The sight Groves met upon arriving on deck was closest to an organized chaos: the Valiant was inching her way next to the Endurance, the crews on both ships tightening sails and ropes and lowering the anchor to brace their ships. Had this been a piratical attack, the men's demeanor would have been much more frantic, but it was obvious they were nervous, for they all thought the Governor would be awaiting their return in Port Royal. What could have possibly happened that he pursued them?
Norrington hoped for the best, though it wasn't likely. He wished this would be his chance to stand up for Groves before Caldwell had an influence to speak for Woodrow, despite the reason Governor Byron was here. It was more likely that their prolonged journey sparked an alarm and Governor Byron issued the Valiant to set sail and search for the possibly missing ship, insisting he come along. Had it not been an urgent matter, Norrington would have dared to hope Annabelle would be onboard, but that was the slimmest possibility; only if they had been making a crossing or christening a new ship would she be allowed on a voyage.
Whatever the reason, however, they all needed to be prepared.
Groves scanned the decks long enough to know who was where, found Norrington giving the last of his orders, and saw what appeared to be preparations for Governor Byron and several officers from the Valiant to walk across to the Endurance on a plank.
Before Groves reached Norrington to report his appearance, he spotted Caldwell just emerging from his office, complete with hat and walking stick.
"I see Officer Wiggins found you," Norrington greeted in a low voice.
"Yes, he is below with Emma on my orders. I need to request an officer is on watch for her at all times now," Groves replied.
Assuming he already understood why, Norrington gave a solemn nod.
A couple of hearty shouts sounded, signaling Governor Byron and several officers were crossing the plank to board the Endurance.
"All hands at attention!" Norrington barked before he and Groves proceeded to the center of the deck, the men heeding the order and proceeding to line up.
"Do we know why he is here?" Groves asked quietly.
"Curiosity resounded when he was spotted, but when they finally sailed alongside us, Lieutenant Mason only reported Governor Byron had an imperative matter that could no longer wait," Norrington answered.
Groves stopped, having reached his designation. What could possibly be so crucial he couldn't wait until they returned? At the most, they still had another week and a half, provided the weather didn't change drastically.
Caldwell calmly strode to his spot, and Groves's heart pounded when he didn't see Woodrow. He was probably still holed up in Caldwell's quarters, but would Officer Wiggins know what to do should Woodrow sneak down to the brig?
Groves steadied himself with a long breath. With this many people about, it would be very difficult for Woodrow to sneak about at this moment unseen.
"Governor Byron," Lord Caldwell initiated the greeting, all men briefly dipping their heads once he came over. He was accompanied by Lieutenant Mason and a few other officers Groves couldn't remember the names of.
"Lord Caldwell. Admiral. Commodore," Governor Byron greeted. He was all business, further sparking the curiosity behind his sudden appearance. "As Lieutenant Mason reported, we have an impending matter I should like to discuss with you in your quarters, Lord Caldwell. With the Admiral, Commodore, and Lieutenant Mason present as well, of course."
If Lord Caldwell was afraid or suspicious, he didn't show it. His intrigue and curiosity, however, did show. "Of course."
"As you were gentlemen," Norrington said in a low voice before following Lord Caldwell and Governor Byron, Groves and Mason in tow.
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~
Minutes later, Groves and Norrington stood off to one side, Lord Caldwell stood behind his desk, with Governor Byron on the other side, Mason at his side. Governor Byron chose to remain standing even after Caldwell invited him to sit.
"I hope there wasn't an alarm raised, Governor," Lord Caldwell began. "I didn't believe our journey would take us as long as it did."
"There was concern regarding the ship's well-being and that of her sailors, but there was no suspicion that the Endurance was missing," Governor Byron replied.
Caldwell raised his eyebrows. "Oh." He paused. "Then what business brings you out in these waters?"
"There appears to be a few indiscretions for Port Royal," Governor Byron said, "indiscretions that could no longer be ignored or delayed."
"And what are they?" Caldwell was still calm, oblivious to what may be coming.
"Lieutenant Mason saw over the Commodore and Admiral's work once you set sail, while I took after your work that you had to leave behind," he said.
Caldwell still didn't catch on, at least from what he showed. "Yes."
"Unfortunately, there were some inconsistencies, and after conversing with the Crown, I have been charged to take over."
Caldwell nearly paled. "What do you mean?"
"It means that paperwork regarding certain recent procedures contain these inconsistencies, and I have been requested by the Crown to oversee the legal procedures to see these resolved." Governor Byron turned to Lieutenant Mason, who handed him a folded piece of paper. Governor Byron unfolded it before handing it to Lord Caldwell.
Caldwell glanced at Governor Byron before taking the paper and reading it over. It took great effort for him to remain calm, but it wasn't obvious to the rest in the room.
Groves's eyes nearly wandered to glance at Norrington, but forced himself to look straight ahead as he continued to witness the ordeal.
Caldwell looked up from the letter. "I only don't understand why you have been appointed as the overseer."
"That's quite simple, because some of the inconsistencies were found in your paperwork, which leaves you under investigation."
Caldwell's eyes widened, though a grin nearly escaped his lips as he realized something else. "And in whose paperwork were the other inconsistencies found?"
Governor Byron turned his head. "Commodore Groves'."
Groves's lips parted, Norrington's eyes slightly widened.
Governor Byron glanced between Caldwell and Groves. "I was originally going to wait until your return to Port Royal, but the details alarmed the Crown to such an extent that it could not wait, which explains why I searched for you. Considering the distance between us and England, you have been away for a very long time."
Caldwell's hand with the letter lowered, and Mason stepped forward to retrieve it. He held it out for Groves to see.
"Therefore, we will conduct the interrogations and procedures as we sail back to Port Royal," Governor Byron straightened himself. "Lord Caldwell, you and your servant Woodrow will be under house arrest-or cabin arrest, in this case, I suppose it could be termed-until a conviction is reached. Lieutenant Mason will be the head officer over your quarters, and will appoint additional officers as he sees fit. Commodore Groves will remain in his cabin as well, leaving only to perform his mandatory duties. The prisoner-Emma, I believe is her name-"
Groves froze, his blood running cold.
"…will remain in the brig, leaving only for her interrogations as well. It has been deemed that all interrogations and other necessary investigational procedures will occur on the Valiant, unless another location is deemed acceptable or necessary. The procedures will be conducted as usual."
"On what charges?" Caldwell demanded.
"They were listed on the letter I just gave you, if you read it carefully. These indiscretions concern the parties that happened to be mentioned in the paperwork under question: you, the Commodore, your man Woodrow, and the prisoner you currently have onboard." Governor Byron turned to face Groves and Norrington. "I shall trust you both will discuss any duties that need to be exchanged. The procedures begin tomorrow."
Lieutenant Mason opened the door, allowing for Norrington and Groves to exit behind Governor Byron, leaving Mason in charge of Caldwell and Woodrow. Two appointed officers already stood guard outside the door.