“Aye, Moses.”Cadan nodded toward the man who entered as the others slid out.
“You asked ’bout Barnett, Cap’n.He’s doin’ well.Healin’ good an’ should be back on deck wit’ in a few days.”
“Thank you, Moses.And the babe?”
“I’s don’t know nothin’ ’bout babes, Cap’n.But I checked ’im out like you asked, an’ he looks healthy t’ me.”
“Good.That’ll be all.”He gestured for the carpenter to leave.
“So the lady had her baby?”Pell said with a smile after Moses left.
“Aye, a boy.”Cadan circled his desk and stared at the map.The chirp of birds filtered in from the island as hammers sounded from above.“As soon as the repairs are finished, we are to get back on course for Nevis.”
Durwin rubbed his hands as he approached, a gleam in his eyes.“Fer the next clue?”
Cadan nodded, studying the lines and circles drawn on the crude map.“I seek the final clue Captain Dempster was said to have left.It should lead me right to the treasure.”
Durwin ran a hand beneath his hook nose.“Where be this last clue, Cap’n?”
“For me to know,” Cadan answered, eyeing the man.“You’ll get your share, Durwin, like I promised.”
The man licked his lips, staring at the map as if he wanted to grab it and run.
Pell crossed arms over his chest.“Wealth is a trap.What profit is there if a man gain the whole world and lose his soul?”
Snorting, Cadan grabbed a bottle of rum.“My soul was lost a long time ago.”
“Not until the day you die, Captain.”
“What now?”Cadan chuckled.“Are you taking up preaching again?”
Pell shrugged.“Just hoping to save you some heartache, Captain.Riches never fulfill.”
Durwin stared at Pell as if he’d said mermaids had taken over the ship.“Tush, man.If not, then what does?”He fingered the speck of beard on his chin, his brow wrinkling.“’Tis wealth, Cap’n.Ye be right in that, says I.”But his gaze remained on the map.“Wealth.Wealth brings power an’ women.Wealth brings the only happiness one can find in this world.”
Cadan gestured with his head toward Durwin.“Wise words.”
Pell huffed.“From such a proven sage.”
Missing the insult, Durwin grinned.“Why, thank ye, Pell.”Then turning to Cadan, “How much we talkin’ about?”
“Enough.”Enough to give the crew their share and Cadan to retire to the colony of Virgina and buy himself an estate that would put the local gentry to shame.Then he would have the power he craved.The power to run his life the way he pleased and enact justice where justice was needed.
Cadan turned to Durwin.“As soon as repairs are finished, weigh anchor and set all sails to the wind.Pell, set a course south by southeast toward Nevis.Unless we run into further difficulties, we should arrive in a week.”
???
Three days passed and Gabrielle was still having trouble walking.And sleeping!As it turned out, little Matthew had quite the appetite and insisted on being fed every two hours.Aye, she’d called him Matthew, for she remembered her mother telling her the name meant gift of God.Not that she was speaking to the Almighty, but He had given her a safe delivery and a healthy baby boy.Besides, she’d always loved the name.’Twas a strong name, and she knew her son would grow to fulfill its meaning.
The door creaked open, startling Gabrielle, and in flew Omphile, the ever-present smile on her face and a tray of food in her hands.“De captain wishes to see you when you are done breakin’ your fast, Miss.”Setting down the tray, she placed hands on her hips.“Look at you, now.We needs to make you more presentable.Get up.I’ll take de babe.”
Rising, Gabrielle handed Matthew to Omphile.“And why should I care if I’m presentable to that beast?”Though in all honesty, she knew she’d feel better with a little water and fresh undergarments.
“Aw, Child, he isn’t dat bad.”Omphile cradled little Matthew in her arms, easing a finger over his soft, smooth skin.“He is so beautiful, Miss.You are blessed.”
One hand on the bulkhead, Gabrielle balanced against the shifting deck and stared at Omphile, remembering that the poor woman had lost her unborn babe due to her owner’s beatings.“I’m sorry if it pains you to hold him after…after you…”
“Lost my own?”Omphile looked up, naught but joy sparkling in her eyes.“No.What a joy to hold dis precious child o’ God in my arms!’Sides, mine is wit’ Jesus now.I’ll see her again.”
