Taken by Pirates

A deep wave of satisfaction rolled over me as I sat back with my cup of tea. One of Clementine’s little rules was that we didn’t drink any spiri

ts before three in the afternoon. Something about drinking during the day being uncivilized, as if she didn’t know who she was dealing with.

I always loved being here at the only house that had ever truly felt like home in years, and bringing my darling Maggie along felt important to me.

My aunt clearly approved of her. The crew liked her. All I had to do was find a ring, and make sure that she was mine forever.

Forever. That feeling stretched before me like a clear blue sea. Perfect. With infinite possibility.

I realized that Maggie had been gone for a while, possibly becoming lost in the beauty of the garden.

It would be important for me to remember that my darling girl wasn’t used to life on the sea. I’d have to be sure that she had plenty of time on land to keep her bearings.

Swigging the last of my tea, I slipped out the back door to find her. There was no harm in stealing a few more kisses among the roses. Hopefully she would find that romantic.

“Maggie?” I called out, weaving my way through the cedar hedges. A person really could get lost back here.

When I reached the area that smelled distinctly of herbs, I saw the basket upturned on the ground, its contents strewn on the path.

“Maggie!” I called out, louder this time.

My shoulders became stiff as my mind began to flood with terror and rage at the same time. Something was wrong. She would never have left without telling someone.

Turning back toward the house, I bellowed, “Men, get out here now.”

In seconds I was surrounded.

“Maggie was gathering herbs for Clementine’s biscuits. Here’s the basket. She’s gone.”

“Could she have gone for a walk?” Dwyer asked.

Cookie shook his head, turning the basket upright. “She would never have wasted that much oregano. Maggie is a thrifty lass. She would never be so careless. And she knew Aunt Clementine was waiting for it.”

My hands tightened into fists. “She was taken.”

There was a spirited round of cursing, then Willy said, “I’ll check the dock and make sure the dockmaster doesn’t allow any ships to leave. Perhaps there are scoundrels about.”

He took off at a breakneck pace as the rest of us scoured the area for clues or signs. Clementine had joined us, wringing her hands against her apron.

“Spread out and look for anything,” I said before going over to Clementine. “Has there been any word of pirates around lately?” I asked her.

“No, just you.”

“Have there been any other recent disappearances?”

Clementine shook her head nervously. “No. You don’t really think she’s been kidnapped?”

“It’s possible,” I began to pace back and forth between the herbs and the hedge.

“Could she be hiding?” Clementine asked. “In the cellar perhaps?”

I stopped, releasing a huff. “No. She hates small, tight spaces. Her family used to lock her up.”

“Where is her family from?” Clementine asked.

“Claytonsfield,” I said.

She pointed toward the forest. “You know, there is a tiny inlet straight through there that goes directly to Claytonsfield. It’s far too tiny for large ships, so many don’t even know about it. But if someone was trying to bring her there without being seen, it would be fairly quick.”