Jack: Book 3 in the Trilogy

Santiago Island Part 12

Jack had done it again. A tale that got taller and more credible the longer it went on. Captain Hawkins was totally taken in. I had no idea what Jack was going to do after I returned topside. I just figured he'd think of something. So this elaborate story he invented on the spot came as no surprise - I'd seen him in action too many times. But again I truly was amazed as I studied a master drivel artist at work.

And so the Helena approached Cape Verde's largest island, Santiago, and headed toward its capital city, Praia, less than three hours after our encounter with the slave ship.

"Jack, you're not heading into the harbor - it's suicide," I said.

"I just wanted to be able to say I've been to Cape Verde Islands," Jack said. "Relax, kiddie, we're safe here so long as no government ships give us a problem. We only have 500 miles to go and I want to be able to take some time to develop our plan. Let's take the girlies into the harbor and visit a nice old  tavern or two - get to know 'em a little better. Morris and others can keep watch aboard. It'll be getting dark in about an hour, I reckon, so we can leave then. Take one of the boats. Sound like a plan kiddie?"

"Sounds like a completely unnecessary risk," I said.

"Risk. Are you joshin' me?" said Jack. "No-one's a'gonna board us in the dark so the only risk will be 12 hours of daylight tomorrow and the ship will be a'settin' way out in the bay, a mile or two from the town - it's the perfect time and I for one need to get my feet on land again or I'll go nuts."

"What about the others? Don't  you think they'll be dying to get their feet on land again too?" I countered.

"Of course they'll be," said Jack, "but we are the ones running things and getting our nerves frayed in the process - we need a rest on land - we gotta unwind - so that we keep a sharp edge so we can make the right split-second decisions when we have to. And we need a good plan for Guinea or Senegal or both. And sonny boy, I've got to tell you I haven't the foggiest idea of how or  where we're going to do the drop-offs. So we need to hash it all out between us. I expect Mauricia and America will have some interesting ideas. Also, now that I think of it, we'll need a whole two days in the port. Let Morris know our plan and his responsibilities and tell him we'll be back by midnight in two days time - that'll be Sunday."

"Aye, Aye Captain Jack," I said. "What about the girls, their clothes were taken away and they only have men's things to wear now?" 

"Man you underestimate me, sonny boy! I've already thought about it. We not only have Cape Verde money in the captain's cabin as well as coins from Senegal and Guinea - you see I've been preparin' for this - but I  already considered that we'd leave the girlies at the boat, buy some dresses for them in any port shop and get back as soon as possible. Either that or they just walk along the dock with us dressed in men's clothing and we head into the first girlie shop we see."

"That last plan sounds less stupid," I said.

"You got a better idea, pal? You think you're going to keep the ladies from disembarking once we get off the ship either here or in Guinea? Remember how they didn't listen to us in Jamaica and that got us in heaps of trouble. They won't listen if I order them to stay aboard. Never happen. They've gotta come with us or they'll just make trouble. If you got a better idea I want to hear. If not, just shut up!" said Jack.

"Yeah! I do have a better idea! I think we should skip Praia and head directly to Senegal or Guinea and get the whole  thing over with so we can head on back to Jamaica. There's no sense in this kind of a risk just cuz you want to say you've been to Cape Verde Islands," I said.

"Relax sonny, it'll be fine," Jack said. "Let's just have a good time. We may never be here again," Jack said. 

"Jack, won't you listen to some common sense advice now and then," I asked.

"Sonny boy, I hate to do this but, I'm captain and I'm a'given you a direct order. Get the girlies ready and tell Morris what my orders are. No more discussion. I got too many other things on my mind. I need a break from all this responsibility."

"Okay, Jack, guess I was being a little selfish. Let's do it," I said.

"Good then!" he said. Let's get on with it."