Sky Pirates

Chapter 59

Parker Greene had regained control of his faculties. He sat up in bed, eating a bowl of very good soup. "Bread! Is there no bread?"

"You are a horrible patient," said one of the housekeepers. She handed him a hard roll and her eyes sparkled and twinkled.

"Thank you."

"I think you'll be finishing your soup and getting yourself out of bed. No more lollygagging around for you." She plumped his pillows.

Parker took her arm. "Thank you for saving me."

"No, sir, it wasn't me. It was your doctor man."

He held her still. "Thank you."

She looked around to be certain no one would hear and then, in a lowered voice said: "You're welcome, I'm sure. We need you well."

As if her words were punctuation, the house began to hum, there was a vibration under their feet. The house maid rushed to the window. "The Robin!" She turned to Parker with a knowing, wry smile.

"So it begins," he said. "Fetch me my trousers, boots. We must be quick."

She raced around the room, helping Parker dress. While better, he wasn't yet solid on his feet. She braced him and then helped with buttons, ties, and belts. When she'd finished he looked rumpled and handsome, unshaven and masculine.

"Thank you," he offered again as the housemaid rushed from the room.

Once more, Parker Greene opened the top drawer of his dressing table. There, like on the ship, were his personal items. This time, there wasn't any choosing. He took the time to tuck letters, his pocket watch, the small pistol, and the bag of gold into their pockets and places. He knew he couldn't put on his side arm. A sword would draw too much attention to him, a man out for a stroll. He must hurry. If he didn't get into the elevator in the first fifteen minutes of the Robin's arrival, he might be trapped on his own island, and the plan would go off without him and he'd be left behind with the survivors. Parker doubled his pace until he was at the front entrance.

As he opened the great wood door, there, in jacket and cravat, stood Rifle Helms looking handsome and rugged. "Are you ready, my Lord?"

Rifle's smile so inviting, Parker forgot all protocol, leaned forward, and kissed the man right on the lips. They lingered together until an "Ahem," brought Parker back to the moment.

"I see," said Able Currant. "I misunderstood you then?"

"Oh, Able." It was an awkward moment. But, Parker had never grown to trust Able, despite having enjoyed the pleasure of his company many times.

"Oh, there's no misunderstanding. This man is with me," said Rifle Helms, stepping between Parker and Able.

"Are you challenging me to a duel?" Able laughed at the thought. His laugh was infectious, only this time, no one joined him and the song of that laughter fell silent.

"No," said Rifle who quickly thrust a dagger into his rival's gut. He held it there. "You won't be coming with us."

Able struggled for a moment, gripped Rifle's shoulders tightly, and just as it looked like he might take action, blood dribbled from Able's mouth and all life left his beautiful eyes.

"Why?" Parker asked as Rifle let Able fall into the flower beds.

"He's no friend of ours." Rifle looked around the street. No one appeared to be watching. He took out his handkerchief, wiped the knife blade clean, and tossed the cotton onto Able. "One less pirate for our battle," he hissed.

There was absolutely no turning back now. Not that Parker wanted to turn back. The two men headed toward the elevator and, along with a dozen dwarfs, descended into the tunnel, which was already filled with little men and women.

A small cheer went up as Parker Greene and Rifle Helms joined the crowd.

Nate pushed through the crowd in his waddle walk and tugged on Parker's sleeve. "All is ready from our end, sir. The plans, the people, the weapons. We have not relied or depended on any of the pirates. It is, as you asked, just our band and the two of you."

"Excellent, Nate. Now, you have to get me into the boiler rooms of the Robin. I have to get the lads there to join us, otherwise all will be lost."

"Then off," said Nate as he turned toward the tunnel. The crowd parted and Parker and Rifle followed the little man as he led the way.

* * *

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