A Hidden Queen

Chapter 38

Governor Fredrick Smithen sits behind his massive cherry wood desk. He drums his fingers on the polished surface. The hard vibrant green eyes glare daggers at the younger man that occupies the space with him. James saunters through his office examining various items with a bored expression. He traps a leaf from one of his various plants between his fingers flicking it as he released his hold.

The Governor had been gone on her maiden voyage for her allotted time, but she had limped back into port. James had avoided the good governor with uncanny abilities. Finally, when the report of repairs was laid upon his desk, Smithen could see firsthand the extent of the damage. His chest had grown tight, his heart missing beats as Josephine had not yet come to greet him. He immediately had called for the young commodore only to be waved off. It took three more attempts and a threat to his career before the snobbish man decided to show his face. And then the man had the audacity to stroll in here like he owned the place.

Fredrick hardens his gaze. He flattens his hand on the desk causing a loud smack to reverberate through the air. James simply glances over at him with an annoyed demeanor. Smithen's mouth pinches into a thin line as he straightens himself in his chair.

"Well?" Smithen pushes.

"Well what sir?" James snips. "I am pretty sure I have told you all that you have asked."

"What do you have to say for yourself?" Smithen hisses.

"Absolutely nothing sir. She was taken. Plain and simple."

"You said the journey would be safe!" Smithen yells, slamming his fist into the desk.

James hardens his gaze at the burst of anger. He turns to face the governor, clasping his hands behind his back. He holds his head to a new height as he glares down his nose snobbishly.

"It was safe sir. That was our only encounter with any danger. I cannot help but believe it was a happenstance."

James shrugs his shoulders turning back around to examine the potted plant. Smithen growlers at the young man. He said the words with carelessness. Fredrick settles himself back into his chair, drumming his fingers on the wooden surface. The older man stares across the room at his bookcase. The attitude displayed by James was concerning.

"How can you say that so callously? One encounter is all it took to have my granddaughter lost to me. You promised to bring her home Mr. Phillips." Smithen seethes.

"And I would have, had this encounter not occurred." James points out matter-of-factly. "But I do wonder how that ship knew where we were."

"What do you mean?"

James pauses in his observation. He turns himself around, meandering over to the two chairs that sat in front of Smithen's desk. The vibrant green eyes follow James as he settles himself into the cushion. The commodore groans contently as he leans back. He crosses his legs, resting his chin in his hand. That same bored, uncaring expression painting his features.

"This encounter was not random. The men who attacked us where pirates."

"Tell me something Mr. Phillips." Smithen scoffs. "Do pirates not attack random vessels that are on their own?"

"Indeed, they do. But these men were after something specific. That something being Josephine."

"How could they be specifically after her? They would not know her nor know she was on that ship."

"That is what I would like to know." James sighs, crossing his arms. "I had a cargo ship full of valuable goods. And these men ignored it, searching my ship, and tearing it apart until they found her. It was only after they carried Josephine off my ship, did they pillage some of the goods and even then, it was only what they could easily carry. So, you tell me Governor, how did they know that Josephine was with me on that ship?"

Smithen hardens his eyes as James' clips his voice. He did not appreciate the way he was being spoken to. He once again leans forward, pointing an accusing finger at the younger man.

"You better watch what you are accusing me of boy. There could be any number of reasons why they targeted you and took Josephine."

"I think not Governor." James snubs. "Do you not have a son that has turned pirate?"

"Of what concern are my family matters to you?" Smithen gritts out.

"It matters greatly when the banner that pirate ship was flying was the image of two crossed five prong tridents. Is that not the insignia of Demon Johnny?" James challenges. James straightens himself in his chair. He leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees. Smithen's glare deepens as James levels him with a stern gaze of his own. "I also heard a rumor some time back of Demon Johnny's real name. Jonathan Erikson Smithen I believe. Is that not your son's full name?"

Smithen sighs begrudgingly as he leans back into his chair. He stares at James in hatred dislike. The bastard has me up against the wall. He thinks bitterly. Smithen turns his eyes away from the commodore. He begins to drum his fingers against the wooden surface. The rhythmic tapping filling the silence. He snaps his attention back to the chair as James clears his throat, rising to rest his hand on his knee.

"So, what are we to do Governor? It would appear, you have a granddaughter missing. And I have a betrothed to retrieve." James states smugly.

"It would appear that you have some searching to do Commodore." Smithen grates out.

"Hmm." James hums, scratching at his chin. "I am not really sure it is worth my efforts. She could truly be anywhere. That is if she is even still alive."

Smithen's eyes widen as he stares at James in bewilderment. James grins arrogantly at him. He leans back in his chair a little more, resting his hands behind his head. Smithen's anger boils at the careless attitude once again being displayed. A deep growl passes his lips. He squares his shoulders, leaning himself forward over the desk.

"Now you look here you bastard. You lost my granddaughter on your watch. You want those 'rewards' we had discussed? The prominence, the prestige? Well, the condition was that you only received those promises after you married my Josephine. That was the arrangement. So, I suggest you get up and begin your search, because no Josephine, no deal." Smithen threatens coldly.

"You always were a cunning bastard Governor." James laughs smugly. "I guess I have little choice but to search for the whore."

James chuckles deeply as he stands. Smithen twists his face into a painful snarl, watching as James stretched his joints. James bows dramatically towards the governor. A showy display of his arrogance. Smithen thinks. James pops back up grinning deceitfully as he precedes towards the doors. He watches as James plucks his hat from the table that sat nearby.

"And James." Smithen calls, stopping the man in the doorway. "You best come back with her or do not come back at all."

James smirks, "I love it when you bluff a threat." James teases arrogantly. "I will give my report in person in a few months' time, with or without Josephine. Good day Governor."

Smithen scowls as James sets his hat upon his head. He smirks as he knuckles it in a form of false respect. Smithen keeps his focus on the man as he retreats to the front door, giving him a halfhearted wave down the hallway. The scowl deepens further as the front door is slammed shut. The anger inside his chest boils hotly. Damn. He mutters, slamming his fist on the desk while staring at the darkened hallway.