Chapter 3

Family Tree

Beckett yawned and got up slowly. It was hot night, but there's a saying "Nothing is eternal", so it was a moment when he must act, or everything will be lost: power, money, even this woman. First, a man always looks serious and respectable. Whatever he is, his look must be perfect.

Beckett has found a fashion magazine under the bed. Its cover was decorated with bright motto:" We do not disable your shortcomings, we enlarge your merits!". "Sound imposing. So, it's time to learn more about this crazy world."

How hundred of pages about virtual sex and some strange "pick-up" can concern to fashion – Beckett didn't care and read everything carefully. He turned over the page and saw photo session of two men, who were wearing strange clothes and called "gays". "Why is it so? I don't find them merry or funny. I feel that I should be careful with words, which have changed their meanings."

At last he found section of latest fashion. There were dark-grey jacket, white silk shirt and black narrow trousers, which fit firmly. Beckett couldn't understand if it was possible to wear such uncomfortable and tight in…well, in some particular parts of the body things. But ambitions must be more importaint than feelings. But where are there clothes in this unfamiliar room? "If there's a magazine, there must be a room of complete fop. Maybe captain's one? So let's pretend I gave an order to lend a costume."

As it has been expected, he has found everything in a large wardrobe. "Even a lady can envy such number of clothes! I had less wigs than he has ties! It is called now; let me remember…right, dandy or metrosexual. So, what do we have on that hanger?"

The most fashionable costume was there, but a little problem took place: it was for a man much taller than Beckett. He was rather puzzled and didn't know what to do. "But if…" – he got a brilliant idea. Maybe that geek can sew.

Jack was so angry and lost at the same time, when Beckett was massaging Ashley's neck tenderly. She looked at him sleepily, smiled and fell asleep again. But why was Beckett thinking about strange costume? "If trousers and sleeves were a bit shorter! Well, at least geek doesn't look sexy. I can do everything I want to do with his wife."

Jack didn't want to be taught sewing, but greed of money had made his to do it. Even the most worn-out socks are mend by him carefully, and threads are used with exceptional meanness. To get other's property for free and use it as you please? No problem! Threads, scissors and needles were always in his pocket.

An hour has passed – everything was ready. But there was strange piece of paper under the table. "Beckett is the rarest imbecile and the ugliest dwarf in England." – It is impossible to convey how difficult it was for Beckett to write such things about his beloved person, but he spared no pains to attain what he wanted. Of course, when Jack had read it, Beckett's soul got the power again.

Beckett rent the paper and then put on his new costume. "Mmm, I like it. But it's not enough to look great. My hair is like crow's nest." – He tried to arrange it, but it was useless – his hairstyle could be called "crash on macaroni factory". "Well, I'll deal with it later. Oh, it's dawn. I need to get out of this kennel. Sparrow did at least one good thing – taught me how to force a door using anything sharp." He opened the door and went out noiselessly.

On the way to his cabin Beckett heard somebody talking nearby. Could our brave Chairman pass by without eavesdropping?

"So, party will be held, right? I'm not sure if Ms. Crumplebottom likes it, especially after Green's…"

"James Richardson, you MUSTN'T even try to stop this party. And I don't care about anything. Your company has received rather big sum, though they hadn't told you before. Don't complain of Ms. Crumplebottom; all your wages till pension are less than price of her handkerchief."

"Then it must be a huge flag, not a handkerchief."

"Richardson, get sick of your work? I can arrange indefinite leave for you. My sister must have a good time here, understand?"

"Ok, Mr. Crumplebottom, let it be. I'll do my best."

Beckett grinned and hurried to his room. It was a chance for him to restore his reputation. "That old hag can't even pretend what will happen."

Party was at its height. Lots of delicacies, wine and of course, high society. Before the party Beckett had sleeked down his hair with fat. "Old method, but useful at anytime. A bit of perfume – yeah, I'm a chocolate-box; that Crumple-Rumple will be charmed." Also he locked captain's cabin, when Richardson had gone to check out "prisoners". Ashley stayed inside. "I don't need scene of jealousy in front of the passengers. And she'll exonerate me while talking to captain. Wife is an interesting invention, actually."

"Oh, are you a real Beckett? I heard that Lord Beckett had had no children."

"My dear Rosa-Melissa, of course he had! But you know love is a cruel thing. His wife was some poor French, though aristocrat. But why are we talking about me? You look great in this grey dress! How could I live and didn't know about you, my kitty?" – whispered Beckett and winced with loathing. "To pick-up 55 years old spinster with terrible name and tastes…It the first and last time I do it."

Mrs. Crumplebottom was so touched that she cried with admiration:

"Oh, Cutler! We are not quite alone! But it's love at first sight! Just tell me – yes or no?"

Jack was not going to bear it. He hated unfaithful people and didn't want to become the same one. But it was difficult to defeat Beckett.

"No, I'm not going to…"

"Don't hurt me, Cutler!"

"I'm not going to…be apart. I love you, honey, and will always…hate the day when we met." –Souls of Jack and Beckett were fighting furiously; Beckett – for influence, Jack – for devotion.

"You mean…"

"I mean what I mean…I hate the day because…I have always wanted to meet you, sweetie."

"Kiss me; I feel the same passion!"

"It's better to kiss a frog than…to refuse you. I don't want to be unfaithful…It's better to divorce first. I don't want to divorce…I'll change my name then. I love my wife…She's as cold as ice."

"My lover, just tell – yes or no. I'll be yours!"

Idyll was broken by Richardson and Ashley.

Elizabeth was always very jealous. Will is a captain of "Flying Dutchman" and decided to simplify life of his wife and future descendant: she has no jealousy, she has another soul - Elizabeth's one.

Ashley attacked Ms. Crumplebottom and tear wisp of her out. Beckett kicked his wife, and she fell on the floor. Richardson flung him so strong, that unlucky lover knocked his head against the wall.

"How could you even touch her, coward? I'll teach you a lesson!" – And noble savior sprawled near to the hero of the festivities.

Ashley stepped over broken flower-vase and leaned over them.

"DON'T DARE TO OFFEND MY HUSBAND!"

James moaned, but suddenly smiled happily and said silently:

"Elizabeth…My lovely warlike girl…It's such a painful and unbelievable thing at the same time…Your kick is as tender as your kiss."

"James? My brave commodore? Are you also here?"

Beckett looked at them surprised and preferred to lose consciousness than to understand that he has spent night with his worst enemy. Also, presence of Norrington looked like ghastly problems for him.