A Hidden Queen

Chapter 85

Charlie was unsure of what to think about Mr. Carter as they walked in relative silence. Josephine and John had told enough stories to conjure up a mental image of a man that was laid-back and enjoyed life, but not afraid to sacrifice it for the right things. However, he was confronted with a man that was blatantly harsh and in constant need of a drink. Charlie did not know the man, but even then, he could sense that this was out of character and his gut told him there was more to this "show" then what meets the eye.

He hastily files that thought away as Albert leads them into one of Morga's pubs. Among the many that littered the island, this one was one of the larger ones, taking up enough space for two buildings as it faced the waterfront. The out-of-tune piano mixing with the hearty singing sounded like nails on a chalkboard. He was further assaulted by the fragrance of body-order, puke, and stale smoke. The pungent smell crinkled Charlie's nose as Albert filled his lungs with it.

"Isn't it wonderful?" He asks joyously.

"If you so say." Charlie shrugs. "I generally prefer my nostrils not to be assaulted as soon as I walk into the door."

"Oh, you are a treasure, aren't you?" Albert smirks.

Charlie prevents his eyes from rolling into the back of his head, preferring to scan the area. The pub itself was older, the bar and haphazard furniture chipped and scratched, if not gouged, in some areas. Several chairs were missing pegs, some even having random pieces of junk in the places where the legs should have been. The pictures and wallpaper were stained from the constant smoke, giving it a drabbed yellow appearance. He had been in better establishments but has also seen far worse.

"You done scrutinizing my pub boy?" Albert asks.

Charlie snaps his attention to Al, a faint blush creeping across his face, "I'm sorry, sir. It's a habit."

"Don't be. It's a good habit to acquire." Albert praises, slapping him on the back hard enough to throw him forward. "Come. My table is over here."

"Al!" The bartender howled from behind the bar "You want the usual?"

"Yeah, Smithy, but make it two. One for me and for my son-in-law here."

"Oh, don't tell me that beautiful grandchild of yours finally got married."

"That she did. What do you think of him, Smithy? Think he's worth keeping?"

"He seems like a good strapping young man."

"And we're about to find out if that's true or not. Two of my usual and have one of the lads bring it over to the table."

Smithy gave a half-hearted salute, turning his attention to getting the request as Albert leads them to a table shoved into the back corner of the bar. The older pirate slides his lanky body into the chair, observing Charlie as he does the same. He stares at him with critical eyes that never waver from his own. He further unnerves the young man as the intense stare is rapidly replaced with a bright smile as the approaching boy slides the drinks to the appropriate parties.

Charlie keeps his mouth from becoming slacked jaw with Albert wasting no time downing a large mouthful of alcohol. He still could not fathom what to think of the older pirate as he wipes at the droplets clinging to the side of his mouth and beard.

"Go ahead lad. Drink up." He gestures wildly towards the cup.

"I am not thirsty for such a drink." Charlie admits, pushing the cup away.

"Well, you better suck it up, boy. I have questions and I want a loosened tongue to speak truthfully."

"I do not need to be inebriated to tell you what you want to know."

"We shall see about that." Albert snorts. "I don't recognize your last name. You obviously have a story to lead you to piracy. You didn't want to discuss it at the cabin; I'm assuming because of Josephine's presence. She's not here, so what is it? Or do you not have one worth speaking of?"

"I did not wish to speak of it because it does not matter what it is. It's simply for me to tell when I want and to whom I want."

"It matters to me."

"No, it doesn't, as you would have already gained that information from others. So, where I come from or where I am going is none of your concern. All that matters to you, Mr. Carter, is that I am married to Joe and that I treat her the right way."

"That's just it; I know nothing about you to form an accurate opinion. And actions can be falsified, played down."

"Not with Josephine they can't. She may not speak her mind, but her face shows her thoughts when her mouth does not. But you already know that about her."

Albert purses his lips, leaning back and examining Charlie with that same damn stare. The younger man keeps the gaze, preventing himself from squirming in his own seat. He was not a man to be easily intimidated, but it was something about those deep brown eyes that bore into him with fatherly sternness.

"Fine, let us cut to the meat of this conversation. What are your intentions concerning my son's ship?" Albert interrogates, all the lightness gone from his tone.

"I have none. It's Josephine's ship to captain not mine. If she wants to carry such weight, then I will support her. If she does not, then I will support that as well."

"What do you mean if she does not? The Cyclone is hers to take. She has a responsibility to captain her." Albert scolds sternly.

"I don't care what responsibility she has; if Joe is not ready to do it, I will not push her. And neither will you, Mr. Carter."

Albert smirks, that sternness ebbing away, "You hold your guns, especially when it comes to Josephine's care. And you even do so against me. Good lad."

Charlie suspiciously narrows his eyes, "Mr. Carter. I am not one to enjoy games, especially of this nature. So, what do you truly want from me? Why did you drag me away from my wife to criticize me over drinks?"

Albert opens his mouth to answer, when a rather large man stumbles into their table. Charlie shots to his feet, raising both his hands as his drink spills into his lap. The man laughs drunkenly, his long bread dripping with the golden liquid.

"Ooohh. Sorry lad. Was having a little too much fun." He slurs, furrowing his brows. "Who are you again?"

"Baits!"

"Albert!" He howls joyously. He attempts to throw an arm around the slender man, missing him by an arm's length and falling into the table. "Wow, there is two of you. How's it going buddy?"

"Baits, you drunken fool!" Albert spits, grabbing the man by the collar and yanking him to his feet.

"Don't touch me, Carter." He slurs, swaying uneasily as he wiggles his shoulders away. He leans in closer, jabbing a finger into Al's chest. "I shall not be manhandled in such a way by the likes of you."

"Baits." Albert warns. "Don't start this."

"Start what?" He teases, pushing Albert's shoulder in a sloppy manner. "Do you mean this?"

Charlie is surprised as Baits shoves Albert hard enough to push him back into his chair. The older man shakes his head, huffing out of his nose and giving an exasperated pointed look. He attempts to scramble to his feet, only for Baits to throw the rest of his drink into his face. Albert howls as the alcohol burns his eyes, sputtering as he falls back into a heap.

Charlie stands frozen, unsure if he should help his grandfather-in-law or not. The silver eyes widen as Baits grins broadly, winking a very sober spring green eye at him. What the...Charlie thinks, unable to finish the thought before Albert grabs one of the unsteady wooden chairs and smashes it over Baits head. Austin flinches, covering his face as wood splinters fly in all directions. He stares dumbfounded, uncertain of what had just occurred.

"Bar fight!" Someone shouts from across the room, breaking the silence like a hammer and exploding the bar into utter chaos.