A Hidden Queen

Chapter 39

Jackson Pierre reaches across the barrel of gunpowder grabbing at the disassembled parts. He gingerly wipes down the pan replacing the frizzen on his flintlock. He leans over the weapon, giving it his full attention. Jack Pierre was a young man in his mid-twenties. He had bright blond hair that he wore longer than most. It often would stick to his face and neck as he sweated in the tropical heat. The young man holds his breath as he carefully aligns the small pieces.

"Lieutenant Jack Pierre." James calls smoothly.

Jack jumps at the strangely accented voice. The pale blue eyes snap over to James as he leans his shoulder into the doorway. The older man smirks as Jack lowers his head, dropping his hands. Jack takes in several deep breathes, calming his pounding heart. He shakes his head leaning back to look over at James.

"I hate it when you do that." Jack grumbles. "You were always way to cleaver at lurking in the dark."

"It has been a gift since childhood." James jokes.

Jack rolls his eyes, placing the pieces of his gun on the surface of the barrel next to him. James huffs a laugh approaching Pierre with graceful ease. Jack flinches back as James wipes his fingers across his forehead. He examines the digits as he settles himself on a barrel across from Jack. James leans back into another one, resting the heel of his boot on the edge. Jack knits his brow together as James displays his now black tipped fingers.

"Hard at work I see." James offers, rubbing his fingers together. "You always were the one that ended up with more powder on yourself than in your gun when cleaning it."

Jack's eyes widen as he rests his fingertips on his forehead. He withdrew them noticing the black that covers his hands. Jack sighs heavily, wiping his hands on his pants.

"Very funny James. We are not children anymore. I do not need your parenting on how I clean my weapons." Jack snips. "How did the conversation with the Governor go?"

"Oh fine. He wants me to go searching for Josephine." James sighs in boredom.

"Is that not good? We can have the full backing and funds we need to accomplish the task."

"I suppose. But I feel it is a waste of my precious time."

"A waste of time?" Jack furrows down his brow. "Do you not want to bring Josephine back?"

"Possibly. She means more to me by my side than off gallivanting with pirates. Just not sure if she is worth the effort anymore. She has become a bit of a pain here of late."

Jack's brows knit together. He leans away from James hardening his gaze as he stares at him.

"How can you say that, James? She is your betrothed. Do you not love her?"

"Unlike you Mr. Pierre, my affections for Josephine do not run that deep." James waves off. "She is merely a means to a long string of promotions."

Jack stares in disbelief. He is not sure that his ears have heard those words uttered correctly. James had always been an uncaring individual. Abusing others to get what he wanted as a child and well into adulthood. But this was on a different level. Jack holds his breath as he studies James. James gazes about the room in disinterest. He sighs heavily focusing his light brown eyes on Pierre. Pierre's throat tightens as he can see the sincerity in James' expression.

"James. We have been friends for our whole lives. I have witnessed you do many things that I did not agree with. And I kept my mouth shut out of respect for you and not wanting an argument. But this." Jack breathes. "This is beyond even my comprehension of you. How can you abuse Josephine in such a way?"