by Cathy Marie Hake, Lynn A. Coleman, Mary Davis, Susan Page Davis
“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.
Chapter 11
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 responsi
bilities. 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.
Hollan lowered her foot again and felt for the next rope step. Something else fell from above, and again it barely missed her. A sob tore loose. Were they throwing things at her? Had they figured out the plan? Had someone noticed her missing?
She pushed herself to move faster but again lost her footing. This time her fingers slipped from their hold, too, and she plunged to the water below. The momentum sent her into a downward spiral under the water even as she fought to return to the surface. After a few panicked moments, her toes finally hit sand, and she pushed hard against the bottom. She broke through the surface of the water and gasped in a huge lungful of air.
A barrel splashed down beside her, barely missing her head. She swam in place and looked around for a safer location to wait out the barrage of debris. Only one area would offer her protection. She swam to the boat and hunkered down out of sight, slightly under the rounded side. If the ship shifted at all, she’d be crushed beneath it, just as Jacob had warned.
Jacob hurried across the tilting deck and prepared to go below just as Gunter surfaced. A small man with a crooked nose assisted him. Jacob raised an eyebrow in question.
“It’s all right. Jonathon here offered me his assistance. He said he failed Hollan when she needed him, and he wanted to make things right with me.” Gunter looked around. “Where is she?”
“I’ve already helped her over the edge. She should be well on her way to the shore.” Another glance at Gunter’s helper reassured Jacob that the man didn’t have any ulterior motives. The man nervously watched the actions of the crew but didn’t try to draw attention. David still lay where they’d left him. “We need to get out of here before he comes around. He isn’t going to be in a very good mood.”
“Does the man have a good mood?” Gunter muttered.
“Not that I’ve ever seen, but we don’t want to be here to see what he does when his perpetually bad mood gets worse.”
They helped Gunter to the side of the ship where Jacob had last seen Hollan. He peered over and saw no sign of her. Hopefully that meant she’d made it to safety. Two members of the crew appeared, carrying a large barrel between them. They staggered up beside Jacob.
“Can you give us a hand in gettin’ this over? It’s mighty heavy,” one of the men gasped.
“Set it down.” Panic coursed through Jacob. “Have you thrown other things over this side?”
“Yep. We needed to lighten the load.”
Jacob leaned over and again searched the water for any sign of Hollan. If a barrel had hit her …
He saw a piece of fabric from her dress floating on the water, but he didn’t see any other physical signs of her. Surely if she’d been hit she’d still be in sight. He breathed easier and looked at the men. “Not on this side, you don’t.”
The man surveyed him suspiciously. “Why not?”
Jonathon stepped up beside him. “Ya see how the ship lists? Ya might knock a hole in the side.”
“Oh. I hadn’t thought a
bout that.”
“Head on over there with the barrel”—Jacob pointed to the far side—“and I’ll be right behind you to help.”
The two men struggled to lift the large container.
Jacob rolled his eyes. “Can I offer a suggestion?”
One looked at the other. “I guess.”
“Roll the barrel to the other side. Don’t carry it.”
“That might work.” The deckhand looked skeptical. “We can try.”
They laid it on its side and pushed.
“No, you’ll want to—” Jacob shook his head as the barrel picked up pace on its journey across the deck. It took out two men before slamming into the wooden rail on the far side. “Never mind.”
The men took off at a run, and Jacob quickly turned around. “Come on, we need to get out of here before someone else comes along.”
Jonathon helped lift Gunter over the side. Jacob looked at Jonathon. “Are you coming with us?”
“No. I’m needed here. You go. I’ll keep watch as I work, and I’ll offer a diversion if need be.”
“We appreciate it, Jonathon.”
“Tell Hollan I’m sorry. I couldn’t help her before, but I hope she’s safe now.”
“Thank you.”
Jacob glanced around then slipped over the rail and followed Gunter down the ladder. He heard a soft splash below as Gunter entered the water. Jacob made quick work of dropping down beside him.
“Let’s go. We need to get away from the ship.”
“Jacob!”
Jacob glanced around and saw Hollan clinging to the large vessel’s side.
“Woman! Don’t you ever listen?”
“I do listen, but before I could get away, huge objects started raining down on me from above.”
“I think we’ve stayed the falling objects. Let’s get out of here.”
They only had a short swim before their feet touched bottom. Jacob reached back and assisted Hollan until her feet reached solid ground.
“I’m fine, I’m fine. Go, go, go!” Hollan’s panicked voice urged him on. She stepped up beside him and helped assist her father.
She started toward the shelter of the trees.