Love's Abyss (St. John Series) (23 page)

“Dat boy is da fastest damn person I’ve eva seen,” he said still panting.

Kris turned towards the crew. “To stations. We have to get to the rendezvous point.”

“Who says we do,” said an unfamiliar voice. The crew turned to look at the dirty man wearing an eye patch, his gold tooth reflecting in the moonlight.

“Where did you come from?” Kris asked.

“Followed ya here from the prison. I wuz in one of dem cells ya opened,” he said as his eyes traveled the length of Kris’s body. “I say we have our way with ya and then take the ship fer ourselves.” He looked around at the crew. “Who wants to folla a woman anyways? What do ya say, boys?”

His answer was half a dozen swords pointed at his neck. “I don’t tink so, mon,” Slim replied as he cut the man’s throat.

Kris turned and headed towards the helm as the crew tossed the body overboard. “Mr. Smitty!” she yelled.

“Aye, Mrs. Kris,” he replied.

“Take the helm and get us to Hatchet Bay.”

“Why me?” he asked.

“You know these waters better than anyone,” she replied. “Now get us the hell out of here.”

“As you wish, Mrs. Hart,” he turned his head towards the crew. “Ya heard the lady!” he bellowed. “Get to yer stations!”

The Abyss
slipped out of port, undetected, on its way to Hatchet Bay.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Alex and Max slipped through the brush to the Governor’s mansion and made their way inside to Alex’s old room. Alex opened a wide, tall dresser and pulled out several articles of clothing. He took one set into his hands and tossed it in Max’s direction. “Shave and then put these on,” Alex told his friend.

Max caught the clothing and eyed them suspiciously. “What are you up to, Alex?”

“We can’t go to the reception looking like this,” he said as his hand gestured to his dirty tattered clothing. “We wouldn’t even make it past the front gate. But Nicholas and his driver can.”

The image of Alex’s plan took light in Max’s eyes. “Ah. I see. And I guess I’m the driver?”

“Of course, you don’t exactly look like Nicholas, now do you?”

“It’s been years since I drove a carriage,” Max reminded his friend as he walked to the washbasin.

“It’s easy,” Alex encouraged. “You never forget these things, kind of like swimming.”

“You’re insane,” Max mumbled.

Once clean shaven and dressed, they proceeded to the stables and hooked the horses to a large black covered coach. Max climbed into the driver’s seat as Alex opened the door and sat down inside. Max took the reins and flipped them on the horses’ backs and the coach slowly began to move.

Max remembered how to handle the horses pulling the coach. He made it to McClain’s house without any incident, dodging the dead and drunken bodies along the side of the back roads.

Alex exited the coach and made his way to the house. He patted his side, checking to make sure his pistol was still in place.  He took a slow deep breath to ready himself physically and mentally for what he was about to do.  Not only would he ruin his life, but his parents’ lives as well.

He entered the ballroom unnoticed. It was filled with dignitaries and wealthy merchants from all over. As his eyes scanned the room for his targets he heard a familiar laugh. He turned his head to the left and spied the Commodore with Madison at his side.

She looked lovely in the hideous gown. It was cream with a high neck that appeared to be choking her. It was covered in lace and beads and hung on her body like an old sack. She had her hair pulled tightly up in a bun on the back of her head. The glimmer of the small silver tiara she was wearing twinkled as she turned her head to address a lady who was at her side.

He started their way but was stopped by a hand on his shoulder. “Son?”

He turned to find his father standing behind him. “Father,” Alex replied with a short bow.

Jonathan looked around the area to make sure no one was listening. “I thought you were captured? To be hanged in the morning?”

“I was,” Alex whispered. “I had a change of plans.”

Jonathan’s eyes spoke of relief at seeing his son. He had been trying to think of a lie to tell Helen about why their son would not be returning home after tomorrow. Now he didn’t have to worry.

“Nicholas!” he heard his mother say as she wrapped her dainty arms around him. “I’m so glad you came. Jonathan didn’t tell me you were at port,” she said as she shot her husband a sassy look.

Nicholas smiled and looked down at his mother. He could see the happiness shining in her blue eyes as she looked at him. “He didn’t know. I was on my way to New Providence. My ship had to stop to drop off supplies. I heard about the reception and decided to come give the newlyweds my congratulations,” he lied, the disgust in his voice apparent to his father.

“How long will you be in port?” Helen asked.

“I’m afraid I have to leave early in the morning,” he said. The disappointment showed in his mother’s eyes. “But I had to come see my favorite lady.”

His mother smiled. “Nicholas, you’re such a tease. Come with me,” she said taking his hand. “You must meet Madison. You’ll simply love her.”

“I’m sure I will,” he mumbled as his mother pulled him across the ballroom.

“Commodore, Madison,” Helen began. “I would like you to meet Nicholas, my son.”

Madison turned towards the voice. She looked at Helen and smiled. Her smile dropped as she spied the man beside her. Madison’s eyes grew wide and her mouth dropped open. She would recognize him anywhere, even with that hideous powdered wig “Your son?” she questioned with disbelief.

“Yes. Oh, forgive my rudeness, Nicholas,” she said, “May I introduce you to Commodore and Mrs. McClain. Commodore and Mrs. McClain, this is my son, Nicholas,” she said as she gestured towards Alex.

Andrew turned and looked at the man he was being introduced to. “Ah, Mr. Sinclair.  Good to see you again,” he said. “I believe it was at your father’s house for tea the last time we met.”

“I believe you’re correct, Commodore,” Alex replied. He turned towards Madison and took her hand. A look of disgust crossed his face as he saw the gaudy gold band around her dainty finger. He placed a delicate kiss on her hand. “A pleasure to meet you,
Mrs.
McClain,” he said with disgust in his voice. He could see the shock in her eyes.

The color drained from Madison’s face.
He’s the Governor’s son?!
The phrase kept repeating itself over and over again.
The Governor’s son is Alex!
She began to wobble.

The Commodore wrapped his arm around her waist. “Madison, my dear, are you all right?”

She blinked rapidly several times. “Yes. I’m fine. Just a little taken in by all the activities,” she said with a weak smile. “I think I’ll retire now.”

“Very well, my dear,” Andrew said and kissed her. “I’ll meet you upstairs shortly.”

She smiled wearily and proceeded towards the stairs. Alex’s eyes never left her departing image.  Disappearing from his view, he turned his attention back to the Commodore.

“Do you have a problem with your neck, Mr. Sinclair?”

“No, why?”

“You seem to be having an issue turning your head,” McClain said as he narrowed his eyes suspiciously.

“Just slept on it wrong, I guess. A little stiff, but I’ll live,” Alex said coldly as he placed his hand on the outside of his jacket, over the pistol.

Helen took Alex’s arm at that time. “There’s someone else I would like you to meet,” she said. “It was nice seeing you again, Commodore.”

The Commodore nodded his head and watched Mrs. Sinclair drag her son towards a group of young women. He turned towards the lieutenant and spoke of the upcoming execution, making sure all preparations had been taken care of. Once he decided everything met his satisfaction he departed. “Good night, Lieutenant. Make sure my guests are well entertained for the remainder of the evening?”

“You’re retiring already, sir?”

“I’m going to have my own entertainment.” He smirked and headed up the stairs.

Alex watched as McClain climbed the steps, his hatred for the man growing with each step the Commodore took.

“Nicholas. Nicholas?” His mother’s voice interrupted Alex’s thoughts.

“Yes, Mother?” he said.

“Is everything all right?”

“Fine, just a little tired from all the traveling I’ve been doing lately. I think I’ll go to the house and rest up a bit.” He placed a kiss on his mother’s cheek. “I’ll see you there.”

“Be careful on your way home,” she said.

Alex gave a polite bow and left the house. As he approached the coach, he spied Max leaning up against the back. “That was quick,” Max said.

“Had a change of plans.”

Max gave him a curiously strange look. “Why?”

“Mother,” Alex said.

“Ah, so now what?”

“We wait. I’ll come back later tonight,” Alex informed his friend.

Max shrugged his shoulders and climbed into the driver’s seat. Alex opened the door and started into the coach, but something caught his eye. He turned his head to see a tall boy wearing an oversized coat running towards them.

“Capt’n! Wait!” the boy yelled.

Alex halted where he stood. A look of disbelief crossed his face. “Samuel?” he said and started towards the boy.

Max turned to see who Alex was talking to, his expression matching the Captain’s. “Samuel?” he echoed.

“Capt’n,” the boy said breathlessly as he stopped before Alex.

Alex looked at him, his brow drawn together. He placed his hand on the white powdered wig and removed it from the boy’s head. “Samuel,” he said with relief. He wrapped his arms around the boy and drew him closer for a hug. “I thought you were dead.”

“I’m fine,” Samuel said. He pulled away from the Captain and grabbed his hand, pulling him towards the house. “We’ve got to help her.”

“Who? Madison? She made her choice,” Alex said coldly.

“But we’ve got to save her!” Samuel insisted.

“If you recall, she arranged for our hanging,” Max said as he climbed down from the coachman’s seat.

“No! You don’t understand! She planned all this!” Samuel replied.

“What are you talking about, son?” Alex asked.

“She arranged for the hanging to be after the wedding, so Kris would have time to rescue us. She offered herself to
him
so we would be saved,” he said. He pointed at Alex. “So . . . you would be saved.”

“I don’t understand?” Alex replied.

“She wanted you to hate her, needed you to hate her, so you would leave. So you wouldn’t try to save her. You would sail away and save the crew, and in turn, save yourself.” He looked at Alex with desperation in his voice. “Please, he has already killed Mother. Don’t let him kill Madison, too.”

Alex’s eyes turned towards the house. “It’s too late,” he informed the boy. His eyes caught a glimpse of Madison’s silhouette in the upstairs bedroom window. “She’s married now.”

He stared at the window and saw McClain’s silhouette. He saw the Commodore raise his fist and strike Madison. A cold rage ran through his veins. The darkness of his gaze made even Max take a step back.  His eyes had been filled with the blackest hatred Max had ever seen.

“Alex,” Max said with fear in his voice.

“Watch Samuel and take the carriage to the corner gate. I’ll meet you there. I have someone I need to kill,” he said. The ice in his voice sent chills down Max’s spine.

“Come here, boy,” Max said as he watched Alex leave.

“I can help him,” insisted Samuel.

Max shook his head. “He doesn’t need anyone’s help tonight.”

Max walked Samuel to the front of the coach. “Climb up.”

“But,” Samuel begged, “I can help.”

Max smiled. “Your father can handle this.”

“My father?” Samuel asked as he climbed on top of the coach.

Max climbed up behind him and gave the boy a half smile. “I’ve said too much.” He said as he pulled the coach to the back of the house.  He turned towards the house and watched as Alex slipped through the gardens in the back of the house, made his way to the rose trellis, and climbed up with spider-like ease. Alex approached the window of the bedroom silently and peered through the window.

* * * *

Madison hopelessly climbed the stairs; her heart ached with each step. The hatred she saw in Alex’s eyes towards her ripped her heart out. Fighting back the tears, she entered the bedroom she was to share with Andrew.

Cassandra entered the room and helped Madison take off the hideous wedding gown. “What should I do with your gown, Miss?”

“Burn it,” Madison said.

“Miss?” Cassandra asked.

“Burn it. I never want to see that hideous death garment again.”

“I don’t understand Miss? I thought you wanted to marry the Commodore?”

“I did, until . . .” Madison let the sentence stop there as she placed her fingers on the gold coin around her neck. She took a slow breath. “That will be all, Cassandra.”

Cassandra gave a quick curtsey and her friend a concerned look. Madison had been acting strangely ever since she was rescued. As Cassandra was leaving the Commodore entered the room.

“I said that would be all, Cassandra,” Madison snapped.

“In a bad mood,” Andrew said.

Madison turned quickly to face him. “Oh, I’m sorry. I thought Cassandra had returned.”

He held his arms out displaying the room. “As you can see, it’s only you and me.”

His eyes locked onto her figure as he crossed the room. He looked down at the coin. “What’s this?

“Nothing. A good luck charm.”

“Well, my dear,” he said as he gently rubbed her cheek. “You will have no more need of those.” His lips started towards her.

She turned her head and his kiss landed on her cheek. “Andrew,” she whispered.

“Relax, Madison. I will teach you all there is to know about being my wife.” He strolled to the bed and sat down, looking at his wife in her undergarments.

She was wearing a two-piece ivory set. The long pantaloons reached her ankles and the short top showed her thin, toned abdomen. As he was observing her image, he drew his brow together. He stood up, crossed the room, and took his index finger and raised the bottom of her top up.