As Jack approached George and Marie's home, he stopped his horse and whistled loudly. Within seconds he received a welcome whistle in return. The family gathered round. Johanna wore an angry expression on her face even as she cradled Rugby in her arms. The boys were chattering away about something, and George and Marie seemed puzzled. Jack looked at Rose.
"Can you really fly?"
All eyes had turned to Rose. She curled her lips into a humorless smile and said, "Is it the end of days, Henry?"
The way she said it sent a chill down Jack's spine.
Marie grabbed the boys by their shirts and dragged them to the house, kicking and screaming.
"Henry," said George. "She's our daughter. We've brought you in and trusted you. What are your intentions?"
Jack said, "You know nothing of the ambush at Sinner's Row?"
"What ambush?"
"You've heard no word of The Viceroy attacking The Fortress?"
"Of course not. Where have you gotten your information?"
"From the lips of a dying man."
Johanna, less angry now, said, "Henry, what is this about?"
"My men are being hung one by one at Sinner's Row. My ship is about to be attacked."
"Your men? Your ship?" Johanna said.
George looked at the two girls.
"Henry's a privateer," he said.
Rose's face grew animated. "I knew it! And no ordinary pirate, are you Henry? I'll tell you who he is, Johanna. He's Jack Hawley!"
George's face went white. "Could that possibly be true?"
Johanna had a different reaction. She seemed to be putting something together in her head. After a moment she said, " Gentleman Jack Hawley? Well that makes sense, now, doesn't it!"
Rose said, "Do you wish to ravish us, Jack Hawley?"
"Of course not!" Jack said. "Why would someone your age even think to say such a thing?"
"I'm an old soul, Henry. I'm sure George has told you that."
Indeed, George, who'd been known to exaggerate, had told Jack that Rose didn't appear to age like their other children. She looked the same four years ago when he found her as she did today.
"What are your intentions, Henry?" George said. "I mean, Mr. Hawley."
"George, we go way back. I like to think we're friends. I can see you might not have heard the news since the soldiers came from the north. But you're either with us or against us, and I'll respect which it is. But you need to cast your lot now, for time is running out on my men."
"I'm with you Henry," Johanna said.
"My family stands at your service," George said.
"And you, miss," Jack said to Rose. "Tell me truly. Can you fly?"