Commandeering Commodore

Chapter 33

"Mr. Gibbs!" Jack shouted as he stepped aboard the Pearl, "Prepare to make sail."

"Aye Cap'n." Gibbs answered as Jack sashayed past him on the way to his cabin, "Are we off to collect Miss Swann……….er ………Mrs. Turner then?"

"Aye Mr. Gibbs we are." Jack snapped back and then began mumbling something about ruining a perfectly good time because of lovesick blacksmiths and stuffy, contrary, and overblown commodores and the needing of much more rum as he continued on his way, arms flopping wildly.

Mr. Gibbs began giving orders to the men as the Commodore came aboard.

"Where did he go?" James asked Gibbs snappishly looking around the deck, and not waiting for an answer headed for Jack's cabin.

Gibbs went on about the business of preparing the Pearl to lift anchor when Will came on board and said in a worried tone, "Where did they go?"

Gibbs pointed towards Jack's cabin and Will was headed that way in an instant.

Gibbs shook his head and once again set about the task of making the ship ready when Teague arrived.

"Ah Master Gibbs…….." he was interrupted by Gibbs saying, "If yer wonderin they've all gone to Jack's cabin and not a one of them looked as if it were ta be a pleasant social gatherin."

"Well that is interestin Mr. Gibbs, they appeared to be on each others bad sides eh?"

"I'd say that was puttin it mildly Cap'n Teague. Wouldn't be a bit surprised to be hearin the clashin of blades afore it all be said and done." Gibbs answered with a nod of his head.

"Ah, that bad then." Teague said with a thoughtful look on his face as he peered towards Jack's cabin.

"Or worse Cap'n, Jack and the Commodore manage to get under each others skin during the most opportune of circumstances and this is definitely not that if ya catch my meaning." Gibbs answered. "I'm havin me doubts here whether young Mr. Turner, nor anyone else for that matter, will be able to keep 'em from goin at each other this time."

"Well then Master Gibbs, perhaps a more experienced and seasoned and reasonable presence is called for under the circumstances." Teague said giving Gibbs a tip of his hat and a smile as he casually strolled towards said cabin, humming under his breath. As he neared the door he could hear voices coming from inside the cabin raised in anger. As he opened the door he saw all three men standing in the center of the room hands on swords and angry faces shoved in other angry faces, voices trying to drown out other voices and much poking and pointing of fingers upon other persons. He watched for a few moments and then calmly drew his pistol and fired.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

At the sound of the knock on the door the Governor made a motion to his aide and the door was opened. Captain Laurent came in, gave a sharp salute, and at the Governor's nod began his report, "We have searched every inch of the island thoroughly and we can find no sign of them Governor. No one claims to have seen them since the day Madame Turner visited the market."

"They can't have just disappeared Captain, they have to be hiding on the island somewhere." The Governor answered sharply. "Have you checked to see if that girl or Monsieur Bergeron have any family in the area?"

"Yes Governor, Monsieur Bergeron has a few relatives on the neighboring island but the man I sent there returned a few hours ago stating no one had seen them there either. The girl Josette only had her Mother."

"And there have been no reports of any vessels being taken from the dock or any near by homes?"

"No Governor, as well as we can ascertain all vessels are accounted for."

"Then I suggest you do another search. They have to be here somewhere. I want every house, outhouse, hillock, tree, rabbit hole, and depression on the island searched. They must be found! We cannot afford to have them get away, not with the information they stole from my office. You understand this situation has dire consequences and could wind up being the downfall of us all if they manage to elude us Captain." And after a short pause as he glared at Captain Laurent added, "You are dismissed."

"Very good sir." Captain Laurent said with a salute and a click of his heels, and then turned and left.

The Governor sat there idly twiddling the quill on his desk as his mind mulled over the unfortunate circumstance he was now involved in.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Those clouds do look rather ominous Madame Turner. Can you tell if they headed our way?" Josette said, having watched Elizabeth watch said clouds with a worried expression on her face for the last fifteen minutes or so.

"What? Oh the clouds. I don't think they will be a problem Josette, at least not for several hours anyway." Elizabeth answered unconvincingly. "Besides we have a fine vessel here and should be able to withstand anything that storm can throw at us."

"Have you sailed through many storms Madame Turner?" Alon asked.

"A few Monsieur Bergeron, a few." Elizabeth said with a slight smile. "Even if this one hits us dead on I don't think it will be strong enough to do us any harm." again her tone not sounding very convincing.

"I hope you are right Madame." Alon said with a look at the clouds building on the horizon.

To Be Continued

Reviews are welcome

5