Page 88 of A Flash of Golden Fire

He turned and winked at me. “The ruse worked so well, I’ve decided to promote you and make the designation permanent. I still expect you to warm my bed, of course. But only if you’re willing.”

I threw back the sheet and jumped off the bed, then strode over to stand directly in front of him, naked as anything, holding the soiled hanky.

“Of course, I’m yours. But I’m thrilled to be my own agent now too. Does this mean I’m an official member of the crew?”

He straightened and gave me an incredulous look. “You’re a legitimate member of the captain’s officers now, Simon. That’s one step above.” He smiled at me. “Don’t let your new position go to your head.”

“Since you insist on putting me in quite undignified positions on an almost daily basis, I’m sure that’s not a worry at all.” I smirked and eyed him up and down.

“What a naughty, naughty officer,” he said in a sultry tone.

“Oh, now we have to play at that game too!”

Chapter Thirteen

Tortuga

Tortuga was a cacophony of chaos.

Never mind being on dry land after weeks at sea, on a ship where I was surrounded by men who had become familiar—a family, of sorts, I supposed—now I found myself uneasy around so many strangers. I stayed close to Dinesh, glad to have his staunch and stolid presence nearby.

Hillier had already arranged for part of the crew to go ahead and gather the supplies we’d need for the rest of our journey. Men were already bringing things back to the ship as the captain and I, Hillier, Mr Guthrie, and Squid took leave of theArrowand went ashore.

The sun had begun to set and the weather had turned foul by the time our skiff made a landing. A good time to look for a tavern and some temporary lodgings. As the rain pelted down, I wished to be back in Dinesh’s cozy cabin aboard theArrow. I felt suitably protected in my present company, even though the chaos on the docks and the narrow dirt streets of the port town took me by surprise. I didn’t know what I’d expected—I’d been in my share of dodgy areas, but Tortuga was different.

There were all sorts of people, dressed in all sorts of peculiar ways, but none to the fashion standards of the day. Not that I was an expert in any way, but the bright colours and strange clothing of so many people was blinding in its variability. The men, too, were of all different countenances, so many of indefinable race who worked or lounged or drank or gambled together. And women, with whom I wasn’t used to dealing at all, didn’t look to fall into either of the more obvious categories of honorable wives or daughters, and filthy harlots, by the cut of their clothing or their manner. They also flaunted the expectations of fashion and many acted more like men in their bearing. Absent the visual cues of the social structures I’d grown up with, while enlightening to observe people simply being themselves, my surroundings proved unsettling in their unfamiliarity.

Captain Martin checked in on me often with a glance of concern as we made our way along the busy streets. I acted like I was taking the chaos in stride, but he could probably see how skittish I was. At one point, he slowed and, when I caught up to him, bent to my ear.

“Quite the place, isn’t it? Wait until you see the wonders on offer here.” He grinned, with the devil in his eye, and winked.

“What on earth do you mean?” I asked, wrinkling my nose. “Whores?”

He must know by now that I wouldn’t be interested in any woman who would spread her legs for coin. Or any woman at all.

“You’ll see, my sweet Simon. I’ve got quite an evening planned for us.”

He pulled away and clapped his hands together, gaining the attention of the others.

“Let’s find us a likely tavern, shall we? I need a hearty meal and some drink after so long at sea!”

He lifted the leather pouch at his waist and shook the contents, and I was reminded of our first meeting at the Penny Whistle in Port Royal. The coin inside jingled and I followed him like a trusting lamb, whilst Squid cast his gaze about, as if we might be set upon at any moment.

“What are you looking so spooked for?” Hillier asked, but Squid only glanced his way before casting his gaze around us as we walked.

Captain Martin didn’t appear concerned, Hillier neither, both talking to Guthrie as we made our way through the hustle and bustle of Cayonne.

“The island was settled by huntsmen and farmers of differing nationalities,” Captain Martin said. “Then, when certain, ah, shall we say ‘adventurers’ began to stop by…”

“You mean, pirates,” I stated.

He smiled. “Well. They have many names, you see, and little allegiance. Even the ones who had writs from the king didn’t actually have any loyalty, beyond having the license to kill and plunder in the name of Britain. Or France. Or whomever had employed them.”

“Mercenaries. Thieves and murderers,” Hillier muttered.

“And what are we?” I asked, genuinely curious. If Dinesh didn’t even think much of the men who’d called themselves privateers with some legitimacy, what did he think he was?

He shrugged. “We are in business for ourselves, it’s true. I don’t have a writ from anyone to give me leave. However, I like the word, ‘privateer’. We work for ourselves, but we’re not mercenaries. There are things I won’t do for money.”

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