Chapter 20/ Finale

In the end, the Royal Navy saved the day.

When Rebecca didn't take conveyance with them and the embassy lost sight of her and her Highland Trade helpers, everyone got suspicious. The Secret Service agents in Alexandria had already interrogated Captain Abel, so knew the League base's location.

The Navy was dispatched with two ships of the line to chase down whatever transportation Rebecca had taken. When they caught word of two schooners sailing fast to the north, the captain knew he would never catch up, so he settled for finishing whatever the schooners had started.

When the Queen's Navy arrived, following the bright pops of light and sound of cannon, one enemy schooner had been sunk and the lost clipper was being fought over man to man. One ship of the line sent several volleys over the lighter ship's bow to get everyone's attention. The captain ordered all hostilities to cease immediately. With that kind of firepower trained on them, even the League gave up. The captain in charge sent his own marines to sort out who was who.

Despite the good news that their ship was recovered and the battle over, the Highland Trade Company was in no position to celebrate. They had disobeyed the orders of the crown and were expecting to pay for it.

Andrew, with sword in hand and torn coat, presented himself to the captain when he came aboard and thanked him for his timely arrival. He explained he had been a prisoner and that the League had been planning to take over his home port for a base of operations.

"That may be, sir," the captain said, "but your company was ordered to stand down and let the crown handle this matter. There will be repercussions."

As further explanations were going on, the dirigible above them lowered a platform with three people on it. One was a gentleman; the other two were ladies. One lady in a black costume had red hair. That would be Agent Rebecca Fogg. The captain had been told to look for her. The other lady was dressed in a fashionable gown. She went past her recently liberated husband, straight to the Navy Captain, and shocked all by giving the man an enthusiastic hug and kiss.

"Thank you so much, sir," Katharine said. "Your timely arrival was a God sent. The agents sent to me, and my husband's rescue, arrived only in time to rescue me from that awful place. My husband was taken away."

"G-Glad to be of service, my lady," the captain stammered.

Rebecca watched with pride as Katharine handled her bit of acting. She had coached her quickly on the way down. She smiled as the captain stood there with Katharine holding his arms, looking up so teary-eyed, praising him. "These ships were under the authority of Agent Fogg, sent to investigate our vessels theft," Katharine said, introducing Rebecca. "Agent Fogg ordered the ships to battle until you came. You were later than expected. I do hope you won't be taking these our people to task too harshly for following her orders."

The captain looked into her grateful soft blue eyes and melted on the deck boards like an iceberg off Bermuda. Pulling his dignity back around him, he looked at Rebecca and was given a confirming nod and took the ladies at their word. He could write up his log report anyway he wished.

The captain went to the rail and signaled his other ship. It headed into the League base with all cannons trained. They blasted the cavern, causing it to collapse on the schooner still in its harbor, and any hapless League people unlucky enough to be in it.

Rebecca and Phileas watched from the deck of the Mary Kate. A sizable section of the cliff collapsed as the cavern was destroyed. Cheers roared around them.

Rebecca found Katharine in her husband's arms. They looked oblivious to all but each other. That was good.

Phileas caught sight of them, too. "A mission well handled, Rebecca. Well handled, indeed. I'm surprised you got here so quickly."

"I had motivated helpers." Rebecca said.

Phileas looked around at the cheering Scots. "You just saved the life of a nobleman, and his wife, and kept the league from taking other their company. If you don't end up with some formal recognition out of this, I won't know why."

Rebecca smirked. "All in a day's work."

The End