Chapter 253 - A Walk (1/2)
Zhang Heng looked at Billy, not expecting to see another person on board Jackdaw when he returned.
The helmsman shrugged. “It wasn’t my idea. She wanted to come back. It was her decision.”
Leah held her luggage with both hands, and requested politely, “Can you please take me in? I can do lots of things.”
“I could do that, but why didn’t you leave with your people? You fought so hard to escape that manor. Wasn’t it so you could live a life of freedom?”
“I… I respected Laeli very much. He united us in our most difficult time and led us out of a miserable life. He’s surely a better chief than his father but I don’t agree with him on some things. I don’t think the deserted islands are a way out for my people.”
“Hmm?” Zhang Heng cocked his eyebrow.
“We may be able to live a peaceful life on that island for a while, but sooner or later the slave traders will find us again. Just like what happened back home, they’ll kill the old and the weak first, then separate the mothers from their children. If we can’t find a secure way out, it will happen again and again until every black man and woman will become a slave.”
Zhang Heng was astounded by how someone of Leah’s age would consider such things. Although she was simply a teen at this point, she saw further into the future than Laeli when it came to certain things.
Zhang Heng looked earnestly at her and asked, “What do think should be the way out then?”
“I really don’t know,” Leah shook her head. “I’m still searching for it. One thing for sure, I know my talents and skills won’t be very useful on the islands, which is why I want to live in the civilized world and fully utilize my potential.”
“This isn’t a very civilized place. I’ve already recruited enough sailors, and you’re not even a sailor and you’re a girl…” Zhang Heng trailed off, thinking hard. Then he looked at Carina. “Do you need anyone on your side?”.
Carina nodded and turned to Leah, “I heard that you know how to read. It just so happens that I have a grocery store in Boston that is about to open. You can go there to help me keep the accounts, and I will provide you with lodging. You will be paid a pound each month. Once the business picks up, I will increase your salary accordingly.”
Leah beamed at the prospect.
After Leah’s issue was settled, Carina continued their interrupted conversation. She gave Zhang Heng a brief account of her private encounters with Redmond and the agreement between them. When they were done, she suggested that they take a walk. Zhang Heng nodded and followed Carina out of the house to the field.
It was a fine day; the sun blaring down its bright rays and a gentle sea-breeze was blowing – an excellent day for a walk. Carina had no destination in mind, so she just walked in a random direction. Zhang Heng simply followed her. All the way, neither Carina nor Zhang Heng spoke a word.
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