Other Oceans: Book Two of the Hook & Jill Saga (39 page)

Mr. Cecco intervened, serene in his composure. “Lady, we are none of us gentlemen, but we respect any female enough to let one fainting episode pass. If there is some question as to methods of discipline, that is now in the past. A mystery vanished with our master. It is sufficient to know that one of two things are true. Either you suffer from a delicate constitution…or you deceived our captain to contrive an assignation with the physician, with whom, as we have just witnessed, you enjoy to make the sparks fly.”

Restlessness buzzed through the crowd as the men considered Cecco’s insinuation. Not one of her sailors believed Jill was weak. Just now, they had seen her defy Yulunga. She was skilled with sword and pistol, and demonstrated her courage time and again. Those close enough to Cecco’s lash-marked back were reminded that the lady first won their admiration the day he himself requested her mercy— and was denied. She had always insisted on strict adherence to Captain Hook’s authority. But did she feel differently where her sons were concerned? Tom Tootles hadn’t hidden his interest in the girl. He had taken one beating for it. Had his youthful urges earned him another, which Jill prevented? There was no doubt of the lady’s influence on the captain. Would any of her men, even Cecco, deny her what she wanted? They were all besotted. Wasn’t it possible that Hook’s irresistible mistress had used his affections to manipulate him, had even cheated him?

The sailors’ eyes shifted between Jill and the surgeon. Her aspect was tense, and his indulgent. Each man recalled, with envy, the numerous attentions Jill had awarded Doctor Hanover. The two made a handsome pair promenading the deck each morning, afterward withdrawing to her quarters. And with or without the servant girl in attendance, any of these men would find a way to take advantage of a situation like that. Gentleman or not, no doubt the good doctor did the same.

Thinking back on it now, it was apparent Jill had encouraged the physician, and, supreme in his confidence, Hook never openly objected. Bound by their oaths to the captain, the sailors had accepted Hook’s right to her. But one and all drew the line at allowing her to favor any other man. Yulunga was right when he declared she was no longer only one man’s woman. Since Captain Hook’s disappearance, she belonged to all of them, or none. Whatever her motives, her dalliances from now on would be restricted. In the minds of her crewmen, Red-Handed Jill’s role aboard the
Roger
quickly narrowed, and solidified. Still magnificent, she stood before them, their pirate queen— the emblem of a captain’s privilege.

While the damage wormed its way through the company, Jill remained, steadfast, behind the gilded railing that separated her from her sailors, the companionway now seeming more like a prisoner’s dock than a platform of power. Her mind raced, like her heart. She couldn’t deny she had courted the doctor. Nor could she divulge before Hanover the reason behind her attentions. And even if she attempted to explain, who would believe she was acting on Hook’s orders? Even Mr. Smee, who adored her, had once or twice betrayed twinges of suspicion. She had played the game too well.

Hiding a shudder, Jill remembered how fervently Mr. Cecco believed in her pretense the day he threatened to kill the doctor. And she recalled his words the afternoon he first dared approach her.
When something lovely becomes available to me, I take it
. He was taking her now! Watching the ruthless Italian, Jill had no doubt who had counseled Hanover to thwart her bid for leadership.…
There is nothing I would not do for you
.…And Hanover, naturally, had agreed, wanting her to abandon the ship. How cleverly Cecco caged her! Gypsy magic…With a stab of pain, Jill was reminded of Hook. He, too, had used his wits to win her, trapping her in her own truth, cutting away all hindrances until she surrendered her heart to him. Now, the dashing Mr. Cecco stood smiling at her, subtly, with his arms folded, the golden bands gripping his powerful biceps, appreciating her beauty. And biding his time.

But she wouldn’t give in to him. She would fight. Jill read the men’s mood, gauging the effect of Cecco’s attack, and she considered her options. The men admired her still, but doubt lingered in their eyes. Pleading her case would only weaken it. Guided by her instincts, Jill followed the only course left open to her.

“Very well, then. I bend to the wishes of the company. I propose that the captain we choose to act until Hook’s return should be his most experienced seaman, the man who has served him longest. There can be no doubt of his ability. He already commands our respect, and he has proven his worth time and again.” She played her ace:

“Mr. Smee!”

Again, hearty cries arose. Jill smiled her approbation, displaying no hint of the disappointment dragging at her spirit. Nibs jumped down from the rail, and following Jill’s lead in championing the bo’sun, he and Tom, among many others, whistled their satisfaction. At last, the matter was resolved in a manner that reconciled Hook’s interests and the majority’s wishes.

Taken aback, Mr. Smee glanced at the lady for confirmation before he smiled. Then, rising to join her on the companionway, he acknowledged the tribute with a simple nod. His broad chest expanded as he opened his mouth to speak, but he was interrupted before he began.

“All very well, but the real issue has not been addressed.”

Jill whipped around to confront the surgeon, incredulous at his temerity. Once again, he ventured his disastrous opinion before she could stop him, and the one man who as yet had no say in the matter splintered the accord.

“Voting to install a captain at this point is well and good. But shouldn’t you appoint Mr. Smee, not as a temporary substitute, but as your permanent commander— as indeed, he most likely will be when, in time, Captain Hook does not return? After all, this is a serious decision. Power is not easily transferred once it is established.”

Jill watched as Smee’s expression changed to shock. “Mr. Smee…”

But Smee’s blood was up. He glared at Hanover. “Now, don’t be pushing your poison on us, Doctor! I’d never stand to replace the captain! My loyalty is sworn to James Hook, and if I can serve him by guiding his ship ’til he comes back, I’ll do it. Unlike some here, I’ve no taste for taking advantage of a man’s misfortune.”

“Are you sure you are motivated by loyalty, Mr. Smee? I have often witnessed the liberties you take with his mistress. Perhaps you merely want official license to be the first to enjoy the captain’s prerogatives?”

“Look who’s taking liberties! If I’d had the captain’s prerogative, I’d have given you what you deserve long ago, Hanover! You should be thanking your lucky stars for my loyalty. The captain’s order is the only thing that’s saved you from a thrashing!”

“And is this what we must look forward to under your command? Threats and thrashings when we disagree with you?”

“Thrashings, is it? You’d be knowing a thing or two about that, now, wouldn’t you? Such a fine gentleman!”

“I’ve seen the damage you have done, if that is what you imply.”

“
My
damage! I’ve been that worried for the females aboard ever since—”

“A handy excuse, no doubt, to hover over Red-Handed Jill.”

“I followed my orders.”

“And your inclination. And see how far it’s advanced you—
Captain
Smee— little feminine favors to begin, and now, the full command!”

“You’ve stolen your own share of favors—”

“I’m sure we can all understand your craving for the captain’s lady. Which of us would not jump at the— opportunity— she just offered you? But as far as governing men goes—”

“You lying bastard!”

Jill seized Smee’s arm, but it was too late. His Irish temper was stirred to the boiling point.

“I’ll never steal Hook’s woman the way you’ve been angling to do, Hanover. And I’ll never take his captaincy! Never!”

Closing her eyes, Jill listened, helpless, as the foundation of her plans crumbled to dust, blasted by Smee’s fidelity. Every man aboard now knew what she had always known. Smee would serve and protect his captain to the death. But no matter how capable, Smee was unwilling to equal him. Still, she tried. He was her last hope.

“Smee—”

“No, Ma’am. Don’t ask me.”

Turning her back on the company, Jill begged him with her eyes. “It’s what the captain commands!”

Becoming aware of her hand on his arm, Smee stared down at it. He looked up at her again, surprised, and then scanned the greedy faces of the crew. As if her hold seared his skin, he shook her off and backed away. “No! I won’t take the ship from him. Not even if the rights to
you
come with it.”

“I am counting on you, Mr. Smee. So is Hook. That is why you must accept this responsibility, no matter what comes with it! For the captain’s sake.”

He almost whispered. “How can you be saying such a thing? Tempting me from my place, in the captain’s name!” He faced the men. “James Hook will be back, don’t you be doubting it. And when he comes, you can be sure he’ll be making an account of who worked
for
him in his absence, and who against. We’ve sworn our oaths to do our duty, lads, and it isn’t fitting for any of us to shirk it.” He aimed a hostile look at Jill. “Especially you, Ma’am. I’ll die before I betray the captain, and I’m ashamed for you, for even thinking it.”

Regal again, Jill pronounced, “Clearly, you have misunderstood me, Mr. Smee. In any case, you have said quite enough.”

Yulunga’s voice rumbled like thunder, alerting the company to a grim reality. “We are already fighting among ourselves! It is time for one of us to take a firm hand.”

With her heart sinking, Jill’s gaze slid slowly from Smee to Yulunga. She knew what he would say next. She was powerless to prevent it. She had played her highest card, and lost.

“If Hook does return, it will be up to him to defend his position. We need a captain now. I propose…” Yulunga turned. Hoisting his powerful arm, he gestured to the man at his right. “Our Mr. Cecco.”

The first thing Jill saw was the complacence on Cecco’s face. Second, the gratification on the surgeon’s. They, too, had been busy during her hour of agony.

Jill knew Cecco aimed to be captain. He had admitted as much that morning at the port of Gao. Backing up his friend, Yulunga had chipped away at Jill’s autonomy. And Hanover— Jill watched, sickening, as the face under the dueling scar sneered at Smee— Hanover wanted to destroy the trappings of Hook’s power. He had started with Jill, and progressed to Hook’s right-hand man. In front of the entire company, Hanover had destroyed Smee’s credibility as relentlessly as he destroyed Jill’s, to avenge himself on Hook, and to get Jill well away. In disgrace, if need be. As the crewmen raved for Captain Cecco, Jill didn’t have to count the votes. She heard the verdict. Three strong men had won what they wanted.

She thought the struggle was over then. But the complications were only beginning. Cecco hadn’t yet secured everything he desired. He came forward from the crowd and mounted the stairs, exuding a sense of entitlement that swelled with every step. Nearing the top, he halted, diplomatic as he waited for Smee to make way. Begrudging the position, the bo’sun shifted, and the two men passed each other as one rose to the summit, and the other descended in proud defeat. Nibs and Tom thumped Smee’s back and drew him to starboard. He wouldn’t look at the lady. For him, the fight was done.

Cecco addressed Jill first. “Madam. I am proud to share this place of honor with you.” In his pleasant accent, he spoke loudly enough for the entire company to hear. “Please be at ease. I assume this post at the insistence of our men. I do not consider it an affront to our former captain, but rather, a practical solution for our dilemma. And, a great show of confidence in myself.”

The clamor of exultation burst forth again. A feeling of relief was palpable, sweeping through the company. Balance was restored, without the in-fighting and bloodshed that might have torn the crew asunder. They didn’t object to bloodletting when necessary, but for the most part, these pirates had served years together. As Hook understood, a division of loyalty would destroy their fellowship, not to mention their productivity. No one could afford discord. Even those who still favored Smee welcomed Mr. Cecco’s ascendancy. The lady herself had chosen him first officer, and with good reason. He was fearless of a fight but good-tempered with his mates. He was physically impressive, his intelligence proven. He knew the ship, he knew the sea. He would be a strong captain. He was the strongest man aboard.

Only one matter remained to be settled, and now the men watched with increasing interest. The opportunity was over for them, but their new captain faced one last trial in order to gain their complete allegiance. Nibs and Tom looked about themselves, wary of the new, sudden tension. They exchanged glances, concern etching the two faces that months ago held only innocence. Smee jerked around to study the crew, and then he shot a horrified look at Jill. Only now did he realize the full result of refusing the captaincy. But it wasn’t he who would bear that burden.

Staring at Jill’s face, Smee watched as understanding dawned there, too. His gut reacted before he could think. “No! Lady, you don’t have to be doing this. You’ve said it yourself— the captain will be back!”

Unwilling to see the new accord broken, the men stirred uneasily. Jill noted their discontent. So too, she saw, did Cecco. But although his brown eyes glittered, the new captain demonstrated both his reserve and his self-assurance, granting the lady the courtesy of answering for herself.

Turning empty eyes upon Smee, she tried to smile. “It is because of all I have said, that I
will
do this.”

Smee read the look on Cecco’s face. He saw the notorious knife in the man’s belt, like his jewelry, reflecting the last hopes of the sun’s rays. But worse, Smee saw the light dying in the lady’s eyes, and he gaped, unbelieving, as the lovely features of James Hook’s mistress grew resigned. Gradually, as the crew of the
Jolly Roger
watched, she accepted the consequences of everyone else’s decision. Red-Handed Jill was no coward. Bitterly, Mr. Smee remembered. She never disappointed her captain.