Devil's Island Read Online Free PDF Page A

sounds lulling his heightened senses. A light fog hovered over the water, and in the faint moonlight he could barely make out the shape of the two warships, still docked at the bend of the harbor. Although the troops had departed, the crews were probably still on board, and he wanted the Mercury to sail before too many sailors were stirring on deck. The fewer people who took note of its departure, the better.
    His son’s room had been empty when he left the villa, which meant Jacob had already gone to get the Apostle. Hurry , he urged them silently.
    Abraham slipped between the buildings and walked back to the street side of the warehouse. He stood at the entrance, feet planted firmly apart and hands clasped behind his back, watching in the direction of Harbor Street. In spite of the darkness, he could see the broad avenue quite well. It was one of only three illuminated streets in the Empire—a boast Publius frequently delighted in making.
    After a few minutes Abraham spotted two figures making their way down the street; one tall and straight, the other stooped. Abraham was glad for the lamps lining the colonnade, yet uneasy that the pair would be so easy to spot. He wondered if Damian was already on the lookout for John, and perhaps even Jacob.
    I always knew I’d have to do something about you, Damian. Knew you’d make good on your threats someday, Abraham thought.
    He was relieved when Jacob and John finally reached the harbor.
    â€œAbraham.” John greeted him in a voice that was still strong and authoritative in spite of his increasing frailty. “Thank you for the courtesy of your personal ship. These old bones appreciate yet another one of your kindnesses.”
    As they clasped hands, Abraham felt the bony elbow and the dry, leathery skin of the Apostle. He wondered for a moment how old the man was. Well into his eighties now, he calculated. John had not been a young man when they had met, and that was half a lifetime ago for Abraham. “I’m happy to make the Mercury available, John. You should have let me know sooner that you needed it.”
    â€œIt never occurred to me to travel by sea; most of the places I intend to visit are inland. And had I thought of it, I would not have wanted to impose. This is a busy time for your business.”
    As Jacob walked up the loading ramp to deposit their gear on deck, Abraham explained to John that the Mercury almost never carried cargo and had been built primarily for speed and passenger use. “Watch your step,” he said, taking John by the arm and helping him up the incline. A sailor carrying two small wire crates followed them. The contents could not be seen in the darkness, but the soft cooing of pigeons disclosed what was inside. No ship in Abraham’s fleet, including his personal cutter, ever sailed without several pairs of the tiny messengers.
    The captain welcomed his passengers aboard. “We’re ready to cast off, sir.”
    Abraham nodded. “You’ll be in capable hands,” he said to John. “Oppius Marius Kaeso is the most seasoned captain in my employ.” Seasoned was a good word for his trusted skipper, Abraham thought. An unruly head of salt-and-pepper hair framed Kaeso’s weather-beaten face.
    Abraham turned and embraced his son. “God be with you,” he said roughly. “Be prudent.”
    â€œI will.” Jacob touched the leather wallet fastened to his belt. “Thank you, Father.”
    â€œIf you should need more money, Kaeso can arrange for it.”
    A sailor on the dock below grunted as he untied one of the heavy ropes mooring the ship and heaved it aboard.
    â€œTake good care of him, John.” Abraham squeezed the old man’s shoulder.
    â€œYou have it backward. I’m bringing Jacob along to take good care of me.”
    Abraham ignored the hint of merriment in the raspy voice. “You know what I mean. Watch out for him. Try to keep him safe.” A