Chapter 22
Before Nick could process Zach’s declaration and respond, Bos’n whistled again, and the ship’s bell rang in the pattern calling all hands to the deck. Fat raindrops began falling through the open hatch, pattering on the straw.
Nick pointed a finger at Zach. “We’ll discuss this later.” He spun on his heel, had to grab the canvas-covered net full of straw for a moment while the hold tilted crazily, then hurried up top.
The wind almost knocked Nick back below deck when he tried to emerge from the hatch. He buttoned his coat all the way and tossed his hat down the ladder, then closed the hatch cover behind him. Jonesy and Bos’n each had a safety rope tied around their waists and were working the tiller together to keep the ship on course. Dense, dark clouds swiftly headed their w
