Dillard Beach Mystery – 58

“Mistress Rand?”

The druggist smiled at the new customers who had just entered his apothecary shop.

“Please, forgive my being so forward, mistress, but might you be the creator of these wonderful ointments?” He pointed to several jars on the shop counter.

Rebekah was instantly wary. “Why is it you ask?”

“Forgive me, mistress.” He made a slight bow. “My name is Thomas Stevens. I am the proprietor of this apothecary. I ask the question, as you closely match the description given me by a Captain Chapman not an hour ago. He thought you might visit my shop today and if you did, he asked that I give you a message.”

Rebekah hesitated before answering. “You know the Captain, sir?”

“I know him well. I sell your ointments for him.”

Rebekah looked at the jars on his counter and recognized her label. “I am Rebekah Rand as you suspect. This is my friend, Emma Ballard. She is the wife of the new trade post manager. What is the Captain’s message?”

Stevens glanced at the other customers in the shop, leaned a little closer and spoke softly so as not to be overheard. “The Captain says you are to meet him at the new trading post, mistress, and under no circumstance, should you or the boy return to his ship, The Caroline.”

Rebekah was surprised at his words.

“Did he say when we are to meet him?”

“He did not, but his message sounded most urgent.”

Rebekah thanked the storekeeper. “We will go at once. Come Emma.” She crossed to the door and was about to leave the shop when she realized she had no idea where to go.

“Mister Stevens, where is the Saybrook trading post? I have never been to your village.”

“The trading post is a new building. Follow the main road towards the center of the village. The Trading post is the small wooden building just to the west of the Village Meeting House. It is a short walk of not more than five minutes.”

Rebekah thanked him and with both Emma and Ezra in tow, quickly left the shop.

“Where are we going, Mama?” Ezra asked.

“We are meeting with the Captain, Ezra. Come. We must hurry.”

The main path was busy with people shopping for goods, and merchants eager to sell their wares. The call of both fishmongers and bakers filled the air, trying to persuade the public to buy.

“Can you tell me which is the way to the Saybrook Trading Post?” she asked a peddler selling baskets off the back of his mule.

The man gave her a blank stare. “You want to go where?” he asked.

“Saybrook Trading Post.”

“Never heard of it.”

“It is near the Town Meeting Hall,” she explained.

“Well, then, you know where it must be. Why you asking for somethin’ you already know?” The man shook his head and walked away.

Rebekah stared after him. Frustrated, she turned towards the people standing nearby. “Is there anyone here who can tell us how to get to the Saybrook Trading Post?”

Several women shook their heads and turned away.

“Mama, where are we going?” Ezra asked. “I’m tired.”

She pulled on Ezra’s arm, drawing him closer to her side.

“I know you are tired, Ezra, but the Captain asked us to meet him at the trading post and I do not know how to get there.”

“I know the way!” A voice called out.

Rebekah turned and saw a tall man standing near by. He was dressed in a dark brown doublet, long cape and carried a large musket. “I am heading in that direction. Just follow me.”

“That is very kind of you, sir.”