And Loethen. What of him? He sounded and looked the part of an old sea officer, but Wake was not familiar with his name. That was not surprising since Wake was relatively new to the navy, but it would have to be corrected soon. It was imperative to know about how Loethen would react to the plan that Wake was soon to implement.
Two things must be done before the plan could unfold. First find Rork and ascertain the situation in the squadron and particularly in Key West. Then find Linda and determine her willingness to do what Wake would ask. By the look of the clouds toward the east, Wake judged he had about three hours to accomplish both those things before a storm would be unleashed on the town.
***
Finding Rork wasn’t difficult. The Anchor Inn, shoreside home of the bosuns and other deck petty officers, was dark inside after the white glare of the sun out on the street. Closing one eye before going in, an old trick sailors used before going below decks on sunny days, Wake was able to see a little when he got inside and made his way to the plank bar. That an officer was in the Anchor was unusual, but that he ordered a beer as if he belonged there was exceptional. Wake saw the eyes watch him as he moved to the darkest corner, where Rork was seated with one of the women who worked there. Rork waved him over.
“Afternoon, Captain. I saw that ye’d gotten to port. Tried to get o’er ta the Saint afore ye went to see that new admiral we’ve landed, but was a bit astern of ya. Ol’ Mac said you’d set off already. Please, sir, sit down and rest your oars. This little darlin’ is called Louisa, an’ she’s a wee bit thirsty, aren’t ya, dear?”
Looking at his bosun and the dark-haired girl, Wake raised his mug in simulated salute.
“Thank you, Rork, I will.”
He sat on a crude stool and smiled at Louisa, who smiled back as she tossed down a glass of evil-looking rum in one try. Wake shook his head at the memory of drinking rum. Rork saw his look and laughed. His eyes were glassy and words came out thickly.
“Rememberin’ the excitement of your last liberty, Captain?”
“No, Rork, just the misery of the morning after the rum-soaked night before. I do not want to repeat that episode . . . ever.”
“Aye, been on that reef my ownself, Captain. Many a sailor has made that vow. An’ I bet Louisa here has made them forget it the next time they came to the Anchor with a jingle in their pockets, didn’t ya, my sweet darlin’?”
The fact that Louisa seemed not to reply didn’t faze Rork. It was appearing that soon not much would faze him. Wake realized that he would have to broach the subject he had come to discuss while Rork was still in a condition to speak. Meanwhile, Louisa was staring at Wake, evaluating him with wide, frank brown eyes.
“Louisa, my dear. Would you please excuse Rork and myself for just a moment? Perhaps you would be kind enough to get us all a glass of your finest rum?”
Louisa kissed Rork on the cheek and smiled at Wake, then got up and sauntered seductively over to the barman. Wake still had not heard her speak. Like many of the women in the bars, she was of an age difficult to determine, but her experience in manipulating customers was obvious.
Wake turned to his bosun. “Rork, listen carefully, for I have a serious question.”
Rork brought himself upright on his stool and faced his lieutenant.
“Aye, sir. Ye look more troubled than a soldier in a shipwreck.”
“Rork, first, thank you for the kind words you gave the admiral about me when you reported in a few days ago. They did much to smooth out the turmoil I had expected to be plunged into upon my return.”
“Jus’ tol’ the God’s honest truth, Captain.”
“Secondly, what do you know of this Admiral Loethen?”
“Only what I’ve picked up from the others, mainly in here. He arrived one day without warnin’. Down from the Navy Department he came, an’ took over the same day. Admiral Bluefield was out of here like harlot from a church, sir. Same ship, same day. Gone like magic, they said.
“Heard that Loethen went into an early retirement at the start of the war. Man is from South Carolina and many in Washington worried about his loyalty, so he up and left the navy, after thirty years. They got him to come back a month ago as an acting rear admiral to run the blockade of Florida.”
Wake looked down at his mug of beer. His hands formed an arch with his chin resting atop. His words emerged pensively.
“I see. A Southerner, who probably understands other Southerners well. But a man loyal to the United States.”
Rork leaned forward.
“No doubt on that, sir. A real fighter. He was with Foote at the battle of the Chinese forts in fifty-six. A proper dustup that was, I hear. An’ served in the Med an’ Africa aginst the corsairs an’ slavers too. A filthy duty that. A sailor’s man, by all accounts, Captain. Nary a bad word by the salts that drink here.”
Wake smiled. It was good news. Loethen was the kind of man who might understand what Wake was planning to do.
“Thank you, Rork. Now, one last question before your Louisa returns.”
“Ah, my little darlin’, Louisa. A girl that was made for a man, if ever there was one made. What’s your last question, Captain?”
“I only ask because you seem to know so many
