All right, I have finally started uploading the edits for the second Kitty tale. There is no major alterations, it is mainly the correction of grammar and minor plot gaffes. You will be able to see where I am up to by looking at the chapter titles which will continue as from the last story… 66 and onwards.

Yet again, usual disclaimers apply throughout this tale. If you recognise it, it probably belongs to the Mouse – else it is mine!

Chapter 66 - At the Faithful Bride

Year 5 - July - 9 months later

Catherine sat quietly next to Jack in the Faithful Bride, the smoke irritating her eyes as he drained his third, no, fourth rum. Raucous laughter filled the air, together with angry shouts as yet another fight broke out. She could never understand why Jack loved this tavern, you were always taking your life in your hands just entering the place. But somehow it was him. Her mind drifted as she twirled her hair between her fingers, wishing they were back aboard the Black Pearl.

Jack snorted with laughter. "Now he was a real pirate!" he declared, banging his tankard down on the greasy table for emphasis. "Went down fighting against two naval frigates, but nobody found his body!"

"Nor his gold!" Captain Badel of the Mayelle snorted. "Rumour is he survived…"

"But where's 'is map, eh?" Jack drawled. "Stupid sod puts it on th' back of a painting an' nobody knows where it is!"

The table descended into mumblings of disgust. "Well, yer knew he was bloody stupid!" Captain Wolver proclaimed drunkenly. "I mean, who in their righ' mind calls their ship The Frog! The Frog for Christ's sake!"

Catherine blanched, dropping her tankard of ale. Jack looked at her, blurrily concerned. "Yer all right, luv?" he slurred.

"I think I've had enough for tonight Jack… perhaps we could head back?" she pleaded.

He pushed his stool away from the table. "If you gentlemen'll excuse me." He swayed alarmingly as he stood. "My good lady wishes to retire fer th' night." He belched loudly, looking amazed at himself and the noise.

"Ah, sod off then yer nancy!" Captain Wolver waved him away, lace cuffs flapping. But he watched carefully as Jack weaved towards the door.

88888

Catherine rowed Jack back to the Black Pearl. She knew better than to even try to give him an oar when he was that drunk - especially after the last time. Only when she reached the safety of their cabin did she speak.

"Jack, what did this painting look like?" She laid her sword belt carefully next to the bunk before slowly undressing.

"Wha?" he blinked, confused - and more than a little distracted by her bare back. Since the incident at Port Royal she rarely wore dresses and he missed seeing her in them.

"The painting you were talking about tonight… the one of The Frog?" She slid naked into the bunk, turning to face him.

"Eh, yer mean McBride's ship?" His sword belt followed hers, with a clang.

"If that was his name, you never said," she said quietly.

"From wh' rumour says, 't was The Frog between two frig… frig… ships!" Jack gave up trying to say frigate, unable to get his tongue around the word in his drunken state. "Why?" He struggled with his shirt, looking at her beseechingly for help.

Catherine slid out of the bunk, bare feet padding on the deck floor. "Because I know where that painting is."

"Wha…" Even drunk, Jack's eyes bulged. "Where?"

Catherine smiled sweetly. "I am sure we can negotiate m'darlin'…" She helped him with his shirt and then breeches. "For the right price?"