Thomas and George quickly recovered from their surprise and after having disentangled their bodies, they jumped to their feet, left the room to collect their weapons - Thomas` sword and George`s sword and pistol- and hurried to search the disappeared pirate. Kate needed some more minutes to put her gown in order and haul herself up. She looked undecided from the window to the group of scared women. Her stepmother was groaning and mumbling incoherent words; Emilia was breathing heavily, as if she was about to hyperventilate, but when she became aware, that both gentlemen had gone, she grew silent and clinged to Florence, who had turned pale as a shroud. Kate sighed and looked at the window again. These women wouldn`t be any help to her. If she wanted to get back her scarf, she would have to get it on her own. She slowly walked towards the window, still hesitating. But then the image of Jack, mocking her came back to her mind, and she felt something turn hard inside her. He had stolen her scarf like a common thief and thieves had to be chased, arrested and -if possible- hung. Ignoring the excited orders and pleas of her stepmother, she stepped through the broken window into the night.

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Itwas pitch-dark. Jack had chosen the right night for his attack. There was no moon, spilling milky light over the black trees, that circled the garden behind the house. Antracite clouds swallowed every light, and not even some lonesome stars glittered through the darkness. Kate had gone only a few metres, when the grass before her melted with the dark trees, and she couldn`t tell heaven from earth anymore. An uncomfortable shiver ran down her spine, as the darkness was closing in on her, leaving her disoriented and blind. For a moment she thought about going back to the safety of the house, but then she made out two contours in a certain distance and quickened her steps to reach Thomas and George. Now that she was deprived of her ability to see clearly, her other senses were sharpened. For the first time in her life she smelled the freshness of air, heard the silence around her speaking loud, felt the wind brush softly the skin on her naked arms, causing the fine hairs to erect. She stopped, trying to get used to this unusual way of sensing, and when she thought she had adapted to it, it changed. The air around her thickened and a faint scent of rum tickled her nose. She held her breath and slowly turned into the direction, she had sensed the change first, when a heavy arm sank onto her shoulder, turning her round.

"What are you doing here outside?" Thomas stood before her.

"I," she stammered, not knowing what to say.

"Go back into the house." He said firmly, pointing back, where she could make out the faint gleam of candles.

"No." She taughtened her shoulders and rose to her whole height. "I won`t go back. I wanna help you."

"Kathryn." He sighed. "It`s too dangerous."

"I don`t care about danger." Kate threw her head backwards. "He has stolen my scarf and I will take it back."

"Kathryn, I beg you, for once in your life, just obey." Thomas hissed.

"No, it`s my right to take back what`s mine." Kate`s voice grew louder.

"Go back to the house, Kate!" Thomas almost shouted at her.

"Hey, hey," George joined them. "Could you two please be quiet, or do you want him to know where exactly you are?"

"I haven`t time for this. You tell her to go back." Thomas whispered and turned away.

"George, I can help you. You know I won`t go back. Let me help you chase him. You know I can do it." Kate looked determined.

George sighed and put his hand on her arm. "And what about your mother?"

Kate frowned and looked questioningly at him. "What about her?"

"She, Emilia and Florence are all alone in a house with a broken window, while this pirate maybe still sneaks around here."

"Yes, but..." Kate began and was interrupted by George.

"While you`re able to defend yourself, they most probably aren`t. Someone has to take care of them."

Kate sighed, realizing she was fighting an already lost fight. "But I want to get my...."

"I promise, if I find him, I`ll strangle him with your scarf, if that`s what you want." George said with a little smile. "But now please go back and take care of the women. Can you handle a pistol?"

Kate nodded eagerly. "Yes. My father has taught me to, in case, I`d have to defend myself."

"Good." George handed her the pistol. "If that criminal appears, don`t be afraid to use it."

Kate stroke the cold even surface almost tenderly. "Don`t worry I won`t."

And with these words she turned and went back to the house. George watched her, until she had disappeared inside, before he joined Thomas on their search again.

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Blast it! Jack kicked a stone, trying to relieve some of his frustration. That had been a real disaster. He could only hope that noone would ever learn, how he had made a fool of himself. How he had been overrun by a girl, he, the infamous Capt`n Jack Sparrow, feared and admired by all. And he hadn`t been able to carry out a simple plan. Furthermore he had returned with empty hands and hurting feet. That girl had some power, mentally and physically. An almost appreciating smile appeared on his lips. But what had he expected? She was the daughter of Henry Sanders after all. He spat onto the ground, walking away from the garden. He would have to teach her a lesson about how to treat the infamous Capt`n Jack Sparrow next time they would meet.

Suddenly he heard a twig crack behind him. Quickly he swang around, his dagger raised threateningly. When his look fell on a familiar round face, he sighed and put the dagger away.

"Gibbs, ye shan`t sneak onto me, if ye wanna stay alive."

"Sorry, Capt`n," the elder pirate replied calmly.

"Gimme the rum." Jack needed something to drink; he couldn`t think clearly, when he was beginning to get sober. Gibbs handed him the bottle and Jack took it, swallowed a big gulp, wiped his mouth and burped loudly, before he gave it back. Now, that was better!

Gibbs took a gulp himself, before he looked questioningly at Jack. "Where`s the girl?"

Jack shrugged. "Not `ere. Besides she`s not a girl anymore." A sensual smirk curled his lips, when he thought of her soft body pressed against his.

Gibbs looked thoughtfully at him. "Well, maybe it wasn`t a good idea at all."

"What ye say?" Jack stared indignantly at him. "It was me idea!"

"Aye, Capt`n. But" Gibbs shook slowly his head. "appear on her birthday party? With all these people around? I dunno."

Jack grinned mischiviously. "Capt`n Jack Sparrow always makes an impressive entrance. And if it didn`t work tonight, it`ll work some other day."

He gave a shrug, turned around and swayed down the street in a swinging, quick pace.