Page 30 of The Pirate's Daughter

Devin stopped dead in his tracks, his fists balling at hissides.

“Captain,” Mr. Asherwarned.

“Maybe you just ain’t screwing her right proper,” the man continued. “Give me a go, I’ll show her a realman.”

“Captain,” Mr. Asher called, even as Devin turned around and started back towards theman.

“Perhaps what I’ll show you is a ball of lead in your gut. I’m sure my wife would like to spit on your corpse,” Devin said, knowing what he suggested would end his career. “Sunrise?”

“Captains,” Ravoix called, stepping out of the building and between themen.

“I think I’ve been challenged to a duel, gov’ner,” Gillmoresaid.

“Captain Winthrop need I remind you dueling is against the law?” Ravoix said. “You’ll be reported to the Admiralty if you persist withthis.”

“Come on, Captain,” Mr. Asher urged. “You’re almost retired. Don’t ruin it over this piece ofshit.”

“Captain Winthrop, best you return to your ship,” Ravoixsaid.

“Run along,” Gillmoregloated.

Devin ground his teeth and made to walk away. But the man couldn’t keep his mouth shut longenough.

“When she’s done spreading her legs for you, let me know. I’ll put her in the hold with the cargo and she can see if they’re still as she believes—people, notanimals.”

Devin’s fist hit the man square under the chin. The second blow hit him across the left cheek and he heard the cracking of bones. Devin’s last punch caved in the man’s nose and eye socket, lifted him off his feet and sent him tumbling off the walk, down the embankment and into the water of the bay where he landed face down. As he walked away, Devin hoped he’d drown before he could be pulledout.

He didn’t pause in his long stride. Brinks and Asher snickered as they boarded ship and Devin called to ready to sail. Mia sat in the bow staring out into the distance. He took up position behind the helm. The sooner they could be gone, the better for all. He saw Mia perk up as they reached the breakwaters. Following her stare, he saw a woman waving from the shore. Mia lifted her hand in return and when she settled back he could see a smile on herface.

“Mrs. Winthrop’s visitor from earlier.” Devin turned to see the ship’s surgeon, Krebs, climbing up to the helm. “Perked her up quite a bit while she was aboard. Perhaps your wife needs some female companionship. Heard you busted some knuckles on that bastard,” the surgeon said, carrying water, rags, and a tin of salve for Devin’s knuckles. “Not the best way to end a fine career, but I’d have loved to have beenthere.”

Devin only sighed. He’d have some explaining to do to the board if Ravoix filed a complaint, but what the hell was he supposed to do? Let the man insult and threaten his wife? If he ended up getting reprimanded it would be worth it. “Mia and her visitor, do you know what they talked about?” There was more than one reason Devin kept Mia on the ship today. She may well be enjoying married life in some manner, but he doubted their last days together really secured those lines. His inability to do more for those men put him in her disfavor, he was sure. He wouldn’t be shocked if he found she’d jumpedship.

“No, Mr. Hong served them tea. The lady was here less than an hour. It couldn’t be anything much. They giggled quite abit.”

Again Devin only sighed. He sighed a lot for the next few days, even as Mia seemed to move quickly past the incident. If she thought less of him for not doing more, it didn’t show in her actions. Mia threw herself into scrubbing decks, polishing the brightwork, mending nets, and sewing sails. She became so integrated with the crew Devin caught everyone, even himself, giving her orders to attend something that should be done by crew. And she reached for him, rolled into his embrace and welcomed his attention every night. She grew bolder in her acts and in her demands. It was as if something was driving her. Devin thought she was trying to find a place and a duty to fit into. It couldn’t be easy having once been the captain herself not to even have power to command the midshipmen. Over the next several weeks though, Mia carried with her a pensive look and often became enraged when he disallowed her disembarking at the small ports. She’d no more visitors on ship and Devin wondered if he needed to give in and take her ashore someplace. Mr. Hong was no help because all he said was ‘Mia not happy’ and ‘Mia waiting’. He didn’t say what Mia waited for and like always Devin couldn’t even guess what would make Mia happy. The answer sailed alongside a few dayslater.

* * *

Mia lookedup from the rail she had waxed, and scanned the horizon. Dropping her rag on the deck next to the bucket she was sharing with the young sailor, she turned and made her way towards thestern.

As she passed the helm where Devin stood, she rounded back and snatched his glass from the box, barelystopping.

“Mia?”

She heard him call as she extended the telescope and started hersearch.

“Mia?”

Devin stepped up beside her as the ship came into view and she groaned. Taking focus on the stem, Mia saw what she really hoped she wouldn’t see. She groanedagain.

“Mia what is it?” Devin said taking the glass and looking out over thewaters.

“Can we out run her?” Mia asked, knowing a brig could get good speed but the sleek sloop coming up aft was muchfaster.

Beside her Devin laughed, a bit nervously before stepping back to look ather.

“Please can wetry?”

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