A Hidden Queen

Chapter 40

Somewhere in the Caribbean Sea several months later. . .

James stands on the upper deck of another pirate ship. The brown eyes scan the area around him, observing his marines scurrying about in subduing the pirate crew. Jackson approaches him, twirling a sharpened anchor dagger in his hands.

"So, who is the lucky candidate this time?" He inquires wickedly.

"I am not certain. We will see once Jiang and Percy arrive." James offers.

Jackson huffs out of his nose. He throws his shoulder into the center mast, a bored expression coating his features as he continually twirls the dagger. James sighs heavily, clasping his hands behind his back. His patience with this endless search was fading. He needs Josephine to gain the recognition he so rightfully deserves. But this was tiring, if not becoming a nuisance with the lack of results. James bitterly spits.

"Commodore!" Jiang calls.

James slowly turns about. A smirk pulls on his lips as Jiang is followed by Percy and Markson with an older man between them. The marines come to stand before James, forcing the man to his knees. James tilts his head, the brow eyes examining the rather plump figure. The thin hair was graying, retreating from the top of his head. The face was round and ruby colored as if the man had far too much to drink. James raises his head high, staring down his nose at the threesome.

"And who have you brought me this time Mr. Jiang?"

"Rodi Parsons. The cook, sir."

"The cook?" James curiously questions. "What good is a cook to me for information?"

"You would be surprised at the amount of information a cook can have, sir."

"Very well. Let us chat then."

James approaches Parsons, thrashing between the marines. A sinister smirk pulls on his lips as curses, threats, and reviles leap from the man's tongue. Parsons catches James out of the corner of his eyes, halting his movements. A snarl curls his lips.

"Are you the naval scum that has been raiding our ships?" Parson spits.

"This naval scum is Commodore Philips, be mindful of your respect cook." Jackson sneers from behind James.

"That man deserves no respect from me after raiding my ship and killing members of the crew."

"Your ship?" James inquires, crouches in front of the older man. "I was made to believe you were the cook."

Parsons pinches his lips tightly together. James tilts his head as the ruby color deepened upon his cheeks and neck.

"It does not matter. As long as you tell me the information I want, then I will release you and the crew."

"And what is your word to me?" Parsons questions.

"I give you my word as a Commodore of his majesty's navy that I will release you as long as you tell me what I want."

"You need to learn to lie better." Parsons snorts. spitting in James' face.

James flinches back, his mouth falling in disgust. Jiang growls bitterly, grabbing the cook's collar.

"Show some respect towards a superior officer." Jiang orders.

"Superior officer to whom boy? Because he is not mine and therefore deserves no more respect from me than a common whore." Parsons spits with hostility.

A low disgruntled growl springs from James' throat as he rakes his hand down his face. The nose scrunches up foully, backhanding the older man across the cheek.