“And Lee is not stupid, my friend.Therefore, he’s bound to have made an additional plan,” Jean surmised, then looked sharply at Jonathan.“But what is it?”
“There is only one way to find out what Lee will do.”Jonathan sighed with exasperation.“We’ll have to call his hand.Let’s send a small boat over under the flag of truce and see what Lee has to say.”
Elizabeth had been sitting on the bunk as Jean and Jonathan tried to form a plan.However, they kept lowering their voices so she’d only heard bits and pieces of their conversation and was confused about their intent.So she got up and went to the table to find out exactly what was going on.
“Remember, Lee wanted to make the exchange in New Orleans,” Jean pointed out.“Perhaps we should wait.”
Elizabeth frowned.“No.You must get Dawson and Tiffany.Dawson could be ill.I’m sure the storm must have frightened him.”
With a nod of their heads they agreed with her.
“I guess the time has come then,” Jonathan said and motioned toward the cabin door.
Once they were on deck, Jonathan glanced over the railing to see that the boat had already been lowered.He looked at Elizabeth.“I shall see you shortly.”
“Please be careful,” Elizabeth said.
Jonathan winked at her before climbing overboard.“No harm will come to your child if I have anything to say about it,” he said as he gripped the ladder and started down to the small boat.
Carrying a white flag, Jonathan and his small band of men rowed over toThe Rose, where a rope ladder was lowered for them.
Jonathan looked up top as he placed his foot on the first step.There were many pistols aimed at them, but why should he be surprised at that?
“Come, Dominic, we have a group above who look real happy to see us,” Jonathan said wryly and grabbed the ladder.
A first lieutenant, surrounded by several men with pistols, met them at the top.
“We are here to see Captain Lee,” Jonathan stated firmly.
The tall, thin man smiled mockingly at them.“Lee isn’t aboard this vessel.Figuring you’d catch the brig, he sailed on theMidnight Rose.However, he did leave a message for you.He said he’d make the exchange at the Bay of Pirates instead of New Orleans.He judged that would be safer than a busy harbor.And if you try any tricks, the boy will die.”
Jonathan tightened his jaw and took a threatening step toward the lieutenant, but Dominic grabbed his arms as several pistols cocked.“If Lee dares to harm that child or the woman, none of you will live to see another day,” Jonathan warned.Then he turned abruptly and descended the rope ladder, no longer concerned that these men would harm him.
He and Dominic rowed back to theCiel Bleu, and Jonathan could see Elizabeth standing anxiously by the rail.He dreaded having to tell her that Dawson wasn’t on the ship.
“Where is my son?”Elizabeth demanded the moment they were up top.
“He’s not on the ship.”
Elizabeth sagged and grabbed the front of Jonathan’s shirt.“Where is he?He hasn’t been harmed?”
Jonathan gently took Elizabeth’s hands.“I know you’re upset, but as far as I know the boy is safe.Let’s go to Jean’s cabin and talk.”
Reluctantly, Elizabeth let Jonathan guide her back to the cabin as Jean led the way.
Once inside, Jean said, “So it’s as we thought.Lee is playing games.”
Elizabeth whirled on Jonathan.“Where is my son?”
“I don’t know, Elizabeth,” Jonathan said, trying to be gentle.“I know it’s difficult, but we must remain calm and think clearly.I’m sure Dawson is safe because he’s Lee’s ticket to the ransom.”
Jonathan glanced at Jean.“It seems Lee sailed on a much faster ship, and he awaits us at the Bay of Pirates.I presume you know of this place?”
A slow smile swept across Jean’s face.“This is good,” he replied wryly, nodding.“Of course I know of this place.”
“Why is this good?”Elizabeth asked.
“It is my island, so to speak.After all, I know the place like the back of my own hand.Therefore, it will be easier to form a plan.Why Lee has chosen the island, I can only speculate.More than likely it’s because it is isolated so no one can see what he does.Remember, he is not a pirate and cares what others think of him.If he’d docked at New Orleans and your friend had started screaming, the authorities would have swarmed his vessel.Also, the British are after him and they would look at the New Orleans port first.
