Chereads / Across The Ocean We Called Home / Chapter 13 - CHAPTER 12: THE TICKET

Chapter 13 - CHAPTER 12: THE TICKET

Caleb's discomfort intensified after the unsettling conversation about the bloodstained letter. Seeking solace, he excused himself and hurriedly made his way to the restroom, yearning to clear his mind of the mysterious note..

As he strolled towards the bathroom, Caleb found solace in humming a beautiful melody. Though the lyrics eluded him, the enchanting tune resonated within him, a testament to his deep passion for music.

"In my dreams, I envision pursuing my musical passion, making waves on a national scale. Once our work on this ship is complete, I vow to learn the guitar and compose my own symphony," Caleb optimistically mused to himself.

Upon entering the bathroom, Caleb accidentally collided with a group of boisterous workers. Their uncomfortable presence only heightened Caleb's unease, prompting him to patiently wait until they left..

Once the boisterousness of the workers had left, Caleb felt a regained sense of security. The disturbance that had plagued him gradually vanished, allowing him to regain clarity and tranquility.

As Caleb splashed water on his face, a stranger approached him. The man introduced himself as Eng Michael Swason.

"Pleased to meet you. You must be Caleb, Tristan's brother. I observed the two of you earlier, and I must say, you make an exceptional team," Eng Michael greeted Caleb warmly.

Caleb reciprocated the sentiment, responding, "Likewise, Eng Michael. Tristan is the true force behind our accomplishments. I simply follow his lead."

Eng Michael dismissed Caleb's modesty, sharing, "Oh, don't sell yourself short, my boy. Tristan has spoken highly of your remarkable contributions. He even mentioned how he met you on a snowy Christmas day. Quite a lucky encounter I might say."

Caleb couldn't help but smile with delight, appreciating the recognition and validation.

Curiosity piqued, Caleb inquired about the rowdy group of workers who had just left.

"Not to alarm you, but do you happen to know those individuals who departed earlier?" Caleb asked Eng Michael with a hint of concern.

Eng Michael responded cautiously, "I don't know them well, but they're fellow workers. They have a reputation for causing trouble, hence the nickname 'the Circle.' The tall one is Drew, the mustachioed fellow is Cooper, and the bespectacled one is Lloyd. It's best to steer clear of them. You wouldn't want to get on their bad side."

Eager to avoid any entanglement with the troublemakers, Caleb replied, "Thank you for the heads up, Eng Michael. It was a pleasure meeting you."

Eng Michael agreed, expressing his desire to foster closer ties with Caleb and his friends. "Indeed, Caleb. Until we meet again, take care."

As Caleb made his way back to rejoin the others, he noticed a distressed young woman being pursued by the Circle, who had followed her into the restroom. It was evident that she was in grave danger.

Determined to intervene, Caleb resolved to risk everything. He couldn't bear witnessing the woman's distress in the presence of those menacing individuals.

Silently and cautiously, Caleb trailed the group as they entered a room with the lady. In a moment of desperation, the lady surreptitiously dropped a note, hoping someone would find it.

Fortunately, Caleb remained in close proximity, retrieving the note and deciphering its desperate plea: "Help me!"

Anxiety surged within Caleb as he prepared to take action. With swift determination, he kicked the door open, lunged at Drew, and delivered a powerful blow, forcefully separating him from the terrified lady.

Lloyd and Cooper, taken aback by Caleb's audacity, quickly redirected their attention towards him. A chaotic brawl ensued, with kicks, punches, and curses exchanged between the adversaries.

Outnumbered and overwhelmed, Caleb eventually succumbed to the overwhelming odds. Collapsing onto the floor, he endured relentless punishment from Drew, Lloyd, and Cooper.

Fortunately, the distressed lady managed to summon help. Tristan and Nicollette swiftly responded to her call, rushing to their friend's aid. With their combined skills, they incapacitated the Circle, rendering them helpless.

Nicollette employed her self-defense techniques, subduing the group, while Tristan utilized his street boxing expertise to his advantage.

After a grueling confrontation, the Circle lay defeated, their movements restrained. The lady, revealed to be Lady May, attended to Caleb's wounds, while Tristan and Nicollette assisted her in securing the captives.

The Circle had been vanquished and captured.

In an unexpected turn of events, a gust of wind signaled the arrival of Prince Quentin, a young nobleman.

"Lady May! Are you unharmed? I was consumed by worry. I promise you, I won't leave your side again," Prince Quentin declared, his voice filled with relief and determination. "These miscreants will face the consequences of their actions. Guards, arrest them! I never want to see them roam freely in my kingdom ever again."

Tristan and Nicollette stood in awe as the prince entered, bowing respectfully to acknowledge his presence.

Observing their gallant defense of the prince's beloved Lady May, Prince Quentin expressed his gratitude. "My noble companions, I commend you for your courage and valor. You have bravely defended Lady May, my princess. I am forever indebted to you."

Caleb, still grappling with the revelation that Lady May was of royal lineage, could hardly believe his eyes. The royals were standing before him.

"I am profoundly grateful for your heroic act. Please, may I know your names?" Lady May inquired of Caleb and his family.

"No need for such gratitude, Princess. It is our duty to assist those in need. I am Caleb Danis, and this is my family—Tristan and Nicollette. We are honored to meet you," Caleb replied with humility.

Regretfully, the princess confessed, "I lack the means to repay your service adequately. However, please accept these three tickets to the Titanic in lieu of material compensation. They are exceedingly valuable, and you may either use or sell them as you wish."

Prince Quentin interjected, emphasizing the significance of the gift. "These tickets grant you access to the RMS Titanic, even in first class. We are truly grateful, but we understand if you cannot accept such a generous offer. We do hope you'll consider it. Please take care and recover swiftly, dear Caleb. Once again, thank you for safeguarding my princess. Bon voyage."

With heartfelt goodbyes, the royal couple departed, leaving Caleb and his family overwhelmed by their benevolence.

Later on, the trio returned to their apartment. Caleb, still nursing his injuries, needed time to recuperate, while Nicollette and Tristan resumed their work.

During her labor, Nicollette couldn't help but ponder the significance of the tickets. She had long yearned to visit America and witness the majesty of the Statue of Liberty in New York. The prospect of exploring the wonders of the New World alongside her family filled her with excitement.

Meanwhile, Tristan contemplated selling the tickets, prioritizing Caleb's goal of reuniting with his brother. He believed it practical to stay within the confines of the English isles, cherishing their home and the memories of Mr. Watson.

After a long day's work, Nicollette and Tristan reconvened at their apartment to reunite with Caleb, eager to share their thoughts and decide how to proceed.