Bloodtide

Part 26

Hanging on the deck, I couldn't help but keep my eyes on Ella. It was morning now, and she was making her daily rounds, helping Bonham and Bo. Her laughter echoed softly as she chatted with them, her presence a beacon of light in the otherwise grueling day.

Davy had decided he desperately needed to steer the ship, and arguing with him was worse than arguing with a child. His stubbornness knew no bounds, and I had long since given up trying to reason with him.

"John, don't look so blue," Jones shouted, snapping me out of my thoughts. I turned, glaring at him, but he only laughed. His grin widening. I gave a weak smile, trying to mask my irritation.

"When did you figure out about the kid?" I asked, turning my questions to him. There was something off with him lately, and I needed to figure out his endgame.

"You know his father and I go way back," he said, smiling as I nodded slowly, digesting his words.

"And so why now? Why find him now?" I pressed, determined to unravel the mystery.

Jones leaned against the railing, his eyes distant as if recalling a long-forgotten memory. "Sometimes in this life, John, we make dumb decisions. And when we get a chance to make the right one, you must do it," he replied, his tone cryptic yet sensible. There was a weight to his words that hinted at a deeper story.

I studied him, trying to decipher his true intentions. "So, this is you making the right decision?" I asked, my skepticism evident.

Jones shrugged, a rueful smile playing on his lips. "Something like that. Maybe it's just a chance to make amends."

I glanced back at Ella, watching her move gracefully across the deck, oblivious to our conversation.

"Just know she won't let him go so easily," I whispered, watching her more closely, the worry gnawing at me.

"That won't be a problem," Jones smirked, his confidence unsettling. I began to ignore him, focusing my attention back on Ella, who was now instructing Bo on some finer points of rigging. Her determination and focus were evident, and I couldn't help but admire her resilience.

"Captain," a small voice spoke, catching my attention. It was Henry, and he seemed timid, almost hesitant to approach.

"Henry! Boy, great to see you," Jones shouted, leaving the wheel and greeting his nephew with exaggerated enthusiasm. The kid still seemed uncomfortable with the whole ordeal, but I could tell he was trying to be respectful, his posture stiff and formal.

Jones clapped a hand on Henry's shoulder, guiding him towards the center of the deck. "Come on, lad, let's show you the ropes."

Henry glanced at me, his eyes wide with uncertainty. I leaned in slightly, my voice low so only he could hear. "If you want him to leave you alone, I suggest kicking the wooden leg," I smirked, amusement dancing in my eyes.

Jones shot me a nasty look, his expression darkening for a moment before he plastered on his usual grin. "Always the jokester, aren't you, John?" he sneered, though there was a hint of genuine irritation in his tone.

Henry managed a weak smile, but it was clear he was still uneasy. I decided to step in. "How about I show you around, Henry?" I suggested, trying to offer him an escape. "I could use an extra pair of hands with the morning checks."

Jones's grip on Henry's shoulder tightened momentarily before he released him. "Fine, but don't keep him too long."

Henry nodded, relief flashing in his eyes as he moved towards me. We walked away, leaving Jones to grumble under his breath. As we reached a quieter part of the deck, Henry let out a breath he seemed to have been holding.

"You don't seem as terrible as Ella makes it seem. Given though I still have my defenses up, you're oddly perceptive," he spoke, earning my interest.

"Comes natural," I replied.

"But do know... if you do anything to harm Ella, I won't hesitate to make you regret it," he spoke again, this time with a deeper tone that I liked, as it challenged me.

I stood in front of him, looking the man up and down. "What has she told you about me? Our journey together has been short, searching for you," I asked.

"Nothing that you shouldn't know," he replied as I nodded.

"Well, whatever she says is a lie. Our time on that beach was special—felt like I got to know her... if you know what I mean," I joked, waiting for him to crack.

Henry glared at me, fumes evident in his breathing pattern. "Don't speak of her like that," he snapped as I smiled, finding his fire.

"It's nothing bad, kid... I'm just saying she's quite attractive, wouldn't you agree?" I asked.

His fists clenched at his sides, and his eyes burned with protective anger. "Ella is more than just attractive. She's strong, brave, and has a heart bigger than you'll ever understand. So, if you think you can undermine her in any way, you're sorely mistaken."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by his passion. "You care about her a lot, don't you?"

"More than anything," he responded without hesitation. "And I won't let anyone hurt her, especially not someone like you."

I chuckled softly, not out of mockery but out of genuine amusement at his dedication. "Relax, Henry. I have no intention of hurting her. In fact, she's one of the few people I've come to respect."

He narrowed his eyes, still skeptical but slightly less hostile.