Read Vampirates 5: Empire of Night for Free Online Page B

and sent his hat flying through the air. It landed on a protruding part of the ship's steering kit.
    "How's tricks?" he inquired, rubbing his hands together briskly. "Anything crop up in my absence that I should know about? Anyone misbehaving? Tell me everything!"
    Johnny shook his head, exchanging glances with his comrade. "It's all been smooth sailing, hasn't it, Stuke?"
    Stukeley nodded, his hand resting possessively on the ship's wheel. "We've kept everything nicely under control, Captain."
    "Excellent work, lads," Sidorio said, marching over to the wheel and placing his own hands firmly on its circumference. "I knew I could depend on you both to take care of business for me." He grinned, surveying the vast hulk of the ship beneath him, and the thronging crew below. Then he shifted his bulk, with the result that Stukeley had no choice but to step aside and release his hand from the steering wheel. "I'm home now," Sidorio said, quietly but with unquestionable authority, "and things can get back to normal around here."
    Behind Sidorio's back, Stukeley grimaced at Johnny.
    Johnny knew how much his friend and comrade had relished taking command of the ship during the captain's
    57
    absence. Johnny had undeniably gotten a kick out of it, too--and there was no doubt that the crew had been more organized under their command than had previously been the case. The question was, now that Sidorio was back at the helm, would things remain structured or would they slip back into the old chaos? It could go either way. It didn't matter so much to Johnny. He was more than capable of going with the flow. But he had lately detected a new drive and ambition in Stukeley's demeanor. He had known there would be tension upon the captain's return; he just hadn't expected it to surface quite so soon.
    Johnny racked his brains for a way to defuse the air of tension on the bridge. Suddenly he had an idea, and inquired of Sidorio, " Capitán , where is your lovely wife?"
    "Lola's on her ship," Sidorio said. He registered the surprise in his lieutenant's eyes and added, "She has her ship and I have mine . Just like before we were married."
    Now Stukeley's interest was also piqued. "So Lady Lola won't be coming to live with us here on The Blood Captain ?"
    "Not for the time being." Sidorio shook his head, then waved his hand as if swatting away a fly. "Let's not waste time discussing my domestic arrangements. I'm sure there are far more interesting things for us to talk about."
    "Sure," agreed Stukeley, exchanging a swift, surreptitious glance with Johnny. "Just so long as Lady Lola is
    58
    well and quite recovered from the horrendous attack at your wedding." Both lieutenants watched carefully for their boss's reaction. After all, it was Stukeley and Johnny who had instigated the "horrendous attack," though it had been inflicted by the pirates. Did Sidorio know or suspect the truth?
    If he did, he wasn't giving anything away--and subtlety had never been his strongest suit. He simply nodded amiably at Stukeley. "Lola's better than ever; thanks for asking. You'll see for yourselves, soon enough. She's invited you two over to The Vagabond tonight for Tiffin."
    " Tiffin ?" Stukeley's face was blank. "What on earth is that?"
    Sidorio shrugged. "Your guess is as good as mine; I can't be expected to keep track of everything that goes on in that woman's head. All I know is you're due over there"--he glanced at the ship's clock--"oh, about ten minutes ago."
    Stukeley made no move to leave. Instead, he inquired casually, "Do you know why your wife wishes to see us?"
    Sidorio shook his head. "I suppose she wants to get to know you better. After all, you're working for her now, as well as me."
    "Working for her?!" This time, Stukeley couldn't keep the irritation out of his voice.
    "She's my wife," Sidorio roared, turning to face his deputies. "Lola and I run this empire together. You report to her now, as well as to me."
    59
    Stukeley struggled hard to contain his