Hazel Ipswich and the Ghost Pirate

Aunt Joline to the Rescue

Hamish was willing to give her a week before leaving, and he was nice enough to agree and let her work in the parlor for pennies. During the day, she searched for a job. Down by the docks, she heard a woman wailing. "Curse you captain Andrews! Why couldn't you bring him home to me!" A tall man stood opposite of her. He was gruff, with a beard and large mutton shops. His emerald green piercing eyes gave way to his Nordic heritage. He wore British Navel uniform and seemed entirely unemphatic to the woman's plight. He walked away from her without a word. Hazel heard him speak to a lower ranking officer, Find me a new cabin boy will you. And make haste, we leave tomorrow. Hazel runs up to the officer, sire! Sire! I would like to be your new Cabin boy! the tall man looks her up and down. No, I think not. Not a woman permitted upon our vessel less it be cursed. Disappointed in the days events, Hazel returns back to the brothel. She promised Hamish she would leave, and she has three days left. Hazel knocks on the Joline's door. Joline calls through the door out of breath, Occupied! oh its Hazel, can you come see me when you get a chance. I need your help. Through the door she hears a reply. Alright. Then giggling noises and bed springs resume their noise making. Later while Hazel is in her room, she hears a knock at the door. its Joline, can I come in? Hazel leaps out of bed as Joline enters. what do you need? I need you to make me into a boy. Joline looked puzzled, why do you need to look like a boy. I want to become a cabin boy, so I can sail the world and earn my own keep. Joline agreed. It didn't take much, it was just a matter of clothing. Joline had a client who still had his sons clothes he out grew. For a small amount of coins, he was more than glad to part with them. With just some new clothes and a shorter haircut, Hazel was looking rather boyish. What is your boy name? Hazel paused for a moment as her perplexed over the idea, Crispin She smiled, Crispin Ipswich Joline smiled, and nodded. Wait! Hazel thought on, Crispin Joel Ipswich Why Joel? Hazel smiles, after one of the most important women in my life, Joline. Joline embraces Hazel, "I'm going to miss you kid."

That Evening, Hazel worked the Parlor as her new alter ego Crispin. No one seemed to recognize her. None of the men attempted to seduce her. None of the men grabbed her. If felt nice, it felt good, her disguise was working. Hazel easily made haste with her work, continuously scanning the scene for dishes calling to be cleared, and While Hazel was clearing a table, she took notice of the officer from earlier in the day walk in. Hazel ran to Joline, Joline! Joline! That's him! He's supposed to hire a new cabin boy by tomorrow. Joline was entertaining a client at the moment, he was currently burying his face into her chest. She jumped up, hey! the drunk man snarled, Oh hush baby, I have someone very important to attend to. I promise to make it up another time. She licked his cheek, the drunk man turned bright red, and his demeanor changed. Okay Darling, you owe me big. Joline winked at him as she narrowed in on her prey. The man was at the bar, Hey sailor, want to party? the man glanced at her briefly and refocused his attention back to his drink. No thanks. Awe come on Sailor, show a lady some attention. no thanks. He turns her down. She snuck her hand down south, and he jumped up, "Madam! Please!" "You do know where you are love?" The man looked around, then all the color drained from his face. "Oh I did not mean to find my way into an establishment of such ill repute." As if that does not sting. Joline sits down with her arms crossed. "My apologies my lady, however I was only looking for a drink. I do not have the funds to retain a lady of such beauty." Nice recover, Joline shoots him a side eyed look. "If you really would like my company, Ill show you a good time tonight in return for a favor." She leans in, to whisper something in his ear. They eventually disappear upstairs. Hazel didn't see them for hours. She went to her room to hide her earning she made at that point. As she crested the top of the stairs, the man was exiting Joline's room. The sight of Hazel startled him, but he straightens up and fixed his shirt. "you are Joel?" "Yes sir..." "Your Aunt speaks highly of you. We are in need of a Cabin boy, if you will accept menial wage and hard work, I will expect you at first light in the morning." "Yes sir, I will be there." "Very well..." He clears his throat, "I am Callum Cornwall, first mate to Captain Fergus Andrews." "Yes sire, thank you sire!" Instead of going into her room, she darts into Joline's room. She bursts into Joline's room despite her state of undress. "Thank you! Thank you!" Hazel gushed. "Your welcome Hazel. I will miss you so much. And remember your name is Crispin Joel Ipswich, and you are 13 years old, your mother died three years ago, and you lived with your aunt until now. Okay?" Hazel smiled, "Yes, Aunt Joline. Joline smiles, "I like the sound of that I should have had you call me that sooner."