A Hidden Queen

Chapter 56

Hawthorne leans his head back against the bars. His forearm lays upon his raised knee; the eyes closing with a heavy sigh. His nerves nags at him as time continues to tick on. The unknown was infuriating. He spits out disgustedly.

A honey iris cracks open with the rattling of the steel bars. Alex wiggles his foot into one of the square holes. He leans his back heavily against the bars, a foul look twisting his features. Hawthorne sighs as he crosses his arms.

"It has been far over an hour." Alex mutters quietly.

"I am aware. There is no reason to dwell and count the time." Hawthorne scolds lightly.

"Every second she is not back here we can only assume."

"We will assume nothing Alex." Hawthorne snaps, fixating harden eyes on him. "We will just be prepared."

"For the worse?" Alex ponders.

"For Josephine's injuries. I do not consider Mr. Phillips a man to do lasting harm to her."

"Are you kidding me? We meet the same person, correct? That man would kill Carter without so much as a hesitation. And yet you sit there defending him and saying that he will not do lasting harm."

"I am not defending him, Alex. I am merely stating that after my conversation with Joe last night I do not perceive that Mr. Phillips will kill her."

"And what insight would that be?"

Hawthorne sighs heavily, pondering over his options in telling Alex what Josephine had exactly said. Josephine had not forbidden him in speaking of the matters, but those matters were of the heart. They were not necessarily for everyone to hear. Hawthorne leans forward, shifting his attention up to Alex.

"Alex. It is."

Hawthorne's words die as the prison door slams against its hinges. His head whips about as Mr. Pierre crosses the threshold. The young pirate rushes to his feet; his heart skipping several beats as the honey eyes widen in diameter.

"Josephine!" Hawthorne calls out, gripping the barrier.

Josephine lays unresponsive in Pierre's arms. Her head lulls against his shoulder and chest, the pale bone shirt she wears dripping with excess blood. Hawthorne strains his eyes to confirm that the young woman was indeed breathing.

"What the hell did they do to her?" Alex mutters beside Hawthorne.

Hawthorne glimpses over at Alex, the brown eyes filling with concern over the horrific condition. The man has never been a supporter of Josephine, always spitting revile at her, but her condition was severe and not even Alex could deny that. Hawthorne tears himself away as the two high ranking officers approach the prison door.

"Mr. Hunter if you please." Jack quietly commands.

Hunter scurries around Jack. He nabs the keys from their holdings, turning the tumble lock door. Hawthorne twists himself about, stepping away as Pierre gingerly maneuvers Josephine through. Well, at least he is being mindful not to injury her further. Hawthorne scoffs bitterly, stepping closer to the pair. Pierre ceases, pinching his lips into a thin line as Hawthorne steadily examines every bruise, nick, and wound littering her face and neck. Hawthorne's anger steadily rises, the honey irises igniting with a cold fire as they lock onto Mr. Pierre.

"You." Hawthorne hisses.

He steps forwards, slamming an open palm into the first lieutenant's shoulder. The force stumbles Pierre backwards, a startling gasp leaving his body with the barely regained balance. Jack's bright blond brows furrow down menacingly. Hawthorne scoffs, pushing against Pierre's shoulder before curling his fingers into the front of his vest.