CHAPTER 14: 'BUD. WISE. ER.'
The pub was busy. Jack and Gibbs sat down and had a drink, leaving Will to stand aimlessly in the middle of the pub and gaze into outer space.
'So. We were talking about dolphins,' Mr Gibbs hiccupped.
'No, we were talking about Bill Turner,' Jack replied.
'Oh, yes. I remember Phil. He's dead,' Mr Gibbs giggled, obviously rather pissed.
'Something like that...' Jack said. 'Look. I want to go after the Black Pearl, right?
'Left,' Mr Gibbs said solemnly.
'I need the guy. Over there.'
'That one? He's a blacksmith,' Mr Gibbs said.
'Yeah, but he's Bill Turner's kid. HIS ONLY CHILD. Are you getting me?'
'Not really. Bill had photos of all his kids. I think there were seventeen in total.'
Jack sighed. 'Just get me a crew, mate.'
-
It was the next day.
Down by the ships, Mr Gibbs was introducing his crew.
'There's Lenny, Homer, Bill, Gary, Barry, Harry and Bill. Two. And Annamaria, ignore her for now.'
Jack approached a sailor. 'You, sailor!'
'Barry, sir,' Gibbs volunteered.
Jack reeled off a whole list of pirate stuff.
Barry did not answer so Jack got annoyed.
'Answer, man!'
'Poor devil can't speak sir. He doesn't like you,' Gibbs said, shaking his head sorrowfully. Barry flipped Jack off and then pointed to the parrot.
'All I want for Christmas is youuuuuuuuuuuu,' the parrot squawked.
'Mostly we figure he's telling you that he likes Christmas,' Mr Gibbs said.
'Course he is,' Jack said cheerfully. Then he saw Annamaria.
'You stole my boat!' she said, slapping him.
Jack promised her she would get a better one and pointed to a leaking rowing boat. Then the sailors ran on board before she could hit them.