Changing Tides Page 7

  “What are you thinking about?” Devon whispered softly from behind him.

  “About Captain Blackburn,” he replied without turning around.

  “What about him?” Devon asked.

  “He will chase after us. You do know that, don’t you? Especially after what I did, stealing the map right from under him. He is probably plotting his revenge as we speak.”

  “Let him. He won’t get near you ever again. He won’t hurt you ever again,” Devon said fiercely.

  Brett shuddered at the emotion he could hear in Devon’s voice.

  “Cold?” Devon whispered, mistaking Brett’s trembling for something else entirely different.

  “A little,” Brett said, and Devon wrapped his arms around him from behind. “Devon?” Brett called after an extended silence.

  “Yes?”

  “What’s happening between us?”

  “I’m not sure. But it’s not a bad thing. Is it?”

  Brett chuckled softly. “Not bad, no. Dangerous, though.”

  “I know. Let’s… get through this first, see what happens.”

  Brett nodded. “I agree,” he tipped his head back to look at the man embracing him.

  Without any conscious thought, he turned to face Devon, leaning forward slowly, uncertain of his reception. Apparently unable to resist the unspoken offer, Devon closed the distance between them and their lips met. Devon’s mouth was soft and moist against his own, and Brett tenderly explored the addicting sweetness. He nipped at Devon’s lower lip, then traced it with his tongue before teasing at the crease between the full lips until they parted and he was allowed access to the heat of Devon’s mouth.

  Brett moaned as Devon pressed his warm body against him, tightening his hold and pulling them impossibly closer. Brett wrapped his arms around Devon’s neck, sighing softly and settling into Devon’s embrace as their tongues danced leisurely together. Both were breathless when they finally parted.

  “This is waiting?” Devon finally asked, amusement tingeing his voice.

  “Just something to keep you interested,” Brett grinned.

  They stayed in each other’s arms for a long moment, Brett resting his head on Devon’s shoulder as Devon nuzzled his hair softly with his cheek. Brett smiled. No matter what happened in the future, this moment would forever stay in his mind. Even with all the madness constantly crashing in on them, for the first time in his life, Brett felt content, safe, whole.

  He looked back at the pews, his breath catching in his throat as he saw Elijah sitting quietly, looking at them. Brett exhaled softly, relaxing against Devon as Elijah smiled gently, nodding his approval.

  “Finally,” Elijah mouthed.

  Brett grinned back, relieved to have Elijah’s friendship and understanding. “Thank you,” he mouthed back.

  “Are you two done?” Devon chuckled suddenly, leaving Elijah and Brett staring at each other shamefaced at having been caught.

  A knock on the door broke through the silence, rousing Cody. He went to answer and opened the door for the rest of the crew to join them. It was finally midnight. Time for action.

  Devon nodded at his men. “You all know what happened this morning. I have no idea if we still have a running ship or what that mercenary might have done to our Horse, but it is time we get it back. We still have our three cutters in the quay, and at this hour, we will not have any problems ‘borrowing’ a few more. There is just enough for all of us to get back to our vessel. Be as silent as possible, surround the Horse from all sides, and when I give the signal, climb on board as fast as you can. Be careful. We don’t know how many there are or what weapons they might be using. Let’s go.”

  It took over fifteen minutes for the whole group to reach the quay. Even if Tortuga was a pirate haven, there were still enough of the governor’s spies around to make them cautious. Every available seat was soon taken in the three cutters, and four more were appropriated for their cause.

  Rowing as silently as ghosts, the cutters slid effortlessly through the dark waters toward their target. Under the patronage of a new moon, all eyes locked on their lost lady, the Flying Horse.

  Devon waited enough time for all the cutters to surround the ship, then gave a battle cry. “Go!” he ordered furiously.

  Suddenly the quiet harbor thrived with frantic activity. Every seaman rushed to obey the command, grabbing ropes, riggings, and the anchor line, anything that would help them get aboard the ship.

  Devon and Brett were among the first to set foot on deck. Under Devon’s guidance, the crew split up, spreading throughout the ship, looking for any signs of their enemy.

  Devon gritted his teeth as he spotted their five fallen comrades hanging from the masts. He knew then that Blackburn was long gone; those symbolic hangings were meant as a taunt, a way of hurting him. But all it really meant was another nail in Blackburn’s coffin.

  “Well?” he asked when Elijah approached him, looking a little shaken.

  “Nobody. They are gone. And by the look of things, they left soon after Brett escaped.”

  “And the Horse?” Devon growled angrily.

  “Everything is in place,” Elijah said. “Nothing is damaged that I can see. The others are checking again.”

  “Have someone cut the men down.” Devon gestured to the bodies of the hanged men. “They deserve a proper burial at sea.”

  “I’ll ask John to see to it,” Elijah said as he walked away.

  Devon took a deep breath, then let it out slowly, trying to control his fury. His revenge would have to wait. At least now he had someone by his side who knew what Captain Blackburn looked like. One day—soon—they would cross paths again. Maybe Brett was right and Blackburn would follow when they departed for their treasure hunt. And should they come to battle…. Devon would come out the victor.

  “Devon, you better have a look at this,” Elijah called out, bringing him back from his reverie.

  “What’s wrong?” he asked, walking over to his friend.

  “Brett’s cabin is completely destroyed,” Elijah said, leading him to the sleeping quarters.

  The others were all there, already waiting for him. Devon looked around dismally. The cabin was a complete wreck. The bed was broken, the chest open and overturned, the bookshelf had been torn from the wall, and the chairs were lying in pieces on the floor. The only thing left whole was the table, standing tall and resistant among the chaos. Upon its scarred top rested a small sheet of paper with something scribbled on it.

  “What does it say?” Cody asked.

  Brett looked up, gazing at them. “Until we meet again, Mr. Campbell,” he said softly.

  IT WAS a beautiful day. The sun was shining brightly, the sky was clear for as far as Brett could see, and there was a soft breeze blowing, which prevented the typical Caribbean heat from becoming too menacing.

  He took a deep breath, closing his eyes and enjoying the smell of fresh air and salt water. Nothing could ruin that moment, not even Blackburn’s pathetic threats. He was in heaven.

  “Enjoying yourself?” Elijah asked from beside him.

  Brett opened one eye to glance at him. “I certainly am, Elijah. I seldom have had the chance to enjoy such a marvelous day, especially during the last months.”

  “Well, you better make the most of it, ’cause it will not last,” Elijah said.

  Brett raised an eyebrow quizzically. “Oh?”

  “John says the weather’s gonna change during the day, might still rain today,” Elijah said.

  Brett looked up at the clear blue sky. “You jest, surely? It’s such a nice day, not a cloud in sight!”

  Elijah shook his head and shrugged. “Can’t explain it, but I know it’s true. Seen John predict it before. He never fails. He told me once the air smells kind of different when a storm is brewing. He is expecting that by late afternoon a gale will build from the southwest.”

  “Which is the course we have taken?” Brett half asked, half stated.

  “Yes,” Elijah sa
id with a chortle.

  “So you are basically saying we are heading toward a possible storm?”

  “Yes.”

  “Why, thank you, Elijah. Glad to see you are the bearer of such good news,” Brett said sarcastically.

  Elijah laughed. “Always aiming to please, that’s me.”

  Brett remained hopeful for most of the morning, as the weather kept fairly warm and sunny. However, as the night drew closer, as John predicted, the weather did change. Threatening gray clouds replaced the clear sky, and even Brett could feel the difference in the air around them. It felt charged, heavy and stuffy, making it almost impossible to breathe.

  The storm didn’t hit until the early hours of the morning, catching most of the crew in their sleep. The first splattering drops rapidly turned into heavy rain. The wind picked up, and the waves began to swell, rocking the ship violently.

  “I can’t believe this,” Devon yelled, trying to make himself heard over the roar of the storm. “We are so close to the damn treasure! One more hour and we could have found a safe cove to hide from the storm!”

  “Too late now?” Brett guessed, yelling back.

  “Yes,” Devon shouted with a nod. “And John says this is a big one! Let us hope the ship holds up!”

  Brett held his breath as he faced one of the most exhilarating and frightening moments of his life. Lightning lit up the sky, and thunder boomed in his ears. The raindrops were so thick they hurt when they hit his body, and the ship was swaying so hard it was difficult to keep on his feet.

  He watched John and Elijah trying to control the helm while Cody tied himself securely so the growing waves wouldn’t drag him overboard.

  Brett walked slowly to the bridge, where Devon was holding on for dear life. The blinding light and loud noise from the thunder and lightning was painful to withstand, but Brett knew it was too late to go back now; they were in the heart of the storm.

  “Devon! The ship will not take much more punishment,” Elijah yelled at them. “We are being pounded to pieces by this storm!”

  “We have no choice,” Devon said. “We are barely holding on now. If we try to turn back, the winds will take us off course and set us adrift! We have to keep going!”

  Lightning slashed through the sky at his words, illuminating the furious sea as if it were day. Thunder rumbled overhead, and the ship seemed to vibrate in its wake, making standing a difficult task.

  “Jesus,” Brett whispered.

  He felt Devon reach for him and hold him tightly as a huge wave nearly capsized the Flying Horse. Large waves rolled over the decks, buffeting the cabins and threatening to destroy the ship.

  One powerful bolt struck the main mast, breaking it in half and setting it on fire until the merciless rain falling down put it out. The top half of the mast crashed down onto the deck, sails and rigging coming down with it.

  “Reef!” Brett heard someone shouting over the maddening roar. “Reef! Watch out!”

  It was too late. The wind pounded the Horse against the reef, and the ship struck with a jolt, throwing everyone off-balance. Brett watched, terrified, as several of the crewmen fell overboard, their screams ringing loudly in his ears, even over the storm.

  He cried out as the ship tilted dangerously to the left. Cannonballs and powder kegs slid rapidly through the deck, slamming into the panicking men before being swallowed by the raging waves. The sides of the ship gave way, the noise of splitting wood competing with the thunder for attention.

  “There is a hole in the hull near the bow! It’s taking on water!” someone shouted, but Brett seemed to be the only one listening; everyone else was fighting for their lives.

  “Help! Help us!” he heard John shouting.

  He turned to see both Cody and Elijah frantically trying to break free from the ropes tying them to the helm. The ship was sinking. If they didn’t hurry, they would go down with it.

  Brett reached for his dagger and crawled painfully on the soaked wood until he reached his friends. “Hold on!”

  “Where is Devon?” Elijah shouted.

  “Behind me!”

  “I can’t see him!”

  Brett turned back, never stopping cutting through the thick rope. His heart lurched as he realized Devon was no longer there. He, Cody, and Elijah were the last ones standing on the bridge. Taking a deep breath, he forced his mind back to the task at hand. Devon was all right; he had to be.

  Finally the ropes slipped free, and the three of them rose awkwardly to their feet. Just as they were rushing down the short flight of stairs leading to the upper deck, a loud crash sounded, and the whole ship shook.

  Brett had enough time to realize the Horse was breaking in two—a nutshell in Mother Nature’s hands—before something hit him from behind, and he dove into the unforgiving sea.

  BRETT WOKE to the sound of seagulls and the warmth of the sun on his skin. He was lying on his stomach, on a beach, by the water’s edge. It took him a moment to remember what he was doing there, but when the memory returned, he sat up with a gasp.

  “I can’t believe I’m still alive,” he muttered as he looked around.

  Then a painful ache filled his heart as he thought of Devon and the others. Could they still be alive? After all, and against all odds, he had managed to reach land. And by the look of things, the very island they had been searching for.

  He couldn’t bear the thought that Devon might be dead, not when they still had so much to face together, to look forward to. And as for the others, he had come to enjoy the friendship and camaraderie they seemed determined to share with him. He wasn’t ready to give them up for dead. Not yet.

  He looked back at the sea, staring as far as his sight could reach, seeing large chunks of wreckage floating in the clear water. He blinked suddenly as he noticed something strange about a large piece of a cutter, which was drifting closer to the beach.

  “Oh my Lord,” he whispered, recognizing the body lying on the floating wood.

  He rose swiftly and plunged into the water, then swam rapidly until he reached the drifting wreckage. He felt for a pulse, holding back a sob as he realized Cody was alive, merely unconscious.

  He turned Cody onto his back, wrapped an arm around him protectively, and swam back to the beach. He laid Cody gently on the sand, feeling a little out of breath.

  “Brett!” he heard someone shout, and turning toward the voice, he saw Elijah waving madly at him.

  He waved back, suddenly feeling better. He still didn’t know where Devon and the rest of the crew were, or even if they were alive, but at least two of his friends were safe and together.

  “Is he—” Elijah began fearfully as he looked at Cody.

  “Cody’s alive,” Brett said. “Merely unconscious. I just pulled him out of the water. I was about to try and rouse him.”

  “We have more survivors. There is another beach on the other side of that cliff,” Elijah said as he looked Cody over. “John is trying to patch up everyone as best as he can. We have three dead and eight men still missing.”

  Brett patted Cody’s face gently. “Wake up, little hog. Come on, my friend, we need you to open your eyes.”

  Cody groaned, turning his face away from Brett’s hand. “Brett, will you stop that?” he rasped out angrily, swatting at the insistent hand.

  Brett chuckled. “I see you’re practically back to your old self. Open your eyes.”

  Cody sighed tiredly but obeyed. He stared at them, at their surroundings, and then closed his eyes again. “Lord… I never thought I would live to see another day,” he said. “I can’t believe we sunk. Holy….” He sat up, still looking dazed.

  Seeing that Cody was fine, Brett turned to Elijah, ready to ask the question burning in his soul. “Devon?” he whispered.

  Elijah shook his head sadly. “He is one of the missing. No one has seen him yet.”

  Brett nodded slowly, gazing despairingly back at the sea. He felt numb, unable to grasp the reality that Devon might be dead. He couldn’t be. It
wasn’t fair.

  “He’s alive,” Elijah said, certainty in his voice. “That man has nine lives.”

  Brett smiled slightly as he looked at his two friends. “Am I that transparent?” he asked.

  Cody stood up and bumped shoulders with Brett. “Whenever you two are together, you are always smiling at each other and eyeing each other like you have not eaten in days and the other’s a full meal.”

  Elijah laughed. “That is one way of putting it.”

  “And are you comfortable with that?” Brett asked.

  “In these violent times, you reach for whatever happiness you can find,” Elijah said with a smile.

  “Besides, it would not be any of our business.” Cody grinned. “And you two look… right together.”

  Elijah wrapped an arm around Brett’s shoulders. “He’ll show up, you’ll see. Come on, let’s go over to the other side and join the others. We found fresh water, and some of the men are already out looking for food.”

  Brett nodded, really looking at their surroundings for the first time. They were standing on a beautiful beach, by a dense forest that reached beyond their vision. A few softly rolling mountains were barely visible above the trees. He could hear birds singing, as well as the calls of other animals he didn’t recognize.

  He took a long, deep breath and closed his eyes, smelling the wet earth, scented flowers, and the salt air. They had found paradise, but he had no one to share it with.

  BRETT STOOD by the water’s edge, gazing upward at the endless expanse of the heavens. It was a clear night, and millions of stars shone their light down on the small island.

  He wanted to be alone. He appreciated the effort everyone was making to draw him out and talk, but he really couldn’t be bothered. The eight men were still missing, with Devon among them.

  The whole day had been spent building shelters, finding food to last a few days, and searching for their missing friends. Stranded on the island, they had no way of knowing when they would be able to rejoin civilization, but they had a pile of wood ready to light should they happen to spot a ship sailing by. The smoke from the bonfire would surely be enough to disclose their location.