Will squinted into the sun and twiddled the helm. The ship responded easily to his touch, bringing back pleasant (and not so pleasant) memories of the Interceptor. This craft was much smaller, of course, but the feeling remained. Will had to admit he enjoyed the sea; though he didn't have Willy's fervor for sailing, when not chasing undead pirates it was quite relaxing. Will's thoughts turned to his son. Where was he? Was he all right? What was he thinking?
"Mr. Turner. Mr. Turner?" Will was torn from his reverie by the sound of the Commodore's voice. "Mr. Turner, are you alright?"
"Yes, Commodore. I was just thinking about Willy…" Will trailed off, trying desperately to contain the lump that had formed in his throat. Commodore Norrington's face took on a look of genuine concern.
"Don't worry, Will," he said as gently as possible. "We will find him." Will looked up, surprised, at the use of his first name. As he did he could have sworn he saw the Commodore swipe at his eyes, brushing away…tears? Was it possible? Could this pompous, stuffy man actually feel? Those suspicions were dispelled quickly, however. "Take your leave, Mr. Turner. Gillette will take the helm for a turn." The Commodore turned sharply on his heel, leaving Will stunned at the wheel. Will gave Gillette the helm and went to find Elizabeth.
Willy had been missing for two days now. After gaining not only the Commodore's permission but his assistance, Will had determined that the best place to start looking would be Tortuga. And so they had procured a small but fast ship and headed for the lively pirate haven.
"Will! There you are. I've been looking all over for you," Elizabeth exclaimed.
"I've been on the helm," Will explained. He gazed fondly at his wife. Even dirty and dressed in a sailor's uniform (dresses were hardly practical on a ship) she was beautiful.
"The men are saying we're approaching Tortuga." She paused, biting her lip worriedly. "Will, do you think we'll find him?"
"Of course we will," Will said, a bit more forcefully than he had intended. Softening his voice, he continued, "Pirate though he may be, Jack's a good man. He won't let anything happen to him." Elizabeth looked a little less than reassured.
"I hope you're right, Will," she replied quietly. "I hope you're right."