Page 102 of The Admiral's Daughter

“Yeah, I can do this,” I say, looking between them. “I can have love.”

Cheddar whistles dramatically. “Love! Wow, did you hear that, guys?”

And the moment of gentle support is over.

“Careful, we’ll be getting woodland creatures flying in to perch on Romeo’s shoulders if she keeps saying dreamy shit like that,” Boot tacks on.

“You all fucking suck,” I shout. A wall of laughter hits me and then three bodies as they pile on to my bunk, making kissing sounds and swooning noises.

A throat clears loudly, causing us all to jump. When the girls are finally off me, I look up to see the captain in our doorway.

“Dawson, may I have a word in private?”

Kit, Boot and Cheddar stand up and smooth out their uniform before taking their leave. They shoot me reassuring smiles as they go, but I can’t say they really helped. I’mnot sure I’ve got the emotional bandwidth to stand another dressing down.

Standing to attention, I wait for the captain to step in. She waves her hand at me, signalling me to stand at ease before settling on Boot’s bed.

“Sit down, Dawson.”

This is highly irregular. I do as I’m told and remain silent.

Captain Morley suddenly looks ten years older. Her face is pale and her eyes look tired.

“I believe I owe you an apology,” she begins. I control my facial muscles from displaying the shock of her words. “I read the report Ms Carter compiled on WO Benson and Lieutenant Hardman.”

I didn’t get a chance to read anything Cleo had written about them. I didn’t think she had much to go on.

“WO Benson will be leaving the ship immediately, pending an investigation. I shouldn’t be telling you this, but I believe you have the right to know.”

“Thank you for telling me, ma’am.”

She shuffles in place. “May I ask why you didn’t come forward before? I know you’re not the only crewmember to have suffered at the hands of Benson, but from the reportit looks as if you bore the brunt of it, alongside Lieutenant Pierce.”

Pierce? Did Cleo get him to talk?

I clear my throat. “To be honest, Captain, I didn’t see the pattern. Benson had a personal reason to dislike me.”

“Personal reason or not, on board this ship he should have put any grievances to one side and acted in a manner befitting that of a Royal Navy sailor.”

Yeah, I agree.

“I hope,” she continues a little softer, “you know you can come to me about anything. Your welfare and the welfare of the crew are of the utmost importance. I’m sorry this behaviour has gone unchecked for so long. It’s safe to say there will be a radical change before we deploy again.”

“I appreciate you saying that, Captain.”

“And…if I may be so bold. Contact Cleo.”

Blimey.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Good,” she says, standing. “I’ll let you know if your testimony is needed for the investigation. Can I rely on you to step forward?”

My head is already nodding before she finishes her sentence. “Yes.”

“Excellent.”

“Captain,” I call before she can leave. “When the dust has settled and I’ve worked to gain your trust again, I’d like to talk about the possibility of promoting up at some point.”