Privateer's Apprentice by Susan Verrico Read Free Book Online Page B

here, too?” I ask.
    I dress slowly, wondering what the day holds. Remembering what Peep said, I leave my boots where they sit. Having heard the click of a lock the night before, I don’t bother to try the door, choosing instead to explore the storage area until someone comes to free me.
    Heavy ropes of garlic and onions hang from the rafters, and I push them aside to clear my way. Their juices leach into the air, burning my eyes. Shelves built high along the walls hold wooden crates filled with corn, carrots, and potatoes, though not many, for vegetables spoil quickly; already I can see the potatoes are sprouting eyes. Barrels of small ale are stacked atop one another, and a large cask labeled “rum” sits nearby. Cones of brown sugar wrapped in linen and wheels of cheese dipped in wax have been placed on the highest shelves, beside bricks of salt that have yet to be chipped. Several tea tins hold black leaves whose fragrance mingles faintly with the other odors that fill the room.
    I am marveling at the vast amount of food when the storage door opens behind me. My heart skips when I see that it is Ferdie standing in the doorway; his eyes search the room until they settle on me. He shuts the door softly behind him and leans against it. “Up and about, are you, lad?” he asks. “Your noggin fixed, is it?”
    I don’t answer.
    â€œA fine fighter you are,” Ferdie says, waving his bandaged arm. “Got the proof right here.” He grins, and I see gums streaked black and teeth specked with brown rot.
    He dangles a key on a ring. “Peep sent me to fetch you. You’re to hightail it up on deck and start earning your keep.” As Ferdie speaks, a piglet oinks softly. He moves away from the door and goes to it. Squatting, he pokes one in the rump, then the other. “’Twill be a fine day when we roast ‘em,” he says, making loud smacking noises. The piglets stare back at him with wide gray eyes.
    Quelling the fear that boils up in my stomach, I walk over to the door. My hand is on the latch when Ferdie seizes my elbow.
    â€œI ain’t forgetting our scuffle,” Ferdie says. “But, if you mindyourself and keep out of me way, I’m willing to ignore what you did to me.”
    â€œYou attacked me,” I say, sounding braver than I feel, “so I seek no forgiveness from you.”
    Ferdie smacks me on the ear, sending pain shooting through my stitched-up wound. “Shut your trap and listen up. Peep’s going to be hard on you today, learning you this and that.”
    â€œWhat of it?” I say, ignoring the throbbing in my ear. I try to pull open the door, but Ferdie holds it shut.
    â€œSo if you caterwaul or do anything that makes the Captain think you ain’t full grown and cain’t do a man’s work, you’ll be sorry.”
    â€œAnd you will be, too,” I say, “for I will tell him that you forced me to lie, and you will be blamed.”
    â€œHe won’t believe you. He already thinks you’re a scoundrel, for he saw you tied like a dog when you were brought to auction.”
    Before I can reply, there are footsteps outside the door. Ferdie moves back just as it opens.
    The Captain seems startled to see Ferdie. “Why aren’t you up on deck?” he asks.
    â€œPeep sent me to fetch the lad,” Ferdie says, placing his hand upon my shoulder. I jerk away.
    The Captain frowns. “I’ll stand for no trouble between you,” he says. “There will be no fighting on my ship.”
    â€œNo trouble here,” Ferdie says. “Ain’t that right, Jamie?”
    I flinch. My father was the only one who had ever called me Jamie. Ignoring Ferdie, I say, “Peep wants me up on deck, sir.”
    â€œThen go,” the Captain says, stepping away from the door. “But remember what I said. You’ll work alongside everyone without complaint.”
    In the passageway, I lean