Chapter VII: Animals Always Know

A/N: I hope this chapter turns out alright. This chapter has a couple of firsts for me. Thanks go out to The Cowgirl Bookworm. Italics are thoughts. Looking forward to seeing what you all think! SSD

April 15th 1030

Even with a few tricks of Erik's, it had taken the Florida till 0830 to get to the Carpathia, especially once they had hit the ice track.

Doctor Kelly had kept Roland hopping, not that he had not appreciated it. He had been so busy; he'd barely had time to even think about Cecily and Aunt Mina.

Still, he had kept an ear open for any further news. There had been a murder during the sinking. Captain Franklin had guessed correctly that the brig would be needed.

Situations like that bring out both the best and the worst in people.

Erik had been placed in charge of the group sent over to pick up the prisoner, the witness statements, and the murder weapon. Before he had left, his old friend had said that he would try to find out about Cecily and Aunt Mina for him. Doctor Kelly and several of his corpsman also went over.

That had been over an hour and a half ago. Roland was posted on the deck waiting for the guard party to return.

Roland was coming around the bow when he noticed that Erik and the Marine guard detachment were back on board with the prisoner, the weapon, the statements.

As he got closer, the prisoner took one look at him and yelled, "Keep him away from me! His sister's a lunatic!"

The marines lead by Gunny Hannah just hauled him away down to the brig, while he kept yelling.

Captain Franklin who had been waiting asked, "Lieutenant Lethbridge, have you ever met that man before?"

"No sir," he replied.

Erik came up saying, "Sir, Gunny Hannah has the murder weapon and will be bringing it back up after locking the prisoner in the brig. I still have the statements with me. Might I borrow Lieutenant Lethbridge to go over them with me?"

"Of course. You can have my yeoman for assistance in typing them up. Use the wardroom," the Captain okayed.

Once they were on their way Erik said, "On a less official note, I do have good news for you. Both Cecily and your aunt are on board the Carpathia and in good health.

Roland let out an audible sigh of relief and crossed himself.

"However, I do have some not so good news. When I was handed the witness statements for the murder, the one on top had distinctively bad left handed cursive that I'd know anywhere," Erik finished.

I was relieved too soon he thought before inquiring, "Cecily's one of the murder witnesses isn't she?"

"Got it in one. And guess who gets to read it as he is the only person within 1,000 miles who can read that chicken scratch," Erik grinned.

Roland did not even bother to suppress his groan.

When they got to the main wardroom, Petty Officer 3rd James Ryan, the Captain's yeoman was already there with his equipment.

"Are you ready, Petty Officer," Roland questioned.

"Yes Lieutenants," the red haired enlisted man replied.

When Erik handed him Cecily's statement, his eyes went wide. Her handwriting was even worse than it usually was. Which was saying quite a bit. The captain of the Carpathia must not have let any of the witnesses rest before writing anything down.

As he started deciphering, Roland asked, "Which one are you doing Erik?"

"The other passenger. A Fabrizio Ferretti, from 3rd class. Handwriting is legible, but it is obvious that English is not his first language," his old friend answered.

Yeoman Ryan was a fast, efficient typist. He only faltered when Erik gave the name of the murder victim, Tommy Ryan. Roland filed that information away for later.

During this time, Gunny Hannah came into the wardroom carrying the sack with the murder weapon, he placed it out so that they all could get a good look at it.

"I've never seen a pistol like that before, much less spend any kind of money on it," Erik remarked. "What about you, Roland?"

"I haven't seen it either. Definitely would not waste money on it at all. What about you Gunny?" Roland asked, hoping that the old time enlisted man would know.

"As a matter of fact I do recognize it sirs. It's a Belgian Bergman pistol. I saw one while I was in China in 1900. Touchy action and an underpowered cartridge. Sounds like a popgun when fired, especially next to our own pistols, or even those Webley revolvers the Limeys favor," he replied.

"How many shots does it fire, Sarge," the yeoman asked, his fingers flying over the typewriter.

"Five, with three shots fired recently."

Erik cut in with, "I'll flip a coin with you for who to read of the crew member statements: heads for the first officer, tails for the master at arms."

Not looking up from Cecily's statement, Roland called, "Heads."

"First officer's yours whenever you finish up with Cecily," Erik answered.

Roland had been so focused on the statement it was not until Yeoman Ryan said, "Lieutenant Lethbridge, there's a letter with your name on it attached to your sister's statement."

"Thank you. I'll read it after I'm done with both of them," Roland answered removing the and placing it to the side.

Soon after he finally finished translating his sister's statement and had got up to drink some coffee, Captain Franklin entered the wardroom. Waving them down, "At ease, How's it all going?"

"The first two statements are consistent so far. Now Lieutenant Lethbridge and I are starting on the statements of the two crew members, sir," Erik answered.

"Who's got the handwriting that looks worse than the doc's," the Gunny asked.

"That would be Lieutenant Lethbridge's sister. Don't worry, he's not offended and neither is she," Erik stated, a smirk clear in his voice.

Looking up at the Marine from his seat Roland said, "He's right. My sister and I have heard all possible jokes about her handwriting. Cecily must not have been able to get her hands on a typewriter on board the Carpathia."

Silence reigned except for when either he or Erik were reading out what was written. Unlike the previous two statements, there were no issues with either legibility or linguistics so things went far more quickly.

"Now that things are finished, what do you have to say. Is there a chance for a case," Captain Franklin asked.

"Neither of us are lawyers sir, but allowing for differences in perspective, all four say the same basic thing," Erik answered.

"3 shots fired. Near as we can tell, one shot went wild over the water. Another went off the davit nearly hitting First Officer Murdoch in the leg. And well, we know where the third one wound up," Roland answered grimly, watching the yeoman out of the corner of his eye.

Petty Officer Ryan remained focused on his typewriter, though Roland could tell he was typing slightly harder than strictly necessary as he opened Cecily's letter.

She really had not wanted anyone but him reading her letter. Not only had Cecily used her best sloppy penmanship, she had written the letter in Welsh, the most secure of all their shared languages. His heart fell to his stomach as Cecily told him what Patrick Hearst had tried to do during his time in the lifeboat.

"Captain Franklin, are we able to add to Mr. Hearst's charges at all," Roland asked tightly.

"Why do you ask that, Lieutenant?"

"My sister attached a letter to me to her statement. Telling me what happened while she was in the lifeboat. It seems that our prisoner in an attempt to evade justice tried to capsize the lifeboat." Roland wanted to go punch something. Preferably Patrick Hearst, but he knew that was not going to happen.

The captain's face turned to stone. "Was your sister in one of the regular lifeboats or a collapsible?"

"A collapsible sir. It held about 40 people, including Hearst," Roland answered.

"39 counts of attempted murder will be added to Mr. Hearst's charges at the soonest opportunity," Captain Franklin growled before suggesting, "He was likely trying to get rid of the four witnesses. Lieutenant Lethbridge, you are not to go anywhere near the prisoner. That is an order!"

"Yes, Sir!" He wanted Hearst to fry in the electric chair.

Roland had left a few things out of his chat with the captain. Like how each of the four witnesses had threatened Hearst rather graphically.

Or that his sister had informed him that a childhood friend of his was an officer on the Titanic and on board the Carpathia at the moment.

April 15th 1445

Cecily blearily opened her eyes, before scrunching them shut again. Giving up her life jacket, gunfire, checking the body, hearing the band play, the lifeboat nearly capsizing, threatening Hearst, and bickering with First Officer Murdoch.

"I had hoped that you would sleep longer," it was Aunt Mina.

"I hoped last night was all a nightmare," she answered as she stretched and looked around before asking, "How'd we get one of the few staterooms, not that I am complaining."

"Art- Captain Rostron was kind enough to give us one," her aunt replied a little too quickly.

Deciding to ignore Aunt Mina's slip up till later, "Do you think it would be alright if I went for a walk?"

"I think that it would be fine. But keep aware of where you are," her aunt requested.

Shrugging on her coat and taking her necklace off, Cecily went on about her stroll.

She and her aunt were lucky in one major aspect: They had not been travelling with any male relatives. Her third oldest cousin Matthew had been intending to come along, but something at his law firm had come up at the very last minute. Cecily was sure he would be heading to the closest Catholic church as soon as he got word.

Most of the survivors were indoors as the weather fit the general mood: crappy. Few even noticed her walking past them. They were either eating, drinking, sleeping, or weeping quietly.

She needed a place where she could clear her mind. So out onto the deck she went. The fewer people the better.

Cecily was on the port side of the ship, which meant that she was able to see the Florida. It did make her feel better to see the Stars and Stripes.

Erik was like another overprotective brother. She wondered if would be able to see her from wherever he was on the ship, if he was on deck.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Harry had found her.

Smiling, she turned around leaning against the rail, "I'd have to haggle at the moment. I left my coin bag with my aunt."

"I think I could be persuaded to waive the fee in favor of a kiss," he said in a low voice.

There was that warmth in her blood again. "Maybe later. Somewhere without so many windows," she whispered.

"Good idea. Not in plain view of God and man. Thankfully the First Officer is still asleep. Captain Rostron had to order him to rest. The surgeon from the Florida also threatened to drug him if he did not," Harry had a grin on his face at the thought.

"I would have paid good money to have seen and heard that show," she giggled.

"I only heard about it from Mr. Lightoller after I woke up," he replied.

Silence reigned for a few moments before Harry asked, "Do you remember the time Roland and I got frogs into your dresser?"

"Of course I do. I still remember them springing out and hopping all over my room!"

"It was not our intent for them to get into your parent's room," he cringed at the memory.

"None of us could sit with comfort and joy for a week. I still don't know why I got into trouble along with you and Roland," Cecily muttered.

She heard a happy dog barking.

"Nice to know there are still some ordinary things going on," she remarked.

"There was an Irish Setter bouncing around with some children inside. The owner probably brought it outside," Harry remarked.

A voice called out, "No Macduff! Bad dog!"

Soon a big blur or red came zooming around a corner.

Harry tried to grab the dog's leash and while succeeding in catching it, the dog decided to spin around with the leash flying from his hand, twisting and knotting around hers and Harry's ankles, bringing them to the deck, with the dog next to them. Every inch of their bodies were against each other.

Not as bad as I thought. Wish the damn dog wasn't here. He's not exactly light on me, but the worst thing in the world. I'm enjoying this far too much; I should probably tell Harry to get off me. Oh Christ I know he can't help it but still. Damn I still can't get enough of those eyes of his. You really don't hear about brown eyes enough. Harry must have forgotten to button up his coat when he came outside that's why I can feel-

"I'm not mad at you but could you try getting up please? You're turning out to be a lot damn heavier than I thought you'd be," Cecily retreated to her defense of sarcasm.

Harry replied in a strained voice, "I'm sorry I cannot. The bloody dog tangled us up good. We have to wait for the owner to find us."

If this were any other situation, our faces are close enough we could kiss with ease.

"And here I thought sailors were supposed to be good at knots, she drawled, trying to move a little.

While Cecily was doing this, the only of the dog came hurtling around the corner. Upon seeing his dog he said, "Macduff, there you are, don't do that—" Then he saw where the leash led and turned fire engine red.

Of course his mind goes straight to the gutter, Cecily thought.

"The hell's the matter with you? Can't you control your damn dog?" Harry blew up at the owner.

"I'm sorry. He isn't normally like this. I brought him outside to try and calm him down." The own pulled a knot and only made things tighter, almost to the point of cutting off circulation.

"Bloody hell, tug it the other way!" Harry growled.

Cecily had to move. The deck was digging into her back. And as for what was digging into her front…

"Could you please hurry it up? Neither of us are exactly in comfortable positions," she pled.

"Going as fast as I can," the owner replied, picking at another knot.

The Irish Setter then decided now was the time to start licking hers and Harry's faces. No matter what either of them did, the animal seemed to get at them.

After what seemed like hours, but likely only a few minutes, the owner got the leash untangled from their ankles and began to scold his dog.

Harry could not get off of her fast enough. As he was on his feet, he buttoned up his coat with almost indecent speed, looking anywhere but at her.

He then helped her to her feet. While doing so, Cecily got a look at the dog. He almost seemed to be smiling at her

That little devil! He did that on purpose!

"Again I apologize for Macduff. He is far better behaved than this usually. All of the excitement has gotten to him."

Cecily just nodded as she brushed off her coat and straightened it. She was not looking at Harry, her ears, face, and neck were on fire.

Now that the dog and his owner were gone, she heard laughing. Groaning she said, "I know that laugh.

Sure enough, upon turning around, Cecily saw her aunt howling with laughter, barely holding herself upright against a wall.

With her was the Second Officer Lightoller, also laughing his ass off, except he was leaning on a bulkhead. Harry was glaring daggers at the man.

"Sir you could have helped us instead of taking entertainment at our misfortune," he said just this side of rude.

Cecily then asked her aunt, "Do you have any real reason to be here or are you just going to laugh till you can't breathe?" she still was not looking at Harry.

Taking a breath, but still chuckling, "I did have a reason to come looking for you. Doctor Kelly from the Florida came looking for me. It seems that Roland is on board the ship. During the trek up to meet the Carpathia, apparently he helped out in the Sick Bay, and did not stop talking about both us the entire time."

Of all the times for Roland to be nearby! This recent misadventure was clearly an accident, but when his overprotective nature towards me takes hold, sometimes he tends to punch first and ask questions later!

She chanced a glance at Harry who had gone ashen. Roland and he had been friends, but that had been nearly 20 years ago.

1800 April 15th

Good. God. In. Heaven. Roland was on the battleship across from him and here he was having highly inappropriate thoughts about Cecily. Thoughts that any brother worth his salt would pound him for having. Roland had been able to pummel anyone their age who had come up against them when they had been boys, and from what he had heard, had only improved his skill! Harold was barely paying any kind of attention to his cards, having given three cards to Moody, the designated dealer, who was already out of the game. The sixth officer had joked that he'd used up all of his luck getting to the overturned lifeboat with Mr. Lightoller.

Absent any money to use, they were using several silverware sets as gambling chips. Pitman and Boxhall were the closest to being knocked out this hand, barring a miracle. Murdoch and Lightoller still had good sized stacks, not unlike his own.

Finally deciding that it would be a good idea to take a look at his cards, Harry barely kept his surprise in when he noticed that he had a royal flush in clubs. It took some of the sting out of the fact that Lightoller was telling the everyone who would listen the story involving the Irish Setter.

"I swear I have never seen a dog look so pleased with itself. And I also never seen anyone with such an interesting shade of red on their face, right Mr. Lowe?"

He had been biting the inside of his mouth most of the night. Though Harry had been thanking whoever was listening that no one had noticed his need to take a dip in the ocean.

"Mr. Lightoller, with all due respect, are you at all capable of keeping your trap shut," he asked through clenched teeth.

"You should know by now, that I'm bloody well not," the second officer replied brightly.

Giving a sharklike smile, Harry decided to show his hand, "In that case, this hand goes to me. Royal flush, in clubs!"

Which led to a round of cursing from Lightoller, Pitman, and Boxhall, the latter two knocked out of the game. Murdoch just smirked as he tossed his cards at Moody.

"So you can bluff Mr. Lowe," the First Officer drawled as the next hand was dealt.

"I was barely paying attention to my cards, sir. Sheer dumb luck," Harry drawled back.

"Well, perhaps you'll pay as much attention to the next hand as you do to the stars," the Scotsman grinned.

Then the Sicilian kid (yes there was a difference apparently) Fabrizio piped in, "I think you should take Miss Lethbridge's advice, Signore Murdoch!"

Leaning forward, taking almost immediate notice of the First Officer's slight discomfiture, "What advice did Cecily give you?"

"None of your bloody business, Fifth Officer Lowe," Murdoch growled before getting up from the table to head topside.

Fabrizio mouthed "I'll tell you later."

Harry hoped that Cecily was having a good evening.

2000 April 15th

"So… My darling niece, What was it like for you with Harry on top of you for the first time," Mina sniggered, well on her way to being three sheets to the wind.

Cecily's face had not stopped being bright red all night. It had been a delightful shade of magenta earlier. However, she had been sipping some whiskey and had spit it out.

"Aunt Mina! For God's sake! You know damn well nothing happened! It was that dog that caused us to land like that!" Her niece poured herself another glass of whiskey.

"And the fact that I noticed Harold buttoning up his coat so quickly his hands were almost flying? You two were barely looking at each other." Mina knew she had an evil gleam in her eye.

Since they were in their stateroom for the rest of the night, Cecily had kicked off her boots and stockings. This let Mina know that her blush went from head to toe.

"There's nothing for you to be embarrassed about my dear, although I would recommend you make sure there aren't any witnesses the next time you two ah fall for each other. Just imagine if Roland had been there!" Mina was enjoying this far more than she should.

At the mention of Roland's presence her niece turned ashen. Her nephew's protectiveness for his sister was well known. Men could hardly even look at Cecily without Roland asking Antin to do a background check on them. Most were found wanting. There were also times in the past where he'd had to threaten the use of his fists. His skill as a boxer in the Navy usually made people back off posthaste.

"You cannot seem to make up your mind whether to blush or go pale, Cecily," Mina remarked.

Her niece was saved from answering further by a knock at the door. Jumping off the bed to answer it, Mina only paid half attention to Cecily speaking to a steward.

Upon her return, Mina asked, "What was it?"

"Bottle of rum for you. Compliments of the Captain," Cecily's eyes were narrowed with suspicion. "Not many people know of your preference for rum Aunt Mina."

"I've sailed on Cunard ships in the past under Captain Rostron's command," Mina replied.

"Uhuh. You slipped up earlier today before my walk, almost calling him by his first name. How well do you know him?" It was Cecily's turn to smirk.

"Cecily I will make you a deal. You tell me what you were up to till 2 in the morning on Sunday then I will tell you how I know Captain Rostron," Mina said in a tone that brooked no argument.

Unsurprisingly, her niece clapped her mouth shut at that.

2100 April 15th

After the poker game ended (Lowe had won), Charles had taken it upon himself to go looking for Will.

He finally found him near the bow of the Carpathia where all the lifeboats from Titanic were being kept.

"So are you going to tell me what advice was given to you or am I going to have to find out from Mr. Ferretti?" he asked as he came level with his old friend.

"Good Lord no. She simply told me what I should do once this is all over," Will replied.

"And what might that be? It has to be something awkward for a lady to say otherwise you wouldn't be acting like this" Charles inquired.

"There isn't an awkward bone in that spitfire's body. Bold as brass she is. Lowe's going to have his hands full with her," Will chuckled.

"Actually according to her aunt, her boldness and sarcasm come out as a defense mechanism of sorts. In truth, she's actually quite ill at ease around people she does not know," Charles informed.

"Her aunt would likely know her better than either of us," Will agreed.

"That awkwardness was out in full force when I saw her and Harold on the deck by that dog. I swear that animal looked far too pleased with itself for it to be natural," Charles nearly started laughing again at the memory.

"You're certain it was a complete accident?"

"Yes Will, the dog was there, and the way the leash was knotted and how uncomfortable the two of them looked it was an entire accident. You should try watching the pair interact. It is a treat to watch."

A/N 2: So… What do you all think? What was your favorite part? SSD