Hi, my dear readers!
I'm so sorry for the new delay, but you know: Work and short time are always the enemies of a hobby. I know, you all want to know what comes next – now, with Hook having saved Peter but all of them more or less caught. Therefore no long words, and I release you to London of the early 20th century.
A really BIG thank you for the reviews and mails; I'm so, so glad to be contacted from former readers again and that the others still follow my story.
Have fun
Yours Lywhn / Starflight
Chapter 56 – Close Call
After arriving at the hotel, George Darling immediately put in another call to Bloomsbury. But it was Liza who answered the call, not Mary. Liza was quickly replaced by an enthusiastic Michael, with the other boys shouting at him from behind their freckled brother. Mr. Darling was shocked by what he learned.
After hanging up, he sat for a moment, collecting himself and sorting through the information he'd just received, as well as his multiple reactions. Mary had visited that pirate, then called from Millicent's home (unbelievable!), then Curly shouted that Wendy had fled the manor and was back in London … but had NOT come home; no, but on that ship! Of course he was glad she was out of that place, but to … the ship? Shouldn't Wendy's first instinct be, after escaping that shifty viscount, to return to the safety of her own home? What was that pixilated female even thinking? And how in the name of all that's sacred did she know where to find the ship?
And now Millicent and her prying eyes were involved! He would never hear the end of it. He'd learned that his sister was packing for an overnight stay in Bloomsbury! What a fiasco! And her son, Robert, was single-mindedly determined to save that flying boy from the trouble he was in. Wasn't that Peter boy always in trouble? Now Robert was to remain at the ship (by gum, were those planks magically magnetic?) For he'd also heard that John and Ethan were waiting with Wendy (on the ship!) and … and … Victoria Ashford? Had they all gone insane?
Wendy and John had always been so respectful and obedient – and his dear wife was the model of compliance and propriety. He loved her dearly, and she, in turn, repaid him with admiration and a well-running home. And now it seemed all the older Darlings had abandoned his firm instructions to stay home and gone to that blasted ship!
He grimaced. Had he no say in his own house anymore? This was unacceptable!
After many deep, calming breaths, he had gone back to his room, packed, and returned to check out. While waiting for the desk clerk to calculate his bill, his eye caught the headline of the complimentary copy of The Times – London, declaring 'Authentic 18th Century Pirate Ship Arrives in London's Port'.
Taking the paper, he flipped it open, then again stopped breathing seeing, for the first time ever, the pirate captain who had been so often the center of Wendy's stories; the same captain who seemed to have wrapped his entire family around his little finger. George examined the surprisingly good photo showing a man somewhere in his mid thirties, with piercing eyes in an attractive face, long curls, and clad in a style of a bygone era. 'Every inch the pirate of imagination,' he thought.
Beginning to breathe again, he lifted his eyes, finally seeing what his daughter had seen with her romantic imagination. Of course she would be attracted to this … this criminal. The man could certainly have women "in every port." And that hook! It lent him a greater aura of danger, mystery. He could have any female he wanted! But, no, that scoundrel had to turn his little Wendy's head!
Skimming the article, he acknowledged they'd come up with a good excuse for the existence of the ship and their appearance. And there was Ethan, in the middle of it all, pretending to be the ship's cabin boy. What balderdash. What if someone recognized him? And offering sightseeing tours aboard the ship … well … that was a good business idea. People loved oddities, especially romantic historical ones. But what was this bit about the captain wanting to research his background? His ancestor?
Be that as it may, George was determined to keep his family safe from this rascal – even at this late hour.
"Mr. Darling, how may I serve you?" The question from the clerk brought George's attention back to the elegantly uniformed chap behind the counter, pen in hand.
"I want to pay the bill for the trunk calls to Bloomsbury. The charge for the room goes to the Bank of England, London," he said, tucking the newspaper under his arm.
"Of course, sir," the man answered, and a minute later presented Mr. Darling the telephone bill.
Sir Edward, following the bellboy with his grip out of the elevator, heard his favorite employee's stunned reaction from the reception desk: "How much?"
*** PP ***PP ***
At the deceptively labeled Little Haven Orphanage, two groups were facing each other, startled. "Who the devil are you!" Milton asked, frowning at the group of strangers. Five men, a lady and a lad with long black hair and copper skin. And one of the men carried that miserable troublemaker he was planning to have more fun with later. But those men ... Elmer, who had a firm grip on a struggling Anthony, blinked several time. "Pirates?" he guessed.
Joe snorted. "Ditchwater and dung, if these ain't the wanna-be-pirates from that old swamp barge they wrote about in The Times!" he chuckled, eying them all cautiously. "Fine costumes, but this ain't a stage." Peter stared at him. "Guess ya weren't lying when ya said you knew this make-believe pirate," he nodded at Hook. "But it won't help none."
Hook carefully placed Peter on his feet beside him, steadying him with his right arm and purposely revealing the claw. A sinister smile appeared on his face. "Well, if we are fakes, then you needn't mind the edges of our weapons."
Milton's saw the cutlasses and finally the pistol the old man held. "A flintlock!" he blurted out and gave a half laugh. "Not impressive, gaffer!"
Smee looked disgusted. "It might be not th' fanciest weapon, lad, but th' lead can take out y'r spleen as neat as a new one, allowin' ye a long an' painful death. Ah might add, ah'm quite capable of shootin' ye b'tween y'r eyes as well."
Elmer, who had still a firm grip on Anthony's wrist, elbowed Joe. "Careful. He sounds serious."
"Fat but equipped with a working brain, at least," Hook taunted. "Let us pass and you will not be harmed."
Joe snorted sarcastically. "You're kidnapping one of our children -"
"Children? Prisoners – slaves! – is a better description fer what ye're doin' 'ere!" Akeele snapped, indicating the washhouse. He and Mullins had had seen how hard the children were forced to work. Akeele himself had been a slave and one look at the young 'workers' had shown him the abuse. He was not fond of children, but he hated those who caged others for their own benefit.
"We haveta to feed and clothe them, and that takes money!" Henry snarled. "And you want to take him from us?"
"You've got it backwards, dog. We will let you go!" the captain growled. "Last chance: Out of my way or you'll paying dearly for all you did to Peter!"
"We be only three, they are four – five, if you count the young gentleman to them," Elmer murmured. "We're outnumbered."
"Higher mathematics, impressive!" Hook sneered, then addressed his crew. "Akeele, Mullins, deal with these men. Unburden them from their responsibilities and lock them in the director's office, tied and gagged. They won't be after us any time soon."
Henry blanched. "You can't …" He stopped as the eyes of this 'fake-pirate' went narrow, drawing his own pistol.
"Don't tell me what I cannot do, cowards! Threatening children is easy, but we are not children." He glanced at Elmer. "Let go the imp and lift your hands, or I'll forget where I am."
Elmer promptly obeyed and Anthony went immediately to Peter, who placed a hand on the smaller boy's shoulder protectively.
The warders were caught between a rock and a hard place. The atmosphere was quite tense, but something caught Hook's eye: Light. Was the sun making an appearance? Yet this light was … flitting.
"We ain't alone here, you daft pretenders! The others will call the police and then…" Joe's words were drowned out as the air was filled with a soft humming and the sound of hundreds of little bells. And then they came: Fairies. Dozens and dozens of them swarmed into the hallway, chasing out the dull twilight. They had used the beam of sunlight breaking through clouds to race from the heights to the building where Aurora led them …
"Neither are we," Hook smiled, remembering … the backdoor the pirates had used was still open.
Sensing the heartbreak and despair of the overworked children in the washhouse, several dozen of the fairies flew to the young humans, trying to help. It worked! Dispersing throughout the washhouse, they showered everything with their dust: The children, the laundry, Snippy Mildred and the other warder, the tubs, the water … and the fairy magic worked its wonders. The children instantly recognized the sprites and began to cheer and rejoice with them. Many landed on their heads, shoulders, whispering secrets into their ears. Most couldn't understand, but all laughed with glee. Betty yelped in delight as a few fairies soared around her and clapped her hands. "You came for Peter, right?" she asked happily, and the thought that her young hero might know these enchanting beings lifted her in the air. And not just Betty. Everywhere the children rose from the ground, the youngest ones first, the older followed once they forgot where they were and why. Malcolm and the older children who seemed to have forgotten all childlike references sat down, entranced, only to quickly fall asleep.
More fairies arrived and shot through the hallways of the orphanage led by Aurora. As they spied a familiar boy with sandy hair beside a man with a hook, they instantly knew that they had reached their destination. They could feel the invisible fairy-dust on the boy, sensing that the men with him were of Neverland. They could smell the breeze of the Never Sea in the one-handed man's hair, perceived the scent of hundreds of flowers, herbs and the Nevertree's leaves which came from the boy, but they also felt his exhaustion and the man's fierce desire to protect the youth against the others facing them. And the fairies knew that they had to act.
Fairies had many strategies for dealing with enemies – and a few of their weapons were just mischief. And the Kensington Fairies had learned a clever defence for dealing with the humans that constantly hung about. They not only masked themselves as flowers, they also confused the minds of men – most effective in dealing with the orphanage employees.
Avoiding the grownups and boys around Peter, they surrounded the three warders. A few fairy-warriors threw handfuls of golden dust in the men's faces, other fairies jingled cheerfully at the men's ears, others were teasing them with their fairy-light. Joe, Elmer and Henry were sneezing and coughing, trying to slap the 'pesky insects' away. Their movements grew slower, their shoulders drooped, hands grew slack, then stopped. They were soon standing there like they didn't know who they were, or why they were there.
Tinker Bell had come out of hiding from Hook's hood and danced happily, darting to Aurora and both friends spun laughing around each other. James watched the two for a moment, then he heard three consecutive thumps behind him - the three warders had slid to the floor, goofy smiles wreathing their faces, gazes fixed on the aether. And still the fairies surrounded them.
"This … this is unbelievable," Mary Darling whispered, enchanted by the little beings circling them, spreading joy, merriment and promise.
"No, this is fantastic," Daniel murmured, heart beating powerfully with childlike delight.
Peter, still shaken after hours in the dark, only seeing himself chained and locked away for years, felt his spirit breathe again. The fairies' presence was cool water in a parched throat. He thought he sighed deeply after days of suffocating, and he relaxed against Hook. The man's long arm tightened around him and a wave of confidence washed over him.
"All right," James said quietly, gaze never leaving the warders. "Let's go."
Peter looked up. "Frank and Tony – we have to take them with us. And Betty, too."
This time Hook did gape. "What?"
"They stuck up for me. They helped me and will be punished if I escape." The Pan, the leader, was awakening.
Hook glanced at John, Nibs and Slightly; Frank stood with Anthony, both utterly taken with the fairies. They watched the tiny beings, bouncing with mirth, giggling and clapping their hands. A few fairies fluttered around them, laughing and singing – and the boy's eyes grew hazy, just as it happened to the other children in the washhouse. James understood what was going on … using spells on the two lads as on the warders. The hilarity in the washhouse, the captain knew, told him that the fairies were doing the same there. "Peter, listen," he said quietly but urgently to the boy under his cape, "we can't take those boys with us – not now. Wendy is free, yes, but Ashford and the others kidnapped a dragon egg –"
"I know, the professor told me," Peter interjected. "He still has the egg?" he asked, slowly remembering his concern and care of Neverland again.
"Aye – and we have to get it back and free the professor. I don't think that mission will succeed without a fight. And your little friends there aren't trained fighters. They would be in danger." James pulled this ace from his sleeve.
Peter frowned. "They could remain on the ship …"
"And there lies the rub. If the officials even suspect that I am harbouring runaway orphans on my ship, they will search for them, and all of us will go to prison. After that, if they find the treasure, they will know that we're real pirates. And then my men and I will hang." James knew that he was using the big guns in this argument, but with Pan it was always better to exaggerate to drive a point home. He saw the boy's eyes widen in horror, and knew he'd won this round.
Peter looked over at the two younger boys, dancing down the hallway. It seemed they had forgotten everything around them. Hook stuck his pistol back in his sash and lifted the youth in his arms again. "But -"
The boy's remark was cut off by the captain. "We can discuss later, Pan, but right now we have to LEAVE! I don't know how long our luck will hold out."
To his surprise Peter quit objecting, but wrapped his arms around the captain's neck, too exhausted to be stubborn. "Mr. Smee and one of you boys, go with Mr. Kempton, the rest come with Mrs. Darling and me!" James ordered, and turned to Daniel with a piqued expression. "One more thing, Mr. Kempton: The next time you make me a father, please give me advance warning." Daniel shook his head wryly, striding to the entrance. The jingling, giggling and fluttering of the fairies accompanied him and the others as they spilled into the street where Kailen waited at the motorcar.
"By surprise and suddenly, they took Kailen and the boy," he peeped contritely. Aurora quicky filled him in on the events in the building. Tink remained with Peter, sharing Hook's apprehension that they all could be stopped at any moment.
Quickly, they were loaded and reunited with Kempton, Smee and Nibs at the next corner. This time Mullins and John sat beside Mrs. Darling, Akeele, Slightly and Dark Owl on the next bench and Hook with Peter were on the back bench, with Peter wrapped and folded into another blanket beside him. And it really touched Hook that the jaunty child leaned against the man, head on his shoulder, seeming to ignore Tink who landed in his lap, jingling at him. Good God almighty, what had those beasts done to the boy!?
They started out the way they had come. The clouds were scattering, and the lowering sun sent a golden light over the town by the Thames – a hint of spring. An omen? Hook hoped so. They all needed a break, especially the boy next to him. Glancing down on the tousled mop that rested on his chest, James saw that Peter had dozed off, despite his pain. He hadn't complained when he sat down on the folded blanket, but Hook saw the set jaw, the narrowed eyes – the boy was hurting. And falling asleep despite his pain hinted at his exhaustion.
Aurora and Kailen perched beside Peter; they looked tiny on the large bench. Tink settled carefully into Peter's hair, watching her surroundings warily. James knew that the three little beings were uneasy; no wonder - all was new to them, especially the little couple.
Looking down the side streets, Hook took a deep breath, once again faced with the fact that he was two hundred years in the future! And that he was driving in a carriage that was moved by a manmade engine instead of horses! Hearing loud rumbling and screeching noises to his left, he glanced up and saw one of those railways on an embankment that headed to the next station; the dark smoke of the locomotive went into the clearing skies, the red wheels moved with dizzying speed. From afar, he heard the hoarse blast of horn on one of the new ships – ships made of steel with no sails. Glancing to the middle of the street he saw two men riding that odd metal contraption with two wheels, while Mrs. Darling passed an enormous, motorized carriage where people sat inside and on the roof.
How everything had changed! James could understand how Smee had been so unnerved from his first ride. This was not their world anymore, yet they would have to learn to live there – just like they did after their arrival in Neverland. Yet Neverland hadn't differed much from the islands in the Caribbean, and the mystical creatures were somewhat familiar to his men and himself, the source of many, many folk legends. London, on the other hand, had changed so dramatically, and everything in it was so strange that he almost felt desolate.
Lost in thought, he was startled as Mary suddenly called, "Oh no!" James instantly leaned forward, holding Peter closer to him, who woke. And then Hook saw what she had seen: A large blue motorcar heading the other direction, and behind the driver: None other than Dalton Ashford, accompanied by the Dane. And their eyes met …
*** PP ***
Millicent Darling and Victoria had first looked in on Wendy, sleeping on the captain's bed, dressed, covered with a blanket and comforter. Her boots stood by the bed. Millicent saw how pale her niece was, and she bent down, stroking her walnut-brown hair. She gestured to Victoria to retreat. Because both didn't want to disturb Wendy, they left the quarters, after Millicent had taken a very good look around. The furnishings and décor were rather too elaborate for modern tastes, but considering the captain's heritage and the time he came from, it was reasonable. And, she admitted to herself, despite the abundance of red, gold and … and folderol, the whole cabin exuded a masculine touch. This man had made a comfortable life, even aboard an old ship.
Billy Jukes noticed their fascination with their surroundings and knew what to do: He suggested a ship's tour and after some hesitation, the aunt accepted (the pretty redhead had instantly agreed). And so Jukes led the two women throughout the ship, from the main deck and the forecastle to the first cannon deck below, including an inspection of the galley ("What, the poor man has to cook for so many crew members in such a small kitchen?" – Aunt Millicent.) Then Billy showed them the second cannon deck and a few men enjoyed demonstrating how they used two of the cannons as a base for a table. The crew's quarters, the officers' cabins, the holds and the powder chamber were visited, and finally the common room, where more than the half of the crew was present, including Short Tom, who still avoided the large aft cabin. While Millicent was shocked by the ugly parrot's appearance, Vicky was torn between amusement and pity, and even tried to talk to him (which earned her some soft croaks.)
Seeing a new audience for their many stories, the crew members soon waxed eloquent, relating some of their adventures. Yes, the men – even washed and more or less shaved – still looked like riff-raff and their dialects were sometimes difficult to understand - yet even Millicent realized that they weren't aggressively bloodthirsty. "And you were all pirates before you came to Neverland?" the older woman wanted to know after she and Victoria had listened to numerous tales.
"Aye," Mason nodded, whose arm was now out of the sling. "Jus' like th' capt'n. But, t' be sure, 'e's never been cruel. Yeh, we boarded aught ships, gettin' t'eir cargo and th' valuable belongin's off th' passengers, but 'e spared th' crews when they surrendered an' 'e never bot'ered th' passengers much. 'E dint like blustering from th' men, but 'e was always polite – 'specially t' th' ladies." This earned him a few guffaws.
"Yet he robbed them," Millicent said sternly.
"Aye, but 'e was allus polite," Billy Jukes explained, retreating a step and bowing as he to imitated Hook's purring baritone. "'Milady, tha' jewelry will never match ye're beauty, so ye really have no need fer it. Please be so kind an' hand it over.'" Some of the others applauded this little pantomime.
Victoria laughed, too, while Millicent commented wryly: "Wonderful, your captain is a charmer."
Albino chuckled. "Aye, t' be sure. An' th' mos' of 'em give their jewels of th'r free will – maybe in exchange fer a kiss."
Shocked, Miss Darling looked at him. "A what?"
"Ah, don' fret, Mum," Bollard smiled. "Since 'e met our wee lass, 'e's only eyes fer 'er."
"Aye!" Jukes nodded. "Never befor' saw 'im like now, after 'e fell fer yer niece. She charmed 'im as child, now he's utterly in loov wit'er."
"Billy, are you telling tales out of school?" a young voice behind them asked teasingly. Instantly the pirates turned around, smiled, most tipped their hats, murmuring greetings. Parting, they made room for Wendy, who grinned and winked at them. Her clothes were a tad wrinkled from her afternoon nap, her coat was open and her hair was undone. Her pallor had lessened and her cheeks were beginning to show a healthier hue, eyes shining. Victoria lifted a brow. She knew her friend, and perceived that something special had taken place after she and Daniel departed.
Wendy went straight to Millicent and embraced her. "Hello, Aunt."
The woman smiled, realizing her niece was doing better, glad the girl was unharmed and back in London. "Wendy, my dear," she said softly, returning the hug. "I'm so pleased that you're well."
Wendy's hug was longer than usual. Yes, they were often at odds, yet the girl did like Millicent. Stepping back, she turned to Victoria. "Hey, you're back!"
"Yes, for some time now," Vicky replied. "Daniel and I were successful and got Captain Hook a nice sum."
"I knew you would!" Wendy affirmed, then she looked around. "Where IS James? I thought he would be with you." She had found the cabin empty, the sun getting low, so, late afternoon. She hadn't planned to sleep so long, but she felt refreshed. Quickly she pulled on her ankle boots and coat and learned about the tour of the ship from the watch. She went below deck where she found her aunt and friend; both listening to Jukes, Mason and others telling stories about James' earlier pillages. Yet the man in the center of the stories was missing.
"Th' capt'n learned whur Pan was," Jukes told her.
"WHAT?" Wendy reacted; eyes wide.
"Aye. Two li'l boys showed up wit' Smee. T'ey come from an orphan'ge where Pan's, too," Mason told her. "Th' capt'n right away left terget'er wit' Mullins, Akeele an' Smee ter get th' boy."
"And he didn't wake me?" Wendy gasped.
"You were sound asleep and time was short," Victoria explained. "The two boys told us that your young sweetheart had made a mess in the orphanage and that the director wanted to send him to Bethnal House, so -"
"They wanted to send Peter to a madhouse?" Wendy wasn't shocked anymore, she was outraged. "Are they crazy at this orphanage?"
"They thought your friend might be," Millicent cut in. "That's the reason why Captain Hook left immediately."
"But he didn't go alone. Your mother gave him and the others a ride, together with the boys and that young native lad. And because there weren't enough seats for so many, Daniel offered to drive, too. I'm sure they'll be back soon – hopefully with the boy," Vicky told the rest.
"An' tha's not all," Jukes sighed. "Dark Owl had anodder vison, seein' th' witch turnin' ol' again. Th' capt'n fears tha' th' viscount'll try ter get Pan again so tha' 'is ol' hag can brew anodder potion from th' boy's blood."
Wendy paled. "Oh no – Peter!" she whispered; feeling outrage rising in her for her childhood-friend, but also for her beloved. "We can't stay here twiddling our thumbs. James is fighting for Peter's freedom! And Mother is in the middle of it. We have to-"
They heard a shot outside the ship, followed by a second one. Startled, everyone stared for a moment toward the quay, then Wendy screamed, "That's James' pistol!" Gathering her skirts she dashed out on deck, followed by more than a dozen pirates while from upstairs Herb's voice was shouting orders.
"Wendy, stay here!" Aunt Millicent called, frightened.
"Wendy, wait! I'll come with you!" Victoria yelled and raced after her friend and the buccaneers, ignoring Millicent's protest. And while everyone headed towards the next companionway, they could hear the gangway being lowered …
*** PP ***
The Austin and Adler were nearing each other quickly, and over the shrinking distance of a few yards the two enemies stared at each other – Ashford shocked, then furious, Hook with a frown, then a grim smile. Then the motorcars were alongside each other, and James saw the Dane bend forwards and shout something to the driver, while behind the blue automobile another came along behind, manned by two of the hunters, who also stared at him and the others.
"Oh bally pooh!" he heard John cussing, and for once his mother didn't rebuke him.
"That was Ashford," Slightly said and leaned toward his aunt. "Get going!"
Without hesitation, Mary stomped the accelerator. Mullins cried out and held onto his hat, John braced himself against the front dashboard. The other passengers, too, held onto their seats. Kailen managed to stay aboard withs Aurora's and Tink's help. Blaring the horn, Mary got Daniel's attention, and he dodged in front of them and lifted a hand to signal that he already knew.
Peter, fully awake now, looked through the back window. Forgetting his aching body, he called out, "They're turning around!"
"Of course they are," Hook growled. "Ashford is after you – again! This promises to be like sailing through a storm!"
The comparison was fitting, because Daniel in front and Mary following closely resembled the new "car races" becoming popular. And the turns Mary made were not always smooth, passengers 'holding on for dear life', thrown side to side on those bench seats. Akeele and Mullins cursed colourfully, Dark Owl thought it wise to brace himself and close his eyes, praying to the Great Spirit; John and Slightly also braced themselves the best they could on their seats; Hook tried to appear calm, but he'd never known this kind of speed in his life. Yet he held firmly to Peter beside him; careful to keep his hook away from the boy.
Slightly turned on his seat and looked back. "They're following us!" he shouted, thoroughly enjoying himself. "Hurry up, Aunt Mary!"
"As you wish," Mrs. Darling told him through clenched teeth, a frown of concentration creasing her brow. Never she had driven this fast, certainly never in busy traffic. They swerved from the side street onto Cable Street, where Mary used the broader road to pull alongside Kempton's vehicle; showing a boldness that impressed even Hook.
Smee was white as the proverbial sheet, clinging to the frame with one hand, while holding onto his hat with the other, wondering if all these moderns were as crazy as these two. He expected any second to be crushed between two large buses or thrown bleeding to the pavement, to die, bleeding among curious passersby. Nibs beside him made waving gestures to prompt his mother to pass a smaller motorcar, shouting, "Drive to the ship! We'll try to stop them!"
Mary, completely involved in dodging pedestrians, bicycles, omnibuses and horses, refused to consider how the young reporter and Nibs intended to do this – or what George would say if he ever found out about this escapade. Adding yet more speed, she raced down the lane, swerving every few feet. Horns blared, angry shouts, foul language and even raised fists were the result, while Mary managed to keep the vehicle under control. As she passed yet another omnibus, she had to use the opposing traffic lane. With shrieking tyres, she darted back to her side of the street before she traded paint with the approaching car.
"Gor' blimey, na woman should be at th' wheel!" Mullins squeaked, shutting his eyes; abandoning any pretence of pirate bravery.
Hook's heart was in is throat as he watched the near-collision. "Madam, do you have a death wish?" he shouted, holding down panic while keeping a firm hold on Peter.
"Your man asked the same thing earlier," Mary responded, finding holes through the traffic. "And I'll tell you the same: We made it, didn't we?"
"Like mother like daughter! I see where she gets it!" Hook shouted back, trying to sound jaunty, hoping that this would be over soon. He was rarely frightened (alright, maybe the tsunami; and maybe the dragon – and certainly the crocodile in earlier times) but these successive close calls were unnerving. He was usually the one with a hand on the wheel, but today he had to rely on another – on a lady no less – a lady who steered a horseless carriage through a crowded street like her hair was on fire, pursued by a ruthless man who wanted his - Hook's - life, his own beloved and the boy at his side! Hammer and anvil! He hated just sitting by!
Mary grinned at Hook's comment, but John shouted, "Look out!" Mrs. Darling avoided a biker in the very last moment, who'd just started from the side and begun to sway dangerously. Then he stood there, shaking his fist after the speeding Adler.
"Still behind us?" Mary asked, enjoying the buzz of the blood in her ears, while she kept a firm grip on the wheel, her knuckles white.
Akeele and Hook glanced both back. "Aye!" they said in union. "Mr. Kempton is between them and us," James added. "He … he's trying to block them, but …"
John and Slightly both rose on their seats and looked back; ignoring Mary's sharp order to 'sit down!' "Mr. Kempton is zigzagging along the road to prevent them passing him. And he's slowing, but he can't stop them," Slightly reported.
"Just how far are those blasted docks?" Hook cursed. Then he became aware of Peter trying to twist against him, and snapped, "Sit still, Pan!"
Peter was trying to kneel on the seat, shot him a glare. "We have to watch them -"
"What you have to do is sit still!" Hook snarled, wrapped his right arm around the boy's waist and pulling him onto his lap.
"Careful! I'm wounded!" the youth cried out.
"If you sat still, you wouldn't hurt!" James shot back, tightened his arm around Peter. "How far!?" he demanded, while Mary passed another motorcar, ignoring him. Peter peeked over the captain's shoulder to the action behind them.
"Mother, cross Cannon Road over there," John said, pointing ahead. "Turn left and we'll reach the street that runs parallel to St. Katherine Docks! Maybe we can outrun the viscount!"
"All right. Everyone: Hold tight!" Mary shouted, spinning the wheel to the left to enter the broad Cannon Road. Peter and Hook fell to the right, now lying on the bench seat. The exclamations and curses now included everyone's mothers.
"The paleface woman guides this wheeled beast like a wild horse," Dark Owl groaned, Akeele setting him upright again. The two fairies grabbed items of clothing, Kailen looked greener than before; wondering if the sprites had messed with this woman's mind as well.
Slightly looked back again. "Good going, Aunt Mary," he called, grinning. "They missed the turn!"
Hook grumbled while sitting up again. "Ashford certainly knows where the Jolly Roger anchors," he said, sitting Peter as well. "Our success depends on speed. We have to arrive at the ship before he does."
"We'll make it!" Mary shouted.
"Part o' th' best would be getting' us ter th' ship in one piece," Mullins rasped; clearly terrified.
"Like I said, we'll make it!" Mrs. Darling replied wryly, turning right onto the next street running parallel to the Thames, with the two docks between. This was East Smithfield, the same street Frank and Anthony used to reach the chapel by the St. Katherine Dock. The traffic was lighter here, yet many dock workers, seamen and other people were scattered about or crossing the street; bikers and a few lorries slowed the Adler.
They crossed the John Fisher Street that the boys had used, and John barked in laughter as he looked behind them. "That Mr. Kempton is a tough bird. He's blocked the road, parking car so that Ashford can't enter!"
"Well done!" Slightly applauded.
They headed down East Smithfield, passed the chapel at their left and Mary now went faster as the number of pedestrians thinned. She knew her husband would be horrified to see her now, but the captain was right. They had to reach the ship first, only then Hook, Peter and the three pirates would be safe. And her boys, too. Driving between the high warehouses to their left and other buildings to their right, Mary pushed the pedal down. The Adler roared, the motor at its limit. And then they reached the crossroad where the way toward the St. Katherine Dock's entrance branched off from the road that led to the Tower Bridge.
"Mr. Kempton is behind us again," Slightly shouted, looking back. And really, Daniel was directly behind them, after he had successfully blocked Ashford's attempt to catch up to Mrs. Darling.
Mary slowed down and turned a sharp to the left to enter the docks; the open iron gates with the two stone elephants were only fifty yards away. Peter wriggled free of Hook for a moment, knelt on the bench to see the pursuer, earning him an enraged "Why can't you sit still for ONE DAMN MINUTE!"
Ignoring him, the boy shouted, "They're coming!" and pointed back the road.
Slightly and John turned in their seats and shouted, "Blimey, Ashford's driver must be the devil himself!"
"Not quite devilish enough," Mary said sternly and steered the Adler onto the dock. Honking and shouting "Out of the way!" she found her way through dock workers, seamen, wheelbarrows and lorries. Another smaller steam ship was moored at the berth in front of the Jolly Roger's bow, and a few of its crew stared at the lovely driver and her curious passengers.
Hook took out his pistol, leaned out of the car and shot into the air. The sound rang out and dozens of dock workers ducked by instinct. "Mullins, you too! One shot into the sky!" James ordered, and the ship's carpenter obeyed without hesitation. They were signalling the crew aboard and faces immediately appeared. Mullins pointed toward the gangway and the faces disappeared.
Mary stopped the Adler only a few feet away from the gangway that immediately lowered. She sincerely wished she could apologize to all who'd been forced to jump out of her way as she had headed along the quay, but there was no time. She watched as Daniel Kempton stopped his car, turning it to barricade the viscount's Austin that was reaching the docks, but was slowed down by the men on the quay.
Hook leaped from the car, pulling Peter with him. The two fairies and the pixie hid in the coats of Slightly and John. He immediately lifted the boy on his arms and turned towards the gangway, where a dozen and more of the crew were running down to the quay; rifles and pistols ready. They were led by Allen Herbs and … Wendy! Of course! Scowling, James strode to them, while behind him tyres squealed and angry voices called out. "Wendy, stay back!" he called, but of course she ran toward him.
Daniel got out of his car and hastened around it. "Ethan, Mr. Smee, off to the ship!" he ordered breathlessly. Boy and bosun hopped out. Meanwhile, Kempton had placed himself firmly in front of his automobile, crossing his arms. He had no eyes or ears for the scolding dock workers, for he saw the Austin stopping and Ashford getting out; a larger man with a grim face followed. Behind them the Wolseley stopped and two more joined them. They were rougher looking, with longer hair; one sported a scar on his left cheek. All three carried rifles.
Dalton was seething. "SHALFORD!" he shouted on the top of his lungs and walked towards the Jolly Roger, not getting far because of the barricade of automobile, crane and lorry.
"Milord, this is quite enough!" Daniel said strongly.
Ignoring Kempton, Ashford stared at the tall figure with the long black curls and the cape, carrying the magically blooded boy he, Dalton, was intent on bringing back to the manor.
Hook turned, eyes narrowed, a deep frown on his forehead, cheeks flushed with anger. Seeing the younger man and three of the hunters, he tightened his hold on Peter, while Smee, Herbs and a few others drew in front of him, the boy and Mary on his right.
"James, Peter!" Breathless, Wendy stopped beside them, embracing both. "Are you two all right?" she asked, deeply worried for them. The eternal boy looked at her – and then back towards the viscount, who pointed a finger at them.
"I'LL GET YOU FOR THIS! YOU WON'T ESCAPE ME FOREVER!"
Hook knew what motivated Ashford now: The same hate that once drove him. The same raging urge to get the upper hand over an obvious enemy. Appropriate … "Akeele, take Pan to my quarters," he ordered, but the youth shook his head and tightened his hold around the captain's neck.
"No! You said Ashford wants me for his witch again. If you hold me, he won't shoot you again."
For a moment Hook forgot the viscount. Astonished he glanced at the boy who now shielded him. "I refuse to hide behind you-"
"I lost you once, I won't lose you again!" Peter told him grimly. He gripped the captain's collar now, staring into his eyes. Safety, freedom was so close, only a few steps away, and yet here they stood because of this dreadful man! He wouldn't allow James to risk his life for him again! Never!
Hook swallowed the lump in his throat, momentarily overwhelmed by the boy's declaration – at this display of love, not a word Peter would admit.
Wendy heard this exchange, feeling a stab of happiness that these two, both so dear to her, were finally growing toward each other. Then turning, she gave Dalton the most loathing, fiery glare she could muster. But Ashford was now arguing with Daniel, while dozens of dockworkers and even a few seamen from the smaller steamer approached.
"What happened?" Victoria had come down the gangway, and now moving to Wendy; Aunt Millicent stood on the deck, flustered enough to fan herself.
"Your cousin seems to have lost his mind," Mary answered, waiting with the others. "He pursued us by car through half of the East End and now he's hopping mad that we escaped – or rather, that Peter and Captain Hook escaped.
Vicky's eyes moved from Wendy to Hook, to the boy who clung to him like a lifeline, then to Daniel and Dalton. Daniel had Dalton by the arm and both were quarrelling. The three others with Dalton drew nearer, threatening the young reporter. Hassling Daniel now, too? And chasing her friends by motorcar? At this time of the day? "Enough is enough!" the redhead hissed. "That's the last straw!"
She took firm steps toward the 'barricade'. The others' voices of caution fell on deaf ears…
TBC…
I know, I know, a lot of action, including a car race. I couldn't resist to involve the latter, and I hope you liked it. I'm aware that there was a lot of stuff going on, with he Kensington Fairies meddling with the children's and warders' minds, Ashford technically 'red-handing' Hook and the others by getting out Peter, the car race (after our dear captain first felt troubled by the drastically changed London, and now even was dammed to sit only there and relenting on a lady). And now Victoria intervenes with her cousin who seems to lose it more and more. So, be sure of it, there is a lot of coming soon (grin).
In the next chapter, Dalton will learn that facing his enraged cousin and dealing with angry dock workers and seamen is not good (and understatement). Then Aunt Millicent will witness another side of our captain, comes to know Peter and she meets the two fairies and the pixie. And our captain turns once again in a kind of father.
I hope, you liked the new chapter, and – like always – I would be very, very happy to get some feedback.
For all of you: Happy Eastern, enjoy a hopefully nice early spring and some time out with your family / friends.
Love
Yours Starflight / Lywhn