Free The Pirate Raiders by C.G. Mosley Page B

in an unfortunate predicament here and now, a mere few hours away from setting sail,” I said.  “It’s hard to replace a man like Norington, and well, I just feel you’d be perfect for the job if you’re interested.”
      “Are you asking me to be boatswain, Captain Redd?” the young man asked, in somewhat disbelief.
      “What say you?  Are you up for the task?”
    Robert opened his mouth to answer, but was cut off suddenly by the shrill voice of “Jolly” Jack Porter, the ship’s cook who had apparently been eavesdropping on the conversation from nearby.  He was a wise old bloke with lots of stories.  When he spoke, the other pirates listened.  He only had three fingers on his right hand (the other two were cut off during a raid of a Spanish fort over ten years ago), but he pointed the remaining ragged digits straight up at Robert. 
      “Robert is a fine choice, Cap’n,” he said.  “It’s for certain he is…and you better accept the offer laddie or I’ll give you a swift kick in the arse.”
    Robert smiled, and I couldn’t help but chuckle.
      “You heard Jolly Jack,” I said.  “I think the matter is settled.”
    Robert shook his head and gazed out to sea, way beyond the harbor.  I could tell he was still mulling it over.  I leaned closer to him in an effort to keep the rest of our conversation more private.
      “Robert, I haven’t forgotten your reason for turning to piracy six years ago,” I said softly. 
    He whipped his head in my direction, his eyes narrowed and a flicker of fury burned there a moment.
      “What are you saying, Captain?”
      “I’m saying that the prize you seek is within reach now,” I replied slyly.
      “If what you say is true, then I’d be honored to be your boatswain, sir,” he agreed quickly.  “I swear upon my life that I will do my duties to the absolute best of my ability.” 
       “I do not doubt you,” I replied.  “Now, are you ready for your first task?”
    Robert stared at me; a somewhat surprised look appeared on his face.  He seemed taken off guard with his first order as boatswain coming so soon.  He hurriedly climbed down from the rigging and stood tall before me.
      “Yes, of course, Captain.  What do you need?”
      “Go into town and fetch the rest of the crew.  There’s no need to tell them of your new position just yet.  I’ll do that honor once we set sail.”
    Robert’s eager mood suddenly became more subdued and his shoulders slumped.
      “Is s omething wrong?” I asked.
      “No sir—well …it’s just…what if they won’t listen to me Captain?”
      “Then we’ll bloody leave the worthless scugs behind, Robert,” I snapped.  “However, I don’t expect many of them to give you a lot of resistance.  After so narrowly escaping the gallows, they’ll probably be eager to pull up anchor.  I plan to be at sea just before dusk.”
      “Aye, sir.  I’ll be back on board in time,” he replied. 
    I watched Robert jog down the gangplank until he disappeared in the vast crowds hurrying about on the streets.  I turned back to the men that remained.  They continued to do their duties and I trusted them to do so in my absence. 
    I turned away and set off for the gangplank.  Andrea began to follow and no sooner had I set foot onto the plank, I noticed a trio of red coats walking up the other end.  I took a step back to let them board.
    Andrea looked at me uneasily and pulled her wide brimmed hat down over her eyes.  I was suddenly very grateful for the change of clothes John had given her the night before.  She wisely took a moment to change before settling in for the night. 
The soldiers immediately looked her way and watched her curiously for a moment.  Next, they scanned over the rest of my crew.  They looked upon the men as if they were nothing more than cockroaches.
       “Captain, I’m sure by now you’ve heard about the incident that occurred last night,” one of the