Part 7

"Coming to an Understanding"

The next morning, Daniel was aboard the Kitty Keane, working in the bridge long before sunrise. When the crew began arriving, he called his second mate, Archie Mitchell, to join him.

"Good morning, Mitch."

"Good morning, sir."

"You'll be filling in as first mate for the next few days. James had an accident Saturday, and won't return until he recovers."

"Aye, aye, sir. I hope it's nothing serious."

"It doesn't appear to be. He has a concussion and a few stitches. Can you take over here and get the crew started? I've got work to do below."

"Yes, sir."

The Captain worked in his cabin until it was a respectable time to call on the Horans. He was sure James was fine. If he wasn't, Marguerite would have gotten word to him, but he wanted to see for himself. He also needed to make his friend aware of what happened in the park Saturday.

Before leaving the ship, he located his second mate and told him he wouldn't be back until after lunch. If he was needed, Mitch was to send a message to the offices of Marley and Ebenezer.

XXXXX

Daniel arrived at the Horan's after nine and was greeted by the newlyweds.

"Good morning, Captain. How are you this fine day?" Marguerite asked cheerfully. "And how was dinner with Mrs. Muir and her family?"

"I'm well, and yesterday was a very good day," he smiled. "From your tone, I take it the patient is recovering?"

"The patient is just fine, sir," James answered, coming down the stairs.

"Daniel, can I get you coffee or tea?" the lady of the house offered.

"Thank you, Marguerite. If you've already got it made, a cup of coffee would be appreciated."

"With James home, the pot is on all day."

The men sat at the kitchen table, and she poured them both a cup. A plate of butter drop cookies was placed between them for a snack.

"You do look much better. How's the head?"

"Still throbbing, but every day seems a little better."

"And the rest of you?"

"I'm sore all over, but it's nothing I can't handle."

"That's good news. You gave us quite a scare."

"I wish I could remember what happened."

"The doctor mentioned it may never come back to you."

"Gentlemen, can I get you anything else?" Marguerite asked. "I have some things to do upstairs."

Her husband looked to their guest to confirm he didn't need anything.

"No, love. We're fine. Thank you."

She lovingly ran her hand over his shoulder and left to take care of her chores.

"That makes this easier," Daniel said, indicating Marguerite going up the stairs. "I need to talk with you, and would rather not have to do it with an audience."

His friend raised an eyebrow and wondered what was wrong. The Captain quickly filled him in on the sighting, as well as, how uncomfortable Carolyn felt when she met Sean Callahan in the park.

"How do you want to handle this? I'll do whatever is needed to keep Marguerite and the others ladies safe."

Daniel explained his plan to make sure the women had escorts when they went out. It was the only way he knew to keep them from being easy targets.

"This won't solve the problem, but it should keep everyone safe. My biggest concern is how to get rid of him once and for all, and how to do it before we sail. For obvious reasons, I don't want to leave the family with only Claymore to protect them. He's worthless. The simpering jellyfish wouldn't even look me in the eye when Carolyn told me about her encounter in the park, and he had no idea how to keep the family safe."

"Sir, we've talked about this before. We can't just drop Callahan in the Atlantic . . . although that would be the perfect solution," James remarked crossing his arms. "I'll do anything to protect my wife, but me ending up in jail, or hanged, doesn't do her any good either. I would say the same applies for you now. "

Daniel looked at his friend and acknowledged his remark with a nod.

"We need to do something. Too many women have had their lives ruined . . . or worse. He's got to be stopped!"

"Agreed, but I think you need to cool off for a minute, and think about this with a clear head," James suggested. "When he sets his sights on a woman, what does he do?"

"What do you mean, what does he do? He gets them drunk, to break down their resistance, so he can rape them!" Daniel said raising his voice.

"Wait, you're jumping ahead. Slow down. What do we know about his approach to a woman he's interested in, before he gets to that point?" James asked in a calm voice.

"What you're getting at?"

"We know he can be charming and presents himself as the perfect suitor when he starts out, right? Has he ever just grabbed a woman off the street and . . . taken . . . her by force that way? Does he attack random women in their homes?"

"How am I supposed to know that?!"

"Daniel, you've learned a lot about him over the years. Have you ever heard of him doing anything other than trying to woo a woman first, and then, if she doesn't give in to his advances, getting her drunk so he can . . . take . . . her?"

"For God's sake, James, just say it! He gets women drunk and rapes them!"

James looked at Daniel and raised his eyes to the ceiling, reminding his friend of Marguerite upstairs. That seemed to bring the Captain back to his senses.

"All right, he . . . rapes them," James said quietly. "Does he have any other pattern that you know of?"

No."

"Exactly. The man looks for the easy way and doesn't want to put himself out."

"And your point is?"

"Don't you see? We don't have to worry about him grabbing the women off the street. They don't have to be escorted everywhere they go. The man's a coward. He wouldn't risk being seen by someone or having an able bodied woman fight him off. You know enough about him to know that."

"You're right. He uses alcohol instead of a knife or gun. It takes longer, but he gets the same result. So what do you suggest?"

"The woman don't have to have an escort, but they shouldn't go out alone. They could travel in pairs. Even if he did go after random women on the street, he wouldn't attack two women at once."

Daniel was quiet for a moment as he thought things over.

"Are you willing to take that chance with your wife?"

"If his pattern were to change, I would escort Marguerite or any other woman that needed to be protected, but I truly believe the ladies going around town in groups of two or more would be perfectly safe," Seeing the doubt in his friend's eyes, he added, "Daniel, what happened wasn't your fault."

"You saw how quickly and smoothly he ingratiated himself with Miss Worth and, in that respect, he did change his pattern. He charmed her and seemed to have won her over, but he went directly to getting her drunk. He didn't wait for her to turn down his advances. If we hadn't been there to stop him you know, as well as I do, what would have happened."

"Yes, but it didn't. You stopped him before he could do any real harm," James replied, then looked at his friend thoughtfully. "But we're not really talking about Miss Worth, are we?"

Daniel looked at his first mate and appeared to be struggling with what he wanted to say.

"Let me ask you this. Do you think it's a coincidence that Callahan went after Kathleen Worth?"

"What are you saying?"

The Captain looked at him without replying.

"Do you think he went after her because she was with you that night?"

Again, Daniel said nothing.

"If he did, that puts a different light on this. You really think he went after her because he thought she was special to you?"

"I don't know for sure, but I have to wonder. He went after Miss Worth, then tried to charm Carolyn in the park. He could have noticed the attention I paid her at the ball. What if he wants to get back at me for what happened in Queenstown?"

"Daniel, if you're right, he could go after anyone he thought you cared about."

"Now you understand my concern, not just about Carolyn and the children, but anyone he may have seen me with at the dance. That could be Martha, Marguerite, Mrs. Farley and any of the ladies in the Worth party. There's no telling what he's thinking."

"Have you talked to Mrs. Muir? Does she know about Callahan's history in Schooner Bay, or what happened to Kathleen Worth?"

"She only knows he is dangerous to women. Marguerite told her that much, and it was reiterated by me yesterday. Interestingly enough, after meeting him in the park, she's made up her own mind about him. To answer your question, no, she doesn't know any details, or what he's capable of."

"You should tell her. She needs to be aware of how he operates, and the potential danger."

"I plan to, but she and I have so little time alone, and the subject is not one usually discussed between unmarried men and women. It's certainly not something I can speak to her about with an audience present."

"Maybe we can help with that. Marguerite has been wanting to have you both over for dinner. When you and Carolyn come over, we'll find a way to give you time alone, so you can talk."

"That would be appreciated, but are you sure?"

"Daniel, we'll do anything we can to help you."

"Thank you. It's not something I want to have to rush through."

"I'll speak with Marguerite and we'll come up with a day this week. In the meantime, I agree with you about the ladies and children having escorts."

"That still doesn't take care of the problem, but it's a start. I'm going to stop by the Farley's to speak with the Reverend, and then catch up with Seamus and Colm. I'm hoping to track down Norrie too."

"What can I do?"

"For now, you stay home and recover."

"Sir, I'm only here today because Doctor Feeney told Marguerite I should rest for a few days. The woman won't let me leave the house," he noted, slightly embarrassed.

"Then that's what you need to do. I've got Mitch covering for you. Take advantage of that and stay home, at least until the doctor tells you it's okay to return to the ship. Give your head a chance to stop hurting so much. We're ahead of schedule, and what needs to be taken care of can be done by the others," Daniel assured him. "Are you able to escort Marguerite if she needs to go out?"

"I don't think she's planning on going out today. Frankly, I'm surprised she left us alone. She's been hovering over me like a mother hen," he said shaking his head. "I'll fill her in on what you've told me, and if she needs to go out while I'm still home, I'll escort her. She will not be going out alone until the situation is resolved."

"Good. If it's all right with you, I'll stop by on my way home tonight. I can let you know what everyone's response is, and what arrangements are in place for escorting the ladies."

"As long as there's still a candle burning on the first floor, you're welcome anytime."

"Right," Daniel said, winking at his friend. "I have to get moving, there's a lot to accomplish. Don't do too much today and get some rest."

"Yes, sir! Thank you."

Marguerite heard Daniel's raised voice from upstairs but waited until things had quieted before coming down. She reached the front room just as he was getting ready to leave.

"Is everything all right?"

"Yes. We were just having a spirited debate about something. I'll tell you all about it in a bit," James told her.

She gave him a quizzical look and then addressed their guest.

"Goodbye, Daniel. Thank you for checking on us."

"I'm glad James is starting to feel better, and I very pleased to see the spark back to your beautiful eyes," he said smiling. "Goodbye, Marguerite. I'll probably see you tonight."

With that, the Captain was out the door, leaving his first mate to explain to his wife what that was all about.

XXXXX

Daniel's next stop was the Farley's, but they weren't home. He knew they worked hand in hand at the church and went there hoping to find them. When he arrived, music was coming from inside, so he went in to see if the Reverend was available.

Mrs. Farley was at the organ, practicing a new piece. As he walked toward her, the movement caught her eye, and she stopped playing to greet him.

"Good morning, Captain. What brings you here today?"

"Hello, Mrs. Farley. Is the Reverend available? I'd like to have a word with him."

"Of course. He's in his office. Let me show you the way."

Sarah led him down a hall, behind the altar, and knocked softly on the door as she opened it. The Reverend looked up from his work and, seeing the Captain, stood to welcome him.

"Good morning, Captain."

"Reverend," he said, shaking the man's hand. "I wonder if I could have a few minutes of your time?"

"I'll leave you two alone," Sarah said, closing the door behind her.

"Of course. What can I do for you?" the pastor asked.

"I need to make you aware of a potentially dangerous situation."

The young man motioned for him to take the seat opposite him.

"I assume you're aware of what occurred at the Seafarers' Ball involving a man named Sean Callahan?" Daniel asked.

"I don't know the details, but I believe there was a confrontation between the two of you. From what Sarah told me, it seems you have a history with the gentlemen in question."

"That man is no gentleman, but yes, we do have a history. I'm afraid that past may have had something to do with what happened at the ball."

"What can you tell me about it?"

"The man is a dishonest, concupiscent libertine, who preys on unsuspecting women he's taken an interest in," Daniel said quickly, his anger rising to the surface. "He'll charm her by playing the role of an attentive suitor, to win her trust, and court her with ardor. If she refuses his advances, he apologizes and begs her forgiveness, explaining he is so enamored with her he couldn't help himself. He promises to behave then makes other plans. When the opportunity presents itself, he'll offer to get her a refreshment. By the time he returns with it, he's added just enough liquor so the taste can't be discerned. He'll be a perfect gentleman and make sure she continues to have a fresh drink. His goal is to lower her defenses so he can more easily have his way with her."

Daniel stopped to gauge Reverend Farley's reaction, and was not surprised to see the good man fighting to suppress his anger.

"I take it, that's what was attempted several weeks ago?"

"Only to a point. He never gave her a chance to say no to his advances . . . he went right to getting her drunk. Thankfully, we were able to stop him before he could accomplish his goal. The young lady did suffer from a severe hangover the next day but nothing worse," the Captain explained.

The Reverend leaned back in his chair, thinking carefully before he spoke.

"Other than what I was told by my wife, I never heard a word about the confrontation. Knowing how quickly gossip spreads in this town, you did a good job defending the young woman's honor, without anyone finding out about it."

"We were fortunate. The situation occurred away from other people, so we weren't overheard."

The young pastor nodded his head.

"What makes you think what happened at the ball is related to what happened in the past?"

"He and I had a confrontation years ago, and it did not go well for him. I believe he is seeking revenge and may have targeted Miss Worth because I was her escort that evening."

"Isn't that a bit of a leap? As you say, it's been years. Why would he choose to seek his retribution against you now, and in this manner?"

"I really can't say."

"You can't say, or you won't say?"

"Reverend, I really don't know. It's been almost eight years. I can't fathom why he's here."

"You seem to know a lot about the way he operates," the young pastor replied, looking directly at the seaman.

"Unfortunately, I do."

Reverend Farley nodded, guessing correctly the Captain was not going to provide him with any more information.

"I'm afraid there are men like him everywhere. What a blessing you were there to stop him from hurting Miss Worth. I haven't heard anything about him since and assumed he'd left town. Am I missing something?"

"He's back in Schooner Bay."

Reverend Farley sat up straight.

"You're sure?"

"Yes. He was seen in the park Saturday by the Muir family, Seamus Armitage, and Colm Donegan."

The young pastor leaned back again in thought, unconsciously rubbing his chin.

"Captain, you're obviously a man of action and not one to sit and wait for something to happen. What are you going to do?"

"You flatter me with your assessment, but that's the problem. The only thing I've come up with, so far, is to do everything I can to protect those I care about and anyone else who may be a target. I want to make sure those families are aware of the situation, but that doesn't do anything to rid us of the danger," Daniel explained. "Based on what I've seen in my travels, the only way to stop someone like Callahan from hurting . . . from raping women . . . is physical violence. The courts can't be depended upon to do anything."

"You're right. The way things are now, if a man can persuade a woman in any way, it's not considered . . . rape," Reverend Farley remarked, saying the word awkwardly. "It doesn't matter if he beats her half to death, holds a gun to her head or, as in your example, gets her drunk in an effort to "persuade" her, it's not . . . rape, in the eyes of the law.

"I'll never understand it. As men, we should protect and cherish our women and children, but there are those who will always prey on the most vulnerable. It's enough to bring any honorable man to violence in defense of those he loves."

Daniel nodded his agreement and picked up the thread.

"If, by some rare set of circumstances, a man is charged with assaulting a woman, she has to prove she did everything she could possibly do to resist his advances. On top of that, I heard of a situation where the judge dismissed the case against a man because he believed, if the woman making the charges were really a lady, she should have been too ashamed to come forward. Everything is stacked against a woman," the Captain remarked, his anger building again. "I can't protect every woman from this unspeakable violence, but I will do everything in my power to make sure it doesn't happen to those I care the most about."

"It's not difficult identifying the problem – what's the solution?"

"I know what I'd like to do, but it was pointed out to me, recently, that I have a lot more to lose these days than I did in the past," Daniel said.

The Reverend looked at the Captain knowingly.

"Mrs. Muir and her children."

"It's that obvious?"

"Since the first time I saw the two of you together."

"Aye, I can't deny it," he said, his eyes reflecting his affection.

"It's clear she feels the same way about you."

"It seems everyone was aware of that before I was. I didn't know for sure until yesterday."

"Oh!" he smiled brightly. "Should I put you on the calendar?"

Daniel chuckled softly.

"No, Reverend. There's a major unknown that has to be worked through before we can consider taking that step."

"Your profession," he stated simply.

"My God, man! Are you psychic?"

Now, Reverend Farley chuckled.

"No, just observant. It comes with the territory." He hesitated, looking sincerely at Daniel. "Captain, I have no doubt the issue of your long absences will be resolved in a satisfactory manner. Let me know when you and Mrs. Muir are ready to set the date."

"I'm sure you'll be one of the first to know."

"Now, what can be done about this Callahan situation?"

"I wish I knew. Until we come up with something, we need to be vigilant in protecting the ladies. I have advised the Muir family they should not leave home without an escort. I also spoke to James this morning and told him the same thing. Reverend, Mrs. Farley should not go out unattended either. I have reason to believe Callahan will target women he may have seen me with at the ball."

"Yes, we did see a lot of you that evening," he smiled. "Although your focus was certainly on Mrs. Muir, you danced with all the ladies. I'll speak with Sarah and make sure she understands. Have you talked to Constable Coolidge or Mr. Peevey?"

"No, I'm hoping to see Norrie today, but you know as well as I, law enforcement is more reactionary than preventive."

"Yes, it is. Normally, there's very little crime in Schooner Bay, so it can be handled on a casual, or part time, basis."

"Unfortunately, these days, things are far from normal. The atmosphere is quite different while Callahan is in town."

"Captain, I hear the unease and frustration in your voice. Please don't do anything that could cause you personal harm . . . physically or spiritually."

"Thank you for your concern, Reverend, but when it comes to protecting the Muirs, and my friends, I won't make any promises. I'll do whatever is necessary to ensure their safety."

XXXXX

Daniel left the church and walked down Schooner Bay's main street, his eyes looking at everything, and everyone. It's not that he expected to see Callahan, but he didn't want to be taken by surprise. He did notice several women walking along the street alone, without a care, and that worried him. He couldn't be sure what that man would do.

He continued on to the park looking for his hardy friends. Despite the colder weather, he wasn't surprised when he came upon them playing chess on their usual bench.

"Ahoy, Seamus, Colm," he called to them.

"Ah, look who it is. Ahoy, Capt'n Danny. Welcome home!" Seamus replied looking up. "What can we do for you today?"

"I'm here to enlist your help."

That simple statement got their attention.

"What kind of help might you be needin' from us?"

"Would you be willing to serve as escorts for the Muir, Horan and Farley families, when they have to go about their daily business around town?"

"I see your lovely lady told you about meeting that bilge rat, Callahan."

"She did."

"Danny, I don't like that libertine bein' here in town, and I don't like the interest he took in your lady. No good will come of it," Colm said.

"What do you mean, 'the interest in took in my lady?'"

"He was very interested to see where she was going. That's why Seamus followed the family home . . . to insure they got there safely . . . and I made sure Callahan didn't follow them to see where they lived."

"Carolyn mentioned she felt like she was being followed, but she was relieved when she saw it was Seamus. Colm, how did you intercept him?"

"I just put myself between him and the direction the lovely lady was goin'. You know he's a coward, Capt'n. Confrontin' me would have been too risky for him. When he saw me, he turned around and went in the other direction. I followed him until he went into that dive down by the dock. We've been down that way several times since, lookin' for him, but he musta found a new hole to hide in. I'm tellin' ya, he'd o' followed her if we hadn't been there to stop him. Danny, something is gonna have to be done about him."

"Colm, I agree with you. I haven't come up with a plan yet, but I'm working on it. In the meantime, I need to make sure the ladies and children are not at risk. Can I count on your assistance?"

"You don't even have to ask. Tell us how you'd like this to work?" Seamus answered for them both.

"I think the best way is to stop by their homes in the morning to see if they have any errands that day. If they do, one of you would serve as their escort, wherever they need to go. Candy and Jonathan will need escorts too. I don't want them outside unattended. They're only being told there's been trouble in town, and we want them to be safe. They don't know what the trouble is."

"That we can do," Seamus agreed but had an additional concern. "Danny, I worry about your lady being in that office all day. Claymore Ebenezer is worthless if that lovely lass needs protecting."

"He's been told Carolyn should never be left alone at work. I'm sure I've put the fear of God in him or, at the very least, the fear of me."

"I hope that's enough. I'm afraid that man would abandon his own mother if it meant money in his pocket."

"He wouldn't want to know what I'd do to him if any harm came to her while he was responsible for her safety."

"Maybe he should know," Seamus suggested.

Daniel looked at his friend, taking his suggestion to heart.

"Don't you worry, Danny, we'll do whatever needs to be done to protect the women, and the Muir children. Colm and I will stop by to see the ladies today and let them know the plan. I've already told my Ginny not to go out without me, or her husband, Bill."

"I knew I could count on you both. I'll make it worth your while."

"Danny, you don't need to do that. We're more than willing to help," Seamus told him.

"Thank you, both."

Colm called after the Captain, as he started to walk away.

"Capt'n, don't take any chances with Callahan. He's a coward, but given the opportunity, he'd just as soon kill you as look at you."