Sandra dropped her Glamour. This was no time for formalities. The brunette was as fed up with the Siren as the Siren was with the ex-maid. The Siren adjusted her harmony, wondering why Sandra was not fish food. The Siren seethed from the pain in her jaw.
“You want him, wretch? Fight me!”
The anglerfish resembling Siren retreated. Dumbfounded that her bluff worked, Sandra took the chance to help Maxwell to his feet. The pair staggered to the fire pit. Sandra lowered him down to the sand.
“Stay here. They can’t walk on land. I’m going to finish what that HEATHEN started.”
The brunette scrunched back her sleeves, getting an idea how to save Maxwell’s crew as she noticed fish bones in the ashes. She picked up a branch, twirling it in the embers until the branch caught fire.
“Hodari! Are you alive?”
Sandra called through cupped hands. Hodari loomed from the darkness like a monster. As confused as Maxwell.
“What is going on?”
“Sirens. They must have been feasting amongst the debris. You seem immune. Before they change melodies, I need your help.”
“I can help.” Maxwell moved too fast. Wincing, he clutched his side.
“In your condition? Absolutely not. Hodari. That oil I use on the ship. It is flammable, is it not?”
“Extremely.” He nodded.
***
With Hodari’s help, the waterfront was quickly doused in cooking oil. He batted away Sirens who dragged themselves up the beach with their gangly arms, chasing the scent of Maxwell’s blood. Hodari’s plank of wood sent them flying further than Sandra anticipated, even for a man his size.
With a smug grin, Sandra dropped the flaming branch into the slick. The oil ignited into a raging inferno. The remaining crew members snapped from their trances. While everyone woke up, the Sirens disappeared beneath the waves. Sandra danced victoriously before slumping between Maxwell and Hodari. Exhausted from her little midnight adventure.
“How’s your voice?”
“How’s your side?”
“You answer me first.”
“On the mend. Your turn.” Sandra rubbed her throat.
“I wish I could say the same.” Maxwell lamented.
Sandra and Maxwell stared at the flames illuminating the cave in silence.
“That was clever thinking. The fire.”
“Thank you. I am proud of myself for that.” She paused. “You are extraordinarily clever yourself.”
“What are you referring to?”
“That daring escape from the Duchess.”
“You know of the Duchess?”
“My Master was one of her many investors. We received a telegram the day she sailed out of port on her maiden voyage. She is supposed to be the fastest ship to date. How did we, a merchant vessel, out pace her? She should have sunk us before we had the chance to escape.”
“You know a lot, for a maid.”
“You know a lot, for a merchant. Don’t smile at me like that. I was bringing tea to my Master. He likes to sit beside a blazing hearth when he reads his telegrams every evening. Mistress pretends to read books. The pages contain letters from her secret lovers. Master works a lot.”
“He makes a habit of sharing valuable information with maids?”
“I am the Head Maid.”
“Is that so? What will he think of your little adventure?”
“His children are still young. They will need a reliable caregiver and mentor.”
“Aye, they will. The kind who does not leave in the middle of the night.”
“In my defence, it was before dawn. I also left a note explaining my absence to my Master.”
Maxwell rubbed his chin.
“Do you plan to return one day?”
“If they will have me. Of course.”
“You truly are a puzzle, Miss Swift.”
Her brows furrowed. She glared daggers at the blonde.
“That is a compliment. If I spare you the smile that irritates you, will you spare me this pout?”
“Your terms are amicable. I accept.”
“Good. Now that is settled, we should retire for the evening. Hodari. You are on the first watch.”
Maxwell dusted sand off his sleeves and rolled over.
For what was left of that night, Sandra decided to ignore the blood seeping through the vice grip Maxwell kept on the wound in his side. She was making progress. She already knew more about him than he knew about her. If his condition did not improve over the next couple of days, she would give him her undivided attention.
***
The crew hunted on the island. Sandra foraged and cooked for them. None of them remembered the details of the Siren attack clearly. Her secret was safe a little while longer. The remaining crew worked tirelessly to repair the ship. None of them wanted to risk another attack.
Soon the crew sailed open waters once again. Their crew, live animals, and non-perishable supplies halved since the Duchess and Siren attacks. The ever-diligent ex-maid arrived at Maxwell’s door. She knocked and waited, listening to the strange, muffled noises inside. After he did not respond, she sighed and set his meal tray down on his doorstep. Maybe he was asleep?
Moments later, his First Mate opened the door. Hodari’s enormous frame filled the doorway, obscuring her view.
“Is the Captain unwell?”
“Yes. He is not to be disturbed.”
“He ordered me to bring him his meal.”
There is no way this brute would listen to me-
“Who’s there?” Maxwell called out from the depths of his quarters.
“The woman.”
“Ahem? I am THE woman who saved YOUR stupid Captain. I deserve some respect.”
“Let her in.”
Maxwell had dark bags under his eyes. His golden hair was dull and tousled. His shirt hung off his bony body. His bandages were stained with blood. She set the tray down on the side table.
“I’m s-sorry. Did I wake you?”
“No, Miss Swift. On the contrary. Hodari is pouring me a nightcap. Would you like to join us?”
“I don’t think I should.”
“I’ve had worse. Stop staring, Miss Swift. Staring is rude.”
“May I?”
“What?!”
“May I see it? I am no nurse, but-”
Maxwell scrambled away. Sandra was surprised by Hodari pushing past her to pin his Captain down.
“Whose side are you on?”
“I’m sorry, but the Maid is right.”
“Hooooodaaaari!” He whined, trying to kick free.
“Maybe I should wait for him to fall asleep?” Sandra suggested.
“I’ll never sleep again.”
ns 172.70.178.100da2
and then Add to home screen.