Author's Note: *dies* Garsh, I can't believe all the reviews this story has gotten! I'm overwhelmed and flattered! I can't thank everyone enough for the positive comments and warm praises. I am so happy to hear Patrice is well liked. I am trying my hardest to avoid making her a Mary Sue - and I'm glad to see that so far I'm succeeding. Also, I was delighted to see everyone who joined my fanlisting - keep 'em coming! :)
The Proposition
When he finally came to, it was evening. Her room was dark, but Jack could tell that it was bare. She was gone. And so was his compass and his ring. Rubbing his head, which ached terribly, he attempted to stand up.
He lurched to the door and opened it, taking one last glance at empty room. He was astonished how quickly she had vanished, not wishing to be found by him again. He was almost sad by the thought.
Once outside, Jack needed something to ease the clamoring pain in his temples. Rum. What else but rum? He knew the crew was probably concerned over his whereabouts, but he needed to get drunk. And soon.
The Bayou was empty, save three or four tables seating other gangly fellows, most of which Jack already knew. He took a seat at the bar, ordering the largest mug of rum. He figured he'd give his head a wee bit of ease before wondering back to the Pearl and readying to depart.
As he sat, gazing blankly into the flame of a nearby candle, a group of properly dressed men entered the tavern. Most of the other inhabitants looked concerned, afraid these were representatives of the Royal Navy. Jack could tell by their colored grab, that they were not.
They stood silent for a moment, their eyes searching amongst the tables. When they spotted a slumped over captain drinking at the bar, the man in front nodded, and the others exited quickly. Jack was more than surprised when he felt a hand on his shoulder, jerking him up. "What's this?" he asked, not amused by the interruption.
"Jack Sparrow?" the man asked, eyeing him.
"Captain," he emphasized. "Captain Jack Sparrow."
"Yes, Captain Jack Sparrow. I have a proposition for you."
He turned around and looked at the man. He was elderly - in his late fifties, early sixties. He had a white mustache which was curled up at the ends, looking well shaven and attended to. This man obviously had money. "I said," he reiterated, "I have a proposition for you."
"And what could a man like you possibly want to propose to a man like me, eh?"
The man chuckled and took a seat beside Jack. "My name is Tyrone Hutchinson. I'm the leader of a British expedition group settled in the Caribbean. Our job is to recover rare and expensive artifacts left over from these...darker ages."
Jack closed his eyes and smiled superficially, not fond of the man's reference to the Pirating era.
"I'm going after the Treasure of Alba, Mister Sparrow. And I want you to help me."
He choked on his swig of rum. The Treasure of Alba? Could this man be serious? "Do you realize, Mister Hutchinson that no man has ever been able to successfully retrieve said treasure? No man."
"Until now..."
Jack leaned back in his chair. "You want me to help you go after a treasure that nobody's ever found, on an island that can only been seen in the dawn, with no map or no directions?"
Tyrone nodded.
"I'll save you the time, mate. You're going to have to find some other scallywag to help you, because this one's not."
"Even if I offered you 30 percent of the treasure?"
He cocked his head and thought for a moment. "50."
"35."
"40. "
He grunted. " 40 percent...that is, when and if you find the treasure."
Jack stuck his hand out, allowing Tyrone to take it firmly and shake it. "We have an accord, then."
"I'll be sending a member of my group to accompany you...to oversee your progress."
Jack's smile collapsed. "Do you really find that necessary?"
Tyrone stood. "Seeing as that you are a pirate, I find it more than necessary. I'll have my man waiting on the dock by morning. Good evening Mister Sparrow."
"And how am I to find this island in the first place?!"
"That, I leave to you, Captain. That's how you earn your 40 percent," Tyrone laughed, exiting the tavern, leaving Jack dumbfounded and unsure of his agreement.
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Ta da! Yet another chapter complete. Go me.
