A Hidden Queen

Chapter 62

Josephine appraises the men, analyzing their movements. The attempts to master a signal within seconds was rather crude, but sufficient to their needs. Hawthorne hovers close to Adean. His brows furrow harshly, his fingers digging into his forearms. Adean grows timid, his movements becoming sloppy under the radiating tension. Josephine slips closer to the pair as Hawthorne's angered irritation deepens.

"Adean you must learn this! We cannot escape without it." Hawthorne bites out.

"I am trying Mr. Hawthorne." Adean defends.

Josephine is taken aback as Hawthorne growls aggressively under his breath. The kind-hearted man was showing signs of the past several days. He was ragged, unkept, agitated, everything that was uncommon for the middy.

"Mike." Joe gains his attention. "I believe your presence is needed elsewhere."

"Where? I do not perceive such a need."

"Then find one."

Hawthorne tenses at the harsh tone. He glimpses about, staring at her intently. Josephine prepares herself as he refuses to deviate, the tension escalating rapidly.

"Mr. Hawthorne, I am not asking. I am telling."

"Yes, my queen." He mutters, moving aft.

"Now." Joe claps, propelling closer. "Let me hear what you have Adean."

The teenager nibbles on his lower lip as he begins to recreate the signal. He slams his heel against the wooden planks, causing Joe to inwardly cringe at the loud thud.

"Adean my boy. You sound as if you are attempting to beat through the floor. Loosen up a bit."

Adena nods at the light reprimand, continuing in his attempts. The boy repeats the sound, merely grazing the feather light touch. Did this boy not have a delegate nerve to his body? Joe wonders, grimaces as one thud turns exceptionally loud.

"Boy do you have an open ear to listening? You are being far too forceful."

"I am trying Ms. Joe!"

"Cease the whining." Joe warns sternly. "Here. Watch and LISTEN to how it is done."

The world quiets as she recreates the low distinguishable sound. Adean scoots closer, mimicking her delicate movements in a pure child-like manner. She guides the teenager, encouraging him to find the rhythm naturally.

"There." She halts. "Right there. Do it again."

Josephine's smile broadens as he quickly finds the sound, thumping the heel against the planks before slapping the toes seconds later. The boy had done it. The sound was nearly perfect in likeness to her own.

"Perfect. Clear and distinguishable." She praises, ruffling the boy's hair.

"I perceive the men are ready to embark." Hawthorne approaches.

"Then I shall inform the captain of this soiree that his entourage is ready to commence with his plans. Whatever they may be."

"Do not give him such a hefty title Carter."

"Why not? Does he not deserve it, Danny?"

"For it will go to his head and I will be tortured with his constant boasting." Danny quips.

Josephine cannot help the tug on her lips as she turns towards Charlie. The tall middy circles the marines like a shark. He examines and probes the unconscious bodies, shifting to the hold that confines them. A heavy hand drags down his face, thoughtfully rubbing at the stubble coated chin.