Now & Then

“How could pirates get surrounded?”

“They’re drunk and drugged.”

“By the whores?”

Charlie nodded. “The pirates, once gathered, will be held.”

“Where?”

“Top floor of my pub, the Blue Lagoon.”

“Can’t they jump out the window?”

“Window’s too small. Even if they could get out, it’s pretty high. And anyway, they’re guardin’ the back.”

“By how many men?”

“I don’t know.”

“To what purpose are they being held there?”

“They’re going to be hung in my tavern one by one.”

“On the first floor?”

Charlie nodded again.

“When?”

“It’s already started. The rounding up part anyway.”

“What about the pirate ship?”

“They’re sending The Viceroy to attack her.”

“When?”

“At dawn.”

As far as last words go, Charlie could have done worse. Jack made his way to the lodging house and found Abby and her mother whispering to each other. Both seemed dazed and distraught. Pim had gotten the halter off Hester and was working at the binding on her wrists.

Abby said, “Where did you go?”

Catching Pim’s eye, Jack said, “I saw a man I know, and he meant to harm me and Mr. Pim, and some of our friends.”

“Who’s Mr. Pim?”

Pim smiled and gave a half bow.

Abby backed up a step and shuddered. She looked at Jack.

“You actually know this…this person?”

“I do. And he’s a close friend of mine.”

“A friend? How can this be possible?”

Hester abruptly stopped crying and looked at Jack.

“Who are you?” she said. To Abby she said, “And how do you know him?”

“He’s the father of my child,” Abby said.

“He’s what?” Hester’s eyes dropped to Abby’s chest a long moment, then she slapped Jack full force across the cheek. Then she turned and slapped Abby nearly as hard.

When Pim said, “Jack’s a good man,” Hester slapped him as well.

Then Abby said, “Who the hell is Jack?”

Pim looked at Jack and shrugged his shoulders as if apologizing for blowing his cover.

“Look,” Jack said. “There’ll be plenty of time for explanations later on. Right now all you need to know is our lives are in danger, as are the lives of our friends. Hester, Mr. Pim is a bit raggedy now, but he cleans up right proper and he’s wealthy and will make you a fine husband.”

She looked at Pim and said, “I’m sorry I slapped you. It’s been a vexing day.”

“And getting worse by the moment,” Jack said. He took Pim far enough aside that the women couldn’t hear, and hurriedly repeated what Charlie had said. “I won’t ask you to give up your land legs, but our mates are ambushed and need our help. Are you with me?”

“Aye, a course I am.”

“Good. Now listen. I’ve only got the one horse, so I’ve got to warn the ship. You’ll have to walk to Sinner’s Row and scout things out.”

“What about the ladies? Leave ’em here?”

Jack looked at the women a moment, and sighed. “They’ll slow us down, but you better take them.”

“We could get ’em a room here.”

Jack shook his head. “If her father comes, it won’t go well for her and the baby.”