Disclaimer:  I don't own Jack or any other characters present in this story that are from the movie. I also don't know any one involved in the POTC, but I'm working on a middle man type thing…hehehe…hmm…*cough* So don't go thinkin' so, savvy?

Jack: ::Swaggers up with bottle of rum in hand and bandage still on leg::  "Aye, ye mateys returned?  Well good, I can get some things straight wit ye, savvy?  Why do ye keep encouragin' her?  Ye see what she's putting me through?  Loves, I know ye all like seein' me bein' bold and dangerous, but dressing me up in woman's clothin'? That's a bit much, even for Captain Jack Sparrow."  ::Drinks rum:: It's becoming painful too.  Ye see me leg?  Devil of a hound bit me!  I don't even think it is an earthly creature.  And that blasted witch of a woman Jeanette!  Bein' round with her is like being thrown into a box with scorpions.  ::Drinks more rum:: Anyway, gettin' back to me point.  If ye all stop readin' this jibberish I can get on with me life.  I need me life back, ye need…well if ye stop readin' I'll give ye some of me rum.  How bout that?  Well…maybe a little…a sip… ::sees computer::  Hmm…perhaps I can just get rid of this thing and not have to worry about giving away me rum or getting hurt again. ::Swaggers up to computer and stares at it::  How do you work this thing?  Doesn't look like much.  ::Reaches to the keyboard and touches the keys.  Alarm begins to sound and lights start flashing causing Jack to jump. :: What the devil is going on?! ::Growling heard and lights go out::  This can't be good…

A/N:  It's been blast writing all this…just felt I should tell ye all that.  My roommate has suggested that I should update before I start being emailed some nasty things…it's happened to her.  Thanks to all who are reading, especially Jackfan2 who has been very supportive!!!  Go check out her story it is great and very well written.  Update that soon please!!

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Chapter 8

            It was midday as Jack, or Calynda, and Jeanette walked down the busy Redmond streets.   Jack's head throbbed slightly from the heat and the lump that was left on his head from the oar.  The clothes he was wearing were restricting his movement and causing him to be hot.  Sweat covered him as he could barely see in front of him under the hood that was needed to disguise his face.  He leaned heavily into the cane, but felt frustrated that it was necessary.  Him being a pirate had created a second hand nature of being aware of all his surroundings, but was now unable to do so which further distressed him and made his mood worse.  A stray dog walked up to Jack and began sniffing him.

            "Get away," Jack hissed at the dog, but it only wagged its tail and walked along side him as Jack hobbled on. 

            "Creatures of the same species stick together don't they?" Jeanette said to Jack as they walked. 

            "And what would that make you, dear?"  Jack said in his female voice.  Jeanette narrowed her eyes.  "I can tell ye if ye want.  It would make ye a bi-"

            "My, Calynda isn't it a beautiful day?  Doesn't it make you want to take that heavy coat off so you can breath easier!"  Jeannette announced a little too loudly causing some people to look.

            "No dear, modesty is a virtue.  Something you must not have been properly taught when you were younger."  Jack replied in the same tone of voice, just as loudly as she had.  Jeanette's jaw dropped slightly and a woman walking by put a hand to her mouth and turned away smiling.  The dog barked as if to laugh.

            "Shush you scoundrel," Jeanette muttered, standing up straight and looking ahead.  Jack looked up to see the tavern sign swaying in the small breeze and headed towards the door.  Jeanette stopped and watched as he approached the steps.  "Where are you going!"

            "To get a bit to drink," Calynda replied.  Jeanette grabbed Jack's arm and tugged him to the side of the wooden building where there was shaded.

            "This is no time to be drinking…" Jeanette chastised Jack.

            "Well, if ye would think for once ye would know that if ye want information ye go to the tavern.  I didn't have any real intention of drinkin'…much," Jack grinned.

            "Why don't we just walk to the gallows and see if anyone has been hanged yet or is in the process.  It would be faster," Jeanette argued.

            "Aye, it would also be dangerous considering all the red coats that are around that area.  The only ones ye'll see in a tavern are drunk," Jack said.

            "I'm not going in," Jeanette said flatly. 

            "I didn't say ye had to."
            "You are just going to leave me outside side this place while you spend the whole day drinking!" Jeanette said.

            "I'm not going to spend the whole time drinking, or did ye forget that finding this out was my idea in the first place?" Jack asked as he looked down. "Besides, ye have the mutt here to watch out for ye if yer afraid of drunk sailors trying to bother ya."

            "How do I know you aren't just going to try to sneak out?" She asked.

            "Ye are just goin' to have to take me word."

            "The word of a pirate?"  Jack just shook his head.

            "How do I know ye won't go get the red coats while I'm in there?" He asked.

            "I guess you are just going to have to take my word then."

            "The word of a woman?" Jack said back.  Jeanette only looked at him.  Jack walked past her and up the stairs to the tavern.  As he opened the door he heard footsteps coming up the stairs and saw her following him.  The dog sat at the bottom of the stairs wagging its tail vigorously.  Both entered the dimly lit tavern and looked around.  It wasn't as crowded as the last one they were in, but that would change come night fall.  Jack noticed a few sailors sitting together loudly and drunkly singing songs that would put a blush on most women.  He moved forward eyeing a man sitting at a table close to the stairs.  He was alone and his face was hidden by the shadows.  Jack knew what it was like to be there and he felt a slight swell of pity for him.  Two barmaids went around refilling drinks collecting money and half heartedly avoiding hands and spilt drinks.  Jack hobbled over to the counter where a heavy set man with grey hair stood.  He had bright blue eyes that were surrounded by wrinkles and a few scars.

            "'Ello, lasses. What can I get for ya?" The tavern owner grinned showing a variation of white to rotten teeth to none at all.  A typical one, Jack thought.  Probably a good hearted, but greedy man who would tell you anything for a price.

            "I was wondering young man, how much does a pint of rum cost?" Jack said in his highest pitched, cracked voice. 

            "Two shillings," the owner replied.  Jack's jaw opened slightly at the named price.

            "Why that is-" Jack stopped himself from cursing wildly at the man and cleared the throat. " I mean…why is the price so high lad?"

            "Lad…I've got a feelin' that wasn't what ye wanted to say.  Ye can speak freely here lass.  Besides, I like a lady who's got a bit of fire in her." The owner smiled.  Jack swallowed hard; this wasn't what he'd planned to happen.

            "Are ye going to answer my question?" Jack asked.

            "Alright lass, hard times call for high prices.  What with all the fighting and pirating, I need more money…but I guess cause I like ya I'll bring it down to a shilling and sixpence."

            "I'll take it on one condition," Jack said sitting down at a wooden stool, Jeannette silently following his lead.

            "Aye?" The owner's eyebrow rose.

            "Ye tell me some information I want," Jack said watching the glitter in the owner's eyes.  He then cracked up laughing. 

            "Yer a funny one, ye are!"  The owner laughed.  Jeanette was confused and was becoming uncomfortable with the eyes she felt staring at her back.

            "Is that a yes?" Jack asked.

            "Only if ye tell me yer name is lass," The owner said.    

            "Calynda," Jack replied.

            "A nice name that is, now where is yer money?" Jack chuckled, turned and nodded at Jeanette.  She starred at him blankly as the owner looked on expectantly.  Jack nodded again waiting for Jeanette to pay.

            "What?" Jeanette asked.

            "Pay him dear," Jack said softly with a hint of frustration.

            "I will not pay him for your drink or anything else," Jeanette snapped back.  Jack chuckled again trying to control his rising frustration.

            "Ye should respect yer elders lass.  If yer mother tells ya to do somethin', ye should do it," the owner chipped in.

            "She is not my mother!" Jeanette said in disgust.

            "Oh, a slave girl then?  More of a reason," the owner said.  Jeanette looked ready to jump over the counter so Jack quickly reached over and grabbed her wrist and gave it a forceful squeeze. Jeanette trying yanking away from Jack's grip, but was unable to.

            "Forgive her kind sir, she some times forgets her place because of the freedom she enjoys at home.  I will pay for it this time," Jack said as he pulled a pouch from with in his shirt.  He tossed out the money and replaced the pouch, finally letting go of Jeanette.

            "Ye are blessed to have such a caring mistress.  Ye would've gotten a beaten in other places for such foolishness," the owner chided as he took the money.  He moved to go pour the drink.

            "Are ye trying to blow this?" Jack hissed under his breath.

            "How dare you try to make me pay for your drink and then make that-that man assume that I am your slave."
            "It's called a cover…and yer not helping this move along any faster.  If ye would just shut yer mouth for once and act yer part it wouldn't be such a terrible thing." Before Jeanette could reply the tavern owner returned with Jack's drink of rum.

            "Ye know me lady, if ye would like I could take that slave off yer hands for a while and teach her to act correctly.  Working here will whip her into shape," he said as he slid Jack the drink.  Jack carefully sipped the rum instead of chugging as he would normally do to keep his face hidden.

            "Very kind of ye lad, but it isn't necessary.  She'll receive her due when we return home…now about that information." Jack began.  The tavern owner was looking at Jack as if examining him.

            "Ye know me lady ye don't have to be so covered up in here.  You can take that coat off, I'm sure ye must be warm," The owner said.  Jeanette gave grin and looked at Jack waiting for his response.

            "What's yer name lad?" Jack asked.

            "The names Peter Henson me lady, owner of the Four Palm tavern." Peter said proudly.

            "Fine name, now Mr. Henson, I don't tell many people as it is a bit embarrassing, but I feel I can trust ye." Jack said.

            "Aye then," Peter nodded.

            "I 'ave a condition that has affects on me skin.  I must stay covered other wise it might kill me." Jack whispered before drinking more of the rum. 

            "I'm very sorry to hear such a thing has happened to such a fine woman." Peter reached over and patted Jack's hand.  He didn't see Jack's look of disgust under the darkness of the hood or hear Jeanette's snickers.

            "Thank you…" Jack swallowed hard, "kind sir.  Now I 'ave a question."  Peter nodded, settling down on his hand that he supported with his elbow. " I heard a couple a days ago a pirate escaped from the gallows with the help of a couple of people. Ye know anythin' about that?"

            "That's a curious question coming from a lass." Peter said softly, glancing around the room to see if there were any soldiers around.  "But ye paid for it so I'll tell ye what I know.  A pirate that is known around here, named Sparrow."

            "Captain…" Jack muttered under his breath. 

            "What's that Ms. Calynda?" Peter asked.

            "Nothing lad, continue about that Sparrow fellow."

            "He is suppose to be the captain of the Black Pearl.  Suppose to be very conniving and dangerous, but I don't recall ever hearing him harm a person more so than taking possessions which is about as noble a pirate can be.  Anyway, he was found outside in the jungles and was captured.  He was to be hanged the day you speak of, but it was said that he made a deal with Lieutenant Adolphus.  At some point he had a woman aid him, some say it's his lover on this island. But-" Peter was cut off by the sound of glass shattering. He and Jack glanced over and saw Jeanette had pushed a glass over the counter onto the floor, her face was red.

Jack clenched his shaking fist as he narrowed his eyes at her and Peter shook his head.

            "I'm sorry…" Jeanette said in a strained voice. " Must have slipped." She gave an evil smile to Jack.

            "Marissa, could ye clean that up please?" Peter called to one of the barmaids.  She nodded with a frown, and continued on with her work. "That is a troubled one that is.  I'll let this go though cause I like ya." He smiled and winked at Jack who was getting angry and uncomfortable around this man.

            "You were saying sir?"

            "Oh right, so Sparrow and his lover," Peter continued while Jack heard a kind of grinding noise coming from Jeanette. "They managed to out run the soldiers to the docks.  It is said that some young man stopped the Lieutenant from shooting Sparrow by running into him, but that is all that is known about him.  No name or reason has been given as to why he did it.  It has been rumored though that a trial has secretly taken place to determine the punishment for the man…I believe they have charged him with treason and will hang him.  But it is just a belief…"

            "Is there anywhere I can find out more?" Jack asked leaning closer so he could keep his voice low. 

            "Not that I know of," Peter scratched his head giving a lopsided grin.

            "Well thank you then lad. We'll be off then," Jack said grabbing his hood and downing the rest of the rum.

            "Thank the Lord," Jeanette said under her breath.

            "Wait, why ye leavin'?  Ye've only had one drink," Peter asked looking disappointed.

            "We must be off lad.  Thanks for the hospitality and please forgive this child…she has much to learn." Jack said. 

            "Will ye be back?  It was nice have a lady around fer once," Peter smiled which exposed his missing and rotten teeth.

            "Uh…perhaps lad, perhaps," Jack said as nicely as he could.  He turned and headed toward the door, grabbed Jeanette and yanked her along with him.

            "Let me go. I am very well capable of getting myself out of this place," Jeanette protested. Jack tightened his grip that made Jeanette yelp just as they reached the door.  He released Jeanette as he had his cane in his other hand went to open the door, but was somewhat surprised when it began to open before he did.  It opened and revealed three soldiers; the one at the front was Adolphus.

            "No one move!" Adolphus' voice boomed.  Jack froze in the fear that usually gripped him in a situation he hadn't seen coming.  Adolphus looked down at Jack with narrowed eyes as Jack's hand instinctly went to the hidden dagger he had placed under all his woman clothes.

            "You…" Adolphus' eyes narrowed even more as he quickly produced his handgun. "You are coming with me."

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            Well perhaps a cliffhanger will get some of ya people to review huh?  I do appreciate everyone who reads, but I would like to know what ye all thinks of it.  Thanxs' go out to those who do review. Once again, go check out Jackfan2's story Best Intentions, Gone Wrong. Riveting story it is.  ;o)  Lightning99109 as well, I appreciate yer interest and I promise Will, will… (hehehe funny) be in the story some place, that's for all of ye other Will fans out there too.  Now Luvs I must be off to help our Jack recuperate from his recent injuries he faced while trying to sabotage this fic.  But I'll make sure he's in complete health on his next trip to do his job.  I'll try to update as soon as possible, but unfortunately I don't know when that will be.  I promise that I will at some point though.  Perhaps some extra reviews will get me juices goin' to type faster…*wink, wink. Nudge, nudge* 'ell anyway see ye mateys on the flip side!!!!!