Author's note: Since won't let me use stars, I'm using SSSS between
scenes and SS to indicate flashback.
SSSS
"Alive?" Will said slowly, still dazed. "Bootstrap Bill... My father?"
"Aye," Saunders said heavily, sitting down and staring at the sky. "He be it."
"My father's alive?" Will asked, feeling numb all over. He sat down, his mind rushing with a million thoughts and yet feeling completely empty. "But... How?"
"That be a question best addressed to him," Saunders said smiling. "No doubt he'd spin a tale of wrestling some beast in the bottom of the ocean- a shark perhaps?"
"A swordfish," Will said smiling, as he played along. "He used the snout to cut through his chains."
"But how would that cut through metal?" Saunders wondered.
"It was probably rusty," Will explained. "You know, from being under water for so long?"
"Perhaps," Saunders nodded. "It be a grand tale, I'll bet my life on it."
"My father's alive," Will sighed. "How long has he been..? When did he escape?"
"A few weeks before the curse was lifted I reckon," Saunders said. "It's not quite clear."
"How do you know? Who told you? Did you see him?" Will asked question after question in a rapid pace.
"I did not see him with me bare eyes, no," Saunders said, glancing at the sleeping figures. "But I did hear from a reliable source that he was spotted near Tortuga, asking questions about the Pearl and Barbossa. The Pirate swore on his mother's grave that it was Bootstrap Bill returning from the grave, and I believe him."
"Perhaps he was lying? No offence, but a Pirate's word..." Will shrugged.
"I know," Saunders said. "I didn't believe him myself until old Bill himself sent word to me, asking to meet me in two weeks time from now. It was his style, his writing- it was he."
"I don't know what to say," Will admitted, still in a state of shock. "I don't know what to think."
"We'll need to leave as soon as possible if we are to meet him in time," Saunders said gravely. "Give it some thought, but not too much, we leave as soon as these landlubbers are back in Sleepy Hollow."
"Will Jack come?" Will asked, feeling excitement and trepidation.
"It's up to Jack, once we're on dry land I'll tell him the news as well. He'll have to make up his mind mighty quickly."
"If we leave, what will become of the town?" Will asked, his gaze drifting to the sleeping forms. "We gave them our word."
"A pirate's word?" Saunders snorted. "Get some sleep lad, think it over for a while." Saunders petted him on the shoulder, before going to the crew's quarters and making himself comfortable.
"Are you sure you won't be more comfortable in the Captain's quarters?" Will asked nervously.
"There are ladies in there," Saunders huffed. "It wouldn't be proper."
Will smiled and "tsk"ed Saunders. "Since when do Pirates care about "proper"?"
"I'd go to sleep and shut your yap, if you don't want to figure out yourself how Bill escaped from Davy Jones' locker." Saunders growled.
"Goodnight," Will said with a smile, as he made himself comfortable, though he had no intentions of sleeping. He would probably go to the deck later to keep watch. The sea was calm and the anchor was cast, but Will knew he'd be getting little to no sleep this night, he might as well be useful. "Saunders?" Will asked hesitantly, before receiving a grunt as a reply.
"I have no idea who he is, my father that is." Will said, feeling uncomfortable.
"I believe you've just answered your own question."
"No, I mean... I don't even remember his face- he was barely around when I was a child and he disappeared when I was eight..." Will sighed audibly. "I was convinced he was a merchant sailor, I had no idea he was a Pirate. I just wonder-"
"If anything you heard or thought you knew about him was true?" Saunders ventured sleepily, turning to look at Will.
"Yes," Will said miserably.
"I guess you'll find out when you meet him yourself." Saunders said finally, before saying goodnight and going to sleep.
Will stared out the window at the vast sea. "I guess I will."
SSSS
"Stop that! Don't touch that! Give me that!" Jack ran frantically around, wondering why it was that all the children were gathered on HIS ship. He was trying desperately to keep his beauty in one piece, while the little monsters ran around, thinking that the mast was a climbing pole and the helm a spinning wheel.
"ELIZABETH!" Jack growled, tearing through the crew's quarters. "You're a woman, go take care of those children."
"I beg your pardon?" Elizabeth asked with a snort. "I'm not their nanny, they have mothers for that."
"Aye, but it seems all the ladies of the town have fallen asleep, reeking of rum, knocked out for the night. You wouldn't happen to KNOW why they are so tired, would you?" Jack asked threatening.
"I got the information we needed," Elizabeth said hesitantly, worried about the women. "They'll be alright, won't they?"
"They'll be alright, a bit of a headache in the morning, perhaps some sickness. The question is- will they still be MOTHERS in the morning, or will their children have an accident and fall overboard?" Jack said with an evil glint in his eye.
"You wouldn't," Elizabeth said warningly.
"Watch me, love," Jack grinned as he strode purposely out of the quarters.
"Yes, he would," Elizabeth sighed, as she rushed on deck. "JACK! Wait!" She called frantically. Jack spun around and raised an eyebrow. "I'll... I'll take care of them, why don't you get some rest."
"What a brilliant idea," Jack said with a satisfied smile. "Masbath- watch the helm, make sure none of these... Children decide to weigh anchor and sail my ship."
"You don't really think they could do that, sir?" Masbath asked worried, glancing at the wild children.
"They are little devils in disguise," Jack said seriously, glancing suspiciously at the children. "I'd sleep with an eye open if I were ye." He said before shutting himself in the Captain's quarters.
Elizabeth looked nervously about her, at the wild, running and screaming children. "Would... Does anyone want to hear a story?" She asked hopefully, putting on a brave smile.
"NO!" The children yelled laughing, as they played with the mop and bucket, pretending to be pirates.
"I'm sure you're all very tired after the VERY long day you had," Elizabeth said through gritted teeth, keeping the false smile on. "Why don't we all go to sleep?"
"She's a landlubber! Tie the landlubber up!" A kid yelled, pointing at Elizabeth. Elizabeth's eyes widened and she closed herself in the kitchen, before the rascals with the rope reached her. Where did they find rope? Elizabeth looked around the kitchen and decided the safest thing for her to do would be to spend the night here. She tried to make herself comfortable on the floor, leaning her head on a sack of potatoes, when she felt something large hit her back. She turned around and found a barrel of rum. She rolled over and inched away from the barrel, before an idea struck her. She smiled evilly as she took the rum out and started pouring it into cups.
"Oh children!"
SSSS
"Good morning Jack," Elizabeth brightly, when Jack finally came out of his cabin, a bit after sunrise.
"You're suspiciously cheery," Jack said, looking about. "What did you do with those devils, I can't hear them... Did you cast them overboard?" Jack asked hopefully.
"No, there were no castings overboard, thank you," Elizabeth said with a sigh. "They are all still fast asleep."
"Oh, and how did you manage that feat?" Jack asked, glancing at the sleeping figures.
"What can I say, all it takes is a woman's touch." Elizabeth boasted proudly.
"I see," Jack nodded his head seriously and yawned. "So I take it we have no rum left at all."
"None," Elizabeth admitted tiredly. They were both startled when they heard a rustle and saw Clara shifting where she sat, obviously not asleep.
"Oh, that poor thing!" Elizabeth whispered, as they watched her sob silently.
"She's been like that for hours," Masbath said from behind them. "I don't think she slept at all."
"Someone should go over and talk to her, while we sail back," Elizabeth said, looking pointedly at Jack.
"Me?" Jack said pouting. "Why ME?"
"Because I took care of the children last night-"
"You've made them all addicted to rum at a tender age." Jack argued.
"Nevertheless," Elizabeth said with a shrug. "I did take care of THAT problem and besides," she whispered so Masbath couldn't hear. "You've had this type of talk before, I wouldn't know what to say or do."
"There's no guide lines for these talks," Jack said rolling his eyes. "And she could use your "woman's touch"."
"You mean I should get her drunk?" Elizabeth asked appalled.
"No, I meant being a woman and soft and all, but I could see how your idea might work."
"I will NOT let her drink her pain away, it will do nothing to ease it tomorrow."
"Ah, but tomorrow we shall not have to comfort her," Jack pointed out.
"JACK!"
"Alright!" Jack said, lowering his voice. "Truth be told, she scares me."
"What?" Elizabeth asked laughing. "The notorious Captain Jack Sparrow... Afraid of a little girl?"
"I'm not afraid of HER," Jack said, glancing at the girl. "It's just.... I just... I can't stand tears."
"What?" Elizabeth asked confused.
"I can't stand when a woman cries!" Jack said miserably. "And that girl is crying, so I will not come anywhere near her." He edged away, going to the helm. "I'll take us to Sleepy Hollow, you take care of her." He said before disappearing.
""Unbelievable," Elizabeth said, shaking her head, before walking towards Clara with obvious trepidation. "Hi," she said nervously to Clara with a soft smile. "It's a bit chilly outside, wouldn't you be warmer inside?"
"I'm fine, thank you," Clara said quietly, as she wiped her eyes. Elizabeth sat down next to her and wrapped her arms around herself, waiting for Clara to speak first. After a few uncomfortable moments, when it became obvious that Clara did not intend to speak, Elizabeth racked her brains and tried to come up with something to say to start a conversation. She came up with nothing. "I'm sorry for your loss," was all she managed to say with a slight shrug. "How are you?"
"Tired," Clara said with a slight chuckle. "Numb, I really don't know yet. My mom... She is- was- everything to me. And now..."
"Now you feel all alone and scared," Masbath said, sitting down and joining the conversation. "I know how you feel." Elizabeth silently thanked him with her eyes for helping her.
"Yes," Clara nodded, looking at him as though through a new light. Suddenly she seemed to be pained and she glanced away.
"What's wrong?" Elizabeth asked worriedly. "Are you hurt?"
"No," Clara said quickly, not looking at them. "I just... I feel so overwhelmed with..."
"Grief?" Elizabeth ventured.
"Guilt," Clara said with a sigh, as she fidgeted on the cool wooden deck. Masbath nodded as though it was an obvious sentiment and Elizabeth frowned.
"Why would you feel guilty? You did not kill her, the Horseman did." Elizabeth asked, before she could stop herself. She immediately regretted it and was about to apologize when Clara spoke up.
"It's not that," Clara said, glancing quickly at Elizabeth and then staring again into space. "I feel guilty... About other things. She raised me on her own, did you know that? It was always just the two of us and she had to work constantly to support us- to support me! And did I ever appreciate it? No, I was spoiled and always concentrated on what I DON'T have, rather than what I have- had." She finished miserably. "She didn't deserve this-"
"None of them did," Masbath said hotly. "They were all innocent."
"I know, I didn't mean..." Clara said quickly, before sighing and sagging back. "I just meant that she dedicated her life to helping others, to saving lives. She was such a good person- not that Jonathan Masbath wasn't." She added hastily.
"I know, I'm just... A little touchy," Masbath said shrugging. "Us orphans we need to stick together."
"Yes we do," Clara said with a small laugh, as she smiled gratefully at the two of them. "Thank you, I don't deserve your friendship."
"Of course you do, don't be silly," Elizabeth said, draping an arm across her shoulder and squeezing. "I lost my mother when I was very young, I don't even remember her face clearly."
"He'll pay," Masbath said suddenly, with a force in his voice. "The Horseman and whoever sent him are going to die for what they did to us."
"Yes," Clara said, staring into space. "Yes, they will."
SSS
Jack set course for Sleepy Hollow and left the helm in Masbath's capable hands. The boy was a quick study, that much was for certain, and one day perhaps he would be a good sailor. Or Pirate. Either way, he wouldn't start on the Pearl, not as long as Jack was Captain. He saw the looks Elizabeth gave him every time Freddy did something right the first time around, without questioning or asking for clarifications. It was a pleading look to help the poor boy out.
"Sorry mate, this be it a ship, not a charity." Jack muttered to himself, as he walked towards his cabin. He simply could not take Masbath- or Clara for that matter, he knew Elizabeth had the same intentions for her- onboard as part of the crew. Only vicious and skilled Pirates, or hopeless romantic Blacksmiths with Pirate's blood and his evil wife, were permitted. No exceptions. No one will ever say that Captain Jack Sparrow went soft and hired orphans, and that's a promise.
"Have you thought of how you will support my daughter?" Jack heard Katrina's voice coming from the crew cabin. He tiptoed over in order to eavesdrop.
"Mother, please!" Mary's voice said agitated. "I thought you accepted our marriage last night."
"Family feud," Jack muttered, wondering if he should walk away or stay and listen. They did have at least an hour before returning to shore and it was rather dull... Jack made sure no one was around before putting his ear against the door.
"I have," Katrina defended herself. "I'm simply trying to ensure my daughter's happiness as well as financial situation."
"What financial situation?" Daniel asked hesitantly, feeling a long argument ahead.
"You don't really think you can provide for the two of you on a School Master's salary, do you?" Katrina nearly laughed. "And what about your children? I want my daughter to have a home and a family and to keep her standard of living. Can you ensure all that?"
"I don't think anyone can ensure anything at the moment," Daniel said forcefully through clenched teeth. He hated when people talked down at him because he was a mere School Master. "We can't even ensure that we'll survive tomorrow night."
"Living from day to day simply will not do," Katrina stated coldly. "You must plan ahead."
"What about Grandfather?" Mary asked suddenly. "We know he has money, maybe he'd-"
"Your Grandfather is too ill to help, at the moment," Katrina said patiently. "And you can't touch his money as long as he lives, though I assume he'll leave you a proper sum in your inheritance, you cannot count on something that- God willing- will not happen for years. Speaking of your Grandfather, have you even thought of him? Who is going to take care of him?"
"I'm not the one who fired his nurse, simply because she helped me plan my wedding." Mary said, her anger rising.
"She is MY worker and she went behind MY back," Katrina scorned. "Now you will-"
"I will do absolutely nothing," Mary said furious. "This conversation is over. I am married to a wonderful man and we are very happy together. Just because you were never happy in your marriage doesn't give you the right-" Jack could hear a distinctive sound of flesh striking against flesh and could only imagine what transpired. There were silent sobs emitting from Mary and before he could walk away, Katrina came storming out, straight into him.
"Lovely weather we're having," Jack said with a grin, as he looked at the sky. He pretended not to notice her flushed face ridden with pain, anger and guilt. Katrina cleared her voice and pretended to smile.
"Have you been standing here long?" She asked innocently enough.
"Too long apparently," Jack said with a shrug. Katrina nodded and leaned against the wall.
"Sometimes she reminds me of my husband so much..." She said bitterly, staring at the sea.
"I can see the resemblance," Jack nodded. "It's the beard, isn't it?"
Katrina laughed despite herself and Jack smiled easily. "Sometimes I can't help but wonder-"
"Don't," Jack said seriously.
"Don't you ever wonder what would have happened, had I not chosen Brom?" Katrina asked him in a whisper, as though imagining it herself. "I know I have."
"Pirates have no regrets," Jack said with a smile. "We don't live long enough to have any, and when we do- we drink."
"Then from what I've seen you must have lots of regrets," Katrina said humorously. "You've got barrels of rum stocked away."
"I simply like rum," Jack pointed out. They stood in peaceful silence, watching the waves rise and fall, hearing the seagulls' squawk and feeling the hot rays of morning on their skin and the breezy chill on their faces.
"You've made quite a life for yourself, Jack," Katrina said, rolling the foreign name on her tongue, as though tasting it for the first time.
"So have you," Jack said, pointing with his head to the cabin.
"Mary... She's wonderful. I should be so grateful to have her, especially with everything that's going on now..." Katrina said feeling at a loss for words. "But instead I hit her and hurt her, why is that?"
"You always hurt the ones you love?" Jack said with a shrug. "Maybe you're both just two peas in a pod, maybe it's stress. Or maybe you're afraid of losing her."
"You're very perceptive, you know that?" Katrina said with surprise.
"Pirate," Jack answered with a shrug. "Gotta keep an eye on the sea for any storms and on the crew for any mutiny."
"I think you're a great captain," Katrina said honestly. She looked at the closed door and could hear Daniel comforting her daughter. "I really made a mess of things, I should probably go in there and apologize. Thank you, Jack." Katrina squeezed his shoulder before going in. Elizabeth walked over to him with a smile on her face.
"You really are sweet sometimes," Elizabeth said admiringly.
"Aye, and if you say one word about it it'll be the last you ever say- and I won't but you a parrot like Cotton's, Savvy?" Jack said warningly.
"Savvy," Elizabeth said seriously, wiping the smile off her face. The moment Jack walked away the smile was back as she went to wake the children up. They were nearing the shore.
SSSS
"Here they come," Will muttered nervously, standing by Saunders' ship and helping passengers down. They arrived a full half an hour before the Pearl and to Will that half an hour lasted forever. He wanted to break the news to Jack and for them to leave immediately, the sooner the better. His father... He still couldn't grasp it- he went to Port Royal in search of his father, after his mother died, and the first news about his whereabouts reach him here of all places. He regretted leaving the town of Sleepy Hollow, especially when they came so close to unveiling the murderer, and he couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. But this was his father, the man he's been searching for since he was a little boy and it could be his only shot. There was no way Will would miss it.
"Elizabeth! Jack!" Will waved to them happily as they docked and half of the town's people unloaded, most of them suspiciously groggy and disoriented, but Will paid them no heed. He ran over to Elizabeth and hugged her tightly, before sharing a tender kiss with her. "I missed you, I was so worried-"
"I know," Elizabeth said, staring into his eyes. "But I'm fine now and we're together." She suddenly smiled and studied his face closely. "You seem to be in a good mood this morning."
"Do I?" Will asked playfully, trying to hide his excitement. He turned his eyes to Jack and motioned towards Saunders. "He has something he wants to tell you- I mean us," he amended quickly, but not quickly enough. Jack narrowed his eyes suspiciously, before saying:
"Follow me, then," and returning to his ship, with his three companions in toll. They gathered at the Captain's cabin. "Thank you so very much for not turning my ship into a sanctuary, but also leaving me all the little Sprogs."
"You're very welcome," Saunders said easily. "I have news."
"So you say," Jack nodded, remembering Saunders said he needed to talk to both he and Will.
"What is it?" Elizabeth asked curiously, feeling a bit left out. Obviously this news was for Will and Jack- though it was apparent Will knew something of it already- and not for her. She didn't really know what she was doing here, but none of them seemed to mind her presence, so she remained.
"Bill's alive, Jack," Saunders said slowly, letting the words sink in.
"Blimey," Jack said in quiet shock. "Trust old Bootstrap to manage to free himself from the bottom of the ocean. I bet there's a story in there..."
"I bet there is," Saunders agreed, nodding his head. "He sent word for me- it's his writing alright, I have no doubt- and I am to meet him in two weeks time in Tortuga. Well, two weeks less a day, if I leave immediately I'll make it there on time."
"Best of luck to you, send old Bill my warmest regards," Jack said somewhat acidly, as he got up to leave.
"I thought you might like to come along with me," Saunders said to Jack's retreating back. "It would give you two a chance to..." He vaguely motioned with his hands in the air, trying to think of the appropriate word. "-Patch your differences."
"Ah," Jack said knowingly. "Much obliged, but I will have to refuse. I have a reward to get here and I'm not leaving until I get it or plunder the town, whichever happens first."
"I agree with Jack," Elizabeth said thoughtfully. "I know the invitation does not extend to me, but I think we started something here and owe it to these people to finish it. Right, Will?" She asked him and waited for him to back her up.
"I'm leaving with Saunders," Will said almost whispering, not willing to look her in the eye.
"What?" Elizabeth asked in disbelief. "Will, we promised these people-"
"It's my father, Liz," Will said passionately. "I've been searching for him my entire life, now I have an opportunity to finally meet him, to speak with him- how could you ask me to turn it down?"
"I suppose I can't," Elizabeth said after a pause. "Just like you can't ask me to let these people down."
"What are you saying?" Will asked, a sudden realization dawning upon him. "You're not staying, are you?"
"Will..." Elizabeth sighed before looking him intently in the eyes. "This morning I made a promise to Freddy and Clara that I will find their parents' murderer and bring whoever it is, to justice. I can't walk away from them now, they have no one left in the world."
"What about us?" Will asked worriedly.
"You'll find your father and once Jack and I solve these murders we will travel to Tortuga. Who knows, we might even be only a few days behind you," Elizabeth offered with a smile and a shrug.
"I... I don't want to simply leave you here," Will said, holding her hand tightly. "What if something happened to you? I would never be able to live with myself-"
"I can look after myself, not to mention I have Jack," she said the last part with an ironic smile. "And surprisingly that makes me feel safe."
"Don't get all teary eyes on me," Jack muttered.
"Besides," Elizabeth continued, after smiling at Jack. "You are not leaving me here, I am choosing to stay, there is a difference. You think for one moment I won't worry for you? So much can happen out at see, not to mention Tortuga is not inhabited by society's finest."
"I resent that," Jack said, though no one seemed to be listening to him.
"You're my wife, I should be looking out for you, making sure you're safe..." Will said, before he saw the look on Elizabeth's face. "But you of course can look after yourself and..." He started to stutter, trying not to anger her.
"This is important to me, Will," Elizabeth pleaded. "Just as your father is to you."
"I guess this is goodbye, then," Will said bitterly.
"I guess so," Elizabeth said, close to tears.
"Goodbye then, come again soon." Jack said with a grin, but again was ignored. He resorted to sulking in his chair and telling Saunders in a hushed tone: "Make sure you keep him safe, otherwise I'll never hear the end of it from Elizabeth."
"You have my word," Saunders nodded, before getting up slowly and patting Will on the back. "We need to be going if we want to catch the good morning breeze."
"Right," Will said distractedly. He and Elizabeth kissed as though they would never see each other again, before embracing tightly. "I love you," he whispered in her hair.
"I love you too," Elizabeth returned, before parting and smiling at him. "Keep safe." She directed this statement more to Saunders than to Will.
"Jack, make sure nothing happens to her," Will said, holding onto Jack's gaze.
""Aye, aye, Captain!" Jack mock saluted, though it was clear he intended to. Will turned around regretfully and followed Saunders out of the cabin, knowing this will be the last time he ever saw Sleepy Hollow. Jack watched them leave and remembered the last time he saw Saunders. Elizabeth turned to Jack and hugged him, silently sobbing into his shoulder. He was so startled; all he could do was pat her on the back and say:
"Let's go catch ourselves a killer."
SS
"Ahoy there Matey!" Saunders called towards the approaching ship.
"Permission to come... Ashore, Captain!" Jack said with a grin, as the Pearl neared Sunny Sands.
"Permission granted," Saunders laughed and waved him over. Jack docked the ship and jumped off the side of it, landing softly on the sand. Saunders watched him carefully with his shrewd eyes. He noticed that drunken gait that Jack seemed to have adopted, which was quite comical. He wasn't sure it was becoming of a Pirate, especially the Captain of the Pearl, but he was sure there was some tall tale behind it. Jack's hair was longer and a few strands were braided, he grew out a beard that he braided in three braids- what an interesting look, Saunders had to admit. Jack sure liked to be.... Unique. And was that coal under his eyes? It did make his dark eyes more noticeable, did it scare men? Saunders knew that Jack could be scary at times...
"I love what you've done with the place," Jack said grinning, baring a few golden teeth. Saunders raised his eyebrow, knowing full well that the Island hadn't changed. At least not the OUTTER most part of the Island.
"Wait till you see my humble abode," Saunders smiled, as he led Jack into the greenery. "Now tell me all about that... Walk of yours, I'm sure there be a story behind it!"
"Well!" Jack said excitedly, thinking of a grand tale. "It all started one day when we docked in Spain, about to plunder ourselves a village..."
SSSS
"How's the Pearl?" Saunders asked Jack after they ate supper and were lying in two sets of hammocks on a tree. "I've been hearing several stories about you and the Pearl- did you really sack Nassau Port without even firing a shot and vanish from under the eyes of seven agents of the East India Company?"
"Aye," Jack said with a smile, pleased that during the eight years he's been Captain of the Pearl, Pirates were beginning to hear rumors and stories about him.
"Incredible," Saunders said laughing, before he suddenly became serious. "Jack-"
"How IS Bill old boy?" Jack asked with an ironic grin, giving Saunders a meaningful glance. He knew Saunders was about to say something about Bill, most probably in the regretful and remorseful tone of a father speaking of his scandalous son. He knew Saunders always expected Bill to come around and take his rightful place as First Mate on board the Black Pearl and every time Jack came for a visit he would suddenly get serious and sad and would talk about the latest news. Last Jack heard, Bill- after being a father for only four or five years- finally gave in to his Pirate's blood and went sailing. He planned on being a Captain of a ship and taking his family with him. That was well over three years ago.
"He's the Boson onboard the Scarlet, you've heard of Her?" Saunders said conversationally.
"Aye, fast ship, small one though and the Captain hasn't got all his marbles in one place," Jack said. "Gone over the deep end, mad."
Saunders wondered for a moment how ironic it was for a crazy Pirate like Jack to say something to that effect. That was before he realized Sparrow said so with mild respect. "Yes, I hear the crew's ready to depose of him, but there's no hope for Bill becoming Captain any time soon."
"What is it you're saying, Saunders?" Jack asked suspiciously.
"You know me too well, Jack," Saunders smiled. "Maybe it's time he returned home- to the Pearl."
"That is not my decision to make." Jack said with a shrug, though his jaw seemed to tighten. "He left."
"Eight years ago!" Saunders said emphatically. "He knows he does not stand a chance at becoming a Captain any time soon and even if he wanted to return to the Pearl, he'd think you'd be disinclined to acquiesce to his request." Saunders said with a grin, coining one of Jack's more famous sayings. He remembered the time Jack said it for the first time and the stupefied looks on those poor Pirates' faces.
"I should charge you for using my saying," Jack said grinning, but his eyes hardened. He always kept a mild and entertained look about himself, but Saunders knew him well enough to notice the little facial changes that pointed towards his mood. "I wouldn't even know how to contact him, I haven't seen or heard from him since I got the Pearl."
"What if I said I could send him word that if he comes to you, you'd make with him a contract." Saunders asked hypothetically.
"I'm not promising anything," Jack stated quickly. "But if he comes to me I'd consider it."
"That's all I'm asking," Saunders said, seemingly quite pleased with himself. "I always wanted you both to have an equal share to it."
"To what?" Jack asked, wondering what Saunders was up to. "To MY ship?"
"Don't be a squiffy," Saunders said reproachfully. "The Pearl's yours, good and honest."
"Then what?" Jack asked, sitting up in the hammock, looking directly into his eyes. "What are you up to, old man?"
"Do you recall what was the one thing I always wanted to accomplish before retiring?" Saunders asked, enunciating each word.
"Buying this Island?" Jack asked, motioning with his hands to encompass the whole of it.
"No-"
"Buying a really big hat?" Jack asked jokingly.
"No, Jack," Saunders tried to be patient with him. "I wanted to find Isla de Muerta and Cortez' Aztec gold. Have you heard the story? 882 identical pieces of gold that they delivered in a stone chest to Cortez himself. Blood money paid to stem the slaughter he wreaked upon them with his armies."
"I thought it was cursed?" Jack asked curiously.
"That be it a rumor," Saunders said dismissively with a wave of his hand. "But ever since I heard about the gold and about it being in Isla de Muerta, I've been searching for it, to no avail. The only way to find the Island is directions from someone's who's been there, and none that journeyed ever found it." His tone took on a wistful note. "Always wanted to find it, if it was the last thing I did."
"You can commandeer a ship and search for it," Jack suggested.
"I'm too old for adventures, Jack," Saunders said with a stern shake of the head. "But you are not."
"Oh?" Jack asked, thinking he knew where this was going. "I suppose you want me to search for this Holy Grail?"
"No," Saunders said with excitement evident in his voice. He took something out of his pocket and handed it to Jack. "This will lead you straight to it."
"A compass?" Jack asked, not impressed. "I already have one."
"Ah, but this one does not point north," Saunders said pointedly.
"Then what good is it?" Jack asked confused.
"There is another rumor, one not very well known nor legendary about a Sailor in His Royal Navy that accidentally came upon Isla de Muerta. He knew what it was, yet he couldn't leave his post or take the treasures with him quite yet, so he took a piece of gold off the chest for proof- not from the gold itself. For some unexplained reason his Compass, when in close proximity to the gold, pointed towards the Island instead of north. He wrote down the coordinates of the Island and put it inside the compass for safekeeping. When he got home he had his compass plated with the gold, but he died before he could go back for the gold." Saunders said and gazed at Jack and then at the compass.
"This is the compass?" Jack asked skeptically.
"It does not point north," Saunders said counting off the evidence. "And when I saw it I immediately thought of the story, so I took the back off and found this," he said and produced a small and crumpled map. "THIS is the coordinates for Isla de Muerta."
"Where did you come across this?" Jack asked, flipping it around, seeing that it indeed did not point north and biting the plate- it was pure gold alright.
"In a ship wreck," Saunders said smiling. "My entire life I have been searching for this and the Island, and only when I retire and scavenge a ship wreck I find this treasure."
"And you will willingly give this up?" Jack asked skeptically, shaking the compass.
"For a percentage of the treasure," Saunders said with a grin. "I have not gone completely mad in my old age."
"So you will give me this compass and coordinates and allow me to sail away from here, giving you the word of a pirate that you'll get five percent of the treasure?" Jack asked, still not sure about it.
"Forty percent," Saunders corrected him lightly. "And another promise from you."
"Ten percent, what's the promise?" Jack asked.
"Twenty five percent, and I need your word that if Bill joins you he will also be receiving the coordinates and an equal share of the treasure."
"Twenty percent for you, and I will have to gather a crew together and contract them as well, if Bill receives fifty percent, it will not be enough incentive for me to go." Jack said.
"A fair share then," Saunders argued. "Worthy of a first mate."
"Alright, you have my word," Jack said, shaking Saunders hand. "Isla de Muerta, prepare for Captain Jack Sparrow."
SS
"I'm only coming in to get a few things," Mary warned her mother, as they made their way into the house. "After that I'm going to live with Daniel, as his wife should."
"I understand," Katrina sighed dejectedly. "Do me a favor- go check on your grandfather and say goodbye to him."
"Alright," Mary nodded her head. "After that I'm packing my belongings and- "
"Leaving, so I've been told," Katrina interrupted her impatiently. "Just do it already."
"Fine," Mary said with a shrug, as she made her way upstairs. Katrina sat at the kitchen table quietly, her head lying on her arms, deep in thought. Several minutes later she heard a scream and ran upstairs. She entered her father in law's room and saw Mary huddled in a corner, far away from the bed.
"Mary-" Katrina started worriedly.
"He's dead," Mary said sobbing and pointing at the bed. "I came to kiss him goodbye and he was cold and stiff. Then I noticed he... He wasn't breathing," she said through her sobs. "He's so pale..."
"Go get Clara," Katrina said, full in business mode. When she saw that her daughter was still in shock, she went over and shook her. "Listen to me," she said fiercely, making sure she got through to her daughter. "Clara is the closest thing to a doctor we have, I need you to go and find her right now and bring her over, do you understand?"
Mary nodded mutely, before getting shakily to her feet, wiping her eyes and slowly- her eyes never left the body- getting out of the room. Katrina shook her head sadly and stared at the body on the bed, before leaving the room.
SSSS
Jack and Elizabeth left their room at the Inn later in the afternoon and were heading to the ship. Jack needed a quiet place to think things through and apparently could only do so on board the Pearl. Elizabeth agreed to do so, simply because she could think of no reason they shouldn't think there. Not to mention the fact that she would do anything to get a certain person out of her thoughts...
"Do you think he's alright?" Elizabeth asked worriedly for the sixtieth time.
"He's a pirate," Jack said, slowly losing his patience. "He'll be fine."
"But what if-"
"He won't."
"But-"
"Saunders will look after him," Jack said sternly. "I gave my word I'd look out for you, if your head isn't in the present, you might just lose it."
"I know," Elizabeth said sadly. "I just worry about him, that's all." Jack nodded silently, before lifting his eyes and squinting them.
"I wonder where she's going..." He said, motioning with his head. Elizabeth turned around and saw Clara walking around town.
"Clara!" Elizabeth called with a smile. Clara lifted her head and waved at Elizabeth, before turning away. Elizabeth and Jack shared a glance, before they hurried to catch up with her.
"Clara," Elizabeth said, once they reached her. "Where are you going?"
"To see patients," Clara said impatiently, as she shouldered her bag. "My mother was the closest thing to a doctor we had, now that she's... Now I am," Clara shrugged. "There are so many patients to see, I don't know how my mother ever managed."
"Are you sure you should be doing that already?" Elizabeth asked worriedly. "Shouldn't you be grieving? Or taking care of the burial arrangements?"
"She was buried this morning," Clara said sadly. "And the sick and injured can't wait for me to grieve... I have work to do, I'll probably be still doing it well into the night, so I have to go now," Clara smiled slightly, before leaving them.
"Poor girl," Elizabeth said quietly, glancing at Jack. But Jack was staring at something completely different. Elizabeth looked in the direction he was looking at, and saw a gurney being lifted out of the Van Brunts' house.
"Someone must have died," Jack said, indicating the sheet obviously covering a body. He spotted Katrina standing at the side and hurried over.
"It's my father in-law," she said when he approached her. "He died during the night."
"What did he die of?" Jack asked, as the two of them walked after the gurney.
"According to Clara, he died of his illness," Katrina said, her eyes never leaving the gurney. "He was very sick for so long... You'd think we would have been better prepared for this..."
"You say he died during the night?" Jack asked quickly. "Are you sure of that?"
"He was alive when we left the house last night and dead when Mary found him this morning," she shrugged. "It makes sense."
"Who was the last one with him last night?" Jack asked, as they neared the open grave.
Katrina thought about it for a moment. "Clara.... Yes, I fired her yesterday... Maybe if I hadn't-"
"And Mary, you say Mary found him?" Jack needed all the details he could get, this was important somehow.
"Yes, she went upstairs to say goodbye to him... Then I heard a scream and went upstairs myself. He was dead and I told her to go get Clara."
"How long was it between the time Mary went upstairs and the time you heard the scream?" Jack asked his last question, knowing Katrina would soon not be in the state of mind to answer, and that she'd want some time alone with her daughter at the grave.
"A few minutes," Katrina shook her head, tears stinging her eyes. Jack nodded his thanks and started to leave.
"I have to bring this up, especially at a time like this..." A man said to Katrina. "But Mr. Van Brunt's will-reading...?"
"Tonight," she said distractedly. "We'll do it tonight, Mr. Jacobins."
"Come by my office, at around half past five?" The man asked gently. Katrina nodded silently, as she wrapped her arms around her daughter, and allowed her to cry into her shoulder. Jack watched all this with a keen interest, noting the time they agreed upon and leaving the cemetery to join Elizabeth.
"Where did you go-" Elizabeth asked him hotly, not liking being abandoned.
"It's interesting," Jack mused to himself.
"What is?" Elizabeth asked, forgetting she was mad at him.
"Old Mr. Van Brunt passes away... Very convenient as well, especially when Mary and Connolly need to think of supporting themselves."
"What are you talking about, Jack?" Elizabeth asked confused.
"This morning I overheard a conversation between Katrina, Mary and Connolly regarding their financial situation and Mary brought up the issue of her grandfather's inherence," Jack said, stroking his beard. "Now all of a sudden the old man kicks the bucket."
"You think someone killed him?" Elizabeth asked, trying to follow his train of thought. "Is it connected with the murders?"
"I don't know, but Mary had time to do it today... Though it wouldn't explain the state the body was in..."
"You saw the body?"
"Only a little bit," Jack said distractedly. "It had to have happened yesterday."
"But why would anyone-"
"The will!" Jack said suddenly, a light dawning in his eyes.
"You've lost me," Elizabeth said, feeling a headache beginning.
"Jonathan Masbath- may he rest in peace- said the old man was muttering about his Last Will and Testament- the reading of the will is at half past five tonight." Jack said, drumming his finger.
"What does the will have to do with any of this?" Elizabeth asked, racking her brains.
"I think we're going to find that out tonight." Jack said decisively.
SSSS
"Jack, Elizabeth- what are you doing here?" Katrina asked them wearily, when they came to the office of Mr. Jacobins later that evening. It was half past five, and the sun would set in about an hour.
"We're sorry to intrude," Elizabeth said hesitantly. "But the reading of the will might be important for us to find the murderer."
"I can't see how," Mary said scornfully, rubbing her puffy eyes.
"Mr. Van Brunt- God rest his soul- said something to Jonathan Masbath- may he rest in peace- about his Last Will and Testament, something worth killing for," Elizabeth explained. Katrina was about to question her when Mr. Jacobins entered the room, the document in hand.
"Ah, I see we're all here," he said, eyeing Jack and Elizabeth, before turning questioning eyes to Katrina. Katrina nodded her head and they all sat down. "I believe it would be best if I read the will first, seeing as how parts of it may come as a surprise to you." Mr. Jacobins said apologetically.
" 'I hereby declare that I am dictating this will in a clear mind but a heavy conscious. I have lived with my son's mistakes too long, and would wish to rectify them in death, if only slightly.
Dear Katrina- you have been like a daughter to me and I have always respected you and admired the way you stood by my foolish son. Rest assured that Mary would receive fifty percent of my property- after my son's death- that will be in your charge until she turns of age or marries. Come that time, she will continue to provide a substantial amount of money to your support, supervised by Mr. Jacobins. The amount should maintain the lifestyle you were used to, before my son wasted your money.
As for the other fifty percent, I have decided to keep silence no more. My son did not hold holy the bonds of marriage and I am ashamed to admit that he has bedded many of the town's women, and then failed to provide for them when several of them were with child. I hereby leave the other fifty percent to said women and their children, as they are listen below-' "
Jack grabbed the parchment out of Mr. Jacobins hand and drew out a piece of paper from his shirt.
"Jack!" Katrina said angrily, before Jack raised a hand to silence her.
"Do you have a quill and ink?" Jack asked Mr. Jacobins, who handed him what he asked for. Jack compared the lists and began crossing off names from the will.
"You can't do that, Sir!" Mr. Jacobins said in shock.
"Jack, what on earth-" Elizabeth said equally stunned.
"Just saving you the time," Jack said, pointing to his piece of paper. "These are the names of the victims of the Headless Horseman." He finished crossing off the names, and looked below at the witnesses' names. "Mr. and Mrs. Reefold- where are they?"
"Dead," Katrina said puzzled. "They were old friends of my father in-law's and they died of some rare disease several months ago."
"Interesting," Jack said, as he eyed the only remaining names on the list that weren't crossed out. "Of course!" He said to Elizabeth, holding the piece of paper. He handed the will back to the attorney, before grabbing Elizabeth's arm and going outside with her.
"Jack, what is the meaning of this?" Elizabeth asked angrily.
"Greed," Jack said with a smile. "The victims- most of whom are women and children? - Were all in the will, most of the victims that is, except for the ones that simply got in the Horseman's way."
"So..." Elizabeth said slowly, as her mind raced to figure it out. "Someone knew about the will, killed the witnesses, Brom and every name on the list- "
"Not every," Jack said, raising three fingers. "Katrina, Mary and Clara."
"Clara?" Elizabeth asked, her eyes widening.
"Brom was her father," Jack explained. "She and her mother were on the list as well. Which means the killer-"
"Is one of the three," Elizabeth finished, understanding. "The sun will set soon, what shall we do?"
"We need to find the head," Jack said quickly. "If we find the head, we find our killer and stop the killings."
"We need to search the houses," Elizabeth nodded.
"Right, the killer would want to keep it close, either on him- I mean her- or in the house, some place safe."
"I'll go check Clara's house," Elizabeth volunteered. "She's supposed to be making rounds all day."
"I'll check the Van brunt's residence, and then check Connolly's- Mary might have left something there." They split up, Jack heading towards the Van Brunt's and Elizabeth heading towards Clara's house in the woods.
SSSSS
"My father... He... Clara? And Dana?" Mary asked, confusion etched on her face. She turned accusing eyes to her mother. "You don't seem very shocked."
"I knew your father was unfaithful," Katrina said coldly. "And when the children were born, I always wondered-"
"And you never saw fit to tell me?" Mary asked enraged, rising to her feet.
"I didn't want you to think any less of your father," Katrina explained herself patiently. "It was important to me that no matter what transpires between Brom and myself, that you would always have a father."
"I had siblings!" Mary yelled, shaking her head. "Someone knew about this and killed them, you should have told me! Did you know about Clara?"
"I... I had my suspicions." Katrina said looking away.
"The way you treated her... Like all she was, was hired help-"
"She was hired help!" Katrina lost her temper, but regained it quickly. "I'm sorry-"
"She is my sister! My father's daughter," Mary said, tears brimming in her eyes. "And you and father never gave her the time of day, you treated her like dirt!" Mary spat, before leaving the room.
"Where are you going?" Katrina asked her quietly, not even making a move to rise from her seat.
"Away from here," Mary said disgusted. "I'm going to see Clara."
SSS
"Captain Sparrow!" Masbath said, running towards Jack. "Captain Sparrow, sir!"
"What is it?" Jack asked irritably.
"The sun will set soon, sir," Masbath said apologetically. "I was wondering..."
"We haven't thought of a way to keep the town safe for tonight," Jack said, before making to leave.
"I was wondering if there's anything I can do to help?" Masbath said determinedly. Jack stopped and looked him up and down appraisingly.
"I need you to go to School Master Connolly's cabin- you know where it is?" Jack received a nod. "Good, go there and search the place."
"What am I looking for, sir?" Masbath asked curiously, the adrenaline rushing through his body.
"The Horseman's missing head," Jack said. "Mary Van brunt is a suspect and she's married to him..." Jack suddenly frowned. "On second thought, Connolly is a suspect as well, he married Mary too quickly for my liking, and he would benefit greatly from the deaths. He might be carrying it on himself- in his school bag, perhaps. You need to search that as well, if you come across him."
"You can count on me, Captain!" Masbath said proudly, though his face was stern. He hurried off in the direction of the cabin, and Jack left in the direction of the Van Brunts'.
SSS
"There's nothing here!" Elizabeth said dejectedly, as she searched the messy house. By the signs of it, someone searched the place before her, or there was some struggle. She looked up and down the house and a quick look out the window informed her that the sun had already set.
"What are you doing here?" Clara asked Elizabeth, her voice rising slightly.
"What happened here?" Elizabeth asked her instead.
"When the Horseman came after my mother yesterday he left a mess," Clara said acidly. "Now answer my question!"
"I need to rule you out as a suspect in the murders," Elizabeth said gently. "So I searched your house, I apologize."
"Searched it for what?" Clara asked, her anger slightly subsiding.
"For the Horseman's head," Elizabeth clarified. Her eyes rested on Clara's medicine bag that she kept on her at all times. "I need to see your bag."
"What for?" Clara's eyes narrowed, and she tightened the hold on her bag.
"I need to see it," Elizabeth said urgently. She eyed the room for anything she could use as a weapon, should she need to.
"There are only herbs and medicines in here," Clara objected fiercely. "You have no right going through my belongings."
"I'm sorry, but I need to see that bag," Elizabeth said, before lunging herself at the bag. She yanked it with such force, that it went flying across the floor, before spilling its contents on the ground. Elizabeth walked over and examined it thoroughly; there was no head there.
"Look what you did!" Clara said angrily, as she began to collect the herbs and medicines, noting which bottle were shattered and which medicines spilled. "Do you have any idea-"?
"Shhh," Elizabeth said quickly, her ears listening intently. "Do you hear that?"
SSSS
"Nothing so far," Jack said, as he went through the first floor top to bottom.
"What are you looking for?" Katrina asked him evenly, her arms crossed.
"The Horseman's head," Jack explained.
"Why would it be here?" Katrina asked, frowning.
"You and your daughter are main suspects," Jack explained, not stopping his search. He started from the top floor and went downstairs, so far finding nothing.
"What?" Katrina laughed. "That's absurd! Why would I murder my husband and then offer a reward for the capture of his killer?"
"To appear innocent," Jack said, as he finished his search. "There's nothing here."
"Of course there's nothing here," Katrina scuffed. "Would you care to search me as well?" She asked cynically. "Perhaps I'm hiding it in my dress?"
"Another time, love," Jack said with a grin. Katrina rolled her eyes before leaving the house. Jack was quick to follow her. "Where are we going?"
"I am going to find Mary and talk to her about all of this," Katrina said tiredly. "She went to see Clara."
"Perfect," Jack said with a smile. "Mary's a suspect as well, it saves me the trouble of finding her." Katrina grunted, but said no more as they entered the woods. It was already after sunset and eerily quiet. They said nothing as they traveled deeper into the woods.
"Mary!" Katrina cried, seeing her daughter standing outside Clara's house, obviously debating whether to knock or not. Mary turned around sharply.
"Go away, mother," Mary said icily, turning her back to her and raising her hand to knock. Before she could, the door flew open and Clara and Elizabeth came outside, looking around.
"It must have been them," Clara said letting out a breath and indicating her guests.
"There's nothing here, Jack," Elizabeth said.
"Nothing at the Van Brunts," Jack said as well. He glanced at Mary and saw there was nowhere for her to hide a head on her person. "Might be at the cabin."
"What cabin?" Katrina asked nervously.
"Clara, I need to speak with you," Mary said, biting her lower lip.
"Alright," Clara said confused, but opened the door wider in invitation. "Come on in."
"What cabin?" Katrina asked Jack again, but did not hear her, he was in deep concentration.
"What is it?" Elizabeth asked, frightened. Jack's jaw tightened before he turned to her and said:
"Hoof beats."
"Hoof beats?" Elizabeth echoed dumbly.
"The Horseman?" Katrina asked, panicking. "We need to get to the docks-"
"We'll never make it in time," Jack said, as he caught a glimpse of the speeding menace. "Everyone inside!" Everyone ran inside and locked the door. The heard a heavy bang on the door and saw wood splintering. The Horseman was chopping through the wood.
"Help me pile things against the door!" Elizabeth told the others, and Katrina, Mary and Clara went to push furniture. They piled the furniture against the door, knowing full well it won't hold Him for long.
"Is there a window, or other means of escape?" Jack asked Clara, as he drew out his sword.
"No, none," Clara said scared. "What are we going to do?"
"I'll Hold him off for as long as I can," Jack said, glancing around the room, searching for more weapons. "The first chance you get, run out the door and head for the Pearl."
"And leave you here to die?" Elizabeth asked pointedly. "I'm staying, Jack."
"They'll need someone to handle the helm, love," Jack said quickly. "And I gave my word to Will that I would not let any harm come to you."
"And I told you before that my place is between you and danger." Elizabeth said with a soft smile, all the while the door was slowly being chopped into pieces.
"I thought it was between Norrington and me?" Jack asked with a grin.
"That as well," Elizabeth said kindly. Jack sighed and handed her his pistol.
"I know better than to argue with you. Get ready to run the first chance you get," he told the others as the door collapsed and the Horseman entered. Elizabeth fired all the bullets in the gun at him and the Horseman did not even flinch. She threw the pistol and grabbed a candlestick. The Horseman drew his axe and began to fight Jack, slicing and dicing in rapid speed. It was not the first time Jack fought the un-dead, only that time he was un-dead himself. The Horseman sliced Jack right arm, causing him to hiss in pain and drop his sword. The axe came down swiftly-
"Are you looking for this?" A familiar voice said from behind the Horseman, as it quickly came into view.
"Will!" Elizabeth said in surprise and relief. He kept his eyes on the Horseman, who stopped himself before going through with the motion, letting Jack get out of the way. Will held his trophy up high for the Horseman to see- The Horseman's head.
"Leave them alone and I will give it to you," Will said seriously, waiting for some response. The Horseman put his axe away and held out his hands for his head. Will tossed it at him and watched with sick fascination as the Horseman reattached his head. It was a hideous thing to watch, as the decayed head began to rejuvenate, the hair grew jet black and the skin crawled into a pale while, the eyes popped into the sockets coal black, and the sharp teeth glistened in the dark. The Horseman bared his teeth in what seemed to be a smile towards Will, before he disappeared into thin air.
"Oh Will!" Elizabeth said, as she hugged her husband and clung for dear life. "I thought I'd never see you again... What are you doing here?"
"Or what's more important," Jack said, grabbing his injured arm. "Where did you find the head?"
END PART 13
Author's note: OMG this came out so long! Almost ten thousand words!!! Crazy!!! I could have split it up, but it didn't work plot-wise, so just consider this a bonus after me not writing for so long! I was in the states, but ever since I got back I've been working on this day and night! Two more chapters, I'm pretty sure they'll be relatively short ones! Feedback and comments are welcome as always, as are praises and worshipping!
Bluekrystal1- Evil cliffhanger, I know, and another one! I'm glad you love this story and I can't say anything about Bootstrap if he'll appear or not. Quick question though, how can you love him if we've never met him? Unless you love him from my story, and then it's a double compliment!
cheatachu82- didn't update that soon, hope you'll forgive me, life kinda gets in the way, ya know? Anyhow, I hope it's still gripping and interesting, considering these are the final chapters!
ist- Yes, I love my evil cliffhangers, just so you know I was debating whether or not to make it an even more evil cliffhanger, but decided against it. Hope there's enough action and intrigue to keep you satisfied!
Katana- LOL, I should be famous? From your mouth to God's ear! I'm glad you think it's getting better, it's really hard to keep it up for thirteen chapters!
Hope I'll get to update soon,
Ivy
SSSS
"Alive?" Will said slowly, still dazed. "Bootstrap Bill... My father?"
"Aye," Saunders said heavily, sitting down and staring at the sky. "He be it."
"My father's alive?" Will asked, feeling numb all over. He sat down, his mind rushing with a million thoughts and yet feeling completely empty. "But... How?"
"That be a question best addressed to him," Saunders said smiling. "No doubt he'd spin a tale of wrestling some beast in the bottom of the ocean- a shark perhaps?"
"A swordfish," Will said smiling, as he played along. "He used the snout to cut through his chains."
"But how would that cut through metal?" Saunders wondered.
"It was probably rusty," Will explained. "You know, from being under water for so long?"
"Perhaps," Saunders nodded. "It be a grand tale, I'll bet my life on it."
"My father's alive," Will sighed. "How long has he been..? When did he escape?"
"A few weeks before the curse was lifted I reckon," Saunders said. "It's not quite clear."
"How do you know? Who told you? Did you see him?" Will asked question after question in a rapid pace.
"I did not see him with me bare eyes, no," Saunders said, glancing at the sleeping figures. "But I did hear from a reliable source that he was spotted near Tortuga, asking questions about the Pearl and Barbossa. The Pirate swore on his mother's grave that it was Bootstrap Bill returning from the grave, and I believe him."
"Perhaps he was lying? No offence, but a Pirate's word..." Will shrugged.
"I know," Saunders said. "I didn't believe him myself until old Bill himself sent word to me, asking to meet me in two weeks time from now. It was his style, his writing- it was he."
"I don't know what to say," Will admitted, still in a state of shock. "I don't know what to think."
"We'll need to leave as soon as possible if we are to meet him in time," Saunders said gravely. "Give it some thought, but not too much, we leave as soon as these landlubbers are back in Sleepy Hollow."
"Will Jack come?" Will asked, feeling excitement and trepidation.
"It's up to Jack, once we're on dry land I'll tell him the news as well. He'll have to make up his mind mighty quickly."
"If we leave, what will become of the town?" Will asked, his gaze drifting to the sleeping forms. "We gave them our word."
"A pirate's word?" Saunders snorted. "Get some sleep lad, think it over for a while." Saunders petted him on the shoulder, before going to the crew's quarters and making himself comfortable.
"Are you sure you won't be more comfortable in the Captain's quarters?" Will asked nervously.
"There are ladies in there," Saunders huffed. "It wouldn't be proper."
Will smiled and "tsk"ed Saunders. "Since when do Pirates care about "proper"?"
"I'd go to sleep and shut your yap, if you don't want to figure out yourself how Bill escaped from Davy Jones' locker." Saunders growled.
"Goodnight," Will said with a smile, as he made himself comfortable, though he had no intentions of sleeping. He would probably go to the deck later to keep watch. The sea was calm and the anchor was cast, but Will knew he'd be getting little to no sleep this night, he might as well be useful. "Saunders?" Will asked hesitantly, before receiving a grunt as a reply.
"I have no idea who he is, my father that is." Will said, feeling uncomfortable.
"I believe you've just answered your own question."
"No, I mean... I don't even remember his face- he was barely around when I was a child and he disappeared when I was eight..." Will sighed audibly. "I was convinced he was a merchant sailor, I had no idea he was a Pirate. I just wonder-"
"If anything you heard or thought you knew about him was true?" Saunders ventured sleepily, turning to look at Will.
"Yes," Will said miserably.
"I guess you'll find out when you meet him yourself." Saunders said finally, before saying goodnight and going to sleep.
Will stared out the window at the vast sea. "I guess I will."
SSSS
"Stop that! Don't touch that! Give me that!" Jack ran frantically around, wondering why it was that all the children were gathered on HIS ship. He was trying desperately to keep his beauty in one piece, while the little monsters ran around, thinking that the mast was a climbing pole and the helm a spinning wheel.
"ELIZABETH!" Jack growled, tearing through the crew's quarters. "You're a woman, go take care of those children."
"I beg your pardon?" Elizabeth asked with a snort. "I'm not their nanny, they have mothers for that."
"Aye, but it seems all the ladies of the town have fallen asleep, reeking of rum, knocked out for the night. You wouldn't happen to KNOW why they are so tired, would you?" Jack asked threatening.
"I got the information we needed," Elizabeth said hesitantly, worried about the women. "They'll be alright, won't they?"
"They'll be alright, a bit of a headache in the morning, perhaps some sickness. The question is- will they still be MOTHERS in the morning, or will their children have an accident and fall overboard?" Jack said with an evil glint in his eye.
"You wouldn't," Elizabeth said warningly.
"Watch me, love," Jack grinned as he strode purposely out of the quarters.
"Yes, he would," Elizabeth sighed, as she rushed on deck. "JACK! Wait!" She called frantically. Jack spun around and raised an eyebrow. "I'll... I'll take care of them, why don't you get some rest."
"What a brilliant idea," Jack said with a satisfied smile. "Masbath- watch the helm, make sure none of these... Children decide to weigh anchor and sail my ship."
"You don't really think they could do that, sir?" Masbath asked worried, glancing at the wild children.
"They are little devils in disguise," Jack said seriously, glancing suspiciously at the children. "I'd sleep with an eye open if I were ye." He said before shutting himself in the Captain's quarters.
Elizabeth looked nervously about her, at the wild, running and screaming children. "Would... Does anyone want to hear a story?" She asked hopefully, putting on a brave smile.
"NO!" The children yelled laughing, as they played with the mop and bucket, pretending to be pirates.
"I'm sure you're all very tired after the VERY long day you had," Elizabeth said through gritted teeth, keeping the false smile on. "Why don't we all go to sleep?"
"She's a landlubber! Tie the landlubber up!" A kid yelled, pointing at Elizabeth. Elizabeth's eyes widened and she closed herself in the kitchen, before the rascals with the rope reached her. Where did they find rope? Elizabeth looked around the kitchen and decided the safest thing for her to do would be to spend the night here. She tried to make herself comfortable on the floor, leaning her head on a sack of potatoes, when she felt something large hit her back. She turned around and found a barrel of rum. She rolled over and inched away from the barrel, before an idea struck her. She smiled evilly as she took the rum out and started pouring it into cups.
"Oh children!"
SSSS
"Good morning Jack," Elizabeth brightly, when Jack finally came out of his cabin, a bit after sunrise.
"You're suspiciously cheery," Jack said, looking about. "What did you do with those devils, I can't hear them... Did you cast them overboard?" Jack asked hopefully.
"No, there were no castings overboard, thank you," Elizabeth said with a sigh. "They are all still fast asleep."
"Oh, and how did you manage that feat?" Jack asked, glancing at the sleeping figures.
"What can I say, all it takes is a woman's touch." Elizabeth boasted proudly.
"I see," Jack nodded his head seriously and yawned. "So I take it we have no rum left at all."
"None," Elizabeth admitted tiredly. They were both startled when they heard a rustle and saw Clara shifting where she sat, obviously not asleep.
"Oh, that poor thing!" Elizabeth whispered, as they watched her sob silently.
"She's been like that for hours," Masbath said from behind them. "I don't think she slept at all."
"Someone should go over and talk to her, while we sail back," Elizabeth said, looking pointedly at Jack.
"Me?" Jack said pouting. "Why ME?"
"Because I took care of the children last night-"
"You've made them all addicted to rum at a tender age." Jack argued.
"Nevertheless," Elizabeth said with a shrug. "I did take care of THAT problem and besides," she whispered so Masbath couldn't hear. "You've had this type of talk before, I wouldn't know what to say or do."
"There's no guide lines for these talks," Jack said rolling his eyes. "And she could use your "woman's touch"."
"You mean I should get her drunk?" Elizabeth asked appalled.
"No, I meant being a woman and soft and all, but I could see how your idea might work."
"I will NOT let her drink her pain away, it will do nothing to ease it tomorrow."
"Ah, but tomorrow we shall not have to comfort her," Jack pointed out.
"JACK!"
"Alright!" Jack said, lowering his voice. "Truth be told, she scares me."
"What?" Elizabeth asked laughing. "The notorious Captain Jack Sparrow... Afraid of a little girl?"
"I'm not afraid of HER," Jack said, glancing at the girl. "It's just.... I just... I can't stand tears."
"What?" Elizabeth asked confused.
"I can't stand when a woman cries!" Jack said miserably. "And that girl is crying, so I will not come anywhere near her." He edged away, going to the helm. "I'll take us to Sleepy Hollow, you take care of her." He said before disappearing.
""Unbelievable," Elizabeth said, shaking her head, before walking towards Clara with obvious trepidation. "Hi," she said nervously to Clara with a soft smile. "It's a bit chilly outside, wouldn't you be warmer inside?"
"I'm fine, thank you," Clara said quietly, as she wiped her eyes. Elizabeth sat down next to her and wrapped her arms around herself, waiting for Clara to speak first. After a few uncomfortable moments, when it became obvious that Clara did not intend to speak, Elizabeth racked her brains and tried to come up with something to say to start a conversation. She came up with nothing. "I'm sorry for your loss," was all she managed to say with a slight shrug. "How are you?"
"Tired," Clara said with a slight chuckle. "Numb, I really don't know yet. My mom... She is- was- everything to me. And now..."
"Now you feel all alone and scared," Masbath said, sitting down and joining the conversation. "I know how you feel." Elizabeth silently thanked him with her eyes for helping her.
"Yes," Clara nodded, looking at him as though through a new light. Suddenly she seemed to be pained and she glanced away.
"What's wrong?" Elizabeth asked worriedly. "Are you hurt?"
"No," Clara said quickly, not looking at them. "I just... I feel so overwhelmed with..."
"Grief?" Elizabeth ventured.
"Guilt," Clara said with a sigh, as she fidgeted on the cool wooden deck. Masbath nodded as though it was an obvious sentiment and Elizabeth frowned.
"Why would you feel guilty? You did not kill her, the Horseman did." Elizabeth asked, before she could stop herself. She immediately regretted it and was about to apologize when Clara spoke up.
"It's not that," Clara said, glancing quickly at Elizabeth and then staring again into space. "I feel guilty... About other things. She raised me on her own, did you know that? It was always just the two of us and she had to work constantly to support us- to support me! And did I ever appreciate it? No, I was spoiled and always concentrated on what I DON'T have, rather than what I have- had." She finished miserably. "She didn't deserve this-"
"None of them did," Masbath said hotly. "They were all innocent."
"I know, I didn't mean..." Clara said quickly, before sighing and sagging back. "I just meant that she dedicated her life to helping others, to saving lives. She was such a good person- not that Jonathan Masbath wasn't." She added hastily.
"I know, I'm just... A little touchy," Masbath said shrugging. "Us orphans we need to stick together."
"Yes we do," Clara said with a small laugh, as she smiled gratefully at the two of them. "Thank you, I don't deserve your friendship."
"Of course you do, don't be silly," Elizabeth said, draping an arm across her shoulder and squeezing. "I lost my mother when I was very young, I don't even remember her face clearly."
"He'll pay," Masbath said suddenly, with a force in his voice. "The Horseman and whoever sent him are going to die for what they did to us."
"Yes," Clara said, staring into space. "Yes, they will."
SSS
Jack set course for Sleepy Hollow and left the helm in Masbath's capable hands. The boy was a quick study, that much was for certain, and one day perhaps he would be a good sailor. Or Pirate. Either way, he wouldn't start on the Pearl, not as long as Jack was Captain. He saw the looks Elizabeth gave him every time Freddy did something right the first time around, without questioning or asking for clarifications. It was a pleading look to help the poor boy out.
"Sorry mate, this be it a ship, not a charity." Jack muttered to himself, as he walked towards his cabin. He simply could not take Masbath- or Clara for that matter, he knew Elizabeth had the same intentions for her- onboard as part of the crew. Only vicious and skilled Pirates, or hopeless romantic Blacksmiths with Pirate's blood and his evil wife, were permitted. No exceptions. No one will ever say that Captain Jack Sparrow went soft and hired orphans, and that's a promise.
"Have you thought of how you will support my daughter?" Jack heard Katrina's voice coming from the crew cabin. He tiptoed over in order to eavesdrop.
"Mother, please!" Mary's voice said agitated. "I thought you accepted our marriage last night."
"Family feud," Jack muttered, wondering if he should walk away or stay and listen. They did have at least an hour before returning to shore and it was rather dull... Jack made sure no one was around before putting his ear against the door.
"I have," Katrina defended herself. "I'm simply trying to ensure my daughter's happiness as well as financial situation."
"What financial situation?" Daniel asked hesitantly, feeling a long argument ahead.
"You don't really think you can provide for the two of you on a School Master's salary, do you?" Katrina nearly laughed. "And what about your children? I want my daughter to have a home and a family and to keep her standard of living. Can you ensure all that?"
"I don't think anyone can ensure anything at the moment," Daniel said forcefully through clenched teeth. He hated when people talked down at him because he was a mere School Master. "We can't even ensure that we'll survive tomorrow night."
"Living from day to day simply will not do," Katrina stated coldly. "You must plan ahead."
"What about Grandfather?" Mary asked suddenly. "We know he has money, maybe he'd-"
"Your Grandfather is too ill to help, at the moment," Katrina said patiently. "And you can't touch his money as long as he lives, though I assume he'll leave you a proper sum in your inheritance, you cannot count on something that- God willing- will not happen for years. Speaking of your Grandfather, have you even thought of him? Who is going to take care of him?"
"I'm not the one who fired his nurse, simply because she helped me plan my wedding." Mary said, her anger rising.
"She is MY worker and she went behind MY back," Katrina scorned. "Now you will-"
"I will do absolutely nothing," Mary said furious. "This conversation is over. I am married to a wonderful man and we are very happy together. Just because you were never happy in your marriage doesn't give you the right-" Jack could hear a distinctive sound of flesh striking against flesh and could only imagine what transpired. There were silent sobs emitting from Mary and before he could walk away, Katrina came storming out, straight into him.
"Lovely weather we're having," Jack said with a grin, as he looked at the sky. He pretended not to notice her flushed face ridden with pain, anger and guilt. Katrina cleared her voice and pretended to smile.
"Have you been standing here long?" She asked innocently enough.
"Too long apparently," Jack said with a shrug. Katrina nodded and leaned against the wall.
"Sometimes she reminds me of my husband so much..." She said bitterly, staring at the sea.
"I can see the resemblance," Jack nodded. "It's the beard, isn't it?"
Katrina laughed despite herself and Jack smiled easily. "Sometimes I can't help but wonder-"
"Don't," Jack said seriously.
"Don't you ever wonder what would have happened, had I not chosen Brom?" Katrina asked him in a whisper, as though imagining it herself. "I know I have."
"Pirates have no regrets," Jack said with a smile. "We don't live long enough to have any, and when we do- we drink."
"Then from what I've seen you must have lots of regrets," Katrina said humorously. "You've got barrels of rum stocked away."
"I simply like rum," Jack pointed out. They stood in peaceful silence, watching the waves rise and fall, hearing the seagulls' squawk and feeling the hot rays of morning on their skin and the breezy chill on their faces.
"You've made quite a life for yourself, Jack," Katrina said, rolling the foreign name on her tongue, as though tasting it for the first time.
"So have you," Jack said, pointing with his head to the cabin.
"Mary... She's wonderful. I should be so grateful to have her, especially with everything that's going on now..." Katrina said feeling at a loss for words. "But instead I hit her and hurt her, why is that?"
"You always hurt the ones you love?" Jack said with a shrug. "Maybe you're both just two peas in a pod, maybe it's stress. Or maybe you're afraid of losing her."
"You're very perceptive, you know that?" Katrina said with surprise.
"Pirate," Jack answered with a shrug. "Gotta keep an eye on the sea for any storms and on the crew for any mutiny."
"I think you're a great captain," Katrina said honestly. She looked at the closed door and could hear Daniel comforting her daughter. "I really made a mess of things, I should probably go in there and apologize. Thank you, Jack." Katrina squeezed his shoulder before going in. Elizabeth walked over to him with a smile on her face.
"You really are sweet sometimes," Elizabeth said admiringly.
"Aye, and if you say one word about it it'll be the last you ever say- and I won't but you a parrot like Cotton's, Savvy?" Jack said warningly.
"Savvy," Elizabeth said seriously, wiping the smile off her face. The moment Jack walked away the smile was back as she went to wake the children up. They were nearing the shore.
SSSS
"Here they come," Will muttered nervously, standing by Saunders' ship and helping passengers down. They arrived a full half an hour before the Pearl and to Will that half an hour lasted forever. He wanted to break the news to Jack and for them to leave immediately, the sooner the better. His father... He still couldn't grasp it- he went to Port Royal in search of his father, after his mother died, and the first news about his whereabouts reach him here of all places. He regretted leaving the town of Sleepy Hollow, especially when they came so close to unveiling the murderer, and he couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. But this was his father, the man he's been searching for since he was a little boy and it could be his only shot. There was no way Will would miss it.
"Elizabeth! Jack!" Will waved to them happily as they docked and half of the town's people unloaded, most of them suspiciously groggy and disoriented, but Will paid them no heed. He ran over to Elizabeth and hugged her tightly, before sharing a tender kiss with her. "I missed you, I was so worried-"
"I know," Elizabeth said, staring into his eyes. "But I'm fine now and we're together." She suddenly smiled and studied his face closely. "You seem to be in a good mood this morning."
"Do I?" Will asked playfully, trying to hide his excitement. He turned his eyes to Jack and motioned towards Saunders. "He has something he wants to tell you- I mean us," he amended quickly, but not quickly enough. Jack narrowed his eyes suspiciously, before saying:
"Follow me, then," and returning to his ship, with his three companions in toll. They gathered at the Captain's cabin. "Thank you so very much for not turning my ship into a sanctuary, but also leaving me all the little Sprogs."
"You're very welcome," Saunders said easily. "I have news."
"So you say," Jack nodded, remembering Saunders said he needed to talk to both he and Will.
"What is it?" Elizabeth asked curiously, feeling a bit left out. Obviously this news was for Will and Jack- though it was apparent Will knew something of it already- and not for her. She didn't really know what she was doing here, but none of them seemed to mind her presence, so she remained.
"Bill's alive, Jack," Saunders said slowly, letting the words sink in.
"Blimey," Jack said in quiet shock. "Trust old Bootstrap to manage to free himself from the bottom of the ocean. I bet there's a story in there..."
"I bet there is," Saunders agreed, nodding his head. "He sent word for me- it's his writing alright, I have no doubt- and I am to meet him in two weeks time in Tortuga. Well, two weeks less a day, if I leave immediately I'll make it there on time."
"Best of luck to you, send old Bill my warmest regards," Jack said somewhat acidly, as he got up to leave.
"I thought you might like to come along with me," Saunders said to Jack's retreating back. "It would give you two a chance to..." He vaguely motioned with his hands in the air, trying to think of the appropriate word. "-Patch your differences."
"Ah," Jack said knowingly. "Much obliged, but I will have to refuse. I have a reward to get here and I'm not leaving until I get it or plunder the town, whichever happens first."
"I agree with Jack," Elizabeth said thoughtfully. "I know the invitation does not extend to me, but I think we started something here and owe it to these people to finish it. Right, Will?" She asked him and waited for him to back her up.
"I'm leaving with Saunders," Will said almost whispering, not willing to look her in the eye.
"What?" Elizabeth asked in disbelief. "Will, we promised these people-"
"It's my father, Liz," Will said passionately. "I've been searching for him my entire life, now I have an opportunity to finally meet him, to speak with him- how could you ask me to turn it down?"
"I suppose I can't," Elizabeth said after a pause. "Just like you can't ask me to let these people down."
"What are you saying?" Will asked, a sudden realization dawning upon him. "You're not staying, are you?"
"Will..." Elizabeth sighed before looking him intently in the eyes. "This morning I made a promise to Freddy and Clara that I will find their parents' murderer and bring whoever it is, to justice. I can't walk away from them now, they have no one left in the world."
"What about us?" Will asked worriedly.
"You'll find your father and once Jack and I solve these murders we will travel to Tortuga. Who knows, we might even be only a few days behind you," Elizabeth offered with a smile and a shrug.
"I... I don't want to simply leave you here," Will said, holding her hand tightly. "What if something happened to you? I would never be able to live with myself-"
"I can look after myself, not to mention I have Jack," she said the last part with an ironic smile. "And surprisingly that makes me feel safe."
"Don't get all teary eyes on me," Jack muttered.
"Besides," Elizabeth continued, after smiling at Jack. "You are not leaving me here, I am choosing to stay, there is a difference. You think for one moment I won't worry for you? So much can happen out at see, not to mention Tortuga is not inhabited by society's finest."
"I resent that," Jack said, though no one seemed to be listening to him.
"You're my wife, I should be looking out for you, making sure you're safe..." Will said, before he saw the look on Elizabeth's face. "But you of course can look after yourself and..." He started to stutter, trying not to anger her.
"This is important to me, Will," Elizabeth pleaded. "Just as your father is to you."
"I guess this is goodbye, then," Will said bitterly.
"I guess so," Elizabeth said, close to tears.
"Goodbye then, come again soon." Jack said with a grin, but again was ignored. He resorted to sulking in his chair and telling Saunders in a hushed tone: "Make sure you keep him safe, otherwise I'll never hear the end of it from Elizabeth."
"You have my word," Saunders nodded, before getting up slowly and patting Will on the back. "We need to be going if we want to catch the good morning breeze."
"Right," Will said distractedly. He and Elizabeth kissed as though they would never see each other again, before embracing tightly. "I love you," he whispered in her hair.
"I love you too," Elizabeth returned, before parting and smiling at him. "Keep safe." She directed this statement more to Saunders than to Will.
"Jack, make sure nothing happens to her," Will said, holding onto Jack's gaze.
""Aye, aye, Captain!" Jack mock saluted, though it was clear he intended to. Will turned around regretfully and followed Saunders out of the cabin, knowing this will be the last time he ever saw Sleepy Hollow. Jack watched them leave and remembered the last time he saw Saunders. Elizabeth turned to Jack and hugged him, silently sobbing into his shoulder. He was so startled; all he could do was pat her on the back and say:
"Let's go catch ourselves a killer."
SS
"Ahoy there Matey!" Saunders called towards the approaching ship.
"Permission to come... Ashore, Captain!" Jack said with a grin, as the Pearl neared Sunny Sands.
"Permission granted," Saunders laughed and waved him over. Jack docked the ship and jumped off the side of it, landing softly on the sand. Saunders watched him carefully with his shrewd eyes. He noticed that drunken gait that Jack seemed to have adopted, which was quite comical. He wasn't sure it was becoming of a Pirate, especially the Captain of the Pearl, but he was sure there was some tall tale behind it. Jack's hair was longer and a few strands were braided, he grew out a beard that he braided in three braids- what an interesting look, Saunders had to admit. Jack sure liked to be.... Unique. And was that coal under his eyes? It did make his dark eyes more noticeable, did it scare men? Saunders knew that Jack could be scary at times...
"I love what you've done with the place," Jack said grinning, baring a few golden teeth. Saunders raised his eyebrow, knowing full well that the Island hadn't changed. At least not the OUTTER most part of the Island.
"Wait till you see my humble abode," Saunders smiled, as he led Jack into the greenery. "Now tell me all about that... Walk of yours, I'm sure there be a story behind it!"
"Well!" Jack said excitedly, thinking of a grand tale. "It all started one day when we docked in Spain, about to plunder ourselves a village..."
SSSS
"How's the Pearl?" Saunders asked Jack after they ate supper and were lying in two sets of hammocks on a tree. "I've been hearing several stories about you and the Pearl- did you really sack Nassau Port without even firing a shot and vanish from under the eyes of seven agents of the East India Company?"
"Aye," Jack said with a smile, pleased that during the eight years he's been Captain of the Pearl, Pirates were beginning to hear rumors and stories about him.
"Incredible," Saunders said laughing, before he suddenly became serious. "Jack-"
"How IS Bill old boy?" Jack asked with an ironic grin, giving Saunders a meaningful glance. He knew Saunders was about to say something about Bill, most probably in the regretful and remorseful tone of a father speaking of his scandalous son. He knew Saunders always expected Bill to come around and take his rightful place as First Mate on board the Black Pearl and every time Jack came for a visit he would suddenly get serious and sad and would talk about the latest news. Last Jack heard, Bill- after being a father for only four or five years- finally gave in to his Pirate's blood and went sailing. He planned on being a Captain of a ship and taking his family with him. That was well over three years ago.
"He's the Boson onboard the Scarlet, you've heard of Her?" Saunders said conversationally.
"Aye, fast ship, small one though and the Captain hasn't got all his marbles in one place," Jack said. "Gone over the deep end, mad."
Saunders wondered for a moment how ironic it was for a crazy Pirate like Jack to say something to that effect. That was before he realized Sparrow said so with mild respect. "Yes, I hear the crew's ready to depose of him, but there's no hope for Bill becoming Captain any time soon."
"What is it you're saying, Saunders?" Jack asked suspiciously.
"You know me too well, Jack," Saunders smiled. "Maybe it's time he returned home- to the Pearl."
"That is not my decision to make." Jack said with a shrug, though his jaw seemed to tighten. "He left."
"Eight years ago!" Saunders said emphatically. "He knows he does not stand a chance at becoming a Captain any time soon and even if he wanted to return to the Pearl, he'd think you'd be disinclined to acquiesce to his request." Saunders said with a grin, coining one of Jack's more famous sayings. He remembered the time Jack said it for the first time and the stupefied looks on those poor Pirates' faces.
"I should charge you for using my saying," Jack said grinning, but his eyes hardened. He always kept a mild and entertained look about himself, but Saunders knew him well enough to notice the little facial changes that pointed towards his mood. "I wouldn't even know how to contact him, I haven't seen or heard from him since I got the Pearl."
"What if I said I could send him word that if he comes to you, you'd make with him a contract." Saunders asked hypothetically.
"I'm not promising anything," Jack stated quickly. "But if he comes to me I'd consider it."
"That's all I'm asking," Saunders said, seemingly quite pleased with himself. "I always wanted you both to have an equal share to it."
"To what?" Jack asked, wondering what Saunders was up to. "To MY ship?"
"Don't be a squiffy," Saunders said reproachfully. "The Pearl's yours, good and honest."
"Then what?" Jack asked, sitting up in the hammock, looking directly into his eyes. "What are you up to, old man?"
"Do you recall what was the one thing I always wanted to accomplish before retiring?" Saunders asked, enunciating each word.
"Buying this Island?" Jack asked, motioning with his hands to encompass the whole of it.
"No-"
"Buying a really big hat?" Jack asked jokingly.
"No, Jack," Saunders tried to be patient with him. "I wanted to find Isla de Muerta and Cortez' Aztec gold. Have you heard the story? 882 identical pieces of gold that they delivered in a stone chest to Cortez himself. Blood money paid to stem the slaughter he wreaked upon them with his armies."
"I thought it was cursed?" Jack asked curiously.
"That be it a rumor," Saunders said dismissively with a wave of his hand. "But ever since I heard about the gold and about it being in Isla de Muerta, I've been searching for it, to no avail. The only way to find the Island is directions from someone's who's been there, and none that journeyed ever found it." His tone took on a wistful note. "Always wanted to find it, if it was the last thing I did."
"You can commandeer a ship and search for it," Jack suggested.
"I'm too old for adventures, Jack," Saunders said with a stern shake of the head. "But you are not."
"Oh?" Jack asked, thinking he knew where this was going. "I suppose you want me to search for this Holy Grail?"
"No," Saunders said with excitement evident in his voice. He took something out of his pocket and handed it to Jack. "This will lead you straight to it."
"A compass?" Jack asked, not impressed. "I already have one."
"Ah, but this one does not point north," Saunders said pointedly.
"Then what good is it?" Jack asked confused.
"There is another rumor, one not very well known nor legendary about a Sailor in His Royal Navy that accidentally came upon Isla de Muerta. He knew what it was, yet he couldn't leave his post or take the treasures with him quite yet, so he took a piece of gold off the chest for proof- not from the gold itself. For some unexplained reason his Compass, when in close proximity to the gold, pointed towards the Island instead of north. He wrote down the coordinates of the Island and put it inside the compass for safekeeping. When he got home he had his compass plated with the gold, but he died before he could go back for the gold." Saunders said and gazed at Jack and then at the compass.
"This is the compass?" Jack asked skeptically.
"It does not point north," Saunders said counting off the evidence. "And when I saw it I immediately thought of the story, so I took the back off and found this," he said and produced a small and crumpled map. "THIS is the coordinates for Isla de Muerta."
"Where did you come across this?" Jack asked, flipping it around, seeing that it indeed did not point north and biting the plate- it was pure gold alright.
"In a ship wreck," Saunders said smiling. "My entire life I have been searching for this and the Island, and only when I retire and scavenge a ship wreck I find this treasure."
"And you will willingly give this up?" Jack asked skeptically, shaking the compass.
"For a percentage of the treasure," Saunders said with a grin. "I have not gone completely mad in my old age."
"So you will give me this compass and coordinates and allow me to sail away from here, giving you the word of a pirate that you'll get five percent of the treasure?" Jack asked, still not sure about it.
"Forty percent," Saunders corrected him lightly. "And another promise from you."
"Ten percent, what's the promise?" Jack asked.
"Twenty five percent, and I need your word that if Bill joins you he will also be receiving the coordinates and an equal share of the treasure."
"Twenty percent for you, and I will have to gather a crew together and contract them as well, if Bill receives fifty percent, it will not be enough incentive for me to go." Jack said.
"A fair share then," Saunders argued. "Worthy of a first mate."
"Alright, you have my word," Jack said, shaking Saunders hand. "Isla de Muerta, prepare for Captain Jack Sparrow."
SS
"I'm only coming in to get a few things," Mary warned her mother, as they made their way into the house. "After that I'm going to live with Daniel, as his wife should."
"I understand," Katrina sighed dejectedly. "Do me a favor- go check on your grandfather and say goodbye to him."
"Alright," Mary nodded her head. "After that I'm packing my belongings and- "
"Leaving, so I've been told," Katrina interrupted her impatiently. "Just do it already."
"Fine," Mary said with a shrug, as she made her way upstairs. Katrina sat at the kitchen table quietly, her head lying on her arms, deep in thought. Several minutes later she heard a scream and ran upstairs. She entered her father in law's room and saw Mary huddled in a corner, far away from the bed.
"Mary-" Katrina started worriedly.
"He's dead," Mary said sobbing and pointing at the bed. "I came to kiss him goodbye and he was cold and stiff. Then I noticed he... He wasn't breathing," she said through her sobs. "He's so pale..."
"Go get Clara," Katrina said, full in business mode. When she saw that her daughter was still in shock, she went over and shook her. "Listen to me," she said fiercely, making sure she got through to her daughter. "Clara is the closest thing to a doctor we have, I need you to go and find her right now and bring her over, do you understand?"
Mary nodded mutely, before getting shakily to her feet, wiping her eyes and slowly- her eyes never left the body- getting out of the room. Katrina shook her head sadly and stared at the body on the bed, before leaving the room.
SSSS
Jack and Elizabeth left their room at the Inn later in the afternoon and were heading to the ship. Jack needed a quiet place to think things through and apparently could only do so on board the Pearl. Elizabeth agreed to do so, simply because she could think of no reason they shouldn't think there. Not to mention the fact that she would do anything to get a certain person out of her thoughts...
"Do you think he's alright?" Elizabeth asked worriedly for the sixtieth time.
"He's a pirate," Jack said, slowly losing his patience. "He'll be fine."
"But what if-"
"He won't."
"But-"
"Saunders will look after him," Jack said sternly. "I gave my word I'd look out for you, if your head isn't in the present, you might just lose it."
"I know," Elizabeth said sadly. "I just worry about him, that's all." Jack nodded silently, before lifting his eyes and squinting them.
"I wonder where she's going..." He said, motioning with his head. Elizabeth turned around and saw Clara walking around town.
"Clara!" Elizabeth called with a smile. Clara lifted her head and waved at Elizabeth, before turning away. Elizabeth and Jack shared a glance, before they hurried to catch up with her.
"Clara," Elizabeth said, once they reached her. "Where are you going?"
"To see patients," Clara said impatiently, as she shouldered her bag. "My mother was the closest thing to a doctor we had, now that she's... Now I am," Clara shrugged. "There are so many patients to see, I don't know how my mother ever managed."
"Are you sure you should be doing that already?" Elizabeth asked worriedly. "Shouldn't you be grieving? Or taking care of the burial arrangements?"
"She was buried this morning," Clara said sadly. "And the sick and injured can't wait for me to grieve... I have work to do, I'll probably be still doing it well into the night, so I have to go now," Clara smiled slightly, before leaving them.
"Poor girl," Elizabeth said quietly, glancing at Jack. But Jack was staring at something completely different. Elizabeth looked in the direction he was looking at, and saw a gurney being lifted out of the Van Brunts' house.
"Someone must have died," Jack said, indicating the sheet obviously covering a body. He spotted Katrina standing at the side and hurried over.
"It's my father in-law," she said when he approached her. "He died during the night."
"What did he die of?" Jack asked, as the two of them walked after the gurney.
"According to Clara, he died of his illness," Katrina said, her eyes never leaving the gurney. "He was very sick for so long... You'd think we would have been better prepared for this..."
"You say he died during the night?" Jack asked quickly. "Are you sure of that?"
"He was alive when we left the house last night and dead when Mary found him this morning," she shrugged. "It makes sense."
"Who was the last one with him last night?" Jack asked, as they neared the open grave.
Katrina thought about it for a moment. "Clara.... Yes, I fired her yesterday... Maybe if I hadn't-"
"And Mary, you say Mary found him?" Jack needed all the details he could get, this was important somehow.
"Yes, she went upstairs to say goodbye to him... Then I heard a scream and went upstairs myself. He was dead and I told her to go get Clara."
"How long was it between the time Mary went upstairs and the time you heard the scream?" Jack asked his last question, knowing Katrina would soon not be in the state of mind to answer, and that she'd want some time alone with her daughter at the grave.
"A few minutes," Katrina shook her head, tears stinging her eyes. Jack nodded his thanks and started to leave.
"I have to bring this up, especially at a time like this..." A man said to Katrina. "But Mr. Van Brunt's will-reading...?"
"Tonight," she said distractedly. "We'll do it tonight, Mr. Jacobins."
"Come by my office, at around half past five?" The man asked gently. Katrina nodded silently, as she wrapped her arms around her daughter, and allowed her to cry into her shoulder. Jack watched all this with a keen interest, noting the time they agreed upon and leaving the cemetery to join Elizabeth.
"Where did you go-" Elizabeth asked him hotly, not liking being abandoned.
"It's interesting," Jack mused to himself.
"What is?" Elizabeth asked, forgetting she was mad at him.
"Old Mr. Van Brunt passes away... Very convenient as well, especially when Mary and Connolly need to think of supporting themselves."
"What are you talking about, Jack?" Elizabeth asked confused.
"This morning I overheard a conversation between Katrina, Mary and Connolly regarding their financial situation and Mary brought up the issue of her grandfather's inherence," Jack said, stroking his beard. "Now all of a sudden the old man kicks the bucket."
"You think someone killed him?" Elizabeth asked, trying to follow his train of thought. "Is it connected with the murders?"
"I don't know, but Mary had time to do it today... Though it wouldn't explain the state the body was in..."
"You saw the body?"
"Only a little bit," Jack said distractedly. "It had to have happened yesterday."
"But why would anyone-"
"The will!" Jack said suddenly, a light dawning in his eyes.
"You've lost me," Elizabeth said, feeling a headache beginning.
"Jonathan Masbath- may he rest in peace- said the old man was muttering about his Last Will and Testament- the reading of the will is at half past five tonight." Jack said, drumming his finger.
"What does the will have to do with any of this?" Elizabeth asked, racking her brains.
"I think we're going to find that out tonight." Jack said decisively.
SSSS
"Jack, Elizabeth- what are you doing here?" Katrina asked them wearily, when they came to the office of Mr. Jacobins later that evening. It was half past five, and the sun would set in about an hour.
"We're sorry to intrude," Elizabeth said hesitantly. "But the reading of the will might be important for us to find the murderer."
"I can't see how," Mary said scornfully, rubbing her puffy eyes.
"Mr. Van Brunt- God rest his soul- said something to Jonathan Masbath- may he rest in peace- about his Last Will and Testament, something worth killing for," Elizabeth explained. Katrina was about to question her when Mr. Jacobins entered the room, the document in hand.
"Ah, I see we're all here," he said, eyeing Jack and Elizabeth, before turning questioning eyes to Katrina. Katrina nodded her head and they all sat down. "I believe it would be best if I read the will first, seeing as how parts of it may come as a surprise to you." Mr. Jacobins said apologetically.
" 'I hereby declare that I am dictating this will in a clear mind but a heavy conscious. I have lived with my son's mistakes too long, and would wish to rectify them in death, if only slightly.
Dear Katrina- you have been like a daughter to me and I have always respected you and admired the way you stood by my foolish son. Rest assured that Mary would receive fifty percent of my property- after my son's death- that will be in your charge until she turns of age or marries. Come that time, she will continue to provide a substantial amount of money to your support, supervised by Mr. Jacobins. The amount should maintain the lifestyle you were used to, before my son wasted your money.
As for the other fifty percent, I have decided to keep silence no more. My son did not hold holy the bonds of marriage and I am ashamed to admit that he has bedded many of the town's women, and then failed to provide for them when several of them were with child. I hereby leave the other fifty percent to said women and their children, as they are listen below-' "
Jack grabbed the parchment out of Mr. Jacobins hand and drew out a piece of paper from his shirt.
"Jack!" Katrina said angrily, before Jack raised a hand to silence her.
"Do you have a quill and ink?" Jack asked Mr. Jacobins, who handed him what he asked for. Jack compared the lists and began crossing off names from the will.
"You can't do that, Sir!" Mr. Jacobins said in shock.
"Jack, what on earth-" Elizabeth said equally stunned.
"Just saving you the time," Jack said, pointing to his piece of paper. "These are the names of the victims of the Headless Horseman." He finished crossing off the names, and looked below at the witnesses' names. "Mr. and Mrs. Reefold- where are they?"
"Dead," Katrina said puzzled. "They were old friends of my father in-law's and they died of some rare disease several months ago."
"Interesting," Jack said, as he eyed the only remaining names on the list that weren't crossed out. "Of course!" He said to Elizabeth, holding the piece of paper. He handed the will back to the attorney, before grabbing Elizabeth's arm and going outside with her.
"Jack, what is the meaning of this?" Elizabeth asked angrily.
"Greed," Jack said with a smile. "The victims- most of whom are women and children? - Were all in the will, most of the victims that is, except for the ones that simply got in the Horseman's way."
"So..." Elizabeth said slowly, as her mind raced to figure it out. "Someone knew about the will, killed the witnesses, Brom and every name on the list- "
"Not every," Jack said, raising three fingers. "Katrina, Mary and Clara."
"Clara?" Elizabeth asked, her eyes widening.
"Brom was her father," Jack explained. "She and her mother were on the list as well. Which means the killer-"
"Is one of the three," Elizabeth finished, understanding. "The sun will set soon, what shall we do?"
"We need to find the head," Jack said quickly. "If we find the head, we find our killer and stop the killings."
"We need to search the houses," Elizabeth nodded.
"Right, the killer would want to keep it close, either on him- I mean her- or in the house, some place safe."
"I'll go check Clara's house," Elizabeth volunteered. "She's supposed to be making rounds all day."
"I'll check the Van brunt's residence, and then check Connolly's- Mary might have left something there." They split up, Jack heading towards the Van Brunt's and Elizabeth heading towards Clara's house in the woods.
SSSSS
"My father... He... Clara? And Dana?" Mary asked, confusion etched on her face. She turned accusing eyes to her mother. "You don't seem very shocked."
"I knew your father was unfaithful," Katrina said coldly. "And when the children were born, I always wondered-"
"And you never saw fit to tell me?" Mary asked enraged, rising to her feet.
"I didn't want you to think any less of your father," Katrina explained herself patiently. "It was important to me that no matter what transpires between Brom and myself, that you would always have a father."
"I had siblings!" Mary yelled, shaking her head. "Someone knew about this and killed them, you should have told me! Did you know about Clara?"
"I... I had my suspicions." Katrina said looking away.
"The way you treated her... Like all she was, was hired help-"
"She was hired help!" Katrina lost her temper, but regained it quickly. "I'm sorry-"
"She is my sister! My father's daughter," Mary said, tears brimming in her eyes. "And you and father never gave her the time of day, you treated her like dirt!" Mary spat, before leaving the room.
"Where are you going?" Katrina asked her quietly, not even making a move to rise from her seat.
"Away from here," Mary said disgusted. "I'm going to see Clara."
SSS
"Captain Sparrow!" Masbath said, running towards Jack. "Captain Sparrow, sir!"
"What is it?" Jack asked irritably.
"The sun will set soon, sir," Masbath said apologetically. "I was wondering..."
"We haven't thought of a way to keep the town safe for tonight," Jack said, before making to leave.
"I was wondering if there's anything I can do to help?" Masbath said determinedly. Jack stopped and looked him up and down appraisingly.
"I need you to go to School Master Connolly's cabin- you know where it is?" Jack received a nod. "Good, go there and search the place."
"What am I looking for, sir?" Masbath asked curiously, the adrenaline rushing through his body.
"The Horseman's missing head," Jack said. "Mary Van brunt is a suspect and she's married to him..." Jack suddenly frowned. "On second thought, Connolly is a suspect as well, he married Mary too quickly for my liking, and he would benefit greatly from the deaths. He might be carrying it on himself- in his school bag, perhaps. You need to search that as well, if you come across him."
"You can count on me, Captain!" Masbath said proudly, though his face was stern. He hurried off in the direction of the cabin, and Jack left in the direction of the Van Brunts'.
SSS
"There's nothing here!" Elizabeth said dejectedly, as she searched the messy house. By the signs of it, someone searched the place before her, or there was some struggle. She looked up and down the house and a quick look out the window informed her that the sun had already set.
"What are you doing here?" Clara asked Elizabeth, her voice rising slightly.
"What happened here?" Elizabeth asked her instead.
"When the Horseman came after my mother yesterday he left a mess," Clara said acidly. "Now answer my question!"
"I need to rule you out as a suspect in the murders," Elizabeth said gently. "So I searched your house, I apologize."
"Searched it for what?" Clara asked, her anger slightly subsiding.
"For the Horseman's head," Elizabeth clarified. Her eyes rested on Clara's medicine bag that she kept on her at all times. "I need to see your bag."
"What for?" Clara's eyes narrowed, and she tightened the hold on her bag.
"I need to see it," Elizabeth said urgently. She eyed the room for anything she could use as a weapon, should she need to.
"There are only herbs and medicines in here," Clara objected fiercely. "You have no right going through my belongings."
"I'm sorry, but I need to see that bag," Elizabeth said, before lunging herself at the bag. She yanked it with such force, that it went flying across the floor, before spilling its contents on the ground. Elizabeth walked over and examined it thoroughly; there was no head there.
"Look what you did!" Clara said angrily, as she began to collect the herbs and medicines, noting which bottle were shattered and which medicines spilled. "Do you have any idea-"?
"Shhh," Elizabeth said quickly, her ears listening intently. "Do you hear that?"
SSSS
"Nothing so far," Jack said, as he went through the first floor top to bottom.
"What are you looking for?" Katrina asked him evenly, her arms crossed.
"The Horseman's head," Jack explained.
"Why would it be here?" Katrina asked, frowning.
"You and your daughter are main suspects," Jack explained, not stopping his search. He started from the top floor and went downstairs, so far finding nothing.
"What?" Katrina laughed. "That's absurd! Why would I murder my husband and then offer a reward for the capture of his killer?"
"To appear innocent," Jack said, as he finished his search. "There's nothing here."
"Of course there's nothing here," Katrina scuffed. "Would you care to search me as well?" She asked cynically. "Perhaps I'm hiding it in my dress?"
"Another time, love," Jack said with a grin. Katrina rolled her eyes before leaving the house. Jack was quick to follow her. "Where are we going?"
"I am going to find Mary and talk to her about all of this," Katrina said tiredly. "She went to see Clara."
"Perfect," Jack said with a smile. "Mary's a suspect as well, it saves me the trouble of finding her." Katrina grunted, but said no more as they entered the woods. It was already after sunset and eerily quiet. They said nothing as they traveled deeper into the woods.
"Mary!" Katrina cried, seeing her daughter standing outside Clara's house, obviously debating whether to knock or not. Mary turned around sharply.
"Go away, mother," Mary said icily, turning her back to her and raising her hand to knock. Before she could, the door flew open and Clara and Elizabeth came outside, looking around.
"It must have been them," Clara said letting out a breath and indicating her guests.
"There's nothing here, Jack," Elizabeth said.
"Nothing at the Van Brunts," Jack said as well. He glanced at Mary and saw there was nowhere for her to hide a head on her person. "Might be at the cabin."
"What cabin?" Katrina asked nervously.
"Clara, I need to speak with you," Mary said, biting her lower lip.
"Alright," Clara said confused, but opened the door wider in invitation. "Come on in."
"What cabin?" Katrina asked Jack again, but did not hear her, he was in deep concentration.
"What is it?" Elizabeth asked, frightened. Jack's jaw tightened before he turned to her and said:
"Hoof beats."
"Hoof beats?" Elizabeth echoed dumbly.
"The Horseman?" Katrina asked, panicking. "We need to get to the docks-"
"We'll never make it in time," Jack said, as he caught a glimpse of the speeding menace. "Everyone inside!" Everyone ran inside and locked the door. The heard a heavy bang on the door and saw wood splintering. The Horseman was chopping through the wood.
"Help me pile things against the door!" Elizabeth told the others, and Katrina, Mary and Clara went to push furniture. They piled the furniture against the door, knowing full well it won't hold Him for long.
"Is there a window, or other means of escape?" Jack asked Clara, as he drew out his sword.
"No, none," Clara said scared. "What are we going to do?"
"I'll Hold him off for as long as I can," Jack said, glancing around the room, searching for more weapons. "The first chance you get, run out the door and head for the Pearl."
"And leave you here to die?" Elizabeth asked pointedly. "I'm staying, Jack."
"They'll need someone to handle the helm, love," Jack said quickly. "And I gave my word to Will that I would not let any harm come to you."
"And I told you before that my place is between you and danger." Elizabeth said with a soft smile, all the while the door was slowly being chopped into pieces.
"I thought it was between Norrington and me?" Jack asked with a grin.
"That as well," Elizabeth said kindly. Jack sighed and handed her his pistol.
"I know better than to argue with you. Get ready to run the first chance you get," he told the others as the door collapsed and the Horseman entered. Elizabeth fired all the bullets in the gun at him and the Horseman did not even flinch. She threw the pistol and grabbed a candlestick. The Horseman drew his axe and began to fight Jack, slicing and dicing in rapid speed. It was not the first time Jack fought the un-dead, only that time he was un-dead himself. The Horseman sliced Jack right arm, causing him to hiss in pain and drop his sword. The axe came down swiftly-
"Are you looking for this?" A familiar voice said from behind the Horseman, as it quickly came into view.
"Will!" Elizabeth said in surprise and relief. He kept his eyes on the Horseman, who stopped himself before going through with the motion, letting Jack get out of the way. Will held his trophy up high for the Horseman to see- The Horseman's head.
"Leave them alone and I will give it to you," Will said seriously, waiting for some response. The Horseman put his axe away and held out his hands for his head. Will tossed it at him and watched with sick fascination as the Horseman reattached his head. It was a hideous thing to watch, as the decayed head began to rejuvenate, the hair grew jet black and the skin crawled into a pale while, the eyes popped into the sockets coal black, and the sharp teeth glistened in the dark. The Horseman bared his teeth in what seemed to be a smile towards Will, before he disappeared into thin air.
"Oh Will!" Elizabeth said, as she hugged her husband and clung for dear life. "I thought I'd never see you again... What are you doing here?"
"Or what's more important," Jack said, grabbing his injured arm. "Where did you find the head?"
END PART 13
Author's note: OMG this came out so long! Almost ten thousand words!!! Crazy!!! I could have split it up, but it didn't work plot-wise, so just consider this a bonus after me not writing for so long! I was in the states, but ever since I got back I've been working on this day and night! Two more chapters, I'm pretty sure they'll be relatively short ones! Feedback and comments are welcome as always, as are praises and worshipping!
Bluekrystal1- Evil cliffhanger, I know, and another one! I'm glad you love this story and I can't say anything about Bootstrap if he'll appear or not. Quick question though, how can you love him if we've never met him? Unless you love him from my story, and then it's a double compliment!
cheatachu82- didn't update that soon, hope you'll forgive me, life kinda gets in the way, ya know? Anyhow, I hope it's still gripping and interesting, considering these are the final chapters!
ist- Yes, I love my evil cliffhangers, just so you know I was debating whether or not to make it an even more evil cliffhanger, but decided against it. Hope there's enough action and intrigue to keep you satisfied!
Katana- LOL, I should be famous? From your mouth to God's ear! I'm glad you think it's getting better, it's really hard to keep it up for thirteen chapters!
Hope I'll get to update soon,
Ivy