Chapter Twenty One

Beatrice's eyes seemed to be trying to burn a hole through the wood of the bar. Fights and shouting surrounded her, but she took no notice. Her eyebrows furrowed and she tapped her nails on the wood, making a quick line of ticking noises. Her head was propped up on her fist, her arm on the bar, her fingernails slowing and quickening their pace at random moments.

Throughout this whole time Tom watched her out of the corner of his eyes. He put down the mug he was cleaning, with what looked like the same dirty rag from earlier, and leaned on the bar opposite Beatrice. "Left behind, eh?"

She glared at him sharply, smacking her hand on the counter. "No, I chose to stay here."

His eyebrow rose at that. "You did, why?"

"I just love this place so much I couldn't part with it." She said sarcastically. Rolling her eyes she gestured to the upstairs. "Why else?"

"Ah, yes, Dragon Mary." He said in complete understanding. "After your last little escape she won't let you leave so easily, or let you back either."

"Exactly." She said in utter defeat. "There's no way I'd ever be able to leave without giving notice and slipping her a bribe to let me go." Groaning, she buried her head in her arms. "I only just settled the last debt, if I leave now there's a very good chance she'll double what it was last time."

Tom nodded. "Aye, it would take a small fortune or expensive trinket to get Mary to agree to anything."

Beatrice ears perked and she sat up slowly. "Trinket?"

"Aye." He narrowed his eyes. "What you thinkin', girl? Found yerself a solution?"

Beatrice waved a hand dismissively. "No, no, besides there's no way I'd be able to catch up a day late." She sighed. "And it's not the only reason I stayed."

"There's another reason, and what's that?"

She looked away. "It's…complicated."

"Ahh, woman's trouble, no need to explain." He said, picking up his mug and rag again. "Fight with yer man."

"I didn't have a fight with James." She snapped. "I just decided I didn't need to follow him to sea. I could stay behind and wait. I don't need any distractions in my life."

Tom smirked. "Aaah, so it's another man."

"What?" She spat, throwing him a look. "Why would you think that?"

"Guilt is written all over your face, darling. Doesn't take a genius to realize your tastes are bein swayed." He frowned at her torn look. "No need to be so upset, Bee, after all you've been sayin' he's not yer man."

She sighed and bowed her head. "But the other man…" She shook her head. "It would be a betrayal on every level. Even thinkin' about it… I can already see his face."

"You two got history."

She nodded pathetically. "It's not a pretty one, but it's always only been him."

Tom snorted. "Must have been a small village."

"Maybe to me." She said, smiling sadly. "I only met Jack by chance."

"Jack…" Tom's eyes widened and he laughed loudly. "Jack Sparrow! Oh I should have known. No need to broad over this love, just stick with the former commodore. You're not the first to be tempted to Sparrow. Could fill a room with all the women he's swayed, and that's just the women here." He laughed again, like it was the funniest thing he'd ever heard.

Beatrice flared and glared at him heatedly. How dare he compare her to all the other women in Tortuga. She was different, she was… Jack didn't think…

Her eyebrows furrowed and her stomach twisted again.

Tom saw her expression and patted her shoulder over the counter. "I'm not one fer matchmaking or to talk about relationships, especially in a place like this, but don't be wastin' yer time on Jack Sparrow."

"I know." She said. "That's why I stayed behind."

"Obviously you don't." Tom said, giving her a look as if she was slow.

She bristled. "Then what am I missing, oh wise one?"

"Well quite frankly you're bein' a little depressin, darlin'." He said. "And Jack Sparrow only affects you because you let him. From what I see every woman is in the exact place and relationship she wants to be."

"So you think I want to be here? Left behind and wallowing?" She asked angrily.

"Aye, otherwise you'd be out there, consequences be damned. Mary didn't stop ya last time."

"Well that was different, I was different." She tried to explain.

"Bullshit." Tom said, dismissing her excuses. "From what I've seen you're not one for hidin' like a coward when things get tough. If it's about betrayin' or not betrayin' your man, sittin' in a place like this is not goin' to help. There's temptation everywhere, it's there whether you'll be facin 'it head on or runnin away."

She stared at him, awed. "My God, it's like you have a knowledge (have a knowledge…of what?) or something."

He glared. "Look if ya don't want my advice I won't give it! Figure it out for yerself; sit here sufferin' even if ya have a way to get out for a bit or go and face whatever it is? Jack Sparrow only holds somethin' over ya because ya let him. Wantin' somethin' is different then lovin' someone."

Beatrice wiped her eye. "You're such a romantic, Tom."

He grumbled, turning away slightly. "Figure it out Bee; ya can't expect people to always be willin' to help ya or care." He walked to the other side of the counter, pulling bottles of rum from under the bar and selling them, plunging himself in a new conversation with the men at the bar.

She stared at him appraisingly, taking his words into consideration. She began to tap her fingernails again, resuming the position she had previously, her arm on the bar and her face propped up by her fist. He was right, she had figured out a possible way to get Mary to let her go, and she could figure a way to get off Tortuga. It was just if she really could overcome her foolish wants, as well as run off on an unlikely journey to chase after the Pearl. The likelihood she'd actually be able to catch up or run into them was low.

"Is it worth the try?"

Will's face flashed through her mind. She blinked. Will. Had she really forgotten about him, put all her tragedies before him? If he was in trouble and trapped on Davy Jones's ship then shouldn't she be trying to find him, rescue him?

She hit the bar with a fist.

All other men be damned, she had to think of her brother first. Jack could sprout off theories of what she wanted all he wanted, but he wouldn't control her and stop her from helping Will. James either. She realized she was so worried about messing up the choppy relationship between her and James that she lost sight of everything else. Her ambitions, her needs, her life…

She stood so abruptly she startled a drunken man passing by, but paid him no heed. Heading for the stairs she went straight for her room, and once inside went to the drawer at the bedside table. Rifling through it she reached all the way into the back and pulled out a small beaded purse. Opening it she smiled at all the shiny contents.

Mary raised an eyebrow and looked at the golden jeweled broach. "An' you'll just be givin' me this in exchange for leave?"

Beatrice nodded, feeling dishearten at her loss, but also smug to be able to make a deal with the Mary. She could tell by the greedy look in Mary's eyes that she wanted it.

Picking up her pipe she eyed Beatrice in suspicion. "Why are you takin' this out now? I assume you had it when you first returned. Why not use it to pay off the debt?"

"I didn't think a debt was important enough to give up my treasure." She said coolly. On the inside however she was hitting herself for not remembering the small treasures she had stolen from the pirate island sooner. All the work she did could have been avoided if she had remembered the little purse of treasures hidden away in her things. She still wanted the job, to keep the wages up, but the gold and jewels would help her along while she followed after the Black Pearl.

"And there's another piece for you when I return." Beatrice said. "In case I'm gone too long, you understand."

Mary held the gold in front of her, turning it slowly in the candle light. A greedy look morphed her face. "Take all the time you need dear."

Beatrice curtsied and left, hiding her smile. Once the door shut behind her she lifted her skirt and sprinted to her room. First and foremost she tore off her dress and put on some more comfortable clothes: a tunic and coat to go with the pants she had still been wearing under the dress. She then proceeded to grab her sword and tie it to her belt.

Looking down at herself she gave a satisfied nod, but something still felt out of place. Looking around the room she disregarded all the clothes and empty bottles. She and James didn't have anything valuable that would be a problem to lose…

She hit her forehead and opened the nightstand drawer, reaching all the way to the back and pulling out the beaded purse. Opening her coat she put the purse in a hidden pocket. Smiling in satisfaction she closed the curtains, letting all light disappear to be replaced by shadows and left the room.

"Alright boys! Prepare the sails! We're setting off." Edward yelled, putting on his hat.

Lucas pulled the ropes with half hearted effort; his eyes wondered towards the dock.

"Lucas!" Frank called from the helm. "Pull!"

Snapping back into reality Lucas nodded and pulled the sail open and tied the rope to its post. He rubbed his hands together and watched Harry untying the ropes tied to the dock and felt a little disappointed.

"All untied Captain!" Harry called.

Edward took over the helm. "Prepare the dingy to pull us out Harry."

Harry nodded, stepping into the small boat in the water in front of their ship. Lucas leaned over the side to watch him tie the rope to the back of his boat to pull the ship safely out of the harbor. He didn't even bother to check the docks anymore, she wasn't going to come.

"Wait!"

His head shot up and he smiled. "Stop Harry!"

Harry fumbled with the oars in surprise and the sudden order and glared at Lucas. "What?"

Lucas pointed to the figure running towards them. Edward squinted and smiled, recognizing the person. "Grab onto the dock Harry!"

Harry regained his composure and did as ordered.

Beatrice panted as she reached the edge of the dock and smiled up at them. Standing up straight she saluted. "Permission to come aboard sir?"

Lucas's eyes widened in surprise, but Edward just laughed. "It's been a while Miss Brown, it would be an honor to have you join the crew again." A stern look passed over his eyes. "You'll be able to explain why once we've set off. Get in with Harry."

Her smile widened and she nodded. Harry held out a hand and helped her into the boat. He pushed off the dock and pulled the ship into deeper water.

"Nice to see you again Bee." Harry said, giving her a toothy grin.

"You too." She said happily, watching as Tortuga got farther and farther away.

Soon they far enough to freely sail without risk of hitting other boats and the dingy was tied and pulled aboard, Beatrice and Harry with it. Lucas held out his hand to help her on and she took it with a smile.

"What are you doing here?" He asked.

"I just thought I'd get away for a bit." She said brightly.

Edward smiled. "Returning to Port Royal then?"

Her expression turned sour. "No. Actually I was wondering if you'd go off course for me, to bring me somewhere."

Edward raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms. "Where?" Frank, Harry, and Lucas at that point had gathered around them, watching the interaction.

"Well I don't know what exactly it's called, but I have the heading." She said positively, thinking back to the night before when she caught sight of the direction the compass pointed.

He frowned. "You're my friend Beatrice, but I'm first and foremost a businessman. I can't be wasting supplies taking you God knows where."

"I know." She said solemnly. Pulling a solid gold necklace from her back she held it up to gleam in the sun. The sailors' eyes glinted in the same light as Mary's had. "Which is why I'm intending on paying you for your assistance." She dropped it into his hand. "I'm sure that will cover any supplies you have to restock."

Edward looked at the gold and grinned. "Now where was it you wished to go?"

Beatrice smirked. She told Frank the heading and watched the sailors assemble to change direction, heading northwest. She watched them for a long time, oblivious to Lucas's glances. After a while she wandered to the familiar part of the bow, where she used to lean over the edge to relieve her seasickness. She stared at the water, smiling faintly, sliding her hands over the smooth wood of the railing.

"Strange being back, isn't it?" Lucas asked, coming up behind her.

"I suppose, but I'm glad to see everyone."

Lucas leaned on the railing beside her. "Beatrice, I'd like to apologize for my behavior before. I was out of line."

She laughed. "It's alright Lucas; everyone gets annoyed in Tom's presence."

His eyebrows furrowed. "No, it's not that." He looked down at her intently. "I was-"

"Long boat off the port bound!" A sailor called from crow's nest.

Beatrice turned out of curiosity, but Lucas grabbed her arm. "Beatrice, I've realized I feel something for you." He said quickly.

She opened and closed her mouth, her chest filling with dread. "Lucas…" She looked away. "I'm sorry, I-"

Hurt crossed over his face and he turned away. "It's alright, I understand."

"I do care for you." She tried. "I just…I'm sorry."

There was nothing else for her to say. He gave her a sad smile and walked back to the deck to assist Harry in pulling the longboat and it's passenger out of the water. Beatrice followed slowly after him, looking at Lucas's back sadly. Trying to distract her guilt so turned her attention to the new passenger. Her eyes widened.

"Will?!"

Will's head shot up and he blinked in shock. "Beatrice?"

Without a moment's hesitation she pulled him into a tight embrace. He returned it. Pushing him back to arms length she looked him over. He was soaking wet, his clothes torn and dirty, his hair a mess, and large bags under his eyes. "You look a fright."

"What were you doing floating out in open water young man?" Edward asked. He'd never met Will before, all his dealings with the blacksmith or other encounters had always gone through Beatrice. He was watching Will in suspicion.

"Can we question him in your office?" Beatrice asked, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. "Get him a blanket? He's exhausted."

"Beatrice it's fine-" Will began, but she shushed him, looking at Edward pleadingly.

The captain looked Will over again before slowly nodding. "Right, this way." He nodded to Harry and Frank to follow them.

Beatrice didn't look at Lucas as she passed him.

Will sat down in one of the chairs in the office. He looked shaken, panic aligning his eyes. Harry and Frank stood near the door as Edward and Beatrice stepped near Will.

"Will, what's going on?" Beatrice asked. "Where are you coming from?"

"Strange thing to come upon a longboat so far out in open waters." Edward said.

Will shook his head. "Just put as many leagues behind us as you can, as fast as you can."

Beatrice narrowed her eyes. "What are we running from?"

Will wasn't paying attention to her as something else caught his eye. He stood and walked past Beatrice. "That dress. Where did you get it?"

"It was found aboard the ship." Edward said. "The men thought it was an omen of ill fate."

Beatrice stared at Edward in question, glancing down at the dress. She would know it anywhere; she had stared at it long enough when Elizabeth had tried it on for her. Her eyes narrowed. Elizabeth had used Edward to bring her to Tortuga, she realized, but wondered why she had left the dress.

"That's foolish." Will said softly, gazing down at the dress. He knew it well; he'd never be able to get the image of Elizabeth wearing it out of his mind, even if it was on such an awful day. She had looked beautiful.

Frank looked away. "Ah, yes, exceedingly foolish."

"It brought good fortune." Harry said slyly. "The spirit told us pull in at Tortuga, and we made a nice bit of profit there."

Edward smiled. "Off the books, of course. We'll be planning more trips to Tortuga from now on."

Will smiled slightly. "I imagine some of your crew may have jumped ship there."

Beatrice followed his train of thought, thinking of Elizabeth's sudden appearance.

Edward had no way to piece things together, he had no idea that the governor's daughter had stowed away on his ship. "Why do you ask?"

Lucas appeared in the doorway, slightly out of breath. "Captain, a ship's been spotted."

"Colors?"

"She isn't flying any."

"Pirates!" Edward spat.

"Or worse." Will whispered. He dropped the gown and hurried out of the office and up the stairs, everyone trailing behind him, heading to the railing.

Beatrice looked out into the distance, an oddly shaped, menacing almost; ship was floating a ways away. The bow almost looked like a giant mouth. "Who is it?"

Will stared at the ship in horror. "I've doomed us all."

"Will?"

He ignored her. "It's the Flying Dutchman!" He yelled.

Not moments after his cry the ship jerked and came to a dead stop. Beatrice staggered and held onto the railing to keep her balance.

"Mother Carrie's chickens! What happened?" Someone asked.

"Must've hit a reef!"

Edward looked away from the water. "Free the rudder! Hard to port, then hard to starboard!"

"Free the rudder!" Ben, one of the older sailors, yelled

"Hard to port!" Frank repeated louder.

Beatrice watched in horror as Edward was plucked from the ship right before her eyes and dragged into the water. He resurfaced moments later, held in the air in the grasp of a large tentacle. His screams pierced the air as he was pulled into the water again.

"KRAKEN!" Ben screamed.

As everyone scrambled around her to grab weapons and readied themselves to fight the beast Beatrice stared at the spot in the water Edward disappeared.

"Beatrice!" Will screamed, wrapping an arm around her waist as another tentacle hit the ship.

He had been killed so easily, like his life meant nothing.

She stared at the tentacle as is rose high over the ship, casting her in shadow.