bill of sale was from a firm based out of the Port of Spain in Trinidad.
“This looks very official,” Meeks volunteered.
“It is,” Taylor said. What he didn’t say was that Dominique Youx had sailed it to Trinidad, sold it for one hundred Spanish dollars and then repurchased the ship. The firm had only to fill out the papers and make not only the purchase price back but a profit of five hundred dollars.
Meeks would now take the official bill of sale and transfer it to the firm of Taylor, Will and Brett. After deducting the cost to obtain a bill of sale, Taylor would pay the crew the purchase price minus his share as captain, for when the ship was taken as a prize.
Cooper sat and listened, not opening his mouth. He was amazed at how smart the captain was in hiding the ship’s history. No one would ever know her original origin. Meeks’ part was all legitimate in his transfer of the ship’s ownership. Something he did on a regular basis. The secretary brought the tea in as the legal transaction was being completed.
“The reason, one of the reasons, I asked you to meet us here, Cooper, is LaFitte gave me a message that Mr. Meeks has a letter for you. The other was for you to witness these transactions. The knowledge may prove useful at some point,” Taylor said.
Cooper was not exactly sure what the captain meant. However, he’d paid attention and was sure the captain would fill in the blanks at some more private time. Cooper was asked to sign as witness the transfer of the ship’s ownership.
When that was done, Meeks took a letter from his desk. Handing it to Cooper, he said, “There’s a spare office where you can read the letter, young sir.”
Taking the glass of tea and letter, Cooper moved into a small office. The room was full of books stacked on shelves from floor to ceiling. It smelled musty. A small desk and worn chair sat next to a window. He was able to raise the window a few inches to let in some fresh air. After staring at the envelope for a minute, he opened it only to find another envelope inside. The outside envelope merely had Cooper Cain written on the outside. The inside envelope was addressed to Edward Meeks, Barrister, and had the address of the New Orleans’ office. Sighing, Cooper took a sip of tea and then removed the letter from the envelope and started reading:
My Dearest Son,
A considerable burden was lifted from your mother’s aching heart when I received your letter. I was surprised in the manner in which it was delivered and the man’s instructions not to mention to anyone that we have corresponded. I have kept this a secret from all except Jean-Paul, whom I will soon wed. He was as relieved as I was to hear you are alive and doing well. When Jean-Paul and I wed, I will move from Lawrence’s and not look back.
Nothing is as you remember it. Lawrence has become almost impossible. He has even snapped at the twins on occasion. Doctor Bryan has been called on numerous occasions for one ailment or another. On one visit, the good doctor related, “Many of Lawrence’s ailments have to do with his treatment of you and Jean-Paul.” He is for the most part excluded from the hunts and games at his club. I’m told he’s been shunned at the tavern as well.
The twins miss you and speak of fond memories. Phillip has become somewhat of a dandy. His dress is most distressing to Lawrence. Phillip now has a male guest who has taken your old rooms. The twins heard Lawrence criticizing the way Phillip behaves, and saying at least Cooper was a man. Phillip replied, “Well, Father, you certainly have no one to blame but yourself. Lawrence snapped back, “But you told me…” Phillip answered saying, “Perhaps I was mistaken.”
This caused Lawrence to go into a fit of coughing. I question if my dear brother is long for this world. I tried to entice him to write you a letter of apology but he said what’s done is done. When he does go on to meet his maker, I wonder how long it will be before Phillip squanders all of Lawrence’s fortune. He has already sent letters that he will no longer assume responsibility for Phillip’s gambling debts. He had to mortgage your father’s property to do that, we are told.
<
br /> In your letter you mentioned you had met the dearest girl. I hope things have progressed to your liking. I would love to meet the girl that’s able to steal my son’s heart. You must keep me informed about her. I’m not young anymore (though Jean-Paul makes me feel girlish at times), so it would not disappoint me to know you were married, settled down and I was a grandmother.
Son, I am concerned about you. We have heard of your gallantry to keep the governor’s daughters safe but lately we’ve heard rumors that you are a buccaneer yourself now. The twins jumped with glee when it was said you have raided the Finylson Company ships. I understand your desire for revenge, but I can’t help but worry about your safety. I take solace in Jean-Paul’s words when he says you have a good head and can take care of yourself. He still tells people you were his most prized student.
I fear I have rambled on like the old woman I’m getting to be. Please stay in touch. You and Jean-Paul are all I have. Jean-Paul has said a trip to America is something we can do. While not the man of wealth your uncle is, Jean-Paul has done well and says we can live comfortable the rest of our lives. This means a lot to him but I’d be happy just being in a small place of our own. With you being close enough to visit.
I shall always be your devoted and loving,
Mother.
Cooper folded the letter and sat staring at the wall. He was glad to hear from his mother but her letter made him realize how much he missed her. He’d never taken time to consider what it would mean to her to hear he’d become a pirate. He’d skirt around that in his next letter. He’d tell her that Sophia and he were married. He’d offer to bring her and Jean-Paul to New Orleans.
So Phillip had turned into a popinjay, a fop. Well, it didn’t surprise him. Looking at the date on the letter, it had taken three, almost four, months to reach him. Had Mother and Jean-Paul married yet? Jean-Paul would be a good husband. He’d have to get something for them as a wedding present.
Cooper’s growling stomach reminded him that he’d not eaten yet today. He downed the last of the tea that had grown tepid. He started out of the room, remembered the window and went back to close it. The captain was laughing at something Meeks had said.
Seeing Cooper, Taylor said, “All is well I hope.”
“Aye,” Cooper replied.
“Good, let’s go get the ladies and break our fast. Edward, you are welcome to join us.”
“Sorry, Eli, but other clients await me,” Meeks responded.
CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR
Captain Taylor, Deborah, Cooper, and Sophia sat in the little courtyard behind Deborah’s quarters at the hotel. They had dined well and retired to the courtyard where a slight breeze whisked away the smoke from the men’s cigars. Taylor and Cooper had a glass of brandy each, while the ladies enjoyed a glass of sherry.
“What do you think of a trip to Savannah?” Taylor asked Deborah. “I have to take the ship there. Cooper could bring Sophia. I want to look at some land I’ve been told is for sale. We could spend a couple of weeks or even a month there and then return overland. I want Cooper to get a feel for his adopted country, at least the southern aspect of it.”
“The hotel, should I leave it for that length of time?” Deborah asked.
“Why not, Otis can take care of the day to day events, and the bills can be run through the bank. I talked with both the lawyer and banker today. All you have to do is sign a couple of papers and Edward Meeks will see that everything is taken care of. Should Otis have any questions or concerns, he can just call on Meeks,” Taylor said.
“It seems that you have already thought this out, Eli,” Deborah responded.
“I have. The season is upon me to make a change. Cooper is just about ready to take over so there’s no time like the present,” Taylor said.
Cooper had his mind on a fresh bed, clean sheets, a soft mattress, and Sophia. So when Taylor had said taking a month or so off he was ready. But for the captain to say he was almost ready to take over the ship…that was a different story. One he’d need to think on. Mac, was the sailor, the one with experience. With Mac at his side…maybe. Still, there’s a lot he’d need to know. But that would come later. The brandy and full belly was making him sleepy. He was ready to call it a night. Yawning, he put out his cigar and swallowed the last bit of brandy. The honey colored liquid burned as it went down. He could feel it all the way to his stomach. That would be good for cold nights at sea, he decided. Holding Sophia’s hand, they made their way to their room.
“Young love,” Deborah said.
“Yes, and I want to keep it that way,” Taylor said. “Meeks told me young D’Arcy had been asking around about Sophia. I don’t want Cooper to have to kill the sod over Sophia, so I think it best to get them out of New Orleans for a while.”
Deborah took her man’s hand as he rose from his chair. “You really like the boy, don’t you, Eli?”
“Aye, like a son.”
“Then let’s be on our way to Savannah,” she said and then added, “Put that cigar out before you come inside. It stinks to high heaven.”
Taylor grinned, “You sure are sexy when you fuss.”
***
The newly named merchant vessel, Dashing Debbie, set sail on a Friday afternoon in a fresh breeze. Captain Taylor had asked for thirteen volunteers to sail the ship from New Orleans to Savannah. Half of Raven’s crew volunteered. To keep it from looking like anyone was being shown favoritism, sailors pulled beans from a jar. The jar held thirteen white beans, the rest were black. The only exception was for Rooster, who was the captain’s servant.
One of the men drawing a white bean asked Taylor, “You don’t hold with the sailor’s tale that changing a ship’s name will bring bad luck, do you, Captain?”
Taylor knew a lot of sailors believed in the myth so he chose his words carefully, “Aye, Johnson, there was bad luck to be had…for them we took the ship from.”
Several of the sailors had been listening. Hearing the captain’s comments, they set up a roar of laughter.
Raising his hands to quiet the crew, Taylor added, “And good luck to us’n’s. Did you count the coin Dashing Debbie has put in your purse?”
Another roar went up. “Well said,” the quartermaster whispered to Taylor. Turner had offered to volunteer but Taylor wanted him to stay with the Raven.
The ship needed an overhaul but did she need to be placed in a dockyard. As the ship’s quartermaster, Turner would stay behind and see to the ship, and hopefully keep the crew together and out of trouble. A sailor, in port with money in his purse, was bound to find mischief. Hopefully, it could be kept to a minimum. It would take most of the crew to help beach Raven and careen her. Raven had lost a couple of knots and Taylor wanted to know the reason why.
Cooper was standing near the fife-rail looking down into the waist of the ship. Spurlock was lighting his pipe and having a difficult time of it with the breeze. His mate, Diamond had stayed behind to help the quartermaster. As the bosun, he’d be needed, whereas the gunner had little to do.
Sophia came up and placed her hands on top of Cooper’s. “I can see why I shall never have to fear another woman, my husband. But the sea! How can I fight such a devilish mistress. She has a lure I could never match.”
“Not so, my love. While I have come to love the sea it pales in comparison to the love I hold for you.”
Sophia turned to Cooper, a tear running down her cheek. “You, my love, are the dearest of all men. Others may have bought my contract and expected to reap…certain benefits, but you bought it out of love. Now that I’m a free woman, I shall love you in ways you can’t imagine, for I truly love you. I fell in love the moment you walked into Cindy’s house. I knew then and there that you were the man I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.”
“And I you, my love. You have quelled my desire for vengeance so that it’s only a small ember, while my love for you is a roaring blaze,” Cooper said.
“Speaking of a blaze, dear husband, look at the horizon, the
sun is setting and the glow reminds me of fire…a sea fire.”
Cooper grinned at Sophia’s words, “What an imagination you have.”
Sophia looked hurt, “It’s not an imagination. When I was a little girl our house burned down. I was on a hill with some of my friends playing when we saw this red glow that filled the sky. Trees blocked the view of the house so we couldn’t see the burning house, just the red glow that filled the sky. It was just like the glow on the horizon, a sea fire.”
Caring naught for those who might be watching, Cooper pulled Sophia to him and kissed her long and hard. When the embrace ended, Spurlock shouted, “Hurrah for Cooper and his missus.” The crew all shouted up cheers and clapped their hands.
“It appears we have an audience,” Sophia said, her face blushing.
“I don’t care if the world watches,” Cooper said, giving his wife a quick peck on the forehead.
As the sun set, a ship was seen on the horizon. Banty was in the tops and called down, “A frigate she be, flies a British flag.”
“Is there cause for worry?” Debbie asked, not wanting anything to spoil their voyage.
Not wanting to alarm his woman, Taylor hid his true concerns. “Nothing to fear, Debbie. Our papers are intact. We have enough cargo to look legitimate with proper invoices.” He did not mention that with Mac and Cooper being British that some captains would take them away and press them into the Royal Navy.
This occurred so much that Edward Meeks said Congress had complained to the British government and demanded the practice be ended or expect another war. Seaman’s rights, they called it. Being at war with France, England could ill afford another war. However, it was that war which created such a need for seamen that it caused British captains to stop ships and impress seamen. LaFitte had hinted Letters of Marque or as the French termed it, “Lettres de Marque” issued by the governor at Martinique could be had for the sum of five hundred dollars.