Beckett's Quarry
Chapter 9
"So former Commodore," Jack said fluttering his fingers, a hopeful expression on his face, as he walked over and stood in front of James, "would ya presently be in any manner of a divulgatory mood on the present whereabouts of a certain thump thump of import apparently formerly in the possession of a certain Lord of which we both have been, and are even now it seems, unfortuitously acquainted with and of which and from whom said beating possessionary item appears ta have been acquired in a rather commendably piratey way as it were by the very person I am now in fact standin here speakin of such matters to?"
James raised an eyebrow as he looked up at Jack, "You can not really expect me to provide an answer to that particular line of inquiry?"
"As a matter of fact former Commodore, I was hopin ya would be doin just that." Jack said with a little pout.
"Then I shall have to offer my sincerest apologies as I have no intent of discussing the matter with you, or anyone else for that matter." James stated firmly.
"'m sure yer full of resolve bout that intent right now mate, but how long will that resolve be holdin once Beckett sets his myrmidon on ya with no quarter ta be given? Not a pleasant prospect that, no matter how ya slice it former Commodore, aye?" Jack replied with seriousness. "And the outcome a grave one, least wise for you, ta be sure."
"I do not fear death, and depriving Lord Beckett of any knowledge I might possess about the heart and thus preventing him from utilizing it for his own gain would only constitute an honorable death, one I would face with dignity." James replied, the passion of his conviction clear in each word.
Jack cocked his head to the side as he peered down at James, "A fine ideal James, no doubt, 'n a funny old world init, as yer goin on the assumpting here that death would be a bit swift in its comin. I doubt it. Knowin Beckett and Mercer as I do, and as you should, more likely it'd be unceasing horrific torture visited on yer person in every way imaginable and beyond till yer gladly babblin out every secret ya've ever held just for a wisp of the promise of that death. Savvy?"
"A very bleak and perhaps unavoidable consequence of my actions, never the less I stand firm in my convictions." James replied unwaveringly.
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"Mr. Mercer, I think it is time for a little discussion with Captain Sparrow, bring him." Beckett said as he stood looking out at the horizon. Mercer nodded and left. "Now Jack," Beckett said, his tone low, a callous smile on his lips, "we shall see just how far you are willing to bend."
A short time later Jack was escorted into the room, "You may wait outside Mr. Mercer, I shall summon you if you are required." Cutler said as he turned from the window. Mercer gave Jack a warning look, to which Jack held his hands up in front of him, palms together, and tipping his head to the side gave his best innocent smile. Mercer glared at him for a few moments before pivoting on his heel and leaving.
As Beckett spoke Jack was a bit startled to find the man had managed to approach him without his notice and was standing at his elbow leaning toward him, "Now Jack there is something we need to discuss."
Jack didn't want to overly upset the man before all the unknowns were knowns so he settled, for the time being, of rocking away from the man as much as he could while not appearing as if he were trying to evade the nearness of the man. He had made the mistake once during their previous association of allowing himself to be pinned in a corner by the man, and didn't intend for that to happen again if he could avoid it, and the best way of doing that was to make sure he had maneuvering room. Jack could play the game as well, if not better, than most, and he always did his best to make sure the odds were in his favor. As he turned slightly away from the man and surreptitiously scanned as much of the room as he could he said, "So you've previously stated, though for the life of me I can't begin to imagine what it'd be yer talkin bout mate."
Cutler took a step forward, his chest against Jack's arm, leaned his head in and whispered, "Oh I'm sure you could if you were of a mind to Jack."
Jack pulled his head back and gave the top of Beckett's head a moue, stepped back a step and waved his hands about, as he spotted the brandy decanter he pointed his fingers in that direction, then headed toward it, "I'll just be over there."
Cutler watched Jack sway off, his lips compressed into a taunt line, then placing a smile there instead walked slowly toward Jack, "You know you can't avoid it forever Jack."
Jack, his back to Cutler, made a face as he moved his tongue in and out with distaste. He drank the glass of brandy, quickly poured another and turned in Cutler's direction as he stepped around to put the brandy cart between them. With a glittering smile he fluttered the fingers of his unoccupied hand in the air as he raised the glass to his lips. Right before downing the second glass he said cheerfully, "One can always try."
"I will remind you Jack; you are on my ship under my control. There will be no escape, not this time. You will bend to my will." Beckett said as he poured his own glass and raised it, an arrogant smile on his face. He took several sips from the glass then set it down and looked at Jack with a pleased expression, "You know Jack I've just had a thought. There is another way you might buy your freedom."
Jack gave Cutler a suspicious look over the top of his glass before lowering it, "An what'd that be?"
"Why simply get Mr. Norrington to tell you where he has hidden the Heart Jack."
To Be Continued
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