A Hidden Queen

Chapter 37

Pittman pinches the bridge of his nose. An aggressive sigh finds its way out for what feels like the hundredth time within the past hour. Pittman had come upon the quarterdeck to easily watch for the captain and Josephine. The small area also gave him some quiet as his disturbing thoughts pulled him in many directions. What the older man had not accounted for was Charlie gluing himself to his side. After an hour of no word the young man had begun that wretched pacing about the captain did. Pittman narrows his eyes as Charlie makes another pace of the quarterdeck. He stops long enough to gaze out over the waters only to expel a frustrated grunt and continue on his way. Pittman rolls his eyes heavenwards. He is almost as bad as the captain. He murmurs to himself.

Pittman glances over as Charlie smacks his hands onto the railing. He pushes his weight into his wrists as the silver eyes tried to pierce the darkness that engulfed the opening of the riverbed. He growls frustrated. Pittman stills himself from cringing as the young man digs his nails into the wood.

"They've been gone for a while." Charlie announces yet again.

"Yes. And announcing it every few minutes does not change that fact, Charles." Pittman gripes.

Charlie sighs, lowering his head, "I'm sorry Pittman. The captain just has never been gone this long."

"Is it the captain or Ms. Carter you are fretting over Charlie?" Pittman challenges.

Charlie's mouth gapes open as he stares at Pittman. Pittman raises an eyebrow at him as he continues to stare in disbelief.

"Yes. I have seen the way you look at Josephine, Charles."

"I have not a clue of what you speak of Pittman." Charlie waves off.

Pittman snorts, "You ain't fooling anyone boy. You look at that young woman the same way Clinton Carter looked upon Martha Carter."

Charlie's shoulder sag at the pronouncement, "Am I that obvious?"

"Only to those who knew Clinton and Martha. That being said," Pittman warns. "You need to give some real thought to those feelings you are airing about boy. I have known that child and her parents since before that little thing was born. And I can honestly say that she looks at you," Pittman jabs Charlie in the chest. "The same way Martha did Clinton. Her heart is being wrapped up in yours. If she does decide to stay it may very well be because of you, Mr. Austin. Do not abuse that opportunity, Charles William. Do you understand me?"

Charlie emphatically nods his head. He smiles sheepishly, rubbing at the back of his head. Pittman curtly nods his head keeping that harden paternal glare until Charlie turns away. Pittman sighs in relief as Charlie positions himself to sit on the edge of the railing. The two men share a quiet moment as they each stare out over the lapping waves. Pittman glances down at the men lazily reclining about the deck. Charlie was right. It has been some time since the pair had left The Wicked Mary. The agonizing slowness of their return was gnawing at him as well. The older man massages his temples as those disturbing thoughts nag at him once again. He lowers his hand as a deep growl vibrates from beside him. Charlie pushing himself upright. He clenches his fist and jaw as he turns to walk away. Pittman quickly grabs at the young man's bicep halting his charge.

"Charles Austin, you will stop that infernal pacing you are so insistent on doing. I will not have you wear my deck boarding down unless you plan to replace them." Pittman scolds.

Charlie groans, pulling his arm free, "They've been gone for an hour and a quarter Pittman! It is becoming more difficult to stand still. I cannot take this waiting around!" Charlie shouts, throwing himself back to the railing. "This not knowing is eating at me."