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

In his head he heard Polly’s voice. Belligerent. He pressed his lips together to keep from smiling.


“Something amusing?” asked Jasper, his tone defensive.


Jasper screwed his face up. “Jacob, I don’t want to do this with you. I know you’re angry with me and you probably have a right to be.”


“Fine. Fine. You absolutely do have every reason to be angry with me.” He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a letter. “I have something here for you.”


A letter? Jacob stepped forward to take it from Jasper, but instead Jasper held up the palm of his other hand.


Chapter 46