CH. 7

Norrington stared glumly at the paper.

"Commodore!" Gillette had received all reports from the search parties. Tentatively, he approached Norrington. "There is no sign of Sparrow or any of his crew on board the ship, sir."

"It would seem Mr. Sparrow…"

"Captain!" Martha corrected abruptly.

"Captain Sparrow has sold his ship to Señora de Silva who is now the proper owner of this vessel," Turning back towards Martha. "Madame, I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience we might have caused you and your family," He nodded to include Hernando and his wife and daughter who had stood quietly by during the entire debacle.

Since it had taken the better part of an hour to search the ship, it was growing warmer up on the deck. Renata had opened her fan and was idly waving it. Noticing the distress of the ladies, Norrington sighed. Things couldn't get much worse should one of them faint all because he had insisted on searching a known pirate vessel. He would then be blamed for that most likely. He was in the process of debating his options when Hernando spoke up.

"Commodore, since it seems you have concluded your business upon this ship, perhaps you would be so kind as to assist us in finding," He paused and consulted a note he had. "Ah, yes, a Governor Weatherby Swann. I presume you know him?"

Groaning inwardly since these people clearly knew who was governor of the settlement, he pasted a smile upon his face. "Yes, Governor Swann is in residence in Port Royal. I am well acquainted with him. How might I be of assistance to you?"

"Well, I have here an introduction from the leader of our settlement. I desire to meet with the gentleman. Perhaps you could convey that information to him?" Hernando drew out a sealed letter as proof.

"I would be delighted to. Are you in need of transportation into town?" He really wasn't but there was no easy way out of this one.

"Ah, no. I do believe my sister's crew can accommodate us in that respect. Perhaps you suggest a house we could stay at. While I quite enjoyed the voyage here, my wife and daughter do find the rooms a bit cramped."

Rosa decided to add to the conversation. "Sí, it is a most tiny room, capitan."

"Commodore, Rosa," Her mother admonished with a grin although she was well aware the mistake had been intentional. Especially as she saw the commodore begin to stiffen.

"Bah," Rosa, waved her hands elegantly. "Mamá, I cannot tell one officer from another. They are all so handsome in their charming uniforms, no?" She continued to flash her fan whilst peeping over the top of it, her dark eyes hidden behind long lashes still managed to offer glimpses to the men.

"Rosa!" Her father's voice snapped, causing her to drop her head. "I must apologize for my daughter, she is quite the minx."

"No apology is needed, señor," Norrington was finding this interview more and more discomforting as it continued.

Martha had noticed and chose this moment to intervene. "Ah, Commodore. If you are finished, perhaps you would not mind if we begin to prepare to go ashore?"

"One more question, please. Captain Sparrow's location when you conducted this transaction?" He pointed towards the paper certifying her as owner of the ship.

"Ah, that was back in Panama City. He spoke of a treasure fleet returning to Spain," Her eyes twinkled merrily as she spoke. "I do believe he was considering applying to work the ship. I fear for the crew if he did."

"Panama City," He muttered to himself, as if that might make the infamous pirate appear in front of him. "Good day to you then," he turned to depart when he recalled their request for a recommendation of lodgings. He still wasn't certain that Sparrow wasn't among the crew here in Port Royal. Something seemed just too fishy. He simply couldn't countenance Jack giving up this ship so easily after he had spent the better part of a decade trying to get it back.

"Señor de Silva," A slight twist had brought him around to face the family once more. "Allow me to offer you my home for your stay," There he thought. If they turned it down he could be quite certain Sparrow was with them. He highly doubted they would desire to be under his scrutiny day and night if the pirate was indeed a member of their party in some fashion. He waited for their reply.

Hernando looked immediately to Martha, uncertain how to reply to this. Norrington caught this look and thought at once he was correct. Sparrow was indeed around. He waited eagerly for Martha to make some excuse as to why that would not be convenient.

Martha surprised him however. Smiling broadly, she moved towards him. "Why Commodore, that will be delightful!"

Renata jumped in with alacrity, clapping her hand enthusiastically. "So kind of you!"

Hernando smiled. "Yes, it is most kind. We will be happy to accept your generous offer."

Now, Norrington wasn't so certain. He had expected a refusal the instant he'd observed Hernando's reluctance to respond immediately. But Martha seemed happy with the arrangement. Thinking to himself, this would be the best way to ascertain where Sparrow was, he nodded. "I shall have rooms readied for your arrival. One of my men will remain here then to escort you."

With that, he returned to the Dauntless. As they made their way back towards the shore, he pondered over what had just transpired. Was Jack Sparrow here or was he not?