Part III a

~*~*~*~

I've seen Fire and I've seen Rain
I've seen sunny days that I thought would never end
I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend
But I always thought that I would see you again

~*~*~*~

"Do you have any family?" Evelyn asked. As promised Rick was showing her the upper decks and with surprise on Evelyn's part the ship was quite beautiful. "Yes. I do. I do not get to see them very often, but I do have family." The answer didn't satisfy Evelyn's curiosity, "Do they know of what you do?" she prodded. He gave her a smile and a shake of his head, "Are you always so forward Evelyn?" This time Evelyn blushed. "I'm sorry Rick. It is just that I have never been...exposed to this kind of life. It intrigues me."

They stopped by the railing and both focused their attention at the sea. "Yes they know of what I do. Are they proud? I can't honestly tell you. It has been a few years since I've seen them. The last time was a year before I was taken back to London for the murder..." he stopped. He wasn't sure he should tell her the whole story. She didn't know that side of him. The side where he could be ruthless and cruel. Never mind that he had to be that he had no choice, but he wasn't sure that she would see that as such.

For a long time Evelyn didn't say anything. She knew that he had a past. Why else would he be at Newgate? But there was something more. She was sure of it. There had to be more to the story than simple murder, but Evelyn didn't know what it was and even more than that she didn't know if she had the right to ask it.

"Evelyn there you are." Ardeth stated. Evelyn looked up as did Rick both grateful for the interruption. "Good afternoon Ardeth, how are you feeling?" she greeted. "I'm fine thank-you. Thank-you once again Mr. O' Connell." The men nodded at one another, "Might I inquire as to when you believe we will be back to Los Camillos?" "I'm not sure Mr. Bay, I will have to confirm with Izzy, but I believe you should reach the shores in five days time." "Very well." Then they all three turned their attention back to the sea.

~*~

Five days seemed like a long and short time away. There was so much that Evelyn wanted to know, but there didn't seem like there was enough time to get her answers. On the other hand she wanted to be home in her own chambers. Walk on something solid. And thus time seemed to speed forward only to stop and become slow as molasses. "Mrs. O'Connell, the captain would like to know if you care to join him for dinner this evening." Izzy said when he came in. Evelyn smiled at him, "Izzy, I gave you leave to call me Evelyn." she reminded him. He lowered his head but Evelyn caught the quick smile, "I know madam, but I don't feel right in doing so." "Very well. Yes, please tell Captain Richard that I accept his invitation." "Very good madam. Dinner will be served at seven."

Izzy accompanied Evelyn down to Rick's chamber. Neither Izzy nor Rick really trusted their new crew yet. This was a very volatile time and leadership must be firmly established. Thus rules were enforced greatly and all measures of safety and precaution were taken. When Evelyn entered the room Rick stood up, "Thank-you for joining me Evelyn." he greeted. She smiled and took his hand, "I'm sure it will be my pleasure Captain Richard." They smiled at one another and Izzy let himself out of the room.

Dinner was wonderful. Well as wonderful as food could be while at to sea. Nothing fresh, but the fish caught earlier, but the wine was wonderful and more than made up for the lack of vegatables and fruit. "I know I probably shouldn't ask, but I must confess that it has been a question of mine since I met you. Why were you at Newgate Prison?" It truly must have been the wine because Evelyn would have never asked such a question otherwise. Rick had been prepared for it, "Are you sure you want to know?" She nodded her head.

"There was this pirate, Bernard Farrell, he stole some money that did not belong to him and I went to get it back. I told him that if he ever came near my ship again that I would kill him. I didn't see him for a while, but when I went back to get Molly I saw him with her. I didn't even think, I just reacted and I shot with both my pistols. A year later the Royal British Crown found me and my crew and arrested me for the murder of Molly."

"Molly? I don't understand did you kill her too?"

"No I didn't. I could never hurt her like that. I thought I loved her. I believe I was set up, but I was never allowed to prove it. Not that anyone else would ever believe me." "I believe you." she whispered.

~*~*~*~ - Part IIIb

"Are you excited about going home?" Rick asked. Him and Evelyn were standing next to the rail of the ship looking at the small boat that would carry her and Ardeth back to Los Camillos. "Yes of course, is there a reason I shouldn't?" Trying to get any sort of response out of him. "No, no reason that I can think of." he answered and then as was their custom looked out at the sea. She wanted more than anything to wrap her arms around him and kiss him. Ever since the minute she woke up in his bed she had wanted him.

And the more they got to know one another the more she wanted him. He however didn't seem to have the least bit of interest in her and so she was left to verbally baiting him. They stood out for a long time until Izzy showed up with Ardeth. "Good-bye Evelyn." Rick leaned down and gave her a kiss on the cheek and then with Izzy's help lowered her into the small dingy. "Thank-you for everything sir. You have gone far beyond the call of duty and we will never forget your hospitality. Please, if you are ever come to Los Camillos again, please come and visit." "I was lead to believe that Mrs. O' Connell wanted nothing to do with me." Rick responded. Ardeth gave him a smile, "I believe you know that as a lie."

~*~

Rick watched them as they rowed back to the island. And as he did he knew that his heart was leaving with them. There was not one person that Rick had ever felt the same way he felt for Evelyn. He didn't kid himself. He knew he was in love with her, but he had a mission and one that could not be forgotten. One that the 'master' had tried to foil, but would now know what it meant to mess with Richard O' Connell.

"I hope this doesn't mean you are going to be a bear to live with." Izzy commented. Rick turned to his friend, "Pardon me." "I know you love her. I just don't want you take your frustrations out on me because of it." Izzy explained. Rick didn't say anything for a while. He continued to look out to the island from his position. "Sir! Captain Richards! " he heard calling from the crow's nest. Rick turned to see his half brother, Daniels, calling to him and pointing off to something behind the island. Daniels climbed down quickly and gave his eye glass over to Rick, "Take a look."

Rick looked through the eye piece, and was quickly angry. "Izzy, I need you to head out to the back of the island. Check and make sure that the ship I see is Thebes." "Of course sir." Izzy left and Rick was left with his brother. "What are you thinking?" Daniel asked. "I'm think that if it is Thebes that I will have you go back and get our brothers. I can not leave Evelyn here. Whatever Thebes wanted it most certainly wanted her in the process."

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End of Part III

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