Love's Abyss (St. John Series) (21 page)

“No,” McClain said in his snotty English tone. “I just know how to win against cutthroat pirates like you.”

Alex stepped to his side, walking backwards as the men advanced. His back bumped against someone and he turned to see Max in the same situation as himself. “It’s been good serving with you, Capt’n,” Max said, never taking his eyes off of his opponents.

“Likewise,” Alex replied.

A group of sailors approached with their muskets drawn, pointing their weapons at the pair. “Lower your weapons,” the Commodore demanded.

“Go to Hell,” was Alex and Max’s simultaneously reply.

“Fine.” The Commodore yelled over his shoulder, “Bring her here.”

Both men watched as a soldier brought a kicking and screaming Kris to the deck. She was fighting them like a banshee. She bucked and twisted in the sailors grip. Her long raven hair was waving wildly in the wind.

Max’s fury grew as he started towards the men.

“If you take one more step, I’ll slit her throat and throw her to the sharks,” McClain said coldly.

Alex and Max reluctantly dropped their swords. The sailors bound their hands behind their backs and pushed them to their knees just as Madison and the lieutenant appeared on the deck. Madison’s shock was apparent on her face at the site of Alex and Max captured. Kris’s waving tresses caught her eyes. She heard Andrew. “That’s better. Now kill her anyway.”

“NOOOO!” Max yelled as his heart rose to his throat.

Madison had an idea. “Andrew! Wait!”

The Commodore turned to see Madison. He held up his hand to halt the execution, not wanting Madison to see the horrific death that was about to occur. He crossed the few feet to her and wrapped his arms around her. He pulled back and looked down at her. “Are you all right, my dear? These ruffians didn’t harm you, did they?”

“No, I’m fine, Andrew,” Madison stated. She looked at him and told herself to turn on her charm. She dropped her head and looked up at him sadly. “Please don’t kill her, Andrew. She’s . . . she’s like me,” she said and placed her head in her hands as she pretended to cry.

“Madison,” he said softly.

She shook her head and looked up at him. “She’s a captive. They’ve been keeping her drugged. She’s fighting you because the drugs are wearing off. Please don’t hurt her. Have pity,” she pleaded as she placed her hand on Andrew’s chest.

“Nevertheless, she’s still a pirate.”

“No. Let the drugs wear off. Take her to the mission at Governor’s Harbour. Allow the nuns to help her,” she said as she traced the collar of his jacket. “It would be the only proper thing to do.”

“Very well then.” He turned to the man holding her. “Throw her in the brig!”

“Wait. You can’t place her there. She’s an innocent pawn in their twisted game,” she pleaded.

“That she may be, my love, but right now, she is a danger to herself and this crew.” He yelled back to the man. “Take her and the boy away.”

Madison turned to Samuel as Andrew walked away. She whispered to him. “Remember the trick the Captain said for you not to do.” He nodded imperceptibly that he understood.  She slipped him a knife. “It’s time to do it again, but wait for my signal. When I say run, you run.” He nodded his understanding.

Samuel took the knife and cut the rope binding his wrists.

A sailor approached Samuel. Madison looked at the sailor and said, “I feel faint.” She collapsed. He stopped and caught the falling woman.

“Got it,” she heard Samuel whisper.

She collected herself and slowly stood up. She pretended to use the sailor‘s shoulders for support as she said, “Feeling better now.
Run
along,” she said emphasizing the word “Run”.

Samuel heard his cue and raced towards the helm. He unseeingly snatched a rope as he headed towards the stern. The sailor held up his pistol. “Stop!” he shouted.

Madison grabbed his gun. “He’s mine!” she said. She waited for Samuel to get to the edge and she fired the weapon.

The entire ship went quiet except for Alex’s cry of “NOOOOO!” as he watched the boy fall off the back of the ship. He lunged towards Madison only to be stopped by the butt of a gun smashing into his head. Stars appeared before his eyes.

The Commodore turned towards Madison. “What’s got into you?” he said, shocked by her actions.

“I . . . I don’t know. Frustration? Anger at the situation I guess,” she lied, all the while hoping Samuel had made it.

She looked at Alex, the hatred he had for her now was apparent in his eyes. She had a feeling in her chest like someone was ripping her heart out. She wanted to run to him, tell him of her plan, but knew if she did his demise would be certain.

McClain eyed Alex glaring at Madison. He walked over to Madison and placed his face only inches from hers in an attempt to kiss her. Madison placed a finger on his lips. “Not now. It’s not a proper time or place for such things, Andrew.”

Alex blinked several times trying to keep the blood trickling down his face from getting into his eyes. The scene before him curled his stomach. He felt an odd sensation in the center of his chest, like someone was tearing his soul out.

“Yes, of course you’re right, my dear.” He turned towards his crew. “Prepare the prisoners for execution and then burn this ship.” He turned back towards Madison. “Allow me to help you aboard
The Armada
.”

“Wait! You plan on executing them here? Now? And then burning the ship?”

“Yes, my dear. They are too dangerous to be allowed to live,” he told her.

“I’m going to have to object,” came a voice behind him. Madison turned to find Eli and Jacob walking their way.

She ran towards her brothers and embraced them. They returned her embrace and continued towards the Commodore.

“Our father wants to witness the hanging of these criminals,” Eli’s deep voice informed the Commodore.

“I know your father’s wishes, but I am the commander of this ship. I feel their presence here is too dangerous.”

“Oh, Andrew,” Madison interfered. “Please don’t make my father angry, not this close to our wedding.” The thought soured her stomach. She looked at him through her long lashes and moistened her lips with her tongue. “Hang them after we’re wed, as a wedding gift . . . for me. And keep the ship.  She would make an excellent addition to your fleet. 
The Abyss
is the fastest ship in these waters and just image being in command of her.”

He watched her tongue move on her lips and felt excitement. He couldn’t wait to bed her. “Fine,” he agreed, realizing she had a valid point. “
The
Abyss would be an excellent warship.  As for the prisoners, we’ll hold them for two weeks, then hang them.”

“Two weeks? Why so long? Our wedding day is Friday, only a week away.”

“You still want to get married then? I thought with all that you’ve been through you may want to postpone our nuptials until you’re—”

“No,” she interrupted. “I’ve waited six months to get married. I’m not waiting any longer.”

“Very well, my dear. Now, allow me to escort you aboard
The
Armada
.”

She held up her hands. “Not yet. There is something I need to get from
that
pirate’s quarters,” she said in a voice loud enough for Alex to hear.

“I’ll go with you then,” Andrew insisted.

“NO!” Andrew looked at Madison strangely at her protest. “No,” she said more quietly this time. “This is something I need to do . . . alone.”

“I really don’t think that’s wise,” Andrew protested.

“Andrew,” she said softly as she placed her hand on his chest. “I need this.”

He nodded. “You’ve got five minutes,” he advised her and watched her proceed below deck.

“Samuel,” Madison whispered once she was in Alex’s quarters. “Samuel!” she whispered again.

“Over here,” she heard him reply.

“Are you all right?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. How are the others?” he asked.

“Fine for now,” she replied. “I want you to hide in here until Friday.”

“Why then?” he asked.

She took a long slow breath. “That’s my wedding day and—”

“You’re really going to marry that bastard?” Samuel interrupted hatefully.

“I was planning on calling it off when I returned, but now it’s out of necessity,” she informed Samuel. “Look, Samuel, I didn’t want you to know I was to marry him, not after I found out what he did to your mother. I must now. I have a plan.” She took him by his shoulders, the hurt in his eyes apparent. “Trust me. Samuel, please,” she begged. He nodded. She kissed his cheek. “Now hide here until Kris comes.”

“But she’s been captured!”

“Trust me. She’ll be here on Friday.”

He nodded again and watched her walk to the table. She picked up the shipping manifestos and turned back to him. “Friday,” she said again.

Watching her leave, he wondered what she had planned. He quickly climbed back into the wardrobe to wait for Friday.

As Madison made her way to the deck, she watched as the sailors loaded the prisoners onto another ship. “Ah, there you are, my dear. What was so important?” Andrew asked.

“These,” she said as she held up the manifestos. “He stole them from the Governor’s son.” Andrew reached to take the documents, but she pulled them from his hands. He eyed her strangely. “I’ll give them to my brothers, so they can deliver them to my father.”

“As you wish,” he said as he placed his arm around her waist to escort her to the side of the ship. There was a long board between the two vessels. “Take this rope. It will help balance you as you walk across.”

She turned her head before he could see her roll her eyes in disgust. “I know what it’s for,” she mumbled.

“Did you say something, my love?”

“No. Just a little prayer to help me across,” she said sweetly as she crossed the plank like she had been doing it for years.

She looked around the deck and spied the place where she first saw Alex. Her mind raced back to that day. He was so handsome. She took a quick breath to bring her back to reality. A shiver ran down her spine when she felt Andrew’s hand on the small of her back. “You’re exhausted,” he said. “I’ll take you to my quarters, so you may rest.”

“That would be lovely,” she said. It would give her time to think how to finish her plan.

Chapter Twenty-Four

The brig of
The
Nautical
was damp and repugnant. The bowels of hell would have been more pleasant than their current location. It reeked of urine, feces, and vomit. The walls of the dark, dank cells were moldy and covered with a thin layer of slime. Alex looked around at his crew. Twenty had survived the attack. It would have been twenty-one if that bitch hadn’t killed Samuel. Alex closed his eyes in order to hide his pain. He was growing weak from the blood loss.

He looked around him. Kris was beside him. She had her arms outstretched trying to reach Max. Max raced to the edge of his cell and placed his arms through the bars. His fingers were only inches from hers.

“Max,” Kris said softly.

“I’m here,” Max replied. “Don’t worry. I’m fine. Help the Capt’n.”

She slowly pulled her arms back into her cell and crawled to where Alex leaned against the bars. Alex could see the tears roll down Kris’s face. The only decent thing that redheaded bitch did was save Kris’s life by saying she was drugged by the crew. “Let me see your neck,” Kris told Alex.

He turned his head sideways for her to view his wound. “It’s deep, but you’re lucky. Nothing of major importance was cut.” He heard a rip as she tore the sleeves off her shirt. She wadded it up and placed it on his wound and then tied another piece around his neck. “Keep pressure on it until it stops bleeding.”

Kris sat down beside Alex. “What’s going to happen now, Captain?”

“Well, you’re going to the mission,” he began.

“The mission,” she interrupted forcefully.

“Yes, that woman,” he refused to say her name, “convinced McClain that you were drugged and needed help.”

“I don’t want any help from her after what she did to . . .” Her words trailed off.

“I know,” Alex said. He took a slow deep breath. “As for the rest of us unlucky bastards, the gallows awaits for us on Saturday.”

“I’ll find a way to save you,” Kris said. “Somehow.”

Alex patted her hand as if to say “I know you’ll try, but it’s pointless.”

“Get your hands off my wife,” Max yelled from across the room.

“Aw, jealous Max,” Alex teased.

“I . . . I . . .”

“I know,” Alex replied to his long-time friend. “We’ve had many adventures together. I’ve never regretted any of them.”

“Nor have I, Alex, nor I.”

“They started what? When we were about five?

“You were five. I was seven.”

Alex smiled. “Ah, yes. You we’re trying to steal from my father’s store. I remember it like it was yesterday.” The crew listened to Alex as he told the tale of meeting Max.

* * * *

The ships docked six days later at Governor’s Harbour. Madison descended from the ship to find her parents waiting at the bottom. Her mother ran and clung to her in a tight hug. “Mother, I can’t breathe,” Madison said.

“Oh, sorry, my child. I’ve just been so worried about you.” Elizabeth pulled back and placed a hand on each side of Madison’s face.

“I’m fine,” Madison insisted.

Her father walked up to her and gave her a gentle hug. She felt so small in his large arms. He pulled her away from him and looked down at her attire. “What on earth are you wearing?”

Madison glanced down at the trousers, vest and blouse she had on. “Practicality,” she informed her father. “It was much more practical to wear something easy to run in, just in case I found a way to escape. Plus a dress would wrap around your head on a ship and you would resemble a big burrito,” she said, remembering Kris’s words.

“Elizabeth,” Robert said. “Take Madison to the carriage. I’ll be right there.”

His wife nodded and took their daughter’s hand.

Robert turned towards the ship to greet the Commodore. “I want to see them.”

The look in Robert’s eyes warned the Commodore not to stop him. Andrew nodded. “This way,” he said to his future father-in-law.

They walked in silence to
The Nautical
. Robert spied Eli and Jacob there. The twins walked up to their father. “Over there,” Jacob said, knowing exactly what his father wanted.

Robert walked to where several bound men were standing. “Which one is he?”

Jacob pointed towards Alex. “He’s their Captain.”

Robert walked over to Alex and sized him up. Alex watched as Robert clenched his jaw, the rage and hatred glowing in his dark eyes. He knew what was coming and braced for the blow as Robert’s fist connected with his mouth. Alex’s head jerked backwards. Robert grabbed him by his collar and pulled him close. “You’ll pay for taking my daughter,” Robert growled.

Alex had to remind himself to keep up the role of pirate, since every time he was in Robert’s company it was as Nicholas. He was thankful for the full beard he now sported, as it disguised him well. Alex sneered and spit the blood from his mouth at Robert. His head jerked back again as Robert’s fist connected with his jaw. “It will be a pleasure to watch you hang, boy.”

As Robert turned to leave, a tall dark man caught his attention. Robert inspected him. They were of equal weight and height. The man before him had a long-thick black beard, but he looked familiar.

Robert watched as the man fell to his knees from a blow to the back of the head. “Don’t disrespect Lord St. John, you filthy dog. Beggin’ your pardon, my lord,” said the sailor holding the butt of his gun to the back of Max’s head.

“Carry on,” Robert replied as he left the holding area.

Back at the carriage, Madison looked at her mother. “Mother, I would like to get cleaned up. We have a lot to do to prepare for the wedding.”

“Madison, you can’t possibly want to get married tomorrow after all that you’ve been through,” her mother protested.

“Yes, I still plan on getting married tomorrow.”

“But what about your dress? Mrs. Gurney won’t have time to make the one you wanted by tomorrow.”

“I’ll just buy one already made. I don’t care. I have been planning on getting married and I will—tomorrow!” Madison insisted.

“I . . . uh . . . well,”

“The invitations were sent out. So I am assuming all my brothers as well as the guests are here. Correct?”

“Well yes, but—”

“But nothing. I will wed tomorrow . . . that’s final. Tell the cooks when we get home, so they can make all the preparations. I wed tomorrow.”

“As you wish,” Elizabeth agreed. She looked at her stubborn daughter. “You know you’re father won’t be happy about this?”

“Pigge pogge, Daddy will be thrilled.”

“I’ll be thrilled about what?” Robert questioned as he opened the door to the carriage.

“Your hard-headed daughter is planning on—”

“I’m getting married tomorrow,” Madison interrupted her mother.

“Madison, are you sure?” Robert asked.

“Yes. It’s all part of my plan. My decision is final.”

“What plan?” her mother questioned.

“My wedding plan,” she lied. “Let’s hurry home, so I can clean up and look for my dress. We have no time to dillydally.”

“Very well,” her father agreed.

Rushing to St. John Manor, Madison hurriedly cleaned up. Elizabeth informed the staff of the wedding tomorrow. She told Nellie to take several of the staff and go to the church to prepare it for the upcoming nuptials.

Madison and her mother left around noon to plan for the wedding. It took the rest of the day, but they managed to get everything arranged. Once finished, Madison climbed the staircase and went to her room. She locked the door behind her and rushed to the window. She looked down into the yard to make sure no one was there. She waited several hours before climbing down the rose trellis. The thorns dug into her hands as she descended. Once on the ground, she peered around again for safety and headed towards the mission.

She approached the guard outside the door at the mission room where Kris was being held. “Halt, state your business,” the guard said.

Madison stepped out of the shadows of the long corridor. “I have come to check on the poor lady those evil pirates drugged.”

The guard looked at her. “Lady Madison, I’m sorry I didn’t recognize you,” he said. “I don’t think that would be a wise idea.”

Madison just stared at the guard. He squirmed under her uncomfortable gaze and then opened the door. Madison walked past him and shut the door.

Kris sat in a chair on the other side of the room. Her face was covered by hair as she held her head down. Her hands were bound to the chair and her mouth was gagged.

Kris slowly looked up. The site of Madison standing before her brought her to life. She shouted, but the gag muffled her words. She twisted her body with each word.

Scurrying across the room, Madison took Kris’s head in her hands and looked at her friend. The hatred in Kris’s eyes was unsettling. Madison pressed her lips together and exhaled. “Listen to me.”

Kris jerked her head away from Madison’s grasp and yelled again.

“If you want to see your husband again, you have to listen to me,” Madison pleaded.

Kris’s struggles ceased and she eyed Madison suspiciously.

“I have a plan. If I remove this gag, will you promise not to yell?”

Kris nodded her head reluctantly. Madison slowly pulled off the gag. Kris spat in her face.

Madison stood up and wiped her face. “I deserved that.”

“What do you want?” Kris hissed.

“I need your help.”

“I’ll never help you. You betrayed us. You betrayed Alex!” Kris yelled.

“Shh, the guard will hear you. I know you hate me, but what I’ve done is all part of my plan.”

“What plan? To kill us all?”

“No, to rescue all of you.

“You killed Samuel!”

“No, he’s alive, hiding on
The
Abyss
. Quit asking questions. I don’t have much time.” She pulled out a small vial. “Hold still, and don’t take this the wrong way,” Madison said as she put her hand down Kris blouse and placed the vial under her breast. She then reached into her pocket and pulled out a small knife and placed it in Kris’s hand. “The vial contains a potent drug for sleep. Tomorrow evening, get the bottle of rum I left for you and pour this into it. Make haste to the prison. Use your charms and get the guards to drink it. Once they’re asleep, steal the keys, rescue the crew, and have them escape with you on
The
Abyss
. But just as soon as you’re on
The
Abyss,
go to the Captain’s quarters and find Samuel. He’s hiding in the wardrobe. Tell him to stay put until you’re at sea for several days.”

“What about you?” Confusion and concern was apparent in Kris’s voice.

“Forget about me. I’ll be married by then.” Kris shook her head as Madison spoke. “There won’t be many guards. It will be easy to escape and board
The
Abyss
. And please don’t tell Alex about this.”

“He’ll come for you.”

“No, he can’t know. He has to hate me or he’ll never leave.”

“Why?”

“I would rather live my life in hell knowing he’s alive than go on one more minute knowing he’s dead. You of all people should understand that.” Madison slowly stood up. “I’ve hidden you a change of clothing along with a bottle of rum under the big red rosebush in the garden by the well.”

The concern and questions in Kris’s eyes were apparent. “Madison,” Kris began.

Madison leaned over and hugged her. “You’re my best friend, Kris. Please do this, if not for me, then for Max and Alex.”

“There’s something you should know about Alex,” Kris began. She took a deep breath, “He’s the Governor’s—”

“Lady Madison, is everything all right in there?” the guard’s voice came from behind the door.

Madison quickly placed the gag back in Kris’s mouth, tying it loosely.

“Farewell, my friend, and Godspeed,” Madison said as she hurried out the door.

Watching Madison leave, Kris’s mind was whirling. It was all a big hoax, an elaborate plan for their escape. Kris’s fingers grasped the knife tightly, and she cut the rope binding her wrist to the chair. When her right hand was freed, she made quick work releasing her other hand. She ran over to the second story window and looked out, wondering how she was to get down, and wishing this mission was made like the one she was raised in. Unfortunately, it wasn’t. She looked to the left and spied a grape vine climbing up the wall.

“That’ll have to do,” she said.

Carefully climbing out the window, she perched on the sill. She leaned over, took hold of the vine, and climbed down the wall, the vine digging into her hands.

She felt the grass on her bare feet. She turned and raced to the rose bush in the center of the garden. She dug through it, the thorns scratching her arms until she felt a burlap sack. She pulled out the sack, tucked it under her arm, and raced towards the barn as the moonlight lit her way.