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CHAPTER24
William wasn’t prepared for the bitter cold that swept in seemingly overnight and nipped at his exposed skin like icy hounds. He drew his coat tighter over his neck, grateful for the thick leather gloves that covered his fingers. His hands were stiff but would be immovable without the warmth of the gloves.
Roger pulled the boat down to the surf with the help of Samuel. More men had shown up tonight to help, undoubtedly recruited by Father, and that meant fewer profits for each of them but an easier night. When Burke arrived, Father had been visibly relieved. He was the one man in Collacott who knew everything about the Blakemores’ plans but had yet to make his position known. His presence tonight was a comfort and a help.
The weather was cold but dry, and the helping hands plentiful. The sliver of moon sent darkness over the land, but the stars provided enough light to see. It was an ideal final voyage.
William had determined that last week, but had yet to inform anyone aside from Pippa of his intentions. Father seemed to understand that William wanted to be done, but continued to request his help. He wouldn’t listen, but Jack might. William planned to inform Jack that if he intended to return to Camden Cove again, it was between him and Father, and William would have no part in it.
He just needed to be firm.
Father could appoint a new leader from the Collacott men if he needed to. Someone would be happy to take the larger cut.
Boots splashed quietly in the water as men filed into the boat, and William joined them. He swung himself onto a seat and took up an oar, ready to row toward the looming dark ship and the swinging lantern in the distance.
He glanced over his shoulder, sweeping the beach once more, but there was no visible sign of Ainsworth. Yet.
But neither was there any sign of Pippa, and that made him grateful.
The remaining men on the beach filed into one of John Caney’s smaller boats and followed behind Roger and William. With the extra hands and boat space, they would be finished swiftly. They’d gotten an earlier start, as well, so hopefully they could be done before Ainsworth found them. Whoever had tipped him off likely hadn’t given this time for the drop, not when William had changed it just a few days ago. He was only glad that Jack had received the message.
They made their way to Jack’s ship and pulled up alongside it. It was always a relief to find his brother unharmed, and the lantern light casting its orange glow over Jack’s face was a beacon.
“I’m glad to see you’ve taken my advice,” Jack called, his voice carrying on the wind.
William’s men drew his boat close and tied it to the side of the ship. Someone tossed the rope ladder down, and a train of men immediately formed to bring down the merchandise.
It took longer to move the barrels than he would have expected with so many hands, and when they were finally finished, Jack moved to descend the ladder.
“It’s not safe,” William called. “You ought to leave as soon as you can.”
“No, I need to speak with you.”
Jack never was one to listen to William’s advice. He dropped into William’s boat, a wide grin stealing over his face, and they immediately rowed for shore. John Caney’s boat pulled up to the ship, and Jack’s men started filling it. Men who used to work alongside William, who he called his friends.
Leaving them felt like a betrayal of the worst kind and sat uncomfortably in his stomach. He threw his weight into the oar, rowing hard to reach the beach. The sooner this evening was over with, the better.
Jack climbed over to sit on the bench just in front of him. “I’ve had word from my man in Bordeaux that he can add tobacco to our shipments.”
William swallowed hard. “Your shipments.”
He couldn’t see Jack’s face very clearly, but he could well imagine the confusion on his brow. William sucked in a fortifying breath and continued, perfectly aware of the other men—Roger included—listening on the boat. “This is my final run. I’m out after this.”
“Has Father—”
“Father has no bearing on my decision.” William could hear the biting steel edging his words.
Jack was quiet until they reached the beach. William jumped from the boat and helped Roger pull it up onto the sand. They created another train to empty the boat and pile the barrels into the wagon.
“Jack,” Father said jovially, clapping his son on the back. “When will you be back?”
“Will I be back?” Jack countered. William felt his stare.
“Of course. What do—”
“Ask Will.”
The men were quiet, the tension thick. William shouldn’t have done this so publicly. But perhaps that was an added benefit. Everyone would know.
