The following morning Will and Elizabeth awoke late to a silent and
otherwise empty house. Stumbling sleepily into the kitchen, they
discovered a pot of alcohol free tea sitting on the table along with a
note.
Will & Elizabeth-
Went into town to round up the crew and pick up
some last minute things. Make yourselves at home until
we get back. We're planning on leaving first thing tomorrow
morning so if there's anything you might want to get before then,
now would be a good time to do it.
-Julianne
After reading the note, the Turners helped themselves to something to drink then got themselves dressed and decided to head into town. Having been there before, Will had some general idea of where certain things were, but for the most part the two just wandered around seeing what they found along the way. It was almost 3:30 when they finally returned to the house, and both were surprised at finding the kitchen and living room empty.
"Hmm", Will began taking a seat on the coach, "I would have thought they'd be home by now."
Elizabeth joined him in sitting, and looking around, both found themselves fascinated with all of the exotic things Juli's house was decorated with.
"Wow, some of this stuff looks like it came all the way from China", Elizabeth said admiring one tapestry in particular.
"Probably did", Will replied.
Stepping closer and running her hand down the silk wall hanging, Elizabeth continued, "this almost makes me want to go out and raid a few ships."
This made Will laugh a little to himself, the thought of his prim and proper wife running around plundering ships was ridiculous, no matter how adventurous she seemed to be.
"What do you think you're doing?" an angry voice yelled into the living room causing Elizabeth to jump. Turning around she found Jack and Julianne standing in the doorway, both laughing hysterically at her.
"I swear", she retorted irritably, "the two of you are enough to drive a person mad!"
Both pirates just shrugged innocently and settled themselves into two chairs across from the couch.
"So we're leaving tomorrow morning then?" Will inquired.
"First thing in the morning mate", Jack answered him.
"And where exactly are we headed", Elizabeth now asked.
"Ahem", Julianne sounded at Jack for him to ask the two of them about what they had discussed the previous night.
"Yeah, well about that, ultimately we're going to Santa Croix, it's a cute little island about 5 days south of 'ere, that's where the Renegade makes berth. But uh, in the mean time, there's sorta somethin' we wanted to run by you."
"We?" Julianne injected.
"Right. There's something I wanted to run by you. Jules and I have recently decided that since we do a lot o' sailin' together anyway, we're just going to start a fleet."
"Well that's exciting", Elizabeth cut in enthusiastically.
"Oh yes luv, very exciting. Anyway, in light o' this, we're planning on moving all of our loot to one place, and since no one's really crazy about the idea of having all their stock on Isla de Muerta, we've decided Santa Croix is the better of the two locations. And seeing as how we've got to go to Santa Croix anyway to pick up this inheritance of yours so I was thinking why not just pick up me loot along the way and drop it off while we're there."
"Well that makes sense", Will agreed.
"O' course it does. I wouldn't have brought it up if it didn't. The thing is though, if we go through with it, its going to add at least another 10 or so days to our trip, and we weren't sure how soon you two were looking to get back 'ome."
"Oh, I see what you mean", Will now said looking perplexed then turning his attention to his wife.
"Well I'm not in any rush", she said returning his gaze. "It's up to you really, and how long you want to be away from the shop."
Will thought it over for a moment longer before giving his answer, "I don't it will be a problem. As long as you promise we aren't going to have to fend off any half dead bastards who want to kill me over some stupid medallions, this time" he finished with a smile.
"I don't think you need to worry about that."
"Alright, well if you say so then let's do it", Will agreed with a nod.
"Excellent! I'd say this agreement calls for a drink. Wouldn't you agree luv?" Jack asked looking at Julianne.
"I'm inclined to agree with you captain", she answered, and in a flash Jack was out of his seat and pouring everyone a round of drinks.
For the next two hours, the four of them sat together in the living room drinking and talking. When it was almost six o'clock, Julianne looked over at the exquisite grandfather clock that stood in the corner of the room.
"Well, what do you say we all head down to Bride for dinner"? she asked everyone, who all agreed that this was an excellent idea.
"Oh by the way Elizabeth", Juli added just as they were walking out the door. "Don't let me forget there's a bag for you to take along in the living room. Seeing as 'ow you don't do much sailing, I took the liberty of having my, umm, tailor I guess you could call her, do up some things for you to wear while we're out."
Stunned at the other women's generosity, Elizabeth smiled lightly and thanked her.
***
20 minutes later, Jack, Julianne, and Will sat at a table in the Faithful Bride waiting for their dinner to be brought to them. Elizabeth had just gotten up and headed for the bar, too impatient to wait for one of the tavern wenches to bring another round of drinks to the table. The three who remained seated were all talking and laughing jovially, paying absolutely no attention to their surroundings. Julianne listened intently as Will described what it was like for him on his first pirate adventure, and was happily reminded of her own first adventure by the young man's excitement.
"I really thought Jack was just going to let them do me in. Who would have guessed I end up considering him one of my closest friends?" At this Jack laughed heartily.
"Well I am charming like that you know." But Jack was suddenly cut off when long blade appeared at his chest.
"Well, well, well. What do we have here? Captain Jack Sparrow. Not feeling so cocky tonight now are we?" Cordei seethed.
Instinctively, Julianne's hand dropped to her pistol, but she was also stopped with a knife to her own neck. She quickly shot Will a glance to stay where he was, and he obeyed just as another enormous pirate came to stand behind him.
"And you", the ruthless Captain's attention now turned to Julianne, whom he stared at with up most contempt. "Aww, how darling. Can't stand to see you little boy toy in trouble?" Julianne did not answer, but returned his glare, hatred burning in her eyes.
"Now, let's see. When last we met Jack, you seemed to think that you were in some kind of position to be telling me to watch my step. Funny how the tables have turned don't you think?"
"Actually, I do find it a bit humorous, thanks for askin'" Jack answered cockily, causing him to receive a warning look from Julianne.
"Oh do you?" Cordei went on, amusement in his voice. "Well then, perhaps I'll show you just how funny it all really is."
Off in the distance, Elizabeth's voice rose above the stillness that had settled over the tavern.
"BUT WHAT ABOUT JACK AND JULIANNE? AREN'T YOU EVEN GOING TO HELP THEM?" Elizabeth shouted at the bar tender with fury, slamming her glass down on the counter.
"Now, now there young missy. Don't you be worrying about Jack and Juli, they can take care of themselves", Restin answered and removed the glass from her grip. "You just sit there and keep yourself out o' trouble til this is all over."
Elizabeth shot him a look of disgust and with no intentions of doing what he said, turned to head back to her table. Unfortunately for her, she was stopped by a pirate who had been sitting at the bar stool next to where she was standing, and he kept her there.
From where she sat, Julianne could see blood begin to spread on Jack's shirt where Cordei was slowly pushing into his skin, but she was no longer aware of what was being said between the two of them. Instead, she was deeply concentrating on what she needed to do in order to get the two of them out of their present situation. Above her, she was aware that the pirate who held her in place was not paying one ounce of attention to her but was captivated by what his captain was saying to Jack. With this advantage, she slowly began to raise her left leg up, and stretched her hand downward reaching for the knife she kept in the side of her boot. When her fingertips finally grazed the hilt of the knife, she silently slipped it up into her palm and was ready to execute her plan. Just as slowly and silently as before, she extended her right leg under the table and pressed her foot down on top of Jack's.
Out of the corner of her eye she saw Will take notice that she was planning on doing something, and she shook her head just barely enough to keep him planted without being noticed. Looking back, she caught Jack's eye and took one last breath before moving. She cringed slightly, seeing that his blood was now covering almost the entire front of his shirt, but put it out of her mind. Being that this was not the first time they had found themselves in harm's way together, she knew with confidence that Jack would know what she intended and follow along. Pressing down on his foot again she began her countdown of three, and gripped her knife tightly. Three.two.one, she thought to herself, and inconspicuously mouthed the numbers across the table. When she got to one, she sprung into action, and flung her knife directly downward as hard as she could. As expected, the knife stabbed directly into the right foot of the man who held her at knife point and he lunged forward in pain. As soon as she had heard it hit, she ducked to the side, grabbed the man's hand, and plunged his own knife into his stomach. Across the table, Jack ducked as well just as Cordei swung at the spot where his neck would have been, and pulled out his pistol. When he came back up again, Julianne was standing, her own sword barely touching the Cordei's neck. Jack stood and aimed the pistol right at the other man's head. Even Will had caught on, and when the action went down he backed his chair out quickly enough to knock the pirate behind him flat on his ass.
"Now what was it you were saying about the tables turning Augustus?" Jack spat at the other captain, who failed in his attempt to sputter some kind of intelligible answer.
"That's what I thought", Jack said cocking his pistol.
"JACK", Julianne said, in a tone ordering him to stop what he was doing. He looked at her defiantly, with every intention of pulling the trigger, but after a few tense seconds conceded.
"I don't want to see that ugly face of yours again as long as I'm on this island, savvy? So you best be gettin' your crew and GET OUT!"
Cordei nodded vigorously at Jack whose gun was still aimed at his head. Then he turned to Julianne and nodded in apology to her as well, waiting for her to retract her outstretched sword. With a flick of the wrist, she pulled it back, cutting a light scrape down his chest as she did so. Publicly embarrassed, Cordei pushed his hat down over his face, called to all of his men that were in the tavern, and exited in shame to the sound of uproarious laughter at his expense.
"Told ye they'd be fine", the bartender said to Elizabeth smiling, only to receive a huff in response as she stood and stomped back to her table.
"For Christ's sake Jules, I don't know why you didn't just let me kill him", Jack huffed angrily at Julianne as he threw himself back into his chair.
"Because, then you'd be no better than 'e is."
Jack looked at her skeptically and still angry. "Besides", she added with a smile, "I'm sure you'll get your chance sooner or later."
The rest of the evening passed in relative peace for the four diners, with the exception of the usual tavern ruckus. After they had eaten and drank just about all they could handle, Will and Elizabeth decided to turn in for the evening. Promising to lock the door behind them after they got to the house, the Turners said their goodnights and left the tavern. Still at the table enjoying just a bit more to drink, Jack and Julianne sat together quietly.
"What's buggin' luv?" Julianne finally asked, tired of watching him sulk and play with his mug.
"What?" he looked up slightly startled. "Oh, tisn't nothin'."
"You know, while you may consider yourself a world class lair when it comes to anything else, you'll find that your 'ard pressed to fool me Captain. Spit it out!"
Jack did not answer right away, but the look on his face made it obvious that he wasn't thrilled about whatever it was he was about to say.
"It's just that." he began uneasily, taking Julianne slightly by surprise. "Well, I was just thinking about what Augustus said that's all."
"What Augustus said?"
"I am no one's boy toy, you know."
Julianne could hard believe what she was hearing. Granted, she did know that Jack wasn't as completely stone cold and devoid of emotion as he wanted everyone to think, and she did know that he cared about her, but this was unbelievable. "Oh for fuck's sake Jack. Since when did you start listening to anything that jackass says?" she exclaimed slamming her mug down on the table.
"I know, it's stupid, ok, let's just forget I even said anything."
"Jack Sparrow", she continued standing up and pulling him up out of his seat. "If you 'aven't figured out by now how I feel about you, then yer 'opeless. Now come on, you're a mess."
To this Jack could only smile, hooked his arm in hers and walk out of the tavern.
Will & Elizabeth-
Went into town to round up the crew and pick up
some last minute things. Make yourselves at home until
we get back. We're planning on leaving first thing tomorrow
morning so if there's anything you might want to get before then,
now would be a good time to do it.
-Julianne
After reading the note, the Turners helped themselves to something to drink then got themselves dressed and decided to head into town. Having been there before, Will had some general idea of where certain things were, but for the most part the two just wandered around seeing what they found along the way. It was almost 3:30 when they finally returned to the house, and both were surprised at finding the kitchen and living room empty.
"Hmm", Will began taking a seat on the coach, "I would have thought they'd be home by now."
Elizabeth joined him in sitting, and looking around, both found themselves fascinated with all of the exotic things Juli's house was decorated with.
"Wow, some of this stuff looks like it came all the way from China", Elizabeth said admiring one tapestry in particular.
"Probably did", Will replied.
Stepping closer and running her hand down the silk wall hanging, Elizabeth continued, "this almost makes me want to go out and raid a few ships."
This made Will laugh a little to himself, the thought of his prim and proper wife running around plundering ships was ridiculous, no matter how adventurous she seemed to be.
"What do you think you're doing?" an angry voice yelled into the living room causing Elizabeth to jump. Turning around she found Jack and Julianne standing in the doorway, both laughing hysterically at her.
"I swear", she retorted irritably, "the two of you are enough to drive a person mad!"
Both pirates just shrugged innocently and settled themselves into two chairs across from the couch.
"So we're leaving tomorrow morning then?" Will inquired.
"First thing in the morning mate", Jack answered him.
"And where exactly are we headed", Elizabeth now asked.
"Ahem", Julianne sounded at Jack for him to ask the two of them about what they had discussed the previous night.
"Yeah, well about that, ultimately we're going to Santa Croix, it's a cute little island about 5 days south of 'ere, that's where the Renegade makes berth. But uh, in the mean time, there's sorta somethin' we wanted to run by you."
"We?" Julianne injected.
"Right. There's something I wanted to run by you. Jules and I have recently decided that since we do a lot o' sailin' together anyway, we're just going to start a fleet."
"Well that's exciting", Elizabeth cut in enthusiastically.
"Oh yes luv, very exciting. Anyway, in light o' this, we're planning on moving all of our loot to one place, and since no one's really crazy about the idea of having all their stock on Isla de Muerta, we've decided Santa Croix is the better of the two locations. And seeing as how we've got to go to Santa Croix anyway to pick up this inheritance of yours so I was thinking why not just pick up me loot along the way and drop it off while we're there."
"Well that makes sense", Will agreed.
"O' course it does. I wouldn't have brought it up if it didn't. The thing is though, if we go through with it, its going to add at least another 10 or so days to our trip, and we weren't sure how soon you two were looking to get back 'ome."
"Oh, I see what you mean", Will now said looking perplexed then turning his attention to his wife.
"Well I'm not in any rush", she said returning his gaze. "It's up to you really, and how long you want to be away from the shop."
Will thought it over for a moment longer before giving his answer, "I don't it will be a problem. As long as you promise we aren't going to have to fend off any half dead bastards who want to kill me over some stupid medallions, this time" he finished with a smile.
"I don't think you need to worry about that."
"Alright, well if you say so then let's do it", Will agreed with a nod.
"Excellent! I'd say this agreement calls for a drink. Wouldn't you agree luv?" Jack asked looking at Julianne.
"I'm inclined to agree with you captain", she answered, and in a flash Jack was out of his seat and pouring everyone a round of drinks.
For the next two hours, the four of them sat together in the living room drinking and talking. When it was almost six o'clock, Julianne looked over at the exquisite grandfather clock that stood in the corner of the room.
"Well, what do you say we all head down to Bride for dinner"? she asked everyone, who all agreed that this was an excellent idea.
"Oh by the way Elizabeth", Juli added just as they were walking out the door. "Don't let me forget there's a bag for you to take along in the living room. Seeing as 'ow you don't do much sailing, I took the liberty of having my, umm, tailor I guess you could call her, do up some things for you to wear while we're out."
Stunned at the other women's generosity, Elizabeth smiled lightly and thanked her.
***
20 minutes later, Jack, Julianne, and Will sat at a table in the Faithful Bride waiting for their dinner to be brought to them. Elizabeth had just gotten up and headed for the bar, too impatient to wait for one of the tavern wenches to bring another round of drinks to the table. The three who remained seated were all talking and laughing jovially, paying absolutely no attention to their surroundings. Julianne listened intently as Will described what it was like for him on his first pirate adventure, and was happily reminded of her own first adventure by the young man's excitement.
"I really thought Jack was just going to let them do me in. Who would have guessed I end up considering him one of my closest friends?" At this Jack laughed heartily.
"Well I am charming like that you know." But Jack was suddenly cut off when long blade appeared at his chest.
"Well, well, well. What do we have here? Captain Jack Sparrow. Not feeling so cocky tonight now are we?" Cordei seethed.
Instinctively, Julianne's hand dropped to her pistol, but she was also stopped with a knife to her own neck. She quickly shot Will a glance to stay where he was, and he obeyed just as another enormous pirate came to stand behind him.
"And you", the ruthless Captain's attention now turned to Julianne, whom he stared at with up most contempt. "Aww, how darling. Can't stand to see you little boy toy in trouble?" Julianne did not answer, but returned his glare, hatred burning in her eyes.
"Now, let's see. When last we met Jack, you seemed to think that you were in some kind of position to be telling me to watch my step. Funny how the tables have turned don't you think?"
"Actually, I do find it a bit humorous, thanks for askin'" Jack answered cockily, causing him to receive a warning look from Julianne.
"Oh do you?" Cordei went on, amusement in his voice. "Well then, perhaps I'll show you just how funny it all really is."
Off in the distance, Elizabeth's voice rose above the stillness that had settled over the tavern.
"BUT WHAT ABOUT JACK AND JULIANNE? AREN'T YOU EVEN GOING TO HELP THEM?" Elizabeth shouted at the bar tender with fury, slamming her glass down on the counter.
"Now, now there young missy. Don't you be worrying about Jack and Juli, they can take care of themselves", Restin answered and removed the glass from her grip. "You just sit there and keep yourself out o' trouble til this is all over."
Elizabeth shot him a look of disgust and with no intentions of doing what he said, turned to head back to her table. Unfortunately for her, she was stopped by a pirate who had been sitting at the bar stool next to where she was standing, and he kept her there.
From where she sat, Julianne could see blood begin to spread on Jack's shirt where Cordei was slowly pushing into his skin, but she was no longer aware of what was being said between the two of them. Instead, she was deeply concentrating on what she needed to do in order to get the two of them out of their present situation. Above her, she was aware that the pirate who held her in place was not paying one ounce of attention to her but was captivated by what his captain was saying to Jack. With this advantage, she slowly began to raise her left leg up, and stretched her hand downward reaching for the knife she kept in the side of her boot. When her fingertips finally grazed the hilt of the knife, she silently slipped it up into her palm and was ready to execute her plan. Just as slowly and silently as before, she extended her right leg under the table and pressed her foot down on top of Jack's.
Out of the corner of her eye she saw Will take notice that she was planning on doing something, and she shook her head just barely enough to keep him planted without being noticed. Looking back, she caught Jack's eye and took one last breath before moving. She cringed slightly, seeing that his blood was now covering almost the entire front of his shirt, but put it out of her mind. Being that this was not the first time they had found themselves in harm's way together, she knew with confidence that Jack would know what she intended and follow along. Pressing down on his foot again she began her countdown of three, and gripped her knife tightly. Three.two.one, she thought to herself, and inconspicuously mouthed the numbers across the table. When she got to one, she sprung into action, and flung her knife directly downward as hard as she could. As expected, the knife stabbed directly into the right foot of the man who held her at knife point and he lunged forward in pain. As soon as she had heard it hit, she ducked to the side, grabbed the man's hand, and plunged his own knife into his stomach. Across the table, Jack ducked as well just as Cordei swung at the spot where his neck would have been, and pulled out his pistol. When he came back up again, Julianne was standing, her own sword barely touching the Cordei's neck. Jack stood and aimed the pistol right at the other man's head. Even Will had caught on, and when the action went down he backed his chair out quickly enough to knock the pirate behind him flat on his ass.
"Now what was it you were saying about the tables turning Augustus?" Jack spat at the other captain, who failed in his attempt to sputter some kind of intelligible answer.
"That's what I thought", Jack said cocking his pistol.
"JACK", Julianne said, in a tone ordering him to stop what he was doing. He looked at her defiantly, with every intention of pulling the trigger, but after a few tense seconds conceded.
"I don't want to see that ugly face of yours again as long as I'm on this island, savvy? So you best be gettin' your crew and GET OUT!"
Cordei nodded vigorously at Jack whose gun was still aimed at his head. Then he turned to Julianne and nodded in apology to her as well, waiting for her to retract her outstretched sword. With a flick of the wrist, she pulled it back, cutting a light scrape down his chest as she did so. Publicly embarrassed, Cordei pushed his hat down over his face, called to all of his men that were in the tavern, and exited in shame to the sound of uproarious laughter at his expense.
"Told ye they'd be fine", the bartender said to Elizabeth smiling, only to receive a huff in response as she stood and stomped back to her table.
"For Christ's sake Jules, I don't know why you didn't just let me kill him", Jack huffed angrily at Julianne as he threw himself back into his chair.
"Because, then you'd be no better than 'e is."
Jack looked at her skeptically and still angry. "Besides", she added with a smile, "I'm sure you'll get your chance sooner or later."
The rest of the evening passed in relative peace for the four diners, with the exception of the usual tavern ruckus. After they had eaten and drank just about all they could handle, Will and Elizabeth decided to turn in for the evening. Promising to lock the door behind them after they got to the house, the Turners said their goodnights and left the tavern. Still at the table enjoying just a bit more to drink, Jack and Julianne sat together quietly.
"What's buggin' luv?" Julianne finally asked, tired of watching him sulk and play with his mug.
"What?" he looked up slightly startled. "Oh, tisn't nothin'."
"You know, while you may consider yourself a world class lair when it comes to anything else, you'll find that your 'ard pressed to fool me Captain. Spit it out!"
Jack did not answer right away, but the look on his face made it obvious that he wasn't thrilled about whatever it was he was about to say.
"It's just that." he began uneasily, taking Julianne slightly by surprise. "Well, I was just thinking about what Augustus said that's all."
"What Augustus said?"
"I am no one's boy toy, you know."
Julianne could hard believe what she was hearing. Granted, she did know that Jack wasn't as completely stone cold and devoid of emotion as he wanted everyone to think, and she did know that he cared about her, but this was unbelievable. "Oh for fuck's sake Jack. Since when did you start listening to anything that jackass says?" she exclaimed slamming her mug down on the table.
"I know, it's stupid, ok, let's just forget I even said anything."
"Jack Sparrow", she continued standing up and pulling him up out of his seat. "If you 'aven't figured out by now how I feel about you, then yer 'opeless. Now come on, you're a mess."
To this Jack could only smile, hooked his arm in hers and walk out of the tavern.