Twenty-two-year-old Jacob Tomkins is sentenced to seven years’ labour in the fledgling colony of Sydney Town, Australia. The voyage across the sea is arduous. He is travelling with mean, street-hardened criminals, some of whom would like to use him for their pleasure. Fortunately he meets Peter, who takes Jacob under his wing. Together they find moments of pleasure amid the drudgery of the voyage. They share their hopes and dreams, and finally declare their love for each other upon the eve of their arrival in Sydney Town -- a place where the currency is rum, distilled and controlled by the powerful military. But what will happen once they disembark? The chances of remaining together are slim. A lot can happen in seven years, especially when Jacob’s new master takes a liking to him. Is their love strong enough to survive the ravages of time? Can they survive the rigors of their sentences?

Across the Sea

“You know the fella who sleeps above me? Taylor?” O’Malley checked for redcoats then continued. “Helps with the cooking? Said he overheard a couple of the officers talking last night.”


“What do you reckon will happen to us once we get there?”


A redcoat strolled past, frowning at them.


“No talking,” he growled. “You should know well enough by now.”


Jacob and O’Malley nodded submissively and began mopping as though their lives depended on it. The redcoat stood watching them for a moment then, when he was satisfied his presence had been felt, he continued across the deck to where one of his comrades was standing.


When Jacob thought it was safe to do so, he mopped his way across to O’Malley.


O’Malley glanced at the redcoats, who appeared to be deep in conversation.


“All I know is there’s a doctor who gives us the once over, we get some new clobber, and sooner or later we’re bundled off to anyone who wants us.”


Chapter 10