Tides of deception ✺ Outlander/Stephen Bonnet Fanfic

♤22. Talking with Bertie

The private room in the tavern was filled with the scent of tobacco and aged rum, the walls lined with shelves bearing various nautical instruments. Peregrine Francis Bertie sat behind a large oak desk, a map of the Caribbean spread out before him. His sharp eyes shifted from the map to Stephen as he entered the room, and he gestured to a chair with a flick of his hand.

"Bonnet," Bertie greeted him with a clipped tone. "Take a seat."

Stephen walked into the room with his usual confident stride, his eyes scanning the room as he sat down. He leaned back, resting an elbow on the arm of the chair, waiting for Bertie to get to the point.

"We have an opportunity," Bertie began, tapping a finger on a spot on the map. "Portobelo."

Stephen leaned forward, his eyes narrowing at the mention of the notorious Spanish port. "Portobelo's no easy target," he muttered. "What's in it for me?"

Bertie smirked, always appreciating how Stephen got straight to business. "Gold, silver, and plenty of other valuable cargo is waiting, ready to be shipped to Spain. It's a risk, but if you pull it off, you'll be walking away with enough to keep you and your crew comfortable for years."

Stephen let the idea sink in, weighing the risks in his mind. Portobelo was well-fortified, and he'd need a solid plan to raid it without losing half his crew. But the promise of treasure... it was tempting.

"And what's the catch?" Stephen asked, his voice low but steady.

Bertie leaned back in his chair, the flickering candlelight casting shadows on his face. "Portobelo's garrison is stronger than usual. The Spanish have received word of potential raids and have increased their defenses. It won't be a simple hit-and-run. You'll need to be precise and quick, hit them before they even know you're there. You'll be going with 2 royal navy ships on your side, as a fleet under your command"

Stephen tapped his fingers on the armrest, thinking. "And what of Maria? I don't leave her behind."

Bertie raised an eyebrow. "You'd bring her along, a woman? It's dangerous, Bonnet. A raid like this..."

"She stays with me," Stephen interrupted, his tone brooking no argument. "She's more than capable of handling herself, and I won't leave her on the shore wondering if I'll come back."

Bertie studied him for a moment before giving a slow nod. "Very well. But be mindful-this mission requires absolute focus. If you fail, there will be consequences."

Stephen's eyes glinted with a sharp, predatory edge. "Failure's not in my vocabulary."

Bertie chuckled, but his tone was all business as he handed Stephen a rolled parchment. "Here's the intel. You'll leave in three days. You'll have enough time during the crossing to plan your attack. Remember, the convoy is scheduled to depart a week after you arrive. You'll want to strike before they load up and sail off."

Stephen took the parchment, glancing at the details before pocketing it. He rose from his chair and turned toward the door, but before he could leave, Bertie spoke again.

"One last thing, Bonnet," he said, his voice dropping slightly. "There's been talk-some of our own might want to see you fail. Be on guard. Portobelo's not the only challenge you'll face."

Stephen shot him a dark grin. "Wouldn't be fun otherwise."

With that, he walked out, his mind already working through the logistics of the raid, the danger, and how to keep Maria close while ensuring success.

✺

The door to the cabin creaked open, the dim light from the oil lamps casting long shadows across the room. Maria sat on the edge of the bed, her hands clasped together, waiting for Stephen's return. She had been restless ever since he left to meet Bertie, her mind racing with thoughts of what dangerous plan he might have to undertake.