Chapter 73: Trouble Part 4
"Quite the show last night." Captain Jenkins looked around the ship. "Guards told me they heard every word." He grinned at her. "Good job. Letting them on board and plying them with help and food was even better. Keep them confused." He waved the other man forward. He stood no taller than Cal but exuded competence and danger.
"Commander McAllen," the man introduced himself. Cal put out her hand and he took it with a firm grip. "Captain Jenkins informs me you have a berth for me to return to Anglia. Received notice my son was in an accident. Family over duty."
"It will be our pleasure to have you aboard. Paul here's my Second Mate; he'll show you to a berth. I can send a couple of men to bring anything you need from the Embassy."
"No need, it is being packed and brought over as we speak."
"Captain, I know you are waiting for your passengers, but I will take responsibility for them. Please make the best time you can back to Anglia." Captain Jenkins saluted and Cal returned it.
Two burly sailors hoisted a trunk up the gangway. Cal pointed them toward where Paul had headed with the Commander. One handed Captain Jenkins a bottle.
"A small thank you." Captain Jenkins passed it to her. "Maybe you'll be kind enough to share it with the commander."
Cal wanted to hug the bottle but made do with grinning and nodding.
Captain Jenkins collected his sailors and headed down the gangway.
"Make her ready to sail. I want to watch the sunset from the open sea." Cal called to her crew who immediately burst into organized activity. She leaned against the rail and watched.
"Pardon, Captain." A young man stood on the dock. "Message." He held out a piece of paper. Cal walked down and took it, read it, then tossed it into the water.
Sifton. The man wanted a meeting with her immediately.
"Bundo." Cal waved to him. "Let's go for a walk."
They didn't have far to go to find the seedy tavern mentioned in Sifton's message. She led the way in and took a seat in a corner. Bundo waved down a server and snagged a couple of tankards.
They hadn't been there long before a grimy beggar sidled up to them
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" Sifton hissed.
"Meeting exactly as you requested."
"Anyone with common sense - "
"If you wanted something different, you should have been clear. Talk quickly."
"You must stay another week. One of my men got hold of a piece of information which could change everything."
"I've been ordered back to Anglia at all speed." Cal pushed the tankard away and wiped her fingers on her pants.
"You don't take orders from Jenkins, you take my orders." Sifton talked loud enough for heads to turn in their direction.
"Wrong." Cal caught his eyes and held them. "I reread the contract. You misrepresented yourself and your purpose. In that circumstance, the Captain is free to take whatever action she feels appropriate. You've endangered my ship and my crew. I'm sure the Embassy will help you."
"I can ruin you, Captain. You do what I - "
"Sorry, I don't care what kind of sob story you feed me." Cal stood up as she spoke loud enough to be heard through the room. "I don't give money to beggars or thieves." She wiped her hands on her pants again, then left. Bundo followed.
"He's trouble."
"But he's not my trouble, not any longer."
"He'll find a way. His kind always does."
As soon as the gangway was hoisted up behind Cal, they cast off the ropes and steamed away.
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