HMS Aphrodite (Sea Command Book 1) (18 page)

“Often, while Adams had the new captain in his cabin, sampling the drinks, his men would be on deck, throwing kit down into the boats to be disposed of later.”

“After the port admiral listened to too many complaints, they set a trap for Adams. While Adams was ashore, some people went aboard the ship about to be released from the dockyard. A team went over it in Adams absence, listing every single piece of equipment the new captain would be expected to sign for. Then Adams was introduced to the prospective new captain who would take command of the ship. Adams took the officer to the cabin and proceeded to get him drunk, while his men carried equipment away.”

Adam’s political relative had thought to get a permanent command for this officer, and Aphrodite was selected. Instead of the officer Adams intended to bilk, Adams himself got the nod. He would be the next captain of Aphrodite;

Sadly however, for Mister Adams, the admiral’s trap sprung before the ship could sail. “Adams, of course, hoped the thefts would not be discovered until the ship was at sea, when the losses could be blamed on the hands. Instead, the ship was immediately re-inspected before Adams went ashore and the thefts were immediately found. Adams was offered the choice of resigning his commission or standing a court martial. Wisely he resigned.”

“It is too bad. He was about to be promoted to commander and given Aphrodite. The commission just needed to be signed by an Admiralty official. Unfortunately, Mister Nepean was aware of the difficulties and put a stop to the proceeding. Caught red-handed, the political backer had to step away. It was just too bad that Adams could not keep his hands clean.”

When Goodwin learned Mullins wanted to go out to his ship, he offered to deliver him. As they made their way out to the anchorage in his gig, Goodwin remarked. “That was quite a filly you were squiring at Gibraltar. I saw her the other day walking along the quay. It was before I knew you were coming back. When I caught up with her, she asked if I knew where you might be. I told her I did not, but I would be glad to help her in any way she wanted.”

“She needed money, and I loaned her ten pounds, all that I had on me.”

Mullins then explained about the trouble and expense she had put him to. Goodwin was philosophic. “You have to take beautiful women with a grain of salt. Some of them, maybe most, use their beauty to get men to give them what they want. The man needs to understand this so he can enjoy what she is offering without ruining himself.”

Mullins offered, “I hope you do not expect to have your money repaid.”

“Already taken care of, Captain. We spent the night together. I consider the ten pounds well spent.”

Coming up to the ship, when challenged, the cox’n shouted ‘Aphrodite’ and the bowman hooked on. Mullins grabbed the manropes and climbed up. They were slack, not at all what they would have been during his time commanding her. There were no Marines aboard, but Sailing Master Lafferty was standing by the entry port and offered his salute.

Futilely, Mister Lafferty attempted to hide the smile from his face. Mullins asked him to call the hands so he could be read in. When that was accomplished and Mullins was now the official lord and master of the ship, he invited Lafferty to his cabin where he could learn in private what had been occurring in his absence.

Lafferty had little to say except marines from the flag had come aboard last week and taken Mister Adams away. He did mention Adams had been wearing the epaulette of a commander on his left shoulder, but he understood the man was really just a lieutenant. He did volunteer the crew had feared Adams would be taking them to sea right up ‘till their old captain was piped aboard

When asked about a crew, Lafferty said he had heard a complete crew was aboard the receiving ship ready to staff Aphrodite. A few of these men were former Aphrodite’s, but a good half were new catches by the Impress Service. “At any rate, we have gone to sea in worse condition.”

Lafferty had no idea of where they were going, but pointing to a pile of mail on the table, he said, “I wouldn’t be surprised if it were not spelled out somewhere in that stack.”

To be continued: