Page 36 of The Swan Syndicate
“I don’t want theDaphneto be seen if it can be helped. Get the names of the ships and whether anyone is going on shore. Simple surveillance.”
“Understood.” Fitz gave a nod to Lando, who slipped over the railing onto the rope ladder before dropping into the jolly boat.
Beckworth went next, with Fitz giving a final nod to Jamie before following in the predawn light. Beckworth glanced up to find Stella peering down at him. She dropped something and it floated in the air. He had to reach out over the water to grab it.
A swan.
He tucked it in his pocket and gave her a wave as Lando and Fitz picked up oars and moved them away from the ship. Beckworth found a seat and helped with rowing. The tide helped carry them to a thin strip of beach where they pulled the boat ashore. From there, Lando and Fitz grabbed ropes, and after a brief discussion, they decided on the best spot to start their climb.
The hardest part was the first fifty feet, which proved to be a moderate climb. From there, after dropping the rope, they jogged up the gently sloping landscape. When they reached thetop, they fell to the ground, breathing hard as they peered over the ridge. Two ships were in the cove, and Fitz nodded to Lando, who took the lead as they worked their way closer.
After a hundred yards, Lando dropped to his belly.
“Can’t we get closer?” Beckworth asked.
“There’s someone in the crow’s nest,” Lando answered. “Give me those glasses.”
Beckworth had them handy and passed them over.
Fitz had his spyglass out and nodded. “He’s keeping his eyes on the bay and the shore, but seems more interested in that jolly boat approaching on the starboard side.”
Beckworth squinted. There was indeed movement in the crow’s nest. The boat had been hidden by the other ship until just before coming alongside. Lines were already thrown over the side of the ship.
“They’re bringing cargo onboard.” Lando adjusted the glasses. “There must be a cave where they’ve been storing their goods.”
“Can you tell what the cargo might be?” Beckworth asked.
“Based on the way they’re rigging the lines, it’s not kegs. I’d say long crates.”
A couple of minutes later, the lines were pulled taut, and with arm gestures from the sailors on the jolly boat, the cargo began to lift. From Beckworth’s vantage point, it was easy to see they were indeed long crates. “The perfect size for flintlocks.”
“Could be anything, but I agree.” Lando continued to watch. “I don’t see any markings on them.”
“We need to go.” Fitz put his spyglass away. “Now.”
“What’s wrong?” Beckworth asked, grabbing the glasses Lando passed back to him as they slowly backed away from the ridge.
“The other ship is preparing to raise sails.”
No one needed any more encouragement. Once they were far enough away not to be seen, they raced back to where they’d left the ropes, which they anchored and tossed over the cliff. They moved quickly as they began their descent.
Beckworth focused on the sound of oars slicing through the water as he considered what they’d seen, curious as to what was in the crates. Then he thought about Stella and what she might be up to other than worrying about him. Then he thought about their evening together, and that occupied some time. He wanted to think of anything other than what would happen if they didn’t make it to theDaphnebefore either ship left the cove.
14
Stella watched the jolly boat as it made its way to the beach. She was so focused trying to make out Beckworth she jumped when Jamie stepped next to her.
“Why don’t you get breakfast while you can? Cook could use the help.”
She nodded as she watched the men start climbing. “I could use a bite. Have you eaten?”
“Aye. But if there are any of Cook’s sweet rolls left…” He shrugged, and she pictured him as a little boy begging his mother for a treat.
She snorted. “I’ll see what I can do.”
The tables in the galley were full, but it appeared most were finishing up. Cook was busy preparing another pot of porridge.
“Hasn’t everyone eaten already?” she asked.
