Page 35 of The Noble's Merman

Perhaps it wasn’t a man who was the culprit. Now that Kent knew of their existence, it could’ve well been?—

A siren.

Should he bring that up as a possibility, though? What if Davies didn’t believe him? Kent didn’t want to come off as a complete nodcock, talking nonsense when there very likely was a more plausible explanation for the surgeon’s disappearance.

“Either way,” said Davies, “what happened to Harris or how he disappeared isn’t really the problem. Might’ve just been a rogue wave that capsized him, I don’t know. What the real matter is—now The Sterling Mer is without a surgeon. Five days before we’re to set off again! If that whoreson doesn’t show his face around these parts… Excuse my language, your lordship. I never liked the man.” Kent gave him a nod. “But anyway, we are to sail across the Atlantic and back, a trip that takes about two to three months round trip. Captain Brooks is at sixes and sevens wondering what to do. We can’t be out at sea that long missing such a vital part of the crew in case of injury, you know. The captain would be loath to delay our trip; we’ve important medicine to deliver to New England. Which is why I thought it was such a coincidence to run into you—someone with connections at the barber-surgeon—you wouldn’t happen to know someone looking for work who could fill Harris’s place on such short notice, do you?”

“Yes, me.”

The words came out all too quickly.

This was exactly the opportunity he was looking for. How was it possible that it stumbled directly into his lap?

“You, Fareham?” Davies’s eyes widened, brows shooting up to the brim of his hat. “No, you don’t have to. I was simply wondering if you knew of someone?—”

“I’ve been looking for work on a ship, though. Take me with you.”

“B-but you’re a noble! You’re to inherit an earldom, are you not? Your father is the Earl of Fareham. You need to stay here in England…”

“Bugger that. Excuse my language as well, Davies, but I don’t expect my father to die in the next few months. He’s perfectly alive and well, and I see him that way for many years to come. And I’m a grown man. I can do what I want with my own life. I’m tired of feeling like I have no control over it.”

Davies sat silent for a moment. Hands on the table, mouth parted slightly. Dishes clinked in the background, and the front door creaked as another patron entered the pub.

“Well, then.” Davies swallowed, Adam’s apple bobbing against his cravat. And then—he smiled. “How can I say no to that? That sounds wonderful to me. Are you sure your family will allow it?”

“They should. I’ve thought about this all quite a lot before you happened upon me, and what a coincidence that was.” Kent couldn’t help but chuckle. “And you said it was round trip—we’re not to stay in the colonies, but come back, right?”

“Yes, exactly. That is the job of The Sterling Mer—she’s a merchant vessel. I suppose if need be, that means if you wish to stay in England after this shipment, you may, and we could find a more permanent surgeon afterward. It is rather dangerous work, I warn you. Anything can happen out at sea. Are you sure you’re up for it?”

Kent smiled, full of glee. “I’m sure.”

He held his hand out, and Davies took it, giving it a rewarding shake.

“I’ll discuss it with the captain. And you can let us know if you still decide to change your mind, but I doubt you will. You sound quite confident.” He smirked. “The crew is to meet at this pub again tomorrow evening, so I shall see you then. Bring your passport and we’ll prepare some papers for you to sign. Welcome to The Sterling Mer, Fareham.”

THIRTEEN

Mo’s blood was pumping as he waited behind the rock for Kent. After what transpired yesterday, he felt renewed, fresh, ready. This was it. He hoped desperately that Kent was able to find the other members of that ship and talk with them, taking the opening Mo provided.

But—he was hesitant to tell Kent what he did. He’d never mentioned he was a siren to him; in fact, he’d lied. He told him he was just a normal merman. How could he reveal the truth, now? I killed that man for you. Would Kent find it horrendous? Think of Mo as nothing but a ruthless murderer? Doubt after doubt plagued his mind, fearing the worst of Kent’s possible reaction.

But he supposed—Kent didn’t need to know. No one had to know exactly how Harris disappeared, and no one would find out. All that mattered was that he was out of the way, and Kent could take his place.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, he wondered if Kent were to show at all. It wasn’t really something he worried about; if Kent didn’t come today, he’d simply come tomorrow. That was how their arrangement worked. And possibly he was spending his time looking for a job, just as Mo had asked. That kept his heart warm, knowing how much his human cared for him, to go to those lengths. He also remembered how Kent said he was to bring his sister next time, so perhaps his tardiness was due to finding an arrangement with her…

“Mo, I’m here!”

His heart jumped. Without hesitation, he swam around the rock to greet his trusted companion. Just as expected, there was another human with him this time.

“Kent, good evening! This must be Katherine, correct?”

“Yes, evening!” she called back, fanning her face. “He really does have a tail, fins—goodness! I’ve never seen a creature like him before. My word, he’s marvelous.”

“You should have been there when I first laid eyes on him; Mo can attest that I stumbled back on my rear,” Kent said with a laugh, and Mo chuckled a little as well. “You were at least somewhat prepared to know what to expect.”

“That doesn’t make him any less stunning,” said Katherine. “He is handsome from what I can see here. You’re quite lucky Kent, wow. And you were right, he does wait for you here.” Mo’s cheeks flushed with heat from the compliments.

“I haven’t lied to you, Kathy.” Kent’s mouth formed a pout. “Why else would I have brought you out here?”

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