She sighed, giving in. A small nod was the only answer he received. He moved to her side, looping his arm around her waist, while keeping the gown securely closed.
Alex attempted a step, but faltered. The spike of adrenaline must have kept her going for the past few hours, but now she had nothing left. Not even the strength of her undeniable willpower was enough to keep her moving forward. Without so much as a word, Davin bent, gently scooping her into his arms, holding her securely against his chest.
Silently, he moved toward her cabin, keeping his steps slow and even. Exhaustion ate at him, begging him to lie down, but he wasn’t ready to let her go. He needed her comfort just as much as she needed his in this moment, even if she would never admit it. Today had been horrendous for everyone, and he knew that there was still more to be done before he could rest, so he would take his solace where he could get it.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Captain In Command
Davin
The injured lay scattered across the deck, some sitting against the rails, others laid out on makeshift cots with little space left to walk between. The healers ran to and fro, using what supplies they could gather, as they were not equipped to handle so many passengers at one time.
Davin took in the devastation around him, his mind having trouble accepting what had unfolded that day. Thank Maura, the attack had happened in daylight. He couldn’t imagine searching for survivors in the black of night. How does something like this happen? Cirein-cròin didn’t exist; they weren’t real. They were simply beasts from the tales parents told their children to keep them out of the water.But clearly, theywerereal and he had injured or possibly even killed one. His own injuries pulsed with pain, as if to remind him of that reality.Scrubbing a hand down his face, he set off in search of Captain McConnell.
Davin found him a short time later, talking with a few of his men, barking orders out in his gruff fatherly way. He cared for his crew and his passengers. His rough exterior hid his big heart. Today’s events were evident in the lines of his face and in the set of his shoulders. Watching the men depart, Davin made his way over to the Captain, staring out over the water, looking back towards the wreckage of the M.M.S. Iris.
“What a fuckin’ mess.” McConnell sighed, leaning heavily on the railing.
Davin grunted in response, letting the silence stretch between them. Several minutes ticked by before he finally spoke.
“Did you know those things existed?”
McConnell’s gaze met his. “I didn’t. In all me years on these waters, I’ve never seen nothin’ like that thing.”
“Do you think it will return?”
“I hope not, son. We’ve no chance of out runnin’ it. We’re too heavy now with all the additional patients. ‘Sides, we’ve no weapons left on board.” Running his hand down his beard, he straightened. “I’ve got patrols lined up fer the remainder of our journey. If there’s a sightin’, we’ll do whatever needs to be done to stop it again.”
“Put me on the roster for the watches. I’ll do what I can to help.”
McConnell chuckled, shaking his head. “Still the overachiever, huh? You’ve done enough Monroe. What ye need to do is get some rest. Tend to yer own injuries and to yer girl. She’s a spunky one, she is. Ye’ve definitely found yer match.”
“It’s not what you think. She’s not exactly “my girl”. Just a new friend is all.”
McConnell’s kind smile lit his face, the look revealing justhow much of that he believed. “You deserve to be happy, lad.” Clapping Davin on the back, he turned, calling back over his shoulder.
“Get some sleep, son. I’ll send fer ya if I need yer assistance.” With that, he left Davin alone with his thoughts.
Heading back the way he had come, Davin scanned each of the cots, searching for the now familiar mop of brown hair. After several minutes of searching, he found the small boy, curled up in a healer’s lap, tears streaking down his little face. Davin strode over, pausing just next to his cot. Fresh bandages wrapped his arm, a sling supporting it against his small chest. The boy looked up at Davin with watery blue eyes.
“What’s wrong, little buddy?” he asked, squatting down to be eye level with him. Sniffling, the little boy whimpered, burying his face in the healer’s chest yet again.
“Physically, he is ok. His arm is broken, and he has a few bruises, but he will recover. However, we have been unable to locate his father.” The healer kept her voice soothing, running her hand up and down the little one’s back.
“Do you know your father’s name?” Davin asked the child, glancing out across the sea of injured passengers. The little boy wiped his nose across the healer’s shirt, nodding his head.
“It’s…It’s…D..Dav..David.” His voice broke as he stuttered out his father’s name.
“Ok, little buddy. Let me go and see if I can find your Pa. I will be back shortly.”
The boy sniffled again, but hope filled his eyes as he looked up at Davin. Reaching down, Davin tousled his hair. “Be good for Miss..?” He lifted his eyes to the healer, the question hanging in the air between them.
“Oh, Miss Hannah. It’s Hannah.” She stammered, a blush creeping up her cheeks.
“Be good for Miss Hannah.” Davin smiled beforeaddressing the healer once again. “I’ll be back in a few. Thank you for looking out for him.”
“Of course. It’s no problem at all.” She shrugged, shifting the little boy's weight on her lap.
