Although the future was planned to be a bit sammy, there was no denying that it would be as difficult as it was…unbelievable. At first thought, I had never been one for revenge. My way of thinking led me to believe that the party would receive due karma from Fortune herself. However, that perspective wasn't guaranteed to last by a long shot. Things that once were eventually chip off bit by bit to mold into something completely unrecognizable from the original. Ways of thinking are undoubtedly the first item to change in a man. There has always been a debate over whether its actions or perceptions that influences one to change, but I'm convinced it's the latter. Though they may not acknowledge it at first, it will rise up eventually—like a contagion that's out of twig, its cover-up allows it preemptive action.
The like happened in my case. While I never advocated for more than a good mill to steer someone right. However, in the recent experience of protecting my family's namesake, the events that transpired persuaded me to adopt a stark perspective to adapt: the job will not be finished until I ferret out every rat and weasel that's ever so much as mentioned Mary's name. I was a fool to think that there was only Edward Kenway involved in this scheme. If anything, he was a mere hunting hound serving the men using him. He wouldn't be much of a challenge, as all I needed to do was to be the more cunning—which shouldn't be too hard. For the time being, I would give him the scent he was earnestly looking for, and find out who had plotted the plan in the meanwhile.
My plan of action would not merely compromise of that. There were many branches stemming off of the main agenda that would take care of other essential needs. For example, Ah Tabai's alliance with both Anne and I was a work in progress, one that would undoubtedly prove useful in the future. That mission was in the works, and in due time, Mary would stop by for another appearance. Consequently, there was Anne's mysterious "helping hand" that I knew little about. All she mentioned was that they owed her many a favor, and that they would aid my cause. Whatever the hell that meant.
That said, Anne and I respectively had our own roles to play in this operation. Of course, the woman said mum on the issue on what specifically she would do. All I could trust was that her intuition was leading her right. That week, she behaved normally, but her actions felt far from genuine—they were a pretense. Now, I was wise enough to avoid bringing it up. Clearly whatever Anne's business was, I had no right meddling in it. Regardless if she would stick her nose in my affairs, I had the foreboding that there was a whole other side to her. While she was loyal to me and I her, I knew damn well that even with someone as close as she, I didn't know all there was to her. I respected her privacy, and I wouldn't demand answers. This was my resolve, despite her having the advantage and knowing nearly everything about me. However, I still couldn't shake the feeling that she was tied to something, and I had yet to make the connection.
This connection was strung to my business, that I was certain of. I pondered over it a good while, but going over the same bases would be a waste of time. My eyes were open, but I had yet to see things for what they were. There was a murky layer that obscured my view, and it prevented me from connecting the dots to see the all-too-late revelation that I failed to realize. Naturally, this came after the week's events and put me in a stupor of what to do next.
But what reason had she to be with him? I knew full well it wasn't worth dipping my beak into, but I was beyond stupefied as to why Anne would go back to a bye-blow like Jack. This, I didn't understand at the time, but it would soon play a role into something much bigger. Albeit, this wasn't known to me at the time, so instead, I went straight to Anne, demanding to know what she was cooking up.
"So I see you're still sticking around. Why do you keep tossing that mutt bones, Anne? It's not like you to have patience on a lost cause."
"Yanno, Kidd, for someone whose awfully wary about keeping his affairs private, you don't hesitate to dig up the latest dirt on me."
"I wouldn't be much of a friend if I didn't reprimand you about you getting with the man." Our height difference was emphasized in this moment whilst I stared her down. Despite being a hell imp, she wouldn't have it—her unyielding face told me as much. "So, tell me: what made you change your mind?"
Bonny was about to speak, but kept silent when Rackham lingered back behind the bar, leaving us to work in a stifled silence. A wary eye of mine stayed on Jack while I resumed whatever menial task he had me do. 'Wait' was silently uttered from Anne's lips, and assured that my questions wouldn't go unanswered. She waited approximately seven counts for Jack to leave before I heard I heard her speak, "I'll start charging you for each time I save your sorry arse—and I expect payment."
"Is you sprouting nonsense a way to spite me for something I've yet to recognize?"
"…Fine." With a huff, the mane of scarlet spun the opposite way, foreshadowing her exit. I've seen that move many a time, and I knew that without intervention, Anne would spew and plot her revenge to yours truly. Jokes aside, I did hold on to at least hear her out. "Anne, wait dammit."
"Why? So you can mock a loon's cries?" The hand on her hips was another clue that she was getting her buttons pushed.
"Quit that self-pitying bullshit—t'ain't like you."
"I could say the same for you acting like a true ass right now."
"Anne just…tell me why you are involved with Rackham."
"It ain't none of your affairs, James." The tone in her voice was a mild warning for me to stop then—though it was futile.
"It's a bit too late to try to buck me off. I know you, and this act is far from genuine. What had possessed you, woman?" I had several hypotheses about what she might have said then. One of them transpired into a half-joke about her staying with the man so she could rob of him of every penny he owned (she pulled it before (twice, actually) when we were younger). Another possibility included her having a break in reality and screeching about how she couldn't go on without Jack. It was as unlikely as it was radical, but I learned that anything was possible from the female. Hell, I even thought that she might have been with child at one point (of course, this would have been one of the worst possibilities).
However, once I heard her, there was no way I could've predicted her reason for staying with the man:
"For Mary."
"…Come again?"
"Don't you worry your inflated head, I'm not giving you a confession, lad. It's just another instance in which Anne Bonny saves your hide from being tanned."
"I'm not sure I follow." Her words lacked sense, and I felt all the more a fool at her mention of a (possible) confession. She recognized my confusion, as I couldn't utter a word then. Beneath the bar's counter, I felt the smooth and warm underside of her palm, and then the flip side: dry and cracked digits that pushed their way through my own. Interlocked, they gave two rough squeezes to my hand. All the while, her face remained stoic as she continued her work.
"Jack planned on viewing the tapes from the cameras of Saturday night. I had to gain access—even if it meant getting close to a detestable man for a night." Finally, a logical explanation. "I had to erase the scenes of your before-and-after to Mary so Jack wouldn't find out. I left the rest of the footage of Mary to avoid arousing suspicion."
My body gradually grew still as I processed my friend's words. Had she not taken action, I knew for certain Rackham wouldn't hesitate to feed me to the Kenway hound that was on my trail as of late. I truly did owe Anne my life.
"Goddammit, Anne," Scoffs crawled up my throat, as any other words failed to form then. Out of fear of Rackham hearing, I kept silent from proclaiming my gratitude aloud. My digits reciprocated the earlier squeeze. "I apologize for taking your aid for granted, I truly am. I owe you a huge one."
"Invalid."
"Pardon?"
"You've already uttered those words days ago. Frankly, your words are losing more truth to them each day. I suppose there's no rest for the wicked indeed. Mind you, that includes compulsive liars as well."
"I wouldn't paint myself as "compulsive"—"
"Nevertheless," Perking up, her tone cut me off and gave the stage to speak. "How about you stay true to your word? It's due time for my payment." Copper brows seemed to be staring down at me this time.
"What would you have me do then?"
"It wouldn't be all that amusing if I just told you what to do. Use that thick skull of yours for something, boy."
"Said the woman who loathes surprises of each and every kind." I retorted in an attempt to illustrate the challenge of getting her something. Alright, something simple then. "Let's go out Friday. Take a day off so we can get piss drunk at the beach and maybe get arrested for disorderly conduct."
"Are you asking me out on a date, James?" It seemed as if she was determined to make me seem as if I was pining for her. I had no intention to give it that impression, but if it would satisfy her, then who was I to deny her? However, there was just one thing-
"In case you forgot already, you've Jack as your man, unless the rumors they say about you are true…"
"Piss off, Kidd."
Jack was back in our sights, instinctively making the both of us create some distance between our bodies. The bar only had two patrons, given that noon had just passed. The boss was more occupied than usual, and I was curious as to what made him so on edge—whatever it was, I knew it wouldn't bode well for me. It never did.
However, Anne took it as an opportunity to tie up loose ends. On a napkin, she quickly jotted down: 'We'll go to Crystal Crescent at the crack of dawn. Peter should come along too. It'd take our mind off of things, no?"
I gave a silent nod of approval, and felt too eager to take off then and there. Unfortunately, I saw that I had my own affairs to sort when I recognized the smug mug of Edward Kenway. He was proving to be more of a problem as days passed, but I knew from the start not to take him lightly. I knew he would need dealing with, and that day was as good as any.
"Need some time alone with your pet?" Anne chirped over my shoulder. "Rackham seems awfully interested, judging by his frown…could he have possibly called Kenway over here?"
"Better him than Thatch. No doubt he wants to dig up as much dirt on Mary."
"Petty revenge is most likely Jack's goal. Though you'll see what a nit he can become. Take notes, Mary, you just might do the same." Anne left me and went to the two men, sliding into the conversation smoothly with pretense affections—I could see it as clear as day on her. Then, she turned to Jack, whispering significant nothings in his ear that made them quickly abandon Edward. Bawdy, but it left my problem isolated. I decided then I might as well have some fun with it.
"You can stop your sniffing; there ain't been a trace of your girl since Saturday." I was met with a single scoff.
"Quite a vanishing act you pulled yourself that night. Which makes me curious as to how you knew what I was looking for as well as the woman herself?"
"Her?" I raised a brow, intentionally forcing him to clarify on the nameless female.
"The woman you just mentioned."
"Yeah, um…Margaret, was it?"
"Is it?"
"She didn't tell you her name?" Could my brows go any higher?
I saw a mix of embarrassment and humiliation color the blond's prickly cheeks. "Not yet. She was one to keep to herself."
"Were you truly that atrocious that she couldn't even give a false name?" Snickers slipped out to intentionally agitate Kenway. When courting the opposite sex (or whatever preference you have), humans are so peculiar with their pride, I've noticed. Of course, we're biologically programmed to seek attractive partners, as this was a sign of excellent potential mates. So, when someone doesn't meet a person of desire's expectations, we ask ourselves what's lacking in us that made that person not spare us a second glance.
"You know, I think she was put off by the fact that I'm law."
Apparently, Edward had a different take on it.
"You think so? I wouldn't say she's the shy type. Especially considering that she put Rackham in his place."
"Again, where were you when all of that transpired?" Kenway kept changing the subject. It would be a potential risk if he kept poking holes at it, so I did what I did best: improvise.
"I didn't. Anne filled me in. That and I saw the footage for myself."
Edward tensed, and he gave a glance towards Jack, then to me. His facial expression gave him away, and I could already tell what was on his mind. He was warily pondering the next words to speak. "Any word as to where our woman is?"
Aren't you a curious one? Looks like I'm not the only one sniffing out answers.
"Aye, I've a suspicion as to where she's gone, but I knew for a fact she wouldn't want me leakin' it to you of all men."
"That so? It is the law thing, isn't it?"
"Or that you made a shite impression on her."
"Any reason to suspect that? Surely you didn't snoop in on us, did you?"
"No, but my boss sure has. He's been sniffing you two out like a damned hound. He probably assumed you of all people would have the most intel, as you are the law. You do know Rackham called the police to file a search on her, right?"
The trap was set. It was up to Kenway if he would take it.
"Really? 'Fraid I've heard nothing of it, aside from Thatch's side about it."
If what Ah Tabai said was true, then Edward investigated Mary shortly after the incident to be updated on Jack's search for her.
"So you're looking in the place she would least likely be? Lemme know how your search fares then."
"I'll be square with you then," Kenway lowered his voice, most likely as to not get heard by Rackham. "I'm not on the clock, and I don't plan on sellin' the lass out for the measly bit o' coin Rackham offered. Of course, it wasn't nearly enough to tide me over to begin with, and I'd the feeling that…"
"Out with it, old man, Don't go coy on me now, Kenway. Doesn't suit you a bit."
"You talk as if you've known me in this life and the one before."
"What can I say? A keen wit is a key that can open many types of locks. But enough of that, man. What of your true business here?"
To this, he scrunched his brows together, as if something had just flew by over my head. "Had you ever a woman, James? Of course you have, I'm not blind." Answering his own question with his ridiculous laugh, I felt uneasy then. "Then surely you're knowledgeable of the…the unmentioned charm that draws us to a woman. That said, I want to ask you a favor."
Sure, if you don't mind me killing you first before I hear you utter another word of you lusting over my alter ego.
"Again, out with it." A hand rolled, ushering him to continue his request.
"I'm going against my personal code on this, but I need you to keep your lips shut about the lass. Rackham hasn't any good intentions, should he find her. I'll lead him on, and I hope that he isn't a persistent one. Can I be sure you'll do the same? Considering you have some connection to her, I'm guessing you will."
"Oh, I dunno, Kenway." Fingers drummed against the wood of the bar. "I owe Mary nothing. What will you do to keep me quiet?"
"Mary?"
Shit.
"Ah, so that's the damned name." Quite content with himself, Kenway leaned back in his chair, with smirk that wouldn't fade, to my disgust. "You would think for one so elusive, she wouldn't have so common a name."
"Go figure." Damn you, Kenway.
"Now that that's settled, I can finally do this," A renewed grin came out to play. I saw the phone emerge from his pocket and to his ear, and my hand put it down so fast, it nearly slammed Kenway's palm. In return, I received a bewildered glare. "What the Devil's got into you, boy?"
"I wouldn't advise calling her. Opt for texting instead. Believe me when I say she's a heavy sleeper."
"But it's 1 in the afternoon."
"I never said she was punctual."
I watched my plan then unfold. That was just the catalyst. That one text would kick off everything. In time, I would gain his trust. Joke around about "Mary", share a drink for your traditional male bonding, and the like. All of that would be used to my advantage to use him. I didn't have to guise myself as a woman and try to get into his pants, because it was unnecessary—I could manipulate him by myself. Mary was just extra assurance.
Not a full minute passed until I felt my phone vibrate, though I held off on answering it just then. In Kenway's face, I saw both anticipation and anxiety. Would be a shame for someone to tell him that Mary had a prick. He acted like an idle teen, waiting on that text. I excused myself to the restroom to release the suppressed snickers that the man couldn't hear. I received a curious glance from a tall Native American, though I paid him no mind as I passed it off as coughing while replying to the text.
U up 4 coffee tmrw?
Seeing that many shorthand abbreviations made my gut churn (I blame it on the three and three quarters of schooling I had), but Mary's response was the key to tying it all in.
Sure. Meet me at Hasting's at half past five tomorrow. You better be buying.
"James, it seems that I was able to sniff out our Mary first." A much satisfied smirk came on his face when I came back. I wanted to stuff it with shite.
"Oh really? Has she graced you with a reply?"
"Date as well. Listen, I've affairs to tend to at home, but let's go out for a drink next time, eh?"
You're just a mere dog to a bone, Edward Kenway. More motivated, maybe, but you all think the same. You're exactly what you preached against. A hypocrite and a godawful liar. You'll find yourself caught up in your own web of lies, Kenway.
A/N: Hello all! I apologize for the delay in posting! With school starting and me being under the weather constantly, it's been a neverending struggle. Nonetheless, I managed to post this up! I am shooting on releasing TFM every other Tuesday. Lastly, thanks so so so much to everyone that reviewed last time! It really pushes me to write! 'Til next time!
-S.
