The Butcher and the Beast

''Stop hovering, Havers, and get me the thrice damned whiskey!'' The angry growl came from the direction they were going in and a sailor pushed passed them like the very devil was on his tail.

Oh, facing the bear in his den. Goodness. What tales he'd have to tell tomorrow over breakfast.

He was brought into a little cabin with barely enough room to stand upright. The bed and desk took up most of the space, his escort taking up most of the air in the small place. But it was the man on the bed who seemed to take up the most room.

Lying absolutely naked on the bed, the Captain filled it entirely with a long, muscled body. In fact Stephen was quite sure he'd never seen such an excellent specimen of humanity, even marred as the man was by a deep gash on his chest and a wound that looked to be made from a musket on his upper thigh.

''Good Lord.'' He went from Stephen to Dr. Grey in a mere heartbeat. ''I suppose clean bandages, soap and water, are out of the question? Cat gut -- you have supplies?''

''Havers,'' shouted the Captain. The sailor who'd pushed passed them came scurrying back with a bottle of whiskey. ''Get those lazy roustabouts to shore for whatever the butcher needs.''

''Wouldn't it be easier for both of us to return to my hospital?''

Their laughter was starting to become very annoying.

''Just tell Havers what you need,'' the Captain ordered.

''There is a black bag. I require that. The bottles of laudanum. Soap. Bandages. Cat gut and needles. Ether. Please, no one knows better than myself where the supplies are kept. Let me return to fetch them.'' And scream and alert the navy. Rogues.

''Oh, I don't think so. Havers go get what he asked for. Take Ruby with you and try not to kill too many people while you're at it. I'd rather not have the entire navy fleet after us.''

The Captain pinned him with a sharp gaze from eyes the color of a bright blue sky. ''You know if I die so do you.''

''Pardon me?'' He swallowed hard, backed away a few steps. ''I say! I never asked to be brought to your aid.''

''Which would be why we've put in the caveat, now wouldn't it?'' The men laughed again and the Captain reached for the whiskey, downing a third of the bottle in two easy gulps.

''And if you die from overindulgence before proper supplies arrive? Am I to be held accountable for that?'' His knees were actually trembling.

The Captain laughed again, those blue eyes twinkling at him. ''My dear doctor, do you really think my men will know the difference?''

Beast.