2/1/22 The Paulwick Pirate (Part 4)

 The Paulwick Pirate (Part 4)

The ship stops a couple miles off the coast of the small island. Leona and Flint board the smaller rowboats with the rest of the crew, with only a few crew members staying behind to look after the ship. The small boats reach the shore and everyone exits the boats, grabbing supplies they had brought with them from the Paulwick.

“Alright men listen up,” Captain Flint shouts, “I want camp set up within the hour and then we begin the dig!”

“Aye Captain!” The crew responds as they get to work setting up tents and unpacking supplies.

Flint then turns to Leona, “While they set up I was thinking of taking a walk down the beach to scout the area for any obvious signs of the treasure. Care to join me?” He says, offering Leona his arm.

Surprised by this uncharacteristic gesture, Leona smiles, “I’d love to Captain,” she says, firmly grabbing his arm. The two walk down the beach, scanning the ground and surrounding area. “You know Captain, your men seem to obey you quite well and you seem to know what you’re doing here, I don’t think you needed my help at all.” A devious smile spreads across her face, “I think I know exactly why you wanted me here.”

Flint gazes at the woman on his arm, “And what reason might that be Miss Leona?”

“I think you want me to be a little more than just your First Mate,” she says, stopping the Captain's stride by standing in front of him.

Flint looks down at Leona with a curious smile, “I have no idea what would lead you to that conclusion, was it my dislike for your childlike behavior? Or maybe the drinking habit? Either way this is a very bold claim you are making Miss Leona. I am curious though, to hear your evidence for the claim.”

“There is only one piece of evidence I need to prove my claim,” Leona says confidently.

“And what might that be?” Flint says, imitating the same confidence.

Leona pulls Flint close and without giving him a moment to think, kisses him square on the lips. Flint grabs her tight and melts into the kiss. Leona quickly pulls away and leaves Flint confused. 

She leans close once again and whispers in his ear, “I think that is all the evidence I need.” Leona grabs Flint’s arm and slightly pulls him along, continuing their walk down the beach.

Flustered, and trying to retain an ounce of dignity Flint responds, “I assure you this was not the original reason for bringing you along…However, despite your unprofessionalism, I have grown quite fond of you. To be honest I envy your behavior,” Leona looks at Flint with an excited spark but it disappears as Flint continues, “But I am a member of the Royal Navy and that is important to me, to serve King and Country, and therefore I cannot act like you do, no matter how much I might want to,” Flint says longingly.

“Well then Captain, serve you shall,” Leona says in an uplifting tone, “I believe we have properly scouted out the beach and found no visible sign of the gold, so let's get back to our men and begin our search.”

Flint nods and the two turn around. Leona takes hold of Flint’s arm once again, as Flint pulls her slightly closer than before. The pair smile and walk back to the campsite. 

To be continued

2/1/22