Don't look a Gift Horse in the Mouth

"Hey Pa, you ain't gonna believe this."

Said Jhonny, who found something very funny and was having difficulty containing his laughter.

Earlier, whilst coming back on board, he'd been approached rather rudely by Nick Scarlet, one of the crew's members who used to treat him badly, now unable to do that, he'd turned to contempt and sarcasm.

"Hey, ***bandit, that squeaky little rodent friend of yours Ron, dropped a message off from his Momma CG, it's for your Blood Pa and spat on the floor."

He then proceeded to stuff a screwed-up piece of paper into Jhonny's hand, with the same look that used to tell him it's time to run.

There was nothing he could do directly, too knock this moron off his pedestal but knew someone who could!

"Interesting, when exactly did you receive this note?"

Not being smart, he didn't realize that Jhonny had sprung a trap and whilst wearing a devilish smile, gloated that it was some days ago.

"Thanks, smart a**, I'll be sure to let my Blood Pa know, just how much you respect his mail."

It gave Jhonny indescribable pleasure to see to the blood drain from his face as he realized the shi* his cockiness had got him in, Jhonny walked away bearing an ear to ear grin.

"What is it that's so amusing Jhonny?"

"Just been handed a note delivered to the LB for your personal attention, albeit several days ago."

"And you find that amusing, replies an indignant Denver?"

Great thought Johnny, it's going to plan.

"Sorry Pa, that's inexcusable, it's who the message is from that makes me smile."

Denver opens the crumpled message and understands Jhonny's amusement. It's a message from that pain in the neck editor of the local Rag, CG who wants to meet with him and discuss some personal issue.

"Okay son I understand, in normal circumstances, I wouldn't trust this woman any further than I could throw her and right now I'd have trouble throwing this note in the bin."

"That's okay Pa, let me do it for you, it'll be a pleasure."

"Ha-ha, steady on son, I didn't mean it literally, we have to see this for the opportunity it is."

Jhonny is bemused.

"This is an opportunity!"

"Of course, it is, we have decided it's time for us to embrace the community and whether or not we understand the reasoning, this often-rude woman is considered a pillar of its society."

Jhonny shrugs his shoulders.

"I still don't see the opportunity!"

"I think it's a fair assumption that since Annie has been aboard, she has been honourable to our wishes, sharing only some minor information with her employer, but not enough to keep the gossip wheels of her printing press rolling.

I would, therefore, assume that her reason for the meeting is to gather some exploitable and printable information regarding the happens of the Liberty Belle."

Eyes open wide.

"Pa, surely you don't intend to give her access to our business information, even if you tell her the truth, she's going to find a way to spin it negatively."

"You may be right son, but we've got to start showing our trust in the community somewhere, but as I've said we are now in this together, so can you gather up the family and we will run over my response together."

"Sure thing Pa."

It didn't take long and after a brief discussion, it was unanimously agreed that as soon as we had all the facts and plans for the future of the Liberty Belle in place, we would invite CG aboard for a discussion.

"I'm pleased we've all agreed, so I will reply inviting CG to visit the LB in due course, in the hope she will recognize that changes on board are for our mutual benefit and give us a fair press.

I think this is a wise decision and that it's best 'We don't look a gift horse in the mouth', sorry that's an old English proverb."

Denver quickly jots down a reply and charges Jhonny to make a personal delivery.

"Jhonny, I'd prefer it went straight into the hands of CG, but if unavailable Ron's will be fine, if you trust him that's good enough for me."

With the declaration of trust, Jhonny grew an inch taller.

"Oh, and Brett, one last thing we have a crew member called Nick Scarlet, do you think could have a word in his ear about the importance and discretion required when being entrusted to deliver mail to the family or crew."

"Does he need his butt kicked, Pa?"

"Probably son, but for now just assert your authority, with a terse but discreet reminder, that will do."

Dear CG,

After due consideration, it would be my pleasure to invite you aboard and discuss with you our plans and the issue you refer to as personal.

Unfortunately, we can't do this straight away as we are busy assimilating our vision and strategy for its implementation, but I can assure that they are radical and to ours (the family & crew) and the community's mutual benefit.

If you wish to stay over for dinner with myself and Missy, both yourself and the Sheriff are welcome, in fact, if you don't object we could mix both business and pleasure, we have no secrets, as for the personal issue, if needs be we can discuss that privately.

I hope you find this acceptable and if I don't hear otherwise, you will receive a formal invitation in due course.

Yours Respectfully, Barton & Missy Denver