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

Chapter 52 - Africa

Year 4 - April – May

Catherine had forgotten how much she hated the rough seas of the Atlantic, but most of all she hated its colour. She longed for the warm weather and azure seas of the Caribbean, but knew she would have to wait. Jack and Theodore knew a few places that trafficked in slaves, and they intended sailing until either Catherine recognised the coastline or they found some trace of Mewani.

When they were a week out of Tortuga, Jack released the remainder of the Resolute's crew on their honour that they would obey orders and not endanger the ship in any way. They were grateful enough to get out of the brig that they would have agreed to anything, and under the guidance of Theodore had accepted Jack's terms.

For a few weeks they sailed up and down the Gold Coast, hoping against hope for a clue. At last, Catherine spotted a wharf that looked familiar – Gberefu Island, just outside the town of Badagry. They anchored cautiously, watching for any hostility, but they were ignored. After a while, Jack, Theodore, and several members of the crew went ashore, Theodore prudently changed out of his uniform, dressing in the best clothes that could be found on board. Luckily the jacket that Jack had worn to the Governor's mansion whilst pretending to be Mister Wells was a reasonable fit. Before he left, Jack took Kitty to one side. "Keep an eye on Zeke for me, will you? Make sure he stays out of sight."

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Catherine sat quietly in the galley with Zeke. "Jack doesn't want you to go on deck," she told him quietly. "He thinks if somebody sees you they might think we aren't what we are pretending to be…"

Zeke smiled. "It's okay Kitty. I understand, and he needn't fear about me jumping ship and running back to my homeland. I was very young when I left Africa and wouldn't even know my way home now. Pearl is my family now…"

She smiled and hugged him. "I'm sure that is not it," she assured him. "But I guess we'd better finish dinner before Jack locks us in the brig for slacking."

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Jack looked around the town of Badagry, quickly deciding that he did not like the place. Surrounded by creeks, islands and a lake it was a major slave port and it stank of misery. The large European-owned slave compounds were jam-packed, closely and fiercely guarded. Theodore politely questioned one of the gate guards. "Excuse me, we are looking for Mewani?" The guard pointed to an equally guarded compound a short distance away. "Thank you."

They approached the second compound, the guards drawing their pistols as the group approached. Theodore walked forward. "Excuse me, we are looking for Mewani?" One of the guards nodded and went inside. They waited.

"Gentlemen, gentlemen!" The amazing expansive mass that was Mewani strode through the doorway. "How may I help you? Do come in!" he beamed warmly, waving them inside, promptly directing them to a luxurious room, full of swirling silks and scantily clad women. Jack's eyes widened, but he kept his tongue, wondering how to persuade Catherine to dress like that when they were alone.

Theodore sat in the single chair offered, whilst the others stood in a semi-circle around him. "Our mutual friend, the Dutchman, said you might be able to help us. The last batch you sent were very well received by their new owner…"

Mewani clapped his hands, ordering refreshments for his guests. "You are from the Caribbean too? No, I can see that from your dress…" He paused. "Yes, it is always a pleasure to do business with the Dutchman, but I have not seen him for some time."

"Well, having seen the quality of the goods on our neighbour's plantation, we decided to deal with you directly ourselves… if you can supply the goods?" Theodore asked cautiously.

"Goods are easily acquired, but the quality that Roseridge prefers takes time to find…" Mewani boasted.

"Indeed," Theodore smiled back. "We will leave you then to make arrangements?" He rose. "We shall return tomorrow to discuss numbers and money…"

"Of course, tomorrow then!" Mewani hauled his bulk from the chair, graciously escorting them to the main entrance of the compound.

But that night the Black Pearl raised her anchor and sailed out the bay, back towards Jamaica. Although they now had their missing connection, they still did not know what to make of events.

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