Page 45 of Hired by Pirates

“Bloody hell,” I said, scratching my beard. “It must really be serious.”

Simon and Tobias arrived, and we filled them in on what was happening.

Jocko came running down to the end of the pier where we were standing. “Captain, we have Morty’s things on board. We’re ready to shove off as soon as you give the word.”

Running my hands through my hair, there was no way to hide my frustration. As much as I had to keep Astor safe, I also had to secure my crew and my ship.

“Do you know what house Astor is in?” I asked Woods.

“Yes – Fifteen River Street. Mrs. Morgan is the woman in labor.”

“Jocko, run and fetch me a handful of the best cigars.”

“Aye, Captain.” The boy was off so fast he was almost a blur.

“The rest of you, get on board. Simon, Tobias, get ready to set sail at a moment’s notice. If you see the authorities coming this way, leave. I’ll wait for Astor, and we’ll hide out tonight. Come back for us at noon tomorrow, and we’ll leap aboard so fast we can’t be caught.”

“Aye, Captain,” Tobias said, clapping me on the shoulder. “Stay safe.”

Jocko appeared, and I filled my breast pocket with cigars and the box of matches he helpfully included.

> Thank goodness I had memorized the entire layout of the town. I took my time strolling to River Street, as if I hadn’t a care in the world. There was no mistaking which house it was. The sound of a woman’s wailing was signal enough, but the two men pacing nervously out front was also a telltale sign.

“I take it one of you must be Mr. Morgan?” I asked.

The slim gentleman jerked his head up to stare at me. “Yes?”

I turned to the older, portly fellow who looked just as worried. “And I’m going to guess you’re the new mother’s father?”

He nodded glumly.

Reaching into my pocket, I handed them each a cigar and helped to light them. “I know these are used to celebrate a birth, but we might as well calm our nerves now,” I said.

“How do you know my wife?” Mr. Morgan asked. The poor man’s hand was shaking as he took a much-needed puff.

“I don’t. My Astor and I are just here for the festival. Apparently she was told you suddenly needed a doctor and came running.”

The older man reached out his hand. “Fillmore Jenkins, at your service. Thank goodness your wife was here today, sir.”

I didn’t bother correcting him, since I wanted that to be true as soon as possible. Just picturing her new name made me smile. Astor Evans. Mrs. Captain Evans. Dr. Mrs. Captain Evans.

“She’s a very fine doctor,” I said proudly. “Try not to worry. Mrs. Morgan is in good, talented hands.”

The men nodded, then Mr. Morgan’s head jerked up. “Wait – wasn’t she with another man at the festival? A smaller man, in a gray suit?”

“That’s her brother,” I explained smoothly. “We’re taking a little family trip.”

The men nodded, puffing on their cigars and pacing.

We heard a long, breathy wail through the open windows, and it broke my heart to see both men wince to hear their wife and daughter in pain. But then we heard the unmistakable tentative cry of a baby.

“Thank goodness,” Morgan said, bracing his hand on the side of the house for support.

His father-in-law slapped him on the back. “Congratulations, Charles.”

A few minutes later, the maid popped her head out the front door.

“It’s a boy,” she squealed in delight. “And Mrs. Morgan is doing well. The doctor said that you’ll be able to see them in about fifteen minutes.”

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