Yet again, usual disclaimers apply throughout this tale. If you recognise it, it probably belongs to the Mouse – else it is mine!

Chapter 43 – The Search for DeWitt

James Norrington had been aboard the Black Pearl only once before, despite his nephew seeming to live on the ship whenever it was anchored at Port Royal. Indeed, it seemed that James was there now, for as soon as he had climbed aboard he had seen two macaws – one blue, one red – squawking in the rigging.

Jack noticed his gaze. "Yer'd best take him back with yer," he suggested, knocking quietly on the door of his own cabin before entering. "Kitty, it's me…" He turned to the others. "Wait," he ordered, firmly shutting the doors in their faces. After a few moments, the doors opened and he ushered them inside.

Catherine sat quietly looking out the windows at the town of Port Royal. She was again dressed in shirt and breeches with her hair swept back from her face. Her pearl necklace, restrung, hung around her neck.

"I understand Commodore that you need me to confirm what Jack has already told you," she sighed, coming to stand before them. She nodded to Jack, turning as he lifted her shirt so that the Commodore could see the scars.

"The large one…" he questioned.

"An old scar Commodore, nothing to do with this." He nodded at Jack who lowered her shirt.

"A reward will be posted on him. Somebody will claim it and he will hang," he assured her.

"You have to beat the Pearl if you want him to hang," she smiled, "and there might not be much left when we're finished…". She looked up at him, her eyes as dark as Jack's. "And pirate justice tends to be rather final."

But Robert DeWitt, it appeared, had vanished.

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Year 3 - Mid November

Jack had long since disappeared into one of the many taverns to do business, but Zeke watched protectively over Catherine as she shopped quietly in Tortuga. Ever since that night on the beach, Zeke had considered himself her special protector, second obviously only to Jack. She loved shopping in Tortuga, as you could find everything you ever wanted – and more than a few things you never realised you needed until you saw them. Of course there was the understanding that most things were pirated goods, but it was a pirate town after all.

Catherine bought mainly new clothes and items for the galley – peppercorns, salt, and some new knives. She also bought some luxury foods for the following day before going in search of Jack. She supposed she would find him at the Faithful Bride, his usual drinking hole, and was not disappointed. A short, scruffy pirate with the dirtiest shirt she had ever seen was sitting with him, sharing a rum – or three. Jack slid him a pouch. "Keep lookin'…" He saw her approach. "Ah, Kitty m' love. Won't yer join me?" His companion slid away, vacating his chair for her. The man nodded to Jack before slipping out the door. Jack grabbed one of the tavern girls. "Wine for my lady 'ere luv!" he ordered. He eyed the large packages suspiciously. "Bought me anything?" he asked hopefully.

"Not directly, but you will have to wait until we get back to the Pearl," she teased. "Zeke, do you want anything?"

"Not while I'm on duty Kitty," he smiled, leaning against the wall next to their table, although he never considered looking after her a duty.

Jack looked around the tavern, pleased to note more than one glance at his wife. Kitty preferred to wear dresses when in port, only usually reverting to breeches and a shirt whilst on board the Pearl. And even if he said so himself, she did fit a dress in all the right places! He glanced at the packages again. "You not even goin' to give me a clue?" he pestered.

"No!" She quietly drank her wine, ignoring the sounds of yet another brawl breaking out behind her.

"Well, let's head back then…" Jack urged impatiently.

"In a minute," she smiled, finishing her wine before weaving her way with Jack through the combatants, followed by her ever present shadow.

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Year 3 - November 16

The Black Pearl slid silently out of the harbour at Tortuga, heading out in search of their prey. Thanks to Catherine and Zeke's shopping trip, the galley was well stocked. Only when they were safely out of the harbour and on a south-westerly heading towards the Windward Passage did Jack managed to get away from the helm. Quietly he entered his cabin, surprised to find the table set for dinner, candles lit. The crew had eaten already, but Catherine had prepared a special meal for him, all high-class and fancy. He could hear her rustling in one of the side cabins, humming quietly.

"Sit down," she called. "I'll be out in a second…"

He sat, eyeing the food hungrily, but he looked up on hearing her approach. His jaw dropped, a lazy smile creasing his face. "Nice dress…" he drawled.

It was indeed, he had never seen anything like it, all black lace, tight, low…. he ran out of words to describe it rapidly. He thought it might be Spanish. She leaned across, closing his mouth with an audible click. "Eat! It's getting cold…"

"It's lookin' pretty hot from here.." he suggested.

"I meant the food!" Catherine laughed, sitting in the chair next to him.

"What's for dessert?" he smiled hopefully.

"Me!" Jack needed no second bidding – he ate.

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