"Jack? What's wrong?" Elizabeth asked, as she hurried over. "We heard
glass shattering-"
"The Headless Horseman," Jack said angrily. "He struck again." Jack winced at the panic that the statement brought on, and so he said: "Calm down! It'll be daybreak in less than an hour; we must all stay in this room, together! Make sure all your loved ones are near and stay away from the windows! You there-" He pointed in the vague direction of several men. "- Help me barricade the window. He may not be able to approach, but his aim is dead on."
There was a rush of actions as several men started to drag isles towards the windows, and other heavy objects. Beth went over to Jack and asked: "You said the Horseman struck again-"
"There is no need for your expertise," Jack said tiredly. "He's dead."
"who did he get?" The men suddenly remembered to ask, being busy with keeping their family safe. They kept searching frantically for everyone they knew, trying to see who was missing.
Jack's eyes searched the room until they found who they were looking for. Jack sighed and walked with a heavy stride to the confused and fearful Freddy Masbath.
"Captain, Sir," Freddy said, looking around the room. "I can't find my father. I know that he went with you to the back room, did you see where did he go off to?" The look in Freddy's eyes was so pitiful, Jack actually felt sorry for him.
"I'm sorry, Lad." Jack said, as he put a hand on his shoulder. "He got your old man." He turned to the crowd and said out loud: "The Horseman killed Jonathan Masbath." Murmurs and gasps ensued, along with sobbing and shouting. Freddy looked up at him with tears brimming in his eyes, silently pleading: No!
"No," Freddy said, shaking his head. "He can't be de- He CAN'T BE!" His voice border lining on Hysteria.
"Look, Kid-" Jack said, trying to think of something to say, but Freddy backed away and ran across the room.
"Stay inside this room!" He yelled over the crowd. "Oh why do I bother?!" Jack threw his hands up in the air and ran after the retreating youth.
*
"Clara? Clara?" Beth searched for her daughter in the ensuing panic, which was beginning to quiet down. She bumped into Will and asked him: "Have you seen my daughter?"
"I don't think so," Will said slowly. "When did you see her last?"
"She was right here a few minutes ago, then..." Beth shrugged her shoulders. She continued to scan the room until she found her. "There she is!" She rushed over to her daughter, filled with sudden relief and hugged her tightly. "Where were you? I was so worried!"
"I'm sorry, mother," Clara apologized. "I was at the back of the room, checking to see if anyone needed any aid."
Beth had to smile at that, her daughter always loved helping others. "Just stay close to me, the last thing I want is for anything to happen to you." She placed her arm on Clara's shoulder in a half embrace and led her back to the center of the room. The men were almost done barricading the windows, and most of the people were huddled low on the floor. Clara and Beth walked around together, as close to the ground as possible and continued to treat the sick and the injured.
*
"Mary? Where did that imbecile child go?" Katrina asked herself exasperated. Sometimes her daughter was just too much to handle, causing her to lose her patience and go insane with worry. She asked several people if they've seen her, and one of Connolly's pupils said he said Mary and Master Connolly at the corner, talking. Katrina scanned the corner thoroughly, but so no sign of her daughter and the schoolmaster.
It was not a secret that the two were friendly, and would often walk around together, talking and laughing. Katrina had no problem with her daughter enjoying his company; she did however make it explicitly clear that nothing more should come from it. Her Husband wasted every penny her family ever had, and in order to ensure Mary's future, Katrina wanted her to marry a wealthy, preferably older man. Besides, schoolmasters are not to be trusted, greedy and shrewd, she was not going to allow her daughter to be entangled with one, like she was.
She was about to search the rest of the room when she heard a muffled noise coming from the other room. She walked over to the old oak door and looked around nervously, trying to find a weapon of some sorts. She grabbed a candlestick and placed her shaking hand on the handle. She took a deep breath, before opening the door swiftly and swinging blindly with the candlestick. It was only a moment later, when the figure fell to the floor did her mind registered the scene before her. There was Mary, crouching on the floor by schoolmaster Connolly and staring daggers at her mother. The two of them were alone, in a dark secluded room, and Mary obviously had feelings for Connolly. Just great.
"Mother!" Mary said horrified. "You hurt him!"
"What exactly were you two doing?" Katrina asked coldly, glancing at Connolly to make sure he wasn't too injured. He seemed to be on the mends, so she kept her focus on her daughter.
"We were going to tell you tonight," School Master Daniel Connolly said, wincing as he touched the bump on his head. "We thought the party would be the perfect timing to-"
"Tell me what?" Katrina asked, feeling her anger boiling over. She had a feeling she knew what was coming.
"Mother," Mary said, helping schoolmaster Connolly to his feet. "Daniel and I are getting married."
"What?!" Katrina nearly shouted, before gaining control over her outrage. This was NOT happening to her! Not after all the planning she put into the party, to make sure the right people saw her daughter. People who would make sure Mary would never know poverty and hunger, but would become one of the wealthiest wives in the town. Now this insufferable schoolmaster was going to ruin everything!
"We've been seeing one another for quite some time," Mary explained, smiling at her fiancé. "Daniel and I think it's time we-"
"Was this your idea or HIS?" Katrina spat, her eyes on Connolly. "We are practically broke, in case you didn't know, you won't see a dime out of this marriage."
"I don't care," Connolly said indignantly, standing besides Mary, his arm draped around her waist. "We are in love, and that's all that matters."
"This conversation is not over," Katrina warned her daughter. "Now we must gather in the main hall, there's been another murder- Jonathan Masbath was killed." She opened up the door and waited for the two to leave the room.
"Masbath?" Mary asked, shocked. "But how? I thought the Horseman couldn't enter the sacred grounds of the Church." She left the room, followed by Connolly.
Katrina looked at the two for a while, her disgust evident. "Apparently, losing his head did not prevent him from using it- I think he threw something through the window at Masbath." Katrina said darkly as she slammed the door after her.
*
"Boy?" Jack asked tentatively, as he entered an adjacent room. "Are you in here?"
"Go away." Said a quiet little voice in between sobs. Jack wondered what exactly did he intend to do, as he walked over to the location of the voice. There in a corner, between old and dusty sheets, was a distraught Frederick Masbath. His cheeks and nose were red and he had long tear tracks going down his face.
"Was that an order?" Jack raised an eyebrow. "Nobody orders Jack Sparrow around."
"CAPTAIN Jack Sparrow," Freddy corrected, a sad little smile on his lips.
Jack slapped his head as if he forgot. "Aye, you be right! See, by ordering me to go away, you made me want to stay just to spite."
"What if I asked you nicely?" Freddy asked, wiping away several tears.
Jack sat down against the wall next to him and shook his head. "No, won't work. If I listened to pleas and begging, what kind of a Pirate would I be?"
Freddy tried to smile, but failed miserably. He sighed and looked straight ahead. "Why?"
"Why? Because if I granted a pardon to every-"
"No," Freddy said, now looking straight at Jack. "Why did my father have to die?"
"I don't know yet," Jack said, his mood sober. "But I intend to find out."
"Did he suffer?" Freddy asked as his eyes teared up again.
"No," Jack said quickly. "He died instantly, it was probably too quick to register, and I doubt he felt anything."
Freddy nodded and gazed down at his hands. "Is there a body?"
"The horseman pulled him out the window. Come morning we may find one outside." Jack explained nervously. He did not intend to comfort the boy, Pirates are emotionless and savage- they massacre entire villages. Jack had always been a little soft, especially towards women and children, but if he tried to be... Nice to this boy, who knows what will he allow himself to do next. No, he had to be tough and just get the boy to go back inside. That's what he'll do, he'll threaten him- say that he'll rip out his spleen if he doesn't-
"It was just us for almost five years now," Freddy said longingly. "My mother was sick for years and even before she passed away my father was the one who took care of me." Freddy wiped his eyes dry, before looking at Jack curiously. "Do you have any parents, Captain Sparrow?"
Jack contemplated lying to him, but decided to settle on the truth. "No," Jack said, stroking his beard, trying to remember. "I never knew my father, and my mother left me when I was around your age."
"I miss him." Freddy said tiredly. "I don't remember what she looks like- my mother. I don't want that to happen to my father, I don't want to forget his face."
Jack didn't know what to say. They were treading down an emotional path completely foreign to him and it made him uneasy.
"I hate being stuck in this stupid Church," Freddy said, kicking an empty plate away. "Even if it is only till morning."
"This is nothing," Jack shrugged it off, grinning. "Why- I was once locked up in a room half this size in a ship for two weeks with barely any food or water or even oxygen to sustain me." Jack bragged.
"It must have been terrible," Freddy said emphatically. "I'm sorry."
Jack nearly bit his tongue. This was a grand story! Sure it was a horrible experience he would prefer not to have again, but now, looking back and adding a few extra details it could make a grand adventure. This boy was looking at it all wrong, but better have him think of Jack's misery than his own. "It wasn't pleasant, I agree, but 'what doesn't kill you makes you stronger'. Now, enough wallowing in self pity. You can mope about your woes all you want- which you are entitled to do of course- or you can help bring the killer to justice."
"Me?" Freddy asked confused. "What can *I* do?"
"You father knew something- that's why he was offed. He may not have figured out the "whom" but he did figure out the "why". Unfortunately, he didn't make much sense- so I need you help to sort it all out. Now," Jack leaned closer and whispered. "You can't tell anyone you're helping me, this has to be discreet."
"Why?" Freddy asked curiously.
"I'll tell you in a moment, first we have to find The Turners-"
"There you are!" Will said, as he opened the door, followed closely by his wife.
"Speaking of the devil and her husband," Jack muttered under his breath and motioned for them to be quiet and come in. Will closed the door after them and they sat on the floor next to Jack and Freddy.
"Elizabeth and I have been searching through this entire Church for you." Will whispered. His eyes found Freddy's and softened immediately. "I'm sorry for your loss," he said gently. "I was a bit younger than you when I lost my mother."
Freddy rolled his eyes and glanced at Jack. "I swear if one more person tells me about their morbid childhood..."
Elizabeth smiled confusedly and squeezed his shoulder. "Well, I won't tell you about losing my mother, then. How are you holding up?"
"Better than that Horseman when I get my hands on him," Masbath said coolly.
"It's not the Horseman you should be angry at," Jack said quietly, peering at the door. "It's whomever sent him."
"What do you mean?" Freddy asked, puzzled. "And what did you mean when you said my father didn't know who sent the Horseman?"
"Someone is controlling the Horseman, I know that for a fact." Jack said, glancing at his three companions. "And that someone is out there in the hall."
"WHAT?!" All three yelled at the same time and were immediately 'shhhhh'ed by Jack.
"They must have overheard Masbath when he approached me, might have even eavesdropped on our private conversation. You see, until tonight, there was no reason to kill Masbath, none that I know of. Most of the deceased were children and a few adults- most of them the parents, from what I gathered. Masbath had nothing to do with any of it- until he found out why the Headless Horseman started this killing spree."
"Why did he start the killing spree?" Elizabeth asked, glancing suspiciously at the door as if sensing someone behind it.
"I don't know," Jack admitted, annoyed. "He was mumbling something I couldn't understand- something about rumors and children and old Mr. Van Brunt and his Will..." He turned to Freddy. "Does any of this make any sense to you?"
"Not all of it," Freddy said, thinking. "But I can ask around, see what rumors were running around about the deceased. I'm the son- well now I guess I'm the Inn-keeper, I have an ear for gossip and people don't suspect me."
"Good," Jack said, giving him a small smile. "Start tomorrow morning, but don't make it too obvious, you don't want to attract attention."
"I won't," Freddy said determinedly, a feeling of pride settling in. "I'll get you what you need, you can count on that."
"Get back inside," Jack told him. "And don't talk to anyone about this."
Freddy nodded and got up to leave. He paused and said: "The head. Everyone knows that whoever has the horseman's head controls him- he can't rest in peace without it." Masbath left thoughtfully, closing the door after him.
"I think it's great that you're allowing him to help," Elizabeth smiled at Jack warmly. "The poor boy..."
"Don't share information with him," Jack said seriously. "Jonathan Masbath may not have known who sent the horseman, but he did have suspects. Namely the Van Brunts and the children of the town."
"Surely you don't think-" Will started.
"I try not to, it gives me a headache." Jack said with a grin, before saying seriously. "I think it's highly unlikely, but I'm not ruling him out. For the right motive, one might kill their own parents, so I'll keep my eye on him. Come morning we'll start our own investigation, try and figure out what all of the deceased had in common and who would benefit from their deaths."
"Yes," Will sighed heavily. "I can't begin to understand how anyone could murder harmless children."
"I hope you never do, Mate." Jack said tightly. "The day you do, you'll be able to excuse such an act. Now," he clasped his hands together. "We go out there and try to survive the little time we have until dawn." He smirked and put on a squeaky little voice. "Because 'everyone knows-'"
"-'That he can't be out in day'," all three of them completed, chuckling as they went back to the main room, but not forgetting for an instant to be on their guard at all times. There was a killer amongst them.
* "I think it's dawn," Will said quietly, gently waking up Elizabeth and Jack. Jack stretched from where he was sitting and noticed there was a head resting on his shoulder. His eyebrows rose when he saw it was Freddy Masbath and he gave Will a miserable look.
"I think you are his new hero," Will chuckled, as he got up carefully and crept towards the window. Jack gently removed the sleeping head from his shoulder and joined Will near the barricaded window. They both peeled away the Isles and objects in front of the window, and peered outside. It was indeed after dawn and the horseman was nowhere to be found. Will and Jack smiled at each other as they returned from the window and joined Elizabeth.
Elizabeth smiled gratefully and looked at the sleeping Church. "Do you think we should wake them up? They look so peaceful, I'd hate to-"
"AHOY THERE LADLUBBERS!!" Jack bellowed, instantly waking up half of the Church. He smirked to himself and continued in his normal voice. "The sun is rising and the Horseman is no where to be found- I think it's safe for ye all to come out now." There was a rustling of movement as everyone hurried towards to entrance to leave. Jack frowned and sniffed himself and shrugged. He didn't smell too bad; he wondered what made them all flee. He waited with Will and Elizabeth for everyone to leave, trying to find anyone who looked suspicious.
"First thing in the morning," Freddy said fiercely. "You'll see, drop by the Inn around midday, I may have something for you." Jack nodded his head and the youth disappeared, presumably to either take care of the Inn, or look for his father's body.
"You look like hell," Jack smiled kindly at Katrina Van Brunt, and was rewarded with a snort.
"This has been an eventful evening," she sighed, as she watched her daughter walking away with Connolly. "The Horseman ruins my daughter's party, an innocent child is murdered right in front of my eyes, and to top it all- my daughter is engaged to a schoolmaster. Would you believe it?"
"Aye," Jack said grinning. "Imagine a daughter of yours with a schoolmaster. Funny, isn't it?"
"Well now you are officially invited to the wedding, if any of us shall live to see it," Katrina teased, trying to straighten her hair. What she needed right about now was a long bath...
"Thank you kindly," Jack bowed. "But with my stroke of luck, I think I'll miss the most celebrated occasion- I always do."
"What do you mean?" Will asked Jack confused, as Katrina went off in the direction of town. "I thought you attended my parents' wedding?" Elizabeth listened intently to the conversation, her curiosity getting the better of her.
"I was supposed to," Jack sighed and scratched his wounded chest. "But I was somewhat.... Delayed."
*~*
"Make sure you're not delayed," Bill warned Jack, as they walked down the streets of Madras. "Or I swear to God we'll start without you."
Jack rolled his eyes. "I already said-"
"Promise me," Bill stopped and looked him straight in the eye. "I want you, to look me in the eye, and promise me you will NOT be late or otherwise absent from my wedding."
"Bill old boy," Jack said, resting his arm around Bill's shoulder and escorting him back to the Pearl. "I wouldn't miss it for the world! I still can't believe you're tying the knot with Claudia-"
"CHRISTINA!" Bill said exasperated for the hundredth time. "Honestly Jack, will you EVER remember her name? Or any other for that matter?"
Jack shrugged, hiding a grin. "Aye, I'll do my best to remember it by your wedding day... When is it again?"
"JACK!"
"Just joking with you mate," Jack chuckled, as he walked back into town. "You really need to get yourself a sense of humor, before you bore the lass away."
"I'll keep that in mind," Bill rolled his eyes and sighed, smiling. Jack really was something, he knew EXACTLY how to get under your skin, making it impossible to decide whether you wanted to clubber him or buy him a drink. This was perfect; everything was going to be perfect, Bill just knew it. They were going to get married on the Pearl in two weeks time, with his friends- actually, more like his family. Captain Saunders was like a father to him and Jack... Jack was like a loony older brother. The rest of the crew... Well, they were more like obnoxious pets.
"Don't be late, Jack," Bill whispered, as he hopped back on the ship. He was starting to have a bad feeling, settling in the pit of his stomach. "Don't be late..."
*
Jack kept watch over the East India Trading Company's ship. As far as he knew, there were all kinds of goods onboard this ship- cottons, silks, indigo, coals, saltpeter- you name it, they've got it. He figured if there were many guards he'd loot them at night and wrestle himself a vessel. If there weren't many guards... Well, then he'd commandeer the ship and arrive to Bill's wedding with style. And richer than rich, probably even give them a generous wedding gift. Jack stayed around the dock area and took notes in his head about guard shifts and numbers. There was a change of shift tonight at eleven, two men inside, four outside. It should be the perfect opportunity. Jack smiled as he walked area, whistling. This was going to be a piece of cake...
Jack fingered his sword and took a deep breath. As far as he knew there were only six at all time, but for some reason he was nervous. He should have postponed this until Captain Saunders and Bill could join him. Unfortunately, they had some information regarding some Aztec gold that got the Captain all wired up. Captain Saunders' eyes literally lit up when he heard about it, but wouldn't explain why. Jack shrugged, thinking perhaps the old man has lost it, going after bits of information when right here there was a chance to get some REAL gold.
Jack's boat was nearby in case he needed to make a quick getaway, and everything seemed in place. He only had one shot at this, the ship was sailing tomorrow morning. The guards' shift was over, right on time, and the new ones just arrived. Jack quietly got off the dock and into the water, diving under and swimming towards the ship. He got up from the other end of the ship and watched as the guards switched. He drew himself on board, silent and graceful as a cat. A soaking wet cat, but one nonetheless. He drew out his sword and his pistol- the one Captain Saunders gave him the day earlier.
'Guard it with your life, Jacky Boy', Saunders said seriously. 'It saved my life a few times; perhaps it will do the same for you. Watch your back now.'
Jack smiled, remembering how proud he felt that the Captain entrusted him with something he valued. Then it registered that he called him "Jacky Boy" and Jack became royally pissed, to Saunders' utter amusement. Jack brought his thoughts back to the present and listened carefully for any movement from the cabins below. He couldn't hear anything, so he crept along, coming up from behind on the two new guards. He brought up the hilt of his sword and the pistol and clobbered them both on the back of the head. They fell to the ground, knocked out.
"What's going on-" A guard asked, coming up from inside. His eyes widened as he saw Jack and his hand immediately went for his weapon.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you, Mate." Jack said smiling, his pistol aimed between the guard's eyes. The guard put both arms in the air and slowly backed up. "There's a good lad, keep quiet now." Jack smiled at him and took out a piece of rope, tying the man up and gogging him. "Keep quiet and don't go anywhere." He slapped the man gently on the cheek and went below.
He heard noise coming from the crew cabin and approached it carefully. From what he could hear the men were in good spirits, probably been drinking. He smiled to himself and went inside, his gun drawn.
"Don't anybody move," Jack warned the startled men, as he pointed his gun at each in turn. "Now play nice and no one gets hurt, Savvy?" The men nodded, their hands raised. Jack put his sword away, keeping the pistol aimed at them and taking out more rope. "Do us a favor," he told one of them, throwing the rope at him. "Tie up your mates here."
The man nodded and started to shakily tie up his friends. Jack was beginning to think this was the easiest job he ever did, when a shattering pain in his head knocked him out. Over him stood one of the guards that came off the shift a little while ago.
"I saw him loitering around earlier, I had a bad feeling." The guard said, as he returned his pistol. "It's a good thing I returned when I did." He bent over Jack and took a handful of hair, lifting his head up. "He seemed familiar..."
"That's Sparrow- the Pirate Javier Gonzales is after!" One of the guards said in awe. "I saw his drawing- Gonzales is willing to pay dearly for him- alive."
"A pirate, eh?" The Lieutenant said, smirking. "Take his weapons and throw him down below."
"But there's no room, sir," one of the guards argued.
"Put him in with the coals," the Lieutenant said. "He wanted them so badly, he should be with them."
Several of the men laughed, as they pulled the unconscious pirate out of the room.
"Oh and Peter-" The Lieutenant told the one that clobbered Jack. "-Make sure Mr. Sparrow knows what we do to Pirates around here." Peter nodded, smiling viciously, as he went after Jack. "We need to send word to Javier Gonzales, let him know we have... Precious cargo he might be willing to trade for."
*
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Jack yelled as the scolding metal pressed against his skin. He could smell his skin sizzling and was sick to his stomach. He was woken up disoriented a few minutes ago and was held down by three guards. Now, however, he was wide-awake. He tried to breath, but all he could feel was the searing pain in his arm, as if his skin was melting. After what seemed like forever they drew away the metal and he was staring at an angry backwards "P".
"That's "P" for Pirate, in case you were wondering," one of the guards said, enjoying himself. "It's how we... welcome the likes of you."
Jack tried to smirk, but it came out a sigh. "Seems an awful lot of trouble, if you plan on killing me."
"Oh, I wouldn't dream of touching a hair on you," Peter said grinning. Jack nearly sighed with relief, but what came next chilled him to the bone. "Why dirty my hands when Captain Javier Gonzales is willing to pay great sums to get his on you." He motioned the guards to take Jack away and said after him: "I bet by the time he's through with you you'll wish I'd have taken you out of your misery." Jack could still hear the man's laughter as he was thrown back into the cabin with the coal, his arm throbbing, his head hurting and his heart beating wildly.
*END PART 9*
Author's note: Hey ya'll! Sorry this took a while, it's been hectic with graduation and all! But I got some time off, so I'm gonna try and write more often! Not every two weeks, mind you, but often! Also, sorry Will and Elizabeth (and Bill and Saunders) don't have a big part, but they will pretty soon.
Katana- I hate broken computers, mine gives me problems once a month and we have to bring it in to be repaired... Hope you keep enjoying, the reason why it takes me time to write is mostly thinking about the flashbacks and their connection with the story line. Plus the Sleepy Hollow scenes don't write themselves!
claire- Ermm... What tribute? LOL, maybe it's my subconscious placing tributes to that movie... Sands... LOL
Always-a-kiwi- Hope the Kitkat Chunky was good! LOL, Chocolate rush! I'm glad you like the idea, I thought I was crazy at first, but hey!
IST- Sorry about the "movie-like feel", my fault in writing. It means a lot to hear you think I've got my characters down to a tee, considering the story line and background I'd have thought my imagination would get the better of me and be too much "out of character". Hope you'll still enjoy the action and intrigue I've got in store...
Bluekrystal1- Ahoy there! Welcome aboard! An ingenious idea for a cross over? Wow, thanx, you're too kind. I always do appreciate praises for my writing, you're definitely gotten on my good side! I updated!
Jckidsmart - I updated!
Ivy
"The Headless Horseman," Jack said angrily. "He struck again." Jack winced at the panic that the statement brought on, and so he said: "Calm down! It'll be daybreak in less than an hour; we must all stay in this room, together! Make sure all your loved ones are near and stay away from the windows! You there-" He pointed in the vague direction of several men. "- Help me barricade the window. He may not be able to approach, but his aim is dead on."
There was a rush of actions as several men started to drag isles towards the windows, and other heavy objects. Beth went over to Jack and asked: "You said the Horseman struck again-"
"There is no need for your expertise," Jack said tiredly. "He's dead."
"who did he get?" The men suddenly remembered to ask, being busy with keeping their family safe. They kept searching frantically for everyone they knew, trying to see who was missing.
Jack's eyes searched the room until they found who they were looking for. Jack sighed and walked with a heavy stride to the confused and fearful Freddy Masbath.
"Captain, Sir," Freddy said, looking around the room. "I can't find my father. I know that he went with you to the back room, did you see where did he go off to?" The look in Freddy's eyes was so pitiful, Jack actually felt sorry for him.
"I'm sorry, Lad." Jack said, as he put a hand on his shoulder. "He got your old man." He turned to the crowd and said out loud: "The Horseman killed Jonathan Masbath." Murmurs and gasps ensued, along with sobbing and shouting. Freddy looked up at him with tears brimming in his eyes, silently pleading: No!
"No," Freddy said, shaking his head. "He can't be de- He CAN'T BE!" His voice border lining on Hysteria.
"Look, Kid-" Jack said, trying to think of something to say, but Freddy backed away and ran across the room.
"Stay inside this room!" He yelled over the crowd. "Oh why do I bother?!" Jack threw his hands up in the air and ran after the retreating youth.
*
"Clara? Clara?" Beth searched for her daughter in the ensuing panic, which was beginning to quiet down. She bumped into Will and asked him: "Have you seen my daughter?"
"I don't think so," Will said slowly. "When did you see her last?"
"She was right here a few minutes ago, then..." Beth shrugged her shoulders. She continued to scan the room until she found her. "There she is!" She rushed over to her daughter, filled with sudden relief and hugged her tightly. "Where were you? I was so worried!"
"I'm sorry, mother," Clara apologized. "I was at the back of the room, checking to see if anyone needed any aid."
Beth had to smile at that, her daughter always loved helping others. "Just stay close to me, the last thing I want is for anything to happen to you." She placed her arm on Clara's shoulder in a half embrace and led her back to the center of the room. The men were almost done barricading the windows, and most of the people were huddled low on the floor. Clara and Beth walked around together, as close to the ground as possible and continued to treat the sick and the injured.
*
"Mary? Where did that imbecile child go?" Katrina asked herself exasperated. Sometimes her daughter was just too much to handle, causing her to lose her patience and go insane with worry. She asked several people if they've seen her, and one of Connolly's pupils said he said Mary and Master Connolly at the corner, talking. Katrina scanned the corner thoroughly, but so no sign of her daughter and the schoolmaster.
It was not a secret that the two were friendly, and would often walk around together, talking and laughing. Katrina had no problem with her daughter enjoying his company; she did however make it explicitly clear that nothing more should come from it. Her Husband wasted every penny her family ever had, and in order to ensure Mary's future, Katrina wanted her to marry a wealthy, preferably older man. Besides, schoolmasters are not to be trusted, greedy and shrewd, she was not going to allow her daughter to be entangled with one, like she was.
She was about to search the rest of the room when she heard a muffled noise coming from the other room. She walked over to the old oak door and looked around nervously, trying to find a weapon of some sorts. She grabbed a candlestick and placed her shaking hand on the handle. She took a deep breath, before opening the door swiftly and swinging blindly with the candlestick. It was only a moment later, when the figure fell to the floor did her mind registered the scene before her. There was Mary, crouching on the floor by schoolmaster Connolly and staring daggers at her mother. The two of them were alone, in a dark secluded room, and Mary obviously had feelings for Connolly. Just great.
"Mother!" Mary said horrified. "You hurt him!"
"What exactly were you two doing?" Katrina asked coldly, glancing at Connolly to make sure he wasn't too injured. He seemed to be on the mends, so she kept her focus on her daughter.
"We were going to tell you tonight," School Master Daniel Connolly said, wincing as he touched the bump on his head. "We thought the party would be the perfect timing to-"
"Tell me what?" Katrina asked, feeling her anger boiling over. She had a feeling she knew what was coming.
"Mother," Mary said, helping schoolmaster Connolly to his feet. "Daniel and I are getting married."
"What?!" Katrina nearly shouted, before gaining control over her outrage. This was NOT happening to her! Not after all the planning she put into the party, to make sure the right people saw her daughter. People who would make sure Mary would never know poverty and hunger, but would become one of the wealthiest wives in the town. Now this insufferable schoolmaster was going to ruin everything!
"We've been seeing one another for quite some time," Mary explained, smiling at her fiancé. "Daniel and I think it's time we-"
"Was this your idea or HIS?" Katrina spat, her eyes on Connolly. "We are practically broke, in case you didn't know, you won't see a dime out of this marriage."
"I don't care," Connolly said indignantly, standing besides Mary, his arm draped around her waist. "We are in love, and that's all that matters."
"This conversation is not over," Katrina warned her daughter. "Now we must gather in the main hall, there's been another murder- Jonathan Masbath was killed." She opened up the door and waited for the two to leave the room.
"Masbath?" Mary asked, shocked. "But how? I thought the Horseman couldn't enter the sacred grounds of the Church." She left the room, followed by Connolly.
Katrina looked at the two for a while, her disgust evident. "Apparently, losing his head did not prevent him from using it- I think he threw something through the window at Masbath." Katrina said darkly as she slammed the door after her.
*
"Boy?" Jack asked tentatively, as he entered an adjacent room. "Are you in here?"
"Go away." Said a quiet little voice in between sobs. Jack wondered what exactly did he intend to do, as he walked over to the location of the voice. There in a corner, between old and dusty sheets, was a distraught Frederick Masbath. His cheeks and nose were red and he had long tear tracks going down his face.
"Was that an order?" Jack raised an eyebrow. "Nobody orders Jack Sparrow around."
"CAPTAIN Jack Sparrow," Freddy corrected, a sad little smile on his lips.
Jack slapped his head as if he forgot. "Aye, you be right! See, by ordering me to go away, you made me want to stay just to spite."
"What if I asked you nicely?" Freddy asked, wiping away several tears.
Jack sat down against the wall next to him and shook his head. "No, won't work. If I listened to pleas and begging, what kind of a Pirate would I be?"
Freddy tried to smile, but failed miserably. He sighed and looked straight ahead. "Why?"
"Why? Because if I granted a pardon to every-"
"No," Freddy said, now looking straight at Jack. "Why did my father have to die?"
"I don't know yet," Jack said, his mood sober. "But I intend to find out."
"Did he suffer?" Freddy asked as his eyes teared up again.
"No," Jack said quickly. "He died instantly, it was probably too quick to register, and I doubt he felt anything."
Freddy nodded and gazed down at his hands. "Is there a body?"
"The horseman pulled him out the window. Come morning we may find one outside." Jack explained nervously. He did not intend to comfort the boy, Pirates are emotionless and savage- they massacre entire villages. Jack had always been a little soft, especially towards women and children, but if he tried to be... Nice to this boy, who knows what will he allow himself to do next. No, he had to be tough and just get the boy to go back inside. That's what he'll do, he'll threaten him- say that he'll rip out his spleen if he doesn't-
"It was just us for almost five years now," Freddy said longingly. "My mother was sick for years and even before she passed away my father was the one who took care of me." Freddy wiped his eyes dry, before looking at Jack curiously. "Do you have any parents, Captain Sparrow?"
Jack contemplated lying to him, but decided to settle on the truth. "No," Jack said, stroking his beard, trying to remember. "I never knew my father, and my mother left me when I was around your age."
"I miss him." Freddy said tiredly. "I don't remember what she looks like- my mother. I don't want that to happen to my father, I don't want to forget his face."
Jack didn't know what to say. They were treading down an emotional path completely foreign to him and it made him uneasy.
"I hate being stuck in this stupid Church," Freddy said, kicking an empty plate away. "Even if it is only till morning."
"This is nothing," Jack shrugged it off, grinning. "Why- I was once locked up in a room half this size in a ship for two weeks with barely any food or water or even oxygen to sustain me." Jack bragged.
"It must have been terrible," Freddy said emphatically. "I'm sorry."
Jack nearly bit his tongue. This was a grand story! Sure it was a horrible experience he would prefer not to have again, but now, looking back and adding a few extra details it could make a grand adventure. This boy was looking at it all wrong, but better have him think of Jack's misery than his own. "It wasn't pleasant, I agree, but 'what doesn't kill you makes you stronger'. Now, enough wallowing in self pity. You can mope about your woes all you want- which you are entitled to do of course- or you can help bring the killer to justice."
"Me?" Freddy asked confused. "What can *I* do?"
"You father knew something- that's why he was offed. He may not have figured out the "whom" but he did figure out the "why". Unfortunately, he didn't make much sense- so I need you help to sort it all out. Now," Jack leaned closer and whispered. "You can't tell anyone you're helping me, this has to be discreet."
"Why?" Freddy asked curiously.
"I'll tell you in a moment, first we have to find The Turners-"
"There you are!" Will said, as he opened the door, followed closely by his wife.
"Speaking of the devil and her husband," Jack muttered under his breath and motioned for them to be quiet and come in. Will closed the door after them and they sat on the floor next to Jack and Freddy.
"Elizabeth and I have been searching through this entire Church for you." Will whispered. His eyes found Freddy's and softened immediately. "I'm sorry for your loss," he said gently. "I was a bit younger than you when I lost my mother."
Freddy rolled his eyes and glanced at Jack. "I swear if one more person tells me about their morbid childhood..."
Elizabeth smiled confusedly and squeezed his shoulder. "Well, I won't tell you about losing my mother, then. How are you holding up?"
"Better than that Horseman when I get my hands on him," Masbath said coolly.
"It's not the Horseman you should be angry at," Jack said quietly, peering at the door. "It's whomever sent him."
"What do you mean?" Freddy asked, puzzled. "And what did you mean when you said my father didn't know who sent the Horseman?"
"Someone is controlling the Horseman, I know that for a fact." Jack said, glancing at his three companions. "And that someone is out there in the hall."
"WHAT?!" All three yelled at the same time and were immediately 'shhhhh'ed by Jack.
"They must have overheard Masbath when he approached me, might have even eavesdropped on our private conversation. You see, until tonight, there was no reason to kill Masbath, none that I know of. Most of the deceased were children and a few adults- most of them the parents, from what I gathered. Masbath had nothing to do with any of it- until he found out why the Headless Horseman started this killing spree."
"Why did he start the killing spree?" Elizabeth asked, glancing suspiciously at the door as if sensing someone behind it.
"I don't know," Jack admitted, annoyed. "He was mumbling something I couldn't understand- something about rumors and children and old Mr. Van Brunt and his Will..." He turned to Freddy. "Does any of this make any sense to you?"
"Not all of it," Freddy said, thinking. "But I can ask around, see what rumors were running around about the deceased. I'm the son- well now I guess I'm the Inn-keeper, I have an ear for gossip and people don't suspect me."
"Good," Jack said, giving him a small smile. "Start tomorrow morning, but don't make it too obvious, you don't want to attract attention."
"I won't," Freddy said determinedly, a feeling of pride settling in. "I'll get you what you need, you can count on that."
"Get back inside," Jack told him. "And don't talk to anyone about this."
Freddy nodded and got up to leave. He paused and said: "The head. Everyone knows that whoever has the horseman's head controls him- he can't rest in peace without it." Masbath left thoughtfully, closing the door after him.
"I think it's great that you're allowing him to help," Elizabeth smiled at Jack warmly. "The poor boy..."
"Don't share information with him," Jack said seriously. "Jonathan Masbath may not have known who sent the horseman, but he did have suspects. Namely the Van Brunts and the children of the town."
"Surely you don't think-" Will started.
"I try not to, it gives me a headache." Jack said with a grin, before saying seriously. "I think it's highly unlikely, but I'm not ruling him out. For the right motive, one might kill their own parents, so I'll keep my eye on him. Come morning we'll start our own investigation, try and figure out what all of the deceased had in common and who would benefit from their deaths."
"Yes," Will sighed heavily. "I can't begin to understand how anyone could murder harmless children."
"I hope you never do, Mate." Jack said tightly. "The day you do, you'll be able to excuse such an act. Now," he clasped his hands together. "We go out there and try to survive the little time we have until dawn." He smirked and put on a squeaky little voice. "Because 'everyone knows-'"
"-'That he can't be out in day'," all three of them completed, chuckling as they went back to the main room, but not forgetting for an instant to be on their guard at all times. There was a killer amongst them.
* "I think it's dawn," Will said quietly, gently waking up Elizabeth and Jack. Jack stretched from where he was sitting and noticed there was a head resting on his shoulder. His eyebrows rose when he saw it was Freddy Masbath and he gave Will a miserable look.
"I think you are his new hero," Will chuckled, as he got up carefully and crept towards the window. Jack gently removed the sleeping head from his shoulder and joined Will near the barricaded window. They both peeled away the Isles and objects in front of the window, and peered outside. It was indeed after dawn and the horseman was nowhere to be found. Will and Jack smiled at each other as they returned from the window and joined Elizabeth.
Elizabeth smiled gratefully and looked at the sleeping Church. "Do you think we should wake them up? They look so peaceful, I'd hate to-"
"AHOY THERE LADLUBBERS!!" Jack bellowed, instantly waking up half of the Church. He smirked to himself and continued in his normal voice. "The sun is rising and the Horseman is no where to be found- I think it's safe for ye all to come out now." There was a rustling of movement as everyone hurried towards to entrance to leave. Jack frowned and sniffed himself and shrugged. He didn't smell too bad; he wondered what made them all flee. He waited with Will and Elizabeth for everyone to leave, trying to find anyone who looked suspicious.
"First thing in the morning," Freddy said fiercely. "You'll see, drop by the Inn around midday, I may have something for you." Jack nodded his head and the youth disappeared, presumably to either take care of the Inn, or look for his father's body.
"You look like hell," Jack smiled kindly at Katrina Van Brunt, and was rewarded with a snort.
"This has been an eventful evening," she sighed, as she watched her daughter walking away with Connolly. "The Horseman ruins my daughter's party, an innocent child is murdered right in front of my eyes, and to top it all- my daughter is engaged to a schoolmaster. Would you believe it?"
"Aye," Jack said grinning. "Imagine a daughter of yours with a schoolmaster. Funny, isn't it?"
"Well now you are officially invited to the wedding, if any of us shall live to see it," Katrina teased, trying to straighten her hair. What she needed right about now was a long bath...
"Thank you kindly," Jack bowed. "But with my stroke of luck, I think I'll miss the most celebrated occasion- I always do."
"What do you mean?" Will asked Jack confused, as Katrina went off in the direction of town. "I thought you attended my parents' wedding?" Elizabeth listened intently to the conversation, her curiosity getting the better of her.
"I was supposed to," Jack sighed and scratched his wounded chest. "But I was somewhat.... Delayed."
*~*
"Make sure you're not delayed," Bill warned Jack, as they walked down the streets of Madras. "Or I swear to God we'll start without you."
Jack rolled his eyes. "I already said-"
"Promise me," Bill stopped and looked him straight in the eye. "I want you, to look me in the eye, and promise me you will NOT be late or otherwise absent from my wedding."
"Bill old boy," Jack said, resting his arm around Bill's shoulder and escorting him back to the Pearl. "I wouldn't miss it for the world! I still can't believe you're tying the knot with Claudia-"
"CHRISTINA!" Bill said exasperated for the hundredth time. "Honestly Jack, will you EVER remember her name? Or any other for that matter?"
Jack shrugged, hiding a grin. "Aye, I'll do my best to remember it by your wedding day... When is it again?"
"JACK!"
"Just joking with you mate," Jack chuckled, as he walked back into town. "You really need to get yourself a sense of humor, before you bore the lass away."
"I'll keep that in mind," Bill rolled his eyes and sighed, smiling. Jack really was something, he knew EXACTLY how to get under your skin, making it impossible to decide whether you wanted to clubber him or buy him a drink. This was perfect; everything was going to be perfect, Bill just knew it. They were going to get married on the Pearl in two weeks time, with his friends- actually, more like his family. Captain Saunders was like a father to him and Jack... Jack was like a loony older brother. The rest of the crew... Well, they were more like obnoxious pets.
"Don't be late, Jack," Bill whispered, as he hopped back on the ship. He was starting to have a bad feeling, settling in the pit of his stomach. "Don't be late..."
*
Jack kept watch over the East India Trading Company's ship. As far as he knew, there were all kinds of goods onboard this ship- cottons, silks, indigo, coals, saltpeter- you name it, they've got it. He figured if there were many guards he'd loot them at night and wrestle himself a vessel. If there weren't many guards... Well, then he'd commandeer the ship and arrive to Bill's wedding with style. And richer than rich, probably even give them a generous wedding gift. Jack stayed around the dock area and took notes in his head about guard shifts and numbers. There was a change of shift tonight at eleven, two men inside, four outside. It should be the perfect opportunity. Jack smiled as he walked area, whistling. This was going to be a piece of cake...
Jack fingered his sword and took a deep breath. As far as he knew there were only six at all time, but for some reason he was nervous. He should have postponed this until Captain Saunders and Bill could join him. Unfortunately, they had some information regarding some Aztec gold that got the Captain all wired up. Captain Saunders' eyes literally lit up when he heard about it, but wouldn't explain why. Jack shrugged, thinking perhaps the old man has lost it, going after bits of information when right here there was a chance to get some REAL gold.
Jack's boat was nearby in case he needed to make a quick getaway, and everything seemed in place. He only had one shot at this, the ship was sailing tomorrow morning. The guards' shift was over, right on time, and the new ones just arrived. Jack quietly got off the dock and into the water, diving under and swimming towards the ship. He got up from the other end of the ship and watched as the guards switched. He drew himself on board, silent and graceful as a cat. A soaking wet cat, but one nonetheless. He drew out his sword and his pistol- the one Captain Saunders gave him the day earlier.
'Guard it with your life, Jacky Boy', Saunders said seriously. 'It saved my life a few times; perhaps it will do the same for you. Watch your back now.'
Jack smiled, remembering how proud he felt that the Captain entrusted him with something he valued. Then it registered that he called him "Jacky Boy" and Jack became royally pissed, to Saunders' utter amusement. Jack brought his thoughts back to the present and listened carefully for any movement from the cabins below. He couldn't hear anything, so he crept along, coming up from behind on the two new guards. He brought up the hilt of his sword and the pistol and clobbered them both on the back of the head. They fell to the ground, knocked out.
"What's going on-" A guard asked, coming up from inside. His eyes widened as he saw Jack and his hand immediately went for his weapon.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you, Mate." Jack said smiling, his pistol aimed between the guard's eyes. The guard put both arms in the air and slowly backed up. "There's a good lad, keep quiet now." Jack smiled at him and took out a piece of rope, tying the man up and gogging him. "Keep quiet and don't go anywhere." He slapped the man gently on the cheek and went below.
He heard noise coming from the crew cabin and approached it carefully. From what he could hear the men were in good spirits, probably been drinking. He smiled to himself and went inside, his gun drawn.
"Don't anybody move," Jack warned the startled men, as he pointed his gun at each in turn. "Now play nice and no one gets hurt, Savvy?" The men nodded, their hands raised. Jack put his sword away, keeping the pistol aimed at them and taking out more rope. "Do us a favor," he told one of them, throwing the rope at him. "Tie up your mates here."
The man nodded and started to shakily tie up his friends. Jack was beginning to think this was the easiest job he ever did, when a shattering pain in his head knocked him out. Over him stood one of the guards that came off the shift a little while ago.
"I saw him loitering around earlier, I had a bad feeling." The guard said, as he returned his pistol. "It's a good thing I returned when I did." He bent over Jack and took a handful of hair, lifting his head up. "He seemed familiar..."
"That's Sparrow- the Pirate Javier Gonzales is after!" One of the guards said in awe. "I saw his drawing- Gonzales is willing to pay dearly for him- alive."
"A pirate, eh?" The Lieutenant said, smirking. "Take his weapons and throw him down below."
"But there's no room, sir," one of the guards argued.
"Put him in with the coals," the Lieutenant said. "He wanted them so badly, he should be with them."
Several of the men laughed, as they pulled the unconscious pirate out of the room.
"Oh and Peter-" The Lieutenant told the one that clobbered Jack. "-Make sure Mr. Sparrow knows what we do to Pirates around here." Peter nodded, smiling viciously, as he went after Jack. "We need to send word to Javier Gonzales, let him know we have... Precious cargo he might be willing to trade for."
*
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Jack yelled as the scolding metal pressed against his skin. He could smell his skin sizzling and was sick to his stomach. He was woken up disoriented a few minutes ago and was held down by three guards. Now, however, he was wide-awake. He tried to breath, but all he could feel was the searing pain in his arm, as if his skin was melting. After what seemed like forever they drew away the metal and he was staring at an angry backwards "P".
"That's "P" for Pirate, in case you were wondering," one of the guards said, enjoying himself. "It's how we... welcome the likes of you."
Jack tried to smirk, but it came out a sigh. "Seems an awful lot of trouble, if you plan on killing me."
"Oh, I wouldn't dream of touching a hair on you," Peter said grinning. Jack nearly sighed with relief, but what came next chilled him to the bone. "Why dirty my hands when Captain Javier Gonzales is willing to pay great sums to get his on you." He motioned the guards to take Jack away and said after him: "I bet by the time he's through with you you'll wish I'd have taken you out of your misery." Jack could still hear the man's laughter as he was thrown back into the cabin with the coal, his arm throbbing, his head hurting and his heart beating wildly.
*END PART 9*
Author's note: Hey ya'll! Sorry this took a while, it's been hectic with graduation and all! But I got some time off, so I'm gonna try and write more often! Not every two weeks, mind you, but often! Also, sorry Will and Elizabeth (and Bill and Saunders) don't have a big part, but they will pretty soon.
Katana- I hate broken computers, mine gives me problems once a month and we have to bring it in to be repaired... Hope you keep enjoying, the reason why it takes me time to write is mostly thinking about the flashbacks and their connection with the story line. Plus the Sleepy Hollow scenes don't write themselves!
claire- Ermm... What tribute? LOL, maybe it's my subconscious placing tributes to that movie... Sands... LOL
Always-a-kiwi- Hope the Kitkat Chunky was good! LOL, Chocolate rush! I'm glad you like the idea, I thought I was crazy at first, but hey!
IST- Sorry about the "movie-like feel", my fault in writing. It means a lot to hear you think I've got my characters down to a tee, considering the story line and background I'd have thought my imagination would get the better of me and be too much "out of character". Hope you'll still enjoy the action and intrigue I've got in store...
Bluekrystal1- Ahoy there! Welcome aboard! An ingenious idea for a cross over? Wow, thanx, you're too kind. I always do appreciate praises for my writing, you're definitely gotten on my good side! I updated!
Jckidsmart - I updated!
Ivy