Disclaimers – who needs 'em? Oh, I do!
Wow! I can't believe all the reviews I've had, thank you all much, it's made my day.
Hils, let's see if you can do a hat-trick of reviews....... Quartmaster – trouble, whatever gives you *that* idea?
Sakhara, I can do whatever I like, and intend to! Maddy was referring to everything that had happened, and I suppose at that point, she couldn't see their fortunes improving.
KK and Trella, I'm glad you both enjoyed it!
Caffeine fairy, I couldn't resists putting in the 'gay subtext.' It was in a sort of response to all the slash fic (which I do read), that's on this site. I tend to avoid pictures like that though, my imagination more than make up for real images!!
Lady Skywalker, thank you. I love that saying, might include it in my signature somewhere or other, and, nah, of course I wouldn't kill off Jack, I love him too much.
Alexis, thank you for your kind words. It's great that you and your friend enjoy it so much.
Linnie, thanks for your help. Enjoy Sleep Hollow and Secret Window!
That little lot was longer than the average oscar speech! Not that Johnny would know about giving one – grrrr!
*********
Chapter 38
'Do you have the courage and fortitude to follow orders and stay true in the face of danger and almost certain death?' The young man shifted his gaze from left to right before focusing once more on the face of the strange man before him.
'A-aye sir.' He shuffled his feet and clasped his hands behind his back, in an attempt to calm his nerves.
'Good, good.' Jack moved stiffly onto the next man, his belly still hurting like hell after five weeks. 'You sailor, same question.' Jack carried on to the end of the line, pleased at the affirmative answers from everyone that had been rounded up. He looked back down the queue at the motley group and pursed his lips, there were far too many youngsters in the line-up for his liking, and he hated breaking in a new crew. He nodded to Eb and limped away from the docks and towards the Turner's house, looking forward to seeing Elizabeth and the children. He came to the realisation whilst incapacitated, that there would never be a true friendship between his wife and Elizabeth, and that the women would only tolerate each other for the sake of their husbands. Jack sighed ruefully as he rang the bell, and greeted Elizabeth who opened the door to him.
'Jack, how wonderful to see you again, do come in. Little Jack don't jump up at your uncle, he's still in pain.' Jack smiled his thanks as he took the child's hand and led him to the drawing room. Jack sank back in the plush settee, wrapping his arms around both children and hugging them to him.
'So, when will you be off?' Elizabeth was disheartened at the thought that Jack would soon be leaving. Will had been busier than she had anticipated and she rarely saw him, so Jack was the only real friend she had to talk to.
'In a coupla days hopefully luv, I can't wait to get back on me Pearl in the open ocean. This is the longest I've been ashore since I was a nipper.' Jack shook his head in disbelief, then settled back, regaling the Turners with a tall tale of Princesses, Pirates and Knights on black ships.
**********
'I beg your pardon?' Tom and Eb winced as they glanced at each other, unused to hearing Maddy's voice carry such a sharp tone.
'Aw get a sense of humour sweetheart, yer gonna need it servicing all these men.' The youth laughed, but then cried out in shock as Maddy's fist connected with his jaw and he went sprawling backwards.
'Get off this ship NOW!' Maddy grabbed him by his collar and yanked him to his feet. 'Off!' The youth pushed Maddy's hand away, then got hold of her wrist and twisted her arm behind her back.
'Now, now, that's no way to treat crew, ya slag.' The youngster faltered as he came face to face with assorted swords, knives and cocked pistols, all directed at him. 'What the hell's going on?'
'Let her go, an' you may just live to tell the tale.' Eb glared angrily at the boy, his voice reaching his ears in a low growl.
The youth let go of Maddy's wrist and stepped away, but didn't anticipate Maddy's kick to his groin. He doubled up in pain, and at that moment Jack swung over the side of the ship and swaggered across the deck, looking in bewilderment at the weapons trained on the figure that was now sprawled on the deck.
'I leave ya alone fer five minutes an' all hell breaks loose. Madalene, what's he done?' Jack jerked his head at the boy.
'He called me a whore and asked which night I would be pleasuring him.' Maddy's voice was as cold and the look in her eyes had the boy cowering before her.
'Ah.' Jack pulled the lad to his feet and looked him up and down. 'Yer name boy.'
'Jeremy Brown, Cap'n.'
'Well Jeremy Brown, that there lady is me wife, an' I don't appreciate her being spoken to like that, so....' Jack aimed his punch low and hard, the look in his eyes cold, as the boy doubled up once more. 'Eb, get rid o'him.'
'With pleasure Cap'n.' Eb dragged him by the scruff of the neck to the starboard side. 'I never want ter see your ugly mug again, got it?' He picked the boy up and tipped him over the side of the ship, laughing heartily as he emerged from the sea coughing and sputtering.
'Y'all right luv?' Jack led Maddy to their cabin, feeling the need for a little peace and quiet.
'Yes Jack, I'm fine. It takes more than a whippersnapper to get to me.' Maddy smirked at her husband and bent to take his boots off, squealing as his hand travelled up the inside of her dress. 'Behave yourself Jack Sparrow.' She tugged the second boot off and stood up, just before Jack pulled her knickers down.
'Ya spoilsport luv,' Jack laughed, pulling Maddy onto his lap. 'Can't wait ter set sail.'
'I know Jack, neither can I. I'm sick of the sight of Freetown, I know every pothole and stone in the roads. Where shall we sail to?'
Jack chuckled and shook his head. 'Don't ask me that luv. Last time ya did, we took a detour to here, via Port Royal. Let's see where the wind takes us, savvy?' Jack hoped that Maddy didn't realise he was going to find the location on the map of Keating's. The temptation was too great to resist, and he was curious as to whether the map had belonged to Castigne or not.
'Aye, savvy,' said Maddy, as her fingers worked at the buttons on Jack's shirt.
**********
The wind took them to Havana, passing Will's ship, The Thistle, en route. Maddy looked around at the bustle in the docks, taking in the sights and sounds of dozens of people scurrying about, jabbering away in various languages, but mostly Spanish. She took a deep breath, the heady scent of spices making her head swim, and she clung onto Jack for support. 'Is it always like this?' Maddy looked at her husband uncertainly, feeling hemmed in.
'Aye luv, tis a mad house at times.' Jack grinned and pushed his way through the crowd, dragging Maddy along behind him.
'You should fit in very well here then,' Maddy couldn't resist the jibe, and grinned at Jack who bobbed his tongue out to her. 'Why are we here Jack?' Maddy felt slightly suspicious of her husband's motives.
'Just goin' ter see an old pirate friend o' mine, if he's still alive that is.' Jack avoided Maddy's eyes.
They walked along the street, keeping an eye out for trouble as the area got rougher, the further they went. Maddy started to feel very uneasy, and her hand kept wandering into her pocket, checking that her small ladies pistol was cocked. It had been stolen from the merchant ship and Maddy had been very pleased with it, as she was able to hide it in a pocket of her dress. She was so intent on looking out for danger, that Maddy hadn't noticed that Jack had stopped, and walked into the back on him. She looked at the dilapidated house that they were standing outside of, wondering who lived there. Maddy had a horrible feeling she was just about to find out.
'Jack?'
'Just an' old acquaintance luv, nothin' ter worry about. I was apprenticed to him when I was a lad.' Jack led the way up the overgrown path, his hand on his pistol, just in case. He banged on the door, hoping it wouldn't fall off the hinges, and waited, and waited, and waited. Just as Jack was about to give up and walk away, the door creaked open.
'Whaddya want?' An eye peered through the crack in the door at the figures standing on the path. 'Jack? Jack Sparrow, is that really you?'
'Aye, George, it's me.' Jack held his breath at the stench that came from the interior of the house.
'Whaddya want?'
'I want to talk to ya mate, fer old times sake.' Jack wondered if he would be able to get the old man outside, rather than he and Maddy having to go inside. 'Why don't we go fer a walk?'
'Walk? Ha! Been many years since I walked any further than the slop bucket an' back. Now state yer business Jack, or be off wi'ya.'
'I need ya to look at a map mate. It supposedly belongs to Castigne, but I don't believe that, I need ya to verify it for me, savvy?' Maddy looked sharply at Jack, at the mention of a map, chastising herself for not realising sooner.
'Castigne never does maps, so it can't be his.' The door started to close, until Jack put his foot in the way.
'Wait, George. I know Castigne don't do maps, that's why I want ya ter look at it. I want to know whose map it is an' what it could lead to.' Jack kept his foot in the door and folded his arms.
'What's in it for me? I've no interest in treasure any more Jack.' George realised he wasn't going to get rid of Jack easily, so opened the door a little more.
'I know that mate, that's why I brought a coupla bottles o'me best rum.' Jack held up the satchel he'd been carrying, smiling.
'Yer best rum, eh? Well, ya'd best come in.' George opened the door fully, either ignoring or not noticing the looks of disgust on his guests faces as they entered the dingy building.
'Well, let's be havin' a look, young Jack.' George sat down heavily at the table, clearing a space by sweeping his arm across it, dumping everything on the floor.
Jack put the small piece of paper on the table in front of the old man, then fetch a lamp that was hanging on the wall and placed it on the table.
'This is it?' George looked up, with a puzzled look on his face, frowning when Jack nodded. 'Hmmm... No one I know of does a map like this. Seems to me a member of t'crew could've drawn it, so as to remember the location. No cartographer did this, that's fer sure.'
Maddy stood and stared at Jack intently, her eyes boring into the back of his head. 'Why did you deceive me Jack Sparrow? Why didn't you tell me what your true business was, instead of feeding me a story?' Her voice was brittle and hard.
'Cos I knew what you'd say luv. Didn't want to, but yer didn't leave me wit' much choice, sorry.' Jack looked at her and shrugged, then turned his attention back to the map. 'So it could've been made by a member of Castigne's crew wi'out his knowledge?'
'Aye, lad. Sounds the most likely reason. As fer what it leads to, only you'll be able to tell that Jack, when yer get there.'
'Thanks George, I appreciate it.' Jack set the two bottles down on the table, 'Enjoy these mate.'
'What ya givin' me them for? I ain't done nothin' ter help ya.' The old man shook his head, though his eyes never left the bottles.
'Don't matter whether ya did help or not, ya deserve 'em anyway mate.' Jack took Maddy by the arm and lead her outside, into the fresher air. 'See ya George, be good,' Jack winked at George, sitting in his chair, busily opening one of the bottles.
'Aye lad, an' if ya can't be good, don't get caught.' The two men chorused together, laughing.
Maddy snatched her arm away from Jack's hand and marched down the street, daring anyone to get in her way.
'Madalene! Madalene luv, wait.' Jack ran to catch her up, wincing slightly when he saw the look on her face. 'What's wrong?'
'What's wrong? You're going after God knows what, when you've only just recovered from being attacked by someone who might have something to do with this, and you ask me what's *wrong*!?' Maddy stood and faced Jack, her face burning with anger.
'We don't know they attacked because of this, it was more likely to do with Kelly, seen as they ran off wi'out looking for the map.' Jack ran his hand down Maddy's arm in a conciliatory gesture.
'How do you know they didn't look for the map, you were half dead, remember? They probably only searched Kelly and didn't bother with you. Damn you Jack Sparrow, you always go off half-cocked.' Maddy snatched her arm away once more and carried on down the street, with Jack tagging a few paces behind. They rounded the corner to the docks, to find Eb and Tom looking very agitated.
'Cap'n, Maddy, thank gawd you're back. The harbourmaster's been sniffin' around, reckon we'd best make sail. I got some men waitin' for your inspection, shall I leave them, or do we take 'em? The ship's ready t'sail.'
'Bloody 'ell, I wanted ter have a look at 'em too. Get 'em aboard Eb, we need all the experienced men we can get.' Jack shot a look towards the harbourmaster's house, then strode over to the boat, not waiting for Maddy. 'Better get goin' then, savvy?' Maddy, Eb and Tom scrambled aboard and they made their way back to The Pearl under the watchful gaze of the port authorities.
Wow! I can't believe all the reviews I've had, thank you all much, it's made my day.
Hils, let's see if you can do a hat-trick of reviews....... Quartmaster – trouble, whatever gives you *that* idea?
Sakhara, I can do whatever I like, and intend to! Maddy was referring to everything that had happened, and I suppose at that point, she couldn't see their fortunes improving.
KK and Trella, I'm glad you both enjoyed it!
Caffeine fairy, I couldn't resists putting in the 'gay subtext.' It was in a sort of response to all the slash fic (which I do read), that's on this site. I tend to avoid pictures like that though, my imagination more than make up for real images!!
Lady Skywalker, thank you. I love that saying, might include it in my signature somewhere or other, and, nah, of course I wouldn't kill off Jack, I love him too much.
Alexis, thank you for your kind words. It's great that you and your friend enjoy it so much.
Linnie, thanks for your help. Enjoy Sleep Hollow and Secret Window!
That little lot was longer than the average oscar speech! Not that Johnny would know about giving one – grrrr!
*********
Chapter 38
'Do you have the courage and fortitude to follow orders and stay true in the face of danger and almost certain death?' The young man shifted his gaze from left to right before focusing once more on the face of the strange man before him.
'A-aye sir.' He shuffled his feet and clasped his hands behind his back, in an attempt to calm his nerves.
'Good, good.' Jack moved stiffly onto the next man, his belly still hurting like hell after five weeks. 'You sailor, same question.' Jack carried on to the end of the line, pleased at the affirmative answers from everyone that had been rounded up. He looked back down the queue at the motley group and pursed his lips, there were far too many youngsters in the line-up for his liking, and he hated breaking in a new crew. He nodded to Eb and limped away from the docks and towards the Turner's house, looking forward to seeing Elizabeth and the children. He came to the realisation whilst incapacitated, that there would never be a true friendship between his wife and Elizabeth, and that the women would only tolerate each other for the sake of their husbands. Jack sighed ruefully as he rang the bell, and greeted Elizabeth who opened the door to him.
'Jack, how wonderful to see you again, do come in. Little Jack don't jump up at your uncle, he's still in pain.' Jack smiled his thanks as he took the child's hand and led him to the drawing room. Jack sank back in the plush settee, wrapping his arms around both children and hugging them to him.
'So, when will you be off?' Elizabeth was disheartened at the thought that Jack would soon be leaving. Will had been busier than she had anticipated and she rarely saw him, so Jack was the only real friend she had to talk to.
'In a coupla days hopefully luv, I can't wait to get back on me Pearl in the open ocean. This is the longest I've been ashore since I was a nipper.' Jack shook his head in disbelief, then settled back, regaling the Turners with a tall tale of Princesses, Pirates and Knights on black ships.
**********
'I beg your pardon?' Tom and Eb winced as they glanced at each other, unused to hearing Maddy's voice carry such a sharp tone.
'Aw get a sense of humour sweetheart, yer gonna need it servicing all these men.' The youth laughed, but then cried out in shock as Maddy's fist connected with his jaw and he went sprawling backwards.
'Get off this ship NOW!' Maddy grabbed him by his collar and yanked him to his feet. 'Off!' The youth pushed Maddy's hand away, then got hold of her wrist and twisted her arm behind her back.
'Now, now, that's no way to treat crew, ya slag.' The youngster faltered as he came face to face with assorted swords, knives and cocked pistols, all directed at him. 'What the hell's going on?'
'Let her go, an' you may just live to tell the tale.' Eb glared angrily at the boy, his voice reaching his ears in a low growl.
The youth let go of Maddy's wrist and stepped away, but didn't anticipate Maddy's kick to his groin. He doubled up in pain, and at that moment Jack swung over the side of the ship and swaggered across the deck, looking in bewilderment at the weapons trained on the figure that was now sprawled on the deck.
'I leave ya alone fer five minutes an' all hell breaks loose. Madalene, what's he done?' Jack jerked his head at the boy.
'He called me a whore and asked which night I would be pleasuring him.' Maddy's voice was as cold and the look in her eyes had the boy cowering before her.
'Ah.' Jack pulled the lad to his feet and looked him up and down. 'Yer name boy.'
'Jeremy Brown, Cap'n.'
'Well Jeremy Brown, that there lady is me wife, an' I don't appreciate her being spoken to like that, so....' Jack aimed his punch low and hard, the look in his eyes cold, as the boy doubled up once more. 'Eb, get rid o'him.'
'With pleasure Cap'n.' Eb dragged him by the scruff of the neck to the starboard side. 'I never want ter see your ugly mug again, got it?' He picked the boy up and tipped him over the side of the ship, laughing heartily as he emerged from the sea coughing and sputtering.
'Y'all right luv?' Jack led Maddy to their cabin, feeling the need for a little peace and quiet.
'Yes Jack, I'm fine. It takes more than a whippersnapper to get to me.' Maddy smirked at her husband and bent to take his boots off, squealing as his hand travelled up the inside of her dress. 'Behave yourself Jack Sparrow.' She tugged the second boot off and stood up, just before Jack pulled her knickers down.
'Ya spoilsport luv,' Jack laughed, pulling Maddy onto his lap. 'Can't wait ter set sail.'
'I know Jack, neither can I. I'm sick of the sight of Freetown, I know every pothole and stone in the roads. Where shall we sail to?'
Jack chuckled and shook his head. 'Don't ask me that luv. Last time ya did, we took a detour to here, via Port Royal. Let's see where the wind takes us, savvy?' Jack hoped that Maddy didn't realise he was going to find the location on the map of Keating's. The temptation was too great to resist, and he was curious as to whether the map had belonged to Castigne or not.
'Aye, savvy,' said Maddy, as her fingers worked at the buttons on Jack's shirt.
**********
The wind took them to Havana, passing Will's ship, The Thistle, en route. Maddy looked around at the bustle in the docks, taking in the sights and sounds of dozens of people scurrying about, jabbering away in various languages, but mostly Spanish. She took a deep breath, the heady scent of spices making her head swim, and she clung onto Jack for support. 'Is it always like this?' Maddy looked at her husband uncertainly, feeling hemmed in.
'Aye luv, tis a mad house at times.' Jack grinned and pushed his way through the crowd, dragging Maddy along behind him.
'You should fit in very well here then,' Maddy couldn't resist the jibe, and grinned at Jack who bobbed his tongue out to her. 'Why are we here Jack?' Maddy felt slightly suspicious of her husband's motives.
'Just goin' ter see an old pirate friend o' mine, if he's still alive that is.' Jack avoided Maddy's eyes.
They walked along the street, keeping an eye out for trouble as the area got rougher, the further they went. Maddy started to feel very uneasy, and her hand kept wandering into her pocket, checking that her small ladies pistol was cocked. It had been stolen from the merchant ship and Maddy had been very pleased with it, as she was able to hide it in a pocket of her dress. She was so intent on looking out for danger, that Maddy hadn't noticed that Jack had stopped, and walked into the back on him. She looked at the dilapidated house that they were standing outside of, wondering who lived there. Maddy had a horrible feeling she was just about to find out.
'Jack?'
'Just an' old acquaintance luv, nothin' ter worry about. I was apprenticed to him when I was a lad.' Jack led the way up the overgrown path, his hand on his pistol, just in case. He banged on the door, hoping it wouldn't fall off the hinges, and waited, and waited, and waited. Just as Jack was about to give up and walk away, the door creaked open.
'Whaddya want?' An eye peered through the crack in the door at the figures standing on the path. 'Jack? Jack Sparrow, is that really you?'
'Aye, George, it's me.' Jack held his breath at the stench that came from the interior of the house.
'Whaddya want?'
'I want to talk to ya mate, fer old times sake.' Jack wondered if he would be able to get the old man outside, rather than he and Maddy having to go inside. 'Why don't we go fer a walk?'
'Walk? Ha! Been many years since I walked any further than the slop bucket an' back. Now state yer business Jack, or be off wi'ya.'
'I need ya to look at a map mate. It supposedly belongs to Castigne, but I don't believe that, I need ya to verify it for me, savvy?' Maddy looked sharply at Jack, at the mention of a map, chastising herself for not realising sooner.
'Castigne never does maps, so it can't be his.' The door started to close, until Jack put his foot in the way.
'Wait, George. I know Castigne don't do maps, that's why I want ya ter look at it. I want to know whose map it is an' what it could lead to.' Jack kept his foot in the door and folded his arms.
'What's in it for me? I've no interest in treasure any more Jack.' George realised he wasn't going to get rid of Jack easily, so opened the door a little more.
'I know that mate, that's why I brought a coupla bottles o'me best rum.' Jack held up the satchel he'd been carrying, smiling.
'Yer best rum, eh? Well, ya'd best come in.' George opened the door fully, either ignoring or not noticing the looks of disgust on his guests faces as they entered the dingy building.
'Well, let's be havin' a look, young Jack.' George sat down heavily at the table, clearing a space by sweeping his arm across it, dumping everything on the floor.
Jack put the small piece of paper on the table in front of the old man, then fetch a lamp that was hanging on the wall and placed it on the table.
'This is it?' George looked up, with a puzzled look on his face, frowning when Jack nodded. 'Hmmm... No one I know of does a map like this. Seems to me a member of t'crew could've drawn it, so as to remember the location. No cartographer did this, that's fer sure.'
Maddy stood and stared at Jack intently, her eyes boring into the back of his head. 'Why did you deceive me Jack Sparrow? Why didn't you tell me what your true business was, instead of feeding me a story?' Her voice was brittle and hard.
'Cos I knew what you'd say luv. Didn't want to, but yer didn't leave me wit' much choice, sorry.' Jack looked at her and shrugged, then turned his attention back to the map. 'So it could've been made by a member of Castigne's crew wi'out his knowledge?'
'Aye, lad. Sounds the most likely reason. As fer what it leads to, only you'll be able to tell that Jack, when yer get there.'
'Thanks George, I appreciate it.' Jack set the two bottles down on the table, 'Enjoy these mate.'
'What ya givin' me them for? I ain't done nothin' ter help ya.' The old man shook his head, though his eyes never left the bottles.
'Don't matter whether ya did help or not, ya deserve 'em anyway mate.' Jack took Maddy by the arm and lead her outside, into the fresher air. 'See ya George, be good,' Jack winked at George, sitting in his chair, busily opening one of the bottles.
'Aye lad, an' if ya can't be good, don't get caught.' The two men chorused together, laughing.
Maddy snatched her arm away from Jack's hand and marched down the street, daring anyone to get in her way.
'Madalene! Madalene luv, wait.' Jack ran to catch her up, wincing slightly when he saw the look on her face. 'What's wrong?'
'What's wrong? You're going after God knows what, when you've only just recovered from being attacked by someone who might have something to do with this, and you ask me what's *wrong*!?' Maddy stood and faced Jack, her face burning with anger.
'We don't know they attacked because of this, it was more likely to do with Kelly, seen as they ran off wi'out looking for the map.' Jack ran his hand down Maddy's arm in a conciliatory gesture.
'How do you know they didn't look for the map, you were half dead, remember? They probably only searched Kelly and didn't bother with you. Damn you Jack Sparrow, you always go off half-cocked.' Maddy snatched her arm away once more and carried on down the street, with Jack tagging a few paces behind. They rounded the corner to the docks, to find Eb and Tom looking very agitated.
'Cap'n, Maddy, thank gawd you're back. The harbourmaster's been sniffin' around, reckon we'd best make sail. I got some men waitin' for your inspection, shall I leave them, or do we take 'em? The ship's ready t'sail.'
'Bloody 'ell, I wanted ter have a look at 'em too. Get 'em aboard Eb, we need all the experienced men we can get.' Jack shot a look towards the harbourmaster's house, then strode over to the boat, not waiting for Maddy. 'Better get goin' then, savvy?' Maddy, Eb and Tom scrambled aboard and they made their way back to The Pearl under the watchful gaze of the port authorities.