III.
They had been back out to sea for a good three days before Flint spoke to Billy. It was close to sunset, and most of the men had already gone below to eat dinner. Dark clouds were scudding towards them from the north, signaling a squall that was not far off. Billy had been up in the rigging, checking one last time on the repairs that had been made during their brief respite on land. As he climbed down and set foot on the deck, he saw the Captain leaning against the railing, watching him.
"How does the rigging look?"
"The men did a good job," Billy replied. "The new lines and gaffes should serve us well going into hurricane season."
"Good."
Billy turned and began to coil the halyard. After a few moments, Flint spoke up again.
"So, are you going to tell me why you were late returning from liberty?"
The boatswain stiffened, but continued to slide the rope through his hands. "There's nothing to tell." He shrugged. "Bitch of a storm that moming."
"Unaccustomed as you are to inclement weather, I can see how that would be a problem."
The sarcasm in Flint's voice was cutting, and Billy slowly pivoted to face him. "I acknowledged my error, and took my punishment without complaint. What more do you want from me?"
The captain took a step closer, his blue eyes glittering with malice. "I need to know that I can count on you-that you're not actively currying resentment against me."
The boatswain looked down at him, his expression was unreadable. " Have I given you reason to doubt my loyalty?"
"Have you given me reason to not?"
Billy gave a bitter laugh. "If you think I'm the biggest threat on this ship, you are seriously deluded. I would suggest you take a closer look at some of our more recent acquisitions-Mr. Silver for one."
"Oh, I have my eye on that one already," Flint murmured. "I just wanted to make sure that you and I understand each other. We'll be back in Nassau in five days. When we arrive, I have a task in mind for you."
xxxxxx
Meg sighed, and pushed an errant lock of hair out of her face. Her corset felt more constricting than usual in the hot, humid weather of a Nassau evening. As she stood at the small window in her bedroom, desperate to catch a bit of breeze, a trickle of sweat slowly slid down her back. She wondered if she would ever get used to the weather on the island. How did someone from England ever learn to think of this as normal? How had Billy adapted?
Billy.
It had been over a week since he had walked out of the shop.
Remember me as I was, and forget you ever saw me today.
But she could not.
Every time she closed her eyes, Meg could feel his arms around her. She saw his dark blue eyes looking down at her, a boyish grin stealing across his face as he teased her.
It's alright to say that you missed me.
She hadn't realized how much until that day. The ache had been there all along, buried deep within her heart. Now it had resurfaced as a raw, searing pain, present from the moment she woke up until the time she went to sleep. He even haunted her dreams.
This was not really about Billy.
How could it be? They had grown up together, but she had been two years younger, the best friend of his little sister-a child in his eyes. This was about all he represented.
England. Home. Safety. Laughter. Kindness.
Unbidden tears welled in her eyes, and she brushed them away, taking in a deep breath to steady herself.
This is my life now. All I can do is make the best of it.
Exhausted, she laid down on her bed. Minutes later, she was asleep.
When Meg awoke, it was still dark, and there was a steady rain drumming against the roof. Her back still ached from the day before, but she forced herself out of bed. She quickly washed and dressed, then descended the stairs to the shop.
Glancing at the wood bin next to the oven, she saw that it was almost empty, and groaned. The kindling was kept in the small storage shed that stood in the alley behind the shop, and she always hated rummaging around there in the dark. Unlocking the back door, she stepped out, and almost fell over a body that was huddled on the doorstep.
She gasped, her heart pounding in her chest when she saw the dark splotches of blood covering the man's clothes. An instant later, she recognized him, and true panic set in.
"Billy?" She was at his side at an instant, his face in her hands. "Billy, can you hear me?!"
He opened his eyes slowly, relief washing over his face.
"Meg," he whispered. "I knew if I could just make it here, you'd help me. I only need one thing from you-I'll ask nothing else. Just get me to the harbor-to my ship."
"You're not going anywhere, William Manderley-not until I tend to you."
"William?" He made a half-hearted attempt at a smile, then began to cough. "Now I know I'm in trouble. I'd love to oblige you, princess, but if I don't get to that ship by daybreak, my life is forfeit."
He went to get up, and winced, his hand going to his right thigh. Meg's gaze followed, and her eyes widened when she saw the blood-soaked makeshift bandage wrapped around his leg.
"For God's sake, Billy! Please let me at least gather a salve and some clean bandages."
He was silent for a moment, then gave her a nod. "Quickly. Two minutes, no more!"
Meg flew through the shop to the storeroom upstairs, seizing a small satchel on the way. She headed straight for the cabinet where her mother had stored the herbs used to treat various ailments.
Her hand hovered over several small bottles before plucking all of them out of the cupboard. A stack of clean white linen bandages, along with three jars of salve, joined them. Securing the clasp to the bag, she rushed downstairs and back outside. Billy had managed to haul himself upright. He was leaning against the wall, his breathing shallow.
"Have you a horse?" he murmured, swaying slightly.
She caught his arm, steadying him. "No, I don't. What good would it do, anyway? You're in no condition to get on a horse."
"I'll have to walk," he muttered, starting forward.
Meg stepped in front of him. "If I'm going to help you, we are doing it my way. Arm around my neck."
To her surprise, Billy complied without argument.
He's weaker than he's willing to admit.
"There's a shortcut to the beach that you may not be aware of," she said in a low voice as they headed down the street, keeping to the shadows. "We'll have to cut through the graveyard, but it'll cut the distance in half."
"Do you have access to a boat? The Walrus is anchored in the middle of the harbor."
"The Walrus?" Meg halted and stared at him, her stomach gathering into knots. "You're part of Captain Flint's crew?"
"Not if I'm dead," he said bluntly, starting forward once again.
"There is a boat we can use. Tobias has given permission-"
Billy stopped this time, his eyes searching hers. "Not Tobias Nelson?"
"He saved my life, Billy."
"And he'll never let you forget it, will he?" Billy's voice was bitter now. "Please tell me you aren't promised to him."
"There is no formal understanding," Meg said carefully.
In the next instant, she found herself in his arms. "Promise me," he muttered, inhaling the sweet scent of her hair. "Promise me you won't marry him, no matter what."
"I-I-"
His mouth dropped to her ear, his breath warm on her skin. "I would sooner see you a nun than marry the likes of him. He is not worth the ground you walk on. Now promise me."
"I promise," she whispered.
"Thank you." He clung to her for a moment, his lips brushing against her hair. "Now if I am to die, I can at least die knowing that you are safe."
When they reached the harbor, it took Meg a moment to orient herself. The boats, easily distinguished by day, all looked alike at night.
"Which one is it?" Billy glanced over his shoulder, scanning the beach for any potential threats.
"I'm not sure," she faltered. Her eyes then fell on a skiff twenty yards away from them. "There! The one pulled up a little farther onto the sand."
"Good girl." Billy squeezed her hand. Two minutes later, they had secured the skiff.
He turned to her, gently easing the satchel off her shoulder. "I owe you my life, Meg. I hope some day to be able to repay the debt."
"You owe me nothing," she said softly. "Just promise me-"
A shot rang out, the sound thunderous on the quiet beach. An instant later, Meg was lying flat in the skiff, Billy's body shielding her from the hail of bullets that rained around them.
Next time-Meg finds herself aboard the Walrus.
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