Nick threw his heart and mind into the work, but he found it impossible to shake off the feeling that he had wronged Captain Wright by not admitting his past to him. He had been raised by his Christian mother never to lie and never to avoid the truth in order to save yourself embarrassment. Yet here he was, keeping the truth from a good man who had taken a risk to give him a job.
Nick hadn’t said a word because he worried Captain Wright might rescind his job offer. Other captains had, so why would this man be any different? Of course, Nick had saved Elise from harm. It might be enough to keep the captain from changing his mind.
I have to tell him.
Nick glanced around. They were now in open water. He couldn’t imagine the captain would waste time turning back toport. Besides, the job was just a temporary one. Captain Wright needed him as much as Nick needed the job. Didn’t he?
The next day, the issue was still nagging at Nick’s conscience. He had to be honest and let the captain know exactly who he was and what he’d done. He worked while contemplating exactly how he’d manage his confession.
He saw Duran leaning against the rail doing nothing and approached him with a smile. “You’ll be helping with the painting, Duran. Sam will see that you get the tools you need.”
Duran’s eyes narrowed. “I know about you. I spent a lot of time on the Lakes and know all about thePolaris.”
Nick stiffened. “Right now I hope you know all about sanding and painting. Less talk and lounging about would serve you well.”
“I wonder if the rest of them know you were responsible for killing your crew.”
Nick wanted to punch the man in the nose. He stared hard at Duran, trying his best to show no emotion whatsoever. “Get to work, Duran.” He turned and spotted Sam coming toward him. “Sam, Mr. Duran needs help finding the sandpaper. Would you please assist him and then instruct him on his duties?”
Sam smiled. “Of course.”
“Cap’n said to join him in the galley. He wants to go over the ship’s upkeep.”
Nick hadn’t heard Tom approach. He turned to look at the boy as Sam ordered Duran to follow him. “You’re pretty stealthy.”
“You learn to walk soft when you live on the streets.”
“Understandable. Say, would you mind getting to work sanding the deckhouse? Captain wants to repaint it today.”
Tom gave a two-fingered salute. “I’ll see to it, Mr. Clark.”
Tom struck Nick as a hard worker with a guarded heart. No doubt the boy had been through a lot in life.
Nick opened the deckhouse door and went down the few stairs into the galley. He hadn’t seen it since breakfast, but already it was clean and orderly.
“You asked for me, Captain?”
“Indeed.” Captain Wright pointed to a chart on the table. “Are you familiar with the area?”
“I am. I’ve sailed many a time from Oswego to Chicago and beyond. I’ve even managed the trip to Duluth a few times.”
“Well, this time it’s just Detroit, but that’s enough.” The captain smiled. “Looks to be clear sailing today.”
Nick couldn’t stand it a moment longer. “Look, I have to say something. I should have spoken up sooner.” Nick lowered his head and breathed a prayer that the older man would extend grace. “I’ve made mistakes in my years on the water. I didn’t tell you, but I once captained my own ship. I made a big mistake just a few months back. A lapse in judgment.” He shook his head. “No, it was more than that. My pride got the best of me. It cost many lives, but even if it had only cost one, it would have been too many. I saw that a storm had formed to the southwest. It was moving to the northeast across Lake Michigan. I was certain I could stay clear of its path, so rather than take shelter, I kept moving. I had a schedule to keep, and we were already behind.”
Nick looked up and found Captain Wright staring straight ahead, his expression stoic. “The storm shifted and back built. By that time, I realized it was too late. While trying desperatelyto seek shelter, the wind and waves broke us apart. Eight men drowned. Only me and two others managed to survive.”
He waited for Captain Wright to say something, but the captain remained silent.
Nick continued. “My bad judgment cost the lives of those men. It’s not something I will ever forget or forgive myself for.”
“The book of Matthew says we must forgive others or God won’t forgive us. I tend to think that goes for ourselves as well,” the older man finally said.
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, Captain. I was afraid you wouldn’t hire me if you knew. I was so anxious to prove myself again, and no one would give me a chance.” Nick looked away. “I deeply regret it now and completely understand if you feel the need to put me off theMary Elise.”
The older man studied him for a moment, then gave him a smile. “Nick, I knew about thePolaris. I remembered it the moment we met and I learned your name. I did ask around about you after I dropped you at the ship that day. I wanted to know if there was anything beyond that I should know. You had a stellar reputation prior to that storm.”
Nick tried to swallow the lump in his throat. The captain had known all along. It was hard to imagine he had known and said nothing. Perhaps it was a test.
