A/N My last chapter was short, so I've balanced it out by updating quicker with a longer chapter. So please review, and tell me honestly what you think.

Chapter Fifteen.

And so we docked. It was perfect timing actually, just as we reached the port, Jack ran out of rum. I could not imagine Jack without his alcohol, and nor did I wish too. It seemed to be the only thing that could placate him. The pirates started to roll their empty barrels ashore, determined to get first pick on the goods for sale by the docks. I was about to follow them, when Jack gripped my arm. I thought he was going to threaten me, demand I stay close, and forbid me to wonder off alone.

What he actually said was quite different. "Be careful, Dora. Don't want you getting in to trouble, an' these are not trustworthy people."

The surprise must have shown on my face, my brows raised in concern.

He laughed. "I looks after me own. Now just for assurances you'll have to leave the name Harping alone, Dora. . .Sanchez." He said, the words spreading a grin across his face.

"Sanchez?" I shrugged.

"Think of a better name?"

I shook my head, and half smiled. Somehow I couldn't remain angry at Jack, even though I knew what he was planning. I stayed close to his side throughout the day, trying to get a feel for the town in which we had docked.

It was quite a large, lively place, with a distinct lack of discipline. It was clear to see why Jack liked it so much.

We spent the day frittering through various public houses, Jack determined to find the most comfortable in which to rest that night. There were several women who looked at him longingly, and at me with jealously. It sent a chill to my heart what they thought of when they saw me on Jack's arm. But just for once it was nice to be the centre of attention, and Jack seemed to revel in the focus he received.

Eventually, after an hour of wondering through the market place, his steady hands working hard as he pilfered all sorts of things from the honest stall workers. It vexed me greatly, but I dared not speak against him. Some of the crew had returned to the ship, and were no doubt going to drink themselves to sleep. It had been a long time since they had had enough rum for such activities. Before we docked rum was drank one bottle per head a day, and now faced with a barrel, the men couldn't fight the temptation. Others had bedded down with the 'free' women that wondered the streets. Where they were and what they were doing was of little interest to me, or Jack.

He escorted me down the cobbled walkways, between the shadowy buildings that loomed up, pointing out places of interest every so often. When we reached the inn where we were to spend the night, he opened the door, and stepped back so I could walk in.

The room was overcrowded with rowdy men, arm wrestling, drinking, or fighting over the ladies. The noise greeted my ears in an unfamiliar way. It was so different to the balls we had had back in England, or the quiet banqueting parties, and yet these people really looked like they were enjoying themselves. I couldn't help smiling, as Jack took my hand and led me across the room. Many heads turned to watch us. And it both pleased, and embarrassed me to note, they were not all looking at Jack.

"Got any rooms?" Jack asked, in his slurring fashion.

"Do I know you?" The bartender said.

Jack shook his head with a grin. It was obviously best if people didn't know who he was. "Rooms? One will do." He said, with a cruel smile at me.

My heart beat faster, and it seemed my fate hung on the bartenders next words.

"Oh we have a couple, sir." He said, with a warm smile at me.

I gave a sigh of relief, with Jack noticed with a grin. He responded by putting his arm around my shoulder. "Sure you don't wanna share a room, Dora?" He asked.

I shook his arm off, and stepped back. "Positive."

He laughed and turned back to the barkeep. "Two it is then."

After we had got the rooms, Jack led me through to the back room. It was much quieter, with a few couples eating what looked quite good food.

Jack ordered us something to eat, and some rum. I sat back and tried to ignore him, taking in my immediate environment.

"I was only joking about the rooms, yer know?" He said, suddenly.

My eyes snapped back to his face. "I know, you wouldn't have dared. Roberto would kill you." As soon as I said it, I regretted mentioning Roberto. I hadn't thought of him for a while, and the idea of his presence seemed to destroy the atmosphere that the back room offered.

The food arrived and we ate in silence, for a while. Jack gave an occasional grunt, and at one point got up and walked away to talk to one of the bar maids.

"I've got somethin' for yer." He said, at the end of the meal. From his pocket he took a chain. It was only thing, and flimsy looking. And on it was a large pendant, which surrendered a coloured bead.

"You stole this from the market?" I asked, haughtily.

"Don't get all high and mighty wit' me Dora, we all live of the profits. Even you. How'd you think I paid for the meal?" He asked.

I shrugged. He lay the necklace down on the table. I stared at it for a moment.

"Never refuse a gift, dear. It's bad manners." My mother had said, one Christmas when Roberto had given me a stick insect.

I took it up, and held it to the light. It was pretty in it's simplicity. Jack stood up and fastened it round my neck.

"We'll see if Barbossa can beat that."

It was supposed to be a joke, but it did not feel like it. He knew I was hiding something from him, and that Barbossa knew. Of course, it would bother him, especially due to everything he had done for me.

"I'm going to retire." I said, standing up.

He jumped up. "I'll escort you upstairs."

"No, it's quite alright."

"I insist. Don't know what kinda cretins reside here abouts Miss Sanchez?"

I walked in front of him the whole time, and when I reached the door I turned to face him. "Goodnight, Jack."

His hand brushed against my cheek. I didn't waste a second, I pushed open my door, stepped inside and slammed it shut. I noticed with annoyance that there was no key in the lock.

I slept ill that night, not use to the comfy bed. I got up several times, and paced across the room. If there was ever a time to escape it was now. But whether it was fear of a worse life waiting for me if a ran, or a fear of being caught, I stayed in my room, and eventually drifted off to sleep.

I was awoken by the squeaking of a door, I yawned and my eyes opened slowly, trying to adjust to the dark. And then I heard the footsteps, getting louder as they got nearer my bed. I jumped up in surprise, and screamed. A hand was clasped loosely over my mouth. Not to hurt me to silence my yelling.

"Jack!" I gasped.

"Shush, Dora."

I backed away from him.

"Listen," he hissed. "Something's wrong. . ."

But he never got a chance to finish. There was an enormous crash close by, and the night air was filled by screaming women, and sobbing children. We were under attack.

Jack grabbed me and pulled me down on to the floor. "We have to get outta 'ere." He said.

I nodded, shaking. That shot had been close, it could be us next. I shut my eyes against the horror, as Jack pulled me from the room.

As we got outside the true extent of the damage became clear to me. The whole of the jailhouse had been shattered, and those inside couldn't possibly have survived. I saw rowing boats coming ashore in the distance, and a large ship on the horizon, firing the cannon balls of destruction.

"It's the navy!" Someone shouted.

"The navy. . ." I said to myself as Jack pulled me along.

And for the first time since I had donned the pirate ship, Roberto wasn't my first thought. No longer was I scared for myself, or thinking of escape and rescue. No, I was scared for Jack, and his safety.