Telegrams.
5th Story in the Alexandra Series.
Summary: You wanted to know the why, the when and the how Alexandra came about. Well here it is. Adam receives a wire from San Francisco. He embarks on a journey with Alexandra to bring Katherine home one way or another. He recalls the events of the past along the way.
Disclaimer: I do not own Bonanza, or any of its characters. David Dortort and Fred Hamilton created them and played with them for 14 years. The series is owned by NBC.
Warnings: CP of a minor in this chapter.
Re-cap: Adam and Alexandra have boarded the steamer for San Francisco. While exploring the ship Alexandra comes across a stowaway, a little Chinese girl called Jai. Alexandra causes a commotion when she sets off the fog horn on the steamer in a bid to get Jai back to her cabin to hide. But little does either child know that Samantha Crawford, intending to win Jai's freedom from a nasty man called Hook Hand George, has told Adam and Brett maverick the story. They agree to help.
A.N. Boy did this little adventure get out of hand. Sorry it's been so long coming folks, between work, family, community theatre and a very bad case of the flu, I have only had about an hour a week to work on this.
Chapter 14; steamboat Alex pt 3
Adam ran to the sounds of his daughter and the captain struggling above them. He climbed the stairs to find the Chrysopolis' captain holding Alex by the collar and she was just about to place a well backed kick to the man's leg.
"Alexandra don't you dare," yelled Adam.
Alex stopped, her leg bent in mid-air, and looked at her father as he strode towards them.
"What are you doing up here, Alex you were told to stay on the lower deck!"
Alexandra wanted to open her mouth, but was cut off by the captain. "Your daughter, sir was playing in the wheelhouse and managed to set off the fog alarm and relay orders to the engine room to lift anchor and get ready to sail," he explained.
"I didn't mean ta do any of that, dad. I was standing at the wheel. I had ta stand on a box ta see over it an all. But, I got scared when I seen the man coming and tripped, so I just grabbed onto the first thing closest. That was what made a big horn noise. Well I near jumped outta my skin and leant back. I didn't know there was a handle there. Well it weren't so much of a handle, it looked more like a clock that had words on it instead of numbers and the handle poked out and ya can move it around and make it stop on any of them words, sorta like a lucky wheel of fortune we used ta have in the gaming room, ceptin this one didn't have no ten or twenty dollars prizes; not even a bonus wedge; a goodnight kiss from Delilah the beautiful and exotic assistant to Ivan the Magnificent..."
"What is she talking about, Sir?" asked Dawkins.
The Captain scowled at his first mate, and then pulled a little on Alexandra's arm, grabbing her attention. "It's not a clock or a lucky wheel, young lady; it's the Engine Telegraph Order post. It's the way we relay messages from the bridge to the engine rooms."
Alexandra's eyes went wide, and then she narrowed them at the man. "Oh? I thought the captain had ta yell into one of them tube things; 'like get ready ta sail me hearty's… argghg."
Dawkins started to chuckle, but quickly muffled it, trying to stop it from turning into an outright belly laugh, when the captain glared at him.
"Little girl, I'm not a pirate and I if I were…"
"You'd make me walk the plank, or hang me by me thumbs from the mast, or feed me to the sharks. But, yer don't have ta do any of those things, cause I knowed yer aren't a real pirate. Neither am I. I wasn't trying ta take over yer ship. I'm trying ta explain ta ya that I didn't know your wheel wasn't a lucky wheel and when I jumped backwards in fright, I accidently knocked. I done nearly wet my pants, I can tell you. Guess I shoulda used the necessary when I had the chance, dad, but then they got indoor plumbing on this ship and I thought I'd like to try that, but then I was wondering where all that shi... "
"Alexandra!" yelled Adam.
"Poo goes… Anyways, when I fell back on the handle and it moved some, so I tried to move it back the other way when I heard all the yellin' an all," finished Alexandra, now trying shrink into the open collar of her dress and disappear from her father's view.
The captain shook his head and Adam pinched his nose out of pure embarrassment.
"Alexandra, come here," seethed Adam, pointing to a spot right in front of him.
"Can't dad; the Captains got my arm. Ya reckon he's going ta throw me in the brig?" said Alexandra looking worried, as she turned her big green eyes up at the captain.
He immediately let the child go, shaking his head, "Go on, go to your father, please."
Alexandra hesitated knowing that once she got within an inch of her father she was going to feel more than a firm grip on her arm.
Adam saw her hesitate, and knew exactly what she was thinking; and she was damn right! He called her over once more with the crook of his finger, a raised eyebrow and pursed lips.
Alexandra, slowly walked over, but before she had the chance to stop, her father grabbed her arm turned her sideways and landed a hearty swat to her backside. Alexandra's hand instinctively went back to protect it from further assault, though it was unnecessary. Adam turned her back to face the Captain and then put his hands firmly on both of her shoulders.
"I'm sorry, Captain. My name is Adam Cartwright and I'm sailing with you tonight for San Francisco. I apologise for my daughter's behaviour and I assure you, I will deal with her disobedience."
"Adam Cartwright, yes I saw your name on the passenger list. Well you're lucky Mr. Cartwright, no one was hurt and no real harm done to the ship. The Chrysopolis is my pride and joy and only six months old. I would have been more than upset if your daughter had damaged her. And you sir, would not have been happy with the damages bill you would have been forced to pay. More so, it could have been very dangerous had my crew decided to set sail. We still have people and cargo boarding. The lads in the engine room do not know that of course, only the deck crew. We were lucky we got the belay orders below quickly."
Alexandra shrunk again at the stern talking too her father was getting from the captain.
"Children aren't allowed up on this deck; in fact no one but crew is. Young lady," said the Captain now looking down at Alex, "you are lucky that you are a minor and I will allow your father to handle your mischievousness here. You are also lucky I don't have you arrested, but any more trouble and I may just do that."
"You ain't gonna throw me overboard are ya?" Alex asked in all seriousness.
"No, we only do that with stowaways," chuckled the captain, then coughed regaining his serious composure. "But do not let there be a next time. What were you doing in there anyway?"
"Hid… I was… ahhh… I was pretending to be a pirate. I'm sorry sir, I guess it was pretty silly of me an all, as pirates have big sailing ships and they aren't so nice looking as this ship and iffin I was a pirate, I guess I'd be caught by now; seeing as I done alerted her majesty's navy of my location when I accidently fell on that fog horn. Guess I wouldn't make a very good pirate," sighed Alex.
"No you wouldn't," haraumpfted the captain. "Mr Cartwright she's all yours, if you need a hand sorting this one out, I'd happily lend you my big paddle." The Captain winked at Adam as he directed the threat to Alexandra. "The one I keep in my quarters for the disciplining of the younger cabin boys when they give my crew trouble," he explained. Captain Chadwich then straightened and pulled down on his uniform jacket. "Dawkins; man the wheel house, while I go and make sure everything's ready to set sail. Mr. Cartwright, I'd appreciate it if you could supervise your daughter for the rest of the evening. Good day and pleasant trip to both of you."
"Don't look like it's gonna be too pleasant for me," mumbled Alexandra. She was used to trouble, but knew she was in bigger trouble with her father for putting herself and others in danger and for causing him extreme embarrassment.
In her mind, Alex had good reason to have done what she did. She needed a distraction so Jai could hide. Alex did not want Jai to be thrown overboard or arrested by the constables in San Francisco where she would rot in jail and never be found by her Uncle. However, Alex hated the fact that she had disappointed her dad and lied to him. The truth was that pulling the fog horn was no accident; unfortunately Alexandra hadn't anticipated the severity of her actions. She only meant to pull the horn thingy, not to get the crew flustered or give orders to set sail. No, that was the type of catastrophe that just seemed to follow Alexandra no matter what her real intentions were.
Adam grabbed Alexandra by the hand and started towards the stairwell to the lower deck where their cabins were situated. Alexandra dragged her feet some, hoping to stall her father from performing his duty as he promised the captain, as well as give Jai any extra time she needed to hide.
Alexandra also needed time to think this out this some more. She wanted to tell her father everything. She knew he would help, well knew he would try. But, he had tried once before and even though he had done his best, things still hadn't worked out so well. Alexandra was afraid that the same would happen to Jai, so for the time being she continued to deceive her father. Maybe he would figure it out and then Alexandra wouldn't feel like she had broken her promise to Jai. As Adam tersely escorted Alexandra down the stairs all she could do was pray for some divine intervention.
Adam sensed Alexandra's hesitation and interpreted it as her way of stalling when she almost tripped down the stairs, behind him. He quickly caught her, scooping her up and tucking her under one arm before heading down the walkway. "I don't know why you are bothering to stall, Alexandra, but if you're hoping for some divine intervention you may have a long wait ahead of you."
"Well dad, you don't have ta carry me like I'm a sack of potatoes," she complained.
"Not a sack of potatoes, more like a dangerous and uncontainable cargo. You're stalling and I don't intend or have the time to go chasing you down. You know the consequences for that, so think of it as me saving you from yourself," explained Adam forthrightly, while never waving from the steady pace of the determined march he'd perfected so well over the years.
Alexandra started to wriggle as her father slowed. He had come to their cabin and fumbled for the cabin key one handed. The small disk holding the key with their number clearly labeled on it was in his inside pocket. He retrieved it and as he was bending down, to slide it into the door, he leant forward, taking Alexandra with him. Her wriggling however caused the key to fall to the ground. From her position; her nose practically hitting the deck, Alexandra could see through the bottom wooden ventilation slates of the door. There she spied a pair of black satin slippers shuffling frantically around. Alexandra felt for Jai's obvious predicament, so she quickly snatched up the keys in front of her and clasped them to her chest.
Adam saw Alex seize the keys and stood Alexandra up. "Give me the keys Alex, stalling is earning you even more trouble," he said holding out his hand.
Alexandra took a step back and hid the keys behind her back. "I think we should clear the air a little first, dad. Grandpa says yer shouldn't punish a child while yer angry. I know your angry, dad, maybe yer should take a big deep breath first afore we go in there," said Alex pointing to their cabin.
"Alexandra, GIVE ME THE KEYS!" demanded Adam, his words rose in a crescendo to almost a bellow.
Alex backed up again and lifted her head. She jutted her chin out a fraction and then defiantly dropped the keys down the front of her dress. She frowned slightly when the keys slipped easily past her chest, then smiled when it appeared they had finally nestled at her waist. "Okay, dad I'll give you the keys, when yer ain't so snarly. You can have the keys, but I wanta see ya smile afore yer rip the hide offa me," she bargained.
Adam had to admit the kid was resourceful. He'd thought he'd seen it all with Joseph, but Alexandra had quite a few different approaches to stalling. Well she was a girl for starters, however she was not endowed enough to hide anything in her bust. Her actions was laughable and enough to subdue his anger, though not his resolve to meter a well deserved spanking to his mischievous daughter. He shook his head."Alexandra, really! You think that I wouldn't hesitate to fish them out?'" He almost laughed at Alexandra's incensed expression, though he was still very much annoyed. Fact was he would win the game of wills against Alexandra; always did, though never without an imaginative contest.
"Harammpft. Well dad, a true gentleman wouldn't do that. All the girls at the theater would hide their room keys in their corsets. Molly and Grandmamma Willameena said they would shoot anyone that would try and get the keys outta there. Theys reckon that no gentleman would ever dare mol… manipu or man somethin'… Well put their hands on a lady's breast without their permission. Sides, all that the girl's reckoned theys was a good place ta hide lots of things, like their tips and all," expanded Alex.
"Well here's a tip for you little girl; you don't have breasts or wear a corset to stop those keys from falling through. Besides I've seen you naked, and if you don't stop this nonsense at once, I'll be seeing your bare backside over my knee getting it paddled untill its bright red," warned Adam.
"Well they ain't fallen through, dad. Maybe God done intervened on behalf of me, liked I hoped. Maybe he's intervening on your behalf, so yer got time ta get calm, because those keys are nice and safe, right here," she scoffed, patting her stomach and then stamping her feet in a triumphant self applause of both her argument and achievement.
Unfortunately her pomposity was a mistake, for when Alexandra stomped her feet the keys instantly clattered to the floor between her feet. "Damn it; it always worked for Miss Delilah," she complained, then shrugged her shoulders as she tried to throw a cute smile at her father. "Guess they got caught on my bloomers, well at least dad yer won't have ta go search for them."
Adam strode forward. "That won't stop me from wailing your backside, missy. You know the consequences for running from me. Do we also need to revisit how I feel about appropriate language?"
"Ya mean, I'm getting a spanking without you even hearing me out?" worried Alex.
"I'll hear you out Alexandra after the palm of my hand has done some talking first."
Alexandra's eyes went wide and Adam recognized the look. Alexandra was easily spooked; like a yearling. She turned and ran. Adam took off after her and easily captured the floundering child, as she tried to pass one of the crew loaded up with luggage.
"Excuse me", said Adam, "Just trying to get my wayward daughter," he grunted out the explanation as he scooped Alex up, pivoted and marched towards their cabin. Before he got there he slowed a little and in one fluid motion picked up the key off the deck and continued on.
Alexandra had given up some of the fight, and so this time Adam had no trouble inserting the key with one hand while holding Alexandra firmly against his hip with his other arm. Once inside he closed the door and took three steps towards the double bed and sat on the side. He immediately swung Alex over his knee and without warning started paddling her backside with the palm of his large hand.
Adam had spent a little extra on the cabin, not wanting the two single fold down births of the cheaper cabins. The beds were narrow and too short for Adam, and while the double bed in the cabin made the space a little close, the bed was big enough for Adam to sit on its side and far enough off the ground so that Alexandra's head didn't hit the floor, all making a sound spanking not only possible but safe.
Neither Alex nor Adam realized the small space under the bed was the only place Jai could think of hiding, so when Adam sat down and put Alex across his knee, the child was pretty sure of what was going on. Jai's face peered from out under the bed and to the side of Adams legs and planted feet. Her eyes meet Alexandra teary ones and her contorted yelp as her father applied another firm swat.
Feeling guilty that her friend was enduring such torture on her behalf, Jai decided she should help. Alexandra hoped that she would give herself up, that way she wouldn't have to break her new friends trust, nor her fathers, but Jai wasn't thinking that straight. Alexandra kicked and yelped and pounded her fists on her father's legs, and just when she thought Jai was going to show herself, her friend did something that Alexandra had learnt very early on with her father was not a clever thing to do. In defending Alexandra's assault, Jai found her mark and bit into the calf of one of the legs in front of her.
Adam yelped, and then quickly stood Alexandra up. "Alex you bit me! Oh little girl …"
"Dad, I… I," Alexandra shook her head.
Adam held up his hands. "Get your hairbrush, Alexandra," said Adam pointing to her valise.
"But daddy…" sniffled Alexandra, in her defense.
"Now Alexandra!" growled Adam.
Alexandra stomped over to her valise and retrieved her hairbrush and then returned to her father. Adam took it and then pointed at her, "Pantaloons off," he ordered.
"You ain't gonna… let me… explain, daddy?" said Alexandra tears spilling over her eyelids.
"Fine! Explain to me what you were doing in the wheelhouse, pulling the fog horn. Where were you supposed to be, Alexandra and how did you accidently pull a fog horn? Hmmm; nobody accidently pulls a fog horn!" he reasoned raising his questioning eyebrow at her.
"I told ya dad, I fell…"
Adam suddenly put up his hand to stop Alexandra's explanation. "And don't tell me an outright lie either, Alex. I know when you're telling a lie. I also know when you're not telling me something. You best tell me everything now. Then we will deal with your rudeness to the captain and your running from me outside the cabin. And to top it off you just bit into my calf."
"I can't tell ya everything dad, but…"
"You pulled that fog horn on purpose didn't you?"
"Yes," admitted Alexandra.
"Why?"
"That I can't tell you."
Adam shook his head. "Fine, then deal with the consequences, Alexandra. Disobedience, running away and lies of omissions," said Adam as he pulled Alexandra over his knee again, lifted her dress and petticoats, then pulled the ribbon holding up her bloomers. He pulled them down to her knees and applied the flat side of her hair brush to her bare behind.
Alexandra screeched with the first smack and then wriggled from side to side as she tried to diminish the sting to her buttocks. Adam applied a second swat; one that took Alexandra's breath away for a second before she let out an almighty wail. "Please, Daddy… I'm sorrrry… ya murderin me!"
Jai heard her friend's pleas. She couldn't get out from under the bed with Adams legs blocking the way, so she slid backwards and started to climb out from underneath on the other side. Unfortunately it had given Adam more time. He laid another swat to Alexandra's backside and was about to land another. "One more thing, young lady. You will not bite me," he said firmly.
As Adam was about to drop the hairbrush for the final time, he was suddenly doused in water. Alexandra quickly scurried off his lap; she had kicked off her bloomers and now jumped up and down on the spot rubbing her bare backside furiously as she sobbed.
"What the hell…" gasped Adam, as he wiped the dripping water from his face to clear his view.
Jai now stood beside Alexandra who still rubbed at her sore bottom. The little Chinese girl stood there with a scowl on her face and an empty water jug in her hand. "I bit you!" she declared then cursed at Adam in Chinese, "Liou coe shway duh biao-tze huh hoe-tze duh ur-tze."
"Hey!" Yelled Adam, "Watch your mouth… Jai?"
"You know who I am?"
"Yes and children should…"
"And you too understand Chinese?" interrupted the girl in surprise.
"Yes, many phrases including the curses you just threw at me," said Adam as he pulled the small girl towards him, and landed a mighty swat with the hairbrush that was still in his hand, to her satin britches. "I know an old Chinese saying too; a filthy mouth will not utter decent language and a child's life is like a piece of paper on which every person leaves a mark. This baboons' ass, as you so graciously called me, is leaving his mark on yours, little lady."
"Oweeee," yelped Jai, and then hung her head in shame. "I am sorry if I have dishonored Alexandra's father, but you were hurting my Alexandra peng," she sniffled.
Adam was calm and spoke quietly yet firmly to the children. "Yes, but you have no one to blame but yourselves, Jai. It's obvious you two set up the whole fog horn fiasco together, although Alexandra, you just take things too far. If you had trusted me, I could have saved you both a lot of pain," said Adam with a tight smile.
"You knew about Jai, dad?" said Alex scrubbing at her own tears.
"Yes, Samantha and Brett explained about her. We're going to help get Jai back to her Uncle. Alex, why didn't you tell me sooner? I thought we trusted each other. This is a dangerous situation; it's no child's game, sweetheart."
"I know you would have helped, dad, though that don't necessarily mean things are gonna turn out right. It's like momma," sighed Alexandra. "I forgave you for breaking your promise and not bringing momma back to me in the theater; you know that day after freeing her from the jail in Elk."
"In actual fact, Alexandra, I had never really promised that. I only promised that I would try and try I did," explained Adam quietly.
"I know that now, dad, but I was only nine back then. I hadn't really understood those intrica…casualties…"
"Intricacies."
"Yeah them. I was real happy that you, the sheriff, the doctor and Gilbert Thurne had stopped my momma from being hung an all, but they still put her in a jail far away from me. People said she deserved ta rot in jail, dad. Is she rotting away there? Are we gonna be too late? Just how long does it take for a body ta rot in jail?" Alexandra scrubbed the last of her tears away. She moved closer to her father and grabbed each side of his cheeks with her small hands and spoke sincerely looking him in the eye. "But, I'm eleven now, dad and I understand a lot more. I know that life don't hold guarantees and people who love you can only do their best."
Adam smiled, he had always said as much to Alexandra. He told Alexandra how Katherine had gotten a little better. Adam made sure Katherine got whatever medical attention he could arrange and paid the extra for it. The hospital that her mother was in, housed not only the insane, but, the criminally insane. It was a private jail and the mangers were more than happy to keep certain inmates with family dowries in good health, as it added to their income. The end result was, with these treatments, Katherine's mental state had stabilized and many of her memories returned, although they were often not in the right order. Adam had warned Alexandra that her mother would probably only remember bits and pieces.
"Alexandra I'm sorry if I've not explained…"
"It's okay dad. I knowed you been trying ta warn me about how sick momma is."
"Alex, sweetheart, your mother sustained serious damage to her organs, especially her heart and as a result was weak and in very poor health; she has lost weight and may not look like the woman you remember."
"I know dad, I just wondered if that was your way of telling me that … well that she momma was rotting… I'm afraid that momma will disappear before we get there…" Alexandra started to cry again. "No, matter…hic, how hard…hic, we try…hic, to make things right."
Adam grabbed his little girl and pulled her to him. He hugged her tight and rubbed her back dispersing her tears and letting her know he understood her fears. "Okay, but what has this to do with you not telling me about Jai?"
Alexandra stood back up but held tight to her father's hands, sniffed her tears away and took a big breath. "I didn't want Jai ta rot in jail dad, or that man to hurt her. I wanted to tell you, I was hoping you'd figure it out, but ya was too mad at me, and then, well, I was hoping Jai would come out of hiding, but then it didn't look like she was," Alexander blew out a huge gust of breath then sighed, "It was a real con round dum di dum for me, dad."
Adam couldn't help but smile at his daughter. "Hmmm sounds very dramatic Alex, but I think you mean a conundrum. Knowing you, I can understand your dilemma. But, Alexandra, Jai is not going to rot in jail, nor is your mother. We'll find Jai's uncle; well Maverick and Miss Crawford will."
Both Alex and Jai looked at each other and smiled before throwing themselves into Adam's arms. Adam held tight to both youngsters and once again tried to soothe their fears "Let the grownups handle this, okay?" said Adam, patting their backs once again before pushing them back to stand in front of him.
"Okay, so now do I get out of a spanking next time dad, cause I had a real good reason for doin' what I did."
"Nice try Alexandra, but you didn't need to pull the fog horn; you needed to tell me. You didn't need to sass and curse the captain when you got caught, you just needed to apologize. You were in for a few more swats little girl; be thankful that I consider all crimes paid for and leave it at that."
"Well it was worth a try. So, what do we do now, dad?"
"You two stay here and stay hidden. I'll get word to Maverick. He has a plan."
"You mean to play the poker tournament. Miss Samantha is going to win it so she can get me back to San Francisco, but Hook Hand George cheats. What if he wins the tournament? Samantha will have to hand me back over to him," said Jai with fear in her eyes.
"No she won't. You stay hidden here. I'll pay the captain for your passage. Now for the moment, I need to talk with Brett and sort out our plans. Promise me you will not open this door for anyone."
Both girls nodded their heads in unison. Adam opened the door and checked that the hallway deck was clear. He turned back to both girls who had sat back on the bed and winked at them before leaving and closing the door behind him.
Alexandra puffed her chest up with pride. She nudged Jai. "Told ya my dad could help, he's real good at this adventure detective type stuff. That's where I get it from," she gloated.
~oOo~
Two hours later the Chrysopolis was well under sail. Adam had indeed talked to Maverick and Sam; he told them Jai was safe and sound in his cabin with Alexandra. Sam and Brett had laughed at the extent to which young Alexandra had gone to hide Jai and divert the attention of the crew.
Brett had the opportunity to speak with Hook Hand George. He then sent off a wire to the company Jai's parents had worked for, before the ship had lifted anchor. While he didn't go into details, Brett patted his coat pocket and told Adam that he hoped by the time they arrived in San Francisco they would have proof of Hook Hand's deception regarding Jai supposed indenture to him. And, that if the man could be caught cheating in the tournament they would use it against him should he try and pull Samantha into a kidnapping charge.
Adam and Brett informed the Captain of Jai's presence and Adam paid the child's fare. They insisted that she be kept hidden from Hook Hand George until Brett could get word about her situation upon their arrival at San Francisco. Captain Chadwich was more than happy to comply; trusting Brett Maverick and Adam Cartwright completely. Fact was, his gut had told him there was something nasty about this passenger Mr. Saville George.
The only thing left to do was to get the tournament underway and thwart Hook Hand George's con, or at least keep him from finding Jai.
Adam stood at the basin and finished shaving, while Jai and Alexandra sat on the bed watching and asking questions.
"But what if they don't catch Hook Hand George cheating dad?" asked Alexandra.
"Brett is good card player Alex. He'll spot any underhanded playing and be able to catch him. We will all be on the look-out; Sam, Brett and me. Between the three of us we should be able to flush him out."
"No one's ever been able to catch him," announced Jai.
"You've never seen him cheat, Jai?" asked Adam.
"No, but I know he does. So do some of his 'marks'. One night a man beat him, and then beat me asking me how George had done it. Hook Hand hit him over the head. He might have killed him, but…"
"You were beaten?" asked Alexandra.
Adam stopped shaving, turned and looked down at the little girl. Jai then stood up and lifted the back of her tunic. There in the middle of her back were the faint marks of a belt.
"George let a man do this to you?" asked Adam, wanting to wring the neck of any man that would inflict such pain and injuries on a child, or allow it to happen.
"At first, I don't think he thought the man would carry out the threat. George let him beat me though; just to prove to the man he wasn't cheating. He carried on all dramatic; pleading for the man to stop, but it was just an act," explained Jai.
"How do you know that?"
"Because when the man stopped and started towards Hook Hand, he fought back. He hit the man hard with his hook. We ran. Hook Hand George said that if we got caught at least my bruises could prove he acted in self defense."
"What a low life dirty rotten coward," scowled Alexandra.
"Normally Alex, I'd scold you for the name calling, but sweetheart, you are so right on this one". Adam bent down and looked to Jai. He knelt on one knee and pulled the little girl close to him. Holding her waist he looked into her eyes. "I won't let anyone hurt you, nor will Brett Maverick or Samantha Crawford."
"Or me!" shouted Alexandra.
"Hook Hand George will never use you again, little one," promised Adam.
Jai smiled and leant in and kissed Adam on his cheek. "Xièxiè kě jìng de fùqīn; Thank you honorable father; Adam peng."
Adam smiled and playfully tugged on the little girls braid. "Huānyíng nín ; you're welcome". He stood up and turned back to the mirror. He did up his string tie and turned to the two youngsters, "Well how do I look; good enough to win a poker tournament?"
"You look like a real dandy, dad, just like Mr. Maverick, but can ya play poker?"
"I can Alexandra, much better than you know. Now, you two get ready for bed. Alexandra, please lend Jai one of your night shirts."
"Okay dad, but do we have to go to sleep right now, we's both too nervous. Can't we watch the game?"
"No you can't; besides it's not for another hour yet."
Just then a knock came at the door. "In room service," called a porter.
"Good." Adam opened the door and took the tray from the man. "I'll take that, here…" said Adam offering the cabin boy a coin.
"Gee thanks mister. Just leave the tray outside the door," he smiled.
"I will, thank you," said Adam. He closed the door and put the tray on the small bedside table. "Okay, eat your supper girls, then bed." He ordered. "When you wake up, we'll be in San Francisco," smiled Adam.
"Then I'll get to see momma and Jai gets to go home to her uncle."
"Yep, let's hope so, girls. Good night," said Adam he kissed them both on the foreheads and left the room.
~oOo~
The large dining room was full of laughter and lively chatter. The pre-game drinks and 'meets and greets' had enticed not just the players, but many spectators to the tournament. The captain mingled around the room making sure the ships guest were enjoying the impromptu cocktail party. Brett also surveyed the room watching and noting each of the competitors. The gaming room doors were closed as the crew got the area set up. The main tables would be set up in the middle of the room and a gallery roped off around the sides, so spectators could move from one table to another and watch each of the rounds.
"Ten minutes until the tournament starts," announced the Master of ceremonies.
Brett made his way to Adam and Sam. "Ready for the table draw?" He asked.
"I'd like to check on the girls first," said Adam. "They should be asleep by now."
"I'll send a porter Adam," suggested Brett. He called one over and gave the young man instructions to check cabin 13 to make sure the two children there were asleep. Brett paid the boy two dollars. "Report back to me," he instructed."No one else."
The boy nodded and Brett watched the porter leave. He then turned and kept his eyes on Hook Hand George to make sure the man didn't leave the room. Hook Hand saw him and walked over to him.
Adam saw the man move towards them and quickly guided Samantha out of his path way.
"Mr. Maverick," said George as he came up to Brett. "I see you've been speaking to Miss Collins."
"Miss Collins?" asked Brett.
"Yes, the woman who stole my indentured servant, Mr. Maverick. She told me her name was Miss Collins. I believe the Captain referred to her as Miss Crawford. You see she cannot be trusted. "
"Hmm, perhaps. I did ask her. She assured me she has not seen the girl you're talking about. I have your papers, sir. But I'm afraid my duties of the tournament are a priority now."
"As are mine, Mr. Maverick. Thank you for the help in the matter. I'm glad my papers have been approved as collateral for the tournament. I need the cash to stay in the game. Had that girl not taken my property, I would have not to use them, but…"
"The papers appear in order Mr. George, I hope for your sake you do well in the game. Because frankly if the winner needs to collect on this…" Brett taped the papers hidden in his top pocket, "and no girl appears you may find yourself in trouble with not only the organizers of the tournament, but the law. I wouldn't like to have to explain to them why I accepted an unusual marker. Let's hope the crew I've paid to search for the stowaway find her."
"I'll win enough rounds to cover my marker Mr. Maverick, I promise. If I win the tournament well, then I may just add an extra incentive; a bonus to those crew to find the girl."
Brett snickered, playing his part well. "Very generous Mr. George, now if you'll excuse me. The table draw is about to start."
The Master of ceremonies came to the front of the room and called the crowd's attention. On either side of him stood two beautiful girls in elaborate costumes.
"Now folks with the help of my two lovely assistance, Louise and Margarita, I will assign the tables for the first round games. All winners from the first round games will then be split into two tables and finally those table winners will play off against each other. Each table winner will receive fifteen percent of the pool to keep. The rest will be added to the pool of the next round. Round two winners will keep another ten percent of their table pool. The rest will go to the pool of the final round. There the winner takes all. Now Margarita can pull out the first contestants' number…"
Margarita put her hand in a basket and pulled out a number. "Number 17". Contestant 17 came up and then pulled a number from Louise's basket. "Ahhh table 4 ."
The scene was repeated 24 times until all the contestants had drawn a table number and entered the gaming room. There were four large round tables, covered in long white table cloths that fell to the ground. This ensured all card hands would be played above the table and hand signals could not be seen from underneath by any other player or spectator. It also meant no cards could be hidden in the carpentry joins. On the top of each white table top was a heavy green felt mat where the cards of each player could be laid flat and clearly seen. In front of where the dealer stood was a small wooden card dealing shoe where three packs of brand new playing cards sat. On the other side each table had a slit in the top where the discarded cards and hands were dropped into a small wooden box attached to the underneath of each table. That way the cards could not be counted or re-used during each round. In the centre stood a tall rod displaying the table number. There would be six players to a table.
Luckily Samantha, Adam and Hook Hand George all ended up at separate tables. But, unfortunately, two little naughty girls snuck in earlier and ended up under the very table that did not contain any of their interested party members.
~oOo~
After Adam left the room, Jai and Alexandra were unable to sleep. Excited and nervous about the tournament and its possible outcome, neither child had intended to outright disobey Adams orders. In fact; they had no intention of sneaking into the tournament to watch the game as both had eaten and were happily chattingin the cabin.
Alexandra had taken the tray and placed it outside the door. When she came back in the room, Jai started to change into the nightshirt Alexandra had given her. But, Alexandra thought a game was in order and suggested she and Jai swap clothes and play dress up with each other's outfits.
Jai braided Alexandra blonde curls, and even though they stuck out sideways, Alexandra was awed. She was also impressed at how comfortable the satin pants and the tunic were. Jai thought Alexandra's heavy petticoats were cumbersome; however she enjoyed trying them out. The worrying started again when they decided to get ready for bed.
Intending just to take a peek through the port window into the gaming room, they were surprised when it appeared empty. They could hear the commotion from the other room and decided they should take a better look. Just as they entered the gaming room, through the small window from the deck, one of the crew entered carrying four large green table mats. The two girls scooted under the table and were now stuck there. Jai was happy though, and convinced Alexandra that they should stay. They were in a prime position to spot any cheaters from under the table. Alex agreed, so they waited.
~oOo~
Jai and Alexandra sat quietly underneath the front table. Several feet appeared and finally settled on the floor at the hem of the tablecloth. Lying flat on their tummy's they lifted the hem of the full table cloth just enough so they could peek out from underneath. The three other tables could be seen clearly. Samantha was on table number one facing them. Adam was on table number two, with his back to them, thank goodness, thought Alexandra. Hook Hand George was on table number three and the closest to them. He sat just slightly to their left. His position allowed them to view him from the side and any movement he made with his hands and feet.
Each player bought into the first round with a two hundred dollar chip, before each of the table dealers fluidly drew cards from the card shoe and dealt the contestants' their five cards. The room was eerily quiet as each player surveyed their hand before throwing in the cards to be discarded and called for new cards. Most of the players discarded two or three cards, all except Adam who played his full hand. The two little girls watched Hook Hand clip two cards into place on his hook, then throw three cards on the table and call for three new ones. Alexandra frowned at his style and wondered what the clicking sound was that she heard as Hook Hand clipped the cards into his hook. She watched carefully as the game proceeded wondering if the man was hiding cards somewhere.
Alexandra pulled Jai back under the table and whispered. "You ever see Hook Hand without his hook?" she asked.
"No never," said Jai. "He lost his hand in a farming accident when he was little. He said the scarring was awful. He never went anywhere without it on, except when he bathed."
"You ever take a look then? Asked Alexandra.
Jai scrunched up her face. "Ewwwe no!" she said with disgust.
"Oh, yeah… ewwwe," agreed Alexandra.
Alexandra called her back and they once again watched the first game in progress. At each of the tables, the contestants bided furiously, aiming to build the pots. Table number one was the first to finish their game. Samantha smiled, being a good sport, when a wealthy looking man won the first round with a full house King high. Adam did much better at his table, he won the round with a Royal flush. While at Hook Hand George's table the round was won by a tall man wearing a monocle who laid down three of a kind; eights and a high card king. Hook Hand smiled and didn't seem at all perturbed, shrugging his shoulders at his two pair and a ten.
The dealer called for the hands and the players gathered up their cards and slid them over to the dealer. Jai looked behind her as she heard the cards drop through the slit in the table above her head while Alexandra watched Hook Hand George's table. Once again she heard the clicking sound as Hook Hand gathered the cards with his hook then slid them into his good hand where he passed them over in a neat pile.
The next two games were played with the buy-in price increasing two hundred dollars each time. This time Samantha did well; winning the next two pots at her table and outing all but one other player for the fourth game of the round. Adam also did well wining all three of the pots at his table and leaving only two other players to play the fourth and final round. Hook Hand continued to struggle and Alexandra had to wonder what his game was. As was Brett, who had been watching the man lose, coming in close, but losing just the same. However the man still had enough chips on the table to be counted in the last game with three other players.
By this time Alexandra was convinced that Hook Hand George had instituted a very strange system. Several times she heard the clicking sound and was certain Hook Hand was somehow replacing cards, but she could not catch any slight of hand even at this close range. And, if that was the case, why was he losing?
Alexandra was never allowed into the gaming rooms at the Star and Garter, but as one might well expect, that never stopped her from sneaking in. She had a keen eye and knew the game well, along with a few card tricks that Ivan the Magnificent had showed her. She was well aware of the cons that could be played. Most card con artists would often lose a couple of rounds, then go in for the kill when their "marks" got confident and cocky; throwing a lot of money into the pot. Alexandra figured this must be Hook Hand George's game too, but she needed to get underneath his table to figure it out. Of course that was going to be difficult, as she could easily be seen crossing. She needed a distraction, but couldn't ask Jai to provide it in case the young girl was caught by Hook Hand George. She chewed on her lip for a second, then pulled Jai back underneath the table.
"I've got to get under Hook Hand's table. I reckon he's stacking cards or something. But, you have to stay here. I need a diversion. So no matter what happens, you stay quiet. When you can sneak out; go back to our cabin, got it?" she whispered.
Jai nodded and Alexandra smiled. "Okay here goes," she whispered again. Alex stuck her head out from underneath the table and tried to get Samantha's attention. Most of the other players who were out stayed at their tables to watch the final game of their round, so most couldn't see her.
Samantha was facing the front of the room. She could see the front table and spied Brett keeping a look out around the room, but mostly at Hook Hand George. Samantha could see Adam's face clearly. He had his back to the front table where Alexandra was and could only spy on Hook Hand using his peripheral vision. But, he could only see what the man was doing from the waist up. Samantha eyeballed him briefly and Adam shook his head slightly indicating that he had nothing to go on as yet. Samantha tracked her gaze back towards Brett who stood at the front of the room. On passing her eyes over the front table she spotted some movement from the bottom of the table cloth. She looked down and there was Alexandra, wearing two very absurd blonde braids, making small waves at her.
When Alexandra realized she had the young woman's attention she started to mime her theory and intentions. She pointed to her hand and formed a hook then pointed to Hook Hand George. She then tapped two fingers to her eyes and pointed them to the table, before dwindling her fingers to represent them crawling to the next table.
Samantha understood her message and suddenly laughed out loud. "Well gentleman, the last game should be very interesting."
All heads, including Adams, turned to table one and the pretty young girl who had done well in the game.
"I'd like to say now, before they are any additional losers, which could very well include me…" she added with a shy smile, "that it has been a pleasure playing with you all. And, may the best man or woman win; whoever that may be," she said with grace and poise.
While all eyes were on Samantha, Alexandra took the opportunity to crawl to the next table and disappear from view.
Brett caught the movement out of the corner of his eye, and saw what looked like a small black satin bottom and a pair of satin slippers shuffle under Hook Hand George's table. He gave Samantha a pointed look, thinking the child he had seen was Jai and he worried about Jai being so close to Hook Hand and her possible discovery. He showed his disapproval of what he believed was Samantha's encouragement of whatever plan she and the child had put in place.
Samantha pursed her lips and shrugged her shoulders, trying to communicate that she had no idea what the child, she knew was Alexandra, was up to.
Adam watched this silent communication between the two, and looked around the room for any clue, but was interrupted in his surveillance when the Master of ceremonies called for the starting price of the final game of the first round.
The remaining players on each table put in their eight hundred dollars to start. As it was the final game to this round, the betting once again got quite furious; each of the remaining players was determined to win the final pot and hopefully the table round. If both Samantha and Adam won this game they would automatically be the winners of their tables, as they had won the most games.
Table number four had two possible winners, though the third and fourth player could still take the round if their pot was larger than the previous three or their hand the highest of their table for the round. This was the same for the table Hook Hand was on. Mr. Saville George needed to win this hand, but he also needed to get the pot to a reasonable amount and then win the game with the highest hand. Still, unless he got dealt something better, he was sure his four of a kind, which he'd been planning on, would come close to the highest hand of the round.
Under Hook Hand George's table, Alexandra could hear all of the action. She heard each of the players call for new cards including Hook Hand who asked for four. She heard each discarded stack of cards fall into the slit and land in the box over just above her head. The last to fall were Hook Hands. Alexandra then watched as each set of feet, still in the game received their new cards. One tapped their toes; obviously pleased with their new hand. Two others shuffled uncomfortably. One even took off one shoe with his other foot and rubbed his socked toe over his other foot, like he was rubbing a good luck charm.
Alexandra watched Hook Hand's feet. They hardly responded to his new set of cards, instead she heard the clicking sound again, this time it seemed to be coming from his midriff. It was obvious to Alexandra that the man with the tapping feet and Hook Hand were the only two confident players in the game. Alexandra, determined to find out what Hook Hand George was up too, quietly and slowly lifted up the table cloth that hung in front of Hook Hand carefully; all the while trying not to touch him and alert him to her presence. The clicking sound still occurred as players re-arranged their hands and started to bid.
Alexandra slowly opened the button on Hook Hand morning jacket. There underneath his cummerbund she spied a slight movement and heard the clicking sound again. It appeared that Hook Hand George had some mechanism hidden there; where he was hiding cards and then replacing them. Six clicks and three rounds of bets later, the sound stopped. One man threw in his hand and declared himself out, while the other four players continued to raise and bet.
This meant that Alexandra needed to work fast. Hook Hand George was going to win this round, and if she didn't do something soon, he'd most likely would cheat has way into the finals. She opened the small box holding the discarded cards. Amongst them was a different patterned set of playing cards; Alex realized that these cards were most likely Hook Hands replacements. The man must have collected good cards and replaced them with any cards, but not the official ones. Obviously the dealer hadn't noticed the change in the cards he disposed of.
Alexandra needed to expose the man for the cheat he was, so she collected two of the counterfeit cards and carefully slid them into Hook Hand's shoes. Then she grabbed the hem of the bale cloth and tried to gently pull Hook Hand's cummerbund away to expose the elaborate mechanism. She did so with success, and spied a wide leather belt with an array of leather pockets, small cogs and wires that ran along it. Three cards poked out from one of the pockets. The other pocket held one card; an ace of hearts.
She heard Hook Hand raise the bid to two hundred and while the table and the crowd 'ohh and ahhed', the mechanism started up, the quiet whirr of cogs and movement of wire, then a ping of a spring had one card added to the pocket of three and the ace completely disappear. Before the belt had finished its delivery Alexandra shoved the hem off the table cloth into one of the cogs. The belt and the cogs action came to an immediate jamming holt.
Unfortunately, this time Alexandra's action was not a discreet, and Hook Hand sensed and felt her presence along with the problem with his belt. Alexandra could tell by his feet that had started to jig up and down, that the man was panicked, but he could not afford to declare his suspicions, for it would only expose him. Instead using his good hand he twisted his hook, trying to loosen the card that had been halted halfway on it journey through the thin split in his hook. The dealer gave him a pointed look.
"Sorry, my stump aches a little every now and again," explained Hook Hand. Then he dropped his good hand to his waste and found the jammed hem of the table cloth there caught in a cog. Hook Hand tried pulling on it to free it. If the dealer was to take a close look at his card hand he would surely notice that hook hand was a card short.
But, the dealer wasn't looking at his cards that was secured in his hook, he was looking at his other hand that had disappeared from view. "Hands above the table sir," he ordered.
"Oh sorry, it's just the harness to my prosthesis has become loose, that's why it's hurting. The hook is rubbing against my skin." Hook Hand pulled again on the table cloth, but couldn't un- jam the damn thing.
"That's fine sir, but you have to keep your hands above the table. Perhaps one of the waiters can help you tighten your harness." The dealer called a cabin boy over. Brett saw what was happening and followed the young man.
By this time Hook Hand George was sweating. He removed his hand from his waist and carefully tried to take the cards that were stacked in his hook, hoping he could lay then on the table on top of each other and no one notice there was card short. But, the cards wouldn't budge. The jammed cogs had also jammed his hook pinchers, and the cards held there were truly stuck. "Please," said Hook Hand putting up his hands, "Please don't touch my harness if I could just… Ahhhhhhh!"
Hook Hand didn't get to finish his statement, in his panic he had pushed back slightly on his chair balancing his large form for a second on its back legs. Alexandra took the opportunity to push at the legs in front of her that were that tilted off the floor. As a result Hook Hand started to fall backwards. In trying to stop his fall, he attempted to grab the table but missed. He then tried to stand and lean forward, but that motion only caused him to teeter further off balance and before anybody knew what was going on, Hook Hand was falling backwards, taking the table cloth with him, upending the chips and cards and sending them into the air.
Alexandra was now suddenly exposed under the table and a spectator called out, pointing to the child, dressed in a Chinese costume. Alexandra, quickly crawled out and turned. She still had the stack of cards that she had taken from the box in her hand so she flicked them with one hand spraying them across the table and the crewman that were approaching her.
"Ya might try this game Hook Hand; it's called Fifty Two Pick-Up," she yelled as she turned and ran.
During the commotion Brett yelled, "Everyone stay where you are. No one touch the tables." He then advanced on Hook Hand George and dragged the man up by his coat lapels.
Samantha had moved to go to the front table to somehow get Jai out of here, but stopped immediately upon Brett's request. She had a lot of money on the table, and was not about to forfeit that or have it stolen, so she stayed put, hoping that Jai would do the same.
Both Adam and Brett recognized Alexandra straight away, her blonde braids gave her away, but thankfully nobody else knew of the interchange the children had made. This included Hook Hand George who hadn't seen the child from the tangled mess he had been on the floor. He started yelling when Brett pulled him away from the mess.
"That's my servant, Mr. Maverick the one you have papers for. Get her; she's a runaway."
"So that's how you cheat Mr. George, you have your small servant girl hide under the table and feed you cards."
"No, No; that's not it. I tell you she's a runaway. She hid there on her own to make it look like I'm cheating, so she can escape."
Boy this man was sharp, he had a quick answer for everything. Brett knew that wasn't the case, but he still didn't know how the man was cheating. Well Brett was good at flushing out the truth and so he continued. "Really?" He exclaimed. "Well, that may make some sense," said Brett loud and clear so both the other players and the spectators could hear. "And why would such a small child be indentured to you in the first place, and why would she wish to run away? From what I hear the Chinese workers who are sponsored or indentured honor their commitments unless they are being abused. What does a big man like you need with a small Chinese girl, Mr. George, one that would do anything, like set you up as a cheat, just to get away?"
The crowd grumbled and scowled at Hook Hand George. Brett had painted a pretty perverse scenario.
Hook Hand George squirmed just a little, "It's not like that I tell you. I won the girl in a fair game, Mr. Maverick. You have the papers to confirm that."
"These papers Mr. George? These are in question sir, and I await word from Delta Basin Construction about the girl you say is indentured to you. Ten year old girls are rarely indentured Mr. George."
"She was an orphan, her guardian lost her in a card game I tell you. The papers are in order."
There were a few gasps from the spectators. Brett pulled the man close to his chest and sneered in his face. "You gamble for a child's life, her freedom, George? What type of despicable person….Hey what's this?" asked Brett feeling the weight of the table cloth suddenly pull at the belt wrapped around Hook hands body. Brett pushed the man back and spread open his jacket.
"It's just the harness to my hook," said Hook Hand, now more worried.
"Pretty fancy set up you have here," said Brett, "I see a great deal of leather, numerous pockets… and wire?"
Hook Hand tried to close his jacket and looked around the room, pleading to the onlookers and looking for some sympathy for a disfigured man. "I have very little muscle control in this arm. "The harness wraps around my body and my shoulders. I can control the hook with the muscles from my shoulder when my bad hand becomes tired; that's all," said Hook Hand George as he continued to try and close his jacket. "There is no need to humiliate Mr. further Mr. Maverick."
"I haven't started to humiliate you yet Mr. George. You are a cheat and I intend to prove it. So what is this then?" Brett asked pulling out the jammed ace of hearts from the leather sleeve of George's hook, "And this?" He asked again as he bent down and pulled out two cards from the sides of his shoes…"
"What I don't…" stuttered Hook Hand George.
"These people have a right to know if you have been cheating sir, and to what means sir; so that you can live the high life with a poor little ten year old girl as your slave. What happens when she gets older, Mr. George? What then, what tasks will you demand of her then, or have you already …"
"How dare you!" Bellowed George. "Find the girl and you can ask her if I have not treated her well."
Just then yelping and cursing could be heard coming from the hallway. As it got closer, Adam who had decided to stay quiet and let Brett handle the proceedings, rolled his eyes; there was no mistaking the voice coming towards them.
"Hey let me go you, low down rotten scoundrel. Ya in cahoots with Hook Hand George," yelled Alexandra. Seconds later a crewman entered the gaming room with a little girl, dressed in satin britches and a tunic, slung over his shoulder. No one could see her face, but there were at least three people, no make that five; Captain Chadwich and his first mate Dawkings, recognized the animated insults coming from the small forms mouth.
"That's my servant there Mr. Maverick; ask her what she was doing under the table?" Hook Hand George moved forward and pulled the child from the crewman's shoulders, "And you better not lie you little chink or I'll…"
Hook Hand George stopped mid sentence when the face of the small girl popped up and scowled at him. Alexandra then kicked him hard in his man parts. Hook Hand George dropped her and doubled over in pain.
"Get your hands off my daughter," shouted Adam as he came forward to catch Alexandra, and then in one fluid motion laid an uppercut to Hook Hand George's chin sending him to the ground.
Alexandra stood proud on the floor, her hand on her hips. "I didn't help him cheat. He's got a sling shot thingy attached to his hook. Hook Hand George has been cheating, stacking and replacing cards. I see it afore when I was little. Them con men's like him; they lose a couple of hands. They hide the good cards from bad hands until they got something good. Hook Hands been replacing the cards. I jist saw him doing it, so I stuck the table cloth in his belt so he couldn't do it no more. I wouldn't help him cheat. He's trying ta keep Jai from her family", explained Alexandra.
Hook Hand George groaned on the floor."She's… She's lying…She's been hiding my property Captain… I demand..."
"She's not lying," cried Jai, revealing herself from under the table. She ran to Samantha Crawford and held tight to the young woman's skirts. "Hook Hand cheats. He cheated the man that was supposed to take me to my uncle. He cheated Samantha peng. She was just trying to get me home."
"I… I… Have legal papers…" grunted Hook Hand George.
"Well they are questionable, from the sounds of the witnesses here," said the Captain.
"We'll know more, once we get the wire in San Francisco," added Maverick.
Adam lifted up Alexandra and swung her around on his hip. Alexandra held on for dear life. "Captain," said Adam. "You might also want the San Francisco authorities to check the wanted Posters. Jai was beaten by a man. Mr. George here watched as he did it. The man accused Mr. George of cheating. Once he had beaten the child within in an inch of her life; this ignoble scoundrel moved in, beat him and then ran away. I dare say if the man reported it, Seville George is a wanted criminal."
"I… I am innocent; that was self defense!" exclaimed George as he tried to get up off the floor.
"Maybe so, but you allowed Jai to be beaten for your crimes. I've seen the scars on her back," seethed Adam in disgust.
"So have I," said Samantha, "but I didn't know how they got there."
"Yer the one that's deserves ta be horsewhipped, Mr. Big Fat Hook Hand The Cheat," accused Alexandra.
Hook Hand George stood up. He pointed to Maverick, Adam, Samantha and the children, huffing and panting. "Captain, I ….demand you investigate this fully… I've been set up… I tell you. You need to get answers from these people, all of them", accused George. "They…"
The captain held up his hand. "We'll get answers Mr. George. Dawkins escort this man to the brig."
The crowd cheered, as Dawkings lead a very uncomfortable Hook Hand George away.
"What about the game? Asked Alexandra. "Samantha was winning dad, so were you. I didn't mean ta stop the game, only ta stop Hook Hand George from cheatin," she apologized looking at the crowd.
The crowd, "Awwwed," and Brett smiled; he knew this kid could work a sympathetic crowd, as could Samantha. He shook his head and the shrugged his shoulders, while he smirked at Adam.
Adam looked at Alex and then down at Jai still hugging Samantha. "You two were told to stay in the cabin and to go to sleep. I strictly remember saying NO when you asked if you could come and watch me play, Alexandraaaaa…."
"Please honorable father peng of Alexandra peng, it was all my idea. Samantha peng has worked so hard to get me home and so have you, but Hook Hand is a most devious man. You may not have caught him. We wanted to help."
"She's got a point Cartwright," said Maverick. "I would never have guessed what that hook of his was capable of. That mechanism he had under his coat is a work of art. If it wasn't for Alexandra we wouldn't have caught him."
"Well," sighed Sam. "I suppose you have to cancel the final," she probed. "I really don't mind. I have a good enough pot from the first round to help find Jai's uncle and get her home."
"You can have my pot," said the distinguished gentle with the monocle from table four. "I think what you have tried to do here is quiet admirable, young lady."
"Well, I have a suggestion," said Brett. "Let the round winners of table one, two and four keep their percentage. The five remaining players from table three can split the percentage. Put the rest into one pot and all players play a death round. Winner takes all. We have a few hours before we dock gentlemen, and ohhh, lady."
"You can have my pot in its entirety," said Adam, "I'll just deduct my original stake. I have a matter to handle in San Francisco and I may need the cash right away. But I am happy to donate the remainder of my winnings to the game. Thank you for your generosity and understanding. Even though Alexandra has done a good thing, and I am very proud that my lovable little minx was the one to put a spanner in the proceedings."
Captain Chadwich moved forward, chuckling. "The man has a point. What say all you good people enjoy the last game and winner takes all, though if I may suggest; a percentage of the winnings could go to a charity."
"A good idea Captain," said the man with the monocle. "If I may suggest. The good Sisters Of Mercy are building a new hospital in San Francisco. One that would serve many of the poor of San Francisco including their orphans. They are many children just like Jai, that are sick and alone in this world trying to find families."
"A knoble idea Sir," said Samantha, "let's say fifty percent of the pool".
Oh Samantha was good, thought Brett. Even though Samantha's intentions were honorable and for all the right reasons, Samantha Crawford was not going to pass up an opportunity to walk out with a little extra cash, especially if it came from the kind hearts of a wealthy few. The crowd and now the Captain would end up being putty in her hands. "No, let's say sixty," said Brett.
"Fine, forty percent to the Hospital and sixty percent to the winner," agreed Samantha.
"No, Samantha; sixty percent to the Hospital and forty percent to the winner. Count me in too," said Brett, "this could be a lot of fun. And, now that I don't need to watch for cheats, and my payment percent of the pool just diminished somewhat, I could use the practice," he said clapping his hands.
Samantha scowled. Brett was a tough opponent. The crowd laughed while the players moved quickly to set up the largest table and place the pot in the middle. Captain Chadwich joined them as did the generous gentleman from table four.
Adam picked up Jai and settled her on his free hip opposite Alexandra. "You two are going to bed. Then in the morning we are all going to have a little talk about doing what you are told by the grownups in charge, and staying out of danger." He smiled, not really too perturbed about Alexandra and Jai's shenanigans, after all they did save the day.
But, Adam was tired; he wanted some peace and quiet before he got to San Francisco and he didn't want to be sleeping with one eye open for the rest of the night, worried about what these two might get into next. So he wanted the warning there, just to keep the little's one's guessing and as a result; on their best behavior.
"Can't we watch the last game dad, I really want ta see who wins, it's not fair!" pouted Alexandra.
"You want to try that again, little girl."
"No…" sighed Alexandra. "It's just that we done a lot a work ta be going ta bed now and miss out on all the fun, besides I'm not even sleepy anymore," she pleaded a lot more politely.
"Alexandra did you just hear a word I said?" sighed Adam.
"Oh let them watch," said Captain Chadwich, "besides Mr. Cartwright, I really think you need more than one pair of eyes on that daughter of yours. We're only half way to San Francisco Bay; goodness knows what other havoc she could create," he laughed and the crowd laughed with him and cajoled Adam, asking him to let the little girls stay.
Adam blew out a breath in resignation and then looked around for a comfortable chair. Spying a low rounded chesterfield and ottoman, he put the girls down and made a comfortable arrangement in the corner where all three could see the game. He sat down and put his feet up before pulling each child back onto his lap.
Jai and Alexandra snuggled up to Adam and smiled, feeling excited but most of all safe and not the least bit sleepy.
However, within half an hour the game was in full swing and all three were sound asleep on the chair in corner. Dawkins had returned to give his update to the captain, when he spotted the purring forms and called for a cabin boy. The boy took off and within moments returned and threw a large warm blanket over the man and the two very cute little girls asleep on his lap.
There they would sleep for the final hours of their journey. When they awoke, all would be fine in their world for a while. The wire would have arrived from the Delta Basin Corporation, discrediting Hook Hands George's ownership of Jai. The port authorities would arrest him and hold him on suspicion of assault and fraud which included cheating the man responsible for getting Jai back to her family.
Yes, there would be a lot of happy men, women and children disembarking the Chrysopolis the next morning. And one happy card player would be walking away fifteen thousand dollars richer…
~oOo~
TBC Chapter 15; Land ahoy!
A.N. So who do you want to have won the game? I have Lajoci's vote.
Sorry for the wait folks, but at least it's a long chapter. In saying that it's also a big ask to have some beta such a long chapter. Lajoci never complains. There are always things we miss, so let us know. We've missed some of our regular reviewers, I hope it's just because you are as busy as us, and not that the story is terrible. If there is a problem, I am open to constructive criticism. So go ahead tell us what you think….
