Supplying Supers - Ch 21 - When it All Began Pt. 1 - Beta (Patreon)

Friday September 7, 1691 Salem, Massachusetts Amerika

James Everett - Now known as Gunner Webb

OSDB Hero Rank: N/A - Civilian

OSDB Threat Rating: N/A - Civilian

As their day of fishing came to an end, James guided the Peripheryinto Salem’s port harbor. The single-mast sloop was the oldest vessel in his fleet, but it was his favorite. It was the very first boat that his father had taken him on.

Once he was old enough, it was the one his father taught him to sail. When he’d grown a man, it was the first boat he captained. It was also the same place he’d lost his virginity.

Bethany Davis, James smiled as he reminisced. An arse the size of a galley.

William, Roger, and Thomas took positions on each end of the boat while Bartholemew took inventory of their full day of fishing. William was his most trusted mate, a hearty man with a thick black beard and broad shoulders. Roger was the jokester of the group and always had an opinion about everything. Thomas was the strong, silent type. There to collect his payment and do little outside of that. Bartholemew was the youngest, and always looking for a way to prove himself.

The flock of boats coming into the harbor was James’ least favorite part of the day. Dozens of vessels of all varying sizes queued for their chance to get home before sundown. Only to arise before dawn to do it all over again.

After wading through the shore and docking the ship, James commanded his crew to ready the ship for the evening. Even once they’d docked, their day was far from over. Each of his men sprang into action like they’d done hundreds of times before.

They all assisted Bartholomew in sorting the species and size of their catch. It was a full load of cod, halibut, and mackerel. The few tuna that they’d caught were put off to the side, dinner for each of the crew. After they segregated the low profit specimens for chum, they spent the next few hours cleaning the fish.

Every one they wished to sell needed to have its scales, guts, and undesirables removed. Once they completed that task, the crew then moved onto salting and storage. James sorted a large barrel of salt into smaller buckets, handing each one of his men. They pressed handfuls of the small crystals into the meat before stacking them in barrels.

Once all the fish had been preserved, they sealed the tops aboard the ship to be sold for the following day. As he expected, the men readied themselves to disembark.

With a loud whistle, James gathered their attention and asked, “Where are you all going? Periphery isn’t going to clean herself.”

The groans were unanimous as James handed them each mops and buckets. But he stood right there with them, mopping and sweeping until the ship was in ready condition for the following day. When they finished their tasks, James handed them each a tuna steak wrapped in paper to take home for their families.

When he and his crew disembarked the ship, Roger backpedaled and pointed his thumb over his shoulder. “Oi Captain, fancy a drink?”

“Aye, Captain,” Bartholemew added. “Let’s share a mug. It’s been a few weeks since you’ve been to Gedney’s with us. It feels like you’re avoiding us.”

James smiled. “I am not avoiding everyone, Bart. Just you.” The other men roared and hazed their young counterpart. James followed behind them, stepping onto the docks as he continued. “Why is it every time I visit the tavern with you lot, I am the one stuck with the tab?”

“You’re just doing your Captainly duties, Sire,” Roger said, brimming his tobacco-stained teeth.

“As much as I would love to, I am already predisposed for the evening.”

“The Sheldon Sisters keeping you busy, Captain?”

“They are not sisters, and that is none of your business,” James said, side-eying Roger.

“Might as well be. You never see the three separate from each other’s arms.”

“Wait. You’re housing the Sheldon Sisters, Captain?” Bartholemew asked.

Before James could respond, Roger wrapped his arm around Bartholemew’s neck and pulled him in close. “Didn’t you hear, boy? The captain is a beard-splitter after my own heart. They have been staying at the Everett house ever since they arrived in town, not but six months ago.

“That is enough, Roger,” James said, his tone direct and cold.

Unphased, Roger placed his hands around the back of his head and smiled. “I do not see it as shameful, Captain. Far from it. Let the puritans gawk and whisper. You’re a man above other men. All the divine knows I could not handle one woman, let alone three—”

James stopped and turned on a dime. He took a deep breath and gripped Roger’s shoulder. The man winced as James tightened his grip.

He wasn’t sure why he was angry. Roger was right on all accounts. But listening to him say it out loud rubbed James the wrong way. It wasn’t his business.

Before he could give him an earful, a grizzled voice called from behind them, shouting, “Captain Everett!”

When James turned around, he saw it was the harbormaster marching over to them. “You four go,” he commanded. “Enjoy your evening.”

“You too, Captain,” Bartholemew said.

James watched as the other men waddled off while he stood for the harbormaster. The man wore a thick cap and a wool overcoat. He held on to a corn-cob pipe, puffing on it as he approached.

“Good fishing today, Captain?” William asked, extending his arm.

“The sea was kind to us for once,” James said, shaking the man’s hand.

“That is all ye can ask for.”

“Apologies for my directness, harbormaster, but is there a problem? My fees should be paid through the season.”

“No, no, nothing like that,” William said, waving his pipe. He looked around and stepped in close, whispering as he spoke. “There was a woman who came by the docks for ye.”

“A woman? Was it Mellicent or—”

William shook his head. “No, Captain, she be not from Salem. She looked… different.”

“How so?”

“She might be a native? Her eyes be slant. She had long raven black hair. But she was well dressed like a proper woman, a shining black dress, if I remember right. Like obsidian. And she had some of the largest bubbies I have ever seen on a woman.”

James rolled his eyes and tried to get the elder back on track. “Did the woman come in on a boat from overseas?”

“No. I was told by Mr. Bishop that he’d seen her arrive into town by carriage. He said she’d been wandering the town inquiring about ye whereabouts, wishing to speak to ye directly.”

“Me?”

“That is right, Captain. A one James Everett.”

“Did she say what she wanted?”

“Not to me. She said it was urgent and that she would be waiting for ye at Gedney’s.”

James reached into his inner pocket and pulled out a few shillings, and handed them to the harbormaster. “Thanks, William. Give me leave to look into this. For your troubles.”

The man grinned and gave a slight nod as he said, “My pleasure, Captain. Pleasant evenings to ye.”

“You too, harbormaster.”

James turned and marched to the end of the docks. He made his way through the center of the city, passing the white wooden buildings lined up around the town square. Small lit candles sat in many of the windows.

The streets were bustling with passersby, yet an air of unease hung heavy in the atmosphere. The men and women he approached gave a smile and a nod. However, when he passed them, he caught them all whispering in hushed tones, their eyes darting suspiciously.

The city had been on edge as of late. The Church of Light held power above all else, with many of the citizens devoting their lives to the teachings of Divinity. However, all of those that did not father the Mother’s guidance were quickly shunned. Rumors and accusations of dark sorcery had spread like wildfire, igniting a fervor of paranoia and suspicion.

It was never a concern for him until that moment. James paid no mind to the squabbles of the religious, inheriting his father’s belief that the few that existed and called themselves divine were nothing more than men and women with gifts. There were too many of them who argued their truths to those too stupid to question them.

While there was no denying their power, they still felt limited and flawed. Just like the men and women that looked to them for guidance. There were dozens of books written about generations that had come and gone. Only a few were truly immortal.

Instead of religion, he devoted his time to his business. While he had no formal education, at a young age, his mother fostered his love for reading. She taught him the basics of literature, penmanship, and mathematics. While his father taught him core lessons in leadership, business, and basic accounting.

His work ethic earned him the respect of his community. The Everett name was multigenerational in Salem, which carried weight. His position as a business owner gave him power. But what he feared was that money could only go so far with fanatics.

His time spent with the Sheldon Sisters was a fun effort to remove his loneliness. His family home was a large two-story building on the outskirts of town surrounded by a dozen acres. As an only child, it was a lot of home for a single person once his mother and father passed. And he appreciated the company his guests provided.

Since they’d arrived in Salem, they were the talk of the town. Their radiant beauty and promiscuous dresses pulled every man’s attention and every woman’s ire. But it was that same night that James and his crew wound down at the local tavern and he’d met the three vixens.

They captivated him instantly. But to his surprise, when he’d locked onto Mellicent’s green eyes, her friends’, Dorothy and Annabelle soon followed. Over drinks, he learned they’d traveled from Boston and were traveling north searching for something. A smile crossed his face as he remembered that when he asked what they were searching for, they joked it was him.

From that night forward, they stayed at his home. Neither party asked for anything, it was just given. He provided them with food, shelter, and gifts. They provided him with conversation and a warm bed.

Everyone had an opinion about the situation. Most of which he ignored because it was not their business. However, with a new woman coming in front out-of-town asking for his name, James questioned whether he bit off more than he could chew.

Has my name spread as some sort of harlot caretaker? James wondered. That word got out that I’d offer free room and board to any woman willing to sleep with me? Is that what this mysterious woman is here for? I should ask Mellicent when I arrive home. Who knows what the rest of the town is thinking? Probably that I’m running some sort of private brothel.

As he made his way through town, he came across Gedney’s Ship-Tavern. The loud echoes of conversation flowed into the street as townsfolk gathered inside. Curiosity took hold of the sea captain and he walked up to the exterior windows. He peaked through the latticework, scanning the main floor.

Residents and fishermen gathered around wooden tables, bickering over the latest gossip as they drowned their pains in alcohol. Waitresses weaved between rows of wooden chairs, carrying bowls of potted fish. Those feeling lucky played games of chance on the far side of the room.

His eyes continued to scan the room until they settled on a lone figure sitting in the back corner. She wore a plush dark blue dress with a matching cloak pulled over her head. It covered his face except for the lower half of her jaw. Her skin was as pale as snow and her lips pink as a rose.

With one swift motion, she looked up at him, locking onto his gaze. Her eyes were wide and sunken black. A chill fell down James’ spine as he felt himself being pulled into the dark, sullen void. Fear gripped his heart as he struggled to look away. Everything felt wrong. He couldn’t move.

When he blinked, she was gone. The chair sat pushed under the table. The empty plate and mug vanished.

His mind screamed, trying to process what had just happened. Without an answer, his fight-or-flight instinct kicked in. He ran.

With his arms tightened around his tuna, James sprinted down the dirt-packed city streets. His mind raced with possibilities. Were the church’s warnings of dark sorcery, right?he wondered. Was that woman a native spirit sent to kill me? Why? Why me?

Once he reached the town’s edge, James slid to a halt. He gasped for air as he looked behind him. The sun hung low over the horizon, casting long shadows over the water and city. The trickle of the blue water sparkled radiant reflections of the city above it. It was beautiful. The sight filled him with a reassurance that he was okay. He cracked a smile and laughed at himself as he continued home.

Maybe I’ve been spending too long at sea, James thought. Maybe it’s time to step away from the boating and spend more time running the businesses affairs. I could use it as an excuse to promote one of the men. William would make an excellent captain. He’s got the men’s respect and certainly mine. For now… I can use a warm meal and a good night’s sleep.

As he reached the peak of the road, his childhood home crested his view. It sat on top of a hillside surrounded by lush bushes with pink flowers still in bloom. His home was two stories in height, with wooden paneling that had turned gray from age. Its rectangular shape was built for sturdiness and ease rather than aesthetics.

The front facade had nine windows with small casement leaded glass. The front door was centered square in the middle. A stone-stacked fence marked his property line. The same one he helped his father build.

As he walked up the stone pathway to his door, he saw passing shadows through the light illuminating from the windows. He looked up to see smoke rising from the chimney. A sign that Mellicent had already begun preparing supper.

When he reached the front door, he could hear the soft laughter of the women inside. As he entered the front door, the smell of freshly baked bread hit his nose and his stomach growled. He hadn’t realized how hungry he was.

“Hello” James called, kicking off his boots. “I have returned.”

A bright gasp called from the kitchen, followed by a flurry of quick footsteps. Before he could stand straight, a short, beautiful blonde-haired woman in a pink flowered dress sprinted through the living room and jumped into the air. The fisherman dropped the tuna just in time to catch her.

“James!” Dorothy shouted. Before he could get a word in, she pecked his lips with the speed of a woodpecker. Dorothy was the smallest of the trio. But she made up her size with spunk and aggression. “Oh, how I missed you. My body yearns for you every moment that we’re apart.”

James laughed through the onslaught of kisses as he said, “I missed you too, sweetheart.”

Annabelle approached right behind her wearing her signature purple dress that James swore shined just like her black hair. She had a soft and round face. Her thick body held her weight in all the right places. From the time they’d first met, she’d always been the softer and more maternal of the three. She always made sure he was well taken care of.

Annabelle swatted at Dorothy’s bottom and said, “That’s enough. You’ll suck the air right out of his lungs.”

“Okay,” Dorothy huffed, stealing one more peck before dropping to the floor.

With her friend out of the way, the brown-eyed girl rounded James and pressed her busty chest into his back and whispered, “Welcome home, handsome.” She lightly kissed the backside of his neck as she unbuttoned his coat. A motion which sent shivers down James’ whole body.

“Thank you,” the fisherman said. “It’s good to be home.”

“I see you brought supper.”

“The sea opened herself and rewarded us with a plentiful bounty.”

“Mmm… a beautiful thought. One we could explore later.” With a final kiss on the cheek, Annabelle took off his coat and walked it to the larder to be aired out.

As he picked up the paper-wrapped fish, Dorothy wrapped around his free arm and flooded him with questions. “How was your day? Did you catch many fish? Did you fantasize about me? I did about you.”

Without missing a beat, James smiled and said, “Long. Yes. Yes.And I thought about you, too.”

“Long? You’re not tired, are you?”

“It’s been an exhausting day.”

“Aw… I was hoping we could stay up late tonight.”

James chuckled. “Let us see how I’m feeling after supper.”

Dorothy clapped her hands and bounced on her toes as they walked through the dark-wood living room. A small red rug led through the open space, the wood creaking with each step. They entered the dining room and kitchen where Mellicent stood over the table preparing their dinner.

James found her the most beautiful of the three. She had long red hair the color of burning embers. Her skin was milky white and spotted with brown freckles around the bridge of her nose and shoulders. Her lips were full and thick. The green dress she wore was pulled tight around her hourglass figure. And while she wasn’t as wide-bodied as Annabelle, she was more well-portioned with more than enough fun in the front and back.

When James entered the room, she lowered the knife she held and wiped her hands on her apron. She walked over to him, set down the fish, and wrapped her arms around his neck. With a soft tug, she sensually pulled his lips to hers, taking deep breaths as she savored their taste.

James wanted nothing more than to take her right then and there. She always had that effect on him. It was like he could feel the passion and desire she had for him, and that made him want her so much more. She was everything he desired in physical looks, personality, and emotional intelligence. He felt she was his equal, and what he ultimately wanted in a partner.

When she pulled away, she battered her green eyes at him and said, “I am glad to see you.”

“And I you,” James said, going in for another round.

When they pulled apart, she looked up at him with a wicked smile and whispered, “I thought I overheard you were tired.”

“What can I say?” James whispered back. “You awaken something inside of me.”

“I hope so…. Now go wash up while I finish preparing the meal,” Mellicent trailed off.

While she unwrapped the tuna steaks, James walked to the corner of the room where a pitcher and an empty basin sat on top of a corner cabinet. He filled the basin with water from the pitcher and washed his hands. After splashing his face and scrubbing it lightly, he turned to find Annabelle holding a dry cloth.

“Thank you, love,” James said, drying his hands and face.

After setting the towel down, Annabelle pulled a chair out for him. Once he was seated, she began massaging his shoulders. Her hands were firm and strong, able to get the toughest knots out.

James leaned his head back into her soft belly, soft moans escaping his lips. “Ugh… that feels great.”

“Good,” Annabelle said, her voice delicate and soft. “You’ve worked hard today. You deserve to relax.” She looked over at Dorothy, who was in the middle of sitting down. “Go refill the water pale and retrieve a bottle of rum from the cellar.”

“Why don’t you do it?”

“Because, as you can see, I’m busy. You’re the only one doing nothing. Now get.”

“Ugh… fine.”

James smiled when he heard Dorothy curse under her breath. Her stomping footsteps continued until she left the room.

When the backdoor shut, Annabelle vented as she said, “I’m tiring of her attitude, Mellicent. She never wants to help around the house. All she wants to do is stay in bed all day.”

“Do you wish for me to speak with her?” Mellicent asked, not looking up as she placed the steaks in a cast iron pan.

“I just want her to contribute more. I feel like you and I work well together. But she only takes.”

“She has always been this way. This is not something new.”

“I know. I just hoped she’d grow out of it.”

“She’s not some child… You knew this before we allowed her to join us. We needed a third, and we both agreed it would be her.”

“I know… Thy three Sisters burn the way…”

James looked up with a cocked brow. “What is that from?”

“Hmm?” Annabelle asked, catching a glare from Mellicent. “Oh… um… just a song.”

“Would you sing it for me?”

“Oh no, I could not. I’m… too abashed.”

“Please? I would imagine that you have a lovely singing voice.”

“Why don’t you hum it for him,” Mellicent suggested, before putting the pan over the fire.

“Oh… I suppose I could do that.”

As the room filled with smells of cooking fish, James closed his eyes and leaned into Annabelle. Her humming eased his stress faster than the massage. All his cares and worries faded around him. He became at peace, completely relaxed. He wanted this to last forever.

But it wasn’t meant to be.