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Allison; Taking Control Chapter 22
For the first time since the ship had put to sea, the wardroom officers of Philadelphia convened together in the cabin of her commander. Caldwell, James , Weyland, Washburn and the surgeon, Deakins, were seated around the small table watching their captain pull a strange looking sack from a desk drawer which had previously been locked. After placing the sack on the table for all to see, the ship’s commanding officer made as if to sit down, but then appeared to feel differently, pushing the remaining chair to the side in front of the desk. With the onset of darkness, all the lanterns hanging from the overhead had been lighted as was the pewter candelabra on the table. The collection of flickering candle flames threw strange shadows on the walls here and there as the ship rolled. The captain walked back to the head of the table and addressed his assembled officers as he stood.“Gentlemen, you are all well aware of the unusual alacrity with which this command was assembled, prepared, sup
Allison; Taking Control Chapter 23
“I come from a military family. My father was a colonel during the struggle over the Austrian succession and he was also involved in some intelligence-gathering in France during Bonnie Prince Charlie’s uprising. Consequently, I learned a fair amount of French and I’ve... assumed a role or two in order to gather some intelligence in my own right. I suppose it’s a family talent.”“Where did this occur?” Allison asked curiously.“Louisbourg, sir. Within the past year.”A collective gasp sounded from the gathering. That was no easy task, and likely quite vital to British efforts in the current conflict. Allison himself could appreciate the importance of any such mission, knowing full well that fortress’ prominence in maintaining France’s hold on her North American colonies.“Lieutenant, that’s quite an accomplishment. Your talents may prove very useful on this voyage.” Allison was beginning to see the connection Admiral Haig had mentioned between this man and Major Maxwell. They appear
Allison; Taking Control Chapter 24
“Well, we’re in plain sight,” Allison said to Caldwell after standing motionless for a time, “and if our presence alone didn’t manage to get someone’s attention, then the salute we fired a few minutes ago certainly should have. I was told there would be a formal reception which we’d be expected to attend sometime after our arrival, but of course I can’t say when. I suppose I’ll call the boat away and go aAllison if we don’t seem to be acknowledged, but the last thing I wish to do is seem presumptuous in front of a royal governor. Simply presenting myself at his door without an invitation might make me appear impertinent. Ah, confound it! What to do?”Caldwell seemed to sense Allison ’s unease. His lack of familiarity with these social particulars was making him anxious, there was no doubt. Though that could probably be said for most of the officers aboard Philadelphia; young men who until very recently had looked to more experienced figures of authority for guidance and for all the
Allison; Taking Control Chapter 25
He thought momentarily about the dangers of tracking and subsequently facing a larger, more heavily armed ship – a topic which he and his officers had already touched upon when they conferred about their mission days ago. While taking and capturing a bigger vessel was not necessarily unheard of, the difficulties and disadvantages were glaringly obvious and, as they had all agreed, could not be overcome by any number of special gifts from the Admiralty. Still, Allison could hardly refuse the mission with which he was being presented. Besides, he was not alone in the Caribbean and other British ships could no doubt be employed in the hunt once some reconnaissance was done.“I shall do my duty and, indeed, all I possibly can to pursue this man, Mr. Peele...”The councilor interrupted him by holding up a hand.“There is more, sir,” he interjected. Allison accordingly sat back and resumed listening to Peele’s story.“About a year ago, a seat opened on the Governor’s Council. The new appo
Allison; Taking Control Chapter 26
Third, there was the obvious question as to whether LaTour’s exploits and Thorpe’s unexplained departure were in any way related. Although he had spoken to only one person so far regarding what had transpired, Allison was inclined to think that many concerned parties believed they were connected without any reservation. Peele’s assertion about inflated reputations couldn’t have been more correct; it was easy to see how the matter of the missing councilor could be so easily associated with an enemy whose notoriety made him appear all but invincible. The reality however, was by no means so simple.LaTour’s status as a privateer endorsed by the French Crown entitled him to legally attack and appropriate the commercial shipping of his master’s enemies. Though it was doubtful his letter of marque extended that privilege in any way toward the forcible capture of enemy government officials. However, in time of war, so long as a potential captive of high standing was afforded the respect and
Allison; Taking Control Chapter 27
Allison then set off himself, with Caldwell at his side, toward the address Peele had given him. As he had determined earlier, the house was very easy to find and did not take long to reach. It was located only a short distance from Government House itself in a neighborhood which, from its very appearance, suggested that it was not only home to government officials but probably contained town residences of the wealthiest plantation owners in the colony.The house itself was impressive, even if Allison had seen residences that were physically larger. The path of crushed stone that led to the entrance was flanked by rows of squat palms that were slightly taller than a man and surrounded by immaculately manicured grass. The façade of the home was whitewashed to a pristine opalescence and dominated by a wide portico that was actually covered by another level supported directly above it on the second story. The large wooden front door was flanked by two more palms potted in stone urns an
Allison; Taking Control Chapter 28
The lady breathed in deeply through her nose with her eyes closed and then exhaled, appearing to have regained her composure. “Think nothing of it, gentlemen,” she said, walking to the couch and sitting down. She flicked open her fan and began fanning herself, an act which only now made Allison aware of just how warm he had become beneath his wool in the higher temperatures of the local climate.“And I am sorry for anything Amos may have done,” she said, referring to the Nubian giant who had confronted them at the door. “He can be overprotective at times. I fear my husband’s disappearance has had an effect on him as well.”“We’ve endured far worse, ma’am,” Caldwell said, jumping into the conversation with that smile of his showing to full effect. “There was no harm done.”Allison flashed a sidelong glance at Caldwell in annoyance, something neither he nor Mrs. Thorpe appeared to see. He certainly wasn’t going to make an issue of what happened outside while sitting here before the la
Allison; Taking Control Chapter 29
Allison and Caldwell looked at each other dumbly, feeling powerless at that point to offer her any consolation in her grief.“Again, I’m sorry gentlemen,” she finally said, turning back toward the officers after what felt like a long time. “I fear this has just about been all I can bear right now.” Seeing her eyes red and swollen from crying, her guests took the hint immediately.“Of course, madam,” Allison said getting up from his seat and reaching for his sword. Caldwell followed suit. “I believe our discussion has been more than sufficient, and we do appreciate your consenting to speak with us under such difficult circumstances.”“We thank you for your hospitality, ma’am,” Caldwell added. “Most kind.”Just as they were headed out of the room, Allison stopped short, grimacing, as he realized there was one question he had left unanswered. He prayed the lady wouldn’t find him presumptuous for venturing to ask her one more thing.“Mrs. Thorpe, it’s just occurred to me that we perhap
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