A Hidden Queen

Chapter 70

James throws open the door to his cabin, snarling against the frenzy activity happening on the weather-deck. He inhales deeply, grumbling irritably as he slips his arms within his officer's jacket. He had been sleeping peacefully when the gunfire sounded above his head, followed by the pounding of the converging men. The chaos had startled him awake moments before his petty officer breached his cabin frantically informing him of the unknown problem overhead.

James was in a sour mood; it merely deepens as he is confronted with the scene upon the quarterdeck. It was absolute chaos. The marines stand crowded against the aft gunwale, shouting and shoving one another while taking pot-shots at the darkness. Pierre stood back, observing the scene with unconcerned boredom while Mr. Welsh lays upon the deck groaning and rubbing a tender spot on his head.

James' brows knit together at the accosted scene. He steps forward, freezing as his boot slides with a disgustingly wet sound. The brown eyes slowly gaze down at the blood pooling under his feet. He lifts his boot from the sticky substance, grimacing as it cements to the decking once more.

"Jack." James calls, slowly raising his eyes. "What in God's name is happening here?"

Jack exhales deeply, running his tongue over his lips, "Much I'm afraid. As it seems we had some company."

James flicks his attention to the marines, his chest vibrating with a deep growl. He shoves his way through them, throwing one to the ground as he rests against the gunwale. Emptiness. That's all he sees as the darkness is too thick to penetrate at this time of night.

"What happened?" James growls, "What are you men shooting at?"

"I'm not sure sir." Percy offers. "We heard the gunshot, however when we came upon the deck there was only Mr. Pierre and Welsh. The first lieutenant directed us to the stern where we saw a shore boat pulling away from the ship and assumed them to be enemies, sir."

"You see the occupants?"

"No sir. It was beginning to pull into the darkness when I came to the edge."

James' anger builds, igniting a cool fire within the brown iris that scatters the marines.

"Sir!" Jiang approaches. "I am sorry to report but we have lost them, sir."

"Them?" James seethes.

"The prisoners sir. Mr. Peterson and myself went to check on the brig when we heard the gunfire. We found Mr. Hunter already there untying Brody and Shawn sir. The two marines informed us they were caught off guard by three men, one in which was trying to pick the lock to the door."

"Where are the pirates now?"

"I. . ." Jiang pauses, unsure of his words. "The assumption is, sir, that they were with the shore boat."

"I see." James breathes heavily, facing Jack. "Care to add anything Mr. Pierre?"

"I would say you know more of the whole picture than I." Jack shrugs nonchalantly.

That smug, arrogant man. James seethes. He twists his face foully, rushing at Pierre. The lieutenant startles as James snatches his elbow, dragging him down to the main deck.

"James! James, unhand me!"

James ignores the childish protests as he kicks his cabin door open, throwing the first lieutenant headfirst into the center. James slams the doors, leaning against the solid wood as his breathing turns to a heated labor.

"What the hell!" Pierre grouses, picking himself up off the floor. "I am not some bratty child that you remove for a beating James."

"What happened?"