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

It didn’t take long for the good news to spread.


“So we’re nearly there,” said Peter. He stared into space and shook his head. “We’ve come halfway around the world and we’re nearly there.”


“And you two wee love birds willnae ever see each other agin.”


Jacob noticed Peter tense up. A mean expression replaced his smile and the ligaments in his neck became taut.


“Leave him,” said Jacob. “He’s just baiting you.”


“Aye, it’s true though, isna it?” McCready continued.


“Don’t make me come over there, McCready. I’m warning you.” Peter shook his fist at the man. “I’m fairly busting to give you something to remember me by.”


Jacob ushered Peter to his bunk and then continued on to his own. He’d rather have crawled in beside Peter, lying with him as the ship sailed ever closer to Sydney Town, but it was better for the moment if they didn’t give Collins and McCready any fodder for their taunts. He didn’t want Peter getting into trouble. Not at that point in the journey.


Chapter 12