Capítulo Seis

“Si una lesión tiene que ser hecha a un hombre debe ser tan severo que su venganza no hay que temer.”

    -If an injury has to be done to a man it should be so severe that his vengeance need not be feared.-

                                                                        -- Niccolo Machiavelli

          The sight of Rafael stealing a kiss from Fe shocked me; I almost forgot that she was suffering from a bullet pellet wedged deep in her shoulder. This wasn't the time or place for romance to be blooming while the woman was down for the count. I marched right to them, ripping him away from her, shoving him so his head hit the nearby wall. My cutlass pressed on the crook of his throat. I looked from Rafael to Fe. Her breathing was steady.

          Clearly, she couldn’t explain herself because she was out like a light, the paleness of her skin still evident. I took on the latter.

          “¡Hombre! What do you think you’re doing? Give me one good reason not to tear you to shreds? And, it better be a good one!” I hissed, pressing the blade harder toward his windpipe.

          He held up his hands, a sign of defeat. “Captain, it’s not what it looks like.”

          “Not what it looks like, then? What am I supposed to be looking at, Rafa, because I see a scallywag taking advantage of my first mate who, may I mention, can’t even defend herself. So, tell me, what am I looking at?”

          The sweat beaded on his dark bangs, matting them together. His eyes lingered from me to Fe, he swallowed before opening his mouth, careful not to upset me further. “You need to understand that what I did may have saved her life.” He paused before speaking, as if cautious with what he was about to tell me. “Captain, you have sensed it. You were right to tell me. That bullet wasn't an ordinary one. It was laced. I did what I had to to get her to drink the potion. Before you got here, Fe wasn't herself.”

          I loosened my hold, eventually freeing him. His hand came up to massage the side of his neck where my blade was previously.

          “Muy bien. If that was it, then I’ll let it go, but don’t think this lets you off the hook. Fe will know and she’ll be the one in charge for the proper form of punishment. You know my rules. No man forces himself on a woman or else his cajones be ripped from him and fed to the sharks. Now go back to the festivities. Watch our guest tonight. He could be one of them.”

          His eyes darkened, but he nodded, not missing the way I ignored the last bit of what he said. “Aye.” His back turned towards the door. Before taking another step he added, “I know what I saw, Captain. Don’t act like I didn't.”

          I heard the door close. I breathed out. Rafa, the ever so sharp one. He’s the silent type, but that doesn't mean he can’t speak out when he was on to something -- or someone. One of the reasons why I recruited him onto my ship.  

          Speaking of someone, where did Surgeon and Paolo run off too?

          "Aqui estoy,” spoke up a voice from under Fe’s bed.

          I squatted  into a crouch, turning my head to face the gap between the bed railing and the floor. I gazed into blue eyes. “Found you. What are you doing under there, mate?” I backed away from there, allowing Paolo some space to get out from under there.

          I gave him a hand, pulling him up to his feet. “Gracias, Capitán.”

          The corners of my mouth lifted a little. I didn't take me eyes off Fe. I was still wary about her. She could wake up at any moment…

          “Paolo, go to where Rafa is. I’ll meet with you two later.”

          He eyed me, but didn't ask me the series of questions I know he wanted to. I could sense the desperation from him in waves.

          For the second time, I heard the door close, but a new pair of footsteps were making their way towards me.

          “Xiomara. Mind telling me what’s going on?”

          “And, I thought I was just ‘Surgeon’ to you, Zea.” I could hear the laughter in her voice.

          Maldita perra.

          I walked towards the end of the bed, sitting down. Eventually, I had my head in my hands. “Don’t start, I’m not in a merry mood.”

          “¿Que pasa? Being the Captain starting to be too much?” she mocked.

          I looked up, meeting her blue orbs. “What did I just say?” I practically growled each word out. “Just because you’re my Surgeon doesn't mean you won’t get punished for making a fool out of your Captain. I am your Leader.”

          She held her hands up the way Rafa did earlier. “Okay, okay. No need to get your bloomers in a bunch, my lady.” She burst out laughing, but it was cut short.

          My fist connected to the side of her jaw. I heard a crack and she screamed.

          She fell on her side, her body shaking, the sobbing becoming incoherent.

          I rolled my eyes.

          “You can stop your show now, Surgeon. I need an update on Fe’s condition. My patience is hanging by a sliver and I don’t think I have what it takes to give mercy.” I gripped my cutlass.

          Her wailing eventually turned into hysterics. I rolled my eyes, again. She was having way too much fun with this.

          “My apologies, Captain.” She brought her hand up to her jaw, lodging it to its place to look brand new. “You know how much I’m into theatrics and with the mood being so drab because of our dear guest outside, I need a little fun.” She flipped her short hair, letting the dark locks fall to frame her face. She was smiling way too hard.

          My eyes narrowed. That expression made me want to punch her again. I shook it off. “I need answers not Pablo Picasso, mujer.”

          She huffed. “You’re no fun when you’re serious, Captain.” She breathed out a huge sigh, exaggerating it.

          “¡Ay, Xiomara! Tell me what happened, now.” I took a step towards her.

          She took a step back. Her demeanor changed. Gone was the impish grin. What settled on her face would haunt me.

          The next words that came out of her mouth stilled me. “Fe, our darling Fe, is to be put to bed rest until the paleness in those cute cheeks of hers turn into a rosy pink filled with life.”

          That did it. I aimed my fist to her face, but the vixen wasn't having any of it. She dodged it and ran away, laughing like a maniac.

          Loca, I thought. I couldn't wait until I got my hands on her. My fingers ticked, itching for her neck. I would strangle her until she turned into a blue octopus. I shook my head, turning my attention to Fe.

          I heard her breathing even from where I was standing. I was at her side in a flash. She clutched the blankets as if they were choking her.

          I pulled the blankets off of her. No wonder she was breathing like that, Xiomara must have cocooned her into her sheets.

          She had one job!

          I could hear Fe’s breathing become steady..

          A sigh escaped her lips.

          My eyes bore on her shoulder. I felt relieved the bleeding had stopped. Her torso was bare, wrapped in cloth. I extended my arm out, my hand reaching to take off part of the bandages and see for myself how bad the bullet penetrated when someone slapped my hand away.

          I looked to her face, a pair of hazel eyes glared into my black ones. “No, Captain! I’m okay.” Fe breathed in, her eyes clouded with pain. “¿Mira?" She tried getting up, struggling.

          I pushed her down, careful with her wound. “No, lay back down. You are to stay in bed.” I insisted. “Surgeon’s orders.”

          Fe opened her mouth to protest, but I held my hand up. “This isn't up for discussion, Fe.” My eyes narrowed. “You either stay in bed like a good girl or I tie you up and you stay in bed like a bad girl.”

          She huffed, but complied.

          I chuckled. “You wouldn't want El Cucuy to come from under the bed and force you to follow my command now.”

          Fe stilled. She left me awkwardly ending my laughter. I cleared my throat, turning my eyes away from her and towards somewhere else. I can't make myself remember, not after so many years.

          “M-Meli,” she croaked.

          I gasped. The only time Fe would call me by that name was when something wasn't right. When something was horribly wrong.

          “Don’t tell me. I know, but just don't. This stays between us,” I wouldn't let myself look at her. It took me years to forget and I wouldn't start remembering it now.

          “Si, Capitán Zea.” She let it go after that. She knew how riled up I got when I was pressed. “Did you manage to catch... “ She let her sentence hang, already knowing the answer to that.

          I slowly nodded, smiling at her. “I gave him the Imelda Special.” I wagged my eyebrows.

          “Captain!”

          “What? El bastardo deserved it for what he did to you.” I shook my head. “I've tried everything to get him to talk, but he won’t have any of it. Ultimately, I had to go there.”

          “There?” She looked puzzled, then it sunk in. “You don’t mean, Captain, say it isn't so. We haven’t done that since…”

          I held my hand up again. “There’s no need to get ahead, mujer. It must be done, unless he comes around and spills the beans. But, chances of that happening are slim.”

          She didn't look convinced.

          A silence came over us and I relished in it. Eventually I spoke up, “Ey.”

          “Aye?”

          “What happened? With you and Rafa?”

          “What do you mean?” Her face scrunched up in confusion.

          I couldn't miss the way she averted her gaze. She wasn't very good at keeping things away from me.

          I narrowed my eyes, folding my arms.

          She sighed. “I remember bits and pieces. By now, you know that bullet the bastard hit me with was coated with something. One minute, I was on the ground, and the next, I’m here talking to you. I remember hard arms carrying me, my resistance against Xiomara taking off my cloak to inspect my wound.” She pressed the palm of her hand on her eye. “I must have been a mess. That stuff is dangerous.”

          She had me curious. “What else do you recall?”

          Her expression darkened. “Dreams. Surgeon made sure the drug was completely out of my system. But, I dreamed of demons, one in particular, pulling on my legs, trying to rip them from my trunk.” She stopped, noticing her body shaking.

          “At ease, Fe. That’s all I wanted to know. You’re safe now.”

          She gulped. Again, she didn't look convinced. What could I do to make her stop shaking?

          I patted her leg. “I’ll leave you to rest. You must be exhausted.” I looked outside of the window; the skies were painted orange. Dawn was approaching.

          “Thank you, Captain.” She smiled, the relief in her voice all too obvious; she was pleased I didn't ask anymore questions.

          I turned, leaving for the door. “Fe?”

          “Aye?”

          “Where is the bullet?”

          She paused before answering me. “It disappeared -- inside me.”

          “Don’t touch me!” The criminal tied to the mast snarled. I learned his name was Valentino Mota.”Your Captain is a joke! She won’t do it,” He seemed confident in his words, but there was a tinge of tremor, like he was desperately trying to reassure himself.

          “¡Ay, ya callate! Can’t you shut your yap for even a minute? You've been chewing our damn ears off! I suggest you shut it or I’ll break your other ankle personally and the Cap’n won’t have to tell me twice,” yelled Paolo. The usual cheeriness he always held was replaced with annoyance. Everyone on the La Marcelina de la Luz was grateful for the silence..

          They got tired of the moron yelling every second. The crew grew very irritable when they didn't get their sleep for the night. After he crashed their down time, everyone just turned in for a couple of hours until it was time to confront him.

          Valentino was baffled. A kid was telling him what to do, but he didn't have a choice in the matter. It was either shut up or die.

          I stood near him, watching his every move. His insults were always targeted at me. The last time he tried insulting someone else, I sent Rafael to break one of his ankles. He did it with ease.

          I tapped his broken ankle, making him wince. “So, Valentino. Have you decided what you wanted to do?” I gave him the biggest smile. “Tell me what I need to know or …”

          He spit on my face. The act didn't surprise me, it made me want to dig into his chest and tear his heart out. Okay, no more acting like a humble host, I want to kill him, I thought.

          At this point, Valentino snapped, the adrenaline going to his head. He came to terms with his fate. It was going to happen --

          Keel hauling. The word itself screamed trouble. The most sadistic of pirates used this method to tear into the flesh of their prey, leaving them mentally and physically scarred

          I stopped brainstorming more ways to increase his suffering and settled on wiping my cheek with one of the cuffs of my shirt.

          “You’re going to regret that,” I calmly stated. I pointed to one of my men. “Tú, bring him down. Paolo, bring another rope and make sure it won’t snap.” I watched Valentino cringe.  Paolo nodded, curtly; he wanted to get this over with as did I.

          As my crew got to work, I looked out from the ship, inspecting the corals. They were shimmering beneath the blue blanket of the sea. I smelled the salt, basking the sun on my skin.

          Oh, this was going to be fun.

          My voice filled the whole ship, “Hoist the colors! I want her moving now.”

          La Marcelina came alive with my crew buzzing around, returning to their original posts.

          “I want everything on the ready! We set sail now at full speed.” My eyes gleamed. The sea was where I belonged.

          My flag flew with the wind, a jolly roger with thorned roses imprinted on the red skull. I was proud of my handiwork. I surrendered to no one and no one gets away with crossing me without licking the boot.

          I smiled, my hair flowing with the wind. I managed to grab my hat before it flew off into the waves.

          “Your request, Cap’n.” The thick rope was in front of me, Paolo waited for me to take it.

          “Gracias, Paolo,” I ruffled his hair. He didn't like that action much, grumbling under my hand. I took the rope, making my way towards our guest.

          He was on his knees, his hands tied behind his back and his ankles were tied as well, but they peaked out from under him in odd angles. They were broken anyway.

          “Any last words? Do you want to change your mind?” I asked, wrapping the rope around him, tightly. “All you gotta do is tell me what you know.” I snickered, loving the idea of him betraying the people who sent him -- I had a haunch on who those people were, but I didn't want to jump into any conclusions. I hated when a plan wasn't well thought out. It irked me.

          He stayed silent, his head drooping, facing the ground. The only sounds from him were pain-filled restrained whimpers.

          My jaw ticked. “Suit yourself.”

          I grabbed him by the collar, forcing him to lift himself up. We walked from the main mast to the poop deck. It was quite a walk, considering La Marcelina was massive and intimidating.With every step he took, he screamed. His ankles were not anatomically positioned where they were supposed to be. It looked like he was wearing his trousers on the wrong side. What followed behind him was a trail of blood.

          I had to get one of my men to swab along the deck later. The red of the blood would leave stains for days.

          On the last step, Valentino stumbled on his ankles, making him collide with the hard ground.

          I grabbed him, pushing him onto his feet. One of my mates nodded at me. He took the end of the rope and tied it securely around the bottom of the foremast; I tugged at it making sure it was taut so that when Valentino jumped, he did not escape the ship. That was the torture of keel hauling -- while we sailed, Valentino would hang from the side of the ship, his fate determined only by the sea -- he was to either drown to death or come back all scarred and batter from the coral reef; if he survived, I would make him wish he was dead.

          I turned towards my guest, and patted his shoulder. “Now on my count, you’ll jump off and see if you’ll survive or die, ¿si?” I grabbed onto his shoulders, pulling him into a hug, “It’s been fun, Val, you really know how to piss a woman off. My advice though, never let said pissed off woman get a hold of you because -- well you might be in the situation you’re in right now.” I laughed.

          He thought I had gone crazy, his expression went solemn.

          “Good. Get on the edge.”

          Valentino stared as the waves mocked him. La Marcelina was up to speed. The wind was on our side today and would make the keel hauling a smooth ride. For us.

          He followed my command and turned towards me, dreading my next command.

          “¡Salta!”

          He hesitated.

          My patience snapped. I screamed, “Jump!”

          I watched as Val lept from the edge. He hit the water with a snap, engulfing him in the dark abyss, the rope being his only salvation.