Usual blasted disclaimers (
Sorry for the little shock you got at the end of the last chapter!
Thanks to Linnie for her help {{}}
Chapter 24
The crew stood in silence as Joshamee Gibbs was consigned to the sea, the skull and crossed blades of The Black Pearl draped over his body. Jack held Maddy close to him as she sobbed quietly, wiping away a tear from his own eye. With a heavy heart, he went and stood at the forecastle and looked at his crew.
'I first met Joshamee Gibbs when I arrived in Tortuga wi'the rum runners, after I lost The Pearl. He was down on his luck, having being kicked out t'Navy fer being drunk and disorderly, but even though things were bad for him, he still looked out fer me, helped me comandeer a boat, even though then, he wasn't a pirate. Our paths crossed many times over the years, an' he was always the same.... drunk.' Jack smiled as the crew laughed, enjoying the joke. 'I really got to know him after I met up wi'Will an' decided to go fer The Pearl and Barbossa. He got together a crew for me, most of whom are still here, an' then came to me rescue when Norrington came his closest to havin' me hung. I ain't good at this sort o'stuff, but I'm glad I knew Gibbs, glad he were me first mate.' Jack shoved his hands in his pockets and hunched his shoulders, then ordered the crew back to work, knowing it would be best if everyone were kept occupied.
'That was lovely Jack.' Maddy kissed him gently on the cheek, fingers playing with his beard braids.
'Aye, well, I hope I don't have ter do it too often.' Jack smiled ruefully, then patted Maddys bottom as she went about her chores. He stood watching Maddy for a while as she swabbed the deck half heartedly, wanting to hold her as she paused from time to time to wipe the tears from her face. Jack sighed, called Ebenezer Tucker over and led the way to his cabin.
'Sit down Eb.' Jack filled two mugs and raised a toast. 'To absent friends.'
'Absent friends,' mumbled Eb in response.
Jack was restless, he didn't like letting things linger too long. 'Listen, I want ya ter be me first mate Eb, yer the best man fer the job.' Jack regarded the big man, enjoying his shock and embarrassment.
'M-me Cap'n? Are you sure?'
'Are ya questioning me already Eb?' Jack drawled lazily.
'No, no, of course I'm not Cap'n. Thank you.' Eb gulped down the rest of his drink, then spluttered as the liquid caught in his throat.
Jack laughed, shaking his head. 'Bloody 'ell man, I need a first mate that can hold his drink, savvy?'
Eb grinned, and rolled his eyes. 'Aye Cap'n.' He made his excuses and went back on deck, not telling anyone of his good fortune yet. There'd be time enough later.
Maddy put down the mop and leaned on the side of the ship, her eyes and throat burning from crying. She half turned as someone came and stood beside her, smiling weakly when she saw Will. They stood in silence for a time, Will with his arm around Maddy's shoulders. Jack joined them, glancing pointedly at Will's arm and smiling sardonically at him when he removed it.
'C'mon Madalene. Don't mourn too much. He had a good life, living longer than most. Remember him as he was, that he was a good man, savvy?' Jack tilted his wife's chin, kissing the tip of her nose.
'But Jack, I can't just carry on as normal. Despite his not wanting me on board, he was good to me. A real friend.'
'Aye luv, he was friends with everyone, but life goes on darlin' and he wouldn't want us slacking now would he?' Maddy smiled, in her mind she could hear Gibbs barking orders when he thought the crew weren't doing their jobs to his standard.
'No, he wouldn't.' Maddy smiled, kissed Jack and returned to her mop and bucket, although he could see that her heart still wasn't in it.
'So whelp, looking forward to being back home?' Jack looked Will up and down, taking in how much the younger man had filled out since they first met.
'Yes I am Jack, I've missed Elizabeth and the children so much. I just hope that I can sort things out between us.' Will frowned, doubting whether it would be possible.
'She may yet surprise ya William, Elizabeth's pretty good at that.' Jack left Will to take up the wheel, checking the bearing for Port Royal.
Maddy frowned, something had been bothering her for a while, but she couldn't place her finger on it. The closer they got to Port Royal, the stronger the feeling became. At first she put it down to not wanting to face James or Elizabeth, but soon realised it wasn't that. It had something to do with her former life, but the answer seemed hidden from her.
Meanwhile The Pearl raced through the clear waters of the Caribbean towards Port Royal making good time, and the land mass of Jamaica appeared on the horizon a couple of days later. Maddy stared at it, chewing her lip worriedly, willing her mind to work out what it was that made her feel so uneasy. 'You still grieving luv?' Jack stood beside her, studying her face.
'No, well yes, but there's something else bothering me, Jack. It has something to do with Port Royal, and I don't know what.'
'Maybe it's just the going back there that worries you? Yer didn't feel like this when ya lived there did ya?'
'No. Oh Jack, it's driving me crazy.' Maddy shook her head, smiling ruefully at her husband. 'Well, crazier than normal,' she laughed, pulling him to her. 'How about you take my mind off things Captain Sparrow?' Jack eyes glinted as he led her to their cabin, ignoring the curious glances from the crew.
***************
They weighed anchor in a small, sheltered cove, about two miles from the main bay of Port Royal, and the boats to the shore. One boat contained Jack, Maddy and Will and the other boats held crew, who'd been instructed to pick up the supplies they were unable to get in Tortuga. Maddy fidgeted, feeling sick in her stomach, she was afraid of running into James Norrington and she certainly wasn't looking forward to facing Elizabeth Turner. Jack and Will had tried to dissuade her from coming with them, but she insisted, wanting to try help Will get his life back together, feeling partly responsible for him leaving Elizabeth in the first place. The men pulled the boat onto the shingle and Maddy climbed out, her legs feeling strange on land again. They kept to the back streets as they made their way to the Governor's mansion, where Will and Elizabeth lived in one its wings. They snuck in via the kitchen, much to the fear and amazement of the staff.
'You stay there William, me an' Maddy'll go first, savvy?' Jack burst into the drawing room without knocking, and scooped Elizabeth up into his arms, swinging her around. 'Ello, miss me?'
'Jack Sparrow, what the hell are you doing here?' Elizabeth stared at Jack in shock, then noticed someone standing behind him. 'You harlot!' She spat, launching herself at Maddy, nails raking down the other woman's' cheek. 'How dare you come in here! Get out, out NOW!' Elizabeth pushed Maddy roughly towards the door.
'Whoa, wait a minute 'Lizabeth,' Jack grabbed his friends' wife, pining her arms to her side. 'Let me explain.'
'There's nothing to explain. That cow stole my husband.' Elizabeth's eyes were flashing with anger.
'Nah she didn't luv, now sit down and listen. Can ya do that?'
'Will and I didn't run away together Elizabeth.' Maddy rubbed her cheek, wincing at the blood on her fingers.
'Oh, you *really* expect me to believe that? Well I'm not as stupid as I obviously look.' Elizabeth struggled against Jack's grip.
'She's telling the truth.' Will stood in the doorway, regarding his wife.
'Well, well, well. Look what the cat dragged in. I was beginning to wonder if you had the balls to face me Will.' Elizabeth wrenched free of Jack's grasp and stood in front of Will, arms folded and eyebrows raised. 'So, you're telling me that the fact that you and *her* ran away at the same time is an amazing coincidence?'
'Yes, it was Elizabeth, we didn't know that the other knew Jack. Jack came to see me on his way to picking Maddy up from the Commodore's house, and that was the night I decided to go with him.' Jack nodded vigorously, backing Will's story.
'So there was nothing between you and *her* then?' Elizabeth spat at Will, her piercing glance shifted to Maddy, her eyes full of anger.
Maddy and Will glanced at each other, and finally Maddy broke the silence. 'Yes there was.' Maddy braced herself for a fresh onslaught.
'For how long?' Elizabeth's voice was icy cold.
'Only the once Elizabeth, I swear to you.' Will moved towards her, reaching out for her, but stopping dead at her look.
'Don't you dare touch me William Turner. I suppose you think only doing it once makes it all right? How do I know it was only once? For all I know you two could have been carrying on all this time.'
'Ah, no actually, they couldn't luv. Me an' Maddy are married, ya see.'
'*Married?* You? You're married?' Her eyes grew wide in amazement as Jack held his hand up, showing his wedding band.
'Look Elizabeth, sit down luv, an' let us all fill you in on what's happened, savvy?' Jack moved her to the settee and sat her down, beckoning Maddy and Will over.
'No! You're more than welcome to stay Jack, but she goes now. I don't want her here any longer.' Maddy shrunk under Elizabeth's glare.
'I-I'll go Jack, it'll be better.' Maddy backed away towards the door.
'Then I'm coming with ya. Elizabeth luv give Will a chance, he really does luv ya, savvy?' Jack kissed Elizabeth on the cheek, then walked over to Will. 'Good luck whelp, until next time.' He shook Wills hand, then took Maddy by the arm and led her out. The corridor was full of servants, looking in horror at the pirates. Jack had a horrible feeling they were about to be joined by the Commodore's men. He pushed Maddy back into the drawing room, apologising to a bemused Will and Elizabeth and opened the window, shoving his wife towards it. 'Go on luv, down yer go.' Maddy scrambled out and climbed carefully down a vine, jumping the last few feet to the ground. She looked up, and while she watched Jack climb down, she caught sight of Will's smiling face through the open window. She smiled back, but then Jack grabbed her and they went running down the road for all they were worth.
The town was a hive of activity, with soldiers and marines everywhere. Jack led them away, going in the direction of the bay where The Pearl had berthed instead. The sun sank lower on the horizon and the ensuing dusk slowed Jack and Maddy's progress. They came to a farm with outbuildings and crept quietly into one, checking that they remained unseen. 'We'll be all right here tonight Madalene. In fact, I think we'll be *very* comfortable,' he smirked, eyeing the bales of hay.
'I think a tumble around a hayloft is the most uncomfortable thing in the world Jack Sparrow, so you can get that idea out of your head.' Maddy sat down, trying to ignore her rumbling stomach.
'Ah, ya haven't tumbled with the right man though, that's your trouble.' Jack sat beside his wife and pushed her down, rolling on top of her. Maddy stifled a squeal as Jack nibbled her ear, then her neck while his hands tugged at her clothes. Jack swore quietly as his sword got in his way, so he got up onto his knees, unbuckling his belt and putting out of the way, but still within reach. He moaned as Maddy's hands ran up his thighs, running past his groin, finally reaching the laces of his breeches. 'Thought hay was uncomfortable luv?' He grinned, wriggling out of his trousers, while concentrating on removing Maddy's clothes.
'I can put up with it being as there's nowhere else to have you Jack,' Maddy whispered huskily, pulling him down once she was free of her clothes, not heeding the stalks of hay sticking into her back.
************
They woke just before dawn, streaking out of the farmyard as quietly as possible to head for the sea. It wasn't long before they spotted The Pearl, but getting to her was another matter. They were high on a cliff and whichever way they looked, there didn't seem any way down to the sea. Before long, they came to the cliff's edge and peered over at the sheer drop of 200 feet. Maddy blanched, then looked in horror at Jack, who had started to take off his belt.
'You're not seriously thinking of jumping are you? It's suicide Jack.'
'There's no other way down luv, an' we gotta get back home, savvy?'
Maddy looked at out the ship for a long time, wishing that the cliff would suddenly drop to sea level, while Jack waited patiently, his effects in his hands. Maddy took her knife and cut the skirt off her dress, shuddering at the memory of the last time she'd done this, on Burns' ship. With a last look at Jack, Maddy held her breath and took a running jump off the edge of the cliff, trying not to scream as she plummeted. The shock of hitting the water forced the air from her lungs and Maddy flailed wildly before calming down enough to start kicking upwards. She emerged spluttering and choking, looking around for Jack who emerged only a short distance away. He turned on his back, with his things balanced on his chest and started kicking for the ship. Maddy followed his lead, only taking it more slowly. The crew had seen them and lowered a boat to go and meet them. Maddy climbed aboard gratefully, trying to catch her breath. Jack grinned at her. 'Told ya it'd be all right, didn't I Madalene? Ya never listen to me,' he teased as he tipped his boots, emptying them of water. 'Did everyone make it back from town Sam?' Jack didn't want to lose any more crew.
'Aye Cap'n, although we couldn't stock up as much as we'd hoped.'
'That's all right Sam, we'll go further up coast.' Jack moved next to his wife. 'Y'all right darlin?' Maddy nodded, feeling very grateful for Jack's strong arm around her shoulders.
When they reached The Pearl and Maddy climbed the rope and hoisted herself over the side, and onto the deck. She was aware that some of the men were looking at her, then realised it was because her legs were bare and what was left of her dress was clinging to her. Maddy quickly made her way to the cabin, stripping off as soon as she closed the door behind her. Maddy jumped as someone entered the cabin, but sighed with relief when she saw it was only Jack.
'Well now, that's a sight fer sore eyes.' Jacks eyes travelled languidly up and down his wife's naked form, a crooked grin on his lips. Jack walked slowly towards Maddy, peeling off his own wet clothes and dropping them as he went. He stood equally naked in front of Maddy and savoured the heat from her body, before picking her up and carrying her to the bunk.
***********
Maddy laid blissfully in Jack's arms, grateful that things were finally starting to get back to normal. She hadn't wanted Jack much since what had happened with Burns, and a small part of her was afraid that Jack would lose patience. 'But now,' Maddy smiled, looking at Jack dozing in her arms, 'Now I can't get enough of you.' Jack stirred and Maddy nuzzled the top of his head, drawing a purr of pleasure from him. 'Are you all right Jack?' Maddy asked tenderly.
'I'm more than all right Madalene, I've died an' gone t'heaven.' Jack heard a knock at the door. 'Shit! Go away!'
'Sorry Cap'n, but there's a fight in t'mess,' came Eb's deep voice.
Jack sighed wearily, wishing he hadn't made the rule that he and he alone would sort out the fights and arguments. He climbed off the bunk and rummaged around trying to find some dry clothes. Maddy joined him in the search, batting his roving hands away, kissing him as he dressed then shooing him out of the door, so he could go and sort his crewmen out. Maddy dressed, gathered up the wet clothes, and took them on deck and pegged them to the rigging to dry out. She stood and watched as Jamaica get smaller as they sailed away, and the unsettled feeling that she'd had was returning with a vengence. Maddy sighed, feeling desperate. 'What the hell is it?' She asked herself. Her thoughts were interrupted by Jack bringing a plateful of food for her, reminding her just how hungry she was. Maddy sat on the deck, wolfing the food down gratefully and washing down it down with large swigs of ale.
'What was the fight about?' Maddy asked as she handed Jack her mug, wanting him to finish off the ale.
'Nothing luv, just high feelings, ya know how it is.' Jack wasn't about to tell Maddy that one of the newer crewmen had been making lewd remarks about her and was now cooling off in the brig. 'C'mon lazybones, get back ter work.' Jack helped Maddy to her feet, patting her bottom as she went.
Maddy kept quite busy in the galley for the rest of the day, which she was grateful for because it kept her mind and hands occupied. It was dark by the time she made her way back on deck and she drank in the cool night air, glad to be out of the stifling heat of the galley at last.
Jack smiled at his wife as she appeared on deck, but was frowning inside at the thoughts that were running through his mind. 'What if this strange mood has to do with Will?' He asked himself. 'Nah, don't be stupid, Will's not the sort to go after another man's wife.' Jack pursed his lips, 'But Bill was, an' Will's more like his father than he realises. *And* he's already broken his own marriage vows.' The argument raged within Jack for a time, before he physically shook himself trying to be rid of it, drawing a few curious glances from the crew around him.
'Ere Madalene, come an' keep yer husband warm.' Jack beckoned her over, moving back to allow her in front of him, purring with pleasure as she nestled against his body.
'So, where to now Jack?' For the first time since her being aboard, they had no definite place to go and it felt strange.
'First off, we'll stock up in Kingston, then we'll go where the wind takes us.' Jack leaned his chin on Maddy's shoulder. 'I was thinkin' of South America maybe. Always good tradin' with the natives there, if they don't kill ya with poisoned arrows first that is.'
'Why, what good is gold and jewels to them?' Maddy turned to face Jack, forgetting the effect being in close proximity to his face had on her.
'Well luv, a lot of the treasure is what's been taken from them by the Spaniards, French, British and Dutch. They're objects of worship to the natives, so they're always generous when we kindly take them back! Then we go an' plunder from the next village.' Jack smiled. 'There's quite a bit o' gold to be 'ad in South America.' Jack leaned into a kiss, savouring the taste of Maddy's mouth and the feel of her body pressing against his. 'Whatever's wrong wi'her,' Jack thought to himself, 'At least she wants me again.' He took Maddy's hand in his and called for Eb to take over the helm, 'C'mon wifey, time fer bed.'
Sorry for the little shock you got at the end of the last chapter!
Thanks to Linnie for her help {{}}
Chapter 24
The crew stood in silence as Joshamee Gibbs was consigned to the sea, the skull and crossed blades of The Black Pearl draped over his body. Jack held Maddy close to him as she sobbed quietly, wiping away a tear from his own eye. With a heavy heart, he went and stood at the forecastle and looked at his crew.
'I first met Joshamee Gibbs when I arrived in Tortuga wi'the rum runners, after I lost The Pearl. He was down on his luck, having being kicked out t'Navy fer being drunk and disorderly, but even though things were bad for him, he still looked out fer me, helped me comandeer a boat, even though then, he wasn't a pirate. Our paths crossed many times over the years, an' he was always the same.... drunk.' Jack smiled as the crew laughed, enjoying the joke. 'I really got to know him after I met up wi'Will an' decided to go fer The Pearl and Barbossa. He got together a crew for me, most of whom are still here, an' then came to me rescue when Norrington came his closest to havin' me hung. I ain't good at this sort o'stuff, but I'm glad I knew Gibbs, glad he were me first mate.' Jack shoved his hands in his pockets and hunched his shoulders, then ordered the crew back to work, knowing it would be best if everyone were kept occupied.
'That was lovely Jack.' Maddy kissed him gently on the cheek, fingers playing with his beard braids.
'Aye, well, I hope I don't have ter do it too often.' Jack smiled ruefully, then patted Maddys bottom as she went about her chores. He stood watching Maddy for a while as she swabbed the deck half heartedly, wanting to hold her as she paused from time to time to wipe the tears from her face. Jack sighed, called Ebenezer Tucker over and led the way to his cabin.
'Sit down Eb.' Jack filled two mugs and raised a toast. 'To absent friends.'
'Absent friends,' mumbled Eb in response.
Jack was restless, he didn't like letting things linger too long. 'Listen, I want ya ter be me first mate Eb, yer the best man fer the job.' Jack regarded the big man, enjoying his shock and embarrassment.
'M-me Cap'n? Are you sure?'
'Are ya questioning me already Eb?' Jack drawled lazily.
'No, no, of course I'm not Cap'n. Thank you.' Eb gulped down the rest of his drink, then spluttered as the liquid caught in his throat.
Jack laughed, shaking his head. 'Bloody 'ell man, I need a first mate that can hold his drink, savvy?'
Eb grinned, and rolled his eyes. 'Aye Cap'n.' He made his excuses and went back on deck, not telling anyone of his good fortune yet. There'd be time enough later.
Maddy put down the mop and leaned on the side of the ship, her eyes and throat burning from crying. She half turned as someone came and stood beside her, smiling weakly when she saw Will. They stood in silence for a time, Will with his arm around Maddy's shoulders. Jack joined them, glancing pointedly at Will's arm and smiling sardonically at him when he removed it.
'C'mon Madalene. Don't mourn too much. He had a good life, living longer than most. Remember him as he was, that he was a good man, savvy?' Jack tilted his wife's chin, kissing the tip of her nose.
'But Jack, I can't just carry on as normal. Despite his not wanting me on board, he was good to me. A real friend.'
'Aye luv, he was friends with everyone, but life goes on darlin' and he wouldn't want us slacking now would he?' Maddy smiled, in her mind she could hear Gibbs barking orders when he thought the crew weren't doing their jobs to his standard.
'No, he wouldn't.' Maddy smiled, kissed Jack and returned to her mop and bucket, although he could see that her heart still wasn't in it.
'So whelp, looking forward to being back home?' Jack looked Will up and down, taking in how much the younger man had filled out since they first met.
'Yes I am Jack, I've missed Elizabeth and the children so much. I just hope that I can sort things out between us.' Will frowned, doubting whether it would be possible.
'She may yet surprise ya William, Elizabeth's pretty good at that.' Jack left Will to take up the wheel, checking the bearing for Port Royal.
Maddy frowned, something had been bothering her for a while, but she couldn't place her finger on it. The closer they got to Port Royal, the stronger the feeling became. At first she put it down to not wanting to face James or Elizabeth, but soon realised it wasn't that. It had something to do with her former life, but the answer seemed hidden from her.
Meanwhile The Pearl raced through the clear waters of the Caribbean towards Port Royal making good time, and the land mass of Jamaica appeared on the horizon a couple of days later. Maddy stared at it, chewing her lip worriedly, willing her mind to work out what it was that made her feel so uneasy. 'You still grieving luv?' Jack stood beside her, studying her face.
'No, well yes, but there's something else bothering me, Jack. It has something to do with Port Royal, and I don't know what.'
'Maybe it's just the going back there that worries you? Yer didn't feel like this when ya lived there did ya?'
'No. Oh Jack, it's driving me crazy.' Maddy shook her head, smiling ruefully at her husband. 'Well, crazier than normal,' she laughed, pulling him to her. 'How about you take my mind off things Captain Sparrow?' Jack eyes glinted as he led her to their cabin, ignoring the curious glances from the crew.
***************
They weighed anchor in a small, sheltered cove, about two miles from the main bay of Port Royal, and the boats to the shore. One boat contained Jack, Maddy and Will and the other boats held crew, who'd been instructed to pick up the supplies they were unable to get in Tortuga. Maddy fidgeted, feeling sick in her stomach, she was afraid of running into James Norrington and she certainly wasn't looking forward to facing Elizabeth Turner. Jack and Will had tried to dissuade her from coming with them, but she insisted, wanting to try help Will get his life back together, feeling partly responsible for him leaving Elizabeth in the first place. The men pulled the boat onto the shingle and Maddy climbed out, her legs feeling strange on land again. They kept to the back streets as they made their way to the Governor's mansion, where Will and Elizabeth lived in one its wings. They snuck in via the kitchen, much to the fear and amazement of the staff.
'You stay there William, me an' Maddy'll go first, savvy?' Jack burst into the drawing room without knocking, and scooped Elizabeth up into his arms, swinging her around. 'Ello, miss me?'
'Jack Sparrow, what the hell are you doing here?' Elizabeth stared at Jack in shock, then noticed someone standing behind him. 'You harlot!' She spat, launching herself at Maddy, nails raking down the other woman's' cheek. 'How dare you come in here! Get out, out NOW!' Elizabeth pushed Maddy roughly towards the door.
'Whoa, wait a minute 'Lizabeth,' Jack grabbed his friends' wife, pining her arms to her side. 'Let me explain.'
'There's nothing to explain. That cow stole my husband.' Elizabeth's eyes were flashing with anger.
'Nah she didn't luv, now sit down and listen. Can ya do that?'
'Will and I didn't run away together Elizabeth.' Maddy rubbed her cheek, wincing at the blood on her fingers.
'Oh, you *really* expect me to believe that? Well I'm not as stupid as I obviously look.' Elizabeth struggled against Jack's grip.
'She's telling the truth.' Will stood in the doorway, regarding his wife.
'Well, well, well. Look what the cat dragged in. I was beginning to wonder if you had the balls to face me Will.' Elizabeth wrenched free of Jack's grasp and stood in front of Will, arms folded and eyebrows raised. 'So, you're telling me that the fact that you and *her* ran away at the same time is an amazing coincidence?'
'Yes, it was Elizabeth, we didn't know that the other knew Jack. Jack came to see me on his way to picking Maddy up from the Commodore's house, and that was the night I decided to go with him.' Jack nodded vigorously, backing Will's story.
'So there was nothing between you and *her* then?' Elizabeth spat at Will, her piercing glance shifted to Maddy, her eyes full of anger.
Maddy and Will glanced at each other, and finally Maddy broke the silence. 'Yes there was.' Maddy braced herself for a fresh onslaught.
'For how long?' Elizabeth's voice was icy cold.
'Only the once Elizabeth, I swear to you.' Will moved towards her, reaching out for her, but stopping dead at her look.
'Don't you dare touch me William Turner. I suppose you think only doing it once makes it all right? How do I know it was only once? For all I know you two could have been carrying on all this time.'
'Ah, no actually, they couldn't luv. Me an' Maddy are married, ya see.'
'*Married?* You? You're married?' Her eyes grew wide in amazement as Jack held his hand up, showing his wedding band.
'Look Elizabeth, sit down luv, an' let us all fill you in on what's happened, savvy?' Jack moved her to the settee and sat her down, beckoning Maddy and Will over.
'No! You're more than welcome to stay Jack, but she goes now. I don't want her here any longer.' Maddy shrunk under Elizabeth's glare.
'I-I'll go Jack, it'll be better.' Maddy backed away towards the door.
'Then I'm coming with ya. Elizabeth luv give Will a chance, he really does luv ya, savvy?' Jack kissed Elizabeth on the cheek, then walked over to Will. 'Good luck whelp, until next time.' He shook Wills hand, then took Maddy by the arm and led her out. The corridor was full of servants, looking in horror at the pirates. Jack had a horrible feeling they were about to be joined by the Commodore's men. He pushed Maddy back into the drawing room, apologising to a bemused Will and Elizabeth and opened the window, shoving his wife towards it. 'Go on luv, down yer go.' Maddy scrambled out and climbed carefully down a vine, jumping the last few feet to the ground. She looked up, and while she watched Jack climb down, she caught sight of Will's smiling face through the open window. She smiled back, but then Jack grabbed her and they went running down the road for all they were worth.
The town was a hive of activity, with soldiers and marines everywhere. Jack led them away, going in the direction of the bay where The Pearl had berthed instead. The sun sank lower on the horizon and the ensuing dusk slowed Jack and Maddy's progress. They came to a farm with outbuildings and crept quietly into one, checking that they remained unseen. 'We'll be all right here tonight Madalene. In fact, I think we'll be *very* comfortable,' he smirked, eyeing the bales of hay.
'I think a tumble around a hayloft is the most uncomfortable thing in the world Jack Sparrow, so you can get that idea out of your head.' Maddy sat down, trying to ignore her rumbling stomach.
'Ah, ya haven't tumbled with the right man though, that's your trouble.' Jack sat beside his wife and pushed her down, rolling on top of her. Maddy stifled a squeal as Jack nibbled her ear, then her neck while his hands tugged at her clothes. Jack swore quietly as his sword got in his way, so he got up onto his knees, unbuckling his belt and putting out of the way, but still within reach. He moaned as Maddy's hands ran up his thighs, running past his groin, finally reaching the laces of his breeches. 'Thought hay was uncomfortable luv?' He grinned, wriggling out of his trousers, while concentrating on removing Maddy's clothes.
'I can put up with it being as there's nowhere else to have you Jack,' Maddy whispered huskily, pulling him down once she was free of her clothes, not heeding the stalks of hay sticking into her back.
************
They woke just before dawn, streaking out of the farmyard as quietly as possible to head for the sea. It wasn't long before they spotted The Pearl, but getting to her was another matter. They were high on a cliff and whichever way they looked, there didn't seem any way down to the sea. Before long, they came to the cliff's edge and peered over at the sheer drop of 200 feet. Maddy blanched, then looked in horror at Jack, who had started to take off his belt.
'You're not seriously thinking of jumping are you? It's suicide Jack.'
'There's no other way down luv, an' we gotta get back home, savvy?'
Maddy looked at out the ship for a long time, wishing that the cliff would suddenly drop to sea level, while Jack waited patiently, his effects in his hands. Maddy took her knife and cut the skirt off her dress, shuddering at the memory of the last time she'd done this, on Burns' ship. With a last look at Jack, Maddy held her breath and took a running jump off the edge of the cliff, trying not to scream as she plummeted. The shock of hitting the water forced the air from her lungs and Maddy flailed wildly before calming down enough to start kicking upwards. She emerged spluttering and choking, looking around for Jack who emerged only a short distance away. He turned on his back, with his things balanced on his chest and started kicking for the ship. Maddy followed his lead, only taking it more slowly. The crew had seen them and lowered a boat to go and meet them. Maddy climbed aboard gratefully, trying to catch her breath. Jack grinned at her. 'Told ya it'd be all right, didn't I Madalene? Ya never listen to me,' he teased as he tipped his boots, emptying them of water. 'Did everyone make it back from town Sam?' Jack didn't want to lose any more crew.
'Aye Cap'n, although we couldn't stock up as much as we'd hoped.'
'That's all right Sam, we'll go further up coast.' Jack moved next to his wife. 'Y'all right darlin?' Maddy nodded, feeling very grateful for Jack's strong arm around her shoulders.
When they reached The Pearl and Maddy climbed the rope and hoisted herself over the side, and onto the deck. She was aware that some of the men were looking at her, then realised it was because her legs were bare and what was left of her dress was clinging to her. Maddy quickly made her way to the cabin, stripping off as soon as she closed the door behind her. Maddy jumped as someone entered the cabin, but sighed with relief when she saw it was only Jack.
'Well now, that's a sight fer sore eyes.' Jacks eyes travelled languidly up and down his wife's naked form, a crooked grin on his lips. Jack walked slowly towards Maddy, peeling off his own wet clothes and dropping them as he went. He stood equally naked in front of Maddy and savoured the heat from her body, before picking her up and carrying her to the bunk.
***********
Maddy laid blissfully in Jack's arms, grateful that things were finally starting to get back to normal. She hadn't wanted Jack much since what had happened with Burns, and a small part of her was afraid that Jack would lose patience. 'But now,' Maddy smiled, looking at Jack dozing in her arms, 'Now I can't get enough of you.' Jack stirred and Maddy nuzzled the top of his head, drawing a purr of pleasure from him. 'Are you all right Jack?' Maddy asked tenderly.
'I'm more than all right Madalene, I've died an' gone t'heaven.' Jack heard a knock at the door. 'Shit! Go away!'
'Sorry Cap'n, but there's a fight in t'mess,' came Eb's deep voice.
Jack sighed wearily, wishing he hadn't made the rule that he and he alone would sort out the fights and arguments. He climbed off the bunk and rummaged around trying to find some dry clothes. Maddy joined him in the search, batting his roving hands away, kissing him as he dressed then shooing him out of the door, so he could go and sort his crewmen out. Maddy dressed, gathered up the wet clothes, and took them on deck and pegged them to the rigging to dry out. She stood and watched as Jamaica get smaller as they sailed away, and the unsettled feeling that she'd had was returning with a vengence. Maddy sighed, feeling desperate. 'What the hell is it?' She asked herself. Her thoughts were interrupted by Jack bringing a plateful of food for her, reminding her just how hungry she was. Maddy sat on the deck, wolfing the food down gratefully and washing down it down with large swigs of ale.
'What was the fight about?' Maddy asked as she handed Jack her mug, wanting him to finish off the ale.
'Nothing luv, just high feelings, ya know how it is.' Jack wasn't about to tell Maddy that one of the newer crewmen had been making lewd remarks about her and was now cooling off in the brig. 'C'mon lazybones, get back ter work.' Jack helped Maddy to her feet, patting her bottom as she went.
Maddy kept quite busy in the galley for the rest of the day, which she was grateful for because it kept her mind and hands occupied. It was dark by the time she made her way back on deck and she drank in the cool night air, glad to be out of the stifling heat of the galley at last.
Jack smiled at his wife as she appeared on deck, but was frowning inside at the thoughts that were running through his mind. 'What if this strange mood has to do with Will?' He asked himself. 'Nah, don't be stupid, Will's not the sort to go after another man's wife.' Jack pursed his lips, 'But Bill was, an' Will's more like his father than he realises. *And* he's already broken his own marriage vows.' The argument raged within Jack for a time, before he physically shook himself trying to be rid of it, drawing a few curious glances from the crew around him.
'Ere Madalene, come an' keep yer husband warm.' Jack beckoned her over, moving back to allow her in front of him, purring with pleasure as she nestled against his body.
'So, where to now Jack?' For the first time since her being aboard, they had no definite place to go and it felt strange.
'First off, we'll stock up in Kingston, then we'll go where the wind takes us.' Jack leaned his chin on Maddy's shoulder. 'I was thinkin' of South America maybe. Always good tradin' with the natives there, if they don't kill ya with poisoned arrows first that is.'
'Why, what good is gold and jewels to them?' Maddy turned to face Jack, forgetting the effect being in close proximity to his face had on her.
'Well luv, a lot of the treasure is what's been taken from them by the Spaniards, French, British and Dutch. They're objects of worship to the natives, so they're always generous when we kindly take them back! Then we go an' plunder from the next village.' Jack smiled. 'There's quite a bit o' gold to be 'ad in South America.' Jack leaned into a kiss, savouring the taste of Maddy's mouth and the feel of her body pressing against his. 'Whatever's wrong wi'her,' Jack thought to himself, 'At least she wants me again.' He took Maddy's hand in his and called for Eb to take over the helm, 'C'mon wifey, time fer bed.'