Author's Note: Okay!  So most of you guessed to your heart contents about the Captain of the Barracuda…And I was assuming that chapter 13 would give it away…so here's the chapter to confirm all your…guessings.

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Last time:

          ***"Aye.  I guess I'm somewhat in the wrong."

        "As are we all." Will said, sitting down on the floor next to him. 

"If I had a bottle of rum, I would go and get it- it's a good bonding drink."

        "I'm sure."

        ***"Liz, I think you have bronchitis."

        *** Jack Sparrow, you better be ready- because I don't care what I've said or what you've done.  I'm running into your open arms as soon as I see you.

        ***"What town are we goin' to, Tommy?"

        He paused, "North Union sir."

        I don't believe I ever told him that.

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Can't isn't in a man's vocabulary.   

        Jack sighed and looked at the scene that was before him.  Towns people and naval officers walked by, not noticing the boat load of almost pirates that now stood on the dock.  Okay dad- here I come- to save the day.

        "Let's split up.  Will, go with Ana- east.  Tommy, go west and I'll go north."

        "Captain, do you think it wise to have a crew of four to defend against a whole crew?" Ana Maria asked.

        "I'm not planning on stayin' long.  We'll get the prisoners and leave, savvy?"

        "No!  There's the treasure to consider Captain!  That was the one and only perk of goin' on this half-cocked mission!  You should've brought more men."

        He narrowed his eyes at her, "Is that so?"

        She raised her head, "Aye."

        He nodded once, "Well then go get some."

        "Captain?"

        "You want more, go get more."

        She paused, looking a bit ashamed, "Only on your orders, Captain."

        "Aye.  Now go with Will!"  She nodded and the two left.

        Jack looked around and saw Tommy gone.  He raised an eyebrow, I wish I could push this feeling out of my head.  He took in a deep breath and walked west.

****

        Julie looked around at the deserted bar.  Charles had shot a few people to finally convince them that the bar needed to be cleared out.  Despicable man. She thought, killing innocent people.  Of course, it's not like she already didn't know he was a horrible person.  So it didn't really surprise her when he killed two people. 

        Sitting across from her in a little table, was Peter, sitting straight and looking stern.  She guessed that he never really got out of the 'Commodore' attitude.  Retired or not, he was still Commodore Peter Sparrow.  Charles stood at the bar, along with a few of the crew.  The bar tender was cleaning some mugs and looking a little tense.  Knowing that if he made one wrong move, he'd lose his bar…not to mention his life.

        She sighed.  The anxiety had settled over the group like thick fog.  They were waiting for the Captain to appear so they could finally go get the treasure and do who knows what with Peter and herself.  She could only imagine.  They would probably kill Peter, left for Jack to discover.  Her on the other hand- she only hoped they would kill her.  To be the 'waitress' for the crew for the rest of her days she wouldn't be able to tolerate.  Maybe she would kill herself.

        Julie had given up long ago to try to figure out who Charles reminded him of.  She had heard him muttering to some crew members on the way over to the island that the Captain was his brother.  Even with that little piece of information she still had no idea who he was reminding her off.  But, she thought bitterly, at least I'll figure it out soon.

        The door opened and the whole room seemed to pause.  She had her back to the door and was almost too afraid to turn around and look.  But when a voice spoke out, she knew who it was immediately.  "Why Julie, has your hair grown since I saw you last?"

        She turned and saw Tommy.  His blue eyes looking straight at her with a look of pure hatred.  Suddenly it all made sense.  Him asking about the bearings to the island, when he broke through the window at Peter's house asking her where the map was, threatening her never to tell Jack about what he had done, and then finally stumbling over that branch on Guadeloupe, making Will trip as well and warning the crew of the Barracuda.  She sneered and said, "Hello Tommy."

****

        Will paused before deciding to say something to Ana, who had been grumbling for a while.  "You think something's wrong?"

        "The captain knows something.  Something he's not telling you or I."

        Will nodded, "Well you have to admit that's not out of character for Jack…"

        "I know that, but he's so blasted…independent!" she said, her temper rising along with her voice.

        Will nodded again, finding that another good description of Jack.  "What do you think he knows."

        "It's something about that snot-nose Tommy."

        "Snot nose?" Will said, trying to stifle a laugh.  For he knew that when you get on Ana's side you get a quick slap of the face.

        "Don't mock me Will Turner."

        "Alright," he said, putting up his hands in defense, "What do you think he knows?"

        Ana turned around and faced him, anger written all over his face, "I heard about what Tommy did when you were on Guadeloupe.  Don't you think that's just a little strange?  Pirates don't fall over branches, Will."

        "What do you mean?"

        "I mean, Tommy's got a hidden agenda.  I don't know what it is, but when he came aboard the Pearl he was bloody giddy to be there.  He's been snoopin' around everyone's business since then, askin' about the Captain an' all."

        Will paused, "What way was he supposed to go again?"

        "West.   Why?"

        Will turned his body around and said, "Then let's see if Jack knows what you think he knows."

****

        Jack paused outside the bar.  He was crouching behind the back wall, underneath an open window, trying to hear everything that was going on in there.  He had finally caught up with Tommy and seen him go into this tavern.  He had heard the voices and laughter of many men in there.  A crew.  The Barracuda's crew. 

        Jack cursed himself for the lack of timing this was.

        And the fact that the most important things in your life did not happen at the opportune moment.

        Oh get out of my head Julie.  He thought to himself.  The comment she had made a week ago still stuck in head.  Telling him over and over and it was true.  When his mother died it was not at the most opportune moment, when he left home it wasn't at the most opportune moment and when he met Julie in Singapore it wasn't the most opportune moment either.

        And this certainly isn't the most opportune moment.  One against a dozen or more.  This is bloody perfect.  Why does Ana always have to be right?

        He sighed and turned around, took off his hat and carefully edged his way up the wall, seeing if he could see or hear anything in particular.

        "Dear Julie…or should I call you Jules?"

        Jack heard her practically growl as he had to keep himself from shooting Tommy right there and then.  "It'll be Ms. Davis to you."

        Tommy turned to Charles, "Give you any trouble, Charlie?"

        He shook his head, "No, but the crew had fun with her."

        Jack took in a deep breath and reminded himself of what the odds were.  The crew laughed to themselves as Tommy nodded and looked at Peter, "And the ole man?"

        "Gave us a bit of trouble but we fixed that."

        He nodded again and said, "Well Commodore, Since you made the map yourself and you have been here once before, you will lead us to the treasure."

        "Won't your map do a better job than I?  I haven't been here in over twenty years."

        "No matter- You will lead us, with a gun pointed at your head."

        Jack ducked down again.  He had to do something.  Anything. 

****

        "Rick! Git me the finest rums ye have in the places!"  The room became quiet as a drunk came into the bar, wobbling and stumbling the whole way.  Tommy looked at the man in disbelief as he made his way to the counted and almost fell from completely missing the bar stool.

        The bartender looked at Tommy and then at the man.  He hesitated before saying, "My names Chris."

        "Ohp!  Mys mistake."  He said, his body wavering still after being seated on the stool.  "Git me some rums Chris."

        Tommy watched the man.  His face was quite dirty with a long, wavy beard hanging from it.  He had dark hair and dark eyes.  He wore a long, dirty, holey coat with pants that looked a bit too big for him.  "I think you need to leave now, scum." Tommy said, placing his hand on his sword. 

        The man turned around and faced him, "Yous talkin' to mes?"

        Tommy nodded and slowly drew his sword and pointed it to him, "Aye.  Get out now."

        He paused and looked around, "Is that a lady?" He said, smiling and pointing to Julie.  She grimaced, hoping that Tommy would just make him leave.  Tommy didn't however and paused, wondering what sort of entertainment he could get from this man.

        "That it is!  You can touch her if you like…"

        Julie's eyes widened as did the mans.  Hers in pure horror and his in delight.  He walked over to her and she thought that she noticed the gait of the man.  She shook the thought out of her head, knowing that all drunk men walked alike.    

        He came up to her and touched her knee gently.  She pulled away slightly and looked at Tommy, he had a grin on his face.  Then the man gently touched her skin.  "Give mes your hand." He said, his breath somewhat invading her space.  She winced at the smell.  She carefully and hesitantly held out her hand and he kissed the palm of it. 

        Her other hand immediately went to her mouth.  He looked up at her and smiled, and then grabbed her hand with his and shook it vigorously.  Then without a word her left her side and said, "Well if yous wish mes gone…" and left.

****

        When a drunk came out of the tavern Will and Ana didn't bother paying any attention to him until Will heard a faint, "Lad," in the air.  He stopped in his tracks and looked around, most of the townspeople had gone to their homes, the hour much to late to be out.  The only man out was the drunk, who immediately disappeared behind the building. 

        "What is it?" Ana asked.

        "Follow me." He said and walked toward the back of the tavern, not bothering to see who was in the building.  Behind it he saw Jack shedding dirty, smelly clothes and putting on his hat.  He looked up to see Will and Ana standing in front of a window.  "Duck!" He whispered.  They both did and Jack heard Tommy stop talking.  He cursed to himself and crawled to them. 

        "I don't know why you guys are here, and I would be mad on a regular basis…but I'm thankful."

        "What's going on?" Ana whispered.

        "Tommy's the Captain of the Barracuda and he's got Jules and dad in there right now.  I just bought some clothes from a drunk and went in there and gave her a note.  I'm just lucky that I keep coal and paper in my vest."

        "Okay…so what now?"

        "They're gunna have dad lead them to the treasure.  I'm going to wait and see if Tommy stays behind for a drink, which I know he will."

        "And?" Ana said, getting excited.

        "Ana, you try to get Jules separated from the group.  Do what you can- then have her row to the Pearl and get more crew to help you get dad.  Will and I will handle Tommy and then try to find you."

        "Why do I have to face a dozen men while you two only have to face one?"

        "Because yer lighter than both of us, and get around without making a lot of noise…and the dark can work to your advantage."

        She sighed and nodded.

        "As soon as they file out the door and are a few paces ahead, follow them."

        "Aye Captain."

        Before he could talk to Will about their plan, the door opened and the crew came out. 

****

        Julie sat still and tried to ignore the look that Peter was giving her.  She could tell he was concerned.  She had gone from grossed out by the kiss to stiff as a board.  She just hoped that Tommy or Charles hadn't noticed.

        She held her hand tightly as she felt immediately what was put into it.  Jack must've sent that drunk in here.  That couldn't have been him…no way could it have been him.  She paused and wondered when she would be able to read the piece of paper. 

        She sighed and turned in her seat and leaned back, trying to look bored as Tommy droned on and on about the treasure.  She put her hands under the table and opened the note carefully, making sure she didn't make even the slightest noise.

        Praying she would be able to read it in the dim light she looked down discreetly and read in thick, dark letters, I will be here.

        A flood of emotions suddenly came to her.  That was the name of the song that was played at a wedding she and Jack went to so many years ago.  A smile came to her lips as she folded up the piece of paper and let he words soak in.

        Even though I am still hurt and mad at him…he does things that can change that attitude in a minute.

        Oh don't get soft on me here.  You can't forget what he did to you…

          I haven't.  It's been in the front of my mind since I saw him in the Carter's.  But he's slowly charming his way back into my heart!

        You're exactly right he is.  And you're going to keep him at an arms length!

          I don't think I have enough fight left in me to do such a thing.  Don't you remember how it feels to just lean into his arms?  To spend all day in bed in his arms?

        Yes.  And you're never going to feel that again.  You can't risk being hurt again- you can't.

          Julie sighed and nodded to herself.  It's for the best I suppose.  She crumpled up the piece of paper and stuck it in her pocket.  "Let's go!" she heard Tommy yell.  Two men came forward and grabbed Julie and Peter from their seats and marched out the door.  The last thing Julie saw was Tommy 'throwing' a kiss to her. 

****

        Ana took another look from behind the wall and nodded to Jack.  She left quietly.  Jack took in a deep breath, "Will- we're just gunna wing it here, okay?"

        Will nodded, "You're the Captain."

        He smiled, "That's right."  He straightened his shoulders and held his head high as he walked to the front door, Will trailing behind.  He opened the door and gingerly stepped in.  Tommy turned and looked, his face becoming pale very quickly. 

        "Tommy!  Did you find anything?"

        "What?"

        "Did you find the Barracuda crew?  I figured you'd be here."

        He paused and looked at Jack, "No…did you?"

        Jack kept walking towards him, very slowly, "In fact I did.  I just saw them leave this bar with Julie and my father…did you catch them in here?"

        Will watched as Tommy suddenly became more…confident.  His back straightened and he put down his mug that he was drinking out of and become more…arrogant.  "No, they caught me."

        "Really."

        "Really."

        Jack eyed him, he also noticed the change.  "We are men of action, are we not?  Lies do not become us."

        Tommy nodded, "Yer absolutely right."

        "Why were you on the Pearl if you already had a ship?"

        Tommy paused, "I was…checking up on someone."

        "Me?"

        He shrugged, "Maybe."

        "Why?"

        "That shouldn't concern you."

        "No, yer wrong- it does concern me because you were on my ship, and you were checkin' up on me."

        Tommy narrowed his eyes, "Aye."

        Will saw Jack roll his shoulders back, Tommy was hitting him in all the wrong places, and Will could tell Jack was trying to keep his wits about him.  He drew his sword, "Oh!  The boy has valor!" Tommy said, looking half way surprised. 

        "The boy learned from me." Jack said in almost a growl.

        "Ah.  So then he'll be hung on a noose before the days over?"

        That's when Jack broke.  He punched him in the lip, but Tommy was fit, and it didn't seem to affect him at all.  He, however, hit Jack- and that one did affect Jack.  He stumbled backwards while Will took over, but once again was cheated out of the pleasure of sword fighting. 

        Meeting the barrel of a pistol he muttered, "Not up for swords play?"

        "I don't have time for swords play boy.  Drop your sword and kneel down.  Will eyed him, wondering what he was thinking off.  He noticed the bartender had disappeared throughout this ordeal.  He dropped his sword and kneeled slowly. Jack shook off the shot to his jaw and looked up to see a pistol pointed at Will's head.

        He groaned, "Let him go."

"If you want him, come and claim him."

As Tommy held the pistol to Will's head Jack thought back to when he was in a similar place.  He looked at Will and saw things he thought he would never see in his eyes; fear and hurt.  He watched as Tommy raised an eyebrow and pushed the pistol into Will's skin.

        Keep calm…stay cool…smooth…

        Oh, by all means, kill the whelp.

        Yea, that's it.  Make it sound like you don't care about him.  Tommy doesn't know your history…it'll be fine.

        You forget your place, Turner.

          It's right here, between you and Jack.

          No!  No, don't bring that up- not now.  He looked at Will and knew he was thinking about the same thing.  About the last time his life had been threatened and Jack could've turned the tables.

        Have I ever given you a reason not to trust me?

          No!  No, not now!  I need to keep my focus.  My father and Julie are still out there!  My crew is still out there!  The Pearl…I have so much more to live for!

        It's right here, between you and Jack

          No!  I can't be compassionate right now.  I have to be Captain Jack Sparrow.  I have to be strong and smooth.  I have to be devious and sly.  I need to keep my senses…I need to keep my head.

        Let's just say it's a matter of leverage,

          That's it…keep that mind set- keep in mind that Will means nothing to you.  He's just a boy- nothing about him matters to me.  The fact that he has a wife and a child…oh blast.

        No hero's amongst thieves, eh?

          No!  I had a good thought…I had…nothing.  Will m'boy- you owe me…no wait- I owe you.

        "Let the boy alone Tommy, yer struggle is with me, not with him."

        Tommy raised an eyebrow, "You think that I will direct my attention to you instead of the boy?"

        Jack eyed him and the pistol still at Will's head, "No, I think that you'll act like a man instead of a coward."

        "One more comment like that and you'll have all of my attention because he'll be dead."

        "If yer goin' t'kill someone, it has to be me, mate."

        Will's eyes widened as Jack's words fell on deaf ears.  Tommy shook his head, "The only one who is going to end up living through this is me and my crew.

        Jack tried hard not to frown, He's got his crew after dad and Julie and Ana...this isn't working!

        Between you and Jack

        He kicked over Will and he fell on his knees in front of Tommy's gun while Will lay on his side, seeing what he was doing.  "You want me killed, do it now."

        Will didn't believe his ears or his eyes, Jack Sparrow giving up his life?  Never.  Impossible.  He had delusions of living forever!  This can't be right…something was wrong.  Jack wasn't acting like himself.  Will looked at Tommy and saw the glimmer of light in his eye, he was going to do it.  Jack must've thought Tommy wouldn't do it…but he will- he's going to do it!

        As Will heard the heart wrenching sound of a gun cocking and a trigger coming dangerously close to shooting, he threw his legs out and kicked with all his might, causing Tommy to fall backward.  Jack shot up while a bullet bounced of the building, grabbing on to Will's shirt and dragging him up and holding on to him while they both ran. 

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Author Thanks:

          Arwen: NEW REVIEWER! *whistles wildly, balloons pop and confetti is thrown.  Hands you a stuffed Jack Sparrow doll*  Even though your review was short- it was well appreciated.  I would never kill Lizzie…have her come close?  Maybe…Well actually…death…hmmm…

          SlashyEstel: Wow!  More than one review!  Thanks! *smiles*

          Emma436: Everyone is saying poor Julie…*frowns*  Does Jack love Julie…once again I can't answer that right now.  But in the coming chapters you'll know.  Oh- good guess with Tommy.

          Piper8188: Yea, my past two chapters were short but this one is the LONGEST OF ALL!  I've never written a chapter this long- so I hope you appreciate it.

          PED-Sarah: Thanks- fun was what I was looking for in ch. 13.  Oh I think you'll use your idea about…you know…but you can't tell anyone!  Okay?  Is it alright if I also use your name for that…plot point?

          XtineSparrowDepp: You speak French or at least are taking French!  Awesome!  Because I'm not!  Can you tell me the word for pig?  Thanks so much…and any other words you think I should use- define them for me and I will.