Disclaimer: Nope, still not mine. I do believe this is my second fic featuring Gillette and Groves, but the first I've posted here.
The Prankster
James Norrington sat at his desk, inked quill pen moving deftly across a page. There was a knock at the door. Head still bent over his work he said, "Enter."
Gillette and Groves hurried in. "Sir, that mystery prankster's struck again. Look at what he did!"
Norrington punctuated his sentence before looking up. Gillette held up stockings with black skulls and hour glasses painted on them. "It had to be those two!"
"When did this happen?"
"Between one and one thirty—"
"Misters Murtogg and Mullroy were keeping two sailors from tearing the other apart."
"Well, even so. We should have a force or something!"
"I can't spare men to go gallivanting after every sailor who has a sense of humor." sighed Norrington. "If that is your reason for coming here this conversation is quite pointless."
"I understand, sir." said Gillette sheepishly before turning on his heel and heading out the door.
Norrington looked to Groves. "Any luck catching the culprit?"
"I'm quite certain he doesn't want to be caught, sir."
"Keep a look out. As amusing as some of them are I can't have my officers bursting in twice a week over haunted hats."
"If you don't mind me asking, sir. Why didn't you want me to tell Gillette I'm searching for the prankster?"
"He seems to be the most frequent victim and if this individual isn't caught soon…"
"You can't have one of your lieutenants killing another lieutenant?"
Norrington smiled. "Well, that's not the way I would've phrased it, but having you two at odds would be quite troublesome."
"Your consideration is very kind, sir." Norrington acknowledged his words with a nod of quiet dismissal. But, thought Groves as he turned away, not necessary. There won't be any more pranks for him to be caught doing...I'll have to get rid of that paint…