A/N: This starts the FINAL chapters of this season of Counting Stars. I'll end THIS SEASON at Chapter 30.

Phoebus had been on watch at the Coastguard since late last night when Tullio and Will had sailed the Pearl out of the main harbor only to dock the ship upriver near Eric's warehouses. Phoebus had reported and logged the Pearl having left the harbor and let the others know Norrington was none the wise.

Aladdin and Flynn had discovered that the properties in view of the river were all closed for the campaign launch party, making it easy for them to sail away during the evening without getting caught. If all was according to plan, Will and Jack were hiding out at Walt Street flats until the party started. Eric would send out the mass text when Esmeralda and Angelica hit the stage so the cargo could be loaded on the Pearl. Flynn and Aladdin would give the signal from Zazu Bridge, upriver, that the Pearl was loaded up.

After the impromptu breakfast with his gal pals, Flynn rushed the few blocks to the bridge to meet up with Aladdin and stake out the bridge. Aladdin, however, was late. It was an hour past sunrise. If Aladdin didn't get here soon, Flynn worried they'd get caught. Aladdin was quicker and more adept on his feet than Flynn was should they have to lie.

Aladdin knew he was late and was trying to get there, but Angelica was keeping him distracted.

"Ang, I told you I have to meet Flynn," he said as she continued kissing his neck.

She ignored his pleas. And it was difficult for him to protest.

"You're making me late."

"Are you trying to tell me you would rather be with Flynn right now than with me?" She whispered into his ear, taking a nibble.

"Well no, but –"

"Then, be quiet."

Aladdin relented for a bit. He had taken her to a show last night at the Muses Opera Hall and walked her home and hadn't left yet. She had invited him in for a night cap and the rest just happened naturally. It was their first night having slept together in the biblical sense so they were both a little touchy feely this morning.

He looked down at her chocolate brown eyes and smiled.

He couldn't believe he had fallen for someone he hadn't even seen as a romantic interest.

Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.

"That's my phone," Aladdin said as she went back to kissing him.

"Let it ring."

Without disturbing her too much, he leaned over to the night stand and picked up the phone. It was Flynn calling. He knew he was late. He rolled his eyes.

"Man, leave it to Flynn to ruin the moment. I'm sorry, Ang, but I have to leave now."

Angelica lay on his chest pouting.

"Alright, if you must. I'll let you leave."

He pulled her in for a deep longing kiss. Angelica felt all a flutter.

"I'll be back later, babe. I promise."

Angelica smiled against his lips.

She had never felt so appreciated in her whole life. The only man she'd ever loved had been Jack, who'd use her and leave her wanting. Aladdin was different. Aladdin was who she deserved and she couldn't believe her luck.

And she was right.

Angelica was the furthest thing from Jack's mind. While he waited for the signal from Aladdin and Flynn, he busied himself with Call of Duty.

"Why won't you die?" he shouted at the screen.

"Shh," Will warned. "We're supposed to be out at sea, remember? Try to keep it down."

Without diverting his eyes from the screen, he stuck his tongue out in Will's general direction.

"I know that's hard for you judging from the noise coming from your room last night. You do realize these walls are quite thin, Jack?"

Jack grinned sinisterly.

"Sorry about that, my dear William, but it seems that Esmeralda just can't keep her passion contained when she's around me."

Will rolled his eyes.

"Esmeralda? What about Angelica?"

"What about her? She's busied herself with young Aladdin. No need for ole Jack anymore."

"Now you know that's not true. One word from you and – "

"Hush. It's all in the past now."

"Does she know about you and Esmeralda?"

Jack finally took the time to pause his game and give direct attention to Will.

"Now do you really think that would be the smartest strategy? There are a few more things I can teach you about women, my dear William."

Before Will could respond, there was a frantic knock on their door.

Jack and Will looked at each other nervously. Jack didn't move. Will silently crept toward the door and looked out the peephole. Anya stood there with a worried look on her face.

"It's Anya," Will whispered.

Jack shrugged.

Quickly, Will opened the door and pulled Anya inside as to not be seen by anyone that may be watching their place.

"Will!" she greeted throwing her arms around him.

"Do quiet yourself, luv," Jack instructed.

Anya looked at him confused.

"Don't listen to him. Anya, what are you doing here?" Will asked quietly.

"Look, I know I've been MIA lately after that night on the porch but you're the only person I can really trust."

"Anya, is something wrong?"

"I figured out why my brother is so secretive and private. It's not like it's a big deal or anything, I mean it's perfectly natural but the way he goes about it – something is off."

"Anya, what are you talking about?"

She took a deep breath as she began to tell him of her brother's secrets.

"Well, it's not just that he won't talk about our parents and any mention of them sends Sophie and my grandmother to tears – but he doesn't talk to me. He keeps a lot of secrets. And the other night, after you dropped me off, I caught him in one."

"Yeah?"

Anya nodded as she continued to reveal what she'd seen.

"My bedroom is across from Adam's. I thought Adam had been asleep considering how late it was but when I reached my bedroom door, his opened. I heard two male voices."

"Your brother was with a man?"

"He was with Charles Charming. Charming was putting finishing buttoning up his shirt."

At this point Jack could no longer pretend he wasn't eavesdropping and he turned toward Will and Anya.

"So the paragon mayoral candidate has some secrets does he?" Jack inquired.

"I don't understand! In this day and age why wouldn't he just come out of the closet?" Anya asked.

"Anya. The Beastman name is as old as time. As is the Charming name. These are two families that don't comprehend the meaning of male lovers. And given that Charles Charming is running as a conservative who's tough on underworld crime, a secret like this could damage his chances with the voters of Fantasia," Will explained.

"Not to mention create a rather large conflict of interest considering Beastman Investments is Charles Charming's largest campaign donor," Jack added.

Anya was stunned. What had she come back to town to?

"Oh."

"Well, William, it seems we have the proper leverage to continue our business here in Fantasia."

"Jack, you can't be serious."

"Will, what does he mean?"

Before Will could answer, Jack smiled to Anya.

"Not to worry, luv. Not to worry. After today, we'll have little to worry us."