Page 14

Tortuga

T ortuga was a cacophony of chaos.

Never mind being on dry land after weeks at sea, on a ship where I was surrounded by men who had become familiar—a family, of sorts, I supposed—now I found myself uneasy around so many strangers. I stayed close to Dinesh, glad to have his staunch and stolid presence nearby.

Hillier had already arranged for part of the crew to go ahead and gather the supplies we’d need for the rest of our journey. Men were already bringing things back to the ship as the captain and I, Hillier, Mr Guthrie, and Squid took leave of the Arrow and went ashore.

The sun had begun to set and the weather had turned foul by the time our skiff made a landing. A good time to look for a tavern and some temporary lodgings. As the rain pelted down, I wished to be back in Dinesh’s cozy cabin aboard the Arrow . I felt suitably protected in my present company, even though the chaos on the docks and the narrow dirt streets of the port town took me by surprise. I didn’t know what I’d expected—I’d been in my share of dodgy areas, but Tortuga was different.

There were all sorts of people, dressed in all sorts of peculiar ways, but none to the fashion standards of the day. Not that I was an expert in any way, but the bright colours and strange clothing of so many people was blinding in its variability. The men, too, were of all different countenances, so many of indefinable race who worked or lounged or drank or gambled together. And women, with whom I wasn’t used to dealing at all, didn’t look to fall into either of the more obvious categories of honorable wives or daughters, and filthy harlots, by the cut of their clothing or their manner. They also flaunted the expectations of fashion and many acted more like men in their bearing. Absent the visual cues of the social structures I’d grown up with, while enlightening to observe people simply being themselves, my surroundings proved unsettling in their unfamiliarity.

Captain Martin checked in on me often with a glance of concern as we made our way along the busy streets. I acted like I was taking the chaos in stride, but he could probably see how skittish I was. At one point, he slowed and, when I caught up to him, bent to my ear.

“Quite the place, isn’t it? Wait until you see the wonders on offer here.” He grinned, with the devil in his eye, and winked.

“What on earth do you mean?” I asked, wrinkling my nose. “Whores?”

He must know by now that I wouldn’t be interested in any woman who would spread her legs for coin. Or any woman at all.

“You’ll see, my sweet Simon. I’ve got quite an evening planned for us.”

He pulled away and clapped his hands together, gaining the attention of the others.

“Let’s find us a likely tavern, shall we? I need a hearty meal and some drink after so long at sea!”

He lifted the leather pouch at his waist and shook the contents, and I was reminded of our first meeting at the Penny Whistle in Port Royal. The coin inside jingled and I followed him like a trusting lamb, whilst Squid cast his gaze about, as if we might be set upon at any moment.

“What are you looking so spooked for?” Hillier asked, but Squid only glanced his way before casting his gaze around us as we walked.

Captain Martin didn’t appear concerned, Hillier neither, both talking to Guthrie as we made our way through the hustle and bustle of Cayonne.

“The island was settled by huntsmen and farmers of differing nationalities,” Captain Martin said. “Then, when certain, ah, shall we say ‘adventurers’ began to stop by…”

“You mean, pirates,” I stated.

He smiled. “Well. They have many names, you see, and little allegiance. Even the ones who had writs from the king didn’t actually have any loyalty, beyond having the license to kill and plunder in the name of Britain. Or France. Or whomever had employed them.”

“Mercenaries. Thieves and murderers,” Hillier muttered.

“And what are we?” I asked, genuinely curious. If Dinesh didn’t even think much of the men who’d called themselves privateers with some legitimacy, what did he think he was?

He shrugged. “We are in business for ourselves, it’s true. I don’t have a writ from anyone to give me leave. However, I like the word, ‘privateer’. We work for ourselves, but we’re not mercenaries. There are things I won’t do for money.”

“Well, I’m glad to hear it,” I said. “But that doesn’t surprise me.”

He grinned wider. “Why? Do you consider me honourable?”

I regarded him with a hint of the lustful looks I often gave him. “Most of the time.”

He laughed. “Aye, well, that’s better than I’d hoped for.” He walked beside me in silence for a moment, his steps measured. Then he spoke again. “I like to think I’ve created a unique sort of community on the Arrow . A kind of a utopia for the likes of us, and others, who refuse to live by the rules of an unjust society.”

I nodded, thinking that he had done so, in my opinion.

We hadn’t gone much farther before Captain Martin gave a happy shout.

“The Turnkey, Hillier! The place is still here. Let’s hope the tavern offers the same entertainment we’ve found here in the past.”

“Aye, Captain. Let’s hope so.”

“The Turnkey? What’s that?” I asked, casting my gaze about the street that teemed with people of all sizes, shapes, and hues.

“Oh, Rooster. The Turnkey is an experience. That’s all I can say at the moment, but I’m excited to show you.”

Squid put a hand on my arm as the captain and Hillier hastened their steps.

“Fancy whores and molly boys,” he said.

“Oh,” I said, trying not to sound shocked. I was a man of the world, after all.

But what was Dinesh planning? Was he going to discard me for a bevy of handsome prostitutes that he could have for a few coins from that fat purse of his? Probably have me fed and filled with whiskey until I collapsed, then go dip his quill in some fresh ink. Well, perhaps not fresh . But new and different.

I frowned and looked up to see Captain Martin beckoning to me under a large sign that read TURNKEY in bold red letters, with an engraving of what looked like a fluffy fox tail coiled beneath the word.

Well, I would eat, but I’d resist his efforts to get me dizzy with drink. And when he tried to leave me for a room upstairs, I’d tell him that I didn’t approve of his plan at all.

But would he listen? Would he care at all about my feelings?

Perhaps, now that he’d promoted me, he didn’t see me the same way. He saw me as his equal instead of his ‘boy’ and bedwarmer. And Goddamn it if that didn’t make me sad, so how fucked in the head was I? Maybe getting pissed with the drink was a good idea, after all.

Dinesh could do whatever, and whomever, he wanted, and who was I to have any say about his actions? He wasn’t my husband and he never could be. I could never have a husband, and wasn’t that simply the most depressing thought? The excitement I’d felt, combined with my uneasiness, evaporated in a haze of jealousy and melancholy. Why had I even left the Arrow ?

Inside the Turnkey, we crowded the bar until spaces opened up at a rough-hewn table. There were so many people, the stink was incredible. Without the crisp sea air to disperse the grime, the tangy scent of a score of unbathed men was quite pungent. I tried not to wrinkle my nose.

“Captain Martin!”

The dulcet tones came from behind me, and I turned to come face-to-face with my worst nightmare.

“Domingo! Como estas ?” Captain Martin said with a jubilant lilt.

I’d had no idea he spoke a different language to the King’s English, so I gaped at him in surprise.

“Eh, you know. Getting by. Barely.”

The young man in women’s frilly undergarments, chemise gaping over pert red nipples, and a tight black corset emphasizing a trim waist, glanced at me with curiosity. His dark brown hair tumbled in silky, shiny curls to his shoulders, and his clean-shaven face was accentuated with touches of paint here and there to draw out his amber eyes and plump lips.

“Fuck,” I said out loud.

He smiled—a knowing, alluring grin. “That’ll be ten gold pieces.”

“Ten!” I exclaimed.

Domingo’s smile got wider, and he looked me over with an approving gaze.

“It’ll be worth the coin, my pretty.”

I sputtered with indignation, but Captain Martin wrapped stern fingers around my wrist and gave me a look. I forced myself to remain calm, although inwardly I bristled at the offer.

Captain Martin matched Domingo’s grin. “How much for both of us?”

Squid, who had already gotten himself a tankard of ale, made a noise of disgust.

I gaped at Captain Martin, then studied Domingo with a fresh appreciation.

Both of us? I wasn’t sure if that made the situation better or worse. Perhaps I should be glad he wasn’t planning to exclude me from his exploits. My gaze strayed to Domingo’s waist in the black corset, then over his shapely legs in short bloomers, black stockings, and soft leather shoes.

He frowned now, his pretty rouged lips turning down, and gazed back and forth between us.

“Well, I don’t know. That’s a lot to take on.”

“It is,” Captain Martin agreed. “But I know you can handle the job, Domingo. Mr Simon White is my right-hand man, you see, and I don’t go anywhere without him.”

The tip of Domingo’s pink tongue slid over the top of his lower lip as he assessed us, contemplating.

“Hmm. Since I know you very well already, Dinesh, I suppose I can do the both of you for fifteen. But three hours tops. You can’t ruin me for tomorrow.” He threw back his head and smirked with mischief, his beautiful and luxurious locks feathering back from his face in a charming way.

Captain Martin nodded. “Quite fair. Thank you so much. We’ll need a meal first. Where shall we find you?”

“I’m still in room 18. I’m sure you remember.”

“Oh yes,” Captain Martin said, giving me a cheeky wink as I forced my mouth to close.

“That will give me time to prepare myself,” Domingo said, giving a curt little nod. “I’ll see you and Mr White very soon, then.” He started away, then turned back. “That’ll be fifteen pieces up front, you realize.”

“Of course. I’ll have the payment for you upstairs.”

“Excellent.” Domingo fluttered his hand and wove through the crowd, shoving men to the side so he could get through, swinging his saucy hips as he went.

“Fifteen gold pieces!” I exclaimed as a scantily clad person of the female persuasion approached with a pitcher and two tankards.

“Ale?” she asked, blowing a curl of black hair off her forehead.

“Yes, please,” Captain Martin said. “And whatever you’ve got in the way of meat. Boar, perhaps?”

“There’s a rich stew, or you can have a roasted hock with potatoes and carrots.”

For a moment I forgot about Domingo and our future plans.

“Roasted hock?” I gasped. I could almost taste the delicate meat that would be falling off the bone. I might have drooled a little.

Captain Martin looked about for Squid and Hillier, but neither of us could locate them.

“Where on earth did the rest of them get to? Ah well, only us, then. Two of the hocks, if you please.”

“Right. The girls and boys are around if you’re looking for an evening’s entertainment.”

“Yes, well, we’ve made arrangements already,” Captain Martin said. “Thank you.”

“Fine. I’ll bring the hocks.”

I levered my mind away from the food and once again questioned the captain’s judgement.

“You’re going to spend fifteen gold pieces on a whore?” I asked, still finding the very idea to be outrageous.

Captain Martin frowned. “His name is Domingo.”

“But he’s a—”

Captain Martin silenced me with a finger over my lips.

“—very sweet young man with incredible talents and a malleable disposition. Don’t judge me until after. That is, if you do want to join me. I won’t force you.”

I tried to think of some fitting words. Domingo was a very pretty man, for certain, but I couldn’t decide if it would be worse, or better, to let Captain Martin enjoy him without me. I’d never been confronted with an opportunity like this before.

He leaned toward me. “Do you trust me?”

“I—I—I suppose so.”

Captain Martin smiled. He was so handsome when he smiled, and I was helpless against his charm.

“Then let me help you to experience the beauty of Tortuga, Rooster, in the arms of Domingo and myself this evening. I promise you’ll enjoy yourself.”

“But to waste that much coin!” I couldn’t get over the cost. Fifteen gold pieces would get you a team of good horses back where I’d come from.

“Oh, the expense won’t be a waste. Domingo’s skills are considerable.”

“But…” I was distracted for a moment, wondering what some of those skills might be.

“The others have probably gambled all their gold away by now, or most certainly will have by morning. At least I’m betting on a sure thing,” Captain Martin said, giving me a dreamy, anticipatory look that I’d not seen before.

“I thought… I thought … ”

“Oh, I know. You thought I was going to let you sit in a crowded tavern by yourself, or with only Squid for company, and go off with Domingo on my own for a night of illicit passion.”

“Well, yes.”

“Oh no, Rooster. What I am most looking forward to this evening is watching you and Domingo perform various acrobatic maneuvers for my visual enjoyment.”

“Oh…”

“Before I ravage you both, one after the other.”

He lifted his tankard and gulped down a large swallow of ale.

I couldn’t tear my gaze away from the bobbing of his Adam’s apple. Suddenly parched, I grabbed my own tankard and downed gulps of the brown ale, as Dinesh laughed with unfettered glee. And when our meal arrived, I forgot about everything except the hunk of rich meat in my bowl.

“Easy. We need to be ready for anything when we go up. Domingo is quite dedicated. Part of his popularity.”

I nodded, trying to slow down and chew my food, taking sips of ale between bites. The portions were small, but hearty.

“When he said he needed to get ready…”

The captain gave me a knowing smile. “I imagine he’s cleaning himself out somehow. They have lovely contraptions for that, you know.”

“Wot? You mean… What do you mean?”

“A bladder filled with warm water and a tube will do the trick. Not complicated but very effective to get rid of any…inconvenience.”

So the whore was cleaning himself of shit and any evidence of his last client. Well, that was kind of him, I supposed. Still, what a life. One I’d briefly contemplated out of desperation before making my bid to board the Arrow . I enjoyed bed exercises, certainly, perhaps more than most, but only when I could select my bedfellows. I wasn’t sure I could give myself over for a price.

Domingo was either extremely good at his job, or he did actually find Dinesh and I appealing, which I supposed was a good day when it came to whoring. At least the gold pieces Captain Martin was to pay—fifteen gold pieces—would go a long way to keeping Domingo in some level of comfort, which eased my mind a bit. The world was a rough place, and if this was what Domingo had landed on as his best opportunity to live well, who was I to judge him?

Captain Martin took another swig of his ale and relaxed into his seat.

“So lovely to be off the Arrow for a bit. I do love the life I’ve been gifted, but it’s a relief not to be in charge for a spell.”

I smiled. “Aye, or worrying about marauders on the open sea. Are we truly safe here?”

“Aye. We’re among the Brethren of the Coast now, and there are unwritten rules about bringing violence and crime into the port of Cayonne. Further inland you could run into trouble, but here things are managed pretty well. Nobody wants to deal with trouble, as most folks are after a good time. If you become known as someone who brings trouble, you can be barred from the island, and nobody wants that, trust me.”

“So…you’re not a gambling man, then, Dinesh?”

“Not like the rest of them, no. I bet on things that matter. Like bringing aboard my precious ship a bright young fellow with an attitude, who needed occupation and a good ravishing.”

I couldn’t help but smile, now that my belly was filling and the captain was being so charming.

“And who, underneath all the grime and desperation, proved…” He shrugged. “Well, a worthwhile associate.”

“A worthwhile associate? Is that what you think of me?”

But Dinesh grinned, and his eyes sparkled. I realized he was baiting me.

“Oh, my cocky little rooster. I think many other things about you. All of them gracious, but some of them very, very perverse.”

I cleared my throat, licking gravy off my lower lip, and wanting to climb into his lap for a passionate kiss. But, though we were amongst other social outcasts, I didn’t dare. Not all of them would be supportive of two men being intimate in public, and I didn’t want to take any chances.

“In fact,” Dinesh continued, “if you’ll finish your meal and drink your ale, we should go up and make some use of the lovely Domingo.”

“Aye, Captain,” I said, wanting nothing more than to fulfill his every fantasy.

When we were done, Captain Martin paid the innkeeper for the meal and arranged for a room upstairs, where we could stay the night once Domingo had entertained us. I’d never been treated to such luxury, nor had anyone spent this amount of coin on making me happy.

The room itself was adequate and quite clean for such a place. We left our fine jackets and hats, then went to find Domingo. On the lower two floors, we passed a good many closed doors, behind which came the sounds of carnal enjoyment. Captain Martin grinned and wagged his eyebrows at me, no doubt imagining what was to unfold behind Domingo’s door this evening.

That feeling of unease I’d had on first coming to Cayonne had faded over a hot meal and a tankard of ale. But I was anxious once more, now that we were standing outside of room 18.

The captain raised his hand to knock.

“Wait,” I said.

His relaxed fist hung in the air as he gave me a questioning look. “But why? What are you scared of?”

Are you truly asking me this?

“Captain… Dinesh…” I whispered.

His lips parted at the unusual use of his given name. I’d only ever used it once or twice.

“What if this changes things between us?”

His expression softened. “Oh, Rooster. How could it?”

I levelled my gaze at Dinesh. “Have you seen him?”

“Rooster. He’s lovely and beautiful and sweet, but not any more than you.”

I frowned.

“Not even as much as you. You are much prettier than Domingo.”

I felt a bit better.

“Really?”

He didn’t answer right away, as if he had to think on his assertion. The corners of my lips drew down.

“Yes. At least, to me, you are.”

Wait a second. That was some backhanded compliment nonsense.

I sighed, giving up my protests, because I really did want to tup Domingo and put on a show for Captain Martin. He had no idea what he was in for, and I only hoped that Domingo was as acrobatic and creative as the captain had implied.

“Fine.”

“If you really don’t want to…” he said, his voice low.

“I do want to. I just needed to know I was prettier,” I said with a saucy toss of my chin-length hair.

Captain Martin grinned and clapped his hands together. “Excellent.”

He rapped on the door with his knuckles.

“It’s Dinesh and Simon,” he said, and I understood that we were suddenly on a first-name basis with Domingo. I suppose that made sense as we were about to be very intimate with him.

“ Pasa ”, came a voice from inside the room.

Dinesh twisted the handle and pushed the door open. He moved into the dimly lit space and I followed.

We were greeted with a terrible high-pitched whistle that made us step back.

“Never mind. That’s just Esmaralda.”

“Pardon?” Captain Martin asked.

“My name is Esmaralda. Who the fuck are you?”

My breath caught, as I imagined we’d been found out. Not that we were doing anything illegal here. At least, I didn’t think we were.

“Esmaralda. Stop it. That’s enough.”

“Who the fuck are you? Who the fuck are you?” Another whistle, some clicking noises, and then: “My name is Esmaralda. Esmaraaaalda. Esmaraaaalda.”

“Never mind her; she’s a rude-assed cunt.”

“She’s a rude-assed cunt. She’s a rude-assed cunt.” The words were spoken in a precise replication of Domingo’s tones and cadence.

“Yes, you are, my darling, but I do love you so.”

I finally determined where the strange words were coming from. Not another person, as I’d supposed, but—quite unbelievably—from a diminutive black bird, with white marks and a small pointy black beak, perched on the corner of a desk, bobbing its tiny head in agitation.

“What the fuck is that?” Captain Martin asked.

“I beg your pardon?” Domingo asked, putting a hand to his chest in shock.

“I’m so sorry. I mean, is that bird saying those things?”

“Yes, I’m afraid so. She’s a rude-assed cunt, my Esmaralda.”

“Rude-assed cunt,” the bird said again, this time in a woman’s voice with a slight French accent.

A man Carago had known had kept a parrot, and the brightly coloured bird had been able to repeat words and phrases, but not with the vocal perfection that Esmaralda possessed.

“Remarkable,” Captain Martin said, staring at the bird as if she were the second coming of Christ. “How does she do that?”

“She’s a mynah bird. They are excellent mimics.”

“My name is Esmeraalda. My name is Esmeraaaaaalda!” said in the woman’s voice.

“All right, Essie. We all know your name now.”

“Rude-assed cunt!” The bird echoed Domingo again.

Domingo laughed, a lovely sound. But I was off center about the bird who spoke in tones so reminiscent of a person. Esmaralda’s talent was eerie and strange and almost unbelievable, but I was there to witness her skill.

“She was a gift from a friend who had to leave us,” Domingo said, looking somber. “And I don’t know that I quite realized what I was taking on. But at least I still get to hear Claire’s voice every day.”

Captain Martin smiled. “I take it Claire was also a…person in your line of work?”

“Of course. So the bird doesn’t have fancy manners.” Domingo shrugged. “Well, neither do I, so we get along well.”

The room was not that big, but it had a large window with velvet curtains pulled to keep out the night, and was lit by a few pretty oil lamps in sconces. Incense burned on a side table, a wisp of smoke trailing upward and filling the room with the scent of orange and spices.

Domingo lay on a large bed that was positioned against one wall and covered with silks and pillows. He lounged on his back with one knee bent, his feet bare, and a chartreuse silk robe—the only thing he wore—sliding off one shoulder and belted loosely at his waist. The bright colour popped against his olive skin and gave him the air of a French courtesan.

He was as expensive as one, to be sure.

In one corner, I noticed a large wooden cage with perches placed at varying heights. The hinged gate was open as the bird had free run at the moment.

“Hello, Simon,” Domingo purred.

I turned to face him.

“Is your belly quite full now?” he asked in his sultry baritone.

“Hello, Domingo. It’s full of hock and potato. But there’s room for more.”

Domingo’s eyes went wide at that, and he flashed a look at the captain.

“Oh, I like him already. And he’s so very beautiful and small. Where did you find him, Dinesh?”

“Oh, he found me, actually. Begged to come aboard the Arrow and said he’d take any job I offered him.”

“I see,” Domingo said with a laugh. “And has he fulfilled that promise?”

Esmaralda chirped and then mimicked Domingo’s melodic laugh with incredible accuracy.