Dillard Beach Mystery – 56

The Captain had built his warehouse and loading dock at the mouth of Saybrook’s North Cove as the area provided good protection from coastal storms. It was a very busy harbor. Captains from Europe, Africa and South America and especially the West Indies, made their way to the North Cove of Saybrook, eager to engage in trade and fill their ship holds with valuable cargo.

Once The Caroline was secured against the dock, the crew began to unload barrels and crates. Chapgangway, watching the crew work. “I will stay here to be certain things are done properly,” he announced to Charles. “It is not unknown to have several crates go missing or misdirected,” the Captain added with a wry smile.

“And where are we to go?” Emma asked, her voice eager and excited. “Which is the way to our new home?”

“The trading post is just across the town common and your new home less than a quarter mile away,” the Captain explained. “Charles, I will have my crew deliver all your household goods within the hour.”

“Where is Ezra?” Rebekah asked, looking around.

“I saw him walking down the plank with one of the crew,” Charles said. “I think he fancied he was helping them unload a crate of wood shingles.” He pointed to a spot just to the right of the gangway.

“Ezra!” Rebekah called out.

She turned and gave the Captain a withering look.” I thought you were going to take care of my son.” she cried, panic rising in her voice.

“Ezra!” She looked down at the dock and the stack of wooden barrels that had just been unloaded from The Caroline. Ezra’s small head poked up from behind one of the crates. “Ezra! What are you doing there?”

She quickly ran down the gangway. “Ezra! Come back here.”

“I am helping, Mama. I want to unload cargo for the Captain.”

“You are not old enough. You could get hurt.”

“Yes I am.” He pointed to a small crate that was sitting near the edge of the dock. “I can move little boxes.” He gave her a wide grin.

Rebekah could not help herself, and pulled the boy into her embrace. “I know you want to help, but you must be careful.”

“He is being careful,” the Captain said, moving to stand near Rebekah. “I have been watching the boy. He is doing a good job. He can handle it.”

She looked up at the Captain and frowned. His eyes were shaded by the wide brim of his tri-corner hat. “The dock is not a place for a young boy to be running about.”

“You worry too much, Rebekah. Ezra is doing well and learning fast. He will be captain of his own ship before long.” He grinned and gave the boy a friendly cuff on his backside.

Both boy and Captain laughed. At that moment Emma joined them on the dock.

“Ezra, why don’t you and your mother explore the village while we unload the cargo?” He turned to Rebekah. “That will keep you both out of trouble for a while. And you should take Emma with you as well. I am sure she is anxious to see her new home.”

Emma hesitated. “I left my shawl in our cabin. Give me a moment to retrieve it and I will meet you and Ezra near the entrance to the warehouse.”

Rebekah agreed, and with Ezra in hand, mother and son left the dock and crossed the main road heading towards the center of the village. Chapman returned to the main deck and watched as the women walked away. He turned to Charles. “There is much to do before our cargo finds a home on the shelves of your trading post. Perhaps you should stay here to help see things are organized the way you want.”

Charles agreed and the two men turned and headed towards the nearest open hatchway. Charles had only just disappeared from view when someone on the dock called out.

“Captain Chapman?”

A tall man with hair the color of winter wheat stood at the end of the pier. He was dressed in a long black coat, trimmed in red with silver buttons running down the front. His heavily embroidered neckcloth declared him to be a man of some wealth.

“Captain?” the man asked again.

Chapman studied the man. “I am Captain Chapman. You are?” he let the question hang in the air.

“Samuel Kinnard, merchant and newly elected elder here in the Village of Saybrook. I have the pleasure of welcoming you and your crew to North Harbor.”

“I thank you for your welcome, sir.” He gave the man a slight bow. “But as you are newly elected, perhaps you are not aware, I am a well-established trader here in Saybrook.”

“I am very aware of your position, Captain. It is for that reason I have come to meet you. Do you have a woman on board your vessel by the name of Rebekah Rand? She may be traveling with a young boy.”

Chapman did not answer directly. “And why do you ask?”

“It is a simple question. A legal matter that I have been asked to investigate.”