{FIC} The Gleeful Ghost, Finale and Epilogue
Finally, at the end of such a long and tiring day, the captain was relieved to find himself in bed at last, snuggled up next to Kurt.
“Strando is quite the character. I think I accidentally hired a ship jester. The crew can’t get enough of his stories.”
“I had a good feeling about him.” Kurt mumbled, snuggling closer.
“You met Anderson?”
“Yes.”
“What do you think? Will he be of any use to you?”
“In the galley, sure. Of course, he has absolutely no experience, but it doesn’t take much skill to chop vegetables and stir soup. So, yeah, he can certainly help out there. Other than that….he’s actually quite pleasant to be around. We spent most of the afternoon talking, sharing stories about growing up. We have a lot in common.” Kurt looked up and smiled at David. “But you knew that, didn’t you?”
He chuckled, “I suppose I did. Well, I’m glad you have help. Maybe this means you won’t have to leave my bed so early in the morning…” David pulled Kurt closer against his body.
“I knew it! That was the only reason you assigned him to me. Pure selfishness on your part. Appalling, captain, truly appalling.” Kurt wiggled away, mock disappointment on his face.
“I’m captain. I get to be selfish if I want to….” He laughed, pulling him closer again. “Honestly, though, the only reason you still have a job is because there were no skilled cooks available for hire in Havana. Maybe when we get to St. Johns, though….”
Kurt pulled away slowly, sitting up in the bed and looking at David in disbelief. “I’m sorry, what?”
David stroked Kurt’s arm, smiling. “Yeah. I was hoping to hire another cook. Not just a helper. That way you wouldn’t have to work at all. Wouldn’t you like that?”
“If I’m not the cook….then….what would my duties on board this ship be?” Kurt asked guardedly.
“Nothing, really. Well, other than, you know…being here….with me.”
“You have got to be kidding me.” Kurt huffed angrily and threw the covers back. He jumped out of the bed and reached for his shirt. “I am not going to exist on this ship simply as your cabin boy. You can’t possibly think I would be ok with that?”
“What do you mean?” David was confused, not understanding Kurt's sudden anger. “I thought you…I thought you enjoyed being with me.”
“Enjoyed…? Of course, David. But not in exchange for room and board.” He spit the words out as he reached for his pants. “I have a job on this ship and I’m damn good at it. You pay me for my services as ship’s cook. Not for my services in your bed.”
David was out of the bed by now, reaching for Kurt’s hands, trying to calm him down as he continued dressing. “Of course I don’t pay you for….god, Kurt. Stop, please.” Kurt snapped his hands back. “Of course, I wouldn’t pay you for that. You’d just…..keep doing it. It would be the same if you.…it would be as if you were my, my w--”
Kurt froze. He glared at the larger man. “As if I were your what?”
For reasons still unknown, David realized he was somehow making this worse. He didn’t want to say it.
“As if I were your what, David?” Kurt repeated, his teeth clenched.
“My….um….”
“Your woman? Your wench? What David? What am I? Suddenly you think I belong to you?”
“No, of course not. I…I was going to say…wife, but not to mean that you….”
Kurt placed his hands calmly on his hips and tilted his head. “And why, David….would you assume….that I…would be the wife?” He spit out each syllable carefully. “Why wouldn’t you be the wife?”
“Cause….I’m the captain?”
“You arrogant son of a bitch!” Kurt had heard enough. “Yes. You’re the captain. And I’m the cook. Perhaps we should just keep it at that.” He walked out the door, marching across the deck, reaching the galley door and slamming it behind him.
After a long night of restless sleep, the captain peered out of his cabin door to see the crew going about the morning’s activities. He had half a mind to just stay in bed the whole day. He had absolutely no clue what had caused Kurt to be so upset. This situation, this relationship, if that’s what it was….was still so new to him. He sat at his desk and stared blankly across the room. Finally admitting to himself that he needed to talk to someone, that he needed advice, he dressed and left his quarters.
He walked across the deck and found Blackmon schooling Strando and Wilson on proper knotting techniques, lesson one.
“Excuse me, gentlemen. Could I, um…could I have a moment of your time, Wilson?”
“Of course, sir.”
A minute later, they were seated in the captain’s quarters, much as they had been the day before. But the captain was suddenly feeling very small and self-conscious. They sat in silence for a few moments, Wilson looking around nervously, not sure if he was in trouble or if the captain had changed his mind about his employment.
“I need to ask your advice, Wilson. I think I need your help.” He finally said, quietly.
“Advice, captain? How could I possibly--”
“I’ve made a mistake. I’m not sure how or why. But I believe you may be the only one on board this ship who can help me.” Sighing deeply, he unloaded on his new crew member the events from the previous night.
An hour later, the men emerged from the captain’s cabin, smiling and shaking hands. “Thank you, Flint. It was a very happy coincidence indeed that you happened to become a member of my crew.”
“I’m glad I could be of service, captain. If you ever need advice or help again, feel free to ask. I hope that you don’t find yourself in this type of situation again, but….” he lowered his voice and chuckled, “sometimes they just go crazy, you know?”
“Yes, I know.”
David walked across the deck towards the open galley door. Stepping inside, he heard voices belonging to Kurt and Anderson coming from the cook’s quarters.
“It’s going to be ok, trust me. I’m sure he didn’t mean it like that.”
“It doesn’t even matter, Blaine. He must hate me now, I’ve…”
The captain cleared his throat, causing the conversation to immediately cease.
Anderson and the cook emerged from around the corner.
“Anderson.” The captain nodded his greeting.
“Captain.” He politely nodded back.
“Could I please have a moment alone with the….with Kurt?”
“Of course, captain.”
The new assistant cook exited the galley, closing the door behind him. David and Kurt stood, looking at each other from across the small room, silent and awkward.
David looked down, gathering his nerve and looked back up.
Kurt’s expression wavered between anxiety and grief.
“I’m sorry…” they both said in unison. They closed the small space between them and fell into each other’s arms.
“No, I’m sorry, Kurt. It was me. I was wrong to assume anything. I was being arrogant. I should never have tried to put a label on you.”
“No, David. It wasn’t your fault. I shouldn’t have gone off like that. I’m so sorry for what I said. You were trying to be kind and I twisted it into something awful.”
“No. Listen. I’m serious.” He pulled back slightly to look into Kurt’s eyes. “I want to be with you. But I want you to be happy, completely happy and free to make your own decisions. I don’t own you. I never will. I love you but I’ll never try to control you.”
“You…?” Kurt’s face went blank. “You what?”
“What? What did I say? I’m sorry. Now what have I done?”
“No. I thought….I thought I just heard you….tell me that you love me.”
David relaxed into a smile, wrapping his arms tighter around the smaller man’s body. “I did. I do. Is that ok?”
“It’s…it’s definitely ok.” Kurt smiled, snuggling into the warmth of David's chest.
After a moment of silence, Kurt pulled back and looked up at the larger man. “I feel bad. I made you break your promise.”
“What promise? What do you….oh, yeah.” David chuckled. “The appreciation and celebration thing. Sadly, we didn’t quite get to that last night.”
Kurt was walking him backwards as he spoke, towards his tiny bed in his tiny cabin. “Lunch might have to be delayed today.”
The next day, as The Ghost sailed peacefully on its journey towards St. Johns, the watch called out, “Ship, ahoy!” causing David and Dirk to quickly roll up their maps and charts and step out of his cabin. Taking the scope in his hand, he saw on the horizon what appeared to be a large naval war craft on a direct intercept course. There was no fear or trepidation involved. Just mild curiosity. He had a crew member inform the cook that it appeared The Cheerwine was approaching.
And then a cannon fired in their direction. And then another. It was too far away to do any damage but the captain was suddenly alarmed. What could possibly be the matter?
As The Cheerwine slowed and came to rest just off The Ghosts’ bow, a small rowboat was lowered to the sea, appearing to contain the admiral and a crew member. The tiny vessel was rowed closer and came up alongside the large ship. She climbed the rope ladder thrown to her and boarded The Ghost.
“Admiral Sylvester. How may I be of service to you, madam?” David asked with hesitation.
The woman stood with her hands on her hips, larger than life, an intimidating glare in her eyes as they swept the deck, searching the curious faces of the crew. “A moment in private, captain?” and then led the way towards the captain’s quarters herself. David followed behind, scared out of his mind. Hoping Kurt could again get them out of whatever state of affairs he was in now.
The door was closed and David turned to face the Admiral. A huge smile broke out on her face. “How have you been, Karofsky?” she slapped him on the back, hard.
Stunned, the captain stammered, “Uh, uh…fine. Good. Everything’s fine, admiral.”
She stood there, smiling widely, nodding her head. The captain considered the possibility that she might be insane.
“Was there a reason for the cannon blasts, madam?” he asked cautiously.
“Of course there was! I love shooting off cannons. What other reason is there?” she walked back towards the captains desk, plopped down in his chair and lifted her boots to rest of his desk. “Have a seat, sailor.” She ordered.
“Yes, madam.” He sat across from her, still nervous, still unsure.
“So. How does it feel to be a free man, David?”
“How do you…? How could…?” he was flabbergasted. “You couldn’t possibly have….?”
“Oh, of course I could have.” She mocked. “If there’s one thing about me you should know, Karofsky, it’s that my influence reaches further into places you could only dream about. Your ridiculous warrant, piece of cake.”
“Admiral. I, I don’t know what to say….I, how could I ever thank--”
“Oh, stop your blubbering. I didn’t do it for you. I did it for Kurt.” She dropped her feet from the top of the desk and quickly leaned forward, pulling a dagger from her belt and pointing it in the captain’s face. “I’m only going to say this once, Karofsky, if you do anything, anything at all to cause that man the slightest amount of heartache, I will castrate you with my very hands.”
David swallowed, unconsciously pressing his knees together as he sat and stared at the tip of the knife.
“Anyway. It’s nice to see you. You’re looking good.” She sat back in the chair, returning her feet to the desk top, smiling again. After another moment of silent confusion on David’s part, she continued. “Here’s what you’re going to do. The day after tomorrow you’ll arrive in San Juan. That's PUERRRTO RRRIIIICO" She enunciated every syllable and trilled every R. "You’ll meet with Luis Alejandro Martinez of the Spanish Trans Atlantic Shipping Company. He has a new commission for you. And I believe you’ll find his rate of compensation…quite pleasing.”
“I…uh…I…”
“Oh. And I need the names and relevant criminal histories for all your men. The ones with active warrants, at least. I noticed you had a few new ones out there. My god, man! Are you planning on turning The Ghost into a romantic sunset dinner cruise for men?”
“I…uh…”
“Yeah, you said that already. You’re boring me. I’m going to go find cookie now.” She stood and walked towards the door. David scrambled to his feet. “It was good seeing you again, Karofsky.” She slapped him on the shoulder again, somehow even harder than the first time.
He stood in his doorway, watching as Admiral Sylvester hugged Kurt, lifting him off the ground. Kurt then introduced Anderson and Wilson to her and she by-passed their extended hands in order to stun them with hugs instead. David knew he should move from the doorway, rejoin Dirk on the bridge and assure him that everything was alright. But he didn’t have the power. He was literally unable to move as he watched the admiral interact with the rest of his men.
He may never find out all of Kurt’s secrets. He may never know if he’s simply the greatest good luck charm ever, an angel intent on giving him pleasure beyond words or in fact a voodoo-practicing, black magic gypsy demon tempting him into an afterlife of hellfire and damnation. But he was sure of one thing….he was going spend the rest of his life doing whatever he could to make that man happy.
*********************************
Epilogue
“SO, WHERE ARE YOU FROM?” the newlywed shouted.
“OHIO. SMALL TOWN CALLED LIMA. WHAT ABOUT YOU?” Rachel shouted back.
“MINNEAPOLIS.”
“AH, NICE.” She turned her head back towards the front of the boat, pulling her unruly wind-swept hair into a tight ponytail with an elastic band she kept on her wrist. “IS THIS YOUR FIRST TIME SNORKELING IN THE CARIBBEAN?”
“IT IS FOR ME. BUT FRED’S DONE IT BEFORE. ISN’T THAT RIGHT, FRED?”
“WHAT?”
“NEVER MIND.”
Rachel looked back towards Finn and she couldn’t help but laugh. “YOU’RE NOT GOING TO BE SICK, ARE YOU?”
He only slightly shook his head.
The captain cut the engine and the noise level was greatly reduced. “I told you to put that Dramamine patch behind your ear. You’re such a child sometimes, I swear.” She slipped out of her sundress and down to her bikini, preparing to get in the water. “If you ruin this for me, I promise you, the next ten years of marriage will be hell. You know how long I’ve wanted to go snorkeling in the Bahamas. I can’t have you puking in my crystal clear ocean, scaring all the fish away.”
The deck hand chuckled. “Actually, ma’am. The fish like the puke.” Rachel dropped her jaw as she looked at the tiny man. He smiled up at her as he was getting the snorkeling equipment arranged for the fifteen tourists. “It would attract them actually.”
“That’s just gross.” The newlywed shuddered.
Twenty disappointing minutes later they were boarding the boat again. There were no fish to be seen. The charter boat captain explained that they would try another spot that promised more coral, better views and clearer waters. It was just off a private island so they couldn’t dock, but they could get close.
“Its called Angel Cay.” He explained as the boat engine started up.
They approached the tiny island and Rachel gasped. “It’s beautiful. It looks just like a postcard.”
“We’re in the Bahamas, Rach. Doesn’t everything look like a postcard?”
The island was dotted with palm trees and rocky beaches, rising up in the middle with a large castle-like estate built among the trees.
“Someone owns the whole island?” she asked.
“Yes. A very wealthy Japanese businessman. And he doesn’t like visitors.” The engine was cut off and the boat was anchored.
“Legend has it the island was a gift from a powerful shipping tycoon in the early 19th century to his mistress.” The older, larger man was explaining to the small group as they prepared to get in the water again. “’Angel’ was his nickname for her and so the island is called Angel Cay. He built the estate you see here for them to retire on. Although it’s been updated and modernized over the years. This is where they spent their final days, together at last.”
“That’s the most romantic thing I’ve ever heard.” Rachel teared up.
“I think I’m going to be sick.” Finn mumbled. “Like literally.”
“If you don’t want to get in the water, I understand. But don’t think I’m staying here with you. I want to go snorkeling!”
“I’m good. Just go. I’ll be fine.” Finn leaned his head back and closed his eyes. Seasickness sucked.
The group of tourists entered the water, following the captain as he led them to the area of coral beneath the surface. Finn was left on the boat with the assistant.
“You been married a long time?” he asked with his thick Caribbean accent.
“Yes. A really long time. Ten years.” He tried to laugh but stopped, thinking he would hurl.
“That’s nice.” He looked back at the tiny island and the beautiful, manicured estate. “He didn’t tell the real story, you know….” he said cautiously.
“What story?” Finn was thankful for the conversation, it kept him from thinking about vomiting.
“About the island. It wasn’t a gift for his mistress. That is the story they tell to the tourists.”
“Oh. So, what’s the real story?” Finn wasn’t really interested but the distraction was nice.
“He was a pirate. Legend says he was a great pirate, very successful. He did become a very wealthy shipping company owner. But he never married.”
“If he never married then how could he have had a mistress?”
“That is the question, isn’t it?” the small man asked, raising his eyebrows, waiting for the American to figure it out. (But because it was Finn, he didn’t figure it out.)
“He was just a player then?” Finn chuckled. “He had a girl over here on this island and another one over here on this one.” Finn’s seasickness had almost completely gone away. He closed his eyes and leaned his head back again, almost enjoying the gentle motions of the boat. “He sounds like a smart man.”
“No, my friend. He was no player.” He laughed. “He was in love. The story is very clear on that point.” He hesitated, not knowing if he should tell the story or not.
Finn looked back at the island estate. Curiosity finally got him. “So he never married. He was a pirate. He gave the island to a girl he called ‘angel’…what’s the big deal?”
“Angel was not a girl.” The small man raised his eyebrow and smirked.
“You mean he was gay? A gay pirate? That’s hilarious.” Finn chuckled.
“That is the legend. He was captain of a great pirate ship but he fell in love with the cook.”
“How about that. Gay pirates. I’ll have to tell my brother and his husband this story when I get back home. And my two fathers-in-law. They'll all love this story.”
“Ah. So you know, firsthand.”
“Yeah. My brother, he would totally be the best-dressed pirate on the whole ship if he’d lived back then. And Dave, I guess I can see him as a fierce, swashbuckling captain…as long as he had Kurt at his side.”
“Well. I am glad I met you. I will tell my boyfriend I met a smart American today.”
“Yeah, well. There are a few of us.” Finn chuckled. “Should be more.”
“Strando is quite the character. I think I accidentally hired a ship jester. The crew can’t get enough of his stories.”
“I had a good feeling about him.” Kurt mumbled, snuggling closer.
“You met Anderson?”
“Yes.”
“What do you think? Will he be of any use to you?”
“In the galley, sure. Of course, he has absolutely no experience, but it doesn’t take much skill to chop vegetables and stir soup. So, yeah, he can certainly help out there. Other than that….he’s actually quite pleasant to be around. We spent most of the afternoon talking, sharing stories about growing up. We have a lot in common.” Kurt looked up and smiled at David. “But you knew that, didn’t you?”
He chuckled, “I suppose I did. Well, I’m glad you have help. Maybe this means you won’t have to leave my bed so early in the morning…” David pulled Kurt closer against his body.
“I knew it! That was the only reason you assigned him to me. Pure selfishness on your part. Appalling, captain, truly appalling.” Kurt wiggled away, mock disappointment on his face.
“I’m captain. I get to be selfish if I want to….” He laughed, pulling him closer again. “Honestly, though, the only reason you still have a job is because there were no skilled cooks available for hire in Havana. Maybe when we get to St. Johns, though….”
Kurt pulled away slowly, sitting up in the bed and looking at David in disbelief. “I’m sorry, what?”
David stroked Kurt’s arm, smiling. “Yeah. I was hoping to hire another cook. Not just a helper. That way you wouldn’t have to work at all. Wouldn’t you like that?”
“If I’m not the cook….then….what would my duties on board this ship be?” Kurt asked guardedly.
“Nothing, really. Well, other than, you know…being here….with me.”
“You have got to be kidding me.” Kurt huffed angrily and threw the covers back. He jumped out of the bed and reached for his shirt. “I am not going to exist on this ship simply as your cabin boy. You can’t possibly think I would be ok with that?”
“What do you mean?” David was confused, not understanding Kurt's sudden anger. “I thought you…I thought you enjoyed being with me.”
“Enjoyed…? Of course, David. But not in exchange for room and board.” He spit the words out as he reached for his pants. “I have a job on this ship and I’m damn good at it. You pay me for my services as ship’s cook. Not for my services in your bed.”
David was out of the bed by now, reaching for Kurt’s hands, trying to calm him down as he continued dressing. “Of course I don’t pay you for….god, Kurt. Stop, please.” Kurt snapped his hands back. “Of course, I wouldn’t pay you for that. You’d just…..keep doing it. It would be the same if you.…it would be as if you were my, my w--”
Kurt froze. He glared at the larger man. “As if I were your what?”
For reasons still unknown, David realized he was somehow making this worse. He didn’t want to say it.
“As if I were your what, David?” Kurt repeated, his teeth clenched.
“My….um….”
“Your woman? Your wench? What David? What am I? Suddenly you think I belong to you?”
“No, of course not. I…I was going to say…wife, but not to mean that you….”
Kurt placed his hands calmly on his hips and tilted his head. “And why, David….would you assume….that I…would be the wife?” He spit out each syllable carefully. “Why wouldn’t you be the wife?”
“Cause….I’m the captain?”
“You arrogant son of a bitch!” Kurt had heard enough. “Yes. You’re the captain. And I’m the cook. Perhaps we should just keep it at that.” He walked out the door, marching across the deck, reaching the galley door and slamming it behind him.
After a long night of restless sleep, the captain peered out of his cabin door to see the crew going about the morning’s activities. He had half a mind to just stay in bed the whole day. He had absolutely no clue what had caused Kurt to be so upset. This situation, this relationship, if that’s what it was….was still so new to him. He sat at his desk and stared blankly across the room. Finally admitting to himself that he needed to talk to someone, that he needed advice, he dressed and left his quarters.
He walked across the deck and found Blackmon schooling Strando and Wilson on proper knotting techniques, lesson one.
“Excuse me, gentlemen. Could I, um…could I have a moment of your time, Wilson?”
“Of course, sir.”
A minute later, they were seated in the captain’s quarters, much as they had been the day before. But the captain was suddenly feeling very small and self-conscious. They sat in silence for a few moments, Wilson looking around nervously, not sure if he was in trouble or if the captain had changed his mind about his employment.
“I need to ask your advice, Wilson. I think I need your help.” He finally said, quietly.
“Advice, captain? How could I possibly--”
“I’ve made a mistake. I’m not sure how or why. But I believe you may be the only one on board this ship who can help me.” Sighing deeply, he unloaded on his new crew member the events from the previous night.
An hour later, the men emerged from the captain’s cabin, smiling and shaking hands. “Thank you, Flint. It was a very happy coincidence indeed that you happened to become a member of my crew.”
“I’m glad I could be of service, captain. If you ever need advice or help again, feel free to ask. I hope that you don’t find yourself in this type of situation again, but….” he lowered his voice and chuckled, “sometimes they just go crazy, you know?”
“Yes, I know.”
David walked across the deck towards the open galley door. Stepping inside, he heard voices belonging to Kurt and Anderson coming from the cook’s quarters.
“It’s going to be ok, trust me. I’m sure he didn’t mean it like that.”
“It doesn’t even matter, Blaine. He must hate me now, I’ve…”
The captain cleared his throat, causing the conversation to immediately cease.
Anderson and the cook emerged from around the corner.
“Anderson.” The captain nodded his greeting.
“Captain.” He politely nodded back.
“Could I please have a moment alone with the….with Kurt?”
“Of course, captain.”
The new assistant cook exited the galley, closing the door behind him. David and Kurt stood, looking at each other from across the small room, silent and awkward.
David looked down, gathering his nerve and looked back up.
Kurt’s expression wavered between anxiety and grief.
“I’m sorry…” they both said in unison. They closed the small space between them and fell into each other’s arms.
“No, I’m sorry, Kurt. It was me. I was wrong to assume anything. I was being arrogant. I should never have tried to put a label on you.”
“No, David. It wasn’t your fault. I shouldn’t have gone off like that. I’m so sorry for what I said. You were trying to be kind and I twisted it into something awful.”
“No. Listen. I’m serious.” He pulled back slightly to look into Kurt’s eyes. “I want to be with you. But I want you to be happy, completely happy and free to make your own decisions. I don’t own you. I never will. I love you but I’ll never try to control you.”
“You…?” Kurt’s face went blank. “You what?”
“What? What did I say? I’m sorry. Now what have I done?”
“No. I thought….I thought I just heard you….tell me that you love me.”
David relaxed into a smile, wrapping his arms tighter around the smaller man’s body. “I did. I do. Is that ok?”
“It’s…it’s definitely ok.” Kurt smiled, snuggling into the warmth of David's chest.
After a moment of silence, Kurt pulled back and looked up at the larger man. “I feel bad. I made you break your promise.”
“What promise? What do you….oh, yeah.” David chuckled. “The appreciation and celebration thing. Sadly, we didn’t quite get to that last night.”
Kurt was walking him backwards as he spoke, towards his tiny bed in his tiny cabin. “Lunch might have to be delayed today.”
The next day, as The Ghost sailed peacefully on its journey towards St. Johns, the watch called out, “Ship, ahoy!” causing David and Dirk to quickly roll up their maps and charts and step out of his cabin. Taking the scope in his hand, he saw on the horizon what appeared to be a large naval war craft on a direct intercept course. There was no fear or trepidation involved. Just mild curiosity. He had a crew member inform the cook that it appeared The Cheerwine was approaching.
And then a cannon fired in their direction. And then another. It was too far away to do any damage but the captain was suddenly alarmed. What could possibly be the matter?
As The Cheerwine slowed and came to rest just off The Ghosts’ bow, a small rowboat was lowered to the sea, appearing to contain the admiral and a crew member. The tiny vessel was rowed closer and came up alongside the large ship. She climbed the rope ladder thrown to her and boarded The Ghost.
“Admiral Sylvester. How may I be of service to you, madam?” David asked with hesitation.
The woman stood with her hands on her hips, larger than life, an intimidating glare in her eyes as they swept the deck, searching the curious faces of the crew. “A moment in private, captain?” and then led the way towards the captain’s quarters herself. David followed behind, scared out of his mind. Hoping Kurt could again get them out of whatever state of affairs he was in now.
The door was closed and David turned to face the Admiral. A huge smile broke out on her face. “How have you been, Karofsky?” she slapped him on the back, hard.
Stunned, the captain stammered, “Uh, uh…fine. Good. Everything’s fine, admiral.”
She stood there, smiling widely, nodding her head. The captain considered the possibility that she might be insane.
“Was there a reason for the cannon blasts, madam?” he asked cautiously.
“Of course there was! I love shooting off cannons. What other reason is there?” she walked back towards the captains desk, plopped down in his chair and lifted her boots to rest of his desk. “Have a seat, sailor.” She ordered.
“Yes, madam.” He sat across from her, still nervous, still unsure.
“So. How does it feel to be a free man, David?”
“How do you…? How could…?” he was flabbergasted. “You couldn’t possibly have….?”
“Oh, of course I could have.” She mocked. “If there’s one thing about me you should know, Karofsky, it’s that my influence reaches further into places you could only dream about. Your ridiculous warrant, piece of cake.”
“Admiral. I, I don’t know what to say….I, how could I ever thank--”
“Oh, stop your blubbering. I didn’t do it for you. I did it for Kurt.” She dropped her feet from the top of the desk and quickly leaned forward, pulling a dagger from her belt and pointing it in the captain’s face. “I’m only going to say this once, Karofsky, if you do anything, anything at all to cause that man the slightest amount of heartache, I will castrate you with my very hands.”
David swallowed, unconsciously pressing his knees together as he sat and stared at the tip of the knife.
“Anyway. It’s nice to see you. You’re looking good.” She sat back in the chair, returning her feet to the desk top, smiling again. After another moment of silent confusion on David’s part, she continued. “Here’s what you’re going to do. The day after tomorrow you’ll arrive in San Juan. That's PUERRRTO RRRIIIICO" She enunciated every syllable and trilled every R. "You’ll meet with Luis Alejandro Martinez of the Spanish Trans Atlantic Shipping Company. He has a new commission for you. And I believe you’ll find his rate of compensation…quite pleasing.”
“I…uh…I…”
“Oh. And I need the names and relevant criminal histories for all your men. The ones with active warrants, at least. I noticed you had a few new ones out there. My god, man! Are you planning on turning The Ghost into a romantic sunset dinner cruise for men?”
“I…uh…”
“Yeah, you said that already. You’re boring me. I’m going to go find cookie now.” She stood and walked towards the door. David scrambled to his feet. “It was good seeing you again, Karofsky.” She slapped him on the shoulder again, somehow even harder than the first time.
He stood in his doorway, watching as Admiral Sylvester hugged Kurt, lifting him off the ground. Kurt then introduced Anderson and Wilson to her and she by-passed their extended hands in order to stun them with hugs instead. David knew he should move from the doorway, rejoin Dirk on the bridge and assure him that everything was alright. But he didn’t have the power. He was literally unable to move as he watched the admiral interact with the rest of his men.
He may never find out all of Kurt’s secrets. He may never know if he’s simply the greatest good luck charm ever, an angel intent on giving him pleasure beyond words or in fact a voodoo-practicing, black magic gypsy demon tempting him into an afterlife of hellfire and damnation. But he was sure of one thing….he was going spend the rest of his life doing whatever he could to make that man happy.
*********************************
Epilogue
“SO, WHERE ARE YOU FROM?” the newlywed shouted.
“OHIO. SMALL TOWN CALLED LIMA. WHAT ABOUT YOU?” Rachel shouted back.
“MINNEAPOLIS.”
“AH, NICE.” She turned her head back towards the front of the boat, pulling her unruly wind-swept hair into a tight ponytail with an elastic band she kept on her wrist. “IS THIS YOUR FIRST TIME SNORKELING IN THE CARIBBEAN?”
“IT IS FOR ME. BUT FRED’S DONE IT BEFORE. ISN’T THAT RIGHT, FRED?”
“WHAT?”
“NEVER MIND.”
Rachel looked back towards Finn and she couldn’t help but laugh. “YOU’RE NOT GOING TO BE SICK, ARE YOU?”
He only slightly shook his head.
The captain cut the engine and the noise level was greatly reduced. “I told you to put that Dramamine patch behind your ear. You’re such a child sometimes, I swear.” She slipped out of her sundress and down to her bikini, preparing to get in the water. “If you ruin this for me, I promise you, the next ten years of marriage will be hell. You know how long I’ve wanted to go snorkeling in the Bahamas. I can’t have you puking in my crystal clear ocean, scaring all the fish away.”
The deck hand chuckled. “Actually, ma’am. The fish like the puke.” Rachel dropped her jaw as she looked at the tiny man. He smiled up at her as he was getting the snorkeling equipment arranged for the fifteen tourists. “It would attract them actually.”
“That’s just gross.” The newlywed shuddered.
Twenty disappointing minutes later they were boarding the boat again. There were no fish to be seen. The charter boat captain explained that they would try another spot that promised more coral, better views and clearer waters. It was just off a private island so they couldn’t dock, but they could get close.
“Its called Angel Cay.” He explained as the boat engine started up.
They approached the tiny island and Rachel gasped. “It’s beautiful. It looks just like a postcard.”
“We’re in the Bahamas, Rach. Doesn’t everything look like a postcard?”
The island was dotted with palm trees and rocky beaches, rising up in the middle with a large castle-like estate built among the trees.
“Someone owns the whole island?” she asked.
“Yes. A very wealthy Japanese businessman. And he doesn’t like visitors.” The engine was cut off and the boat was anchored.
“Legend has it the island was a gift from a powerful shipping tycoon in the early 19th century to his mistress.” The older, larger man was explaining to the small group as they prepared to get in the water again. “’Angel’ was his nickname for her and so the island is called Angel Cay. He built the estate you see here for them to retire on. Although it’s been updated and modernized over the years. This is where they spent their final days, together at last.”
“That’s the most romantic thing I’ve ever heard.” Rachel teared up.
“I think I’m going to be sick.” Finn mumbled. “Like literally.”
“If you don’t want to get in the water, I understand. But don’t think I’m staying here with you. I want to go snorkeling!”
“I’m good. Just go. I’ll be fine.” Finn leaned his head back and closed his eyes. Seasickness sucked.
The group of tourists entered the water, following the captain as he led them to the area of coral beneath the surface. Finn was left on the boat with the assistant.
“You been married a long time?” he asked with his thick Caribbean accent.
“Yes. A really long time. Ten years.” He tried to laugh but stopped, thinking he would hurl.
“That’s nice.” He looked back at the tiny island and the beautiful, manicured estate. “He didn’t tell the real story, you know….” he said cautiously.
“What story?” Finn was thankful for the conversation, it kept him from thinking about vomiting.
“About the island. It wasn’t a gift for his mistress. That is the story they tell to the tourists.”
“Oh. So, what’s the real story?” Finn wasn’t really interested but the distraction was nice.
“He was a pirate. Legend says he was a great pirate, very successful. He did become a very wealthy shipping company owner. But he never married.”
“If he never married then how could he have had a mistress?”
“That is the question, isn’t it?” the small man asked, raising his eyebrows, waiting for the American to figure it out. (But because it was Finn, he didn’t figure it out.)
“He was just a player then?” Finn chuckled. “He had a girl over here on this island and another one over here on this one.” Finn’s seasickness had almost completely gone away. He closed his eyes and leaned his head back again, almost enjoying the gentle motions of the boat. “He sounds like a smart man.”
“No, my friend. He was no player.” He laughed. “He was in love. The story is very clear on that point.” He hesitated, not knowing if he should tell the story or not.
Finn looked back at the island estate. Curiosity finally got him. “So he never married. He was a pirate. He gave the island to a girl he called ‘angel’…what’s the big deal?”
“Angel was not a girl.” The small man raised his eyebrow and smirked.
“You mean he was gay? A gay pirate? That’s hilarious.” Finn chuckled.
“That is the legend. He was captain of a great pirate ship but he fell in love with the cook.”
“How about that. Gay pirates. I’ll have to tell my brother and his husband this story when I get back home. And my two fathers-in-law. They'll all love this story.”
“Ah. So you know, firsthand.”
“Yeah. My brother, he would totally be the best-dressed pirate on the whole ship if he’d lived back then. And Dave, I guess I can see him as a fierce, swashbuckling captain…as long as he had Kurt at his side.”
“Well. I am glad I met you. I will tell my boyfriend I met a smart American today.”
“Yeah, well. There are a few of us.” Finn chuckled. “Should be more.”