Disclaimer: Don't own anything except original characters. All material (c) to respective owners. I write these for fun and make no profit. They're just random plot bunnies that live within my strange mind.
I know this story has taken forever and I apologize for the long wait. Lately I seem to write myself to where I'm stuck, hopefully this will not last but for now the ending of this long story is about to put up. I admit leaving it open, but hopefully I covered enough so no one worries about what happened. I have no idea if there ever will be a sequel or not, I would guess not at this juncture in time. I hope you enjoy the last few chapters and thanks for the support everyone!
Chapter 55: Cold Predictions
"Impossible." I jumped at her voice, Elizabeth's honey eyes focus on me in agitation. "Why do we always have to attract the stubborn men?" I smiled at this, which was the most truth either of us had admitted in the past ten minutes. "James is too soft for this plan, I am very sure that this will not be in his favor." She added tiredly. "Where do they plan to keep Mercer and how do they keep their identities secret?" She had voiced the last question on earth I wanted to contemplate or the answer to it.
Seeing her fidget in frustration I got this nagging feeling I just couldn't shake. I didn't even consider the fact that Mercer had yet to come to the house, I wasn't about to let this plan go through knowing what was going to happen or guessing at most. Granted Mercer deserved everything he got, but this way was not going to settle with either of us, especially me.
Before she could stop me I walked out into the entryway and halted in my tracks watching Norrington quirk a brow at my appearance "Not happening James." I walked past his startled expression pausing outside the kitchen. "Jack this is not how it is going down. In my world murder is far easier to prove and you're putting not only you in danger but everyone else. Find another way or else…
He stepped from the kitchen with a familiar mocking expression, I didn't budge though. "What?" his tone indicated a dare to challenge him and for once I was going to, even at the risk of this whole thing blowing up in my face.
"I don't want to hurt you but I will…if you put this plan into action I won't…" slowly his expression faded into one of his masked looks. "I won't go back to the Pearl or help you again. I won't risk everything I care about…I won't risk Elizabeth, Will, James and I especially won't risk watching you go down for murder in any world!" with that I stormed up the stairs leaving him to deal with my rage, again I had let all my emotional energy control me.
--Jacks POV--
That had been very unexpected and a side he didn't think she was capable of showing him. She had stood up against all of his wit, charm, reassurances and seen right through everything. It was a whole new world to know that someone could care that much and know exactly how to turn it around on him. He had cursed feelings to the depths of hell and back, although now that he had a better understanding of them they didn't seem as bad as he thought. He tried to argue away the fact she was right in everything she said, that his feelings were a menace and ruined his judgment. Jack finally understood that within feelings was a strength that didn't always show until it was necessary and her rage induced rant had hit every single spot it could, creating a steady stinging sensation someplace within his heart.
"Jack?" He winced at the soft tone from Elizabeth another surprise which made him turn to eye her apprehensive of her motives. "Maybe if you understand where the emotion comes from you will understand why she…
"Please don't finish that." He did not need to be reminded he had allowed himself to feel again, he didn't want this woman to tell him anything but knew it was useless to fight it now.
"I will finish whatever I see fit Captain." her firm tone sounded almost like she was scolding him, something he really did not appreciate. "She knows how to return hurt, she was hurt that you would be so selfish and in turn did the only thing she could….allowed her emotions to rule over her judgment." She noticed his disgusted look and shook her head amusement in her eyes.
"Why is she so bloody complicated?" Elizabeth grinned at his very well placed term.
"Because she's Blair…always a changing fortress of emotions and hurt easily. Life in her world is not easy on someone that wears their heart on their sleeve. She cares and can't change who she is because you feel the need to put yourself at risk." Jack wasn't sure he liked how this was going but listened with some reluctance anyway.
"She was hurt?" this made him rather angry but he was quite sure it wouldn't do him any good to ask.
"A lot…its part of caring too much sometimes." She smiled slightly how she remembered Blair's insistent need to know about Jack, everything she could find out from her and Will both. "To put it plain and simple…she won't ever be controlled anymore than you would. Freedom works two ways Jack and she would do anything to protect those she cares about, especially those she loves." He had this sinking feeling that Elizabeth was not finished with him. "Now with that said even if I made no sense, it might be in your interest to face facts. A different plan is your only option…she won't let this plan go through and I believe Mercer just knocked." With that she went to answer leaving a very frustrated group of men.
"That settles that." Will stated matter-of-factly.
"Aye that it does…" he paused sighing annoyed that he and Norrington would have to again talk about a way to get information against Becket. "…bugger." He turned to the stairs and knew that he would have to again face off with an emotional whirlwind.
--Original POV--
"I just told Jack off!" I stated aloud in shock, miserably I flopped down across the bed wondering exactly what he thought about that.
I wondered if I was nuts just for the briefest of moments before replaying the look on Elizabeth's face. I had been in the right and if he actually understood my emotional whirlwind, I would be fine. If not I was positive Elizabeth would put her two sense in, for once it was probably a good thing. Hearing the door start to open I considered ducking out onto the balcony, it wouldn't do me much good considering how determined Jack generally was.
I carefully situated myself on the bed and waited knowing very well I was in for an ear full. "Ah…ye did come here." His tone forced me to halt in my comments; it wasn't forward or demanding which indicated I was safe for the time being.
"No where to hide really…especially when you know where to look." I tried to joke but just couldn't bring the serious tone out of my voice, I was worried about this whole mess and faced with a man whose temper rivaled my own and yet he never let it control him.
Attentive to my fidgeting he couldn't help but smirk. "Ye are an emotional wave love…I never know what to expect. The plan has been denied, another will be in the works later after the menace downstairs takes his leave. I am beginning to understand ye a bit more though, no thanks to Lizzie." I met his stare watching the amusement in his expression and found myself half smiling.
"Yes that she does…it isn't always effective but she does her best." I felt him settle beside me on the bed, hand gently clasping mine forcing my attention to again focus on him. "What did she do this time?"
He made a face before looking everywhere but me. "That bloody woman…bugger it all." Sighing he couldn't help the laughter that escaped his lips. "Lets just say I never expected that out of Lizzie." He regarded me with a contemplative look.
"I never thought so either…"I paused my finger resting against my lip in thought. "…Of coarse at the moment she has a lot to deal with, a bloody pirate being the least threatening on her list." The tension was gone and things were normal between us again.
"She managed to get him out of the house with minimal questions on Jacks position as a merchant." I smiled seeing Will all but slide down the wall staring at us. "He has finally gotten a small hint, whether it works only time will tell." Will was on his feet and out the door at the harsh yell that followed his comment.
"JAMES!" Elizabeth nearly lunged at the commodore the three of us watching at her outburst. "You could have mentioned this before…
"It's easy enough to get information out of Beckets office, I didn't think it would be necessary to announce how." Everyone turned to Norrington's unintended interruption all eyeing him funny. "It would seem I have the access…through Gillette of course. Perhaps that…
"Ye bloody git!" I caught Jacks arm before he could go off on Norrington. "Ye couldn't have explained that earlier?" Will watched with amusement at how difficult it was for me to stop Jack, he was much stronger than one would assume.
Norrington cleared his throat before a look of complete contempt passed across his face. "You never asked." He smirked smugly watching Jacks dark eyes narrow. "It was you that insisted that this would have to be difficult; I tried to explain this to both you and Will but neither…
CRACK
I released Jack watching Norrington hit the floor with a fat lip forming. "Liz!" I nearly shouted watching her carefully shake out her hand before walking over to Will.
I gave it up; if Elizabeth was going to beat on Norrington he may have deserved it. "Alright…now that James has a fat lip to go with his big ego lets move on please." I avoided laughing at Will who was rather blunt and to the point at the moment.
Elizabeth still looked like she wanted to throttle him, but relented none the less. "It would have been in his best interest to quit while he was ahead." I added in a soft whisper.
I noticed that Jack had again vanished and groaned. I took off through the back of the house and out into the gardens, it didn't take long to find him muttering furiously to no one in particular. His hands waving in a familiar fashion, fury etched in each step he took. Norrington could have saved a lot of trouble, but that overbearing ego of his had won over his common sense. I waited watching him pace before finally stopping long enough to see me standing there.
"He's a right bloody stupid git." I nodded; he's still twitching in anger but has calmed down enough to have a somewhat normal conversation. "Elizabeth didn't hit him hard enough." I chuckled nodding in agreement with this that was ever so true. "Do ye think that Gillette can get what we need from Becket's office?" I stopped laughing immediately.
In all honesty I never liked Gillette and have no faith in his abilities. "No." I shrug; it was pointless to deny my lack of faith in him. "What are you thinking?" I see that glimmer behind those dark eyes, Jack has a plan.
He grasps my hand pulling it gently to his lips in answer, a move that often gets my less than cooperative silence. "I have an idea; I just need some help from an old mate." I quirk a brow puzzled by his amusement but know it wise to let him do this without interference.
"Who?" His lips find mine in a soft lingering kiss, I know this plan has to have a glitch or two and decide arguing with his charm is useless. "Pirate."
Jack smirks at this leading us back to the house.
--Next Morning--
I jump up startled by the insistent knock on the bedroom door and open it to step aside quickly, Elizabeth appeared to be in a hurry. "Liz!" I groan flopping back in bed and finally notice the absence of a very important warm body beside me. "Jack?"
"Exactly." I find myself buried under a maroon gown and lift the ruffles long enough to watch her gather the rest of my things. "He's gone off into Port Royal without an escort from any of us." She adds in a huff before nearly hauling me to the floor in an effort to get me to start dressing.
"WHAT!" I clamp a hand over my mouth startled by my own shout. "He's in disguise right?" I dress hastily nearly killing myself among the folds of the dress.
Elizabeth realizes what she has accomplished and lifts her hands in a calming fashion. "Yes, but on his own it's still a big risk." I could have killed her for causing me to panic so badly. "I've sent Will into town to look for him. I've also alerted Norrington and plan to go down and look myself. I need you to focus and go about your own fashion of finding the bloody man before all of us are found out." She adds hastily tucking my hair into a suitable do and disappearing out of the door.
I nearly fall down the stairs in an effort to leave the house, I remember why I hate corsets and the shoes of the time the minute I stop to catch my breath. My feet are complaining that running is bad in these heeled shoes and my lungs are bursting from lack of oxygen. "Calm down…he wouldn't have gone far." I mentally coach myself into a concentrated state, knowing Jack like I did he was in the nearest tavern negotiating his plan with his 'friend'. I made a mental note that his friends aren't always pleasant and feel at my skirts making sure I have my concealed dagger handy in case.
I quickly climb into the waiting coach and allow myself to gain my breath during the trip into the main part of town. The driver protests my insistence to wander a rough part of the city on my own, but I reassure him that I'm meeting Jack and will be fine. He looks rather unconvinced but I am sure Jack has to be here in this part of town, his friends would stick out like sore thumbs elsewhere. I try to ignore the intrigued stares I'm getting from various people, I also resist the urge to flinch at interested masculine gazes aimed everywhere but my eyes. "I'm going to kill you Jack Sparrow." I frown making my way to the first pub on the street and cautiously step inside.
In the far back corner concealed from view I recognize a strong built individual whom I know for a fact would usually be on the Black Pearl. I make my way carefully past the amused stares of men and finally pause behind Anders. Jack is busy hiding his expression behind a glass of rum and has yet to notice me.
I give Anders a gentle hug and wait for Jack to notice me, finally deciding to end his drink forcefully. "Jack." He starts glass sitting hard on the table and nearly toppling to the floor. "What on earth are you doing making the household panic and having Liz get me up at an ungodly hour also?" relief is evident in his expression, Anders is trying to keep his laughter in check but it's hard not to miss his stifled amusement.
"Sorry love…had to run me plan by Anders." I'm not satisfied with his sorry love and give him a warning look. "Ye miss me this morning, the warmth perhaps?" I know my face has flushed but I won't give him the satisfaction of winning by embarrassment, manipulation or any other idea he comes by.
I walk to the side of the table taking in his slanted appearance and eye his feet on the table. Anders has already caught on to what I plan; Jack currently is too smug to notice I'm thoroughly peeved. I smile softly seeing him allow his guard down and then act. I grab his feet and shove.
CRASH
"You're not cute Jack, you scared all of us." I grit out between my teeth watching him wince carefully picking himself up off the floor. "What are you doing without someone at your side, Becket and Mercer are still problematic and you know it." He casually returns to his seat reaching out and pulling me into his lap.
"Aye…ye could have gotten me attention better than that love." His dark stare shifts to Anders. "I was discussing how to get proof out of Becket's office with Anders; ye clearly have no faith in Gillette." I sigh content that he's safe and allow his arms to settle around my waist. "Anna-Maria used to be an acrobat of sorts…used to entertain to get money before becoming a pirate, that's why she's so good with riggings and balance. I plan to have her use her old skills and get the proof." Internally I cringe; this idea has got to be his almost worst one yet.
"By making her climb through the window and into the lions den?" I can't disguise the sarcasm in my voice and sigh at the dirty look I get from both sides, Anders must have more faith in this plan than I do. "You won't be discovered right?" he nods seeing I wasn't going to argue for the moment. "Fine…I just hope we get the proof we need one way or another." My eyes scan the crowd and I go rigid in Jacks grasp, Mercer has just entered the pub and apparently is looking for something to do, mainly finding a pirate or two. "Shit."
Anders easily climbs to his feet and uses the back exit, if we're found here even with Jacks disguise I get the feeling Mercer won't be fooled for too long. I stand quickly yanking Jack to his feet and the both of us bolt after Anders. We rush out of the alleyways and finally find ourselves within a familiar coach and headed back to the house.
"That was too close." I breathe or attempt to at least.
I lean into his arms and close my eyes; the strain isn't focused on my ribs anymore and allows more oxygen to flow. "Yer going to be in danger all the time love, ye do realize I can't just risk yer life all the time in this…
"I swear if you start on that again I will have Will punch you out." I warn hearing his snort of disgust before I glance up at the smile trying to cross his lips. "Good pirate." I snuggle in his arms satisfied I have won that argument for the moment.
"We have to go back. I need to find out if he's found anything on those that are after the book, other than Becket and if we get rid of Becket, there's still a risk of Dexter finding us." I meet his dark gaze wondering what he's talking about and then I can't help but grumble ignoring the wrinkled look on his face. "Aye, I feel the same way Blair; we need some things from him though. I need his advice on a location we are most certain to encounter as well." I don't say a word; there is nothing I can do if the situation calls for another visit to Shipwreck Cove.
Jack was working faster than planned, especially when Gillette returned to inform Norrington of his failure, Becket hadn't let him alone long enough to do any searching. It was all riding on Anna-Maria now and she was currently readying herself among the parlor with the rest of us. There wasn't a minute that went by that some sort of officer wasn't prancing past the house. Norrington had kept his men at a distance but the EITC surely made up for his lack of effort.
I don't ever remember seeing Jack quite this tense or nervous. I knew there was more to his past than he had told me; it seemed it was much worse than I would have guessed. I grew worried for Anna-Maria and the possibilities she was in a great deal amount of danger. I watch him pace the parlor while Elizabeth and Will excuse themselves to go find something to calm their nerves with. "Rum would be good." I consider following after them but can't bring myself to leave him on his own, Anders had gone with Anna-Maria but it didn't mean they would be perfectly safe. Pirates in Port Royal with all the EITC around would stick out rather obviously. I study his pace and wonder how long before he makes a rut in the floor, the thought clears my mind the minute both of us hear a sharp knock come from the front door and he freezes.
"Don't panic." I calmly state, but I'm far from calm and turn watching Elizabeth nearly dive for the door past the butler. "It's probably just…" I stop watching a very pompous looking Lord Becket enter the house and swallow what is left of my words.
Jack calmly watches him prance into the house talking with Elizabeth, I can feel the rage, anger, and silently I hope he doesn't do anything rash. I wince realizing Jack isn't in disguise and now the voices are heading quickly toward the parlor. I yank him quickly with me to the back of the parlor and note the only way of escape is the window. I shove him out without giving him a chance to argue and quickly shut it behind me.
Will looks sickly when he enters the parlor followed by Elizabeth and Becket. "Good evening miss Wyatt." I nod forcing a polite smile before watching Will glance around the room with a quirked brow. "Tea would be nice Mrs. Turner." She nods quickly leaving Will and me to entertain the menace. "Where is your fiancé this evening?" I walk carefully over to one of the love seats and settle myself down.
"He's upstairs changing, had a bit of an issue with a window today." I carefully cross my arms pointing Will in Jacks initial direction; luckily he's known me long enough to get the weirdest of my signals. "He harmed his wrists again, but seems to be doing well…I'm sure Elizabeth will bring him down soon." Will excuses himself making up some random excuse that I push from my thoughts.
"That won't be necessary; I've come here on other matters." I want to just run off to find Jack, but somehow I get the feeling that this has to be taken care of now. "I've come across little knowledge of your merchant fiancé and was wondering whereabouts he has been…" he pauses sipping at the tea that was placed in front of us a few moments ago by the familiar maid. "…I'm thinking of possibly hiring him to assist in some cargo exchanges in the future and would like to know more." If I could only legally get away with strangling the man I would feel very good right then, I scan the floor trying to come up with a way out of this conversation.
I settle on a risky way out, but I really don't need this man expecting me to throw Jack to him like a worm on a hook. "I'm afraid I know very little of my fiancé except for the few visits I've had recently with him and the time I went away for a few days. My grandfather is the one to talk with…but he doesn't see anyone often. He's been becoming senile lately and very ill. I think that's why Mr. Parker became my fiancé; he wanted me to be protected always and not have to worry about loosing him to military strife." I hated how hard it was for me to lie, fortunately I was getting better at it around Jack and this man was easy to hate enough to sound indifferent.
"I think if you talk with him he will see things my way, I think we can come to an arrangement in the future." I can see the sneer in his expression; Becket just threatened Jack and was indicating more people getting hurt. "I do hope Mr. Parker and you have a wonderful evening Ms. Wyatt. I apologize for my quick departure, but I have a lot of work to contend with." I watch him carefully climb to his feet a definite threat in his expression before he follows the butler to the exit.
About twenty minutes later Jack taps on the window apparently getting Elizabeth's attention, I hadn't even realized she had returned and Will was with her. I wonder if Jack heard the whole conversation because I can see the window is still cracked from my hasty attempt to protect him earlier. I am too angry to speak or face anyone; I can feel the tears burning down my face and choke back the rage that I want to scream to the heavens. I hate that man more than I possibly thought; he was willing to destroy anyone to get what he wanted. I couldn't understand why he had such an intense interest in merchant affairs or why us except for the obvious, I was so angry I stood nearly colliding with Jack.
"Let us be." Both Turners exit the room shutting the parlor doors behind them. "Blair?" I pull back turning away from him and stomp over to the window, I then hit the wall as hard as my fist would allow.
The throb helps against the rage, but I'm still too furious to face Jack. "That son of a bitch." I grit noting with surprise I had put a dent in Elizabeth's wall, which in turn forced it to crack slightly. "Liz!" she comes running into the room long enough to notice the damage and winces. "Sorry?" I add sheepishly.
"Don't worry about it. Jack get her upstairs." He studies me almost anxiously but does as he is asked, rather told by Elizabeth who firmly shuts the doors behind us.
Once I'm upstairs I walk out to the balcony, I know Anna-Maria will be sneaking in shortly but I can't shake the feeling I've missed more of this than meets the eye. I turn watching Jack settle against the railing beside me, he's intense in deep thought and clearly is considering something. I finally step back watching him closely, his jaw is clamped in anger and dark eyes are burning furiously, almost like black coal on fire.
I'm afraid to ask what he is thinking; in all honesty I'm not sure that I wish to know. "I should have warned ye love, he doesn't listen to reason and will do anything to have his way." I watch him fidget and know there's more to come.
"Why is he so intent on finding out if you will help him?" he looks away from me, but I know he will answer once he considers his words carefully. "I know you want to protect me from the horrors of your past but right now isn't going to help, he threatened you and the others. That slimy bastard is worse than even my world lets on." Dark eyes meet mine and I regret asking him to drop pretenses, he has his secrets for a reason and I shouldn't press him. "I didn't mean it like it sounds Jack…I'm just…scared." It's true; I feel a cold dread seep into my body and know that refusing Becket is signing a death warrant of sorts.
"I know darling." His arms are around me before I can retreat away, I feel much like I did the day I took a life, only this time my hand may be forced to do so just to protect who I care about. "Becket is probably…" I raise my head to meet his steady gaze, what I see there makes me wish I hadn't lost my cool. "…looking for a way to haul important cargo…not the kind ye would like." He was right; I didn't like what might be the cargo.
"Oh." Simple and extremely stupid, but I couldn't think of much else.
I saw his lip curl into a half smile and feel his fingers graze my cheek. "Ye agree that everyone has a right to freedom, I can see yer not happy just by yer expression." He remarks softly seeing that I have a hardened look in my eyes. "Ye know more about me past than anyone now, are ye sure yer ready for more?" despite what is being said I nod. "Aye, I figured ye might. One day ye will…in the mean time ye need to rest and I need to hope Anna-Maria gets what we need. That man is more dangerous than ever now, he's again thinking he's immune to…
"Everythin, including being a traitor to the bleeding crown." We both jump at Anna-Maria's sharp hiss and turn to see Anders hauling himself up beside her. "I think he wants to assist Dexter for his own means, they're desperate for tha book Jack." I turn to avoid a collision with Jack and fall flat on my face instead.
"Ouch." I manage before sitting up and watching Anna-Maria hand over some documents that were what we needed to prove Becket a traitor. "What is she talking about?" I find myself lifted easily to my feet and thank Anders before glancing over Jacks shoulder.
I can't make a thing out on the documents, they're far to confusing for me and I'm not up to date on all the history of the period as of yet, I still had a lot to learn during my brief home studies for a history degree. "Bugger." He turns and walks from the room leaving me to stare after him with our pirate friends.
"Bugger?" I turn to the others watching them both shrug in turn. "Another thing from his past?" I feel extremely puzzled and wonder if I should follow or stay put.
"Stay." Anders answers my question for me with that firm tone in his voice.
--Jacks POV--
He makes his way quickly down the stairs pausing at the end. "Whelp!" at the familiar unwelcome nickname Will comes walking briskly from the kitchen area and is followed by his wife. "Lizzie…go check on Blair." She frowns at the order but judging by his tone isn't ready to fight with him.
"Right." Elizabeth huffs, grabbing her skirts firmly and stalks up the stairs muttering under her breath.
Will follows his wife's retreat with curious eyes before turning to Jack. "Are you trying to have her kill you?" Jack glances up at Will's sarcastic tone before shaking his head.
"No, it would be best if neither of them see this problem mate." Jack hands over some documents and waits for Will's reaction, it doesn't take long for him to let out a startled sound and glance up the stairs.
"This can't be…true?" Will can't find the words he needs and sighs miserably.
"It isn't true, ye know that just as well as meself. I think that Becket has a great deal more plans in the works than any of us caught onto…this could put a very big problem in our way. We need to play along with the menace for now." Will can see a deep hate lingering in those familiar dark eyes, it chills him to see such anger in their depths and he turns away fidgeting uncomfortably. "Ye tell Lizzie nothing; we will sort this in the morning as a group with that git Norrington." Will reluctantly nods at Jacks vehemence within the order and waits for Elizabeth's return.
--Original POV--
"Do either of you know what was in those documents?" Anders and Anna-Maria both shake their heads. "He looked livid and…" I pause watching Elizabeth enter cursing Jack to the depths and slam the door. "Liz?"
She stops in her rant honey eyes focusing on my questioning look. "That man ordered me to come check on you…" she stops long enough to notice our current guests and offers them an apologetic gesture and smile. "…What did he find out and why is he being so…
"No idea." I stop her in mid-sentence watching her tilt her head slightly in confusion. "He didn't say two words to me and wouldn't explain anything. They don't know either." I turn hearing Anna-Maria muttering her hasty goodbyes, both of them are returning to the Pearl and can sense an issue coming.
"Pirates!" Elizabeth calls curtly; she turns to the sound of the door opening and is silenced by Jack pointing her out of the room. "Jack I won't have you ordering me around in my own house, now you listen to…
"Elizabeth, kindly leave." It was the first time he had sounded so strange to either of us, the fact he left off 'Lizzie' made her reconsider her words and quickly exit the room. "Hold that thought love." I clamp my mouth shut at his soft tone watching him lock the door and store the documents under a loose floor board.
He walks past me almost a ghost of his old self and retreats to the balcony, rum bottle in hand and dark eyes pinned in the distance across the ocean. I'm not sure if I should go to him or wait it out; it isn't like him to act so strangely and unnerves me a bit. Hesitant about my approach I gently push past the door of the balcony and stand a few meters away from him. The wind is warm and lifts my hair in its gentle fingers, stroking away some of my unease.
I find myself pausing just behind him and gently tug on a lock of his hair, it gains his attention and his dark eyes meet mine. "Jack…what's wrong?" my voice is almost hollow compared to the normal confidence I have when approaching him, he seems far off almost like a phantom.
His breath is released in a soft whoosh before he turns back to the ocean. "Ye have to trust me for now love, you will know more tomorrow." I'm not pleased with his answer at all; I can't help the frown that crosses my lips and gently pull on him forcing him to face me. "I don't care for your frown love, ye always look much better with that mischief in yer eyes." His fingers stop my questions gently brushing against my lips. "Ye may not like it, but ye have to deal with it." His tone leaves no room for argument, even if I want to do so.
"No, I don't like it and since when do you think I won't…" I find myself pulled into his embrace, lips crashing to mine and finally get his point. I again won't win because of how easily he can sweep me off into his charms and manipulative ways.
--Morning--
I'm standing outside on the balcony within a blanket, I don't' pay attention to my exposed shoulder or the cool morning wind blowing my hair wildly about my face. Last night Jack again memorized everything I was, was with me, mind, body and soul. I can't shake this feeling that more of his past is about to come crashing down, he won't tell the others what it is but I have a feeling he's willing to do so with me. My concern is do I want to know more about the man I love, or would I rather his past remain the secret he keeps close to heart?
I hear shuffling in the room but don't look behind me; I know he's awake and looking for me. "Darling?" I hear his approach and feel his arms wrap tightly around me. "Ye look lovely this morning." His lips are soft caressing my exposed shoulder but I keep my focus on the horizon. "Ye need to come in and listen to what I have to say." I feel mechanical when I nod, I feel his arms leave my body and shiver from the lack of contact.
I linger in the doorway of the balcony before he turns offering an outstretched hand; his gentle nature has me fearing a great many things, mostly if he plans to leave me behind for my own safety this time. "You're not leaving me behind?" I hate the near whimper in my voice, but I don't think I can stand that again.
His fingers linger in the air and dark eyes meet mine. "Never." His reply is soft and sincere; I just hope his pirate charm isn't that good. "Come sit down, there are a few things ye need to know before this gets out of hand." Reluctantly I reach out to his fingers relaxing when the familiar calloused appendages grip mine pulling me to his side.
I sit down among the mess of a bed and watch his hands take a hold of mine, I can feel the issues reflecting off of him, he's worried and it isn't like him to be this worried over anything. "You're Captain Jack Sparrow; nothing can faze you, control you, or ruin what you stand for. The freedom seeking carefree pirate…why are you actually worried?" my thoughts grow out of control nearly echoing in my mind, he clears his voice and they silence.
"I found papers selling off shares of Cargo among the merchant ships of Port Royal, all of them are signed by Lizzie's father. Becket has made a rather large and intricate trap. If anything is amiss the Governor will be put in prison, he will be temporary governor and all of us associated with Governor Swann may join him or be hung. Becket has a good claim and threat." I feel my heart drop to my toes, Becket's threats last night had some solid standing. "Are ye alright love?" I shake my head feeling sick all over and burrow within the blanket wrapped around me.
I lean away from his arms and glare hard at the floor, tears of hatred are burning down my face and I can't stop shaking. "How did he do it so quickly Jack?" I finally choke out a coherent thought.
"Good business." He states bitterly before both of us hear a light knock and a familiar maid enters the room.
"Mr. and Mrs. Turner require your presence. Commodore Norrington has arrived." She smiles softly at us before leaving the room.
"Please don't fight this out Jack, you two need to undo whatever Becket is doing…if that man hurts anyone I care about I won't be responsible for what I do to the damn, slimy, weasel of a bastard." I hiss through grit teeth, I can feel the blanket nearly shredding in my grasp.
--Jacks POV--
His eyes widen considerably at her tone of voice, he doesn't remember ever hearing her sound so evil and it unnerves him slightly. He's grown fond of the softer side of Blair and now is seeing the worst side of her. Watching her carefully he can see her body shaking and with caution pulls her easily into his arms and lap, wrapping her tightly to his body.
After a few minutes the shaking ceases, but he can still see the hatred in her eyes. "I promise I'll do me best love." She nods watching him carefully unwrap himself from her and start to dress.
--Original POV--
I carefully slide out of my blanket cocoon and make my way to dress. I pull on the blackest dress I own which fits my current mood and wait for Jack to help me lace it up. Once I'm situated I take his hand with mine and we both make our way to the main stairs.
In the parlor silence seems to be the only thing present. Everyone has a gloomy expression on their faces; apparently Jacks news did the same amount of damage to them as well as myself. Elizabeth seems strangely calm, this unnerves me, the others also seem wary of this.
CRUNCH
"Liz!" I grab a cloth napkin from the tea-tray and hall the pieces of shattered glass from her hand, quickly wrapping the wound and watching her honey eyes harden. "I can't believe you crushed that tea cup." She barely registers my assistance; tears of hatred are within her eyes.
Will looks on in silence, his expression also cold and Norrington just seems oddly stunned. "Ye have any suggestions commodore?" there's sarcasm in Jacks voice, its enough to get Norrington's attention to focus on him. "He's already in power; we're just waiting for him to drop the nearest cannon on our head." I wrinkle my nose giving Jack a pointed glare but he ignores it, he's more interested in the fact that we have to deal with Becket.
"Bloody bastard." I stop in my work with the glass pieces before washing at her wound with the provided supplies; her maid was present during her fit of anger and didn't take long to get medical necessities. "How dare he threaten my friends and family!" I promptly force her to remain seated dumping the alcohol provided on her hand, she yelps glaring at me in the process.
I focus on the pair surprisingly discussing the situation civilly; I offer a small smile at Jacks effort to keep his cool with Norrington and am amused at how surprised the Commodore seems by this. The discussion quickly turns sour at the mention that there is no sure way of stopping this mess, I watch Jack mock Norrington while he paces the room in an effort to remain military. I catch Jacks flailing hands stopping his show of cynicism and watch Norrington turn raising a brow in our direction. I stare hard into Jacks eyes and can see there's more to this than he is willing to admit in front of Norrington, its enough for me to release my hold on him and return to aid Elizabeth.
I can see she is lost; Elizabeth looks far too confused and out of place to even reflect my best friend. "I think that Becket is more interested in Jacks merchant cover than any of us really knows." The idea makes me wince and I gain the attention of everyone in the room. "James…" I pause deciding I'm tired of tiptoeing around everything. "…is there a way you can illegally, legally prove that Becket is the scum he is proving to be? At this point legalities and necessities are the furthest from my mind." I add carefully finishing my work with Elizabeth's hand and watch Jacks lip curl into a smile, Norrington looks utterly shocked.
"A-Are you suggesting…" I watch that familiar mischief in Jacks eyes and wish I had never given Norrington the idea to begin with.
"Aye, she's suggesting that ye switch roles and play pirate for a while." Jacks smirk widens at the glare aimed his initial direction and he does a familiar praying fashion gesture raising a brow. "Ye were good at it once mate…or did ye forget so soon?"
I step in the path of both men, sometimes Jack should learn to leave well enough alone. "Enough!" I glance between the pair and see Norrington is trying to desperately regain his composure. "That wasn't entirely necessary Jack." I turn giving him a withering look and turn back. "Can you put aside the white wig and military persona long enough to get us all out of this mess James?" I know my voice is soft, I can see he doesn't really wish to relive those particular moments in his life.
Norrington opens his mouth to speak and then pauses, he sighs eyes closing almost defeated. "It would seem to be required to do so at this point. I still am not sure what you're implying Blair." He adds looking miserable at the idea of becoming a common criminal again.
"I'm not sure myself." I try to ignore the curious looks I receive from both of them.
Jack is watching Elizabeth, Will and Norrington discussing my most recent suggestion, he's again thinking critically and I can feel the strain of him keeping his issues intact until he can go off on his own. His eyes finally settle on me intent and observant
"What?" his grin broadens at my defensive question.
"I think I like yer new way of thinking." I roll my eyes at that insufferable cockiness that only Jack Sparrow could have. "What did ye have in mind…" he pauses making a face. "…when turning the good commodore pirate again?"
In all honesty I truly had no idea why I had suggested that to begin with. I had this strange feeling that Norrington loosing the whole propriety would help us in this mess, I had no clue how but instinct told me this would be a good plan. Shrugging was my universal 'no clue' gesture and everyone was familiar with it.
I watched those dark eyes intense with mine, his fingers settling under his chin in a familiar intense thoughtful look. Something was working those gears in his clever mind; Jack Sparrow was slowly putting a plan together. The room could remain in chaos which only seemed to fuel his energy and planning capabilities.
"What is that manipulative pirate up to?" I turn to Elizabeth's exasperated tone and again shrug. "Why did you suggest…
"I don't know…I got one of those feelings again." I add watching her brow quirk.
Feelings, something I had shared with Elizabeth for years were weird like feelings I would get. She was the only one that knew of this, I refused to tell anyone other than her and in both our experience they had always been true or necessary. Her eyes ticked between Jack and me carefully before honey eyes focused intent on me. "If she has one of those 'feelings' then something is strongly amiss here." Noting everyone distracted with Norrington's brief ranting spell, she grasps my hand and gently tugs me out of the kitchen.
I follow admittedly reluctant, but do so until both of us are within the smaller foyer off to the side of the kitchen. She shuts the door and firmly turns her intent expression my way. "How strong is your feeling this time Blair?" I watch her closely before shrugging; I always was guarded of these particular intuitive things I would get.
For one they were never wrong, in all my years they had never been wrong. It would seem they were and then later I would learn of something happening. "Pretty strong…" I pause. "…Becket wants to use Jacks merchant cover for his own personal gain, much like he has others…
Both of us turn sharply to a heavy banging sound on the front door. She is gone before I finish and hesitantly I stick to the hall hearing commotion in the kitchen. Jack is at my side in minutes, arms locked firmly around my waist. Will also appears looking strangely alarmed and confused. I could see James reluctantly staring after Elizabeth all of us tenser than ever.
--Jack's POV--
He could see the fear in everyone's expression and from past experiences with Becket, something come to mind. Reluctantly he heard the same sharp knock again and it was confirmed. "Will and I need to leave quickly." Before she can ask he kisses her softly, again it's a gentle way of silencing her.
--Original POV--
Elizabeth and I both turn in surprise hearing no arguments from Will. We all turn to Elizabeth's startled sound, watching Norrington quickly approach the officers literally barging their ways into the house. EITC ignores his authority and soon is followed by Gillette who hands over the orders.
"Blair?" I wince at Norrington's soft tone and hesitantly step forward. "As of ordered by Lord Becket…Jack Parker and William Turner are to be escorted to the jails until further notice. Arrangements for their safe return can be made within the company of myself with…you." I hear Elizabeth mutter a strangled curse and watch the soldiers scramble through the house, not only has Becket carried out his threat, but this is a new low even for him.
For nearly three hours the three of us watch in horror as Elizabeth's house is turned inside out, thankfully Jack had gotten Will to safety in time. "Jack knew!" realization comes quickly and again I realize something from his past spooked him. Turning Elizabeth she looks considerably relieved at Jacks quick thinking, but it appears she is livid with hatred watching her home rampaged through.
"Sir…" Gillette and Norrington both visibly wince at the whiney tone of the EITC captain. "…They are not in the residence; we will report to Mercer and have them picked up wherever they are. It would be wise to explain their absence." The mans harsh gaze turn Elizabeth and I.
Considering things I shrug. "They went for a walk…Will is discussing Lord Beckets possible wishes that Jack may be of service to him in the future, he usually takes Will's advice to heart…they weren't back yet and you so kindly barged in without asking." I hope to the heavens my face doesn't reveal the disgust at my words. "My fiancé was also talking over his concerns with how this would affect out future." Casually I walk past the soldier who looks like he has been slapped in the face, I have a feeling Becket and Mercer are somewhere watching the action and hope he heard every word.
Norrington covers an amused sort of smile watching Gillette quickly leave to do his bidding and watches Elizabeth pointedly glare at the officers whom have put her home in ruins.
"MS. WYATT." I turn at the call and watch that same sniveling EITC member return to the entryway. "My superior would like a word with you." He notes my reluctance and smiles slightly. "You may bring the Commodore if you like."
"I like." I snag Norrington's arm quickly before his eyes widen considerably at my blunt yanking. "Sorry James." I note him raise a brow before both of us exit the house and come face to face with Lord Becket himself.
"Ms. Wyatt." He bows that same evil arrogant sneer prominent on his face. "I apologize for the means of intrusion into your friends home tonight….please give Mrs. Turner my deepest apologies." He motions his men off watching Mr. Mercer slink off in the darkness before also dismissing Norrington. That doesn't exactly comfort me. "I was right in assuming you're a very wise young woman. You understand presentable business and how things work. I respect what you accomplished with your fiancé…Maybe I can discuss business with him at the ball tomorrow night?" I nod forcing myself not to reach out and hurt the man. "Good evening." Casually he turns walking like some peacock proud for the world to see.
Once inside the house I swear so much I could have turned blue, Elizabeth realizes just how difficult things had become. We had no choice if we wanted to remain at peace with the menace so we could run him out of town. Elizabeth angrily started the cleanup of her home cursing Becket and Mercer to the farthest reaches of hell, I'm sure Norrington went off to find our men of the house.
"Lizzie." Before I can break down her arms are around me and she easily forgets her issues with her nickname.
I completely break down into sobs; lives had been turned upside down and the more I stay in Port Royal and learn about Lord Becket, the more I understand why Jack wants to keep his past secret. He's protecting me because I'm barely handing Becket as it is.
I'm led up to my room by Elizabeth who is more angered by what the issues had done to my usual strong demeanor.
