Tell you what, If I can't own Jack Sparrow, how about I let Jack Sparrow
own me? Yes? Yes.....? No! (
Thanks for the reviews, I do like to keep you all on tenterhooks – mwahahahaha!
KK, thank you, thank you (Ani takes a bow) :D
Hils, glad I brightened a Monday morning for you {{hug}}
Lady Skywalker, I don't know about being sadistic. As I have said before to someone, it would get pretty boring if life was a bed of roses all the time. I need to put some excitement into the story somehow.
Linnie, thanks for all the little changes you made to this chapter, they really made a difference {{hug}}
**********
Chapter 37
'Awake?' Eb and what was left of the crew looked at Maddy in amazement. 'When did he wake up?' Eb came out of shock and was grinning from ear to ear.
'Just last night,' Maddy said as she grinned back at Eb. She then made her way to the galley to make up some broth for Jack, and filled Tom in on the good news when she arrived.
'Maddy, that's brilliant!' Tom enveloped her in a bear hug and swung her around the galley, making her squeal with laughter.
'Put me down you idiot!' Maddy chuckled. She was left gasping for breath when finally released from Tom's grip. 'I came to get some broth for Jack, he needs to build his strength back up.
'I'll make some up and bring it to you, an' you're to have some as well Maddy. Dunno what you can say about Jack needing to build his strength up, when there's barely anything left o'you lass.' Maddy smiled ruefully, acknowledging that Tom was right, as she'd barely eaten since they left Nassau. Maddy left the galley and made her way along the corridors back to their cabin, tiptoeing in, in case Jack was still sleeping.
'Come here Madalene, I wanna see ya luv.' Jack's voice was a little stronger than it had been, and he'd propped himself up onto his elbows. Maddy went and sat on the edge of the bunk, looking deeply into her husband's eyes, love clearly showing in them. She leaned forward and kissed Jack tenderly to start with, then harder and more passionately when she realised he wasn't going to collapse on her.
'Oh Jack,' Maddy whispered as they broke away, 'I've been so scared.' She ran her fingers along Jack's jaw, then down his chest.
'I've told ya, I'll never leave ya Madalene, just like ya'll never leave me.' Jack lay back on the pillow, feeling weak again, then took Maddy's hand and kissed her palm. 'Come and snuggle up to me.' Maddy needed no second bidding and climbed in next to Jack, holding him in her arms until Tom arrived with the broth.
'Cap'n, Maddy, I'll brought this for ya.' Tom beamed down at Jack, the relief clearly showing on his face. 'Tis good to see ya well again Jack... very good indeed.' Tom turned and walked back out, chuckling at Jack's voice, reminding him that it was *Captain* Sparrow, if he didn't mind.
Maddy took the spoon and held it to Jack's lips, despite his protesting. He didn't like having to be fed by his wife, but since both knew he lacked the energy to do it himself, he soon gave up the pointless struggle. Maddy gently tipped the broth into his mouth, and waited for him to swallow before getting another spoonful. He managed to eat half a bowlful before pushing Maddy's hand away, and lay back watching her finish off the rest, a blissful smile on his face.
'What was that inside me luv? Let's have a look at it.' Maddy fetched the soiled dressing with the splinter in and opened it out, showing Jack the cause of all his trouble. Jack frowned, shaking his head. 'A tiny little thing like that could've killed me?'
Maddy peered at the dressing, moving the splinter over slightly, noticing a smudge of dirt where the splinter had lain. 'It looks like the shot was dirty, look.' Maddy showed Jack the dressing and after he inspected it, she folded it back over and put it on the table.
'So, tell me what's been happening luv. How're the crew? How's the whelp?' Jack settled back on the pillow, making himself more comfortable.
'Will is fine, he made it back here the morning after we arrived.' Maddy paused, wondering whether to tell Jack about the crew now, or leave it til later. Jack saw the inward struggle and raised an eyebrow at her. She took a deep breath, 'Most of the crew have gone Jack. They deserted us, the bastards.'
'I didn't expect anything else luv, we'll get new crew. Is Will really all right?' That was the last thing Maddy had expected to hear, and the look on her face spoke volumes, she looked nothing short of astonished. She had been expecting him to be far more upset at his crews' betrayal.
'Jack? How can you be so calm? I want to string them up from the rigging by their balls.' Maddy's eyes flashed with anger, which made Jack laugh, but then wince as a round of pain shot through him.
'Well luv, I found out the hard way that there are more important things in life... like you an' Will an' Elizabeth.' Jack pulled his wife down and kissed her, ignoring the protests from his abdomen. 'Now, is William *really* all right?'
Maddy sighed in exasperation, 'Yes, William is *really* all right. No, he's more than all right, he's different, and he's changed, grown. He's positioned his ships across The Pearl's sides, guarding us against attack, as we don't have enough crew to man the guns.'
'Good man, good man,' Jack murmured, the smile on his face fading as he drifted off to sleep.
**********
'Excuse me Mr. Turner, but do you think this is wise? Positioning ourselves just to save a pirate ship?' Matthew Brown looked with distaste at the black ship behind them.
Will realised with sudden clarity Jack's insistence on being called by his proper title. If you didn't command respect at all times, you'd never receive it. 'It's *Captain* Turner. Jack Sparrow would do the same for us if it was necessary, and if you have a problem with my friendship with Jack, then I suggest you find yourself another berth.' Will turned sharply and walked away from his quartermaster, scowling as he went.
'Matt, what's wrong. You should be grateful that you've got work again.' Matthew Brown turned and looked at his friend, David Masterton, and shook his head.
'Have you forgotten all the times we were looted by pirates? Have you forgotten all the mates we've lost, killed by their scum?' Matt jerked his head towards The Pearl, anchored to the port stern of The Rose.
'Yes, but I've also heard that Sparrow is one pirate with some morals at least, I've heard he doesn't kill and maim just for the sake of it. There are bad pirates and not so bad pirates, just like there are good men and not so good men. William Turner is a decent sort, his wife is the daughter of the Governor of Jamaica fer gawds sake, I can't see them cavorting with pirates, unless there is a very good reason, and I happen to think friendship and loyalty are good enough reasons for me.' David glared at him, the stupidity of his old friend making him feel angrier than he had been in a while.
'I'm glad I've still got work, but it doesn't mean I have to like our new Captain, or the company he keeps.' Matthew Brown pushed past David and made his way below, intent on seeking out the rum stores.
David Masterton watched as Will made his way off The Rose and into a boat, and rowed himself to The Pearl. He noted Will's easy strokes on the oars, his slim shoulders belying the strength within them.
Will sighed with frustration and worry as he climbed the rope up to the deck of the black ship, his heart feeling heavy as he made his way across the strangely empty deck. He nodded to Eb, who was the only soul there, then made his way down to Jack and Maddy's quarters, knocking quietly on the door.
Maddy looked up at the sound and smiled as Jack's eye opened slightly, his brows raising in query. 'Come in,' Maddy said as she stood to greet whoever was at the door, and beamed when she saw who it was. 'Will! It's good to see you, come here.' She beckoned Will over to the bunk and stood back to allow Jack and Will to see each other.
'Jack? Bloody hell, Jack.' Will knelt on the floor, taking his friend's hand and squeezing it gently, making Jack's eyebrows shoot up in a mock concerned expression. 'You had us worried there.'
'Aye, I'd gathered that. D'ya mind lettin' go mate, I think me wife's gettin' suspicious.' Jack grinned, pleased to see his closest friend, apart from Maddy.
Will let go, blushing slightly, but stayed where he was on the floor. 'How do you feel now?'
'Fuckin' lousy, tell yer the truth mate. Feel like I've been through all the hurricanes the Caribbean has ever had.' Jack half smiled, half winced, and then looked Will in the eyes. 'Thanks fer protecting us, I appreciate that.'
'You'd do the same for me, so there's nothing to thank me for.' Will noticed Jack's heavy eyelids slowly drooping and stood.' Well, I'd best be getting back home and telling Elizabeth the good news. We'll come by tomorrow and see how you are, all right?'
'Aye whelp, an' bring t'children wi'ya.' Jack winked, then turned gingerly and pulled the covers up around his neck.
Will took Maddy by the arm and led her out of the cabin. 'How is he really?'
'He's getting stronger by the hour, Will. Mr. Cotton is checking on him regularly and is pleased with his progress.' Maddy felt herself go giddy but it soon evaporated and she leaned against Will for support. 'Oh Will, when is our luck going to change?'
'Soon Maddy, it'll change soon, I'm sure of it.'
Thanks for the reviews, I do like to keep you all on tenterhooks – mwahahahaha!
KK, thank you, thank you (Ani takes a bow) :D
Hils, glad I brightened a Monday morning for you {{hug}}
Lady Skywalker, I don't know about being sadistic. As I have said before to someone, it would get pretty boring if life was a bed of roses all the time. I need to put some excitement into the story somehow.
Linnie, thanks for all the little changes you made to this chapter, they really made a difference {{hug}}
**********
Chapter 37
'Awake?' Eb and what was left of the crew looked at Maddy in amazement. 'When did he wake up?' Eb came out of shock and was grinning from ear to ear.
'Just last night,' Maddy said as she grinned back at Eb. She then made her way to the galley to make up some broth for Jack, and filled Tom in on the good news when she arrived.
'Maddy, that's brilliant!' Tom enveloped her in a bear hug and swung her around the galley, making her squeal with laughter.
'Put me down you idiot!' Maddy chuckled. She was left gasping for breath when finally released from Tom's grip. 'I came to get some broth for Jack, he needs to build his strength back up.
'I'll make some up and bring it to you, an' you're to have some as well Maddy. Dunno what you can say about Jack needing to build his strength up, when there's barely anything left o'you lass.' Maddy smiled ruefully, acknowledging that Tom was right, as she'd barely eaten since they left Nassau. Maddy left the galley and made her way along the corridors back to their cabin, tiptoeing in, in case Jack was still sleeping.
'Come here Madalene, I wanna see ya luv.' Jack's voice was a little stronger than it had been, and he'd propped himself up onto his elbows. Maddy went and sat on the edge of the bunk, looking deeply into her husband's eyes, love clearly showing in them. She leaned forward and kissed Jack tenderly to start with, then harder and more passionately when she realised he wasn't going to collapse on her.
'Oh Jack,' Maddy whispered as they broke away, 'I've been so scared.' She ran her fingers along Jack's jaw, then down his chest.
'I've told ya, I'll never leave ya Madalene, just like ya'll never leave me.' Jack lay back on the pillow, feeling weak again, then took Maddy's hand and kissed her palm. 'Come and snuggle up to me.' Maddy needed no second bidding and climbed in next to Jack, holding him in her arms until Tom arrived with the broth.
'Cap'n, Maddy, I'll brought this for ya.' Tom beamed down at Jack, the relief clearly showing on his face. 'Tis good to see ya well again Jack... very good indeed.' Tom turned and walked back out, chuckling at Jack's voice, reminding him that it was *Captain* Sparrow, if he didn't mind.
Maddy took the spoon and held it to Jack's lips, despite his protesting. He didn't like having to be fed by his wife, but since both knew he lacked the energy to do it himself, he soon gave up the pointless struggle. Maddy gently tipped the broth into his mouth, and waited for him to swallow before getting another spoonful. He managed to eat half a bowlful before pushing Maddy's hand away, and lay back watching her finish off the rest, a blissful smile on his face.
'What was that inside me luv? Let's have a look at it.' Maddy fetched the soiled dressing with the splinter in and opened it out, showing Jack the cause of all his trouble. Jack frowned, shaking his head. 'A tiny little thing like that could've killed me?'
Maddy peered at the dressing, moving the splinter over slightly, noticing a smudge of dirt where the splinter had lain. 'It looks like the shot was dirty, look.' Maddy showed Jack the dressing and after he inspected it, she folded it back over and put it on the table.
'So, tell me what's been happening luv. How're the crew? How's the whelp?' Jack settled back on the pillow, making himself more comfortable.
'Will is fine, he made it back here the morning after we arrived.' Maddy paused, wondering whether to tell Jack about the crew now, or leave it til later. Jack saw the inward struggle and raised an eyebrow at her. She took a deep breath, 'Most of the crew have gone Jack. They deserted us, the bastards.'
'I didn't expect anything else luv, we'll get new crew. Is Will really all right?' That was the last thing Maddy had expected to hear, and the look on her face spoke volumes, she looked nothing short of astonished. She had been expecting him to be far more upset at his crews' betrayal.
'Jack? How can you be so calm? I want to string them up from the rigging by their balls.' Maddy's eyes flashed with anger, which made Jack laugh, but then wince as a round of pain shot through him.
'Well luv, I found out the hard way that there are more important things in life... like you an' Will an' Elizabeth.' Jack pulled his wife down and kissed her, ignoring the protests from his abdomen. 'Now, is William *really* all right?'
Maddy sighed in exasperation, 'Yes, William is *really* all right. No, he's more than all right, he's different, and he's changed, grown. He's positioned his ships across The Pearl's sides, guarding us against attack, as we don't have enough crew to man the guns.'
'Good man, good man,' Jack murmured, the smile on his face fading as he drifted off to sleep.
**********
'Excuse me Mr. Turner, but do you think this is wise? Positioning ourselves just to save a pirate ship?' Matthew Brown looked with distaste at the black ship behind them.
Will realised with sudden clarity Jack's insistence on being called by his proper title. If you didn't command respect at all times, you'd never receive it. 'It's *Captain* Turner. Jack Sparrow would do the same for us if it was necessary, and if you have a problem with my friendship with Jack, then I suggest you find yourself another berth.' Will turned sharply and walked away from his quartermaster, scowling as he went.
'Matt, what's wrong. You should be grateful that you've got work again.' Matthew Brown turned and looked at his friend, David Masterton, and shook his head.
'Have you forgotten all the times we were looted by pirates? Have you forgotten all the mates we've lost, killed by their scum?' Matt jerked his head towards The Pearl, anchored to the port stern of The Rose.
'Yes, but I've also heard that Sparrow is one pirate with some morals at least, I've heard he doesn't kill and maim just for the sake of it. There are bad pirates and not so bad pirates, just like there are good men and not so good men. William Turner is a decent sort, his wife is the daughter of the Governor of Jamaica fer gawds sake, I can't see them cavorting with pirates, unless there is a very good reason, and I happen to think friendship and loyalty are good enough reasons for me.' David glared at him, the stupidity of his old friend making him feel angrier than he had been in a while.
'I'm glad I've still got work, but it doesn't mean I have to like our new Captain, or the company he keeps.' Matthew Brown pushed past David and made his way below, intent on seeking out the rum stores.
David Masterton watched as Will made his way off The Rose and into a boat, and rowed himself to The Pearl. He noted Will's easy strokes on the oars, his slim shoulders belying the strength within them.
Will sighed with frustration and worry as he climbed the rope up to the deck of the black ship, his heart feeling heavy as he made his way across the strangely empty deck. He nodded to Eb, who was the only soul there, then made his way down to Jack and Maddy's quarters, knocking quietly on the door.
Maddy looked up at the sound and smiled as Jack's eye opened slightly, his brows raising in query. 'Come in,' Maddy said as she stood to greet whoever was at the door, and beamed when she saw who it was. 'Will! It's good to see you, come here.' She beckoned Will over to the bunk and stood back to allow Jack and Will to see each other.
'Jack? Bloody hell, Jack.' Will knelt on the floor, taking his friend's hand and squeezing it gently, making Jack's eyebrows shoot up in a mock concerned expression. 'You had us worried there.'
'Aye, I'd gathered that. D'ya mind lettin' go mate, I think me wife's gettin' suspicious.' Jack grinned, pleased to see his closest friend, apart from Maddy.
Will let go, blushing slightly, but stayed where he was on the floor. 'How do you feel now?'
'Fuckin' lousy, tell yer the truth mate. Feel like I've been through all the hurricanes the Caribbean has ever had.' Jack half smiled, half winced, and then looked Will in the eyes. 'Thanks fer protecting us, I appreciate that.'
'You'd do the same for me, so there's nothing to thank me for.' Will noticed Jack's heavy eyelids slowly drooping and stood.' Well, I'd best be getting back home and telling Elizabeth the good news. We'll come by tomorrow and see how you are, all right?'
'Aye whelp, an' bring t'children wi'ya.' Jack winked, then turned gingerly and pulled the covers up around his neck.
Will took Maddy by the arm and led her out of the cabin. 'How is he really?'
'He's getting stronger by the hour, Will. Mr. Cotton is checking on him regularly and is pleased with his progress.' Maddy felt herself go giddy but it soon evaporated and she leaned against Will for support. 'Oh Will, when is our luck going to change?'
'Soon Maddy, it'll change soon, I'm sure of it.'