Page 84 of The Swan Syndicate
“There’s smoke coming from the starboard side,” Fitz added. “There’s a fire onboard.”
Beckworth ran to mid-ship where the men were lowering the boat. He hung over the rail, watching its slow descent. When it appeared it would take another five minutes before he could climb down, he pushed away from the railing and moved forward to get a glimpse ofThe Horseman.
Lando ran up to him. “The fire seems to be spreading. They’re heaving to.” He glanced over the side to check the progress of the boat and nodded. “How did you know that would happen?”
Beckworth shrugged, unsure what was happening or what he thought a jolly boat would do. But he had to do something. This might not work out at all—nothing more than a fool’s mission. Jamie might put the ship under sail again, leaving him stranded on a beach. At least he’d be close to a port. He’d have to put his faith in Jamie to save Stella.
Before he answered, he glanced at the other ship, then laughed. It also terrified him as he swung around and headed for the boat.
Lando followed him. “What’s so funny?”
“I’m not sure who to be sorry for. Stella, who’s preparing to do something both courageous and stupid, or Cheval when he realizes he was a fool to bring her onboard. Whatever’s happening on that ship, you can bet Stella had a hand in it.” He climbed over the railing to the rope ladder. “Now it’s time to save the damsel in distress.”
He climbed halfway down before jumping the rest of it. Michelson had taken a position at one of the oars.
Beckworth shook his head. “Sorry, mate. You’re needed on theDaphne.”
Michelson shook his head in return. “Captain’s orders. And even if they weren’t, you can’t row to shore without help.”
He could argue but the man was right. It would be a helluva row, and he’d be exhausted when he got there. He took the other oars and pushed off.
“Man overboard.”
It sounded like Fitz. He didn’t have to look to know who it was, but he glanced back just the same. Now that she was in the water, the only thing they could do was row. And that’s whatthey did. Neither glanced around. They kept their heads down and rowed to the closest point. They could have steered for Stella, but they needed to stay away fromThe Horsemanin case someone fired a shot.
He couldn’t help it, and he stole a quick glance. Cheval was lowering his own jolly boat. He paddled faster.
It took longer than he expected against the outgoing tide. Before they reached the shore, he laid down the oars and stood.
“The tide’s going out. It will be an easier row back.”
Michaelson shook his head. “Jamie meant for me to go with you to shore.”
Beckworth took in the unfolding scene. Both ships had come to a stop butThe Horsemanappeared too close to the point. He doubted they hit rocks, but it was still a dangerous position to be in. The fact they’d lowered a boat told him everything he needed to know.
“Go back and get more men. I’ll get Stella.” Then he jumped out, pushed the boat toward the outgoing wave, and waded through the waist-deep water toward shore. He didn’t look back. His focus was solely on the water and any sign of Stella.
She hated ships because she got seasick, but could she swim? He racked his brain to remember if that was one of the items he’d added to her list of phobias or things she wouldn’t do. It had become a running joke between them.
When they’d been on Gemini’s ship and had discussed their options to escape, there had been a possibility they’d have to jump in the water and swim for the dock. They’d never discussed swimming since then. Surely she wouldn’t have jumped if she couldn’t make it to shore. Who was he kidding? She might be one of the most intelligent women he knew, but she didn’t always think things through before listening to her gut. He had to grin. Sometimes they were too similar for their own good.
He ran up and down the shoreline, searching the waves. Michelson was almost back to theDaphne, and men were lined up on deck, no doubt ready to come ashore. He turned to run back the other way, considering swimming out in search of her, when he stopped short.
Cheval stood on the beach. He was soaking wet from head to toe. He must have decided not to wait for the boat. But why had he beaten Stella ashore? That question would have to wait as he noted the man had a dagger and pistol tucked in his belt and a crossbow dangled in his left hand.
The pistol wouldn’t be any good without dry powder, but the crossbow was a definite threat.
“Who the hell are you?” Cheval asked as his eyes narrowed. “You look familiar.”
“Just a bloke out for a swim.” He glanced up at the gray skies, the sun having slipped behind them. “Not the best day for it, but when is it ever in England?”
Cheval took a few steps closer, clearly unsure what to make of Beckworth before he glanced at theDaphne.
“It seems you’re important enough to have a crew boarding a jolly boat.” He chuckled. “Was that little drowned bird someone of importance to you?”
The question drew Beckworth’s temper. If she was dead, this man was the cause of it. Before he could think, he launched himself at the man, who’d drawn up the crossbow but didn’t have a chance of putting a bolt in it.
The crossbow and bolt flew from Cheval’s hands as Beckworth slammed into him. The two tumbled onto the sand and rolled toward the water. He managed a solid hit to the chin and one to the man’s gut before Cheval used his larger bulk to roll Beckworth over, pinning him to the ground with the combined weight of his body and soaked clothing.
