Yet again, usual disclaimers apply throughout this tale. If you recognise it, it probably belongs to the Mouse – else it is mine!

Chapter 67 - Where?

It was only when he opened one bleary eye the following morning that Jack realised Catherine still had not told him about the painting. He reached across the bunk, surprised to find it empty although still warm. He inhaled the scent of her favourite rose perfume, before trying to sit up - only succeeding on the second attempt. He frowned, searching for his clothes, before staggering over to one of the chairs. Catherine must have folded them and put them there for him this morning – he had never folded clothes in his life! Gingerly testing his balance, he wobbled into his breeches, before wandering out onto deck.

The smell of cooking wafted from the galley, making him hungry despite his rebelling stomach. He followed his nose, finding his wife happily cooking, humming to herself as Zeke served breakfast to the crew.

"Mornin' Cap'n!" Joshamee smiled, his voice booming as he guessed the captain was extremely hung over. A pained wince confirmed this as Jack flopped down on the end of the bench.

Catherine smiled as she brought him his breakfast. "Morning love, how do you feel?" She stood back, gazing at him affectionately.

Jack glared at her sourly. What did she expect when he was suffering one of the worst headaches of his lifetime and she had given him very little sleep the night before? Negotiations my arse!

"You look awful!" She laughed as she returned to the stove, the rest of the crew chortling at his discomfort.

"I think I need some air…" Jack stood up, banging his head on a beam as he took his breakfast up on deck. More laughter followed his pained departure.

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Later, when she had made her own breakfast, Catherine joined him up on deck. She sat down quietly next to him. "How's the head?"

"It's felt better," he admitted. He frowned, remembering their conversation of the previous night. "Kitty…"

"Yes?" A teasing smile flitted across her lips.

"What did yer mean about th' painting?" he asked.

"Exactly what I said. I know where the painting is," Catherine smiled.

He looked at her, expectantly waiting for her to continue. "And…" he pressed.

She sighed. "The last time I saw it was just before I got married to Greg. It was hanging over the fireplace in my father's home."

"England?" She nodded. "Whereabouts?"

"Papa lives in Torpoint just outside of Plymouth. He likes it there as he can see the naval ships going in and out of the harbour, especially since he had to retire."

"Big port," he mused, thoughtfully. "Can't take th' Pearl too close, 'specially anywhere along th' south coast - between Lands End an' Dover like... How 'bout north coast?"

"You're serious?" She looked at him in disbelief. "You are, aren't you?"

He nodded. "It's been a while since we danced with th' buggers on their home waters, so to speak, but I'd risk it for McBride's gold…"

She thought carefully. "You could always drop me somewhere near Padstow I suppose. I could ride or take a coach to Plymouth. It isn't that far across the southern tip of Bodmin Moor…" She sighed. "I'd better be sorting out supplies…"

"No way Kitty! You stay aboard!" She looked at him, puzzled. "If any of the others noticed las' night then they might add this up. I'll not risk yer snatched again…"

"Surely you don't…" she protested.

"Kitty, McBride's treasure makes Barbossa look like an amateur! Most crews would kill just for a clue as t' where th' map is… an' you know!" He gripped her shoulders, firmly. "You do not leave this ship, savvy?" She nodded, frightened at the thought that somebody might snatch her again. "Zeke can go - he'll know what we need!" Jack said, walking over to yell down the hatch to the galley. "Crew meetin' yer lazy swabs - on deck now!"

Moaning good-heartedly, the crew emerged. "Cap'n?" Joshamee asked. "What's up?"

Jack leaned against the ship's rail, smugly watching their faces. "McBride and The Frog…" he announced smugly.

"Not that ole chestnut again Cap'n!" Joshamee groaned. "Nobody knows where the bloody map is!"

"Ah Gibbs, you are sadly wrong…" Jack teased.

Joshamee Gibbs and the crew stared at their Captain, sure that the sun had finally baked his brains. "How? What? Who?" the quartermaster stuttered in shock.

"Kitty knows," Jack smiled. "So I suggest we get ready for a nice six week roun' trip t' England." He paused to let the information sink in. "Zeke, take some men and get all the supplies we need. Say nothing of our destination. Gibbs, Kitty is to be guarded night and day until we leave. Nobody except crew come anywhere near her - savvy?"

"Aye, Cap'n," Joshamee assured him. He turned and stared at the crew. "Well? Get going yer lazy dogs!" The crew scurried to obey,

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Despite Jack's hopes, others had noticed Catherine's reaction to the name of McBride's ship and the Black Pearl was watched closely. When she set sail quietly in the night, lanterns shuttered, rumours flew around Tortuga re-awakening dreams of untold riches and rivers of gold.