Norrington was befuddled when Groves told him of his meeting with Lord Caldwell, and offered to give his side in hopes of Caldwell pursuing a more active response. If two trusted and reputable officers provided their accounts, how could Caldwell not heed Woodrow's peculiar actions?

Groves lay low while Norrington took his action, which took a few days. Norrington had wisely brought up that allowing Caldwell to cool down from Groves's encounter would provide an advantage, not to mention preventing Caldwell from feeling attacked, and therefore defensive.

The pain of Emma rejecting his offer to help her in Port Royal after her trial still ate at Groves, too. He had long since begun to treasure her as more than a friend, but he was learning to accept her as only that if it meant she would reconsider-but that was if she suspected his affections for her, and so far she hadn't given any inclination of such. It would be far less painful to admire her at a distance in Port Royal while living a different life for herself rather than returning to Tortuga never to be seen again. Wouldn't it?

After a few days, however, Norrington reported that Lord Caldwell refused to budge. He was still willing to barricade Woodrow for reassurance, but that was it. He was as dismissive with Norrington as he had been with Groves. Norrington suggested reporting the incident to Governor Byron upon their return home. It briefly eased Groves, but only until he was reminded they were still at sea, and more than a few days away from home.

Norrington also had another concern besides Woodrow. "It would be best if your duties over Emma appear informal," he had warned the following day.

Groves's insides jerked with the reality of the situation. "I understand, though I don't see why it would evolve into anything more now."

Norrington was silent for a moment, remembering his friend's offer to help her start a new life should she be released in Port Royal.

"Do you know what she wants?" Norrington dared himself to ask. He hadn't intended on delving this deep just yet, but the timing felt right.

Groves's chest suddenly felt unbearably heavy. "I am afraid to ask her. Selfishly, I can only hope she wants a better life for herself."

"Is she aware of any ounce of your affections?" Norrington asked.

"I cannot say for certain." He peered up at Norrington. How different it felt to be on the other side! "How will I know to tell her?"

Norrington sympathized for him. Given their circumstances, it was difficult to say. Revealing it too soon could create more tension if Caldwell got wind of it, but if he waited too long…

"That is for you to decide," Norrington answered calmly.

Groves was silent, knowing he was right.

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

Norrington's prediction proved correct: the winds leftover from the storms increased their sailing advantage. Within a week, they had managed to sail farther than they had reached within a few days when they had gone towards Atlantis. If the winds continued to be favorable, it was likely they would reach Port Royal within a couple of weeks, nearly half the time it took for them the first time. Of course, they would need to replenish their supplies at the usual ports, but the idea of reaching home earlier than planned lifted all the men's spirits-even Groves's a bit.

He continued with his duties, still cherishing those few minutes he had with Emma. He remained amiable towards her, but didn't dare mention his offer to her again. He knew if she wished to reconsider, she would let him know. When he did see her, he mustered the courage and strength to continue as before, despite the conflict that rose in him every time.

He finally gathered enough courage to say, "We should reach Port Royal within another week or so, should the winds continue to be favorable."

Emma was a bit withdrawn, but answered, "And then will I be tried?"

Groves swallowed. "Yes."

She seemed to accept it, for she continued to finish her meal quietly.

He peered at her before adding, "Woodrow may be tried, as well."

That got her attention. She swallowed her bite. "Why?"

"For attacking me, then assaulting Norrington when he was confronted-during the battle with the pirates on the island," Groves said meekly.

"Oh," Emma peeped, then felt suddenly overwhelmed. She felt foolish, helpless, and afraid; foolish for not having told him sooner, helpless for letting it affect her for so long to prevent her from telling him, and afraid of what could happen if she told him now.

Her mind racing, she hoped she could tell him only what he needed. Surely Caldwell couldn't accuse her of breeching her part of the bargain if she only revealed this bit to him. If only she knew Groves was debating at the same moment how he could ask her of his suspicions of Woodrow.

"Theodore?" her voice quietly wavered as she stood straight, gripping the bars.

Hearing her utter his name was enough to jerk him from his thoughts, his heart painfully having skipped a beat as he stepped closer to her. Seeing the stricken look on her face tore at him even more. He could see she was struggling for the right words.

She parted and pursed her lips several times before finally saying, "The island wasn't the first time Woodrow tried to attack you! He was the man who followed you in Tortuga…"

*And the one you shot, and the man who kidnapped you and brought you to Port Royal…* Groves's thoughts rang. He had actually been correct in his assumptions. He was near the point of disregarding them, thinking he didn't have enough evidence to support it, but Emma had actually seen the man in Tortuga. And she had also seen him on Atlantis. It made more sense now why she had been so tense and afraid when he was present.

His alarm rose. Woodrow was now under a form of house arrest, but Lord Caldwell was at his mercy. Was he aware of what his man was capable of?

Groves jerked his head up, his thoughts covering only a moment. "And he brought you to Port Royal…" *Knowing I would follow if I had found out…* Although things had worked differently, Woodrow had carefully played his cards.

"I'm sorry for not telling you sooner…" Emma's voice trailed in and out. "I was trying to protect you. I thought…"

His hands covered hers before she could finish. He was filled with his pain and a new hope. Was Emma telling him she cared, even if not romantically?

"Emma…"

He instantly suppressed those feelings. He couldn't reveal them now, for it would endanger her. If Woodrow suspected anything…

"I must tell Lord Caldwell," Groves barely squeezed her fingers before turning away, heading for the door.

"Wait, no-" Emma began.

Groves turned to look at her. "I will send another officer down here to watch over you." His voice dropped before he turned away again. "I cannot leave you down here alone, not anymore."

"But Theo-" Caldwell's agreement ran through her head again, but her fear rose for Groves as he reached the bottom of the stairs.

"Commodore!" the door to the brig swung open, an officer's voice ringing out. Emma couldn't see him, but the man spoke too quickly and held Groves's attention too well for her to interrupt. "The Valiant is here! Governor Byron has reached us! Admiral Norrington commanded for me to fetch you."

Groves and Emma fell silent, though Emma still trembled. She couldn't say anything more without the officer hearing her.

Groves's heart thudded against his chest as he ascended the stairs without thinking twice.

"Remain below with the prisoner."

"But, Sir-" Emma heard the officer as Groves disappeared up the stairs.

"I shall vouch for your absence," and the door leading to the brig slammed shut.