A Tale of Skeptical Sailors and Mischievous Mermaids

Part 4

Jefferson sank onto his bunk and exhaled into his hands. "I suppose the good news is we are all allowed to keep our current rank."

Hamilton leaned up against the door frame. "I've never seen him so angry. I thought for sure he would have us all discharged and send us home."

"I'm surprised he didn't send us all overboard."

"He couldn't even look at me." Madison said softly. "I don't necessarily blame him but, I thought I was one of his most trusted friends."

"I don't think he trusts anyone now. There were not one, but two giant holes that had been gouged out of the hull. And he doesn't even suspect one of the crew but his own officers." Alex looked at the ground.

"You ever think of being a lawyer?" Thomas asked Alex. "You were pretty convincing while arguing our case and it's clear you love to hear yourself talk."

"Perhaps. And perhaps you should look into becoming a politician. It seems you also love to hear yourself talk and aren't very worried about getting anything done."

"Gentleman, please." James held up his hand.

"Poor Washington. He thinks we've all gone mad."

Madison furrowed his brow. "He won't even listen when we try to explain."

"Can you blame him?" Jefferson asked. "We're talking of doppelgangers and mermaids. If you hadn't seen them for yourself, would you believe?"

"No." James admitted.

"John was suspiciously silent." Hamilton noted. "And then he just sort of snuck away."

"He did." Thomas replied. "Where is he, anyway?" All three of them glanced around quickly then looked at each other with alarm. "We need to find him."

"You two check around the island." James offered. "I'll look for him onboard and attempt to distract Washington for as long as possible."

Thomas and Alexander nodded and then quietly slipped off the ship.

*******************

"Philip." He giggled, pointing to himself and then the human who sat near him. "John."

Laurens nodded. "Very good."

The merman swam in happy circles, his periwinkle tail sparkling in the sunlight, and repeating the name he had just learned. "John." He would say and smile and then dive back under the water.

Laurens sat on the beach, his feet in the warm water and regarded him with curiosity. "I wish you understood more of what I said. I have so many things I would like to ask you. How many of you are there? Are you in every ocean or just here? How many other humans have you interacted with? And is it a coincidence you look like me? It can't be. It has to be some trick, showing up as a younger version of me. More innocent, more playful. A version of myself that I miss. A version I would... protect." Philip just looked up at him and blinked. "You don't understand a word, do you?" He smiled. "I suppose that would make you an incredible confidant. It's not like you could reveal any of secrets."

"Secrets?" Philip repeated and looked at John for clarification.

"Everyone has secrets." He smiled sadly. "Some are trivial. Some are not." He sighed and then was struck with an idea. "Wait. Stay right there."

"Wait." Philip said and laughed softly when he pronounced it perfectly. "Stay."

"Yes." John said and grinned. He walked to his coat and fished in one of the large pockets, pulling out a pencil and sketchbook. He sat back down on the sand and quickly started drawing the merman in front of him. The long tail, the webbed fingers, the small row of gills on either side of Philip's neck.