Read The Deepest Waters, A Novel for Free Online

Everyone within earshot turned and stared. “It appears to be coming this way.”
    No one said a word. Everyone was likely thinking the same thing—fresh water. If the storm was mild, that is. But then another thought . . . more deaths if it stirred up the wind and waves again. Even John doubted he could hold on through another round of that.
    “You can see the end of it,” someone said. “On both sides.”
    “Maybe it won’t be so bad,” said another. “I must have water.”
    They watched as it moved slowly toward them.
    Suddenly a flash. “Was that . . . ?”
    “Yes,” said Ramón, “it was.”
    Lightning.

8
     
    As Captain Meade had predicted, the winds had stayed firm all day, filling the sails of the Cutlass and drying out the dampness in Laura’s clothes. Except for her undergarments, she felt completely dry. But the chafing on her skin caused her considerable pain. Walking was an especially painful task. She hadn’t seen Micah since the terrible beating he’d received an hour ago. She went below deck to see how he fared.
    She found him folding the cut sails he’d passed out the night before, facing away from her. Crabby sat dutifully by his side, admiring every move he made. Micah bent down to pick up another, patted her head, and said, “That’s my girl.” Her tail instantly responded.
    “Micah,” Laura said. “Are you all right?” Crabby turned and ran toward her. Laura bent down to greet her.
    Micah turned also, much slower. Laura’s heart fell as she saw the swelling on his face, especially around his eyes and mouth. She noticed him blinking back tears.
    “Sorry, ma’am,” he said, seeing she noticed.
    “Don’t be,” Laura said. “I couldn’t believe how that man treated you.”
    Micah gently shook his head. “That not be the reason for these tears. I just been here thankin’ the Lord, is all. How he been so good to me.”
    “I don’t understand.”
    “I thought she be gone for sure.” He looked at Crabby. “Didn’t think I’d get to Missuh Maul in time. Then I’d be all alone. But the good Lord spare her, and me too.”
    “Aren’t you upset? That man beat you so badly.”
    “I been beat worse, more times than I know, with nothin’ to show for it. I’d take five more like it to save her, she been so good to me.”
    Laura couldn’t believe what she heard. How does someone experience what he just did and within an hour find any good in it, let alone enough to shed tears of joy? She wanted to understand more about this unusual man. She had never spoken to a slave before.
    “Well, I’m glad you’re all right,” she said. “And Crabby too.” Quietly, she said, “You mind if I ask . . . has Captain Meade ever beaten you?”
    “No, Cap’n been good to me. He do talk mean sometimes, but I ’spect he have to, keep order and such. But he’s the best massah I ever have.” He leaned forward and whispered, “Cap’n even read his Bible. Showed it to me once, all beat up and worn.” He smiled. “Like me.”
    “I don’t understand,” she said. “He reads the Bible, but still . . . he owns you?”
    An odd expression came over Micah’s face, like he didn’t understand the question.
    “Hey, Micah,” a voice boomed down from the hatch.
    “Yessuh, Cap’n?”
    “Smitty needs you, time to serve up chow for our guests.”
    “Yessuh, be right there.”

     
    Laura sat on the wooden steps connecting the main and forecastle decks and looked down at her bowl, half-filled with gray mush. She’d only eaten two spoonfuls and could hardly imagine downing a third. It put one in mind of oatmeal, less the cream and sugar, less the nutmeg, less the flavor. She’d heard someone call it gruel, which seemed entirely appropriate.
    She forced another mouthful.
    Dreadful.
    Aboard the SS Vandervere there had been three distinct tiers of food and lodging: first class, second class, and steerage. Even in steerage the food appeared to be several classes above what the crew