Slave Boat — Christopher Charles

Rose nodded and ran pass Howard. She looked back once when she reached the door. The black people on the floor were reaching out to Ted wanting to be next. She turned and pushed her way outside. It was dark everywhere except behind her where the fire had a good grip on the boat.
Smoke filled the air and made it difficult to breathe. The boat had pushed itself off the beach and continued downriver. The wind, coming from the north, continued to blow hard bringing the thick clouds in. She could not see either river bank.
Stumbling most of the way, she managed to reach the wheelhouse. It was deserted. The wheel was moving lazily one way and then the other. She took hold of it and looked around. She wanted to turn the boat, but she did not know what side of the river she was on. Deciding she must be close to the east bank, she began turning the wheel to her right. It had to be a tight turn.
The heavy smoke coming from the fire was being driven toward the wheelhouse. She could not see a thing until she was halfway into her turn. The smoke cleared, and the outline of the opposite bank became visible. She continued the turn until the boat was moving upriver against the current.
Raindrops began to gather on the windshield. She heard the sound of heavy rain ahead of her. The cloud burst was upon them in seconds striking the window. She was having difficulty seeing. She kept the boat in the center of the river. At least she thought it was the center. She looked behind her to see a few men along with Ted trying to put the fire out. When the downpour came, they gave up and allowed the rain to do the job.