Called by the Siren

Chapter 33: Meetings!*

“I didn't even know this ship had a Brig!” Sam said trying to suppress a smirk. 

“Ha, ha very funny! Now let me the f**k out of here!” Bee snapped as she folded her arms. The Brig was a small room with a bed and a toilet. Instead of a solid door, there was one made out of bars.

“No can do, I am afraid! The Captain is a bit upset and says you need time to cool down!” Sam said.

Bee sighed and said, “Well, it was not my finest moment!”

Two hours earlier Bee had gone to the Captain's office with good intentions, she really had! But, Bee had found Garson asleep in the corner. Bee had even woke him up gently and tried to explain the danger they were heading towards. But, Garson was not having any of it.

“Would you please just listen to me, there is a hurricane coming. We have to change course and prepare ourselves!” Bee shouted in frustration.

“With all due respect Siren, the computer navigation system states we are fine and don’t need to move course!” Garson said simply. He was drunk…again!

“Well, the computer is wrong! Look outside for God's sake!” Bee said pointing to the observation window.

“Yeah, it is perfect! Now look, I know you are having issues of the heart and ..” Garson started to say.

“Choose your next words very carefully!” Bee growled.

Garson was too drunk to take the hint. “Look, we all know females can be more sensitive and emotional. Perhaps the recent heartbreak with the Twins had caused your judgment to be....impaired!”

Bee was stunned for a few seconds before her temper exploded. “Impaired? I will show you impaired, you drunken festering octopus anus!” Bee roared as she launched herself at Garson. Bee managed to get in a few punches before she was dragged off by 4 strong sailors.

“You insulted him and broke his nose, Bee!” Sam said through the bars. 

“I know! Did you manage to get my laptop?” Bee asked.

“Sure did Siren,” Sam said as he slid her laptop through the bars. 

Bee smiled and jumped off the bed. Bee grabbed the Laptop in one hand and grabbed Sam’s shirt with the other. She kissed him through the bars.

“Hmmm, is it wrong I find this hot?” Sam said as he kissed her again.

“Times up lovers!” A gruff sailor said interrupting the moment. Bee could not wait to get Sam off this ship.

“Promise me that you will get the guys to check the cargo!” Bee said quickly.

“I promise to tell them to check the straps! Now, use this time to try and relax!” Sam said as he was ushered out by the sailor.

“Yeah, right!” Bee said with a sigh as she watched him leave. Bee sat on her bed and logged on to her laptop. She took a deep breath before making a call she knew she should have made weeks ago. The ring sound only happened twice before a familiar face appeared on the screen.

“Bee?! Thank God!” Jack said his voice full of concern.

“Hi, Jack! How are things?” Bee said carefully.

“Did she really just ask how things are? How do you think?” Bee heard Laim shout out in the background.

“Be quiet Liam!” Jack snapped before continuing. “Bee I promised you I would not lie to you a while back, so here it is. It is s**t, war is breaking out between the land and sea gangs. The Sea Syndicate is outraged and has slapped on a 10 per cent port tax on all land syndicates. No one is dealing with Kurt and the British Syndicate is in serious trouble. We need you back here Bee!” Jack said simply.

“I will, I just..” Bee started to say.

“Those arseholes did a complete number on you! But no one blames you Bee, no one!” Jack said firmly.

“Have you heard any news about them?” Bee said looking down. Bee didn't even know why a large part of her wanted to know, but it did.

“No, not really. Apparently, they have not been seen in public for weeks. I know Theo and Frank went to Cornwall to smooth things over.” Jack said.

“Huh! I bet that went down well” Bee said rolling her eyes.

“Yeah, well I think they all have a meeting today!” Jack said.

“Well best of luck to them. They are sure going to need a lot of it!” Bee said thinking of her Grandparents were going to tear any Land Gang member a new one.

“So will you! A hurricane ship Bee, what were you thinking? You know your Uncle is beside himself with worry! I would have helped you go somewhere! Why didn't you come to me?” Jack said in a hurt voice.

“Because I did not want to put you in a difficult position! Plus I am sure that it will be fine, the ships navigation systems these days are pretty amazing!” Bee argued.

“I am always going to be on your side, no matter what! Now, what is it you need?” Jack said softly.

“I want you to look into Sea Gang members being kidnapped and sold. It is happening particularly in smaller gangs!” Bee growled.

“Kidnapped and sold? Who would dare?” Jack said angrily.

“I have a fair few ideas, but I need you to confirm them before I take action!” Bee said firmly.

“Of course! I will let you know as soon as I find anything!” Jack said.

“Thank you and I am sorry,” Bee said genuinely.

“Don't worry! But, please just be careful! None of us could cope if something happened to you!” Jack said honestly.

“I am sure people would cope just fine!” Bee argued.

“No Bee, we wouldn't!” Jack growled.

“Alright! Alright! Anyway, I better go now. I promise to call again soon!” Bee said with a smile.

“ You better!” Jack said.

“I will! Pass my love on to everyone Jack and thank you, my friend!” Bee said as she blew Jack a kiss.

“Love you too Bee and it is good to see you back!” Jack said and the screen went blank.

Bee sighed and closed her laptop. She knew she had to call her family eventually, but she felt that this was not the time. Bee laid down on the bed and fell fast asleep.

====================

“Thank you so much for having this meeting with us. Can I please introduce John and Susan, the leaders of the Candian Syndicate? You of course, already know the Twins, Theo and my wife, Alannah.” Kurt said formally. 

“Unfortunately we do!” Leonid snapped a girl from across the large table they were all sitting at. John and Susan had flown in from Canada yesterday morning in an attempt to find a solution to the situation. They were used to cleaning their sons’ issues up, but this was different.

“Calm down Leonid! Let's hear what they have to say!” Rosemary said.

“Thank you. I just wanted to start by saying that on behalf of the Canadian Syndicate and my Gang, how sorry we are!” Susan said. She was a tall woman with blue eyes and blonde wavy hair. Dressed casually in a floral printed dress, she portrayed class and serenity.

“Yes, may I echo my wife’s words. We officially and personally apologise for any offence caused by our sons!” John said. John was also above average height with black hair and blue eyes. It was clear who the Twins took after.

“Offence? I don't give a s**t about offence! They broke our Granddaughter’s heart!” Leonid roared.

“We understand the hurt and..” Susan began to say.

“No, I don't think you do! Your sons treated Bonny like a w***e and now she is on a hurricane ship!” Leonid continued to shout.

“Don’t you dare speak to our mother like that!” Ethan said standing up.

“Our Mum deserves some respect!” Aiden said also standing up angrily.

“And so did Bee!” Rosemary said in a stone-hard voice.

“Yes, she did. Now, sit down boys!” Susan said and when the twins hesitated for a minute, Susan said “Sit down NOW!” The Twins instantly obeyed.

“My sons can be stupid, foolish and dam right arrogant. But they are also kind, loving and generous. There is no way they would have done that...film...if they had not been drugged!” Susan said firmly.

“Yes, we have sent you evidence to prove they were drugged!” Kurt added.

“Yes, we received it,” Rosemary confirmed.

“Drug tests can be forged!” Leonid snapped.

“Which is why we made sure it was done by three independent labs. They have been drugged, Leonid!” Theo confirmed.

“But, why?” Rosemary asked.

“We believe it was to break up the Twins and Bee. Someone was not happy with their courtship for some reason!” Alannah explained.

“For some reason? The reason is very clear! Land Gang members do not think the Siren is good enough for their Princes!” Leonid said angrily.

“But that is not true! Bee is good enough!” Aiden said.

“In fact, it is us that is not good enough for her!” Ethan said.

There was a moment of silence around the table and Rosemary gave her husband one of her meaningful looks.

Leonid sighed and said, “It does not matter what you think, the courtship is over!”

“Technically not, Bee has not declared it herself. If she..” Kurt suggested subtly.

“You mean there is still a chance?” Ethan said eagerly. The Twins had emailed her at least once a day and tried to call her numerous times.

Frank scoffed and said “I would not get your hopes up! Bee is on a hurricane ship, so she is very upset!”

“But, if Bee does forgive them..” Kurt said.

“Then I suppose we would be agreeable to them courting her. But, they would need to prove, beyond any shadow of a doubt, their faithfulness and worth!” Rosemary said firmly.

“Rosemary, I must protest!” Leonid roared.

“You seem to have forgotten the uproar when we wanted to get married, Leonid! It is Bee’s choice, just like it was ours. Besides Have you forgotten who is actually the head of the Krakens?” Rosemary said, her eyes flashing angrily. 

Alannah mentally smiled, Sea Gangs were very much matriarchal. It was a big mistake to think Rosemary Clearwater was some harmless old Nan!

“No, Dear!” Leonid said.

“Good! Now I suggest you find out who has done this and bring them to justice. This will go a long way to calming the other Sea Gangs. But, only Bee can order them to stand down though!” Rosemary warned.

“I completely understand and when I talked to her..” Kurt said.

“Wait, you managed to contact Bee?” Frank said quickly.

“How is she? Did she look well?” Leonid asked.

“Is she eating enough? Is Garison looking after her? So help me God if he isn't! Rosemary said.

“How can you not of told us, Kurt?” Ethan demanded angrily.

Kurt sighed and was about to answer the questions when there was a loud commotion outside. Kurt frowned and Alannah got up with Theo. They were just about to scope out the area for threats when the door burst open.

“Ahh well isn't this nice? What a lovely meeting we have going on here!” Elgar said with a smile.

“Elgar? What is the meaning of this?” Kurt roared as Elgar walked in with Priscilla in tow.

“Oh, my king and Queen, I have just come to share some joyous news!” Elgar said.

“You have got 10 seconds to get out of here or..” Kurt was beginning to say.

“Come now, you won't throw out the Mother to be of one of the Twins firstborn! That would be rude!” Elgar said as Priscilla smirked.

“No!” The Twins said in unison.

“Yes! Priscilla is pregnant and one of you is the father!” Elgar said triumphantly.