AN (11/21): I have so much free time after school...and yet I procrastinate new chapters. Shame on me. Anyway, I hope you like this one. It should be more interesting than the last.
Chapter 20: Accident
"We be ready, Cap'n," Bootstrap Bill Turner said softly, glancing over the crew a few times before drawing his gaze back to Jack. "D' ye really think this is the bes' way?" While he hadn't openly admitted that he had reservations about Jack's brilliant scheme, Jack could tell that his friend was almost as worried as Barbossa.
"Of course I do," Jack responded evenly, blinking a few times as he scanned the scallywags in front of him. "It will save a lo' of time in the long run, if we split up." He smiled to his men, who seemed to be antsy inside the abandoned warehouse with its closed shutters. Glass was very expensive, so only homes of the filthy rich aristocrats could afford windows. Everyone else had open holes in their homes with shutters to keep out the cold and rain during the monsoon season. The shutters seemed to watch Jack with an air of disdain as he explained who was going to what key area. By attacking at the same time, there would be no chance for resistance. Plus, Jack wouldn't have to shed unnecessary blood. Only those who would actually be a threat would be hurt.
"Well, then, le's go," Skip commented soberly, staring at Jack with a look on his face approaching that of idolatry. No one could come up with a better plan. Why had pirates always been using their cannons to storm a city, anyway? Jack's idea made much more sense. No respectable pirate liked wasting money on ammunition. They'd rather spend their swag in brothels and taverns.
"Split up in'o yer teams. Remember no' t' strike until ye 'ear the bell in the town square ring twelve times." Jack glanced at his crew, glaring at a few of them he really didn't trust. "If ye strike before tha', the soldiers will be alerted." Barbossa shook his head slightly as he watched Jack speak. He didn't bother raising concerns, however. He'd done that already on countless occasions. Jack wouldn't be persuaded to follow another idea.
The crew nodded their agreement and split into teams of varying sizes, slowly leaving the warehouse to get to their proper positions before midnight rolled around. Jack, Skip, and Hawksmoor waited until everyone had left before they slowly made their way to the governor's house. Jack didn't trust anyone with the key to the treasury but himself, which was why he was headed just across the street to those lawns that mocked him. The governor would surely have a key to the treasury...which was the only thing they were sacking the port for. No sense in stealing arms from the armory. Those were easily purchased. Besides, Jodi had mentioned several times that the governor taxed the poor of Nassau much to heavily. That meant that the treasury would be full of gold.
Jack glanced between Hawksmoor and Skip as the sleepy church bell started crying into the night. "Ye ready?" he asked softly. They'd been standing in front of the gates for almost half an hour now, trying to keep from talking. It was an awkward silence, for Jack could tell that Skip wanted to talk about something. Skip never did like silence.
Hawksmoor slowly nodded as he stopped leaning against the fence. He had looked like he was asleep. The man with a large nose which rather resembled the beak of a hawk never said much. That was partly why Jack didn't trust him. But Jack couldn't have Barbossa or Bootstrap accompany him. They needed to keep order in other key positions. At least he'd chosen Skip for himself. Jack trusted Skip more than most of the rest of his crew. Then again, Jack was rather paranoid that something like what happened with Matthew would happen again.
Skip nodded as well, quickly unlatching the gate and stepping onto the slightly moist grass. It was quite humid today, and the darkness seemed to be pressing on Jack's chest as he walked forward, followed by the lanky Hawksmoor.
As they stepped onto the porch and Skip finagled with the lock, Jack felt an unmistakable feeling that he needed to turn around. Of course, Jack didn't often act on feelings alone, so he smothered that underneath his exuberant confidence in his plan. This would go down in history books as probably the most daring thing he'd ever done. Skip had the door open in no time. It was amazing how good at picking locks Skip was, especially considering the fact that he was a cook.
"When ye find the governor, holler," Jack instructed quietly as they stepped inside the house. As he spoke, his dark brown eyes scanned the room. The governor had a horrible taste in colors and decorations. Jack could tell that much even though the room was almost completely dark. The lace curtains over the windows were letting just enough light in that Jack could discern blue from red and yellow from green and make out some outlines of chairs and such.
"Right," Hawksmoor and Skip agreed. Hawksmoor silently crept towards the overly ornate staircase in the center of the parlor and started climbing up the stairs to the sleeping apartments above. He would probably find the governor...but Jack had seen a light on in the kitchen. Perhaps the man was hungry. He went off towards the left as Skip took the right.
Jack really hoped he'd be the one to find the corpulent official elected by their king all the way back in England. He wanted to make the man squeal, partly because Jack wasn't busy storming his sister's house right now. He knew that if he'd gone...they wouldn't have gotten the key to the treasury, nor would he be able to think clearly. Obviously he'd shoot first and ask questions later because of the way he hated the man who'd killed his mother and bought his sister.
As Jack entered a room with a table and chairs (and the same horrible wall paper), he noticed a slight light shining through the door across from him. Obviously there was someone in there. Or they'd left a candle out on accident because they meant to burn the house down. Jack highly doubted that. It was probably the governor in there.
Grinning maliciously, Jack silently crept up next to the door and pulled his gun out. He could hear something going on in there. What it was...well, Jack was fairly sure he knew what it was, based on the moaning he heard. Disgusting. Who was in there? Hopefully it would be that stupid governor busy molesting his wife...or a servant girl. Jack didn't think the man had a wife.
Jack pulled his gun out of his effects, idly caressing the handle before he cocked it. His ear was still pressed to the door as he waited for a more "opportune" moment. He couldn't wait too long, but he really didn't want to see what was going on. The thought of a man like the governor enjoying himself with a woman was just too disgusting.
Sighing softly, Jack started tapping his foot. When would the activity end? All Jack wanted to do was go in there and get the stupid key. He didn't even really intend to use his gun. It was more for show. It was easier to get a man to do something you wanted him to do if he thought that you would kill him. Men were always most compliant to new issues when they felt threatened. When would the activity end?
He was so busy listening at the door for the cessation of the illicit activity that he didn't notice someone creeping up behind him, trying to keep from being heard. Jack didn't even notice as the person behind him slowly lifted up a heavy object, preparing to smash it over Jack's thick skull. So enthralled was he, Jack didn't even notice the arms of the person falter under the heavy weight.
Of course, just as the person, a servant no doubt, planned to protect her governor, the noise in the kitchen ceased. Jack grinned and turned slightly so that he could get the door open. His arm brushed against the skirts of the servant planning to knock him out and his finger reflexively pulled on the trigger.
The sound of the bullet escaping the gun bounced around the house a few times as Jack cursed himself softly. What had he been thinking? Now the governor would know he was here. Besides, he'd just shot an innocent servant. He glanced at the figure lying on the floor for a moment, his mouth gaping open as he noticed it was a woman. Why was it so dark in here? If he'd known it was a woman, he wouldn't have shot at her.
Shaking, Jack slowly put the gun down, jumping as the door opened and a nearly nude governor appeared. Jack moved his lips without sound coming out as he thought of what he'd just done. He'd shot a woman. An innocent woman merely trying to defend her household from danger.
The governor was red with fury all over as he tried to see Jack more clearly. "Well...sir...I'm afraid that you will have to turn yourself in." It was amazing to Jack that the man could speak with such authority, even though he was very far from decent.
Jack slowly shook his head and pulled the gun up again. "I'm afraid no'," he managed in a disfigured voice. "Give me the key t' the treasury, or I shoot ye as well." Each word seemed a bit clearer, though Jack felt like he were speaking Latin.
The governor frowned slightly, staring at the barrel of the pistol through almost crossed eyes. "I see your point." It infuriated Jack that the governor wasn't man enough to check on his loyal servant. The woman clearly wasn't dead quite yet, for she was struggling to say something.
"Good." Jack held out his free hand expectantly as Skip and Hawksmoor entered the room. They'd obviously heard the shot and had come running to investigate it, since Jack had warned them not to shoot unless it was absolutely necessary.
The governor frowned and reached into the little purse attached to his beefy neck with a small strip of leather. Jack watched impatiently as the governor's fat fingers tried to get the key out of the red satin bag. Jack began tapping his feet, nearly jumping as the servant touched the fringe of his pants. Was she trying to get his attention or something?
"Hurry up," Hawksmoor croaked, pulling his own gun out and aiming it towards the young woman inside the kitchen wearing nothing more than her underclothes. "Don' make me shoot 'er."
The governor rolled his eyes slightly as he continued looking for the key. "The woman means nothing to me. She is merely a diversion while my wife is away." He looked as though he might laugh until he noticed Skip's sword creeping towards a rather tender area. "Here it is, gentlemen," he announced airily, withdrawing a sparkling gold key. He placed the key contemptuously in Jack's hand. "You aren't going to get away with this, gentlemen. Commodore Dennis will surely stop you once I raise the alarm."
Jack chuckled faintly, restraining himself from kicking the servant's hands as she grasped onto his pants. "Well, mate, ye clearly 'aven' dealt wiv Captain Jack Sparrow before." He paused for a moment as the servant pulled his pant leg tighter. Frowning, he continued, "The Commodore will find 'imself surrounded." He nodded towards Skip. Skip smiled and moved his sword away from the governor's tender spot, knocking him upside the head with the handle. Hawksmoor would've done the same to the woman if Jack hadn't shook his head. "Jus' tie the woman up t' the governor. I'm sure she'll 'ave a lot t' say t' him."
Hawksmoor and Skip chuckled as they grabbed a rope from the kitchen and tied the lovers together. Jack watched with little interest as he stared at the key, trying to ignore the servant at his feet. What was her problem? Jack already felt horrible enough that he'd shot her, but now she was begging for help? Pirates didn't help the people they wounded. That just didn't happen.
When the corpulent man was tied to the rather attractive woman, Hawksmoor and Skip started walking to the door. "Comin', Cap'n?" Skip asked as he noticed Jack hadn't moved from where he'd been standing the whole time.
Jack nodded, shaking himself out of the stupor he'd been in. So what if he'd killed a woman? She'd been in the way. He had to meet up with the rest of his crew in about ten minutes, anyway. No time to dwell on the guilt. He moved his left foot forward and was about to move his right when he faintly hear, "Jack!" from the woman down on the floor.
Something about that voice was incredibly familiar. Jack froze instantly as his eyes traveled to the floor. He couldn't make out any definite features...who was she?
"Captain?" Skip questioned again, frowning as Jack suddenly stopped moving. Skip knew that Jack was a bit odd...but they had a schedule to keep.
"Go on wivout me," Jack said suddenly, throwing the golden key across the room and into Skip's hands. "I've got t' end 'er misery."
Skip and Hawksmoor swore under their breath. They couldn't disobey a direct order, however, no matter how stupid it was. Why was Jack even bothering with the girl? It wasn't like she had the key to the treasury. That was now safely in Skip's hands. Shaking their heads, they gleefully ran out of the room, anxious to show the treasure they'd gotten. Hopefully everyone else had accomplished their goals.
"Jack," the voice said softly again. It was obvious to the eccentric captain that she was having a hard time breathing. Of course, he'd hit her somewhere near her left lung.
Jack slowly bent down closer to the body, still trying to remember where he'd heard the voice before. How she was still alive was a miracle, actually, for any other person would've just given up trying to fight. Jack certainly had to give her credit for her determination...yet this scene would probably haunt him the rest of his life. The first woman he'd ever injured was dying in front of his eyes.
When Jack was close enough to put a name to the voice by seeing the incredibly pale face, he felt like fainting. "Meagan?" he questioned softly, staring at the pool of blood next to her blouse. What was she doing in the governor's house, anyway?
Laura: Well, that chapter was leading up to this action-packed one. I like to call such boring chapters a breath of fresh air before I do something evil. Some of the boring ones, however, are there because I've really got no ideas...
Anyway, of course I noticed the references to emeralds. I did 'em on purpose. It'll all tie in eventually. And woot! I've got Pringles! -dances-
Aliana Archer: Wow! I think you might be on to something, mentioning that compass... Anyway, I'm glad you like his little economic theory. I found it rather amusing myself. Does explain why he's a pirate, though, with that nice heart of his... Thank you so much for leaving me a review!
Alteng: I'm glad you liked his philosophy on economics. Of course, I would think the same way if I was a pirate...
Well, he'll forget all about those nephews... Poor Jack... I'm so cruel to him. And he probably did feel a bit of a tinge...but got over it. I wouldn't feel sorry for leaving behind a mutineer. As he says in the movie, "The deepest circle of Hell is reserved for betrayers and mutineers." Obviously he doesn't like either much.
Thank you so much for the constant encouragement! I can't wait for your next chapter...
Daisy: Well, Jack is a bit of a drama geek... And I understand. It takes a certain type of person to be able to spew stuff out... Of course tis a poster of Billy Boyd! Though, I don't know why you liked him more than Johnny... Thanks for the review and the encouragement!
Jack: Obviously I didn't change my mind on poor Meagan. She had to be a lamb, I guess, for the slaughter...I'm still deciding if I want to do something that you noticed earlier or not...
Even the good guys have bad names...so, can't the bad guys have good names? I mean, I never let on that Commodore Dennis and Nathaniel were the same man until a while ago...
It was somewhat plain, but it was necessary to set up this whole problem. And I can see why you think Jodi needs a daughter, but sons aren't that bad. I know that I have five brothers...and I'm okay. Kinda. Anyway, thanks for the review! Since you were the first to leave your sentiments, you get a loverly joystick!