Author's Note: Okay, I know that it took me a while to update the last time but things have just been so crazy. I've been trying to learn how to balance work and five hundred tons of reading for school for the last two months or so. Now I'm starting to get the hang of it and I know how to put in some time for my stories. I've also learnt to write a lot faster! So just maybe, depending on how things go, I might be updating sooner.

Redemption

Chapter 9

It had been about three weeks since Cassandra had arrived in Tortuga and had said goodbye to James. Over those three weeks she had considered finding a crew and captain to sail with but none of them seemed reliable or credible enough. She had even thought for one wild moment that she would commandeer a ship or boat and find her parents on her own. She had no knowledge of sailing and she was doubtful that she would survive on the seas alone. Cassandra had laughed at herself after thinking that- it was preposterous to think that she, let alone anyone, could commandeer a ship alone.

She also asked around Tortuga everyday when new visitors or people came in, if they had seen her parents. Cassandra had begun to lose hope; no one seemed to know anything of her parents and she couldn't find a decent captain anywhere.

Cassandra was walking through the streets, watching men brawl and women laugh by men's sides. She had gone all through Tortuga, interrogating people all day and had finally given up by dusk. It was a dark, cool night but the warm lights from the taverns and shops cast light and merriness onto the streets.

Cassandra had gotten used to Tortuga and its rowdiness so she wasn't that nervous about walking alone. However, as she walked on, she reached a more desolate street that wasn't as well-lit. Cassandra stopped and hesitated as an anxious look appeared on her face.

She definitely did not have a good feeling about this street. It was quiet and secluded, dark and shadowy. Her heart leapt into her throat and she could feel her pulse pound with fear. Why didn't I bring Thomas or Heather along with me? she thought with dread. They're probably looking for me right now...wondering where I've gone, she thought.

She cast a look behind her at the loud, bright street around the corner and then looked back at the murky street before her. Around her were houses and dark alleyways. Cassandra knew that she would have to pass through this street in order to get back to the tavern.

Cassandra took a deep breath and walked forward only to be grabbed by the arm. Cassandra gasped and tried to search for her attacker's face but couldn't see because it was dark.

"Hey there girlie!" said a rough voice.

"Let's see what she's got!" snickered a nasally voice.

Before she could react or pull away, the assailant pulled her towards an alleyway. She was so shocked and horrified that she didn't speak or do anything but then reality set in and she started screaming as loud as she could.

"SOMEONE! HELP ME! PLEASE!" she yelled.

"Hey! Get her to quiet down! Someone will hear her!" said the nasally voice.

"Shut your mouth!" the man ordered cruelly, covering her mouth with his large hand.

Cassandra whimpered loudly in fear and writhed desperately in the man's hold. She twisted in the man's grasp as he dragged her into the alleyway. When they had gone far enough into the alleyway, the man spun her around and then threw her roughly up against the brick wall. Cassandra let out a moan as her head thudded against the wall and pain sliced through her back.

She looked fearfully at her assailants and leaned weakly against the wall. "What do you want?" she demanded brusquely.

One of the men moved forward and as her eyes adjusted she could see his face. She stiffened and gasped as his bristly, wide face appeared inches away from hers. She recoiled and stared at him apprehensively. He smirked when he saw her fear and placed a hand on the wall just beside her head.

"We want your valuables," he told her. "Anything you've got; jewellery, trinkets, money, we take dresses too!"

Cassandra's heart thudded against her ribcage. Luckily she had a pouch of money that she carried around, which hung on a belt around her waist. "I have...money..." she told them meekly.

The man squinted at her and cocked his head slightly. "Is that all you got?" he asked, in an annoyed voice.

Cassandra nodded slowly and nervously. She had no idea what these men were going to do to her. "Yes, that's all I have."

The man pursed his lips and grunted, irritated but satisfied that she had some valuable. "Hand it over..." he ordered, removing his hand from the wall and holding it out expectantly. "And don't try anything funny, cuz Ben and I here are both good fighters."

Grudgingly Cassandra pulled the leather purse off her leather belt and placed it in the man's hand with a heavy sigh. As the man opened it and counted the coins, the other man stepped forward and took the opportunity to scrutinize Cassandra. Alarm rose up in her as she saw the appreciative glint in the man's eyes.

He was very foul-looking with a scrawny form, thin, dirty hair, a dirty face and tattered, dirty clothes. He had angular features, making him look like a bird. He stepped closer and Cassandra whimpered. His eyes never left her face or her form as he spoke to his partner in crime.

"Hey, Pete, this one's beautiful..." he said. He moved so that he was right in front of her, his face mere inches away. "Ya...this one's nice-lookin'."

"Aye, she is nice-lookin' but we have to keep our focus on money and goods. We didn't come here to look at her, we came to get her money!" the man named Pete said.

The man made a face. "Yeah, I know..." he muttered. "But still..." he trailed off and continued to look at her. Suddenly a grin came across his face and Cassandra was on her guard. "I want a kiss"- he decided. "How about you be a nice girl and give me a kiss, huh? Come on." he coaxed as he slowly moved his face forward toward hers. Cassandra shrieked in disgust and turned away as much as she could between him and the wall.

The other man, named Pete, laughed at her expense. Cassandra felt like hitting him in the face. As the man leaned closer, Cassandra pressed herself against the wall and turned her head away, shutting her eyes tightly, waiting for the unpleasant kiss to come.

"She doesn't want to kiss you, mate..." said a smoky voice.

Cassandra opened her eyes and turned her head to see a man dressed in eccentric clothing with long, black dreadlocks and dark eyes, which were outlined in kohl.

He was staring at the man in front of her with mischievously glinting eyes and a playful smile. The man had his sword's point near the man's neck. "I would suggest letting the young lady go..." he said in a low voice, offering a wide smile.

The man swiftly pulled out a dagger from his belt and held it firmly in his right hand. "No!" he retorted. "She was walking alone through the streets, so Pete and I found her. It's her fault..."

Cassandra turned to look at him, her mouth dropping in shock. "My fault?" she repeated, enraged. "I was just walking through the streets minding my own business when you two crooks dragged me into the alleyway and stole my money!"

"That's not very nice..." the man with the dreadlocks remarked.

"On your way!" Pete shouted, appearing with his dagger. The man with the dark hair paused and his eyes were wide with fear as he looked from Pete to Ben. Apparently he hadn't seen Pete in the shadows.

He didn't move for a moment and appeared to be thinking. Suddenly he spoke. "Oi! Look there's a monkey!" he shouted, dark eyes wide as he pointed to the roof. Both men fell for the trick and the man pulled out his pistol. He shot the dagger out of Pete's hand and when they both turned around, the man had the pistol up to Ben's face.

"It's time to let the bonnie lass go, mate..." he said with a smile.

Ben gave him a hard look. "Get him Pete!"

Cassandra watched with horror as the burly man rushed toward the lean, dark-haired man and Ben held up his dagger. She turned to Ben and bringing her leg up swiftly, drove it into Ben's gut. Ben grunted and doubled over. Cassandra heard a gunshot ring out.

As Cassandra turned her attention to the man and Pete she saw that Pete had been shot by the man. He was on his knees and he was holding his stomach. Cassandra saw her purse on the ground and went to pick it up.

She held it in her hand and got to her feet. The man with the dreadlocks was watching her. She then remembered that he had saved her life. Cassandra walked up to him. "Thank you so much!" she said gratefully, her eyes communicating her gratitude.

A smile broke out across the man's face. "It was no trouble at all, luv..." he murmured. "I couldn't help but see that you were in trouble."

"Yes, I was..." Cassandra said. "I'm glad I got my money back though." she added, holding up her purse.

Suddenly, a moan was heard from Ben and the man placed his hand on her arm. "Come on, lass, I think we should leave now."

Cassandra let him guide her toward the town square, which was noisy and busy. A small part of her trusted this man but she didn't know why. When they reached the square, she turned around to face him.

"I can't say thank you enough for what you did for me..." Cassandra said to him with a small smile. From the light she could see his handsome, tanned face. He smiled at her and his gaze fell on her purse.

"Well..." he began. "You could repay me with money..."

Cassandra hesitated. Although she was very frugal with her money, she still didn't have that much. "I'm sorry...I can't..." she answered apologetically. "I need this money."

"Well," he said, thinking for a moment. "Perhaps you can do me the great honour of keeping me company, luv..." he offered, taking a place beside her and putting his arm around her shoulder. He began leading her toward the town square but she stopped him and pulled herself out of his grasp, distancing herself. She barely knew the man and he was putting his arm around her shoulder!

"I-I can't...I have to work...I-I have to go back to the tavern." she told him.

He didn't say anything for a moment and looked thoughtful. "Ah! Well, that's where I was going luv. The rum calls to me! Come, walk with me, darling." he encouraged as he started to walk.

Cassandra felt in a strange position to repay him. After all, he had saved her life and it appeared that he expected something in return. She spoke up as an idea came to her.

"Perhaps I can repay you!" she piped up urgently. The man stopped suddenly and then turned around quickly.

"Oh...so you can..." he said, a sly smile coming to his face. He swaggered back over to her. She hadn't moved from her spot. "And what is this form of repayment, might I ask?" he questioned, regarding her roguishly.

She laughed nervously. "Well...I was thinking...that perhaps I could repay you with a...kiss!" Cassandra gave a slight shrug as she waited for his response.

A slow, genuine smile came to his face. "A kiss sounds good." he agreed as he stepped forward so that they were very close. He began to lower his head to hers but she stopped him with her words.

"Ah, on the cheek, of course." she told him carefully. He froze, as if he was denying her words and then he lifted his head, his face turning serious.

"Oh." he said, sounding disappointed. Cassandra giggled softly and rose on her tiptoes to place a soft, brief kiss on his cheek. It was chaste and quick.

When she pulled away and lowered herself, he smiled fondly at her. "That was by far the sweetest kiss I've ever had luv," he remarked, causing her to blush. "Now that I've had my payment, I think it's time for some rum. Mr. Gibbs!"

Out of nowhere, a husky man with a beard emerged with a bottle of rum in one hand. "Yes?" he asked, stumbling towards the man. "What is it, Jack?" the man asked before taking a long pull from the bottle.

Cassandra started a bit at the name. Was this...Jack Sparrow? He was dressed like a pirate and his name was Jack.

"We're going to the tavern for a drink, Mr. Gibbs. Call the crew and have them follow me." Jack instructed. Mr. Gibbs nodded.

"Aye, will do, Jack." he answered. Mr. Gibbs left to inform the crew and Jack turned to her with a smile, offering her his arm.

"Come, luv, we have to get you back to the tavern."

Cassandra felt warmth travel through her at his words and smiled back at him shyly. She was stunned and very puzzled at the startling feeling. She accepted his arm and he led her to the tavern.

He's a charming and sly fellow, Cassandra surmised as they walked through the streets. He walked with an air of confidence and ease. As they came onto a busy street that the tavern was on, Cassandra noticed a blonde raise an eyebrow at them.

Cassandra thought she was wearing way too much make-up; the woman's face was pale and yet her cheeks were painted red with rouge along with her lips. Her golden blonde hair was piled haphazardly on her head and she wore a yellow gown.

As they passed, Cassandra and the woman met each other's gazes. The woman's gaze quickly flickered from Cassandra to Jack and it was then that she spoke out. "Who's she?" she asked in a loud voice.

Cassandra turned to Jack. He stopped at the voice and then turned to face her. His face instantly lit up when he saw her. "Ah...Giselle!"

"Jack." she answered shortly. Her mouth was tight as she stormed up to Jack and hit him swiftly across the face.

Cassandra's mouth dropped and Jack was stunned for a moment. Giselle, the woman, smirked proudly and then walked away. Cassandra watched the woman go for a moment with a look of disgust and turned to look at Jack.

"Are you okay?" she asked, concerned.

He was still blinking from the hit. "Yes, luv, I'm okay- I'm just not sure I deserved that one..."

"The tavern's just down the road here..." Cassandra told him, pointing.

"Excellent!" he said. "That means I don't have to wait much longer..." he muttered.

He began walking again and Cassandra took his arm again, following. A moment of silence passed before she asked curiously with a smile, "Was that your lady friend?"

"That was only one of them, luv..." he answered with a grin. Cassandra looked away, embarrassed and dismayed. She didn't say anything for a moment but then realized that even a simple gesture like holding his arm was enough to ruin her reputation.

Cassandra pulled her arm from his swiftly with a small gasp and watched for his reaction. He stopped, looking startled and then his brow furrowed.

"What's the matter, lass?" he asked with concern.

Cassandra frowned. "I know what type of man you are..." she told him, watching him warily.

His eyebrows rose and he approached her slowly. "Oh...and what type of man am I?" he asked, touching his chest with his hand in a gesture to himself.

"The type of man that's as inconstant as the sea!" she responded hotly. She crossed her arms and an irritated expression came to her face. "I see now that you are with many women," she said through clenched teeth. "And I will not be another one of your mistresses!" she said in a low voice to him. She turned on her heel and made her way toward the tavern.

"I wasn't asking you to be, luv!" he responded.

Cassandra stopped in her tracks and turned around to face him. "Yes, but walking through the street with you makes it look like that!" she cried. She groaned angrily and continued walking.

"What are you worried about luv? It's Tortuga, not Port Royal!" he said with exasperation, throwing up his arms.

"Ah, here we are, darling..." he drawled from behind her as they stood outside the front of the tavern.

She turned around to face him. "Can you please stop calling me darling? I'm not your wife. Call me Cassandra instead please..."

Jack frowned and furrowed his brow. "Cassandra..." he murmured. After a pause, he added, "It sounds strange and foreign on my tongue."

"Is that because you've never actually used a woman's real name before?" she retorted with a raised eyebrow.

"Perhaps." he answered, looking thoughtful.

Cassandra rolled her eyes and smiled. She was about to go in when she felt Jack lightly grasp her forearm and appear beside her. She immediately stiffened and recoiled a bit.

He gave her that sly but smiling look where his eyes revealed the mischief that lay underneath the surface. "I was curious luv..." he drawled once again, making her exhale slowly and roll her eyes. "Would you be able to give me a sort of deal on the rum?"

She gave him a disbelieving look. "A deal?!" she repeated with a huff. "What more do you want?! I already gave you my gratitude and a kiss!"

"I know darling, but I'm looking for a deal. I'm really short on money." he told her.

"I can't do that." she replied, shaking her head. "I'm sorry- I just can't. That would be deceitful."

He opened his mouth to respond but just as he did, a man called out, catching everyone's attention. "HEY! YOU!" the voice called.

Jack froze and turned to look over his shoulder at the owner of the voice. Just as he looked at the man he quickly turned his face away and his eyes widened with fear. Cassandra frowned as she watched Jack. What was the matter with him?

"Quick, hide me luv!" he whispered ducking and trying to conceal himself behind her.

"What's- what's going on Jack?" she asked suspiciously, turning around to watch him as he hide behind her and the people around them. She saw his eyes go wide again as she turned and he frowned deeply.

"No! Don't turn! Stay... that way!" he cried, placing his hands on her waist and quickly turning her around so she faced the man.

Cassandra cried out as he turned her around in one swift, surprising moment. Cassandra saw the man and he was storming toward them, his face red with anger.

"YOU!" the man yelled with disgust, pointing a finger at Jack. "You stole my money!" Jack's hands on her waist made her very flustered. She turned and watched as Jack peeked around her and then hid behind her again.

"It wasn't me! You have the wrong person!" Jack called from behind her.

The man snorted and briefly glanced at Cassandra as he reached them. "That's rubbish! I know a thief when I see one! And don't think that you're safe, because you're not! You've got a lot of people looking for you!"

Cassandra gave an angry huff and threw Jack's hands off her. The brunette shot Jack an angry look as she turned to look at him and crossed her arms over her chest.

Neither of the men paid much attention to her though. The man stepped up to Jack with a menacing look and Jack scrambled to his feet. He laughed nervously. "There's no need to be angry here, mate...It was just...a misunderstanding..." He held up his hands and stepped away slowly.

"It was no misunderstanding!" the man yelled. "That was my money and you took it! I was going to use that for making a bet you know! I could have won some more money!"

"Well, I used that money for food..." Jack told him, holding up a finger. His handsome face then broke into that dazzling grin. "So, you can take comfort in the fact that your money was put to good use..."

The man stared at him for a moment and his nostrils flared as he grew even angrier. "AH! I'M GOING TO MAKE YOU PAY, PIRATE!"

Jack's eyes widened and he turned around and ran. The man charged after him and Jack ran, yelping like a fool.

Cassandra stared after them for a moment, a stunned expression on her face and then she suddenly smiled, shaking her head in exasperation as she made her way into the tavern.

"That was Jack Sparrow!"

Cassandra's mouth dropped and her eyes widened. "What?!" she gasped.

"That was Jack Sparrow- the man who saved you last night..." Heather explained as she gave the bar counter a wipe with a cloth.

Cassandra was too stunned at first to talk. She had recounted last night's events to Heather and Heather thought the description she gave of the mysterious man perfectly fit Jack Sparrow. It would make sense...his first name was Jack and that man had called him a pirate...

Cassandra thought for a moment and then spoke. "He's a captain...isn't he?" she asked quietly.

Heather looked doubtful. "Well...that's what he says...but every time I see him he is without a ship. I don't know if you'd call that a captain..." she murmured.

"He must know about ships though and how to acquire them..." Cassandra protested. "In fact, he probably knows those pirates who attacked my harbour town!"

Heather looked thoughtful, her red eyebrows rising. "Probably," she surmised. "I bet he has run into them some time or another. Just about everyone knows of him..."

"Heather! This could be my chance to find with my parents!" Cassandra cried excitedly, her brown eyes glittering. "I have to go and find him and see if he'll help me!"

A sad smile crossed Heather's face. "You're really determined to find your parents, aren't you lass?"

Cassandra paused to observe her friend and gave her a slightly apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, Heather...I know you've been feeling really out of place here and me being here made it easier for you but I have to find them...They're my family."

"I know," Heather replied. "And that is why you must go. Just as I must take care of Thomas and keep him safe."

"Yes," Cassandra replied, nodding and smiling. "Family and friends have to stick together."

"Good luck, Cassandra." Heather said with a smile, reaching out and squeezing her arm.

Cassandra smiled and turned around, just in time to see an older man walk in. She quickly approached him. "Hello, sir," she greeted. "Do you know where Jack Sparrow is?"

"Oh, Jack Sparrow left late last night," the man told her. Cassandra winced in disappointment and the man offered her a contrite look. "He was headed for one of the remote islands, one of those ones full of cannibals...Pelegosto, I think."

"How far gone do you think he is by now?!" Cassandra asked urgently.

"Oh, probably quite a ways by now..." the man said, shaking his head.

Cassandra let out a sound of despair and slumped into one of the tavern seats. "Oh! Don't lose hope- you can still find him!"

"How, Heather?!" Cassandra's sudden outburst made Heather jump a bit and blink in surprise. "I don't know anything about sailing ships and there's no one here in Tortuga that I can trust!"

Heather was silent and Cassandra suddenly felt guilty for yelling at her.

"Heather..."

"No," Heather interrupted her sharply. "You listen to me, Cassandra"- Cassandra watched as Heather sat down on a chair opposite her at the table. "You have tried so hard to get here and to this point. Look what you've done for yourself!" Heather cried, gesturing to her. "You've made a life for yourself- and that is a hard thing for a woman to do alone in this world...believe me. You've carried on and you refuse to believe that your parents are gone..." Cassandra's eyes began to water. "You hope- you hope for the best and your hope has carried you through.

"And now you're just going to give up?!" Heather cried, outraged. "Just because you can't sail a ship and you can't find anyone in Tortuga. Well, I have to tell you something, Cassandra, sometimes you have to take chances- sometimes you have to brave even though you might not know what is ahead of you"- Heather paused and she shook her head. "When my husband died, Thomas and I were all alone...But I decided to take a chance and be brave, even though I was scared of what might happen to us. I was afraid that we would not make enough money...that something would happen to Thomas and I'd be all alone in the world...There's so many things you can be afraid of Cassandra...but you can't let it all get to you."

Cassandra looked down at the table. "But it's so hard not to," she sighed. "I'm tired of everything being unpredictable. I just want something to be constant in my life."

"God is constant," Heather replied. "As constant as the setting sun. Trust in him."

"Will he really help me?" Cassandra asked part hopeful, part doubtful.

Heather smiled. "If you let him..."

"I think I'll try it..." Cassandra replied, smiling. Heather laughed.

"I think you should and I also think that you you'll be able to find someone to help you. I'll pray for you." Heather said.

Cassandra smiled. "Thank you, Heather," she whispered. "I'm going to keep on trying until I find a way."

"That's a girl!" Heather encouraged.

Cassandra smiled at her friend. She would find a captain and crew to sail with and she would find her family.

The next day she was refreshed and was even more determined than ever. She still hadn't found a decent captain and crew to sail with but she wasn't upset. She knew that would come in time. However, something happened later that day that shocked and troubled her.

Cassandra had been distributing food and drinks when she had almost run into someone coming through the open side entry of the tavern. She inhaled sharply as the drinks and plates of food rattled on the tray. Luckily though, someone had reached out to help her steady it.

Her gaze flew from the slender-looking hand of the person to their face. She gasped when she recognized who it was and he smiled widely. His glazed eyes trailed freely over her figure.

"You look lovely, Cassandra." he commented before taking a drag from his bottle of rum. Tonight she was wearing a gown of white and pale yellow.

"James!" she gasped. Cassandra's cheeks went bright red and she smiled nervously.

To be continued...Looks like James has changed into a rough, scruffy ex-Commodore perhaps? What will Cassandra think of this? I promise you'll know soon. I appreciate feedback, review if you want. :)