Chapter Seven: Arrival Searches and Schemes
This is a short chapter that may seem like filler but is necessary. It was hard to write because had to decide how deep I wanted it. It also took a long time because I began working extremely long hours in addition to working on a book to get published. However, I have a hell of a lot more time on my hands and the next two chapters will get done faster. When they are finished I will post them up almost immediately. Thanks for the patience.
To my readers: Captain-Ammie: Thanks for your support and placing my storing in your C2. I was honored by such a gesture.
Windsbride: please do continue to read and happy that you discovered my story.
Willz: Glad you enjoy it and I hope that you continue to do so.
Smithy: His mama was Irish.
Johnny-cakes-Depp: Come back a read some more.
And Anon and Stormy: Glad you viewed the story and I hope you continue reading.
To all my reviewers and readers, I appreciate you reading my story and for those who do, taking the time to comment. Keep it coming.
Governor Swann felt like a slug moving towards the dock to greet Admiral Martin Norrington. It has been a helluva two days since James disappearance. No evidence or indication has been found so far of the man's fate. Swann is beside himself with grief and worry and the town is frightened beyond comprehension. Gillette and Groves are working their tails off to make assurances to the people of their safety but with each passing hour that the Commodore isn't found the faith of the people is slowly being eroded.
The Governor himself hasn't been able to say much to the people in regards to James' disappearance. But he then reluctantly let the town know of the arrival of the Admiral, a man he himself had personally made sure would be not be berth in Port Royal. The news managed to calm people slightly but those who had lived in Port Royal for more than ten years knew how notorious Martin Norrington is. He left a bitter taste in many people's mouth and they don't relish the idea of him having any authority in Port Royal again but it cannot be helped. Swann has to protect the town and at the same time find out the younger Norrington's fate otherwise his authority would be seriously called into question.
He stands at the pier where he could watch the debarking of the crates and various other supplies. On the deck he notices the Admiral walking briskly back and forth barking at some of the men like they are common dogs on the street. Unrefined bastard thinks Swann before he changes his expression. Admiral Norrington and clan are now walking off the ship.
Martin glances in the direction of the fool who had him replaced for his brother and notices that his brother didn't bother to greet him. He snorts not really caring. It is hotter than hell just as I remember. Maybe I should have worn the lighter suit. As it is he has on metal gray jacket and white pants. Shrugging and shaking his head he resisted the urge to wipe his brow as he descended. Once on land he assists his wife with the last few steps, followed by his sons. Taking the lead he approaches the Governor taking note of the strained expression on his face. Then he notices that the expression is not his exclusively. By the way the town solders are acting, Martin begins to get the impression something is afoot.
"The town seems empty," says his wife in a prim yet clipped voice. She has absolutely no love for Port Royal or the Caribbean in general. However, she did think that the boys needed to expand their horizons. In addition, her husband was rather insisting, stating that he wanted to look at property for his future retirement. Monica knew if she had to be in Port Royal that she would want to at least pick out a decent location.
Craig and Ian came bounding down the plank hitting each other nearly knocking one another off the pier followed by a slip of a girl dressed in a blue and white nurses dress that went just above her ankles. The girl was probably the nanny. However, a harsh look from their mother ends the antics. Craig glances around saying in his changing voice, "Where's uncle James?"
Martin nearly sneered. He hates that his oldest son has any affinity for James but for some reason in the whole two times Craig has seen James, the boy has responded positively to him. Martin can't figure how a son of his could have any affection for James Norrington but now was not the time to school the boy in the finer points of family politics. It didn't help that he wanted to know the same thing himself.
"Your uncle is probably off mismanaging the Island…"
"Martin…" sighs Monica. She isn't found of James either but she didn't want her son to think that they can question James Norrington's reputation. The fact is it can get them further in life than their own father a fact that annoys Martin to no end.
"Humpf," Martins says walking briskly towards the Governor.
When they meet, hands are extended and shook along with the preliminary introductions.
"It's good to see you. Safe journey? Asked Swann
"It was fine, quite enjoyable for me and the boys. It was a bit trying for the wife."
Swann nodded smiling briefly at the woman attending her sons. Swann overhears one asking about James and he was quickly silenced. Martin however picked up the point.
"Yes, where is the Commodore?" his tone is quite mocking especially when he say's James' title.
Gov. Swann could hear the sneer and judgment in Martin's voice. He sighed before saying, "I have the misfortunate duty of telling you that James is missing, maybe even dead."
There was a collective gasp from the Norringtons, however a glint of delight alit Martin's eyes that the Governor didn't fail to miss.
After Swann delivered the news of James' disappearance, he quickly ushered them into the two nearby carriages. Once away from the docks and prying ears, in the private carriage for Martin, Monica who insisted on riding with her husband and the Governor, Swann explained to Martin the events that occurred prior to Martin's arrival. He initially skipped over the bloody clothes but relented when Martin insisted. Monica looked slightly faint, wondering about their safety. Martin quickly dismissed her concerns and informed the Governor that he be included in the investigation and search. The Governor grudgingly agreed saying it was necessary. By then they were at James' residence. The Governor invited them to dinner and they accepted.
The dinner is formal at the Governor's Mansion. The son's of Martin Norrington are with the Nanny at James' house. Martin refused the invitation of Governor Swann to stay at his domicile, stating that his family didn't wish to impose. The Governor insisted that there would be no imposition but Martin stood firm as Swann suspected. The Governor didn't like the idea of it but assumed that it would happen therefore before the arrival of the Norringtons, Governor Swann gave explicit instructions to James' butler, Avery, to remove anything of value and placed it in a safe. Anything that could not be placed in a safe was transported to the Governor's Mansion.
The Governor sat at the head of his table in his dark blue formal attire and evening coiffure with three rolls on either side. He had the table reduced in size for the small group he was having for dinner. To his left is Elizabeth in a warm blue and white color dress, then Will, in a dark formal suit. Next to Will is Lt. Gillete. To the Governor's right is Admiral Norrington, his wife Monica and Lt. Groves. At the moment dinner has been served and Gillete is recounting the story of James' investigation, the discoveries and James' disappearance.
"My brother is a bloody idiot. This incident goes to show how thoroughly incompetent he is."
Swann sighed preventing both Elizabeth and Will from interjecting. "I believe that is an unfair characterization. James worked diligently on this case and his breakthroughs have explained the nature of the killer's mind. Although why the killer chose James is beyond me…"
"That is because the connection is weak at best. The plantation was destroyed over eleven years ago. I remember because the smoke could be seen to the shore of Port Royal. But more importantly the slaves were all executed for the savagery that took place. No my asinine brother missed something and according to you it probably has gotten him killed…"
"That is just ridiculous," snapped Elizabeth. She couldn't take the pompous fool at the table any longer, "Besides from what I have learned about the Sadler Plantation makes me wonder about the sanity of the Crown at that time. The way they treated those poor slaves was horrible."
"Stay out of conversations you don't understand missy. You were too young to understand the workings of a plantation and by your statements it is obvious that you haven't learned it yet."
The Governor huffed but Will cut in first, "First of all, please refrain from insulting my fiancé and the Governor with your rude comments…"
"Please forgive my husband. He is just upset about the news…" Monica tried to say.
"Don't apologize for me woman. And did you say fiancé?"
Will held his head higher, "Yes. Elizabeth and I are to be married in a few days…"
"Wait! I thought my brother was to be betrothed to your daughter?"
The Governor nodded, "Yes, but James released Elizabeth from her obligation when he realized…" he wanted a diplomatic way of saying it but under the circumstance couldn't find one, "she expressed that her feelings were elsewhere."
Martin barked out a cruel laugh that turned into a continuous ranker for a minute. His wife blushed at his behavior but couldn't stop the smile forming on her face when Martin shouted.
"He was upstaged by a blacksmith. An uncultured servant who doesn't even know how to speak to his betters! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I told father his younger son was no man. Too light on the feet to get a decent woman. The blacksmith! Wait until father hears this one." He wipes a tear from his eye.
Everyone at the table sat in various degrees of humiliation to outright anger. The Governor, though he likes Will never did get use to the idea of his daughter marrying beneath her station but accepted as she was all he had left. Explaining it to others though always left a bad taste in his mouth. Elizabeth felt both anger and guilt for she knows she just added further to James' pain and misery about the failed engagement. Will was just pissed. Not only has he been degraded but also this man has used him to degrade his brother further and James may be dead. It is apparent to Will that Martin could care less about James' fate or what caused it. Lt.'s Groves and Gillette were just angered on James' behalf.
After taking a deep breath he holds up a hand, "I do apologize for any insulted feelings but I just can't believe it."
"I made my choice and James was honorable enough to accept it," snapped Elizabeth.
"Honorable that would be the day. Pansy would be the better word and your father approved. Ha, if I had a daughter pull something like that…"
"But you don't and this my house, my daughter's wish and since your not offended on James' behalf, then I suggest you stop now before you insult someone else in my home! I will not allow my daughter or her choices be ridicule not at my table!" he slams down a fist making not only the table jump but also his wig.
Everyone is silent for a moment although Martin is red with mirthless humor. Sighing he says, "Maybe we need to call it a night Governor."
"Yes that would be wise," Swann said through gritted teeth.
Everyone stands and leaves the dining area. The Governor escorts the Admiral and his wife to the door.
"I will begin investigating at first light." Martin then bowed.
"That will be fine," said the Governor with a nod.
After they left Swann glanced up from the floor to find Will and Elizabeth staring at him.
"I know. He is a right bastard. That's why I requested that he leave when I became Governor. Absolutely atrocious that man is."
"I just can't believe something like him is a blood relation of James," said Will.
"That's Martin's problem. He can't believe it either." The Governor walks to his den. He needed a strong drink.
After settling his wife and children, Martin walks to the office that was once his but now in control of his missing brother. He finds the Commodore of the ship Calamity, Earl Richards waiting for him. Earl Richards is a plain looking man, with cold expressions and a taste for masculine company although like all respectable British gentlemen he is married with an heir. Martin and Earl have been colleagues and friends for years and share many a secret. Both find it in the others interest not to compromise the respective person's business.
Within minutes they find information about the plantation on James' desk and have read it more than once. Martin took particular interest in the file on the victims followed by the sketch made of the potential murderer.
"So the Governor was right, that fool brother of mind stumbled upon a good connection," whispered Martin.
Cmdre. Richards quirked his lips a bit, "Did he or the Governor put together the connection to you?"
Martin snorted, "No. And the Governor was too busy getting in a tether about the bad choices of his daughter…well maybe not. She chose to marry the local blacksmith over James. James let her. Isn't that interesting."
Earl raised an eyebrow and Martin secretly smiled. He knew of Earl's lust for his younger brother. He teased the man endlessly about it. Though Martin claims to the public that James may be queer, he does it for humiliation not because it's true. However Martin gets a certain kick out of watching Earl's hopes get dashed at the prospect.
"Why would he do that?"
"Because she didn't love him," Martin mimicked like a little girl. "He's a fool but a fool getting too close to the truth."
Earl nodded, "Who do you think committed the crimes?"
"I don't know. I could have sworn no one survived but it is possible this bloke did." He continued to stare at the drawing.
"You know, if James is alive that means he may have convinced his captor of his innocence and learned the truth," said Earl.
"So he can't come back alive especially if he knows the truth."
"And if he does come back…does know the truth?"
Martin glared at Earl before saying, "You know what has to be done."
"Can I amuse myself first?"
Martin snorts, "I don't give a damn what you do as long as the end result is final."
"Yes sir."
Damn, sorry about the mistakes. Did a little changingI hopeI got all of them now. nykky