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He lifts the same strand of hair from earlier and brings it to his nose. “You like whistles, do ya?” He smiles, showing the one remaining tooth in his mouth. I refuse to answer but keep my eyes on his. “I can show you a whis…” The man is pulled away from our conversation and shoved against a wall behind the helm.
“What are you doing, Smith?” Captain Rex asks. His arm is shoved across the large man’s neck as he presses it into his throat.
“Nothing, sir. Just checking on the young lady.” His words are distressed as he fights to speak. “She seemed scared.”
“You were trying to protect her?” the captain continues.
“Of course, sir. I wouldn’t want any member of the crew to try to take advantage of her.”
The scene in front of me is terrifying, but I refuse to retreat into the room with my family. “Is he telling the truth, Miss Abernathy?” Captain Rex asks.
The large man pushed against the wall begs mewith his eyes. I sigh before answering. “Yes. Mr. Smith was checking on my safety.”
Smith’s eyes close as he realizes the lie I told for him. Captain Rex releases his hold, allowing the man to breathe again. “Don’t concern yourself with hersafetyagain. Do I make myself clear?”
“Yes, sir,” Smith answers, moving quickly to the front of the ship.
The captain turns toward me. “Go inside, now.”
I stare at the large man, unsure how to respond. Instead of arguing, I return to the room holding my family. Once inside, Charles shoves the only piece of furniture, a small chair, against the door as a makeshift door lock. Truthfully, it’s useless against anything larger than a fly, but I keep that to myself. He positions himself next to the chair with his back against the door, blocking it with his weight.
Since Daddy died, Charles has taken on the responsibility for the family. He’s only seventeen but feels like it’s his job to take care of all of us. Instead of climbing on top of the too small platform alongside my sisters and mother, I slide beside him, helping him block the entrance.
“Are you okay?” I whisper.
“Do you want the truth?” He leans his shoulder into mine. I don’t answer. Instead, I wrap my arm through his and pull him close.
Charles is taller than me, but his features are stillyoung. His dark hair is the same color as mine, but where he has Daddy’s blue eyes, mine are green.
“You know our well-being isn’t your responsibility, right? You don’t have to take all of that on your shoulders.”
“I know.” His voice is barely loud enough to hear.
“Mama has a job waiting for her when we get to Charles Town, and I’m sure I can get one when we arrive. I can help.”
He turns toward me. “What if you have aspellwhile you’re away from Mama?”
“Then I’ll have a spell. I’ll be okay. I’m always okay.”
“Elsie, you can’t take that chance. You know what happened…” Charles doesn’t finish his sentence.
“I know. But that was different.” I lay my head on his shoulder. “Get some sleep. I have a feeling we’re going to need it.”
His breathing slows down quickly and joins the symphony of snores coming from the rest of our family. The rocking of the ship, combined with the heat of the room, lulls me into a deep sleep quicker than intended.
TWO
voices in the night
“Bethie, are you all right?”I turn, finding my father sitting next to me. He’s wearing the same clothes as the last time I saw him.
“Daddy?” I whisper. “How are you here?”
His warm smile brings tears to my eyes. “I’m always here, Bethie.” He uses the nickname he gave me as an infant. “Are ya healthy?”
The tears escape, running down my cheeks. “I am. Daddy, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean…”
“I know, Bethie,” he answers. “I know, my love.”
