Fortune's Flames by Janelle Taylor Read Free Book Online

firepower combined with her swift speed usually persuaded other ships to give quarter without a battle. And a frigate such as this could carry much cargo, which came in handy when raiding enemy ships or delivering supplies. Furthermore, the Sea Mist was swift in pursuit, or in flight if the odds were against her.
    Jared pulled from his pocket the note one of the Martha J’ s sailors had slipped to him. He read it again. “Be wary of Slade and Wolfe. See the President about them.” Clearly the sandy-haired man who had sneaked it into his shirt knew who and what he was. But which Slade was he referring to, and what was it that concerned the hazel-eyed man so deeply? Jared wondered. “Damn!” Jared said angrily. He could not destroy the man’s cover just to help a female who had captured his eye!
    By Friday, he had to deliver the supplies in the hold to the ship which was to meet him in Jamaica. Fortunately it appeared that the vessel ahead of his was heading in the same direction. A British port…
    Mountainous and fragrant Jamaica loomed beforethem, inspiring Maren to smile. They were heading for Kingston on the southern side of the island. Captain Canton had told her of the many valuable crops grown and sold in Jamaica—sugarcane, coffee, spices, cacao—and about the exotic birds, tropical fruits, and rare woods to be found there. After enduring weeks in the confining cabin, Maren was eager to go ashore, to experience new sights and sounds, to explore this exotic place, and to sink her feet into silky sand.
    The Martha J sailed into a natural port late in the afternoon of the second day in June, a beautiful Thursday in a place far removed from the war that ravaged her homeland. A British flag waved proudly from her mast as she dropped anchor, and Maren had seen the captain place the appropriate papers and logbook on his desk, in case the ship was searched by the British authorities.
    Now Maren’s dark beauty was enhanced by an off-white promenade dress of Indian muslin with gold cotton embroidery. Its bosom was finely pleated and its sleeves were short and puffed. She had donned matching slippers, but had not dared to wear the dainty gold necklace which was allegedly stolen. Her hair was brushed into waves which settled becomingly on her shoulders. Pleased with her appearance, she smiled at her cousin as he entered the cabin, trailed by Horben Wolfe and Captain Canton.
    The three men removed the false wall to retrieve several heavy boxes. When she asked what they contained, not one would say. From their oddbehavior, Maren wondered if they were smuggling illegal goods to this British island. Suddenly she was very curious about what might be in those boxes, and she was confused about why they were being unloaded here. Surely Eric would not turn traitor and hand the gold over to America’s foe… or try to keep it for himself.
    Goods were carried ashore by making numerous trips in the quarterboats. But Maren and the special boxes were taken in the longboat with Captain Canton, Eric James, and Horben Wolfe. It was manned by ten rowers, one of whom was Peter Thomas who furtively watched her.
    It was nearly dusk when Eric guided Maren to a small hotel on the edge of town. It was surrounded by tropical trees and plants, and Eric promised he would return to have dinner with her as soon as he carried out his business dealings, probably around nine. Having been told they would sail with the second tide on the morrow, Maren knew her time here was limited, so the moment Eric was gone, she left for a stroll.
    As she walked toward the beckoning beach, she admired the beauty of the exotic landscape and listened to its particular sounds. Unfamiliar birds of vivid plumages seemed to serenade her as dreamy shadows slowly cloaked the area, and the air was fresh and invigorating. Breezes danced through her long hair, played through the lush greenery and the profusion of colorful flowers. She closed her golden brown eyes to hear the