“That goes for you, too,” Mary said. She touched his arm. “I love you, Captain Jack.”
“And I love you, Mary.”
They embraced as orders ran out through the ship, and men prepared for war.
* * *
At nine that night, HMS Monarch and HMS Invincible raised their anchors and quietly steamed closer to the shore. The captains stood on their respective bridges, calmly eyeing their ship and the surrounding sea.
MonarchInvincible“Extinguish all lights!” the officers ordered and sent the petty officers to ensure nothing glimmered to alert the Egyptians to their movements. “Silence!”
Jack thought it eerie when the ship slid forward with all the hands quiet. The vast vessels powered through the narrow harbour entrance, scarcely raising a ripple as officers and men concentrated on their duty. Jack wa
