Willy was right – if an entire cargo was stolen, the Captain would have to report it and everyone at that port would know.
But nobody would bother to report the theft of a few barrels or crates. It would simply serve to make the Captain and his crew who had been robbed look weak or careless.
Our light fingers and personable ways made us deflect suspicion at every turn.
After finishing the charts and routes, we went down to the galley, where the boys were getting rowdy playing cards.
Maggie wasn’t there, so I went to my quarters to see if she retired early. She wasn’t there either.
I knew that she would not be hiding down in the hold, so I examined every inch of the top deck.
The wind was picking up, so when I called her name, my voice was carried off on the breeze. I didn’t want to actually holler for fear she would think I was angry.
But as I continued searching, I grew very worried. My darling girl wasn’t that used to being on a ship yet, and if she was up here in the dark, there was always a chance she could’ve fallen overboard.
I made my way to the aft deck, just about to call the lads for assistance, when I heard a tiny sniffle. Holding up the lantern, Maggie was half hidden, curled up into a ball and crying her pretty eyes out.
Rushing to her side, I set down the light and pulled her almost roughly into my arms, checking her for injuries. “Are you hurt, my beautiful lass?”
Her head shook against my shoulder.
“My sweet darling, can you tell me what’s wrong?” I asked as softly as possible. Her head shook again.
I cuddled her into my lap, rocking her gently as I stroked her back. Thinking back over the events of the day, it was very likely my fault that she was upset.
It was hard to know all of the ways between men and women, but I had learned that when a woman was upset, it was almost certainly the man’s fault.
“Well, I’m pretty sure you’re not homesick,” I said softly. There was a tiny snort.
“I know that today was harsh on you, my sweet girl,” I murmured, rocking her along with the lull of the boat. “You were so brave. I’m so sorry we had to lock ourselves away like that.”
She wiped her eyes, her breath still ragged, as if she were exhausted.
“We’re trying not to slit men’s throats and toss them over the side when they’re in our way anymore,” I chuckled, but she didn’t return my laugh.
“Sorry. But it really was the easiest way to keep you hidden.”
“Why must I be hidden?” she whispered.
My loud exhale and head shake seemed to make her curious. “Captain Scovell is an extremely dishonorable man. We’ve had a few disagreements in the past. These days we mostly keep away from each other, but should he discover we had a beautiful young lady aboard, he might find a way to use that to his advantage.”
“He would think it makes you look weak,” she said, wiping her eyes again.
“No, my darling girl. More like blaming every crime involving a woman on us. Spreading terrible stories and rumors. Anything is possible with a mind that foul.”
Kissing along her forehead, I tipped up her chin, wishing I could take some of that pain from her eyes. The wind picked up, becoming gusty as she shivered against me.
“Let me get you to bed, lass.”
Her lips pressed together firmly as she became still.
“If you’re angry with me, but can’t tell me why, I don’t know what to do,” I said slowly. “But I do know that I’m not going to let you freeze here on the deck.”
Her eyes softened just slightly. She was so beautiful in the lamp light that I needed to kiss her, yet felt that I shouldn’t quite yet.
“Whether you want to cuddle with me, or stick to your side of the bed, that’s up to you. But I have to keep you warm, sweet girl.”
Shifting so that I could pick her and the lantern up at the same time, I carried her to my quarters. I dropped her on the bed from just enough of a height that she bounced, and I was finally rewarded with a genuine giggle.