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

Chapter 64 - Untrusting Trust

Theodore was greatly relieved to find the Black Pearl at anchor in the bay of Tortuga. He waited quietly ashore, out of uniform, hoping to spot one of the crew so that he could ask to go aboard. But he saw no-one until he felt a pistol pushed into the small of his back. He turned cautiously to find Zeke Jones smiling at him.

"Nice an' quiet like, Captain an' nobody 'ere will notice you!" the black man cautioned. Zeke escorted him to the docks, where he found a small ship's boat waiting for him. "In yer get!" He gestured with the pistol to reinforce his request. "An' yer can row."

Theodore carefully picked up the oars, making sure that no sudden move on his part would spook the pirate. Smoothly he rowed the boat out towards the Black Pearl. A line was thrown down and Zeke gestured for him to climb up first. He found yet another pistol aimed at him when he climbed over the rail, this time held by Joshamee Gibbs.

"For crying out loud, Gibbs!" he pleaded, exasperated with the situation. "I just want to talk with Cat!"

"Drop your weapons, Theo - all of them!" Joshamee Gibbs ordered before another pirate patted him down, checking.

"He's clear Gibbs!" the man confirmed.

Gibbs nodded towards the cabin. "You're expected," he said, gradually lowering his pistol.

Theodore walked towards the cabin, knocking before carefully opening the door. "Cat?"

He was surprised to find Jack in the cabin, up and about even if hobbling. His left wrist was heavily strapped as he waited for it to heal. He took a long swig from the bottle of rum he had been nursing. Theodore looked around for his sister, relieved to find her sitting looking out of the window.

"What do you want, Theo?" she asked, her voice flat.

He took a deep breath. "I need to know what happened, with DeWitt and Gillette."

"Why? What does it matter and who would believe me anyway?" she said bitterly.

"I'd believe you, dammit!" he cursed, causing her to look at him sharply for he rarely swore. "I'd like to think that the truth could save your life too!" He ran his hair through his short cropped hair in frustration. "The Commodore needs to know what happened - he knows you killed Gillette, which means you should hang. But that counters everything that Mistress Hansord and the women of the town are saying, practically putting you forward for sainthood! For crying out loud, Cat, I'm trying to help you!" he pleaded.

Jack hobbled across the cabin, sitting next to Catherine. "It was an accident mate, honest!"

Theodore held up his hands, bidding Jack to be silent. "I need to hear it from Cat… what happened, please!"

She took a deep breath, sighing heavily. "When I entered the lobby, Jack was already down. DeWitt had his sword at his throat - I fired…"

He could see tears welling in her eyes as she remembered. "And Gillette?" he prompted.

"I couldn't move Jack, I wasn't strong enough so I stood waiting, hoping somebody would arrive and help me. But Gillette got there first. He saw Jack was unconscious and… and he tried to kill him. We fought and then he tried to kill me." She indicated her healing ribs. "I slipped, and then my blade was hilt-deep in his chest." Her eyes held his, glistening, beseeching. "I was only trying to defend Jack… I didn't mean to kill him…"

Theodore nodded, at last piecing together the events. "And then I walked in…" She nodded. "Was the pistol loaded Cat?" She shook her head. He smiled, holding out his arms, relieved when she walked forwards to be hugged. "I'm just glad you're okay, both of you." He savoured the hug, reminding him of a more innocent time. "Will you come back to Port Royal, please? The Commodore has assured me of your safety."

She shook her head. "No, Theo - I am sorry," she said sadly.

"Will you not trust me, Cat? I'd not see any harm come to you, I promise," he vowed.

"No," Jack interrupted. "We might trust you, Theo, but others are a different matter - sorry."

Theodore nodded, realising that they would not be swayed. "If you will give your word not to attack English shipping, including Roseridge ships, I can at least try for some protection for you," he offered.

Jack nodded. "We have an accord." He put down his rum, offering his hand to Theodore. They shook.

"I'd best be off then. I need to get back to Port Royal before the new Governor arrives…"

Catherine hugged him. "Take care Theo."

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