Edward Teach Died on a Beach (OFMD)

Chapter 19

Stede and Ed pulled the dinghy onto the shore and ducked into the brush nearby. In the darkness, it took Stede a moment to orient himself.

He traversed the brush quietly, having to hold onto his fake beard as a few branches hit him. He felt Ed's hand press against his head, holding down his dark blue hat. He raised his hand, holding onto the brim and ducking his head down. Ed chuckled softly, now having to hold onto his black hat.

Stede smiled slightly. It was nice to hear Ed laugh, even if it was just a slight chuckle. Ed had been quiet lately.

Stede glanced around and tried to figure out where they were. Stede felt a wave of relief when he saw a street that he recognized. He grabbed Ed's hand and pulled him out of the brush. Stede glanced around wildly, beginning to walk quicker.

Stede ended up on the doorstep of his marital home. He held his hand up to knock, but didn't for a moment. He took a deep breath. Ed stood slightly behind him, facing the street nervously.

There was an awkward pause. Stede still had his hand raised, but he hadn't moved

Ed glanced over at him. "Stede?"

Stede looked at him sheepishly and took a deep breath. "S-sorry."

Ed watched him knock on the door, still facing the road. He examined the intricate stained-glass as Stede knocked again, more confidently this time. They waited for a moment. The house was mostly dark.

"Maybe they're asleep," Ed offered quietly.

Stede frowned guiltily. "Probably."

Stede knocked again.

"I could climb into a window," Ed said.

"That would be a bit overkill, don't you think?" Stede replied, tensing when the door latch clicked.

Ed stiffened, taking a deep breath. The door slowly creaked out. Ed could see a man with light brown hair. The man held a silver ornate candle holder. The candlelight flickered, distorting his face slightly. Ed felt his heart pounding. With his beat of his heart, his head ached.

"Doug!" Stede said enthusiastically.

The man's eyes widened. His eyes narrowed. He leaned down slightly, squinting. "Stede?"

"Indeed," Stede replied.

"Come in. Let me go wake up Mary. Just be quiet. The kids are sleeping," Doug said.

Stede slowly entered the house. In the darkness, it looked unfamiliar. He remembered standing in almost that exact spot, though, and greeting Mary. He stared absently into the house for a moment before turning around to Ed.

And then he frowned, leaning slightly so he could see outside. Ed hadn't moved. Stede opened his mouth to tell Ed to come inside, but Mary had stared down the stairs. Doug walked just in front of her, still holding the candle.

Stede smiled. Mary sighed, chuckling softly.

"Is that a fake beard?" Mary asked.

Stede grinned. "I didn't want to scare any of your friends since I'm supposed to be dead."

Mary nodded slightly. "That was probably for the best."

Stede stepped forward and hugged Mary. She held him for a moment before pulling away and looking into his eyes.

"What brings you here so late at night?" Mary asked. "Is something wrong? Are you okay?"

Stede stepped away, scratching the back of his neck. "I need a body. Well, I need your friend's help to get a body."