Sky Pirates

Chapter 33

Lord Greene was led out of the Admiral's quarters. At the end of a short hallway, he hadn't been in before, the floor lowered Parker and the gaggle of small women who escorted him down to a deep tunnel, similar to the one he'd been in before. They arrived back at the island with the miniature version of Wickwillow Manor.

"Home, Sweet Home, Lord Greene," said one of the little women as she opened the great door and then stepped aside to allow the master of this home entry.

As he stepped inside, Greene's spirits fell a bit. It wasn't at all like the interior of his actual home. There weren't any portraits or fine marble floors. Instead, all was freshly painted wood and plaster. Everything was stark white, devoid of character, history, or charm.

The floor plan was also quite different. The first floor consisted of four rooms: a sitting room, dining room, office, and bedroom. The grand staircase led to a balcony that surrounded the entry hall.

Only two women had entered the home with Parker Greene. They were the ones who offered the tour in silence. And, now, with slight curtsies, they left him alone once again.

While he seemed to have the freedom to go where he wished, there was, sadly, nowhere he wished to go. He knew no one. He didn't yet know if there was anyone here he could trust. He opened the rear door which led to an open yard. An out building emitted smoke from a single chimney; he assumed it was the kitchen.

The night sky was filled with stars. The temperature was perfect. Night birds called to one another among the trees. And there, in the distance, was an airship moving silently away. The Balsa Robin had begun her voyage.

"Lord Greene?"

The voice saying his name caused Parker's knees to momentarily weaken. He took a moment to enjoy the swoon before responding: "Yes?" Greene turned to find himself facing Able Currant. His breath quickened.

"The Admiral has assigned me to be your aide and assistant. I've sorted and stacked all the plans into categories. I'd been in charge of the work, but truly, I don't have a head for mechanics. I'm just not able to see things in my head...."

Parker Greene stood, a blank stare on his face. He'd not heard a word Currant had uttered. "My what?" he managed to ask.

It took Currant a moment to figure out what Lord Greene was talking about. "Oh, your assistant. I'm to serve you as you wish."

"Why are you not there?" he pointed toward the barely visible airship.

"I never ask. None of us ever ask. We go where we're told. We do as we're told." Able Currant said these words in an off-the-cuff manner, not seeming bothered at all by their meaning.

"And, now I'm to tell you what to do, where to go?" Shivers passed over Parker Greene's flesh at the thought.

Able's smile was wry, a bit seductive. "To a point, sir. There are some commands only the Admiral may give."

The conversation had quickly turned into a game of cat and mouse. "I look forward to discovering the boundaries," said Greene.

The handsome men had moved close to one another, like metal to magnet.

Greene raised hishand, placed it on the back of Currant's neck and pulled the man those fewremaining inches toward him. Able didn't resist. Just before their lips met,Able said: "As you wish, sir."

* * *

Want to find out what happens next? Use this link to read Sky Pirates free on Kindle Unlimited: https://amzn.to/2tncj1H