I left the cover of the building with Mason behind me. We made sure the harbormaster was out of sight before we took off at a run on the trail that lead toward the shack. The brush cut us, and we both tripped several times as we fought our way to the beach where we had left the boat, uncovered it, and hauled it to the water. We didn’t speak until we were half way to our ship.
“It’s gotta be tonight. That bastard Greene is on his way to get what he can out of Red,” I said.
He looked at me as if I spoke a different language.
“Well, you knew we were pirates. Those were our boats and chests the stranger was talking about.”
43
“Gather the guns and swords. We could use some powder as well,” I yelled to the startled crew as my feet hit the deck. “We need to get Red, now.” I went to the group who were gathered around the companionway. “Somehow, the boats and chests that we stashed along the river floated free in the storm and made their way to the Gulf. We overheard someone in the harbormaster’s office tell him about it.”
They looked at each other, knowing that if Red talked, our treasure was in jeopardy. We had the option to pull anchor and retrieve the treasure, but I determined the best course of action was to rescue Red before he told them about us or the treasure. It fit my plans to remain anonymous and put our pirate reputation behind us.
“You heard him.” Rhames broke the spell, a large grin on his face.
The men dispersed, leaving Rory and Mason staring at me.
“I thought you were through with pirating and murder?” Rory said.
I paused and thought about how to respond, knowing I had to be careful with my words, as she would twist them like a barrister. “This has nothing to do with murder and pirating. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. If Red talks, they will know the boat and who is on it. We will be marked men. By freeing him, we can put the past behind us.” That seemed to satisfy her, and I turned to Mason. “I know this is not your business. You are welcome to stay aboard with Rory, Lucy, and Blue.”
“What makes you think I’m staying aboard?” Rory asked.
“I just assumed …”
“That I’d trust you lot of thieving bastards with my portion of the treasure? Well, think again. I’ll be going to protect my interests,” she said, and disappeared down the stairs.
The men were assembled by the starboard rail, weapons in hand. “Load into the launch,” I ordered. “I’ll be right behind you.”
I watched as they started over the rail and climbed down into the waiting boat before I slid down the ladder to the hold and started moving boxes. Towards the back I uncovered a keg full of black powder. With no other supplies to make a charge, I grabbed the empty water bucket, filled it halfway, and went back to the deck, where Rory was waiting, a sword by her side and a rifle in her hand. I held up a hand to wait and went to the foremast for the ax. Even though it was broken from striking the anchor chain, it might serve us. The other men were already drifting free in the launch as we descended the rope ladder to the canoe. We each grabbed a paddle and set out toward the shore where Mason and I had beached the boats earlier. I looked back to see Mason, Lucy, and Blue watching from the rail.
We had to struggle to keep up with the faster launch. “Rhames,” I called, and he turned his head. “The spot’s over there. Let me take the lead.” He slowed their pace and Rory and I, both breathing hard, moved in front of them. Together, we made our way to the small beach, hid the boats, and stood in a circle by the brush.
“There’s a fisherman’s shack through here and then a path to the town. There wasn’t much activity before, and its past midnight now.” I looked up at the full moon just above the horizon, already bright enough to cast shadows. “Syd, you and Swift will stand guard at the shack to cover our retreat. I’ll take Rory and Rhames with me.”
I led the group through the brush and we emerged behind the shack. It was still dark, and I was sure at this hour the occupants were asleep. “Post the watch here.” I pointed to a stack of turtle shells that would conceal the men, but at the same time give them a clear view of anyone coming after us if things went badly. Syd and Swift took their positions, and I led Rory and Rhames down the street toward the brig. They both held rifles at the ready, and I felt out of place walking with the bucket of powder in one hand and the broken ax in the other. We stopped a block away from the whitewashed building. Light from a lantern spilled from a window, and I could hear a loud voice coming from inside.
“Rhames, go have a look.” I whispered to him, and pulled Rory into the shadows of a large gum tree, where we watched him approach. I had sent him for his stealth, as well as his tactical mind.
He returned a few minutes later. “The bastard’s putting the screws to him, but from what I heard, he hasn’t told him anything.”
“Is he in good enough shape to walk?”
“Aye, but if we leave him much longer he might not be. The bastard’s pressing him hard,” Rhames said.
I stared at the building, waiting for a plan to form in my mind. We heard a scream, followed by a whimper, and I knew we had run out of time. The pressure of having Rory there was not lost on me. If it were just Rhames with me, I could have sent him in to kill the harbormaster, but now, we would have to use another means to rescue Red. I looked down at the bucket by my feet and realized that, without a fuse, it was worthless to create an explosion, but by itself it might create a diversion. If we could lure the harbormaster from his interrogation, we might be able to grab Red and get away unseen. Whatever happened, it was paramount that we not be identified. If he saw us, he would recognize Rory and I, and remember what boat we sailed.
“We need a diversion. You and Rory go behind the building. Watch for the flare. When he comes out to look, you can sneak in behind him and get Red. Don’t wait for me.”
They nodded that they understood, and I waited while they got in position. I picked up the bucket and snuck toward the front of the building. There was no place to conceal myself, but I thought if he did see me—a young man wandering the street carrying a bucket and ax—it would not cause alarm. High in the trees the breeze was starting to move the palm fronds, and I hoped it would not interfere with my plan. I got as close to the door of the brig as I dared and started dumping a steady stream of powder onto the street, working in the direction of the pier. When the bucket was empty I tossed it aside and found a position concealed from the building near the midpoint of the path of powder.
I knelt down, took the flint from my pocket, and withdrew my knife. The wind was still blowing through the trees, but I could hardly feel it as I struck the flint with the back of the blade about an inch over the powder. Sparks flew from the stone, and the powder smoldered but didn’t catch. I moved some into a pile with my hands and struck again. This time the sparks caught, and I was blinded by the flash as the powder flared. I stood up, still unable to see, and ran toward the brig.
“Fire!” I yelled as I passed the door and looked behind me to make sure the flames still burned. I yelled again to make sure the harbormaster heard me, for I only had moments before the powder burned out. Black powder will burn bright and hot, but its effects are short-lived. “Fire!” I yelled again, and ran toward the brush. The harbormaster ran onto the street in a panic, leaving the door open behind him. He ran toward the pier, yelling for help as he went. I watched the building as Rhames snuck in behind him, and emerged a minute later with Red.