Commandeering Commodore

Chapter 31

Will came into the galley and bid each man a good morning. He received a return good morning from the two men at the table but noticed the Commodore did not reply. "Well things must not be going well this morning." He thought to himself. He quietly skirted around the Commodore, noticing as he did the man was standing there with his eyes clenched shut and his lips were moving but no sound was being emitted. He fetched himself a cup of tea and went to find a seat at the table.

"Dare I ask what's bothering the Commodore?" he asked in a low tone looking from Jack to Teague and back.

"Ah dear William, not but trifles be wrong with 'em." Jack replied with a wave of his hands and a smile.

"I don't know Jack, he looks awfully upset about something."

"Might be the fact that Jackie just told him he smells a bit….flavorsome." Teague said with a smile.

"Jack you didn't!" Will said scoldingly.

"Nay he did exactly that young Turner." Teague said with a bigger grin.

"Only tellin the truth William." Jack said defensively.

"But Jack you surely knew that wasn't a very wise thing to do." Will answered reprovingly.

"Now William………." Jack started but was cut off by James.

"I would appreciate it greatly if you would desist in speaking about me as if I were not present." James said with irritation as he approached the table with a plate and his cup of tea. He placed said plate and cup on the table with enough force to rattle it, and then sat down and glared at the men seated around him.

"Sorry Commodore." Will said apologetically.

"Now Commodore……James surely yer aware that people talk about ya all the time when yer no where around, kinda hard to break old habits and all that." Jack said with a flop of his hands and a glinting smile at James.

James snorted and said, "But I am present now Captain, and would appreciate it if on this occasion you would address your comments to me."

"As ya wish James….although for the life of me I don't really thing they'd a been any different." Jack replied with a vague flop of his hand.

"Indeed!" James said gruffly as he attacked his breakfast.

After a few minutes of watching the Commodore Will said a bit hesitantly, "Are we returning to the tavern Commodore?"

"Yes Mr. Turner, we are." James said succinctly.

"Ah to be concluding yer business no doubt." Teague said.

James stopped with his fork half way to his mouth and peered at Teague, "And what would you know of our business?" his glance turning towards Jack, his gaze full of suspicion.

Jack raised both hands up in front of him as if declaring his innocence and said, "I've not said a thing Commodore."

"He's tellin the truth of it Commodore. I don't know, and don't care to know what your business here might be. I'm only here on account of when your business with Jackie is done we have a bit of business of our own to attend to."

James did not look convinced but returned to his breakfast. He thought to himself, "I will be more than happy when this is over and I am back in Port Royal."

Jack left the galley and sashayed off toward the deck, Teague followed a few minutes later. Will sat sipping his tea and trying not to stare at the Commodore.

"Mr. Turner, is there something you feel the need to say?" James said snappily, "Or perhaps you have some concern for the way I am eating my breakfast?"

"Sorry Commodore." Will said lowering his gaze to his cup.

James let out a loud sigh and let his fork clatter to his plate, "I am sorry Mr. Turner, you are not the problem here. I had no right to be so abrupt with you."

"I understand Commodore, Jack can be somewhat irritating at times."

"That being the understatement of the year Mr. Turner." James said as a small smile threatened to appear on his lips.

"I was wondering how long you though it might be before we can go back after Elizabeth. I don't like her being there alone." Will said with concern in his voice.

"With any luck Mr. Turner we will be able to be out of here tonight. I would however tell you that Miss..Swa……..Mrs. Turner is perfectly capable of taking care of herself, and your concern may be better directed towards the people who are dealing with her without the presence of your calming influence upon her."

"Maybe so but I would still like to be after her as soon as possible."

"As would I Mr. Turner, as would I." James replied wearily.

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Alon approached Elizabeth and Josette with the news they had enough supplies to last a week if they were easy on them.

"We probably don't have more than that anyway Monsieur Bergeron, either we shall be found by Will or the Governor's men by then. The owner of this boat has probably reported it missing by now. I expect to see French sails any minute." Elizabeth said.

"I do not believe so Madame Turner. The owner of this boat is a regular visitor to the island and he usually is occupied with other concerns for several days if you get my meaning. I beg your pardon if I am being too bold discussing such matters in your presence." Alon replied, his face turning a bit pink.

"No offense taken Monsieur Bergeron." Elizabeth said with a smile. "Hopefully he will be occupied with these concerns long enough for us to make it far away from the island."

"Madame Turner you must have faith in your Husband. He is probably even now on his way to get you." Josette said encouragingly.

"We can only hope Josette." Elizabeth responded with a sigh.

To Be Continued

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