Usual disclaimers... do you think the Mouse Corporation would let me borrow him... just for a few nights a week?!

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Chapter 45 - The Indian Caves

Jack helped Bessie ashore. Flamingo Bay was exactly as she remembered it, a white sand beach protected to the east and west by coral reefs. Jack glanced worried across to her. "Are yer alright luv?" he asked.

"There was a party," she replied softly, remembering. "A big beach party with fire pits... and music and dancing... whole pigs roasting on spits. Mother had discovered about Father and he had asked us to meet him here so that we could see his ship and meet his men. I think he hoped that he could persuade her to change her mind... but they argued and I never saw him again. We walked through the night to Port Nelson and made our way eventually to Saba..."

"Where yer met Captain Charmin'..." Jack prompted, eager to hear more for she had never really spoken to him of her past.

"He was fifteen, already in the Guard. His father wanted to see us betrothed, but Mother said I was too young. When he started to press the matter, we left..." she said sadly.

"Which eventually brought yer t' me," he grinned, guiding Bessie carefully across the sand to firmer ground. "From th' map, it should only be a few miles. Will yer be alright?" He had not even bothered to bring the map with them, so certain was he of the location of the treasure. To the east of the bay were some caves, native Indian caves. Jack had heard of them although had never been there, but he set off confidently along the beach,

"I'm pregnant, not an invalid Jack," Bessie sighed. "I can walk even if I do find it tiring."

"We can stop whenever yer are tired," Jack offered. "Th' crew won't go on without yer..."

"I will manage," she assured him, slipping her hand into his. He squeezed her hand in response, rubbing her wedding ring that Wyn Bristow had altered to fit.

Bessie did not notice the teasing smiles of some of the crew, but Jack did. He glared at them, daring them to say something - but none were brave or stupid enough to do so. He had never taken himself to be the marrying type, but now that he had he was surprised to find it was not so bad. The path became rockier and several times he had to help her over a sudden drop, handing her down to Jacob or Henry before climbing down himself.

"Captain! The caves!" Oliver Fernin cried out, spotting the slit in the hillside ahead.

Jack and the rest of the crew looked up eagerly, some starting to run. "Hold!" Jack shouted, relieved when they stopped and looked back at him sheepishly. "Th' treasure belonged t' Bessie's father... she should go first..."

Bessie smiled at him tiredly, allowing him to lead her to the head of the column of pirates. She shivered as she entered the cave, the darkness inside seeming chill after the afternoon heat outside. "Light th' lanterns," Jack ordered, looking around with interest at the various swirls and animals drawn crudely on the walls of the cave. He took a lantern from Joshamee and walked cautiously forwards, peering into the darkness until he spotted a pile of ten or more chests. A wide grin split his face, his gold teeth glinting in the darkness. "There's yer freedom Bessie," he smiled, walking closer and opening the nearest chest carefully to reveal a rainbow of jewels shining in the light. He lifted the lid of another chest, and another, to reveal more jewels and gold coins. "Gentlemen!" he announced. "Let's get this back to th' Pearl where it belongs...". He turned, kissing Bessie as the crew swarmed forwards, cheering in delight before leading her out into the sunshine again. "Thank yer luv," he said quietly, "fer trustin' us..."

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Jack did not relax until the chests were all safely aboard the Black Pearl, piled up in his cabin. Fifteen in all, some larger than others, they contained enough wealth to satisfy even the most spendthrift of his crew for over a year. He sat at the table with Joshamee Gibbs and Paul Barker, dividing up the spoils whilst Bessie rested on the bunk. Jack had insisted that she receive a full share even though her name was not on the ship's Articles - without her they would not have found the treasure. He was pleased that none of the crew had disagreed, glancing towards the curtained off side cabin where she slept, unaware of her new-found wealth. She had surprised many in asking for nothing, but he knew the thing she wanted most was the freedom for the first time in her life not to be worried about pirates... well, at least no more than the average town-dweller worried.

"I guess that is all of it," Paul whistled appreciatively. "Horace amassed quite a bit over the years." He rose from the table, heading towards the doors. "I'd best go tell the crew their share..."

Joshamee waited until Paul shut the doors behind him. "He'd have got a lot more if his career hadn't been cut short," he conceded. "What was he doing in Port Royal anyway?

"Looking for his real treasure," Jack said. "From what I discovered whilst searching fer Bessie, somebody told him that Elsje and Bessie were living there... but they were not an' he was taken..."

"She makes you as vulnerable Jack," Joshamee said quietly, worrying,, fearing parallels with Horace Masters. Pirates rarely married and for good reason.

"Some things are worth th' risk," Jack reasoned.

"And you?" Joshamee prompted.

"Joshamee," Jack grinned. "Joshamee, don't be forgettin'... I'm Captain Jack Sparrow!" He spread his hands wide, his eyes twinkling with amusement. Joshamee harrumphed loudly, looking with scepticism at his Captain. "Don't worry - I'll be leaving somebody with her onshore. I'll not leave m' wife an' child undefended... an' once we announce t' th' Bride that we have Masters' treasure then she'll be safe. It will be one hell of a celebration!"

Joshamee looked unconvinced, but rose from the table. "Well as long as she will be safe," he cautioned. "The crew are quite attached to her!"

"Not half as attached as I am," Jack smiled, rising himself and heading towards where she slept. "Now if yer'd be so kind as to take th' helm, I think I'll check up on her..."

Joshamee rolled his eyes as he left the cabin. If only Bessie knew it she had the entire ship wrapped around her little finger. If Jack was serious about leaving a crewman ashore with her then he could see the men fighting over the privilege. He climbed the stairs to take the helm, checking their progress as they headed towards Tortuga. Jack had been right - it would be a celebration to remember.