Another volunteer

A man dressed in a expensive white shirt with silver buttons and lacework on both the collar and cuffs stood on the quay looking up at Brenan. He carried a sword with a polished guard that hung at his side from a scarlet sash that was trimmed with golden thread. Despite the quality of his shirt and baldric, he was barefoot and the money pouch that hung from his belt was empty as the pouch he received from Ambrose was full.

His hair was loose on his head falling in waves framing his high cheekbones and straight nose.

There was something familiar about the man and he remembered seeing him both when he first met with Mr. Michaels and again as he walked back from Davy's offices. Unless there were two swordsmen who wore the same scarlet sash.

"Who the Hell are you? And why do I keep seeing you every time I turn around." If Brenan's threatening tone disturbed the man he gave no sign of it as he saluted him from the dock.

"My name is Castillo, Harry Castillo." He said meeting Brenan's gaze evenly. "I sailed on the Siren with Mr. Michaels, and when I saw he had been hired on by you I figured I try my luck as well." He paused clearly hoping Brenan would invite him on board, but Brenan waited to hear more from him before he made any descision. "It took a little asking, but one of the longshoremen recognized my description of you and was able to direct me to your ship. When I saw you loading perishables, I figured you'd be sailing soon."

Brenan went over Castillo's story looking for any contradictions or obvious lies. Just this morning Brenan had been wishing for another experienced crewman who could handle himself in a fight and like magic he found just what he needed. Actually, he realized, Castillo found him not the other way around. Perhaps that was what was bothering him about the man, well that and his flashy clothes and the ornate wire hilt on his sword. Still, experienced seamen weren't easy to find, and he'd be an idiot to send him on his way just because of how he dressed.

"What did you do on the Siren, and why are you still landlocked when your captain sailed out two days ago?" Brenan watched Castillo for any hint of deception but he just laughed as he responded.

"I was an able seaman on the third watch and led the second boarding squadron." Castillo was clearly proud of his abilities. "I wanted to be an officer, but the Captain and I didn't see eye to eye on some details." Harry let his eyes wander the length of the ship as he spoke now, evaluating it just as Brenan had when he first saw it. "As for why I'm still in port, well I drank a little too much the night before we sailed. I reckon Captain Simonds didn't care for me enough to send anyone looking for me when I didn't show up before the tide change." Castillo gave Brenan a carefree shrug.

"Just as well, I probably would have had a flogging if they had had to carry me back on board." Harry's attention returned to Brenan and continued with confidence.

"No sir, my first placement was on a schooner, 'bout the same lines as yours. I figure I got a better chance to impress you than that Black Hearted Slaver!" Normally Brenan wasn't impressed with seamen who wanted a new berth because they couldn't get along with their previous officers, but in the case of Captain Black Bart Simonds, it might actually be a recommendation."

"Tell you what Castillo" Offered Brenan "I've got a few more errands to run. Come along with me and we'll talk. If I like what I hear, I'll sign you on as an able seaman."