Chapter 11

               Madeline and JJ moved quickly through the house.  Not making a sound.  They closed the doors quietly behind them.  Members of Madeline's crew was waiting for them by the back door of the house.  As they hurried away, Madeline stole a glance back at the house.  She gasped when she saw a figure in one of the upstairs windows.  Dear God, was Jack awake?  Surely not.  When Jack slept hard, he didn't awaken for anything.  She saw a hand wave from the figure and knew that it was Elizabeth.  She returned the wave and hurried along with the others.

               "Is everything ready Mr. Taylor?" she asked her first mate as they moved through the deserted streets of Port Royal.

               "Aye Captain.  Everything is ready.  Just as you ordered."

               "Good.  We're ready to set sail?"

               "Aye Captain."

               "Thank you Mr. Taylor."

               "You're welcome Captain."  They reached her ship.  The Intrepid.  She smiled as she saw her crew awaiting her arrival on deck.  She turned to JJ.

               "Go below to your cabin JJ."

               "Mum!"

               "Don't sass me JJ.  Just do as I say.  Savvy?"

               "Savvy mum."  Madeline turned her attention back to the crew as they climbed aboard.  Never giving JJ a second thought or glance.

               "I wish she wouldn't have left Will.  This whole thing is breaking my heart." Elizabeth said to her husband as they sat down to eat in the dining room the next morning.  Will reached over and took his wife's hand.

               "I know.  He's not awake yet is he?"  Elizabeth shook her head.

               "No, Tessy peeked into Maddy's room and saw he was still sleeping."  Will sighed and picked up his fork.  But stopped midway to his mouth.

               "She's going to her island isn't she?"

               "Yes, why?"

               "Do you know how to get there?"

               "No.  When she took me, she made me wear a blindfold before we arrived."

               "Smart pirate." Will said and they ate in silence.

               Jack rolled over in bed.  He reached out for Maddy but only touched a cold sheet.  His eyes flew open and he sat up in a flurry.

               "Maddy?"  He looked around the room hurridley.  Where was she?  There was no evidence of her clothes anywhere.  He swung his legs over the edge of the bed.  Maybe she was downstairs.  As he was about to get out of bed, he saw the envelope.  His hand shook as he went to take it.

               My Dearest Jack,

                              By now you've seen that I've gone.  And there are no words that can express my sorrow at leaving you.  I just couldn't stay.  There are things that have happened in my life.  Things that I can't explain and will probably never be able to explain.  I've caused you great amounts of pain.  I want you to know that I've never regretted us being together.  Last night was the happiest that I've been in a long time.  Jack, please forgive me.  I love you.

                              Love Always,

                              Your Maddy Love………

               Jack crumpled the note in his hands and threw it across the room.

               "Maddy!" he yelled.  His voice echoing through the room.

               Elizabeth and Will heard Jack yell and they looked at each other with regret.

               "Jack's up."  Was all that Will said.