A Hidden Queen

Chapter 80

Josephine sits quietly at a corner table in the back of the mess. She idly sips on her coffee while watching members of the crew pick at their food. She instinctively glances down, twisting the wedding ring wrapped around her finger. It was odd, but she had not imagined the chemistry that has come so naturally between them. They had an attraction for one another, a completion if you wish, but the physical chemistry they shared was more than she could have wished for. The pair had their whole lives together with a bright future, but she wanted it at her own pace.

Joe sighs heavily, settling her cup on the table as her own mind plagued her with all the possible reactions from Uncle John. It wasn't an answer of never, just a not right now. But that didn't mean he would understand or be pleased with the decision. The truth was, Josephine was comfortable on The Wicked Mary; she knew her place and what was expected of her. Taking over The Cyclone would force her to embark on a journey of place finding. And if she was being honest with herself, she did not want to add that to the exploration of this new chapter in her and Charlie's relationship. But how do you explain that to a man who has never been married before?

An aggravated sigh forces its way out as she runs a hand down her face. All this accomplished nothing but more concerns. There was no reason to continue to ponder over it further. She pushes herself away from the table, giving a thankful wave to the cook before heading topside.

The harsh brightness blinds Josephine as she steps onto the weather deck. The warmth from the mid-morning sun tingles against her skin with her eyes adjusting to the bustling deckhands going about their chores. A smirk pulls on her lips as she finds Charlie across the deck, wearing his shirt untucked with the morning sun passing through the thin material as he worked tirelessly.

"Carter!"

Joe glances over her shoulder with the sharp call to her name. Burnt bullies his way across, coming to a halt directly beside her, "Hayden."

"Good to see you about. I was figuring on seeing none a hair of you or Austin boy today."

"As much as it pained us, we decided it would be better for Charlie to keep the skin upon his body than test the captain's patience."

"Wise choice. He is in a foul mood this morn'."

"Whatever for?" Joe groans.

Burnt shrugs his broad shoulders, "He and Pittman have been arguing over the best route to the river all morning."

"It is a straight path, Hayden; what is there to argue over?"

"I am aware. However, Pittman demands to port for supplies for The Cyclone before reaching her. And John doesn't see the need. You know how those two are when they get locked into a notion."

Josephine groans outwardly, running a hand down her face. This news did not help her apprehension in speaking with him. It merely flamed the notion of turning tail and running.

"If you're looking for Charlie boy, he should be done with his duties here soon. It'll be a while before I need him for the next task."

"Thank you for the gesture Burnt, but I was in search of my uncle. I have something that must be discussed with him. Although this news about his mood has made me not so inclined."

"Don't prevent yourself. If you go up and intervene it may hinder it from spilling down to the rest of us."

"Aye, sacrifice me why don't ye."

Burnt chuckles, a broad grin spreading across his face while he throws an arm around her shoulder, "Let's be honest, he's less likely to string you upon the yard arms. Look at the Brightside, he was only agitated with Pittman when I came upon the deck. So, it is unlikely that it has turned into a permanent grouch."