A Profitable Affair

Disclaimer: I do not own Pirates of the Caribbean (if I did you would hear about it) nor do I own Jack Sparrow (but that doesn't mean I don't WANT him). The above mentioned are property of The Walt Disney Company© and make no profit to me. However, Meryl Volleys is a character of my own creation, and her I do own. (go me!)

Meryl Volleys Smoothed out her wavy black hair and took a few casual steps inside the dank saloon which smelled of tobacco and rum. She eyed her surroundings, scanning the area for possible clients, finally deciding to give it another half-hour's wait. She sauntered over to an empty table in the corner and sank into the chair that lay derelict beside it.

"Good evening, luv." Said a deep voice from behind her. Meryl jumped slightly at the sound of it. She turned to see an outlandish-looking man sitting at the table adjacent to hers. He put his hands together. "Apologies. I didn't mean to startle you."

Meryl sighed. "Its fine. Really. To what do I owe such a greeting?"

"How much would it cost me for the pleasure of your company, luv?" He asked.

"A shilling." She said, glad that for once work had come to her.

He held out her payment to her, eyeing her vivid red gown. "You got a name to go with that dress, luv?"

"Meryl. Meryl Volleys." She said, tucking the money into her purse.

"Just a bit young to be in this line of work, aren't you, Meryl?" He said, taking a seat across from her at the table. "I've had the pleasure of meeting most of the ladies round here, if you know what I mean. My business brings me to this fair city frequently."

"And what business would that be, exactly?" Meryl asked him as he looked her up and down.

"Not anything I want to be common knowledge, savvy?" He smiled.

Meryl nodded. "You gonna tell me your name, then?" She pried.

"Have I not?" His dark eyes gleamed roguishly. "I'm Captain Jack Sparrow." He paused. "Now then, what's a girl like you doing in a business like this, aye?"

Meryl stared at him, taking in the bizarre yet charming aura that encompassed his every word. "Nothing I want to be common knowledge." She replied coolly.

"Ah." He said, taking Meryl's hands in his own. "Then I presume this occupation is solely short-term?"

Meryl nodded. "One would hope so."

"Then why stay here?" He asked pointedly. "There's an entire world out there. If this isn't what your after, why stay?"

"Where would I go?" Meryl asked, wishing he would just be done with her 'services'.

"I could help you, luv." He stood up. "Well, if you want it." He raised his eyebrows suggestively.

Meryl sighed. "I don't know how I could repay you, though."

"We'll work something out. I'll see you tomorrow, Meryl." Jack said, handing her two shillings extra.

"But Jack, I thought you were paying me for pleasurable company." Meryl said in confusion.

"That's right." He said matter-of-factly, his voice laced with laughter.

"So all you wanted to do was talk?"

"Isn't that giving me the pleasure of your company?" He asked, a smile flickering across his face. "If ever I desire something more of you, I'll ask for it. Savvy?" Pause. "Goodnight, luv." He turned and strode from the tavern without another word.

Meryl stared at the money he had just given her. Three shillings just for talking? It seemed too lucky to be true. She wondered why he'd wanted to speak with her particularly. There was nothing inherently beautiful about her; she had dark wavy hair that hung about her face in untidy waves. She was pretty, to be sure, but not at all beautiful.

Except to him.