The Englishman walked quickly down the hallway. As he passed Alfred's room the door creaked open and the little boy jumped into his path.

"Where are you going, Dad?" he asked, eyes shining with curiosity. "Can I come too?"

"No, Alfred. You need to stay here. I'm just going for a walk, I'll be back soon."

He resumed walking, side-stepping the boy when he tried to stop him.

"But Dad, you've been so busy lately that we haven't been able to do anything together. I've just been stuck with Mattie and old Miss Nancy. Now I don't even get to spend time with Mattie because servants took him away." He grabbed his father's hand and held it tightly. "Can't I just walk with you?"

Sighing, Arthur knelt down to look his son in the eyes.

"Alfred, I know I haven't been the best father as of recent but this is really important." He put his hand on the boy's shoulder. "Do you remember how I told you we commandeered Matthew off another ship?" Alfred nodded. "Well that was only partly true. We also took his father who is very injured and has been under my care. The servants collected him under my request since his father was asking to see him. Once he falls asleep, Matthew will come back and play with you just like he did before."

"Dad?"

"Yes, Alfred?"

"What's gonna happen once Mattie's dad gets better?"

The big blue eyes seemed to shine with worry and sadness.

"When Matthew's father has healed, I am going to return him to his home where they belong."

"So Mattie's gonna go away? Like you?"

He felt his heart break a little at the loneliness apparent in the boy's voice.

"Alfred, I promise that I'm not going to gone so long anymore. I am going to find a new profession that either allows me to stay home with you or allows you to travel with me. I hate leaving you so often but it's something I have to do." He pulled the boy into his arms and hugged him tightly. "I have to go now but I promise, I will be back soon and we'll spend plenty of time together."

Alfred nodded again and moved out of the way so his father could make his way to the front door.

Carefully the door was pushed open and a figure stepped in. Looking at the man lying in the bed he confirmed that he was once again asleep. He walked over to stand near the bed, staring down at the injured man and wondered how much he remembered. If he remembered anything at all it would jeopardize his plans and he had worked too hard and too long to let his comfortable lifestyle fall through now.

Setting the tray of food he was carrying on the bedside table, he picked up the large knife that had been set on it and stepped closer until he was hovering right above the man. Slowly the knife was raised above his head as he tried to determine where it should come to rest. He studied the man's body for a few moments before finally settling on a decision.

The sleeping man started to wake up and sleepily opened his eyes to see the other man above him with his knife poised. He froze when the man came into focus; he recognized him. "Y-You!" He was cut off by the knife suddenly plunging toward his heart.

Arthur was walking through the small forest on his way to town when he felt a sense of unease creep over him, like he was being watching. Glancing around quickly, he spotted no one but trusted his instincts more than his eyes. He subtly changed his posture to appear tougher so if anyone was following him they might choose another target.

He continued walking, listening closely, and heard a snapping twig behind him. He pretended to ignore it. Another twig broke, farther away this time, and he smiled. Whatever had been in the woods with him was leaving for easier prey.

SLAM

Suddenly he was shoved face first into a tree and held there. Someone grabbed his arms and pulled them behind him, preventing his escape.

"Where are they?" a voice demanded behind him. "We know you have them."

Arthur tried to struggle against whoever was holding him.

"I don't know what you're talking about," he spat back.

One of the men pulled his head back and slammed it into the tree; blood started streaming out of his nose.

"We came to reclaim our captain and the boy."

"Ah. You are here for them. I was wondering if you would pop up." He managed to turn his head to look at the man next to him, holding a gun by his ear. "Well you can have them. I was planning to release them once your captain had finished healing. I apologize for my hand in that and have been doing my best to help him."

"And the boy? How is he?"

"No further harm has come to him. He has been treated with the upmost care by my servants. There is no need to worry about him. I swear to you that he is fine. If you release me I will personally lead you to them both, no attempt for escape."

"You swear it?"

"Yes. You have my word." After a few moments pause, the men released him. "Follow me, it is this way."

He started walking back to his home, letting the men follow him.

AN: Is Francis going to be okay? Is he crew going to get there in time? Will they do anything if they do?