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

Chapter 44 – Plots Unmasked

Year 3 - Early December

Damian Roseridge sat in the dimly lit bar in St Ann's Bay, waiting for his fellow conspirator to arrive. Eventually he saw him, nodded and waited for him to walk over. "Robert," he acknowledged.

"Damian," the man smiled. "This is risky meeting here – what is so urgent that it cannot wait. I'm known on your father's estate and we could be seen."

"Father has been in contact with the Crown, informing them that the Governor is unable to perform his duties due to old age and ill health. He has put himself forward as a new governor for Jamaica." He could see the interest spark in the green eyes, a rekindling of hope, partially hidden by the man's hat. "If father becomes Governor then our earlier plans can still proceed." He smiled. "Father hates Sparrow – so he will rescind privateer status for the Black Pearl and the Leochek…"

"Revenge is always sweet," Robert DeWitt chuckled.

"Aye, but if father were, say, to meet with an accident? Who else would there be but myself to take control of the situation as his grieving son…" He was rewarded by a smile. "Then there would be a terrible increase of pirate activity in the area – goodbye Norrington and most of the English Navy…"

"An' we take control!" Robert DeWitt grinned, delighting in the thought of the pirate ships acting together to remove their enemy. "But this time without Bailie lording it over us!"

"Bailie was a fool!" Damian Roseridge snapped. He had nearly lost it when he sat down at that meeting in Port Maria, but fortunately his poker face held good. "He moved too fast, before Swann could be removed, nearly wrecked the plan, although it could still work now that his mind has become unbalanced. We maintain caution, go slowly and nothing will go wrong – all right?" He paused. "Are the others still in?"

"Yup, they're still in – although Sparrow is making things difficult with this little vendetta of his," DeWitt sighed. "I may have to do something about him before things start if he gets too close…"

Damian Roseridge nodded. "Do whatever you want with Sparrow. Whether he is dead sooner or later matters little – but he will be dead when this is all over…"

They clashed tankards in agreement, downing their drinks, before leaving the tavern in opposite directions

88888

Year 3 - Late December

Commodore James Norrington looked at the latest batch of official dispatches from London, frowning at an official one bearing the King's crest. He opened it.

"Commodore Norrington," it began. "It is with regret that We inform you that Our esteemed servant, Governor Weatherby Swann will be standing down from his post due to ill health in the New Year. It is Our royal wish that Mister Jacoby Roseridge be elevated to the post of Governor of Jamaica and to be Our representative in the Caribbean."

It was signed by His Majesty, complete with official seal.

88888

Elizabeth Turner raged at her husband. "They cannot do that! It is unfair! Father has given his life in service to the King and now they discard him like a worn out shoe!" She paced angrily.

Will looked at her in despair. "There is nothing that can be done Elizabeth - the letter was signed by the King himself. We will just have to take him in."

Elizabeth looked around their small house in despair. "Father cannot live here Will, there is no room! We will have to get a bigger house!"

"With what Elizabeth? We can only just afford this one! Unless they decide to give your father some kind of pension… I just don't know!" He held her tightly as she started crying. "I just don't know… Perhaps he can sleep in with Billy for now, until we can sort something out…"

88888

Jacoby Roseridge showed his family the letter authorising his elevation to Governor proudly. The fool Swann had evidently gone to pieces after the attack by Bailie; the granting of pardons to the Black Pearl and Leochek bordered on obvious insanity. Once he took power he would see things changed, oh yes, they would change. Sparrow and his friends would find Port Royal far less to their liking, far less!

88888