| Subject: The New World - Part #33 |
Author:
Wanda
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Date Posted: 09:36:55 06/17/03 Tue
PART #33
Catherine asked, “Is there anything else about Joshua you think I should know?” Bowregard sighed, then said, “Since we are bringing everything out in the open; I will tell you about the silver punch bowl. Joshua had decided we would steal the silver punch bowl and the Monet from your ship. That way he would not have to pay for the silver punch bowl.” Catherine said, “He did not even quibble over the price he paid to me in cash.” Bowregard said, “Why would he quibble when he had planned to steal the money back from you?” Catherine’s mouth flew open, “Are you saying Joshua stole the money from me?” Bow answered, “That is exactly what I am saying. He had one of his men follow you into town. When you went out for a walk, the man got into your portmanteau, and stole the money.” “How do you know all this?”Catherine asked. Bow said, “Catherine, you accused me of stealing the money. I knew I had not taken it. I thought about the situation, and wondered if Joshua would have done this. When he was out one day, I checked the wall safe here at the plantation. When I opened the safe, I found the money. I had already talked to the owner of the hotel, and he gave me a description of a man who came to the hotel the day you returned from the plantation. This man asked about you, and told the owner of the hotel he had come to talk to you.
The hotel owner told me he was called away for a kitchen emergency, and when he returned the man was gone. I knew the description he gave me fit a man who worked for Joshua. When Joshua had a situation that he needed another person to take care of, this was the man he used. Joshua never did his own dirty work. He always found someone else to do that. The man Joshua chose had few scrupples. I am glad you were not in your room when he came calling.”
Catherine said, “Are you telling me my money is here in the wall safe?” Bow said, “No, I am not telling you that, for it was my idea for Joshua to take you along to Jennings so I would be able to break in here, and get your money. I thought if I made it look like it was a break-in by taking various pieces of art, Joshua would not figure out I stole back your money for you to take back to your family in England.”
Catherine said, “Can you tell me where the money is now?” Bow said, “Yes, the money is in my safe on the ship.” Now that you know the whole story, and you are probably wondering if it is true, ask Manobo if there was a fire here in the cotton field across from the Main House, and if there were some paintings stolen. I am sure he will concur with what I have just told you. I took the money this way, because I did not want Joshua to suspect me. He did not realize I had discovered he had stolen the money back from you.
Bow said, “Catherine, if you knew Joshua had lied to you about the painting, why did you marry him?” Catherine said, “Joshua was so charming to me; he kept telling me how much he loved me, and wanted to marry me. I know it sounds foolish, but he swept me off my feet.” Bow said, “Catherine you really did not know Joshua very well.” Shaking her head, Catherine said, “I realize that now. I had no idea he was a gambler. I also had no idea he was involved in illegal business activities.”
Bow said, “I do want you to know something. I have made up my mind I will no longer be involved in acts of piracy. I was foolish enough to let Joshua talk me into that, but I have already told my crew of men, there will be no more illegal activity. I am running a ship for import-export business now. As soon as I can come up with the money I will purchase a steam-powered ship that I can take to Spain, Northern Europe, and Great Britain. I lost six of my regular crew members, but that is all right. I have hired a new crew, and they are seasoned men of the sea.”
Catherine asked Bow if he would show her around the plantation, and then take her to see Joshua’s attorney. She said, “Somehow I don’t feel right trying to work out all the legalities when we were married for such a short time.” Bowregard said, “Catherine, he had no other living relatives but me, and I will help you as much as I can. The first thing I will do is get the money for the silver punch bowl from the safe and bring it to you. That way you can get that sent to your family in England.
Catherine said, “I have the money here for the Monet Joshua sold. I wish I knew who purchased the Monet. He saw to it I was not around when he did business with the buyer. He sent me out shopping for a wedding dress. I do want to get the money for the Monet to the people who lost the Monet. That is the best I can do. “Catherine, I think that is a good idea, but I would let Joshua’s lawyer handle it, so you are not involved in anyway. There is no reason for you to get involved in any of his illegal business. None of this was your fault.”
To be continued...
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