Disclaimer: This was written for the soul purpose of my entertainment. I lay no claim on Walker Texas Ranger or any of its characters.
Westfield Isle
Part 1
Cruise Ship
By: Janis Boisclair
jboisclair@rogers.com
Late Night Westfield Isle
Total darkness surrounded her, as she lay paralysed feeling his hand move roughly on her thigh. Her eyes blinked open and she lay rigid her surroundings unfamiliar, her fear taking hold. He moved against her naked body beneath the sheet the faint musky scent of the man permeating her sense of smell. His head bent to her shoulder his lips softly touching her skin in a gentle kiss. Her eyes closed searching her memory for any clue, a small glimmer of recognition anything at all.
His hand moved again gently cupping her breast his thumb stroking the hard nub and still she lay unmoving. He knew she was lost to him again. "Syd Honey," he gently whispered in her ear, "it's me Honey, Gage."
His voice she remembered his voice she instantly turned into his arms crying against his chest. He held her tightly against him tears falling from his eyes too knowing parts of what she had endured, silently berating himself for not being able to protect her.
"Gage I'm sorry," she whispered back realizing she had been reliving the horrors Anton Westfield had put her through, even though the man was dead.
"You don't have to be sorry there is nothing to forgive," he told her holding his lips against the top of her head.
Her body unexpectedly slid down his taking him first in her hand and then in her mouth drawing hard on him. "Baby," he cried out trying to tell her it was all right she didn't have to but at her mercy all the same. "Sydney," he cried out again only this time she listened sliding back up to his chest.
"I only ever wanted you," she began to confess, "I'd close my eyes and pretend it was you, I'd see your face and I'd want you just like I do right now. I'm glad you killed him. Please Gage lets forget it happened, indulge me, make love to me."
His lips went to hers; he could never deny her anything, he swept her into a deep kiss. His hands held either side of her face his tongue pushing its way inside her mouth demanding and taking as much as he was giving. He pushed her against the pillows rolling on top of her holding her hands tightly against the bed. She began struggling with him yet not wanting him to stop his mouth moving to engulf the nipple of her breast sucking hard on the tender bud.
Her eyes closed tightly, her voice moaned out his name, her back arched pushing her up to him, she felt all but Gage had been lost to her. A tear trickled from the corner of her eye and onto the pillow as she let her mind be swallowed up in the feelings he was inducing in her.
She could feel him move between her legs gently stroking her centre, opening her to him exposing her all to him his fingers teasing clit while she cried out. His head bent to her letting his tongue replace his fingers.
He could hear her calling out to him, crying for him as his tongue pushed in and out of her finally probing in deep as she twisted against him screaming, climaxing hard against him. He laid her on the bed and in an instant was inside her, her legs around him, he once again pinning her hands to the bed. The harder he pushed into her the harder she pulled against him until both lost in their actions released against the other.
Sydney was crying as she always did now, she could never tell Gage what was wrong she only clung to him and wept. He held her in his arms and let her cry until she fell asleep.
Six weeks Earlier
"Yes Julie we're packed, Syd has had us packed for a week and I've got the tickets right here in my shirt pocket. We'll be in Miami at six p.m. tonight. Okay Sis we'll see you tonight." Gage laughed and hung up the phone shaking his head at the same time.
"A little anxious?" Syd half laughed having caught Gage's side of the conversation.
"Yeah I'm getting that way myself," he had smiled back at her.
"Hey I thought you two would be out of here by now putting on your Bermuda shorts and getting into some pinacoldas," Trivette greeted them as he and Walker came in the office.
"In exactly two hours and twenty-three minutes," Gage smiled.
"Syd get him out of here," Walker laughed. "And don't get to used to the idea of sitting on the deck of that boat, I want you both back in ten days."
"You don't have to tell us twice we're gone," Gage told them standing up putting his arm around his wife.
"Have a good time you two," Trivette called as the partners took off down the hall.
~~~~~
The airlines were on time and Julie was standing waiting for them when they got off the plane.
"Francis," she yelled running to him as he picked her up in his arms and swung her around in a hug.
"Julie you are a sight for sore eyes. Man you look good Florida is agreeing with you," her brother greeted her.
Sydney stood back giving them a moment knowing what they meant to each other.
"Syd," Julie shouted grabbing her sister-in-law in a hug.
"How are you Julie? And congratulations," Syd retorted.
"Where is Mr. Right?" Gage asked cutting back in his eyes scanning the crowd for Michael DuBois.
"He went on ahead of us to make sure everything is set with the boat and the crew this is her maiden voyage after all," Julie smiled. "Come on grab your bags the car is waiting."
They quickly retrieved the luggage and headed outside where the DuBois limo was waiting for them. The driver all ready had the door open for them and quickly took the suitcases to tuck them away in the trunk.
"I'm really not used to this kind of treatment," Gage stated sliding in beside Sydney putting his arm around her and drawing her close.
"Me either," Julie confessed. "So how was your trip down here?"
"Never mind our trip tell us about Michael," Syd encouraged.
"What do you want to know?"
"Everything!" she exclaimed knowing Gage had done a background check on the guy all ready. Nobody was too good for his sister.
Smiling widely she began, "He's tall, dark and handsome and I never thought I would ever fall this deeply in love with anyone."
Syd could feel Gage grasp her shoulder a little tighter knowing that was how it was with the two of them. By the time they got to Key West both of them felt like they almost knew Michael.
"There he is," Julie, screamed out with the excitement of a schoolgirl, pointing to her future husband as the car pulled up in front of his hotel. She had the door open and was in his arms almost before they came to a complete stop.
"She's definitely in love with him," Gage smiled as he helped Syd from the car.
"Sydney, Francis I'd like you to meet Michael DuBois. Michael my brother Francis and his wife Sydney," Julie made the introductions.
"Pleased to meet you both," Michael took Gage's hand as he spoke, "Julie has told me a lot about her baby brother Francis."
"All good I hope," Gage replied. "I see she left out her favourite detail that I usually just go by Gage she's the only one I answer Francis too."
"Gage it is then," Michael agreed and then taking Syd's hand smiled saying, "I'd never guess that your wife was a Texas Ranger too."
"I'm not this week. For the next ten days I'm just Sydney Gage tourist," Syd told him beginning to see what Julie saw in this man.
Michael again smiled and turning back to Gage handed him a room key. "If you'd like to freshen up we can meet you in about thirty minutes for a late supper at the hotel restaurant before we retire for the night."
"Thanks sounds good," Gage agreed taking the key from him. "We'll see you in a bit," he said as they followed their bags to their room.
Upon reaching their room the bellboy took the key from Gage and opened the door to what turned out to be a suite with a fabulous view of the ocean. The balcony doors were open and the waves could be heard crashing in on the surf a slight breeze tinged with salt air rustling the drapes. The room was furnished in colonial pieces, which included a huge canopy bed complete with mosquito netting. Hastily pressing a tip into the porter's hand Gage turned to face his wife who had walked out on the balcony. Going up behind her he put his arms around her bending to kiss her neck.
"Umm," she softly purred turning in his arms to reciprocate with a seductive kiss of her own. "We have to meet Julie and Michael in thirty minutes," she reminded him.
"What do you think they are doing right now?" he asked kissing her again his hands all ready moving beneath her t-shirt. "After all they are the engaged couple," he continued as he pulled her shirt over her head moving his lips to her shoulder, "and we are the old married couple."
"Speak for yourself about being old," Syd told him between kisses, "I bet we can keep up with the best of them." She was all ready backing Gage towards the bed pushing him back and landing on top of him.
"Yeah I bet we can," Gage chuckled taking her in his arms intent on making love to her.
The Dining Room Forty-Three minutes Later…
"We are joining the DuBois party," Gage told the waiter who had come to take them to a table.
"Yes Mr. DuBois just called down and said they would be a little late to go ahead and order drinks without them," the waiter informed them as he escorted them to the table.
Smiling Gage gave Syd a quick poke as she returned a wide grin to her husband. "Glass of wine?" he asked as Syd took her seat and nodded her head yes. "Glass of white wine and a beer," Gage ordered from the waiter.
When the waiter came back he asked, "Mr. Gage is it?" Gage nodded his head. "You have a phone call at the front desk if you'd like to follow me."
"Be right back Honey it's probably Julie saying they'll be right down," he told Syd squeezing her hand and getting up.
Gage had hardly gotten up from his seat that a man who had been sitting across the room at another table had excused himself from his guests and made his way towards Sydney. "I couldn't help but notice you from the other side of the room. Your beauty is astounding," he complimented her reaching to take her hand in a kiss. "Since your dinner companion has up and left I was wondering if you would care to join us, Miss…"
"Mrs. Gage and my husband will be back any moment," she informed him pulling her hand away from him and his unwanted advances.
He shrugged slightly then walking behind her chair let his hands rest on her shoulders holding her in her chair as she twisted to get out from under his hold without causing a scene. Leaning down he whispered to her, "You'd be better off with me my dear."
"How dare you?" was all Gage heard her say before grabbing the man's shoulder to spin him around and plant his fist square into his chin knocking him to the floor.
"You don't know who you're dealing with?" the guy on the floor snarled rubbing his chin forcing himself to keep his cool.
"Evidently you don't know who you are dealing with either," Gage shot back.
"Let it go Gage no harm was done," Syd cut in standing beside her husband.
"Are you causing trouble again Westfield?" It was Michael asking the question. "I want you and your whole party out of here now. I warned you about this the last time it happened. Find another establishment who wants your business."
"DuBois you are going to be sorry," Westfield started to say as Michael cut him off.
"I all ready am sorry that I let you off with a warning last time instead of barring you then. Now get out and don't come back."
Getting to his feet Westfield eyed Michael for a moment before nodding to his group who got up from the table and began to file out. Turning back to Michael he looked at him and addressed him, "You've just opened a real can of worms," then turning to Sydney said, "Good evening Mrs. Gage remember what I told you."
Gage would have struck him again if Sydney hadn't taken hold of his arm.
They all stood and watched Westfield leave all staring at the door for a moment after he disappeared from view.
"Gage Sydney are you all right?" Michael asked turning back to them. "I can't apologize enough for what happened. What a way to start your vacation."
"Michael it's not your fault…" Sydney began suddenly the need to have Gage's arm around her came over her and she fell slightly back against him. Feeling his arm go around her she continued, "We've dealt with lots worse."
"Still you're on vacation and should be able to put work behind you and just relax with out the likes of Anton Westfield causing you grief," Michael insisted. "Please everyone let's sit down and have something to eat."
Before long everyone was all but forgetting the earlier events and enjoying the company and the meal.
"Now the car will be out front at seven a.m. and I'm hoping to cast off by eight," Michael was explaining as they stood at the entrance of the restaurant saying good night.
"We'll be ready," Gage assured them.
"I know you will be Francis you have Sydney to make sure of it," Julie pointed out.
"Hey I've changed a lot I'm not late all the time any more," Gage began protesting. Syd who was standing behind him rolled her eyes and shook her head causing both Julie and Michael to smirk. Knowing his wife he quickly spun around asking, "Right Syd?"
"Most definitely right Gage," she smiled wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him.
"We'll see you in the morning," Julie laughed as they all said good night.
The Following Morning 7AM.
As promised the DuBois limo was once again outside waiting for Sydney and Gage to take them down to the marina. The driver opened the door for them to slide inside before stowing their bags in the back. A couple of minutes more and they were on their way.
"You know Syd I could really get used to this," Gage told her gazing out the window at the scenery.
"Don't get too comfortable Honey," Syd replied letting her hand come to rest on his leg, "Ten days and it's back to Dallas, the rangers and solving crimes."
"Kill joy," Gage teased. "Until then I'm going to enjoy this vacation to the fullest starting right now." With out another word he took hold of her sweeping her down in his lap and kissed her.
Feeling the car slow and stop Gage gave Syd's cheek another light kiss and helped her to sit up. The door opened and they alighted onto the dock. Julie was on deck waiting for them and called out, "Good Morning," as she caught sight of them.
"Morning," Gage called back as Syd let her eyes do a sweep of the dock. Even though they were on vacation she was suddenly caught with the feeling that something wasn't right. Turning to his wife Gage could see the look on her face recognizing it immediately asked, "What's wrong?"
She smiled at him murmuring, "Nothing just force of habit." Changing the subject she pointed to the side of the boat and the name, 'Precious Jules,' she read aloud.
Gage smiled back at his wife but not before letting his eyes travel the immediate area knowing his partner's intuition was seldom wrong. Seeing nothing but not totally convinced he held his hand out to her and they headed on board.
"Hope you brought your appetite little brother we have a feast fit for a king set out," Julie teased.
"Have you ever known me not to bring my appetite?" Gage retaliated.
Julie wasn't kidding and in a matter of a few minutes they were sitting under the awning on the upper deck enjoying breakfast. "So Michael," Gage began, "when do you intend to make an honest woman out of my sister?"
"Francis," Julie glared at him kicking him in the leg under the table at the same time.
"Oww," Gage exaggerated the pain. "Julie it's just a regular question of a concerned brother."
"Concerned brother yeah right."
"Always Jules always," Gage winked at her his genuine affection shining through as he held tight to Syd's hand.
Michael put his arm around Julie leaning forward and kissing her temple. "You're lucky Gage loves you Julie."
"I know it," Julie concurred then turning to Gage answered his question. "Next month Francis."
"Next month?"
"Yeah next month we are getting married next month in Dallas," Julie announced.
"Dallas? How did you guys decide on Dallas?" Syd asked.
"Well other then my bride's only family living there I too have quite a few associates in Dallas and some family myself," Michael smiled his arm bringing Julie closer to him in a hug.
"Which brings me to a question Sydney?"
"Ask away Julie."
"Do you think you can help me put this together?"
"Julie I'd love to!" Syd exclaimed it was Gage's turn to pull his wife close knowing that she would love every second of this.
"Michael and I just do tuxes," Gage proclaimed which had become his standard line since Alex and Walker had got married.
Ignoring her husband Sydney asked Julie if she had decided on flowers or bridesmaids' dresses. Within a few minutes the two of them were headed down below to start with the planning leaving Gage and Michael up top.
"I don't remember the last time I've seen her this happy Michael," Gage told his future brother-in-law.
"Gage your sister has become my whole life, I can't believe I was lucky enough to find her. I know how close you two are and I'm not just saying this because this is what I think you want to hear."
Gage was grinning, "Michael all I know is that I haven't seen her this happy in a very long time. I think you are going to be very good for her and I'm going to be glad to call you brother-in-law."
"You don't know how happy I am to hear you say that," Michael said sighing in relief. "What do you say we see if we catch some of those big deep sea fish?"
"Sounds good to me," Gage replied finishing his coffee and standing to join Michael as they headed for the lower deck.
Later That Day…
Sydney and Julie had donned their swimsuits and joined Gage and Michael, now they lay in deck chairs baking in the sun's rays. Neither Michael nor Gage had not had any luck with the fish so far, getting up from where he was sitting he walked over where Syd lay sunglasses on eyes shut yet feeling his presence.
"What do you want Gage?" she asked still not opening her eyes.
"Just came over to see if you were really sleeping," he told her crouching down beside the chair bringing his hand and an ice cube from his drink across her exposed tummy.
"Gage," she shrieked out at him grabbing his arm and twisting at the same time. "Julie how did you put up with him for all those years?" By now he had his other arm around her neck and pulled her head towards him so he could kiss her.
"It wasn't easy but I knew I was turning the task over to just the right person," she replied hoping that her love for Michael would always be as strong and complete as her brother's was for his wife.
"Mr. DuBois there is a call for you sir," one of the crew hands was letting Michael know.
"Michael you promised no work," Julie pouted in protest.
"And that is what I told them at the office," he replied kissing her lightly getting up all the same. "If you'll excuse me a moment," he told Sydney and Gage. Once again he gave Julie a light peck telling her at the same time, "I'll make sure it is the last call."
Julie smiled at her fiancée as he headed for the upper decks to take the call.
Gage had pulled Sydney to her feet and they had walked to the rail and stood looking at the miles of blue, green ocean. "I'm just glad Walker can't contact us," Syd teased as Gage agreed once again taking advantage of the fact that they were on vacation, letting his hands rub up her body.
"Gage."
Michael was calling to him Gage turned to see what he wanted. "Can you come here for a minute?"
"What is it Michael?" Julie called up from where she had laid down on the deck chair.
"Nothing Honey," Michael called back to her, "just want to show your brother something about the boat, is that all right?"
"I suppose so," she answered back glad to see how wonderfully the two of them were getting along.
Kissing Syd's shoulder he whispered, "I'll be right back don't forget where we left off."
"I'm going below," she replied, "and believe me I won't forget,"
They both laughed slightly and Gage headed up to where Michael stood waiting for him.
"Gage this may be nothing," Michael began as he got to the top deck, "I thought you should be aware."
"What is it?" Gage asked noting the concern on Michael's face.
"About an hour ago we got a distress call from the 'Lucky Lady' she's a smaller craft then this. The message said she was being boarded by pirates."
"Pirates?" Gage questioned as visions of swashbuckling, eye patched cutthroats came to mind.
"Modern day pirates," Michael bleakly confirmed. "Our captain picked her up on the radar just inside international waters and directly in our path to Nassau. A second ship that we did not have radio contact with came up on the radar as well. Suddenly the 'Lucky Lady' disappeared from the screen the second ship slowly disappearing a few minutes later."
"You're serious about this?" Gage asked.
"Very serious," their captain, Tony Lynch spoke up. "I'd even wager it was the 'Martillo De Blarney', which attacked. If that is the case we won't find anything left of the 'Lady Luck' but a few scraps of the deck floating in the water.
"Thank you Captain Lynch," Michael told the captain waiting for him to once again go inside the wheelhouse.
"Gage I don't mean to alarm you but what he says is true. The 'Martillo De Blarney' is one of the most feared ships in the islands for how swift and ruthlessly she strikes her victims. It is rumoured that her captain has a silent partner that he quite often does generous favours for. It is also rumoured that this silent partner is Anton Westfield, the man who took a big interest in your wife last night and who you knocked on the floor with one punch."
"Are you expecting trouble?" Gage asked thinking back to that morning on the dock and his wife's intuition.
"I honestly don't know Gage I just wanted you to be aware."
"Hey what are you two up to?" Julie asked her head suddenly appearing as she climbed up to join them.
"Not a thing Jules," Gage smiled at her.
"Francis!"
"I'm going to go catch up with Syd she said something about going for a nap," Gage said hastily retreating to join his wife and make her aware of what he had just learned.
A few minutes later Gage was down below opening the door to their room to find it in semi darkness a gentle breeze of salt air blowing in the open porthole window. "Syd?" he called softly walking into the center of the cabin receiving no answer. "Syd where are you?" he hissed sensing her presence but with still no answer. Turning slightly he caught sight of her sitting on the corner of the bed. "Hey you what are you doing? He asked her crouching down in front of her. She had shed her bathing suit and sat there quite naked quietly waiting for him yet made no move to go to him.
"It's that same feeling as this morning," she softly conveyed to him as he sat beside her letting his arms go around her. "You know the feeling Gage when something ominous is going to happen and you can't put your finger on it."
Lying back across the bed Gage pulled her with him so she was laying on him resting comfortably on his chest. "I may have the answer to your premonition."
"When did you become a 'Sooth Sayer'?" she asked resting her chin on his chest.
"Since I talked to Michael a few minutes ago and learnt about modern day pirates on the high seas."
"Pirates?"
"Yeah that's what I said," Gage smiled rolling her beneath him teasing her with kisses.
"Gage stop it I want to hear about the pirates."
Rolling beside her he still held her caressing her shoulder with little lingering kisses at the same time relaying everything Michael had told him about these modern day pirates, the 'Martillo De Blarney' and Anton Westfield.
"Does Michael really believe that Westfield and his pirate ship are after us?" Syd questioned.
"I think he's worried he told me on the QT excluding you and Julie not to worry you. One thing for sure Captain Lynch is convinced that this poses a grave danger. I think if we hadn't had the altercation with Westfield the night before Michael wouldn't be so worried."
"And what do you think Ranger Gage?" Syd teased letting her fingers go to work on the buttons of his shirt.
"That I'm going to take advantage of my beautiful wife," he returned the last button of his shirt having been undone Syd's hands all ready working on pulling his shorts off him.
"Whose taking advantage of who, Francis?" Syd teased more looking down at her husband as he lay back on the bed.
Sliding back up to her place resting on his chest he held her close whispering to her, "I think it's pretty even odds." Turning her over again his lips were on hers letting their passion for each other dictate to their actions once more.
A Couple Of Hours Later
"Man Michael I can hardly wait until we're married," Julie loudly lamented to her fiancée as her brother and his wife made their way from below.
"And why is that Jules?" Gage asked walking right into the trap she was setting for him.
Taking Michael's hand she grinned from ear to ear as she answered him, "So we can spend long lazy afternoons in bed in each others company."
"Heh, heh, funny Julie we're on vacation," Gage got out as his face turned a beautiful shade of red.
"Think you're brother got a little too much sun today?" Michael joked too at Gage's expense.
"Mr. DuBois," Captain Lynch called, "Can I see you topside?"
Michael stood up kissing the top of Julie's head before going to see what the captain wanted.
"Julie you watch your step," Gage warned her wagging his finger at her, "I owe you one and I aim to get even."
"Just as long as you two leave Michael and I out of this," Sydney warned brother and sister.
Neither had a chance to reply Michael had come to stand where Captain Lynch had called from wanting Gage to join him.
As Gage disappeared up the stairs Julie looked at Sydney and Sydney looked at Julie and they both headed up the stairs to follow Michael and Gage.
Catching sight of his fiancée he protectively called over to her, "Julie maybe you and Sydney should wait below."
"With all due respect Michael," Gage interjected, "my partner can handle this and I think they should both know for their own good in case we encounter similar problems. I definitely want Sydney up here and my sister as well."
"I just thought to spare them from this unpleasantness," he replied to Gage still not sure it was a good idea for either Sydney or Julie to see.
"What is it Gage?" Syd asked going to his side and feeling his arm go around her.
"We found what's left of the 'Lucky Lady' and the people on board her," Gage informed Syd as they hauled what was left of one of the bodies on board. It had been attacked by sharks and was almost beyond recognition. Syd closed her eyes a moment against it as Julie turned her face into Michael's chest.
"Michael what's going on?" Julie asked looking into his face. Putting an arm around her Michael led her to the other side of the deck to be away from things and explain what they knew to her.
"Mr. DuBois," Captain Lynch was calling to him again. "Coast Guard has a ship in the area they should be here within the hour to relieve us of the bodies."
"Thank you Captain," Michael responded still holding Julie close.
"What a gruesome death," Syd murmured to her husband.
"We can only hope they were died in the explosion," Gage agreed his grip tightening on her. "Michael," he called, "can I send a message to Texas?"
"Sure Gage," Michael absently replied still worrying about Julie. "We're going below for awhile," he added, "Just ask Captain Lynch he'll see that the call gets through."
Syd and Gage watched Michael escort Julie to the stairs and they disappeared from sight before Syd asked, "What are you thinking Gage?"
"That we need Trivette to find out as much as he can about Anton Westfield and any connection he may have with the 'Martillo De Blarney'," Gage told her as Syd's thoughts from earlier spilled over into his own.
"I hate to admit," Syd grimly spoke a second body being hauled on to the boat, "but I have to agree. If there is any chance that the man is behind this…" she shivered even in the heat of the late afternoon sun. Feeling it Gage held her for a moment closer still before they walked to where Captain Lynch stood.
"Give me a moment Mr. Gage," Captain Lynch was addressing him, " and I'll get that call through for you."
"Thanks," Gage acknowledged turning to hold Syd once more still feeling her uneasiness. They stayed that way until the captain called out to Gage again that his ship to shore call was connected. Taking Syd's hand they walked into the wheelhouse for Gage to take his call.
"Miss me did you Gage?" Trivette laughed from the other end of the patched in line. "Next time you get offered an all expense paid cruise out of Miami you better take me not your wife."
"Not a chance Trivette," Gage laughed, "who would I call when I needed information if you were here with me?"
"Sounds serious Gage what is it want to learn how to beat the odds at the gambling tables?"
"No something more up your alley, I need you to find out everything you can on an Anton Westfield and a pirate ship called the 'Martillo De Blarney'."
"Pirates? This a serious bad guy?" Trivette inquired jotting the names down.
"Yeah pirates and it's starting to look serious," Gage informed him. "I'll give you a call back around this time tomorrow."
"All right I'll see what I can dig up for you."
"Thanks Trivette."
"You got it Gage," Jimmy returned before signing off.
Gage thanked the captain as he and Syd left the wheelhouse making their way back over to the railing to watch the rest of the salvage efforts. Thinking back to Captain Lynch's earlier warning he remembered him saying that they would find nothing more then a few small pieces of the 'Lucky Lady's' deck and he had been almost right.
"Here comes the Coast Guard Cutter," Syd interrupted her husband's thoughts following her gaze to the distant horizon.
"Good I'll be glad to put into port tonight," Gage admitted to her Syd's forewarnings becoming his as well.
While Gage, Michael and the Captain talked with the Captain of the coast guard ship Sydney kept Julie company. "I'd give anything to know what they were talking about but I promised Michael," her sister-in-law complained. "He's just too over protective of me," she sighed her eyes focusing on his face.
"Believe it or not your brother can be guilty of that crime every once in a while too," Syd informed her.
Before much longer the Coast Guard ship was on her way and Gage and Michael had joined the girls once again. "We've decided to have dinner and sleep on board tonight due to the fact it is going to very late before we get into port. We'll be able to spend the whole day sight seeing and shopping tomorrow," Michael finished up his announcement. They felt the ship lurch forward as Captain Lynch put the 'Precious Jules' in motion.
Once more the two couples resumed their vacation enjoying each other's company even though both couples were far more reserved.
Nassau Bahamas
It was shortly after midnight when they finally docked. Sydney lay cradled in her husband's arms the boat rocking gently against its moorings as they recounted the day with each other. "I'm trying hard to believe that this is just a coincident and this is the last we are going to hear about it. Tomorrow we are going shopping in the market and to see the sights and I'm not letting this spoil it."
"That's my girl," Gage kissed her as he spoke his arms holding her tighter his lips teasing her neck finally letting slumber over take them.
~~~~~
"Hey are you two getting up?" Julie was rapping on their door and calling to them. "You did want to see more then the inside of that cabin on this vacation didn't you?"
"Yes Jules be right there Jules," Gage called back to her as Syd pulled the covers over their heads.
"Come on Syd it's time to get up."
"Just a few minutes more Gage," Syd whined putting her head under the pillow.
"Hey isn't it usually me who wants the extra shut eye? Come on we'll turn in early tonight," he promised his fingers playing up her thigh and hip to make their way to her belly button."
"Francis you said we'd be right there," she gasped trying to wiggle out of his sudden grasp.
"I lied," he teased pulling her underneath him at the same time.
Pushing with all her might she rolled them over so she was on top of him. "We'll resume this later Gage," she smiled as both her arms held tight around his neck while she kissed him. She could feel his hands move up her thighs pulling her nightgown up as they moved until he was able to give her behind a quick slap.
"If you insist Shorty."
"Francis come on if you want any breakfast," Julie called from outside their door.
Syd gave Gage an I told you so look as he called, "Pour the coffee we'll be right there."
Fifteen minutes later Gage sat spooning sugar into his coffee with Sydney beside him. "So what's up for today?" she asked.
"Michael has a full day planned for us," Julie volunteered nodding at Michael to explain.
"I thought we would do a little shopping at the Straw Market, sample some of the local cuisine and try a little swimming," Michael recited the itinerary.
"Then we'd better get started if you expect us to do all that," Gage smiled gulping his coffee.
"Now he's in a hurry," Syd laughed rolling her eyes at her husband standing to follow him.
Departing the boat Michael hailed a cab telling the driver they were headed to Bay and Market streets.
"You're going to do some shopping are you?" the driver asked looking in the rear view mirror. Gage couldn't help think that the man's eyes were fixed on Syd. "You have beautiful long black hair Miss," he continued, "you should have it braided in cornrows and beads. They can do it for you in the market."
"Thanks," Syd smiled back, "I'll give it some thought."
Gage remained silent but took her hand in his all the same protectively holding it.
"Here we are," the cab driver announced a few moments later, "You have a real nice time shopping and for your whole stay."
A lighting from the taxi Gage put his arm around his wife holding her to him watching the car pull away to be lost in the traffic. The driver moved down the street a couple of blocks before pulling over. He looked around for a moment then pulled a new cell phone from his shirt pocket with a slip of paper. Opening the paper her read the number written there and then dialed. "Hello it's me. I did as you asked they went to the Market to shop."
Keeping his arm around her they started down the street Michael and Julie wandering ahead of them, as they looked at the wares in the brightly coloured booths. "Something wrong Gage?" Syd asked stopping to stand in front of him.
Resting his hands on her shoulders he looked into her face before speaking, "I just have an uneasy feeling like we are being watched. That someone is keeping tabs on us tabs on you." His hands had moved easily to her face holding her, caressing her for a moment before leaning down to kiss her not caring who was watching them.
~~~~~
From the back seat of a chauffeur driven car a pair of eyes watched Gage kiss his wife. "I have them in sight sir," the woman spoke into a phone as she watched out the car window. "Yes sir DuBois and his fiancée, her brother and his wife. Sir we could easily… I understand sir… yes I'll keep an eye on them sir." She hung up the phone thinking what tedious work glaring viciously at Sydney and Gage knowing that DuBois was only an excuse for the real target. "Keep close but make sure we aren't spotted," she called to her driver.
"Yes ma'am," he responded edging the car further along the street.
~~~~~
"I don't think I have anything to worry about with you around," she told him her face looking up into his while he leaned his forehead against hers.
"Seriously Honey you don't feel like we are being followed?"
"I didn't say I didn't feel like we were being watched but if you recall I told you I refuse to let anything spoil our trip."
"Braid your hair?" an old woman very colourfully dressed a straw hat atop her head and her glasses perched on the end of her nose approached them.
"You know Gage I think I'd like to have my hair braided," Syd smiled at her husband. "Why don't you go on with Julie and Michael and I'll catch up to you?"
"How bout I just tell them we'll catch up to them at lunch?" he replied adding, "I just don't feel comfortable taking my eyes off of you."
"I can take care of myself you know or did you forget that because we aren't in Dallas?"
"Humour me I like to feel I'm protecting you," he told her with a wink.
Julie and Michael had wandered back to where they stood the woman standing a few feet away waiting for a decision on the hair.
"Why don't you guys go on ahead with out us Syd has decided to take our cabby's advice."
"Sure we'll meet you at lunch then," Michael stated and the rest agreed.
"You come right this way we'll make you look like you belong to the island," the woman who had all ready put her arm through Syd's and was leading her to a seat in her shop, Gage trailing behind her. Calling out she summoned three more girls who immediately went to work on Sydney's hair.
"What do we do now Miss Francine?" the car's driver asked as they watched Julie and Michael continue down the street and Gage enter with Syd into the woman's booth.
"Let me out," Francine hissed at her driver. "You continue to follow DuBois and I'll keep watch over the brother and sister-in-law.
"Very good ma'am," the chauffeur agreed pulling the car to a stop where Francine pushed the car door open herself and stepped out into the heat and bustle of the busy market. She made her way to the booth were the Gages were pretending to look at the wares in the booth beside them keeping her eyes on what happened inside the booth.
The old woman who ran the booth that did the braiding fixed her attention on Gage. "You buy some antique beads for the lady's hair." It was more a statement then a question. "Look I'll show you," she said taking Gage by the arm as she had Sydney a few moments before. He gazed over his shoulder for a moment more before letting the woman lead him to a counter containing a display that was kept under lock and key. Gage glanced over once again to Syd who was smiling and talking with the girls braiding her hair.
"This barrette would be perfect for your wife is it?" the woman inquired as she lifted the ivory and gold piece in her hand.
"Yes my wife," Gage smiled back looking at the piece that was being held out to him.
"It is very beautiful like she is. She could wear it with her hair braided or not." She continued her sales pitch leaning a little closer to Gage with the piece. Suddenly she lowered her voice rasping out, "Keep close watch on her she is being followed."
"By who?" Gage asked letting his eyes sweep the crowded street of tourists, vendors and island residence.
"These beads will match perfectly," the woman prattled on showing Gage a small satchel of gold and ivory beads as she let her eyes advert from side to side shaking her head. Once again she lowered her voice, "I do not know who I just know that an evil presence is among us and they mean harm to you and your wife.
Any other time Gage would have sceptically laughed it off but the more the woman spoke the more her unknown evil presence began to crowd his mind and thoughts
"I'll take both," Gage absently said pulling money out of his pocket to make the purchase.
"Sylvie," she called to one of the girls, "can you put these in the lady's hair."
The girl came over and retrieved the items from her boss setting to work with the other two to fix them into Sydney's hair.
Francine Boisvert glanced over where Gage stood and back down at the wooden sculptures the vendor of the booth was selling.
The three girls working on Syd's hair were amazingly fast and in a little over an hours time they had her hair finished. They had taken the braids at the top and a few from the sides and clasped them at the back of her head with the barrette Gage had bought for her leaving the rest to hang long at the sides and back.
"That you under there Syd?" Gage asked smiling at her.
"Yeah neat isn't it?" she replied with a question hoping he liked it as much as she did.
"You look like a whole new wife," he teased and she poked her fingers hard into his ribs. "Nope same old Syd."
"Heed my warning now," the old woman stated again before letting a smile come to her face adding, "Enjoy your time with us."
Gage returned the smile saying nothing as they walked away. "Okay Gage out with it," Syd demanded.
"It's nothing really," he tried to shrug it off.
"If it's nothing really then tell me what she was talking about."
"When she was showing me the things for your hair she warned me that an evil presence was after you," Gage finally got out feeling foolish for entertaining the idea there maybe something to it at all.
"An evil presence ay?" Syd asked looking teasingly at him.
"With everything that has been happening Syd it wasn't that hard to believe," he tried to defend himself.
"Come on Gage I still have lots of shopping to do here," she joked lacing her arm around his waist.
They moved through the shops and booths looking at all they had to offer. Gage would be the first to admit that he wasn't much of a shopper his real pleasure in this excursion was watching his wife and indulging her in her whims. By the end Gage was carrying a multitude of packages containing everything from jewellery to perfume, crystal to fine linens and even woollens and sweaters.
"Do you think we could possibly go find Julie and Michael for lunch?" he finally pleaded with her.
Standing on tiptoes she placed a straw hat on his head and kissed him, "You getting tired of shopping Hon?"
"No just getting hungry," he replied which was a half truth.
"We had better go feed you then," she smiled kissing him again before putting her arm through his and holding on tight.
They had both relaxed the thought of impending danger pushed to the back of their minds for the moment. Walking hand in hand they passed by a richly dressed woman, she turned her gaze on them falling into step a few paces behind.
Michael and Julie had just arrived back at the 'Precious Jules' the same time as the Gages. Raising her hand Julie called out to them and waved. Julie had Michael laden down with as many parcels and packages as Sydney had Gage toting.
"I'm shopping for my wedding," Julie told Syd as the two of them walked up the gangway leaving Gage and Michael to manage on their own.
"I didn't realize I needed an excuse," Syd replied both women laughing.
"After quickly depositing the purchases on board and grabbing swimsuits for the afternoon's adventure, that Michael was keeping secret, they all piled into a second cab to take them to lunch.
Before much longer both couples were seated comfortably at a table enjoying a delicious lunch of Bahamian boiled fish, kettle lobster, clams, mussels and shrimp accompanied by Bahamian Johnny cake potato and homemade bread.
"Man I'm going to need a nap after all this," Gage announced leaning back in his chair and patting his stomach.
"Nobody said you had to finish off everyone else's plate little brother," Julie teased him.
"Did you just want good food to go to waste Jules?" he asked with a straight face remembering back to the days when the two of them didn't have enough to eat.
Reaching over Julie took his hand in hers and gently squeezed it softly murmuring, "never," the same memories clouding her thoughts too.
Glancing at his watch Michael informed them they had better get a move on if they hoped to get to Paradise island and catch the boat to take them to Blue Lagoon Island. Hurrying to pay the check they quickly hailed a cab once more and headed to Paradise Island Ferry.
"So where are you taking us to swim?" Gage quizzed Julie but getting nowhere asked the same question of Michael.
"This is something Julie and I did last time we were here and Julie thought that you guys would probably love it as much as we did," he informed Gage still not telling him anything new.
"Hey guys I'm no further ahead here," Gage, challenged them again.
"Stop being a Texas Ranger for just one minute and relax Frankie," Julie scolded him as the car pulled to a stop.
Getting out of the cab Michael went to check on their reservations while the rest waited patiently.
Francine Boisvert sat comfortably once again in her chauffeur driven car watching them. She pulled her phone and reported the latest development in to her superior. "The catamaran will be back by six. Yes I'll pick up the surveillance then." She hung up the phone glancing at her watch she thought another fifteen minutes and they'll be on their way and I'll be relaxing with a nice cool daiquiri. She glanced out the tinted car window as DuBois joined the rest of them and they walked towards the dock to board. She smiled thinking again to herself this is nothing but pure folly.
"Swimming with the dolphins, you guys have actually done this?" Gage asked looking at his sister and her fiancée.
"Yep and it was so much fun you guys are going to love it," Julie smiled at the two of them.
Slinging his arm around Syd he retorted, "Lead on we're ready for anything." Syd nodded her head in ready agreement as they followed Julie and Michael on board.
Making there way up to the top deck they took places along the rail Syd stood in front of Gage with his arms around her letting his chin rest on the top of her head. Both gazed out over the blue expanse of water the seagulls flying overhead screaming out to the tourists below.
Leaning into her husband Syd turned her head slightly and sighed, "it's like we are a million miles from home. I could stay this way for ever with you Gage."
Tightening his arms around her he gently kissed the top of her head the same feeling coming over him. They looked over to Michael and Julie, he had his arms around her in a similar fashion and she leaned against him the wind blowing their hair back. Michael had leaned down placing a kiss against her temple causing Gage to smile. He knew in his heart that Julie had found the happiness with Michael that he had with Syd.
The twenty-five minute boat ride over to Blue Lagoon Island seemed that it lasted only a few seconds before they were disembarking and heading to change into their swimsuits.
"Man I could stay on vacation all the time just to see you in that swimsuit every day Syd," Gage teased.
A pink blush went totally over Syd as she uttered, "Gage!"
"All right folks if I could have everyone over here now," one of the guides was asking. After a few minutes of instruction everyone was in the water and the dolphins were actually swimming among them. The trainer was giving instruction that they all followed and to everyone's delight the dolphins joined in the fun.
"All right everyone put your hands above your head," the trainer was calling, "we're going to do the hula." Immediately the group put their hands in the air and began to sway in the water. The dolphins popped their heads out of the water mimicking the people.
The thirty minutes allotted for the swim went very fast and before long the time was up and dolphins and people alike were waving good-bye.
"Michael, Julie that was so much fun," Syd called to them as they grabbed their towels to dry off.
"Ditto for me," Gage added that was a real experience.
"I knew you would love it," Julie beamed then turning to her fiancée as she spoke continued, "I loved it my first time too."
Syd and Gage looked at each other and smiled as Michael's arm went around Julie as if she and he were the only ones on the entire island. Drawing her close her arms went around his neck and they passionately kissed.
"Ah young love," Gage laughed as he put his arm around his own wife then poked his sister in her ribs as they passed by them.
"Francis!"
"Love you too Jules," he laughed.
Back At The Precious Jules
It was close to seven when they got back to the docks and the boat. "Our dinner reservations aren't until nine," Michael informed them.
"Syd why don't you go below and I'll give Trivette a call back," Gage suggested. "I won't be long." He winked at her as his hand went to her backside grabbing hold of her and squeezing gently.
Grabbing his hand she turned in his arms giving him one of her best behave yourself Gage looks. "You better not be," she told him giving him a quick kiss and heading for the stairs below.
Gage watched her go his eyes lingering on her until she disappeared then he turned to go up top to the wheelhouse stopping as he caught sight of a black car with tinted windows. He moved to the railing to have a closer look and the car moved off. "You are getting paranoid Gage," he told himself not being able to help the feeling that car had been following them all day.
Shaking his head again he headed up to the top deck once more. "Captain Lynch could I put another call through to Dallas?"
"Certainly Mr. Gage, the same number as last time?" the captain asked.
"Yes thank you," he replied looking out the window at the numerous cruise ships on the horizon.
"Your call sir," the captain stated causing Gage to turn from the window and take the phone.
"Gage I didn't think you loved me any more," Trivette teased.
"Give me some good news and I'll let you know," Gage came back with.
"Well partner the 'Martillo De Blarney' is bad news. She is the most feared pirate ship in and about those parts always just that much ahead of the law. If she decides to attack then you are as good as dead she seldom takes prisoners and blows the ship to kingdom come. Captain Philippe Martez who just happens to be half brother to Anton Westfield pilots her. Now Mr. Westfield he is a busy boy too. Rumour has it that he has quite an illustrious smuggling operation going on, everything from rare gems to heroin. He is suppose to have some sort of island hideaway that he uses as a clearing house for his operations."
Gage gave a low whistle as he began to digest what Trivette was telling him.
"So care to tell me what's going on?" Trivette asked his friend.
"Nothing much really I had a little scuffle with Westfield when he made a move on Syd and we've seen what was left of an attack of the 'Martillo De Blarney'. I just thought I should know a little bit about who these people were that's all.
"Gage don't you go getting into any trouble now stay clear of these people," Trivette warned.
"When have you ever known Syd and I to get into trouble?"
"Syd I'm not to worried about but there are two Gages on board that boat and I know that Julie has trouble follow her around as much as you."
"We are on vacation and that is from trouble too," Gage laughed as he said good-bye to his friend.
Thanking Captain Lynch Gage headed below to join Syd. He could hear the water running in the shower as he opened the door to their cabin. Smiling he began to peal his clothes as he walked towards the bathroom to search through the steam to find her. Opening the small shower compartment he stepped inside with her, her back to him as she leaned her head on her arms against the wall enjoying the hot beads of water that pounded down on her. Putting his arm around her waist Gage drew Syd up against him and reaching for the mesh sponge, that was all ready soaped up, rubbed it across her shoulder. She purred against the feel the soapy suds running off her shoulder to her breast.
Leaning forward Gage let his lips caress her neck ever so lightly hearing her purr turn to a soft moan of anticipation. He brought the sponge across her breast leaving a trail of satiny suds there stopping for a moment to tease her erect nipple with the soapy mesh before gently squeezing the hard button between his finger and thumb.
"Umm Gage," she softly cried falling back against him as he continued to toy with her.
Reaching her hand above her head she caught hold of his neck and pulled him down to her as she craned her neck around leaning her head back to catch his lips with hers. His tongue plunged playfully into her mouth as he felt himself growing harder for her.
The sponge dropped from his hand as Syd twisted around to face him taking him into another lingering passionate kiss. Her hard nipples rubbed across his chest as she stood on tiptoes and breaking the kiss brought her lips to his ear to whisper, "Please Gage I want you so badly."
Positioning his hands on her backside he lifted her lowering her on himself. She cried a small cry feeling him hard inside her, her legs and arms wrapping tightly around him. She trembled in spite of herself suddenly giving way to the love and emotion she felt for this man. Leaning back his strong arms held her, as she pulled hard in release.
He pulled Syd up to him his lips catching hers again pushing his tongue inside her mouth another torrid kiss crashing within them. She clung to Gage as he began to move inside her his hands holding her tiny waist moving her up and down. Her emotions were soaring again taking Gage with her this time, he cried out to her as she cried out to him and they clung tightly to each other the water still pounding down on them.
Slowly Gage dropped Syd to the floor of the shower and turned the water off. He reached for one of the plush towels and wrapped it around her body rubbing his hands over her to dry her. She leaned against him her arms going around his neck the towel the only thing separating them; looking into his face she solemnly whispered to him, "I think it's time."
"Michael said the reservations weren't until nine."
"Not for dinner Gage," she smiled into her husband's face.
"Okay I'll bite, time for what Syd?"
"Time to start working on those dozen or so kids you think we should have," she simply stated.
"Syd you're not kidding around here are you? You really want to do this?" Gage was asking becoming more excited with each question.
"I saw the doctor before we left and she says I'm in perfect health and…" She was unable to continue Gage's mouth was covering hers, lifting her to take her to bed for round two.
Later…
Sydney and Gage sat on the deck waiting for Julie and Michael. "I think you are finally rubbing off on your sister Gage. Either that or it is just the men in our lives that make us late."
"Either way on this Syd I think I'm coming up the looser," Gage retorted.
"Honey it is one of your few faults," she smiled widely at him getting up to plant herself on his knee.
"Are we interrupting something here?" Michael asked as he and Julie suddenly appeared.
"I was just doing a little cuddling with my husband," Syd replied her eyes never leaving Gage's face.
"Julie I don't know what spell you Gages have over Sydney and I but I hope it lasts forever," Michael told her bending to kiss her cheek. "If we are ready everyone…" he said moving so Julie could precede him down the gangway to the dock.
Sydney stood as did Gage, he took hold of her shoulders and whispered, "I'll always love you Syd."
Once more the foursome hailed a cab and made their way to one of the hotels on Paradise Island for dinner and dancing. "Man Shorty we are going to have to work out every day for a month straight when we get back from this vacation," Gage declared leaning back and patting his stomach for the second time that day.
"Oh no we are going to wear this dinner off right now Gage," Syd informed him, "Hear that music they are playing our song."
"Syd no I can't, really I can't," he tried to protest as she stood pulling on his hand. "Julie, Michael help."
"Your pleas are falling on deaf ears little brother get up and dance with your wife," Julie prodded.
"Hey I'm staying out of this all together," Michael wisely stated holding his hands up.
"Gage," Syd stood in front of him her eyebrow raised. He stood up taking her hand to lead her onto the dance floor. Taking her in his arms they swayed around the floor a moment later Michael and Julie joining them.
"Another daiquiri," Francine ordered from the bartender once again turning the barstool so she could fix her eyes on the four people on the dance floor she was charged to watch. Her phone rang, "yes," she answered. "Enjoying an evening out sir. Yes I'll stick with it until they return to the 'Precious Jules'. She hung up the phone and picked up her drink lifting it in a mock toast to the two couples on the floor.
Making their way back to the table Gage pulled Syd's chair out for her and turned to Julie, "How bout I see how many times I can step on your feet Jules?"
"Why Francis you wish to dance with me?" his sister teased.
"Get over here before I change my mind," he scolded grabbing her hand and pulling her along.
"They're close aren't they?" Michael asked.
"They don't get much closer they were all they had for a very long time, they looked out for each other and still do," Syd smiled watching her husband with his sister.
"I'm honoured to be allowed to be part of this close knit family," Michael confessed to Syd, "I love Julie so much she's just so, so…"
"Michael you don't need to explain believe me I know how you feel, Gage and I both do even if he hasn't said it yet."
"Thanks Sydney it means a lot," Michael murmured as they turned their attention to Julie and Gage.
"Well Jules I think you've found a real keeper here," Gage said to his sister.
"Thanks Frankie you don't know how much I wanted you to like Michael. I love him so much…"
"I know you do Julie he is to you what Syd is to me. I know he is your happiness and that is what matters the most."
Julie threw her arms around Gage and hugged him tight. "I couldn't get a better brother," she whispered as Gage hugged her back.
Looking over to Michael Syd smiled saying, "See I told you you've officially been excepted into this family."
Onboard the 'Precious Jules'
"All right I'll do as you ask," Captain Lynch confirmed to a sinister voice on the phone, "just make sure none of the suspicion falls on me. We are going to set sail for San Juan Puerto Rico as soon as DuBois and his party return. The money what about the money?"
"Don't worry Captain the money will be deposited in your account as soon as the job is done," the heavily accented voice confirmed. "You just keep up your end of the bargain." The line went dead.
~~~~~
"Why wouldn't you trust me to get Michael to the church on time Julie?" Gage asked as they got out of the cab.
"I didn't say I didn't trust you I just said I'd have to make sure there were no major televised sporting events that day," she retaliated. Syd put her hand over her mouth to keep from laughing out loud thinking his sister knew her husband well.
"Julie I think you're pretty safe as long as the Cowboys aren't playing," Syd giggled.
"Yeah or the Rangers, Astros, Oilers, or Stars not to mention motor cross." Julie paused for a moment before asking, "Did I leave anything out?"
"All right Julie you made your point," Gage was laughing now as he spoke. They all headed on board the 'Precious Jules' continuing to enjoy their evening.
"Mr. DuBois," Captain Lynch's voice interrupted them, "We've been given clearance if you are ready we can set sail."
"Thank you Captain take us out of port then by all means," Michael instructed the man.
"Very good sir," Captain Lynch replied. Waving to his second the engines suddenly began to power up with everyone snapping into action. Before they knew it the 'Precious Jules' was slowly navigating out to the open sea.
"The 'Precious Jules' is pulling out of port sir… Yes all four are aboard sir… Thank you sir… Good night to you too sir." Francine hung up her phone watching out the window until the yacht had disappeared from sight. Turning back to her driver she simple said, "They have left our island we can go home."
Julie and Michael had said good night and gone below leaving Syd and Gage standing at the railing at the back of the boat watching the lights of Nassau slowly disappear behind them.
The further they got from shore the inkier the night became if Gage hadn't had his arms around Syd he wouldn't have known exactly where she was it was that dark.
A nervous tremor passed through Syd in the form of a shiver and Gage pulled her closer. "All right Honey?" he asked hugging her tight to him.
"Yeah," she slowly said a cool gale wind catching her as if in warning, "It was just that feeling that came over me the first afternoon before we found the 'Lucky Lady'. I'm sure it's nothing," she told him turning in his arms trying to relax trying to let her husband absorb her fears.
"Come on Shorty I'm taking you below," he whispered letting his lips brush her forehead.
"No lets stay here just a little longer," she coaxed snuggling closer into his chest his arms folding around her once again. They stood in silence listening to the constant purr of the boat's engines and the water being cut by their craft as it steamed ahead.
"Did you enjoy today Gage?" Syd asked.
"Shh," he whispered bringing his fingers to her lips. They stood silently again for a few moments.
"What is it?" she softly questioned.
"The waves crashing on the beach," he absently told her.
"Should we be that close to land? And should I be worried?"
Gage stood silent leaving her questions unanswered once again listening. She followed suit trying to pick up on what her husband was hearing.
"Honey stay here I'll be right back I'm going up top to talk to Captain Lynch for a minute," Gage told her backing her up away from the railing to a deck chair.
"No way I'm coming with you I'm not staying here in the dark by myself," she insisted staying hot on his heels.
"What's the matter Syd scared of the dark?" he asked reaching for her hand as they made their way up top.
They could see the captain in the light of the wheelhouse as their heads cleared the top deck he was on the phone and his conversation was anything but calm. They didn't have time to speculate on the problem a sudden jar from the boat hitting bottom almost tossed them from the narrow stairs.
"Syd?"
"I'm right behind you," she called back allowing Gage to bolt up the remaining steps.
"What's going on?" he questioned Lynch pulling open the door to the wheelhouse to let himself in.
"Someone has set the navigation wrong," the captain called back fighting to turn the wheel and send them to open seas. The yacht lurched to the side throwing Sydney against Gage who caught her in his arms to steady her. The engines went into full power propelling the ship away from the shore to the open water.
"How do you think that happened?" Gage asked still concerned about the trouble they would have been in if the boat had run aground.
"I don't know I'm just glad I caught it in time," Captain Lynch nervously replied not facing either Gage or Sydney. He kept his eyes into the dark night and his hands clenched tightly on the wheel. "I think I have everything under control now why don't you and Mrs. Gage go below and relax."
Sydney eyed Gage's face she could tell that he didn't trust Captain Lynch's word. "Yeah maybe we'll do that," he spoke his eyes focusing on the open water ahead of them his gripe tightening on Syd.
"What's that out there?" Gage was questioning Lynch again squinting at what looked like a light in the distance.
"Guess I won't know until I get to it," Lynch sarcastically retorted.
"Ever hear of the radio?" Gage asked as the light began closing in on them. "Its another ship hail them."
"I suggest you go below and let me handle things Mr. Gage," the Captain was all but shouting now.
"I think we'll stay right here until we get a few answers," Gage glared back at Lynch.
"Captain this is the 'Martillo De Blarney' we are pulling along side you prepare to be boarded," a heavily Spanish accented voice crackled over the radio.
Both Sydney and Gage stared at the captain in disbelief the distance between the two ships narrowing.
"Turn the wheel Captain and head back to Nassau," Gage ordered grabbing up the radio at the same time.
"You have no authority here…" Lynch shouted being cut off by Gage as he shouted back.
"I have every authority Captain when our lives are in danger." Clicking on the radio he answered the pirate ship, "'Martillo De Blarney' this is the 'Precious Jules' stand down we will not be boarded."
The Captain made a lunge at Gage quickly finding himself pinned to the floor by Syd. Gage quickly turned and helped her secure the captain instructing her, "get on the radio and see if you can get us some help while I see if I can remember anything about sailing a boat"
Syd picked up the radio Gage could hear her calling, "Mayday, Mayday, we are under attack, Mayday." He began turning the wheel of the yacht to send them back towards Nassau sending her full steam ahead into the black night.
"Syd have a look at these charts and see if you can pinpoint where exactly we are," he called to her as she scanned over the charts and maps in front of her, her voice still calling, "Mayday."
Suddenly a voice was back on the radio, " 'Precious Jules' this is Captain Philippe Martez of the 'Martillo De Blarney' stop and prepare to be boarded or suffer the consequences."
Gage ignored the warning pushing the yacht to her limits in an effort to out run the pirate ship that was closing in fast.
"They will kill us all if you don't stop," Lynch was shouting at Gage, Syd's foot striking him in the head to silence him as she continued to call for help.
"They'll kill us either way," Gage called out to Syd looking behind them the 'Martillo De Blarney' almost on top of them.
Without warning there was a loud explosion that deafened the quiet night, rocking the whole ship and knocking the partners to the floor.
"Syd, Syd are you all right," Gage shouted trying to make his way towards where he had last seen her. The ship was lurching badly to the right and had been plunged into darkness; the smell of smoke was filling his nostrils.
"Gage."
He could hear Syd calling to him and called out to her again. "Where are you Syd?"
"Right hear Gage," she cried out as he made his way to her.
"Are you all right?"
"Yeah. You?" she answered all ready hearing evidence that the 'Martillo De Blarney' had pulled long side them and her men were coming aboard.
They could hear the voices of the pirates, the voice of Philippe Martez ordering his men to go below and bring them up. "You know the prize," his voice carried to them.
A moment later they could hear Michael's voice, "What do you want?"
"Your life," Martez sneered as they heard a gun going off and Julie's screams as her fiancée was murdered in front of her.
"Michael," she cried out again and again Gage and Sydney made their way out on the deck. There was a splash into the water the body being dumped in.
"Hey she's escaping one of the captors yelled as a second splash could be heard as Julie dived into the water after Michael. The chilling sounds of automatic guns firing into the water trying to hit her came next.
Gage was scrambling to his feet Sydney had tackle him to keep him for rushing into an instant capture or death. "Gage we have to get off this boat and into the water to look for her," she hissed at her husband over the din from the deck below.
"Enough," Martez shouted the sharks will get her if we didn't. "Find the little Chiquita and take what ever else you can find I want this job finished."
"Are you sure they got back on the ship?" another asked.
"Francine does not make mistakes," Martez told them glancing around at his men daring them to defy his word.
"I just know that an evil presence is among us and they mean harm to you and your wife." The words of the old woman in the market came back to Gage; he knew that evil presence was on this ship and that they meant to have his wife. Grabbing her hand he headed to the front of the ship.
They looked over the railing at the front to the deck below seeing no one they began to climb over when suddenly Captain Lynch shouted out, "There up here quick they are escaping."
"Jump Syd," Gage shouted as his feet hit the deck below a half dozen men running to where he waited for her. More men were running towards them as Syd's feet hit the deck. They tried to fight their way to the railing to dive into the water below using all the considerable skill they had.
Climbing to the rail Gage reached back to grab her hand to pull her over with him just as a shot was fired. It caught his shoulder and propelled him over and into the water below. He could hear Sydney screaming for him screaming his name as he plunged into the depths of the dark salt water.
Immediately three of the pirates were on her there were too many and too strong for her. She prayed she could get free and plunge into the water like Julie had gone in after Michael. Once again the men opened fire on the water Syd's screams of, "No," sounding over and over never ceasing to fight against her captors.
Martez came to stand in front of her grabbing her hair he drove his fist into her face knocking her cold, silencing her. "Get her on board the 'Martillo De Blarney' lock her in my cabin and get ready to blow the 'Precious Jules' '" he said contempt in his voice.
His command was carried out without question; Syd was taken on board the 'Martillo De Blarney'.
"Hey somebody untie me," Captain Lynch called from above where he had been left.
"Captain Lynch," Martez addressed him, "I think not you are a traitor and a coward I have no room on my ship for the likes of you." With that he drew his gun and killed the captain with a single shot.
A few moments more the pirate ship was moving away as if she had never been there. Martez's men worked on her deck readying the cannon slowly they brought the ship around and fired directly hitting the 'Precious Jules' leaving nothing but a few pieces of her deck and a few bodies floating in the ocean.
TBC