Jonah gently takes her hand. “Don’t be scared, I’m a really good swimmer.”
“It's not the same kind of ship you traveled from Europe on. This one is smaller, and you won't be alone.” Anger flashes in her eyes as she fights the terror and urge to flee. Summer closes her eyes and shame follows the fear. For a moment all she can hear are the screams and moans of the sick or dying people. The scent of death invades her palate, and the fight or flight instinct pushes at her soul.
“If you don’t think you can do it, we will find another way,” Victor promises.
“No. He can’t win,” she murmurs before lifting her eyes to his. “I can do it, I can.”
“Together, we can do it, together.” Decision made, Victor doesn’t give her a chance to think twice, he guides them quickly up the plank and hands over the tickets before boarding.
“Welcome aboard the Sea Nymph.” The captain says to each of the passengers as the mate collects tickets. The Sea Nymph is a side-wheel steamship which is three stories high. Each deck is trimmed in white wood railing and red trimmed decks with large red paddles on each side of the ship.
Captain Francois guides them. “Are you a pirate?” Jonah asks, and Captain Francois laughs.
“Not today, son. I am a Captain.”
“Oh,” Jonah says, slightly disappointed. “What’s the black poles on top for?” Jonah asks.
“Those are called crowned smokestacks. They lead to boilers which burn wood to create steam. The steam pushes the wheels which move the ship forward,” he answers.
Summer squeezes Victor's hand as they step onto the wooden deck of the ship. She is relieved to see the height of the decks are much larger than they appear from shore. “Notice how well supported the decks are with multiple railings all-round the ship,” Victor explains.
“Oui, she is new and sturdy, but the crowning jewel is her speed!” Captain Francois says with a grin at them.
“Plus la meilleure.” The faster, the better, Summer says in perfect French. The Captain laughs.
“Exactement,” he says with a bow. “Enjoy your journey,” he turns and gives the order to bring up the plank. Victor guides them through the ship and comes to a stop. They are standing in front of two huge mahogany doors, with Tiffany lead glass inlay. Loud music can be heard on the other side.
“One night, Victor? Then we will be home?” She asks nervously.
“Yes, we will be home tomorrow night?” He says with a soft smile.
“I like the sound of that,” she whispers, and they push through the doors leading to a large galley full of people.
They are instantly surrounded by noise, smoke, and music. Victor moves swiftly through the crowd towards a spiral staircase leading to the second deck. People are laughing, drinking and gaming at tables. Victor picks up Jonah and carries him swiftly through the throng of people. “Stay close, Summer. This is not your typical ship.” Painted women barely clothed dance to a clanging piano and the smell of sweat mixes with the salty sea air. Victor moves quickly to the side of the room towards an ornate wooden spiral staircase.
“Many of the ships were used for military purposes during the war. They have been repurposed and sold to private owners who use them as passenger boats, for freight or people. Others are used for… entertainment.”
Summer stops and glances around and says, “That’s a flam if I ever heard one, Victor. This is a house of…” Victor grabs her hand and jerks her along before she can finish her sentence.
“Exactly, my love. That is why we are going to stay in our cabin and remain out of sight until tomorrow.”
“Surely, we could have found some other passage, Victor. It isn’t proper,” she says, dropping his hand as someone bumps into him. Summer stumbles along after him.
“Believe me, I am not happy about this either, but it will get us there faster. That is what you want isn’t it?” He asks almost at the staircase now.
A large man steps between Summer and Victor grabbing her by the arm. “Come have a drink with me.” The stench of alcohol and sweat coming off the man’s body causes her to gag.
“Unhand me this instant!” Summer snaps and tries to pull away. Victor hears the sound of her startled voice behind him and swears.
He turns and sets Jonah on the steps, “Get upstairs, Jonah.” Jonah runs up the stairs and turns to watch his dad in action. Victor pushes his way towards her, but the crowd closes in around him.
“You can’t be serious, my husband…”
“Ain’t here, he’s busy now.” Spittle sprays in her face and shouts of laughter follow. “My names Earl, I wanna buy the beautiful girl a drink,” he slurs and pulls her over to the bar.
There are laws at the very least, moral codes that most humans abide by, surely someone would come to her aid. Victor will have to get Jonah to safety, and when she looks for him, she can't spot him through the sea of people. Frustrated, she tries to jerk free, but he’s too strong for her.
“Bloody hell,” she growls. “Alright, Earl. One drink,” she turns back towards the bar and smiles at him. He grins through his yellow teeth and slams his money on the counter.
Victor’s blood begins to boil as he realizes the danger she’s in. He has to get to her! She has no clue that Earl has friends closing in on her from behind.
“Whiskey!” Earl shoves a glass at her, and she sips it, waiting for Victor.
“Now Earl, you know you’re supposed to share. It ain’t polite to keep the new girl to yourself.” A masculine voice says from behind her. She turns and fear
