Merciless Reason Read Free Page A

coast.
    â€œWe’ve heard such stories before,” the captain said, nodding. “The loss of a ship is a tragedy under any circumstances, but to be attacked by this … this abomination … its existence is an affront to God. Perhaps, someday, Her Majesty’s Navy will turn its attentions to destroying the beast.”
    Lieutenant Dempsey, a muscular-looking man in his forties or fifties with dark skin almost Mediterranean or even Arabic in complexion, framed by black hair and garnished with a clipped little moustache, nodded but said nothing. Jim noticed the man was studying him closely, as if his story was of only passing interest, to be set aside at the earliest opportunity. Captain Wyndham confirmed Jim’s suspicions.
    â€œAs it happens, we were in the area, searching for the Odin ,” the captain told him. “We have been seconded to the North American Trading Company and have been tasked with finding a gentleman named Nathaniel Wildenstern, the Duke of Leinster. He went missing about three years ago. Our investigations led us to Boston, and we suspect he may have joined the Odin ’s crew there. There is a reward for anyone who can help find him. Do you know him?”
    Jim appeared to think for a moment, but then shrugged and shook his head.
    â€œNo, sir. Never ’eard of ’im.”
    â€œHe may well be traveling under an assumed name,” the second lieutenant spoke up. “In his current state, his dress and appearance might not be that of a gentleman. We have a picture of him here. Perhaps you could take a look at it.”
    A sepia photograph was laid on the table in front of him. It showed a proud-looking young man with a somewhat long but handsome visage and fair hair cut in a dashing style. Jim regarded the image for some time. It was so unlike his own, his face burnt by the wind and sun, his hair and beard faded and bedraggled. He reached out to touch the picture for a moment, then pushed it back across the table.
    â€œSorry, no. Doesn’t ring any bells. Whaler captains aren’t picky, they’ll take on anyone who’ll work. But he looks a bit posh for a life in whalin’ if y’ask me.”
    â€œWe didn’t,” Wyndham replied as he stood up, quickly followed by Dempsey. “All right. Given that the ship we were after is now at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean, it seems that our trail ends in Boston for now. We will return there and set you ashore. You will be provided with some fresh clothes and accommodated as a passenger until we reach port.”
    â€œI’m ’appy to work me way,” Jim insisted.
    â€œThis is a ship-of-the-line of Her Majesty’s Royal Navy,” the captain informed him. “Every man here has his place and his duties. Your help is not required. We are three days from Boston, four at the most. Please take this opportunity to convalesce, make sure you are presentable whenever you leave your cabin and try to stay out of the way. Good day, Mr. Hawkins.”
    The lieutenant nodded again and followed his captain out of the room. But there was something in Dempsey’s expression as he cast a look back at Jim before leaving; something like barely suppressed hatred.
    Jim was quartered in the clerk’s cabin, a small, simple room that still felt like luxury after the cramped quarters on board the whaler. The clerk had been most understanding as he vacated his cabin, regarding Jim’s survival as nothing less than a miracle. Jim slept for most of the rest of the day, eventually rising in the evening to pull on the clothes the cabin boy had provided for him.
    One look out the porthole told him the fine weather was holding, but there was enough wind to enable the ship to make good time. It was an excellent vessel, so big that he could barely feel the motion of the water beneath his feet. He should have felt safe here, but he didn’t. The sooner they got back to port, the better.
    The