Pirates of the Caribbean: The Price of Freedom

suite prepared.”
“Thank you, thank you, I shall,” Penwallow said. “You have done
very well, Beckett, very well indeed, at outfitting your home. You have
some lovely things.”
“I try to keep my living arrangements…civilized…my lord, no
matter where the EITC sends me. Since I plan a lifetime of service, it is
well to have the ability to make a home anywhere.”
“Excellent, excellent, Beckett! It is good to hear that you plan to
stay with us. Your work has been exemplary to date.”
“My lord,” Beckett hesitated for effect, and then cast his eyes
down, humbly. “I assure you it’s the least I may do to repay the
generosity you showed me all those years ago.”
“Tut, tut, my boy…” Penwallow waved his hand dismissively. It was
the one holding the pipe, and smoke made a trail through the air. I’ll
have to make sure to have the whole library aired and cleaned,
Beckett thought, making a mental note to speak to the housekeeper
when Penwallow decamped.
Stealing a quick glance at his superior, seeing that he was smiling
benevolently, Beckett drew a deep breath, making sure it sounded just
a bit ragged. “Sir…I would like to take the liberty of formally thanking
you once again, this time in person, for your rescue of me ten years
ago. To put it bluntly, you saved my life, when my family refused to
come to my rescue, in effect casting me off. If it were not for your order
that resulted in my being freed, I shudder to think what would have
happened to me. The EITC invested a goodly sum in me, a new and
unproven employee, and it happened all by your order. I have always
endeavored to make sure the company has been well repaid for its
investment, my lord.”
Penwallow, who had just taken a sip of port, waved a beringed
hand at his companion affably. “Pish and tosh, Beckett! You repaid the
EITC its actual outlay within a remarkably short period of time, and
since then, you have been responsible for numerous profitable
ventures, too many to detail. Here’s to you, Beckett,” Lord Penwallow
said, raising his port glass again, and saluting his subordinate.
Cutler Beckett cast his eyes down again, the very picture of a
modest young man who was nearly overwhelmed at receiving the