Black Sam - Prince of Pirates

Thirty Five - OLD FRIENDS NEW PLACES

Thirty Five - OLD FRIENDS NEW PLACES

May 1717 

Maria almost turned back when she saw the 'Big Island Tavern' sitting among the evergreens. She had come here with Sam on occasion but not since he'd left, and certainly not dressed like a man. Sam had told her he would try to send letters through the tavern, delivered by his uncle Israel, but that she was to stay away, that it wasn't safe for her. She did her best to obey, but she had questions she needed answered. 

The tavern was pitch black before Maria's eyes had a chance to adjust. A flickering candle  

illuminated a table of men with eyes trained on her. The further she walked, the more illuminated tables appeared, until finally she found the bar. She dared not utter a word in fear of discovery. Her disguise was passable, but try as she might she could not get her voice to sound masculine enough to feel comfortable. Even if she had, she would have appeared to be an effeminate man, and judging by the stares she was getting now, she would be in very big trouble. 

To her utter delight, Israel Cole walked through some doors directly behind the bar carrying two handfuls of clean glasses. His eyes widened, and then he took a quick glance around the room. He gave a nod to a couple of men still glaring and they got back to their drinking. He leaned over the bar close to her face. "I would be lying if I said I felt anything but happiness to see your face, but what are you doing here?" 

Maria scratched her fake mustache. "It's good to see you too, Israel." 

Israel scanned the tavern patrons once more. "Maria." 

"Do you have any letters for me?" 

Israel seemed to hesitate as if trying to find the right words. "I have not received any. Not yet, but I'm sure-" 

Maria slapped an envelope on the table addressed to John Hallet from Cyprian Southack. "Is this true?" 

Israel opened up the letter and read. His hands dropped down to the table. "I don't know  

Maria; I think in this case we have to consider the source." 

Maria put the letter back in the envelope. "I do not think Cyprian would lie. Not about  

this." 

Israel pulled out a bottle of rum and poured himself a drink. "Will you join me?" 

Maria usually didn't drink anything stronger than wine with exception of an occasional ale,  

but right now she needed something strong. "Yes." Maria downed the drink. Her eyes clamped shut and teeth clenched together. She forgot her cover and let out a moan, too loud even for her. She wasn't thinking about the possible danger it put her in, until she saw Israel looking around the tavern once again. 

"We should take this conversation elsewhere." Israel took a second drink. 

Maria pushed her small dram glass closer to the bottle. "I would love to get some fresh air." She drank her second with a slightly better reaction and the two left out the back way. 

*** 

Walking through the trees Maria breathed in the fresh air, finally feeling comfortable for the first time since she arrived. Through small openings, she could see the ocean. She kept one eye scanning for ships, as had become habit after Sam left. Israel had put on a vest and hat to go outside, actions which Maria associated with a gentleman, not someone who worked in a tavern and consorted with ruffians. At least that was what her mother thought. She noticed his black hair, pulled back into a ribbon. Maria couldn't believe she was just now noticing how much Israel looked like Sam.