Fifty - Six - THE VERDICT
July 1717
Judge Abernathy sat in his seat looking down at the defendant, Thomas Davis. “Piracy, as we all know, is a very serious matter; one that should not be taken lightly by any judge. We have heard a rather compelling story from the defendant.”
Sitting at his table to the side of the witness stand, Cornelius Rathbone rolled his eyes.
“Mr. Davis, is there anyone here today that can testify to the validity of your story?”
“Yes, your honor, there is.” Thomas turned and looked into the audience.
Sam, now wearing Cade’s wig, stood up and walked to the witness stand followed by John Hallet, Maria’s father.
Whispers and murmurings spread through the courthouse as these two very public figures stood by Thomas’ side.
The judge even had a surprised look on his face. “Mr. Hallet, do you know this man?”
“I do not.” Mr. Hallet motioned to Sam. “My friend the baron does, however, and that is good enough for me.”
“Baron Cade FitzJames,” The judge said looking at the court recorder. “What have you to say on behalf of the defendant?”
Sam remembered what Maria said about his accent. He hoped it wasn’t as bad as she let on, because there’s no getting out of it now. He cleared his throat. “Your honor, this man worked for me aboard one of my ships. He is a master carpenter with more integrity than any other man I know. If it pleases the court, I shall like to have back, a much-missed member of my crew.”
Sam’s eyes focused on the judge with sweating palms, waiting for him to call Sam’s bluff.
“Well, I must say Thomas,” the judge said with a bewildered chuckle. “You certainly know the right people.”
Cornelius sat back in his seat, eyes staring into nothing.
The judge picked up his gavel. “On behalf of our merciful King George and this court, I dismiss all charges brought against Thomas Davis and release him from custody forthwith.”
The bailiff unlocked his shackles and chains, letting them fall to the wooden floor. Thomas looked at his wrists and rubbed the gouges made by the cold steel. A tear fell from his cheek as he looked at Sam. “Thank you.”
Sam shook his head, his eyes swelling up. “No Thomas, thank you.” Sam pulled his friend in and hugged him. “Come, we have something to show you.
***
In the cargo hold of the Mary Anne, Thomas looked at the many chests stacked up in a corner. A single chest was open and filled to the top with gold coins.
“You guys have been busy,” Thomas said.
Sam grabbed a handful of coins and let them fall back into the chest. “This is our gold Thomas, we brought up the shares of all who survived.”
John flipped one of the coins in the air. “It turns out that we’re actually pretty good at salvaging treasure. We have salvaging crews at two other wreck sites as we speak.”
Thomas stood in awe. “That’s a lot of gold.” He scratched his head as he looked at it all.
“It’s yours, Thomas,” Sam said.
“The gold?”
Sam dropped the last coin into the chest. “The gold, the ship. It’s yours.”
Thomas shook his head. “This is all just too much.” He laughed.
“Your crew will be assembled whenever you are ready,” John said and patted Thomas on the shoulder. “It’s good to have you back with us.”
“I don’t know what to say.” Thomas said studying the chests. “Can I take some?” Thomas motioned toward the chests of gold.
Sam shrugged, “You can do what you like. It’s yours.”
Thomas wiped his moist eyes and then stared at the chests.
“What are you thinking about?” John asked.
“How happy my wife will be to see these.” Thomas chuckled, then let out a sigh. “I miss her terribly.”
Sam motioned for Thomas to follow him. He climbed up to the top deck and pointed to a carriage waiting at the dock. “Go home, Thomas. This will all be waiting for you when you return.”
Thomas shook Sam and John’s hand. “Thank you both. I can’t say enough to show my gratitude. Tell Hendrick and Ferguson.”
Sam nodded. “I will.”
“Go on now, we’ll see you soon,” John said.
Thomas walked down the plank, got in the carriage and was on his way. A moment later, another carriage pulled up in the same spot. Hendrick and Ferguson hopped out and ran up the gangplank. “Sam,” Hendrick said then took a moment to catch his breath. “It’s Bathtown, they said pirates attacked. Took many prisoners. Men, women and children.”
Sam’s heart sank. “Barbary pirates. Must have followed Paul.” Sam slammed his fist down on the side rail and then leaned against it.
“What will you have us do?” Ferguson asked.
Sam turned around, his face red with anger. “Gather everyone.”
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Black Sam - Prince of Pirates
Ficção HistóricaThe War of Spanish Succession is over, many sailors are out of work, and the thriving American colonies are quickly becoming the place of opportunity. For Sam Bellamy, it was the opportunity of becoming the captain of his own ship. When he falls in...
