Fredericks refrained from scowling. The captain was sure in his head. There was no way he would find someone else. Yes London had a lot of mechanics but finding a good one, hiring them, and then having them fix this mess in time? Ha! He almost wanted to quit right then and there to see how the man took it. But he didn't. He needed the job. He had some money but not a lot. And finding another ship right away would be difficult. Besides, despite his bluffing, the captain needed him. Even if he found a mechanic, where would he get one that was as qualified as him? 

"Begging your pardon Cap'n, I know we needed to get out but the ship had more issues than we initially realized. The part itself proved to be difficult. It's almost one of those types that require a week at least to get to, remove, replace, and test before putting everything else together. It's the way it is. I'll move as fast as I can but no guarantees." A sly thought came to mind. "You know though, an assistant would make it go faster." He left it hanging. He almost smiled at his cleverness. He'd get an assistant and make them do all the grunt work. Oh they'd still need him. He'd have to 'mentor' the boy and show him how to do it correctly but the hard labor and tough spots could go to the hired help. 

"But we can do without," didn't want to seem to desperate. "Just takes longer. Telling it like it is, Cap'n." He kept his voice respectful, despite his annoyance with the man.

[center] ~ ~ ~ [/center]

Roger turned when the door opened again. He smiled and tipped his hat at Bea. "Ms. Brown." Formal. Polite. Anything less and Ms. Mortimer would have his head. Not that he couldn't be formal but they were friends. It seemed a bit silly to always call her Ms. Brown. Of course, if he even tried it on a normal bases, she'd put an end to that quickly. 

He hid his smile as Bea started walking away. Tipping his hat, he nodded to the landlady. "Ms. Mortimer." 

Her eyes narrowed as she glared at him. Muttering something under her breath she turned and slammed the door.

Catching up to Bea, Roger casually took the briefcase from her. It was done so simply and without a major fuss. It was something he did without much thought. It was who he was. It wasn't because she was weak. Ha! Far from it. No, it was because he born a gentleman and that was what one did. "She seemed a bit grumpy today." He gave Bea a slight grin. "Annoyed she was unable to wear you down?"