Usual disclaimers... blah!
***
They made good time and just as dusk was falling the following day the Black Pearl slid quietly back into the harbour at Tortuga. Cotton and Horton had proudly presented Catherine with her crutches earlier that morning and she had hobbled about on deck somewhat precariously until she had gotten the hang of them. Now she waited by the ships rail, anxious to go ashore. Elizabeth had helped her alter one of her pairs of trousers, slitting the leg and putting in laces so that she could wear clothes that she found more comfortable. Trousers also made handling the crutches easier too as she kept catching the skirt of her dress with them.
"I think we can manage if I hand yer down t' Booth," Jack suggested. "Unless yer'd rather we rig a chair fer yer?"
"I'm sure Oran won't drop me," she smiled, leaning against Jack as her crutches were passed down into the waiting boat together with her sword and pistol. Despite Jack's protests that she could not fight, she had refused to walk, or hobble, through Tortuga unarmed. Jack picked her up carefully and leaned over the rail where Oran stood ready, feet braced to catch her. She squeaked as Jack let go, but need not have worried, Oran's catch was firm and true despite the boat rocking wildly.
"Gotchya!" he smiled, kissing her nose as he eased her down into the boat.
"Booth!" Jack barked. "Stop that!"
"Your imagination Captain," he laughed as he moved to make room for Jack, Will and Elizabeth for Jean Claude and Isaac waited at the oars. The children were to stay on board until it was found to be safe for them. Once all were in the boat, they rowed ashore. Jack helped her with her crutches and strapped on her sword. She shoved her pistol into her waistband. The three crew then spread out in a protective circle around her as she hobbled towards the Faithful Bride.
Jack pushed the door open surprised to see Sanchia barring his way. "Back room now!" she hissed. "All of you!" She looked at Catherine in horror. "What happened to you?" she gasped.
"I think that can wait until the back room too," Jack warned as the crew ensured that she made it safely without being knocked. He was aware of the curious stares that greeted their arrival and Catherine's crutches. The gossips would be having a field day that night.
Sanchia pushed the door open, holding it whilst Catherine hobbled through. "Take over!" she called to one of her barmen who had been taking a break. "And can you ask Kasia to come into the back." He nodded, realising that she would be some time with the crew of the Black Pearl. He was surprised to see a man and a woman, a fine looking woman, that he did not recognise... but little that the Black Pearl got up to surprised him any more.
Catherine sat down gratefully next to the table - hobbling was hard work, especially uphill on cobbles.
"You have a visitor," Sanchia warned them as she stood at the bottom of the stairs. "They are here!" she called up - movement could be heard above and footsteps descending.
"Theo!" Catherine gasped in shock. "What are you doing here?" She noticed he was carrying Charlotte in a sling as he carefully leaned across to kiss her.
"Pinching milk," Kasia laughed as she walked in from the bar. "Kitty! What happened to you?" she inhaled sharply, noticing the crutches.
For the first time Theodore noticed his sister's leg. "Cat?" his eyes widening in shock..
"Long story... let's hear yours first!" Jack interrupted. "This is th' last place I expected t' find yer!"
Theodore pulled up another stool, resting Charlotte more comfortably in his lap. "I hope it is the last place the Governor thinks to find me too!" he sighed. "There were two attempted snatches of Charlotte in Port au Prince... Etta was killed in the first. I couldn't think of anywhere else to go but to find you two..."
"I'm beginning to really dislike that man," Jack muttered sourly.
"And you?" Theodore pressed. "What are Will and Elizabeth doing here?"
"Spense again mate," Jack sighed. "He's betrayed our accord an' declared us pirates," he explained. "We kinda left Port Royal in a mess though, so he has good cause now!"
"But..." Theodore stuttered in shock. Kasia and Sanchia looked shocked at the news for the breaking of an accord was a serious matter to any pirate.
"He caught six of us ashore," Catherine explained. "Lonan managed to get back to warn the Pearl, but he hanged Mallory, Gibson, Brown and..." She took a deep breath, swallowing. "And he hanged Gibbs..."
"What?" Sanchia cried in disbelief.
"I only wasn't hanged because I couldn't walk," Catherine added quietly, smiling at Jack as he placed his hand silently on her shoulder. She reached up, clasping his hand with hers, grateful for his support.
"He hanged..." For a moment Theodore was speechless. "Where was the Commodore? Didn't he try to stop him?"
"Norrington was off on a wild goose chase lookin' fer Mary," Jack explained. "He didn't get back in time t' save th' men, but he managed t' thwart th' Governor over Kitty..."
"But surely he wouldn't..." Theodore looked at Jack, still so shocked that he could hardly speak.
"He would have Theo," Catherine sighed. "And he very nearly..."
The conversation stopped as the door from the bar opened, most hands reaching for a sword or a pistol.
"My father wants to see all of you!" It was Joshua Hallam and he did not look happy. He turned to Sanchia. "Especially you Bastian and the Sparrows!"
"Nice to see you too brother," Isaac smiled sarcastically.
Joshua looked around the room, frowning at Will and Elizabeth for he could not place them. "And you!" he ordered.
Catherine reached for her crutches which, typically, had fallen under the table just out of her reach. "Here yer are luv," Jack smiled as he picked them up.
"What happened to her?" Joshua asked Jack bluntly.
"I'm sure your father will tell you if you need to know," Catherine snapped, irritated at being ignored. "And as First Mate of the Black Pearl you can at least have the courtesy to address me directly!"
Isaac just laughed at Joshua's surprise at being answered back, enjoying seeing his brother sassed. "Don't look at me Josh... I'm crew and I'm not talking either!" He threw his arm around his brother's shoulders, leading him out of the kitchen. "Although I will tell you how the other night I shook hands with the Commodore himself..."
Jack smiled as they disappeared. "He'll be drinking free on that story for weeks! He helped Catherine to her feet. "I suppose we'd better follow them..."
"Who was that man?" Theodore frowned.
"Joshua Hallam..."
"Hallam!" Theodore gasped. "And the younger man?"
"Isaac Hallam, one of our crew." Jack smiled at Theodore's shock but turned serious, his gaze including Will and Elizabeth. "His father, the Old Man practically rules Tortuga an' that is who we're summoned t' see. So keep it polite but volunteer nothin' - savvy?" He stared at Theodore. "An' yer'd best remember that yer not in th' Navy any longer... yer future here depends on his opinion of yer..." he stressed.
"I understand," Theodore nodded cautiously as he watched Catherine hobbling towards the door which Jean Claude held open for her and they made their way slowly up the hill.
***
This time Catherine was not caught out by Jeremiah Hallam's habit of sitting in the shadows in his large chair but turned to face him. The others, even though momentarily distracted by the grandeur of the room, gradually followed her lead. That is except for Isaac who lounged on one of the comfortable chairs having arrived before them. A sour glance from Jack caused him to rise and stand next to his shipmates.
"Well Sparrow, you have created a pretty mess this time, haven't you?" he sighed. "My contact in Port Royal was apoplectic with your destruction!"
"We didn't destroy much," Jack shrugged. "Well, apart from a fair part of the Fort and those few dents in th' Gauntlet..." he confessed as Jeremiah stared at him.
"Introduce the strangers!" Jeremiah ordered.
Jack smiled, turning to Will and Elizabeth. "May I introduce William Turner, only son of the one an only Bootstrap Bill Turner and his wife Elizabeth..."
"And why have they come here?" he asked.
"Well it seems Spense has taken a dislike t' us an' they are too well known as our friends..." Jack carefully explained. "They are hoping to,,." he began, but Jeremiah interrupted him.
"And what of you Bastian! What do you think you are doing hiding a Naval Officer at the Faithful Bride. Do you honestly think I would not notice!" Jeremiah demanded.
"Ex-naval..." Jack began.
"Shut up Sparrow!" He stared at Sanchia and Kasia. "Who is he?" he demanded.
"Kitty's brother. Spense has been after him..." Kasia cautiously explained.
"Brother..." Jeremiah nodded, turning to fix his gaze upon Catherine. "And what happened to you?"
"Some tender loving care from Spense when he decide to hang four of our crew!" She noticed a flicker of surprise in his eyes. "Or didn't your contact tell you that?"
"Who?" he demanded. The note had said pirates but not their names.
"Gibson, Mallory, Brown and Gibbs..." Catherine's voice quavered, the memories still too fresh.
"Joshamee Gibbs?" Jeremiah exclaimed in shock, regretting the lack of space for much detail on the paper brought by the pigeon. He had known Gibbs for many years and the old pirate was popular in Tortuga.
"Yes, Joshamee! And on false charges too - and Spense bloody knew it!" Catherine replied venomously.
For a moment he was silent, considering the information. Then he turned to Oran. "And what is your part in all this?" he asked.
Oran blinked, having hoped to escape the grilling. "I'm just helm Sir," he offered.
"Helm that is sleeping with Bastian you mean!" he insinuated.
"My private life is none of your business Hallam!" Sanchia retorted angrily. "You go too far!"
"No! You go too far by shielding a Naval Officer!" Jeremiah shouted back. "All of you go too far! Do you have any idea of what this will do?" He turned to Theodore. "Tell them!"
Theodore looked at Jack who nodded. "Well, if you contact is in the Governor's household then I take it you are referring to the two ships that he has been begging London for... am I to understand that he has been successful?"
"Frigates!" Jeremiah shouted. "Two bloody frigates! That will mean two ships in these waters that few can outrun. Your reception by your fellows might be more than a little hostile once this leaks out Sparrow!" He paused, turning to Will. "What do you want in Tortuga?" he demanded.
"Somewhere free of the Governor to raise my family and to work unhindered..." Will began cautiously.
"Ah yes, your family." He paused, studying Will and Elizabeth. "You are a weaponsmith I hear? Any good?" Jeremiah pressed.
"Some have called me that..." Will admitted modestly.
"Show me!" Will proffered his own plain blade that he had carried for years. "Is this your best?" Jeremiah sneered dismissively.
"Kitty?" Will drew her sword from it's scabbard. They had rescued her effects from the cells for which he was grateful as he now offered it to Jeremiah. "This was specially made for Kitty's height and reach," he explained, aware that the sword looked small in Jeremiah's hands. But it was a beautiful sword, untarnished despite years of use at sea and he still considered it one of the best he had ever made.
Jeremiah looked closely at the sword appreciatively, weighing it carefully as he looked at Catherine. "I want one!" he commanded, his decision reached. "I will set you up in a smithy as payment - do we have an accord?"
"My choice of position of the smithy?" Will pressed, not wanting Elizabeth and the children in the centre of Tortuga.
"For two swords," Jeremiah conceded, "you can pick your site!"
"And a guarantee of their safety?" Jack interrupted, knowing that Will could need the Old Man's protection. As the son of Bootstrap he would be reasonably safe, but Elizabeth and the children might be another matter.
Jeremiah nodded. "Do we have an accord?" Will stepped forward, taking Catherine's sword back as he held his hand out to shake. Jeremiah shook, turning his gaze to Theodore. "And what are we to do with you Captain Groves? Why should I give you sanctuary here?"
"It'll annoy th' hell out of Spense..." Jack offered hopefully.
"Shut up Sparrow!" Jeremiah glowered - Jack wisely did. "Well Groves?" He raised one eyebrow as he studied the man, surprised that he did not flinch under his gaze.
"I think Jack has the best reason," Theodore sighed. "I can offer nothing to you since you contact has clearly more up to date information than I do... not that I would betray the Commodore anyway."
Jeremiah Hallam looked at Theodore as he stood before him, babe in arms yet still defiant. He shrugged - at least the man was honest and not afraid of being so. He turned to Jack. "If I give this man shelter and my protection then you will owe me a favour Sparrow - at my discretion and timing..."
Jack realised he was caught. To refuse would upset Catherine as well as putting Theodore in danger. Considering he could not return to his own family, the three standing nearest to him were all that he had. "We have an accord Hallam," he conceded.
"Do you have any ideas of where you would want to build your forge?" Jeremiah asked Will.
"I've only been to Tortuga once," he admitted, "and then only briefly... Jack?"
"There's a nice bay to th' north - at th' end of th' trail. Far enough away t' discourage th' curious yet close enough fer safety..." Jack suggested.
Jeremiah Hallam nodded, realising the bay that Jack was referring to. "I will see what stone masons and carpenters we have in town," he offered.
"Thank you Sir," Will smiled gratefully.
Jeremiah looked at them all, sighing heavily. His gaze rested on Catherine, who looked as if she wanted to say something. "Yes?" he prompted.
Catherine shrugged before speaking quietly but coldly. "The man that gave the false statement, the one that set us up was Davit Lucon - I want him!"
"Lucon? Lucon?" Jeremiah Hallam frowned, recognising the name. "Didn't you have a Lucon in your crew Lact?"
"The man's brother," Jean Claude explained. "I hanged him for an assault on Kitty..."
"Assault?" Jeremiah realised there was more behind his words, but knew that Jean Claude would not speak of it.
"He almost killed her," Jean Claude explained. "Davit was also the man who betrayed the Swallow - so he could be after Kitty or me for his brother's death, or Jack for not leaving me on that island..."
Jeremiah bridged his hands, his face deep in thought. "You have all given me a lot to think on," he conceded. "I would suggest that Mister Groves and his daughter stay aboard your ship for now Sparrow... it would be safer for them." He nodded towards the door. "You can have my protection Sparrow until I get to the bottom of this... now leave me - all of you!" he ordered and they quietly left him to his thoughts, Isaac closing the door behind them..
Jack was relieved to have the Old Man's protection for he had the feeling they would somehow need it.
***
***
They made good time and just as dusk was falling the following day the Black Pearl slid quietly back into the harbour at Tortuga. Cotton and Horton had proudly presented Catherine with her crutches earlier that morning and she had hobbled about on deck somewhat precariously until she had gotten the hang of them. Now she waited by the ships rail, anxious to go ashore. Elizabeth had helped her alter one of her pairs of trousers, slitting the leg and putting in laces so that she could wear clothes that she found more comfortable. Trousers also made handling the crutches easier too as she kept catching the skirt of her dress with them.
"I think we can manage if I hand yer down t' Booth," Jack suggested. "Unless yer'd rather we rig a chair fer yer?"
"I'm sure Oran won't drop me," she smiled, leaning against Jack as her crutches were passed down into the waiting boat together with her sword and pistol. Despite Jack's protests that she could not fight, she had refused to walk, or hobble, through Tortuga unarmed. Jack picked her up carefully and leaned over the rail where Oran stood ready, feet braced to catch her. She squeaked as Jack let go, but need not have worried, Oran's catch was firm and true despite the boat rocking wildly.
"Gotchya!" he smiled, kissing her nose as he eased her down into the boat.
"Booth!" Jack barked. "Stop that!"
"Your imagination Captain," he laughed as he moved to make room for Jack, Will and Elizabeth for Jean Claude and Isaac waited at the oars. The children were to stay on board until it was found to be safe for them. Once all were in the boat, they rowed ashore. Jack helped her with her crutches and strapped on her sword. She shoved her pistol into her waistband. The three crew then spread out in a protective circle around her as she hobbled towards the Faithful Bride.
Jack pushed the door open surprised to see Sanchia barring his way. "Back room now!" she hissed. "All of you!" She looked at Catherine in horror. "What happened to you?" she gasped.
"I think that can wait until the back room too," Jack warned as the crew ensured that she made it safely without being knocked. He was aware of the curious stares that greeted their arrival and Catherine's crutches. The gossips would be having a field day that night.
Sanchia pushed the door open, holding it whilst Catherine hobbled through. "Take over!" she called to one of her barmen who had been taking a break. "And can you ask Kasia to come into the back." He nodded, realising that she would be some time with the crew of the Black Pearl. He was surprised to see a man and a woman, a fine looking woman, that he did not recognise... but little that the Black Pearl got up to surprised him any more.
Catherine sat down gratefully next to the table - hobbling was hard work, especially uphill on cobbles.
"You have a visitor," Sanchia warned them as she stood at the bottom of the stairs. "They are here!" she called up - movement could be heard above and footsteps descending.
"Theo!" Catherine gasped in shock. "What are you doing here?" She noticed he was carrying Charlotte in a sling as he carefully leaned across to kiss her.
"Pinching milk," Kasia laughed as she walked in from the bar. "Kitty! What happened to you?" she inhaled sharply, noticing the crutches.
For the first time Theodore noticed his sister's leg. "Cat?" his eyes widening in shock..
"Long story... let's hear yours first!" Jack interrupted. "This is th' last place I expected t' find yer!"
Theodore pulled up another stool, resting Charlotte more comfortably in his lap. "I hope it is the last place the Governor thinks to find me too!" he sighed. "There were two attempted snatches of Charlotte in Port au Prince... Etta was killed in the first. I couldn't think of anywhere else to go but to find you two..."
"I'm beginning to really dislike that man," Jack muttered sourly.
"And you?" Theodore pressed. "What are Will and Elizabeth doing here?"
"Spense again mate," Jack sighed. "He's betrayed our accord an' declared us pirates," he explained. "We kinda left Port Royal in a mess though, so he has good cause now!"
"But..." Theodore stuttered in shock. Kasia and Sanchia looked shocked at the news for the breaking of an accord was a serious matter to any pirate.
"He caught six of us ashore," Catherine explained. "Lonan managed to get back to warn the Pearl, but he hanged Mallory, Gibson, Brown and..." She took a deep breath, swallowing. "And he hanged Gibbs..."
"What?" Sanchia cried in disbelief.
"I only wasn't hanged because I couldn't walk," Catherine added quietly, smiling at Jack as he placed his hand silently on her shoulder. She reached up, clasping his hand with hers, grateful for his support.
"He hanged..." For a moment Theodore was speechless. "Where was the Commodore? Didn't he try to stop him?"
"Norrington was off on a wild goose chase lookin' fer Mary," Jack explained. "He didn't get back in time t' save th' men, but he managed t' thwart th' Governor over Kitty..."
"But surely he wouldn't..." Theodore looked at Jack, still so shocked that he could hardly speak.
"He would have Theo," Catherine sighed. "And he very nearly..."
The conversation stopped as the door from the bar opened, most hands reaching for a sword or a pistol.
"My father wants to see all of you!" It was Joshua Hallam and he did not look happy. He turned to Sanchia. "Especially you Bastian and the Sparrows!"
"Nice to see you too brother," Isaac smiled sarcastically.
Joshua looked around the room, frowning at Will and Elizabeth for he could not place them. "And you!" he ordered.
Catherine reached for her crutches which, typically, had fallen under the table just out of her reach. "Here yer are luv," Jack smiled as he picked them up.
"What happened to her?" Joshua asked Jack bluntly.
"I'm sure your father will tell you if you need to know," Catherine snapped, irritated at being ignored. "And as First Mate of the Black Pearl you can at least have the courtesy to address me directly!"
Isaac just laughed at Joshua's surprise at being answered back, enjoying seeing his brother sassed. "Don't look at me Josh... I'm crew and I'm not talking either!" He threw his arm around his brother's shoulders, leading him out of the kitchen. "Although I will tell you how the other night I shook hands with the Commodore himself..."
Jack smiled as they disappeared. "He'll be drinking free on that story for weeks! He helped Catherine to her feet. "I suppose we'd better follow them..."
"Who was that man?" Theodore frowned.
"Joshua Hallam..."
"Hallam!" Theodore gasped. "And the younger man?"
"Isaac Hallam, one of our crew." Jack smiled at Theodore's shock but turned serious, his gaze including Will and Elizabeth. "His father, the Old Man practically rules Tortuga an' that is who we're summoned t' see. So keep it polite but volunteer nothin' - savvy?" He stared at Theodore. "An' yer'd best remember that yer not in th' Navy any longer... yer future here depends on his opinion of yer..." he stressed.
"I understand," Theodore nodded cautiously as he watched Catherine hobbling towards the door which Jean Claude held open for her and they made their way slowly up the hill.
***
This time Catherine was not caught out by Jeremiah Hallam's habit of sitting in the shadows in his large chair but turned to face him. The others, even though momentarily distracted by the grandeur of the room, gradually followed her lead. That is except for Isaac who lounged on one of the comfortable chairs having arrived before them. A sour glance from Jack caused him to rise and stand next to his shipmates.
"Well Sparrow, you have created a pretty mess this time, haven't you?" he sighed. "My contact in Port Royal was apoplectic with your destruction!"
"We didn't destroy much," Jack shrugged. "Well, apart from a fair part of the Fort and those few dents in th' Gauntlet..." he confessed as Jeremiah stared at him.
"Introduce the strangers!" Jeremiah ordered.
Jack smiled, turning to Will and Elizabeth. "May I introduce William Turner, only son of the one an only Bootstrap Bill Turner and his wife Elizabeth..."
"And why have they come here?" he asked.
"Well it seems Spense has taken a dislike t' us an' they are too well known as our friends..." Jack carefully explained. "They are hoping to,,." he began, but Jeremiah interrupted him.
"And what of you Bastian! What do you think you are doing hiding a Naval Officer at the Faithful Bride. Do you honestly think I would not notice!" Jeremiah demanded.
"Ex-naval..." Jack began.
"Shut up Sparrow!" He stared at Sanchia and Kasia. "Who is he?" he demanded.
"Kitty's brother. Spense has been after him..." Kasia cautiously explained.
"Brother..." Jeremiah nodded, turning to fix his gaze upon Catherine. "And what happened to you?"
"Some tender loving care from Spense when he decide to hang four of our crew!" She noticed a flicker of surprise in his eyes. "Or didn't your contact tell you that?"
"Who?" he demanded. The note had said pirates but not their names.
"Gibson, Mallory, Brown and Gibbs..." Catherine's voice quavered, the memories still too fresh.
"Joshamee Gibbs?" Jeremiah exclaimed in shock, regretting the lack of space for much detail on the paper brought by the pigeon. He had known Gibbs for many years and the old pirate was popular in Tortuga.
"Yes, Joshamee! And on false charges too - and Spense bloody knew it!" Catherine replied venomously.
For a moment he was silent, considering the information. Then he turned to Oran. "And what is your part in all this?" he asked.
Oran blinked, having hoped to escape the grilling. "I'm just helm Sir," he offered.
"Helm that is sleeping with Bastian you mean!" he insinuated.
"My private life is none of your business Hallam!" Sanchia retorted angrily. "You go too far!"
"No! You go too far by shielding a Naval Officer!" Jeremiah shouted back. "All of you go too far! Do you have any idea of what this will do?" He turned to Theodore. "Tell them!"
Theodore looked at Jack who nodded. "Well, if you contact is in the Governor's household then I take it you are referring to the two ships that he has been begging London for... am I to understand that he has been successful?"
"Frigates!" Jeremiah shouted. "Two bloody frigates! That will mean two ships in these waters that few can outrun. Your reception by your fellows might be more than a little hostile once this leaks out Sparrow!" He paused, turning to Will. "What do you want in Tortuga?" he demanded.
"Somewhere free of the Governor to raise my family and to work unhindered..." Will began cautiously.
"Ah yes, your family." He paused, studying Will and Elizabeth. "You are a weaponsmith I hear? Any good?" Jeremiah pressed.
"Some have called me that..." Will admitted modestly.
"Show me!" Will proffered his own plain blade that he had carried for years. "Is this your best?" Jeremiah sneered dismissively.
"Kitty?" Will drew her sword from it's scabbard. They had rescued her effects from the cells for which he was grateful as he now offered it to Jeremiah. "This was specially made for Kitty's height and reach," he explained, aware that the sword looked small in Jeremiah's hands. But it was a beautiful sword, untarnished despite years of use at sea and he still considered it one of the best he had ever made.
Jeremiah looked closely at the sword appreciatively, weighing it carefully as he looked at Catherine. "I want one!" he commanded, his decision reached. "I will set you up in a smithy as payment - do we have an accord?"
"My choice of position of the smithy?" Will pressed, not wanting Elizabeth and the children in the centre of Tortuga.
"For two swords," Jeremiah conceded, "you can pick your site!"
"And a guarantee of their safety?" Jack interrupted, knowing that Will could need the Old Man's protection. As the son of Bootstrap he would be reasonably safe, but Elizabeth and the children might be another matter.
Jeremiah nodded. "Do we have an accord?" Will stepped forward, taking Catherine's sword back as he held his hand out to shake. Jeremiah shook, turning his gaze to Theodore. "And what are we to do with you Captain Groves? Why should I give you sanctuary here?"
"It'll annoy th' hell out of Spense..." Jack offered hopefully.
"Shut up Sparrow!" Jeremiah glowered - Jack wisely did. "Well Groves?" He raised one eyebrow as he studied the man, surprised that he did not flinch under his gaze.
"I think Jack has the best reason," Theodore sighed. "I can offer nothing to you since you contact has clearly more up to date information than I do... not that I would betray the Commodore anyway."
Jeremiah Hallam looked at Theodore as he stood before him, babe in arms yet still defiant. He shrugged - at least the man was honest and not afraid of being so. He turned to Jack. "If I give this man shelter and my protection then you will owe me a favour Sparrow - at my discretion and timing..."
Jack realised he was caught. To refuse would upset Catherine as well as putting Theodore in danger. Considering he could not return to his own family, the three standing nearest to him were all that he had. "We have an accord Hallam," he conceded.
"Do you have any ideas of where you would want to build your forge?" Jeremiah asked Will.
"I've only been to Tortuga once," he admitted, "and then only briefly... Jack?"
"There's a nice bay to th' north - at th' end of th' trail. Far enough away t' discourage th' curious yet close enough fer safety..." Jack suggested.
Jeremiah Hallam nodded, realising the bay that Jack was referring to. "I will see what stone masons and carpenters we have in town," he offered.
"Thank you Sir," Will smiled gratefully.
Jeremiah looked at them all, sighing heavily. His gaze rested on Catherine, who looked as if she wanted to say something. "Yes?" he prompted.
Catherine shrugged before speaking quietly but coldly. "The man that gave the false statement, the one that set us up was Davit Lucon - I want him!"
"Lucon? Lucon?" Jeremiah Hallam frowned, recognising the name. "Didn't you have a Lucon in your crew Lact?"
"The man's brother," Jean Claude explained. "I hanged him for an assault on Kitty..."
"Assault?" Jeremiah realised there was more behind his words, but knew that Jean Claude would not speak of it.
"He almost killed her," Jean Claude explained. "Davit was also the man who betrayed the Swallow - so he could be after Kitty or me for his brother's death, or Jack for not leaving me on that island..."
Jeremiah bridged his hands, his face deep in thought. "You have all given me a lot to think on," he conceded. "I would suggest that Mister Groves and his daughter stay aboard your ship for now Sparrow... it would be safer for them." He nodded towards the door. "You can have my protection Sparrow until I get to the bottom of this... now leave me - all of you!" he ordered and they quietly left him to his thoughts, Isaac closing the door behind them..
Jack was relieved to have the Old Man's protection for he had the feeling they would somehow need it.
***