Usual disclaimers. blah!
I feel I have to respond to one review that accused Kitty of becoming Mary- Sue-ish. I had got up a whole two hours early to type the next chapters (at 5am) and this review really put a downer on my day. It is so easy to point the finger and squeal "Mary Sue" at times without explaining what you mean, but until you actually try to write a story sometimes you do not appreciate how hard it can be... or how much of your life can be taken up with the plotting and typing. And considering the whole saga is now nearly a quarter of a million words, that is quite some time.
I have read so many stories that in my opinion are such crap I couldn't even read the first paragraph - perhaps some readers think the same of this? I try my absolute hardest to keep the story fresh, with surprises and also to have a little romance... for I know that most of us reading this would not mind having the good Captain all to ourselves. Kitty is not perfect, and I have gone out of my way to try not to make her so. But life does not have to always be doom, gloom and angst and if she were not good at what she did then she would probably already be dead.
I've debated long and hard about leaving these comments in here... and have decided to do so. They are not meant to upset or offend, please do not take them as such.
***
The next morning the Black Pearl was not to be seen in the harbour of Tortuga for she was already many miles northwards. With good winds he hoped to be able to reach the Carolinas in five or six days, dropping Little Feather and those wishing to go with him somewhere north of Charleston. Seven of the crew had requested to go with him and he had agreed. Jack wished he could go himself, knowing that he owed Little Feather for the help he had received but realising that he was tied to the search for Louis Lact and the Catalyntie.
Jack sighed. Now the problem of Mary was puzzling him too. Regardless of the Governor's feelings for them he knew they would have to return to Port Royal to see Theodore and to inform him that his wife was alive. He had his own theories about what had happened following Catherine's news... that was one conversation he was not looking forward to. Jack stayed at the helm for most of the day. It was his favourite place to think and he was determined to figure out the problem of Mary for Theodore. He was fond of his brother in law who, apart from being in the King's Navy was not a bad guy.
He glanced downwards at the main deck, surprised to see it was nearly dusk but pleased to see that Isaac was still working. He had sailed on a number of ships, including his brother Joshua's, but had never remained on any ship for long. There had always been the weight of his family name around his neck, the expectations that he did not want. Jack smiled ruefully to himself. Isaac had already had one brush with Catherine and was swabbing the decks quietly as a result. He would settle, and when he learned to obey a woman he would find life much easier.
Jack nodded as Oran came to take over at the helm. "Kitty's taken your meal to the cabin Captain," he smiled. "Said she thought you'd like some quiet time..."
"Split middle watch with Gibbs an' I'll see yer for forenoon watch," he smiled as he handed the wheel to Oran.
"Goodnight Captain," Oran acknowledged as Jack walked tiredly to his cabin, shutting and locking the door behind him.
***
The days passed quickly even though nothing happened. The winds held good but it still took them six days to reach a quiet shore where Jack was happy to drop anchor. Jack, Catherine and Oran, rowed ashore with Little Feather and those leaving, plus enough additional crew to row the boats back.
Catherine stood on tiptoe, kissing Little Feather on the cheek. "Take care Little Feather," she smiled sadly. "Remember where we are if you need us..."
"I will Little Fox," he sighed, turning to Jack and clasping him firmly in a hug. "Take care yourself Crazy Bird!"
Both men looked at each other, knowing that there was nothing more to say. He shouldered his belongings, nodding to the other men who stood in line to hug Catherine. "Captain," they each said before turning and following Little Feather.
Jack sighed heavily. "Right, let's get back t' th' Pearl..." he said, helping push off the boats. He smiled reassuringly at Catherine as she watched those ashore disappear into the trees. "We'll see them again luv, don't yer worry!"
"I hope so," she replied. "I hope so..."
***
It took them eight days to reach Port Royal. Jack sailed brazenly into the harbour, not caring what the Governor thought and ordered a boat readied for himself and Catherine. He rowed her ashore himself, heading up towards the Fort in the hope of finding Theodore as the HMS Gauntlet was in the harbour. However, when they arrived the guard at the gate had other ideas and ordered them taken immediately to the Commodore's office.
***
Mid May
James Norrington blinked when he realised exactly who had been announced. "Who?" he exclaimed in shock.
"Captain and Mistress Sparrow Commodore," he repeated. "They were asking for Captain Groves... said it was a matter of some urgency..."
"Show them in," he sighed, wondering what the Governor would say when he realised they were back. No, he knew exactly what he would say and that he would not be happy.
"Commodore..." Catherine began, smiling warmly.
"This had better be good," James Norrington warned. "You both know the Governor does not want you here!"
She bit her lip, a frown crossing her face. "We were looking for Theo. We have some news on Mary..."
"What news?" the Commodore asked, leaning forward eagerly.
"She's alive," Jack explained, "but I think it is best we speak with Theo first..."
"Is Theo here?" Catherine pressed.
"I will send for him." James Norrington rang for his secretary to have Captain Groves sent for. The three of them sat silently whilst they waited, relieved when Theodore was shown in.
"Cat?" he gasped. "Jack?"
Catherine turned to James Norrington. "May we have some privacy please Commodore?" she asked.
"What is it?" Theodore asked. "Not bad news..."
The Commodore rose. "You may speak privately here for five minutes." He looked at Jack, his tone warning. "Do not touch any of the papers!"
"Sure thing mate," Jack smiled innocently as if the thought had never entered his head.
They waited whilst the Commodore shut the door behind him. Theodore embraced his sister warmly. "What is it?"
She sighed, looking up at him. "We've news of Mary..." she began.
"She's alive?" Theodore exhaled with relief when she nodded, not realising he had been holding his breath.
"She was seen at Tortuga nearly three weeks ago in the company of some pirates..." Catherine spoke cautiously.
"What? Pirates?" Theodore gasped. "Are they holding her to ransom?"
"She was there of her own free will Theo," Catherine sighed sadly, biting her lip, unsure what to say to soften the blow. "I believe she was quite intimate with one of the pirates..."
Catherine watched the conflicting emotions cross his face - relief then disbelief. "But..."
"Theo, I think that's why yer house was th' only one fired outside th' docks... th' rest were just diversions probably..." Jack reasoned. He had thought long and hard on this whilst returning from the Carolinas and to him it was the only thing that made sense.
Theodore looked at him in horror. "And Father?"
"I dunno mate," Jack shrugged. "He could have been trapped by th' fire... or he could have seen somethin' he shouldn't of... we'll never know..."
Catherine looked at Jack, eyes blazing with anger for this was the first time she had heard Jack's reasoning. "You mean that woman is responsible for the death of Papa?"
"Possibly..." Theodore conceded.
"Probably..." Jack replied. "She wouldn't have set th' fire herself but it is likely that those she is with now did..."
"We should tell the Governor... and the Commodore..." Theodore began.
"But we have no proof..." Jack countered. "Just what we believe..."
"You have a witness... she was seen in Tortuga. Who was it?" Theodore demanded.
"I won't say Theo." Catherine shook her head sadly, mind still whirling from Jack's words. "The witness will not come here and their name will only muddy the waters further... but I believe the person for they had no reason to lie..."
Jack nodded quietly to himself. It would do them no good to bring Kasia's name into this for not only would it reveal to the authorities where she was but it would automatically make them dismiss the information. "I think yer need t' question th' servants an' all... yer don't just run off with a pirate on first meetin' 'im!"
Theodore realised the sense of this - whoever she was with it was probably not a spur of the moment decision. "You'd best head back," he suggested. "It will do none of us any good if the Governor catches you ashore..."
Jack laughed. "Kitty hasn't been banned Theo, an' with Mary not here he hasn't much t' worry about - has he now?"
"Yes, well tread carefully anyway. He has been speaking ill of you a lot lately and since the fire his behaviour has changed for the worse. Even amongst the marines there are those that see seeking favour with the Governor as a good way to promotion..." He paused, making sure that Jack understood his warning, relieved to see him sober and nod. "I'll row out this evening if I discover anything... okay?"
"Right mate, we'll see yer then," Jack smiled.
Catherine hugged her brother. "Bring Charlotte with you... please?"
Theodore looked at her sadly. "I cannot this time Cat. I'm living in the barracks at the moment until I can find a home she and her wet-nurse are staying with the Spenses..." He glanced at Jack. "I know what you are going to say Jack... but it isn't about money. There simply isn't anywhere suitable - everywhere is taken. I just have to be grateful that she is being cared for and that I have a bed at night..."
"That's okay Theo, we understand..." Catherine smiled although she was clearly disappointed. "Perhaps next time..."
"We'll see yer t'night then Theo." Jack opened the door, ushering Catherine through the doorway. "We're just gonna pop an' see Will an' we'll return to th' Pearl... okay?"
"Don't stay ashore too long..." he warned. "And keep Cat on board as much as possible."
Jack stopped suddenly, finding James Norrington standing before him. "Not that way," he warned. "The Governor has just entered the Fort. Captain Groves, escort Captain and Mistress Sparrow to the side gate via the back stairs..." He glanced down to the yard, raising one eyebrow. "And I suggest you leave now..."
Jack and Theodore bustled Catherine through the side door, checking the coast was clear before dashing for the side gate. He hugged his sister. "Take care Cat, I'll see you tonight... now go!"
***
They walked carefully along the back streets to reach the docks, carefully checking that there were no marines about before slipping through the newly repaired door. Although it would be months before the smithy was properly back working, the main wheel mechanism had been repaired and Will was doing his best to repair a heavy hinge.
He looked up on seeing them enter. "Jack!" he smiled in greeting, but then frowned when he saw Catherine behind. "Kitty! Should you be here?"
"Probably not," she laughed. "But we are just leaving so don't worry..." She smiled as he hugged her warmly. "We were hoping you, Elizabeth and the children would come to dinner tonight? We'll send a boat..."
"I'm sure Elizabeth would love to..." Will began, paling as he glanced out of the window. "Spense!" he hissed. "With troops!"
Jack didn't stop to ask questions, grabbing Catherine's hand and giving her a push up into the rafters. Frantically he scrambled up after her, crouching in the shadows where he and Will had first fought all those years ago. He smiled as he saw Will turn back to his work, heating the damaged part of the hinge again so he could hammer it straight.
The door opened to reveal Governor Thomas Spense, two marines flanking him. Will looked up innocently. "Governor," he smiled. "What can I do for you?"
"Where's Sparrow?" he demanded.
"Jack?" Will shrugged, wiping his hands on his leather apron. "I suppose he is on the Pearl... why?"
"He's in town! Him and his wife..." the Governor nearly spat with fury.
"But they are not pirates," Will reasoned, "and surely there is no reason for them not to be here..."
"I will not have that woman in Port Royal! Have you seen them?" Thomas Spense spluttered working himself into an even greater rage.
"No! But..." Will tried to reason, wondering why the Governor was behaving so unreasonably.
"But nothing Turner! I will get them!" he threatened, turning on his heel and striding outside. He turned to the nearest marine, speaking quietly, unaware that his voice drifted upwards to where Jack and Catherine were hiding. "Leave two men front and back in case they come here, the rest of your men watch their boat. I will get them Sergeant... and I will be generous to those that find them for me!"
Will shut the door on them in disgust, aware that Jack and Catherine were now trapped within his smithy. He looked up to see Jack testing the lathes on the roof. Catherine waved goodbye silently, miming swimming. Will grinned - obviously they were not going back to their boat. He mimed eating back at her and held a thumb up before returning to his work, hammering the hinge enthusiastically to give Jack's destruction of his roof the protection of some noise.
***
Oran and Jean Claude looked at each other in shocked disbelief as Jack and Catherine climbed onboard, shinning up the anchor chain and flopping exhausted onto the deck. She lay there, giggling until she cried with laughter. "Next time," she gasped, "anchor nearer the shore!" She struggled to sit upright, pulling off her boots to release a flood of water across the deck. Looking at Jack, his plaits dripping, she started to giggle again.
He sighed, realising that he would get no sense out of her until she regained her self-control. "Come on," he offered his hand. "Let's get dry!"
"Captain?" Joshamee Gibbs emerged from below deck, stunned at the state of them. "What happened?"
Jack smiled as he looked at Catherine who was still trying, and failing, to stop giggling. "It seems that th' esteemed Governor has taken a personal dislike t' Kitty an' doesn't want her ashore. He nearly cornered us at th' smithy an' left four men guarding th' exits so we had t' make our way back across th' rooftops an' back alleys." Jack looked offended that the Governor thought a mere four marines would stop him. "An' he left two men guardin' our boat - so we had t' swim back."
"Does this mean Kitty cant' go ashore?" Oran asked worriedly.
"I'll check with Theo t'night, but she should be okay as long as some of us are with her. We're still privateers so as long as there no brawls we should be safe..." He turned to Joshamee. "But warn th' crew t' be on best behaviour just in case, especially around th' marines. If he's lookin' fer an excuse I'd rather not give him what he wants..."
Joshamee nodded. "Aye Captain, I'll see that the men know."
***
I feel I have to respond to one review that accused Kitty of becoming Mary- Sue-ish. I had got up a whole two hours early to type the next chapters (at 5am) and this review really put a downer on my day. It is so easy to point the finger and squeal "Mary Sue" at times without explaining what you mean, but until you actually try to write a story sometimes you do not appreciate how hard it can be... or how much of your life can be taken up with the plotting and typing. And considering the whole saga is now nearly a quarter of a million words, that is quite some time.
I have read so many stories that in my opinion are such crap I couldn't even read the first paragraph - perhaps some readers think the same of this? I try my absolute hardest to keep the story fresh, with surprises and also to have a little romance... for I know that most of us reading this would not mind having the good Captain all to ourselves. Kitty is not perfect, and I have gone out of my way to try not to make her so. But life does not have to always be doom, gloom and angst and if she were not good at what she did then she would probably already be dead.
I've debated long and hard about leaving these comments in here... and have decided to do so. They are not meant to upset or offend, please do not take them as such.
***
The next morning the Black Pearl was not to be seen in the harbour of Tortuga for she was already many miles northwards. With good winds he hoped to be able to reach the Carolinas in five or six days, dropping Little Feather and those wishing to go with him somewhere north of Charleston. Seven of the crew had requested to go with him and he had agreed. Jack wished he could go himself, knowing that he owed Little Feather for the help he had received but realising that he was tied to the search for Louis Lact and the Catalyntie.
Jack sighed. Now the problem of Mary was puzzling him too. Regardless of the Governor's feelings for them he knew they would have to return to Port Royal to see Theodore and to inform him that his wife was alive. He had his own theories about what had happened following Catherine's news... that was one conversation he was not looking forward to. Jack stayed at the helm for most of the day. It was his favourite place to think and he was determined to figure out the problem of Mary for Theodore. He was fond of his brother in law who, apart from being in the King's Navy was not a bad guy.
He glanced downwards at the main deck, surprised to see it was nearly dusk but pleased to see that Isaac was still working. He had sailed on a number of ships, including his brother Joshua's, but had never remained on any ship for long. There had always been the weight of his family name around his neck, the expectations that he did not want. Jack smiled ruefully to himself. Isaac had already had one brush with Catherine and was swabbing the decks quietly as a result. He would settle, and when he learned to obey a woman he would find life much easier.
Jack nodded as Oran came to take over at the helm. "Kitty's taken your meal to the cabin Captain," he smiled. "Said she thought you'd like some quiet time..."
"Split middle watch with Gibbs an' I'll see yer for forenoon watch," he smiled as he handed the wheel to Oran.
"Goodnight Captain," Oran acknowledged as Jack walked tiredly to his cabin, shutting and locking the door behind him.
***
The days passed quickly even though nothing happened. The winds held good but it still took them six days to reach a quiet shore where Jack was happy to drop anchor. Jack, Catherine and Oran, rowed ashore with Little Feather and those leaving, plus enough additional crew to row the boats back.
Catherine stood on tiptoe, kissing Little Feather on the cheek. "Take care Little Feather," she smiled sadly. "Remember where we are if you need us..."
"I will Little Fox," he sighed, turning to Jack and clasping him firmly in a hug. "Take care yourself Crazy Bird!"
Both men looked at each other, knowing that there was nothing more to say. He shouldered his belongings, nodding to the other men who stood in line to hug Catherine. "Captain," they each said before turning and following Little Feather.
Jack sighed heavily. "Right, let's get back t' th' Pearl..." he said, helping push off the boats. He smiled reassuringly at Catherine as she watched those ashore disappear into the trees. "We'll see them again luv, don't yer worry!"
"I hope so," she replied. "I hope so..."
***
It took them eight days to reach Port Royal. Jack sailed brazenly into the harbour, not caring what the Governor thought and ordered a boat readied for himself and Catherine. He rowed her ashore himself, heading up towards the Fort in the hope of finding Theodore as the HMS Gauntlet was in the harbour. However, when they arrived the guard at the gate had other ideas and ordered them taken immediately to the Commodore's office.
***
Mid May
James Norrington blinked when he realised exactly who had been announced. "Who?" he exclaimed in shock.
"Captain and Mistress Sparrow Commodore," he repeated. "They were asking for Captain Groves... said it was a matter of some urgency..."
"Show them in," he sighed, wondering what the Governor would say when he realised they were back. No, he knew exactly what he would say and that he would not be happy.
"Commodore..." Catherine began, smiling warmly.
"This had better be good," James Norrington warned. "You both know the Governor does not want you here!"
She bit her lip, a frown crossing her face. "We were looking for Theo. We have some news on Mary..."
"What news?" the Commodore asked, leaning forward eagerly.
"She's alive," Jack explained, "but I think it is best we speak with Theo first..."
"Is Theo here?" Catherine pressed.
"I will send for him." James Norrington rang for his secretary to have Captain Groves sent for. The three of them sat silently whilst they waited, relieved when Theodore was shown in.
"Cat?" he gasped. "Jack?"
Catherine turned to James Norrington. "May we have some privacy please Commodore?" she asked.
"What is it?" Theodore asked. "Not bad news..."
The Commodore rose. "You may speak privately here for five minutes." He looked at Jack, his tone warning. "Do not touch any of the papers!"
"Sure thing mate," Jack smiled innocently as if the thought had never entered his head.
They waited whilst the Commodore shut the door behind him. Theodore embraced his sister warmly. "What is it?"
She sighed, looking up at him. "We've news of Mary..." she began.
"She's alive?" Theodore exhaled with relief when she nodded, not realising he had been holding his breath.
"She was seen at Tortuga nearly three weeks ago in the company of some pirates..." Catherine spoke cautiously.
"What? Pirates?" Theodore gasped. "Are they holding her to ransom?"
"She was there of her own free will Theo," Catherine sighed sadly, biting her lip, unsure what to say to soften the blow. "I believe she was quite intimate with one of the pirates..."
Catherine watched the conflicting emotions cross his face - relief then disbelief. "But..."
"Theo, I think that's why yer house was th' only one fired outside th' docks... th' rest were just diversions probably..." Jack reasoned. He had thought long and hard on this whilst returning from the Carolinas and to him it was the only thing that made sense.
Theodore looked at him in horror. "And Father?"
"I dunno mate," Jack shrugged. "He could have been trapped by th' fire... or he could have seen somethin' he shouldn't of... we'll never know..."
Catherine looked at Jack, eyes blazing with anger for this was the first time she had heard Jack's reasoning. "You mean that woman is responsible for the death of Papa?"
"Possibly..." Theodore conceded.
"Probably..." Jack replied. "She wouldn't have set th' fire herself but it is likely that those she is with now did..."
"We should tell the Governor... and the Commodore..." Theodore began.
"But we have no proof..." Jack countered. "Just what we believe..."
"You have a witness... she was seen in Tortuga. Who was it?" Theodore demanded.
"I won't say Theo." Catherine shook her head sadly, mind still whirling from Jack's words. "The witness will not come here and their name will only muddy the waters further... but I believe the person for they had no reason to lie..."
Jack nodded quietly to himself. It would do them no good to bring Kasia's name into this for not only would it reveal to the authorities where she was but it would automatically make them dismiss the information. "I think yer need t' question th' servants an' all... yer don't just run off with a pirate on first meetin' 'im!"
Theodore realised the sense of this - whoever she was with it was probably not a spur of the moment decision. "You'd best head back," he suggested. "It will do none of us any good if the Governor catches you ashore..."
Jack laughed. "Kitty hasn't been banned Theo, an' with Mary not here he hasn't much t' worry about - has he now?"
"Yes, well tread carefully anyway. He has been speaking ill of you a lot lately and since the fire his behaviour has changed for the worse. Even amongst the marines there are those that see seeking favour with the Governor as a good way to promotion..." He paused, making sure that Jack understood his warning, relieved to see him sober and nod. "I'll row out this evening if I discover anything... okay?"
"Right mate, we'll see yer then," Jack smiled.
Catherine hugged her brother. "Bring Charlotte with you... please?"
Theodore looked at her sadly. "I cannot this time Cat. I'm living in the barracks at the moment until I can find a home she and her wet-nurse are staying with the Spenses..." He glanced at Jack. "I know what you are going to say Jack... but it isn't about money. There simply isn't anywhere suitable - everywhere is taken. I just have to be grateful that she is being cared for and that I have a bed at night..."
"That's okay Theo, we understand..." Catherine smiled although she was clearly disappointed. "Perhaps next time..."
"We'll see yer t'night then Theo." Jack opened the door, ushering Catherine through the doorway. "We're just gonna pop an' see Will an' we'll return to th' Pearl... okay?"
"Don't stay ashore too long..." he warned. "And keep Cat on board as much as possible."
Jack stopped suddenly, finding James Norrington standing before him. "Not that way," he warned. "The Governor has just entered the Fort. Captain Groves, escort Captain and Mistress Sparrow to the side gate via the back stairs..." He glanced down to the yard, raising one eyebrow. "And I suggest you leave now..."
Jack and Theodore bustled Catherine through the side door, checking the coast was clear before dashing for the side gate. He hugged his sister. "Take care Cat, I'll see you tonight... now go!"
***
They walked carefully along the back streets to reach the docks, carefully checking that there were no marines about before slipping through the newly repaired door. Although it would be months before the smithy was properly back working, the main wheel mechanism had been repaired and Will was doing his best to repair a heavy hinge.
He looked up on seeing them enter. "Jack!" he smiled in greeting, but then frowned when he saw Catherine behind. "Kitty! Should you be here?"
"Probably not," she laughed. "But we are just leaving so don't worry..." She smiled as he hugged her warmly. "We were hoping you, Elizabeth and the children would come to dinner tonight? We'll send a boat..."
"I'm sure Elizabeth would love to..." Will began, paling as he glanced out of the window. "Spense!" he hissed. "With troops!"
Jack didn't stop to ask questions, grabbing Catherine's hand and giving her a push up into the rafters. Frantically he scrambled up after her, crouching in the shadows where he and Will had first fought all those years ago. He smiled as he saw Will turn back to his work, heating the damaged part of the hinge again so he could hammer it straight.
The door opened to reveal Governor Thomas Spense, two marines flanking him. Will looked up innocently. "Governor," he smiled. "What can I do for you?"
"Where's Sparrow?" he demanded.
"Jack?" Will shrugged, wiping his hands on his leather apron. "I suppose he is on the Pearl... why?"
"He's in town! Him and his wife..." the Governor nearly spat with fury.
"But they are not pirates," Will reasoned, "and surely there is no reason for them not to be here..."
"I will not have that woman in Port Royal! Have you seen them?" Thomas Spense spluttered working himself into an even greater rage.
"No! But..." Will tried to reason, wondering why the Governor was behaving so unreasonably.
"But nothing Turner! I will get them!" he threatened, turning on his heel and striding outside. He turned to the nearest marine, speaking quietly, unaware that his voice drifted upwards to where Jack and Catherine were hiding. "Leave two men front and back in case they come here, the rest of your men watch their boat. I will get them Sergeant... and I will be generous to those that find them for me!"
Will shut the door on them in disgust, aware that Jack and Catherine were now trapped within his smithy. He looked up to see Jack testing the lathes on the roof. Catherine waved goodbye silently, miming swimming. Will grinned - obviously they were not going back to their boat. He mimed eating back at her and held a thumb up before returning to his work, hammering the hinge enthusiastically to give Jack's destruction of his roof the protection of some noise.
***
Oran and Jean Claude looked at each other in shocked disbelief as Jack and Catherine climbed onboard, shinning up the anchor chain and flopping exhausted onto the deck. She lay there, giggling until she cried with laughter. "Next time," she gasped, "anchor nearer the shore!" She struggled to sit upright, pulling off her boots to release a flood of water across the deck. Looking at Jack, his plaits dripping, she started to giggle again.
He sighed, realising that he would get no sense out of her until she regained her self-control. "Come on," he offered his hand. "Let's get dry!"
"Captain?" Joshamee Gibbs emerged from below deck, stunned at the state of them. "What happened?"
Jack smiled as he looked at Catherine who was still trying, and failing, to stop giggling. "It seems that th' esteemed Governor has taken a personal dislike t' Kitty an' doesn't want her ashore. He nearly cornered us at th' smithy an' left four men guarding th' exits so we had t' make our way back across th' rooftops an' back alleys." Jack looked offended that the Governor thought a mere four marines would stop him. "An' he left two men guardin' our boat - so we had t' swim back."
"Does this mean Kitty cant' go ashore?" Oran asked worriedly.
"I'll check with Theo t'night, but she should be okay as long as some of us are with her. We're still privateers so as long as there no brawls we should be safe..." He turned to Joshamee. "But warn th' crew t' be on best behaviour just in case, especially around th' marines. If he's lookin' fer an excuse I'd rather not give him what he wants..."
Joshamee nodded. "Aye Captain, I'll see that the men know."
***
