A Hidden Queen

Chapter 53

James inhales intensely; the salty air pricking at the back of his throat. He was a man about to have it all. After months of searching, Josephine was in his possession. All he had to do was delivery the brat to Governor Smithen and marrying her soon after. Once the pair was wed there would be no denying him of his rightful rewards. James huffs in smiling amusement, clasping his hands behind his back. He would have a beautiful wife by his side and a promising career in the military, possibly even beyond. Yes, his goal was within his grasps. He puffs proudly, peering out over the moving waters.

"You called for me Commodore?" Second Lieutenant Hunter quietly inquires.

James glances over his shoulder at the young lieutenant. He was a lankly strappy young man in his early twenties. He had soft features with brunette hair, accenting the big hazel eyes. The combination gave him a feminine look.

"You came swiftly." James praises off handedly.

"Aye Commodore. I was merely overseeing the bosun with some of the new recruits."

"They are doing well?"

"Yes sir. A bit green, but otherwise picking up the trade well."

"Ah. Good. Well, Mr. Hunter I need you to run an errand for me if you will."

"Of course, sir."

"I'm in need of First Lieutenant Pierre's presence. Would you be so kind to go retrieve him for me?"

"Aye sir. I will be back in haste."

James lowers his head, observing the young man scurry away. Mr. Jackson Pierre. James growls. His jaw tightens as he attempts to stomp down the anger that threatens to rise. Jack was becoming a nuisance. He used to fall at James' feet, obeying every order he uttered. But recently, James sighs irritably, recently he has been more verbal, more stubborn, in questioning his decisions. He has even crossed the line in blatantly refusing orders. James found this newfound courage annoying and troublesome.

He was not the only one to be troublesome aboard his ship. Private Joshua Jackson was also becoming a problem as well. The man was unruly, overbearing, disobedient, and downright psychotic. He had fallen in line when fingers were snapped, but he is becoming rather quick to snarl and hesitant in following orders. He has also gotten a nasty habit of persistently reminding James of the promise he has made about Josephine. James pinches the bridge of his nose, swiping his fingers down his temples. He was beginning to feel like an overburdened father with two bratty children that need a swift reminder in discipline.

James startles, inhaling sharply with the disgruntled noise slicing through his precious silence. The light pink lips pinch into a thin line as he glimpses over at Jackson. The man huffs irritably, throwing himself against the bulkhead to James' left. The long limps stretch heavenwards, resting comfortably behind his head. The aquamarine eyes stare down the broad nose at James. The commodore moistens his lips, exhaling aggressively as he refocuses on the moving waters.

"What are we to do if the good Lieutenant brings us Ms. Carter once again instead of that boy?" Jackson questions, breaking the silence.

"Exactly what we did in the past, Private." James shrugs.

"You mean make a show about not wanting her and then commence with the beating?" Jackson stares at James, grinning wickedly as he nonverbally acknowledges the inquiry. "It would appear the plan is working Commodore. I would have never thought Carter to be the type to take the boy's place and end up in the gunroom as you had suggested that morning."

"Do not flatter me Mr. Jackson." James waves off. "There was still a possibility that we would have received that snot nose brat or one of the other two men. It was simply a matter of intuition on Josephine's character that I requested the boy. She has always had a strong heroically moral compass that often gets in my way."