Love's Abyss (St. John Series) Read Online Free PDF Page A

day . . .

 
    Chapter Four
     
    Eight Months Earlier. . . September 1791
     
    Maggie dressed hurriedly. She could see the sails of The Abyss coming into port. Alex would be to see her in a couple of hours, and she wanted to look her best. She donned the pale yellow dress that he brought to her on his last visit. It was the color of sunshine in the spring with a pale green sash. She turned to view herself in the mirror. She carefully took a delicate cross out of a box. It was a gift from Alex. She smiled as she latched the necklace around her neck. The cross was tiny and dainty with a small round opal behind it. She stepped back from the mirror and gave herself one more glance. “Perfect.”
    The door burst open and a tall, thin blond-haired boy came running in. “He’s here!” he panted excitedly. “Alex is here!”
    Maggie gazed at her son. He was the image of his father with his blond hair and blue eyes. “I know. I saw the sails of his ship. You better hurry down to the docks. Alex may need your help unloading.”
    “Yes, Mother. Maybe I’ll have a present, too,” interjected the eager youngster as he ran out the door.
    Ever since Samuel was born, Alex brought him presents every time he came to port. He had more toys and trinkets than any other child in Port Royal. She smiled as she looked across the room that Mr. Grimm had given her since she had Samuel. It was on the third floor of the tavern, off limits to patrons. There was a rocking horse in the corner as well as toy soldiers, boats, and pull toys of every shape and size. She smiled as tears filled her eyes.
    She turned towards her reflection in the mirror. With a timid smile she thought aloud, “I’m going to tell him about Samuel today. He needs to know. No . . . It’s his right to know.” She took one more glance at her reflection again. She turned from the mirror and heard a commotion coming from downstairs through the door that Samuel left open.
    As she headed down the stairs, she could hear a man yelling. Once at the second floor balcony landing, she heard a voice . . .  his voice. “Then I’ll guess she’ll just have to do,” came the cold evil voice of Commodore McClain.
    Mr. Grimm turned to gaze up at Maggie. “It’s her day off. The other girls will be up in about an hour. Come back then.”
    “No, I don’t think so,” said the Commodore slowly. His British accent slithered out evilly. “I will have to take my leave by then.” The Commodore’s eyes turned back to Maggie. “If I don’t have my way now, your establishment may not be here by the end of the night.”
    Everyone knew what he was implying. The Commodore was known for always getting what he wanted, and if he didn’t, the taverns mysteriously burned down and their owner met a horrible demise.
    Maggie slowly descended the stairs and looked at the Commodore. “I’ll be happy to wake Eleanor for you. Let me go get her.”
    “No, I don’t think I want the company of that fat old bitch today. I want you,” he looked at her coldly. He walked quickly towards her and grabbed the upper part of her arm roughly.
    Mr. Grimm started their way. “It’s okay, Mr. Grimm,” Maggie accepted fearfully. Maybe if she gave him what he wants, he would leave in time for her to straighten herself up before Alex got there.
    McClain dragged Maggie roughly into the back room of the tavern. It was a room he liked because it was quiet and no one could hear what was going on due to its location. He threw Maggie on the bed, locked the door, and turned towards her. In one quick stride he was across the room. A vile sneer crossed his face. “You know what I want.”
    Maggie gave a weak smile and stood up. “Eleanor is just right upstairs,” she reminded the sinister Commodore. “Really, it’s not a problem to go get her.”
    “No,” the Commodore said with a chill to his voice. “I think I want a sample of what that damn pirate finds so appealing.” He shoved Maggie back down