Revenge of the Fox

Chapter 25

The four men met back where they'd left the boat. Cotton and Davy had returned for them, after entrusting Ralf into the care of two of the other crewmembers. Joseph spoke as soon as Jack and Norrington came within earshot. "There's a small fishing boat missing from the far end of the waterfront, Captain. It was stolen a couple of hours after Ralf thinks the women escaped."

"Did anyone see who stole it?"

"Aye, an older gent saw a couple of girls in fancy dresses aboard, as well as a black boy who was sailing it. Could be the 'boy' was actually Annamaria, sir."

Will said, "I can't imagine why else a couple of women in fancy dresses would board a fishing boat, Jack. It must be them."

"Aye, I agree. Let's get back to the Pearl, gentlemen," Jack ordered. He glanced at the sun, which was sinking toward the horizon. "We've a few hours before sunset."

--

The Sandpiper cut through the waves sharply, Captain Hale at the helm. Elizabeth and Antonia stood near the bow, clinging to the rigging and laughing with delight. Markson kept an eye on the Sandpiper's crew, who were spending a bit more time gawking at the two gorgeous ladies in the revealing gowns than paying attention to their duties. Annamaria stood near Hale and glared at any seaman who had the temerity to do more than glance in her direction.

"Lieutenant?" A softly spoken word had Markson turning to see the fourth girl, Jeannine, standing at his elbow.

Markson smiled. "What can I do for you, Miss St. Cyr?" He kept his eyes on her face, not allowing his gaze to wander toward the low-cut bodice of her bright blue gown. Not that her face was difficult to look at. While not a dramatic beauty like either Elizabeth or Antonia, Jeannine's soft blue eyes, sun streaked brown hair and gentle features were well worth a look.

"Sir, I don't mean to bother you, but I'm not sure of what's happening. Why are we returning to Nassau?"

"How much do you know about the ladies who helped you escape from the brothel, miss?"

Jeannine smiled uncertainly. "Not much, really. I'm not even sure why they rescued me. Just that Annamaria didn't want to."

Markson laughed. "Anna has spent much of her life as a pirate. She dislikes being sidetracked. She's practical, realistic and not terribly compassionate. But she's not unfeeling, Miss St. Cyr. She'll defend those she cares about to the death. Because of that, however, she's very careful about who she cares about."

"She's a pirate?"

Markson smiled. "Privateer now. She's the second mate aboard the Black Pearl. Two years ago Captain Sparrow accepted letter of marque and became a privateer."

"So how does the second mate of a privateer ship become so well acquainted with the daughter and niece of the Governor of Jamaica?"

Markson smiled. "Let me tell you a story, Miss St. Cyr."

--

Will's first though upon entering the Captain's cabin was the Ralf looked thoroughly miserable. "Captain Sparrow," he began as the other men followed Will into the room. "Captain, you don't understand what Captain Reynard will do to me if he finds out I've helped you! You must let me go!"

Jack poured two glasses of rum and set one on the table in front of Ralf. "I do know, lad." He looked at Ralf with amused compassion in his eyes. "He'll do you one worse than he did Lord Marlby. I'm well aware of it."

Will looked puzzled. "But Reynard killed Marlby. What could be worse..."

"There's death and then there's death, Will," Norrington interrupted. "Quick and clean or long and lingering."

Will flushed a bit. "You're right, Commodore. I wasn't thinking."

"Commodore?" If anything Ralf looked even paler. "You're Commodore Norrington?"

Norrington frowned. "Yes."

"Please don't have me hung, sir! I didn't want to be a pirate!" Ralf begged.

"Relax, Ralf," Will said. "The Commodore has no intention of hanging you." He turned to Norrington. "Do you?"

"Certainly not," Norrington confirmed. "You were coerced into piracy by an unprincipled rogue. And you are nobly attempting to aid the rescue attempt of four innocent women." Ralf sat back looking slightly more at ease, but not much.

Jack rolled his eyes behind Norrington's head, then rummaged in a drawer and pulled out a pile of charts. Sorting through them, he laid one on the table. "Care to point out where we're going, lad?

Ralf studied the chart and tapped an island shown just south of New Providence. "Here." He looked up, his eyes pleading. "Please, sir? You know where to go now."

"Lad, you're coming with us. I may need you yet." Jack studied the little island Ralf had pointed out. "I apologize, but since you have a tendency to jump ship, I'll have to lock you up." He tossed a set of keys to Joseph. "The brig, Joseph, but make it as comfortable as you can. Ralf will be allowed liberty of the ship if he is escorted by yourself or someone you designate." He looked at Ralf, who rose to his feet mutely. "If you can think of anything that may help me defeat Reynard, be sure to tell me, lad. For you see, if Reynard kills me and takes the Pearl, he'll be able to get his hands on you. However, if we take him, then you will go free as a bird when we've concluded our business, with," he added, "appropriate representations of our gratitude."

Will watched Joseph escort Ralf out the door. "The brig, Jack?"

Jack shrugged. "It won't hurt him. I can't take the chance of him jumping overboard again."

Norrington shrugged. "Necessary." He got to his feet. "I believe it's my watch, Sparrow? Allow me to take my leave."

--

The sun was just settling on the surface of the water when the lookout of the Black Pearl caught sight of the small sloop headed their way. "Sails dead ahead!"

Norrington was at the helm, and he pulled out his telescope. "Looks like the Sandpiper," he said to Will who was hovering nearby.

"No sign of the women?" Will asked anxiously.

"Not yet," Norrington answered. He took another look through the telescope. His thoughtful frown lightened to what on another man could be mistaken for a happy grin. Will stared at him incredulously. Norrington? A happy grin? Norrington turned to see the expression on Will's face. "Here," he said. "You look."

Will shot Norrington a puzzled look, then took the telescope and sighted down it. A welcome sight met his eye. Standing at the bow of the sloop stood a tall, black haired lady in a black dress. Next to her stood a woman in a green dress, her honey blond hair whipping in the wind. Will whooped in delight.

--