A Hidden Queen

Chapter 97

'You'll figure it out.' Charlie mocks, huffing out of his nose. Josephine was not helpful this morning in anything but being a wonderful distraction for his overworked mind. He straightens his back, quietly observing the ship bustle with excitement from the transom. He had left his quarters, feeling less weighed down by his own anxiety. And the interactions between the small family had further relaxed him, but it didn't last. Soon enough, Barlow came looking for him, crushing his delicately placed thoughts and emotions. Charlie had attempted to push them aside as he came upon the helm but, the longer he stood there the more he found himself drowning in his doubts once more.

Those doubts continued to gnaw at his resolve as The Cyclone became packed with more unfamiliar faces. Many of the men sported graying hair, and a decade worth of wrinkles, proving their service under both Carter's and further unnerving him. How was he supposed to address such experienced men? He wonders, running a shaking hand through his hair.

Charlie turns his gaze out to the sparkling blue waters. It mirrored glass, the sunlight bouncing off the surface in blinding brilliance. It was a perfect day to set sail The Cyclone on her first voyage in four years. A truly momentous moment, but Charlie still could not shake his trepidation. A part of him wanted to curse Joe for her lack of involvement. This was her ship, her moment, and yet she had dusted her hands on the issue and left it all to him. It was unfair. Charlie contemplates, crinkling his forehead.

"Why such a serious face, lad? Is this not a joyous moment that should bring smiles upon faces?" A deep strong Scottish accent pronounces from behind.

Charlie startles; his heart leaps into his throat. He spins around, gazing into the grey eyes of Ivan Gibbons. The older man grins, crinkling the wrinkles around his eyes while stifling his laughter.

"Do not do that to me old man." Charlie grouses, clenching at his heart. "Josephine does that constantly; it is an irritating ability of hers that I have yet to grown accustomed to."

"Sorry lad; didn't mean to sneak up on you. Not everyone lumbers about like Albert and John does." Gibbons teases lightly. "Seriously lad, what are you doing trapping yourself in a loathsome corner? You appear as if someone has stolen your favorite toy."

"It's nothing old man." Charlie dismisses, turning his eyes back to the waters.

"Come now, lad. Do not be so harsh with me. If I am to be your second, there is a need to be open about all things, including despondent thoughts."

Charlie purses his lips, thinking about the relationship John and Pittman had. Despite the obvious age difference, the men had a sincere friendship that allowed them to be blunt, while still respecting their opinions. Pittman was constantly offering his guidance and advice when needed, taking John's little quips all along the way. It seemed they agreed on everything, even when they had disagreements. He gazes over at the older man. He did not know Gibbons enough to tell his life story, but there was a sincere appeal to the man and Charlie desired such a strong friendship with him as well.

"I don't know how to address the crew, Gibbons." Charlie starts off, lowering his hands to the gunwale. "I look down and see aged, experienced men. Many who have been hand-picked by Albert and served under Clinton."

"Not all, but a few have, yes." Gibbons acknowledges.

"I am not Clinton Carter, and I do not plan to fill his shoes." Charlie sighs heavily. "I do not know how to satisfy them if they are of such mind."

"The fact that a few of these men have served under Clinton does not deserve your worry as it does not weigh onto you."

"The hell it doesn't. Being married to his daughter alone brings me under scrutiny. They will be watching my every move, comparing me to a man long dead. And yet you say it does not weigh upon me." Charlie exasperates, collapsing onto the gunwale. "Tell me Gibbons, what would you say to the men in such a situation?"