Thomas Neede

"Mister Neede, Mister Neede," cried and tugged a young urchin at his arm, "there's a man here to see you." Thomas blinked rapidly as a fat bead of sweat ran across his brow. It had been months since he left Port Royal and still could not become used to the base surroundings he now shared with the young boy and his dog. Where did the dog come from? Thomas tried to remember how the dog had arrived but could not. He reached for the small bottle of port he had set aside the desk early that morning. In the corner of the room, the boy prepared a small bowl of water for Thomas to wash his face. Thomas removed his glasses and yawned. The day had begun some hours ago, but Neede had spent most of the night continuing to unpack the last chest and crates he had brought with him from Port Royal. Lady Ana had been gracious enough, and for a few coins more, to move his belongings aboard the Resurrection to his new haunt. Thomas was still unsure if he had made the right decision. He moved to the window and looked out across the harbor. The morning had the small town teeming with activity. "So much to be made," he said to no one. A slight bump at his elbow found the boy holding a large basin, "sir," he merely whispered.

Thomas collected a few things from his office for the short trip to the wharf to investigate Lady Ana's proposition and the Resurrection. He left the Neede and found the streets were still busy even at this late hour filled with all of those ilk likely to be drunken stumbling about in Port Royal's city proper. Thomas turned to west and followed the shoppes along the waterfront. Darkness had firmly planted itself within the town save for the few candles lit within windows. Music and singing rolled into the streets as he furthered himself along toward the Admiralty Court. A pistol shot would erupt once ever so while, but Thomas had begun to notice this as a regular occurrence and it brought him no alarm. As he made his way towards the docks, it was necessary to pose questions to the urchins scampering about to find Lady Ana's berth. A few coins lighter, Thomas found himself standing astern of the Resurrection. He cupped his hands and called aloud to anyone on board, "Hello, Captain?"

Thomas shook his head slowly and smiled. "My lady, I am but six months removed from my place overseas. Nouveau dans la ville, if you will. I only wish to make you comfortable during your stay. No better payment could be recieved than good word spread throughout Port Royal." He cleared his throat as if boast his next statement, "I have a few dealings in town where a carriage may be procured should you find it warranted. Sir, Ahmet," Thomas turned to her guardian. The large man bowed slightly and Thomas continued, "If you would like to join me, I have some business to take care of on the docks at this late hour. Ma'am." Thomas watched the exchange and excused himself again. He stepped down the stairs slowly knowing that the Turk would be behind him. The innkeep raised the small lantern as he hurried through the rain now falling in the courtyard once again. When he reached the back door of the Neede, he left the door unlatched and called for Sully to fetch some sundrys and hot water for the lady across the way. Edward nodded and scurried into the back rooms of the inn.

"Of course, m'lady. Please follow," Thomas whispered closely. He led the pair past his office and through the back hallway. Thomas unlatched the door and covered his head against the downpour. "Just this way," he shouted over the pelting rain. They scrambled across a small courtyard to a covered walkway and a short staircase. The innkeep beckoned as his two companions looked apprehensive. He waved them forward and hurried up the stairs. Within moments, they were at his heels. Thomas fumbled for a key and easily popped the lock. He entered first and lit a candle immediately to his right. "This is my personal dwelling. Please feel free to use it as your own. Young Edward Sullivan will be dispensed momentarily with a basin of hot water." Thomas lit a few more candles and a shaded lantern closest to the bed. "I have much work to do at the Neede. I will stay there this eve." Thomas drew the flimsy curtains that hung from the windows overlooking the courtyard. "I hope this will suffice m'lady," Thomas bowed slightly. He turned to her companion, "Sir."

An accord being met, Thomas finished his goblet and begged pardon to return to the inn. Even at this late hour, patrons continued to stream in droves seeking shelter from the rain and ales from the humidity. Thomas scanned the crowd and saw the large Turkish looking man standing in the corner furthest from himself. He made his way through the crowd and approached the table in front of the guardian. The table quited as the innkeep approached. "I take it a room is needed my lady?" asked the portly tender.

Thomas sat comfortably in his chair. Hands claspedHe placed the index of his fingertips to his lips. He waited a moment after she spoke to mull the conversation. Was not the first time a stranger had appeared bartering for goods. The twins were about to complete his stores, yet the possibility of legally gotten gains would better suit the ledger as well as accountants for the King. Yet she did not appear to be a content merchantman, or woman for that matter. Mayhaps something more sinister? Thomas felt odd, but not ill at ease. He knew of the current prices of Madiera from Spain, hogshead of large beer from England, and even whiskey from Scotland. Regardless of her price, Thomas Neede could afford such necessities. His days were spent ruminating about the counting houses by the wharf and speaking with those agents dutifully carrying out their meager existence within pen, paper and goods. A sharp crack from the fire seized Thomas back to the moment. "I could use several of those items you mentioned, Lady Ana. What say we discuss price and payment . . .in kind or in full?" Eleven p.m., The Sinners Neede

Sully was halfway to the door when he heard the knock. He turned immediately to Thomas whom waved him forward. The young boy went to the door and opened it gingerly. He peered out to find a woman not of the usual ilk standing outside the door. Judging by her dress, Edward assumed the woman to be a ship's captain. 'Odd', he thought to himself. "Come, please". The young boy bade her enter into Thomas' office. The innkeep was replacing several ledgers he had withdrawn from their nook when he noticed the Captain. "Madam," he politely bowed. Moving towards her he outstretched his arm awaiting a handshake.

Thomas peered from above his glasses to see Sully ushering one of the twins in. He shuffled some of his papers and procured a rudely drawn map of Port Royal. "A drink lad?", Thomas offered and waved towards his cupboard. Liam showed Thomas the bottle his fist was clenched around, "T'ank ya sah," he replied. Thomas called Liam over to his desk and moved some of his ledgers to the other side. He rested his chin on the backs of his hands. Very calmly he spoke, "Liam, we are to put the King's Lion out of business." "Sah, innit th' pub fer th Gov'nah's men?" "Aye, the King's men," Thomas corrected. The King's Lion was the main pub for the soldiers stationed at Forts Walker, Charles and Morgan. One of the larger establishments in town, it was found on the south end of Lime Street where the west end of York Street met. Known by its yellow tinned roof it could be spotted from St. Paul's Church as well as from the ramparts of Fort Charles. While there were plenty of other taverns in town, the Lion catered almost solely to those in service to the King. Payment for drink could be left on script, with a promise of coin at their next pay. Not many in town could do so. And for a good reason. Thomas was to make sure of that. Thomas showed Liam the map. The innkeep made everything as simple as possible for the twins. He pointed out where the main rum stores were kept out behind Fort Walker, most in part for those pubs found on the south side of Port Royal and specifically the King's Lion. He dragged his finger northeast across the map to where they were currently located. He showed Liam where a small pinnace could be found tied along the dock just down from the 'Neede. He left the twins up to their own specifics. "You two should be able to fit ten barrels on that boat in one trip," Thomas explained. "I want thirty barrels in two days time and I don't want to know how," smiled Mister Neede. "Me bruddah an' i 'll 'ave 'er done," Liam smiled. He could not wait to tell Ian. Liam rushed from the office. "Think they can do it sir?," Edward queried as the door closed. "If they cannot, then we will find someone who can."

The Sinner's Neede Thomas made his rounds to the rapidly filling tables. Slaps on the back and rounds of 'Huzzah' followed him through the tavern. Sully rushed to his side and told him of an impending meeting with a waiting patron. Thomas nodded and smiled and patted the boy on his head. "Send him back to my office Edward." "Her, sar." Thomas stopped in mid-step. "We've discussed harlots within the ordinary Edward." "Doesn't seem to be, sar." Thomas removed his glasses and wiped them on a handkerchief from his pocket. "Intriguing. Carry on Mister Sullivan. Oh, and send one of the twins back." "Very well sar." Thomas moved down the hall and double-checked the lock on the back door. In his office, Thomas poured himself a glass of Madeira. Drinking it fully, he topped off the glass again. The pudgy accountant sat behind his large desk and removed the ledger he used as a true mark of his income. Thomas knew that after tonight he would have to restock much, if not all of his kegs and hogsheads. He had the money, most definitely, but the supply may cause a problem. He smiled. The twins. With that, a knock arrived at his door. "Come."

The innkeep stared at his boys who stood upright watching his eyes. He slowly moved his head side to side, nearly unnoticeable. Thomas did nothing more than nod and step to the side. "Thank you for patronizing the 'Sinner's Neede' m' lady." Thomas's exaggerated bow led the guardian through the portal back to Port Royal. The pair made their way back into the slop of the streets. Thomas stood for moment and watched them disappear. The rain had abated, but left a cloud above the ordinary. Thomas felt this. The revelry had nearly spun to a whisper. "Ladies and gentlemen, Ladies and gentlemen," he repeated above the din. The crowd quieted to a hush as he raised his hands above him. "It has come to my attention that your money is not goode in this establishment." The crowd looked at each's momentary partners. Even the twins were confused. "The Sinners Neede is not well enough for royalty," he pronounced, "but it is for likes of you lot. Please keep your coin t'night. Th' Neede has prospered much by your own hand in these past six months. Thankee to all." Each head spun about more a a frantic pace. Thomas continued, "The bottles and taps will flow until dry. If you are caught trying to pay, you'll answer to my boys," with a flourish, Thomas waved to Ian and Liam now as dumbfounded as the rest of the patrons. Several bottles had already been slammed upon the bar top. Several more followed. As the gravity of the last few remarks sank in, a lout near the fireplace yelled, "It's bloody free!! Huzzah Thomas!!" Cheers of Huzzah went up around the Neede. Thomas had now firmly planted his tavern within the commonplace of Port Royal, Jamaica.

Thomas and Sully left the reprieve of the back room and made their way into the throng. Edward quickly pointed out the 'princess' as he had called her. Thomas noticed the large Turk in front of her, clearing the way for an early exit. He moved behind the bar to avoid the crowd now singing loudly by the main table. That simple step aside gained him several strides ahead of the pair. In mere seconds, he arrived to meet the Turk at the door. Thomas Neede bowed slightly, "Does the princess require lodging my good sir?"

Thomas had spent far more time than he had intended with the Governor's men. They required him to turn in his ledgers to be scrutinized by the King's commisioners to make sure his tithe was being paid appropriately. Thomas smiled as he made his way through the rain soaked streets. He paused to wipe the rain from his glasses. He looked at his feet and saw a drunken sod blathering about in the mire. The man had passed out on a pile of garbage behind his neighbor's ordinary. Thomas removed the false log from his pocket and tossed it upon the pile. He laughed again and wove his way to the rear entrance of 'The Neede'. Sully heard the commotion in the back room and ran down the hallway followed by the twins. The twins had taken a liking to the pudgy innkeep and his quiet disdain for those without a darker side. They felt the 'Neede' was a home of sorts to them and they made sure the place remained proper. "Well gentlemen, it has been a while," Thomas offered. "I take it your mission was successful." The twins both jostled each other and began to regale Thomas in the tale of the two mens demise. Thomas tried to keep up with the story while standing soaked in the dimly lit hall. He could hear the din from his establishment growing louder with every minute. Sully removed his master's coat and hung it on the hook by the rear door. Thomas waved the boys in to his back office. The fought each other even walking through the door. Thomas never turned but did smile. Sully removed a glass from Thomas' cabinet and poured from Master Neede's own stock. Thomas waved towards the twins and Sully poured Ian and Liam a glass. The young boy offered the lads their drink and Thomas his. Ian started to drink, but Liam punched him smartly in the shoulder. The Innkeep stood near the fire glowing brightly in the dim office. Sully whispered in Thomas's ear that a princess in the great room was looking for a room for the night. "In due time Edward," he whispered as he patted the boy on the head. "Sully, please close the door." Thomas inhaled deeply, "Gentlemen, I have many tasks that men of your...stature, may be interested in participating in. Dangerous, yes. Distasteful, of course. Not that that has dissuaded you before." The twins were enraptured. Unsure of many of the words Thomas had spoken, they were sure they had met the man to find them work. The kind they were good at. "Do we have an accord?" Thomas raised his glass. Both men, in unison, replied with a mere, "Aye."

An indispensable original addition by Sir Morgan in his opening post. I use this quite often.

Thomas Neede had hired two natives to finish hanging his sign from the corner of his tavern. The pace had kept up over the last six months and he was drawing in more coin than he could spend. Even his side 'projects' were not worth the effort due to his ordinary outgrossing them. The portly British East India Company ex-accountant went back inside to his private office in the rear of his building. He removed a ledger, made a few notations and withdrew several coins from a faded leather pouch. The tavern-keep ran his finger over his script and suddenly remembered the twins. He had nearly forgotten about the lads and his proposition to them. Thomas had not heard from them in quite awhile, yet he had not heard from either the marine nor the butcher. "A job well done perhaps," he mentioned to himself. Thomas closed the ledger and placed it back in it's keep under lock and key in the desk drawer. He held the coins in his hand and made his way back to the rapidly filling main room. The two men sat on a high stool and drank from two small cups. The innkeeper thanked the men and offered them a bottle to which they graciously drank heartily from. He placed their payment on the bar top and their eyes opened wider, if even possible. Edward Sullivan had remained on with Thomas as his personal aide-de-camp. He despised the term as all things French, but the boy had proved more than his meddle in his dealings with the back alleys and sideways politics of Port Royal. Sully joined him at his side. Thomas tucked his hands in the taut pockets of his finely tailored waistcoat. He remembered the snuff in a small tin he kept in one of those same pockets. He proffered the tin to the young man. Sully nodded and did his best to appease his master. Thomas smiled. Purposefully he withdrew a batch and inhaled. A small pinch opened his senses to Port Royal's magnificence. He stood on his porch facing north across Kingston Harbour. He walking placidly into the street and looked east towards the Governor's Mansion and then back west to the Admiralty Court. Business was active that day.

"Gentlemen, a moment please." Thomas swept his hand towards the back room. Ian looked at Liam and shrugged. They both stood and moved to the parlor they had yet to experience. Thomas sat behind his desk and crossed his hands. He brought the points of his fingers to his lips. Liam took a deep swig from the bottle he drug with him and offered it to Ian. "I have received information that there is to be a man sent to find me. I once worked for a man whom," Thomas was cut off rudely by one of the louts. "Wot's this got th' fek t' do wit' us" Ian pounced. "Kill him," Thomas said calmly. Both men were instantly captured. Liam joined Ian in the chairs set before the desk as Thomas gave the twins the details of the Merchant's appearance. He assumed it to be Befarge, although he doubted the merchant would come all this way himself. Thomas included Andrew Befarge's minions in the description as well. Both men sent when a deed had to be completed. Thomas described the men, one a former royal marine, the other a butcher from Glasgow. "A fekkin' Scot bootcher aye?" Ian laughed. Liam punched his brother, "Aye bruddah, more afraida 'im aye?"