SCARLETT a thrilling historical naval adventure by Christopher C. Tubbs

Author:Christopher C. Tubbs [Tubbs, Christopher C.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lume Books Historical Naval Adventures, A Joffe Books Company
Published: 2024-01-29T00:00:00+00:00

Tortuga

Tortuga came into view, and the convoy slid quietly into the harbour. Inland, they could see the walls of Forte de Rocher. With its command of the harbour, it was easy to understand why it was considered a safe haven.

The harbour was little more than a bay protected by a reef with access via channels to the west and south. The town behind it was made up of wooden buildings, which seemed to be either taverns or brothels. The wind blew its stench across the harbour; sewage, alcohol and unwashed bodies made up the perfume of this town.

Further inland, larger plantation-style houses could be seen, and through her telescope, Scarlett could see slaves working the fields overseen by men on horseback.

There was no pilot boat, so they just anchored where it took their fancy, close enough to get ashore easily but far enough out to be secure. Scarlett, Montoya and a four-man escort were rowed ashore where they were met by a small delegation.

The leader was a middle-aged man dressed in a black frock coat, black breeches with white silk stockings, and black shoes. He wore a wig, powdered and curled, on his head. The other men were similarly attired but sported less fancy wigs.

‘Ebenezer Squires, ma’am,’ he introduced himself. ‘You must be Miss Scarlett Browning of the Fox.’

‘You have the advantage of me.’ Scarlett frowned as she didn’t like to be put at a disadvantage.

‘Forgive me. I should say I am an acquaintance of Malakai Harwood. He wrote to me and told me to expect you at some time. He did say, though, that you sailed a caravel not a frigate.’

‘A recent acquisition.’ Scarlett smiled. ‘And who are these fine gentlemen?’

‘We are the merchants who represent the trade to England in this den of iniquity: Mr Solomon Ives, Mr Patrick Delwynne, Mr Abigail Saunders. Between us, we cover the entire range of goods that are brought here for onwards transport.’

Scarlett looked around and observed, ‘I can see there wouldn’t be much call for anything other than rum and ships goods here.’

‘Don’t let the rough waterfront delude you,’ Squires said, laughing. ‘More money changes hands here in traded goods than any other port except Port Royal.’

‘Aye, and more money stolen from sailors who cannot hold onto it,’ Scarlet responded. Then asked, ‘Do we do business here or is there somewhere more comfortable?’

Squires went to take her arm to lead her away but suddenly found Montoya at his side.

‘Your famous bodyguards,’ he noted. ‘Malakai warned me not to upset them as they have a propensity for ears. Would you kindly follow me and we will go to my home.’

As they walked, he asked about her latest adventures. Scarlett sketchily outlined the capture of the prizes and attempted deception by their former owners.

‘That is the first time I have heard anyone attempting to do that!’ he exclaimed, and the crows, as Scarlett was thinking of them, all nodded and babbled to each other over it. ‘That flag belonged to a young French buccaneer who was a rather cocky young buck.

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