Chapter 12

Jack…

Or John. What did names matter now?

“Actually, Charles…” he said, his heart skipping beats left and right.

Dimmock paused. “I’m all ears, Benjamin.”

“I’ve been thinking about your offer. You said you’d be perfectly capable of overseeing repairs to the Sunrise, if I were to take some leave.”

“Yes, of course. That’s what I said.”

“Well, I think I’d like to take you up on that.”

Dimmock paused abruptly, stepping closer to his captain: “Is everything alright?” he asked. “You know you can tell me anything.”

Benjamin knew Dimmock was a sincere friend and a trustworthy man. “Yes, Charles, I’m perfectly fine, don’t worry. But that friend we were talking about before…Actually, he’s not well yet. And I’d like to stay with him for a while. Just until he recovers.”

Dimmock reflected on his commander’s words for a moment before answering: “Whatever you want, Benjamin.”