Jack was not a simple man and because of this he did not take the news lightly. Though he did use another trait of a man who has something in his head, he realized there was nothing to be done at the present moment and he put all thoughts of mute men out of his head. Jack Sparrow, or Captain as he corrected anyone who demoted him in conversation, was a pirate and even though strange in appearance, slightly drunk even when no substances had been consumed and donned with the attitude that a three year old would hold: (it's mine for the taking), he was a jolly good pirate.
He was a jolly good pirate in trouble.
He currently stood half naked, pondering how to get out of this sticky situation.
"Jack, I've heard you once before and not again. I will not be your wench!" Shrieked the angry woman who was in the process of throwing half her possessions into a dusty bag and half onto the jolly good pirate.
"Look luv, I know you're slightly tense right now but surely after last night you have to be slightly more at ease with the situation?" He waved his arms to emphasize his points, or, to try and defend himself from the clothes that were being directed towards him with some force.
"I don't know what passes through that head of yours Captain Jack Sparrow," she spat with some contempt, "but reminding me of the way you used me is not a way to charm a furious woman!"
"Darlin', there's no need to be furious, I just can't stay right now. But, this mood does add a certain healthy colour to your somewhat pale complexion," Jack nodded earnestly with a mock upper-class accent.
This did not achieve the desired effect and a shoe now landed on Jack's head at a speed knocking him to the floor. The woman, picking up her bag, glowered down at Jack.
"Don't bother lying to me Jack; I know there's someone else," Jack heard her storm towards the inn room door, "and it's not that ruddy ship!" And with that she slammed the door which did not aid Jack's headache.
Well, who said that he couldn't charm furious women?
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"So what to do then Captain? If we sail out of the Spanish Main they would know for the Pearl's course is tracked by some and you've probably tried it but I couldn't hide this bloomin' great ship," Gibbs said, scurrying alongside the Jack.
"Simple, we set sail and take a gander to Tortuga. There, I asks and queries and hopes that this Jenkins will be known somewhere, savvy?"
They walked into the Captain's cabin and Jack settled himself on a chair that accompanied the table.
"I wonder Jack, how you get yourself into situations of this nature." Said Jack's faithful first mate, sitting down with a bottle of rum and staring into Jack's eyes.
"I'm a pirate Gibbs, relate to me on that at least," he said placing his feet on the table, "and at the present moment I'm more worried about the Pearl being stolen than being killed by some tradesman."
"Aye, but what's to worry? This is the fastest boat in the seas and we have all the guns in the seas so why worry about this man?" He said placing the bottle down.
"I'm not worried, I'm preparing," Jack snatched the bottle and took a swig.
"Over preparing perhaps?" Gibbs smiled and the Captain stood up and gazed to the horizon.
"Perhaps when I'm not looking he might come, or not listening."
"Should I know what your meaning is Jack?"
"It depends; can you pretend you know till we reach Tortuga?"
"Aye," sighed Gibbs. "You still haven't told me who informed you of this. Who's to say it isn't some sort of mutiny or trick?"
"It isn't Gibbs. Reliable sources and good penmanship hold me in good stead."
Gibbs' eyebrows rose slightly and then he said with some trepidation, "Not scared are you Cap'n?"
"Why, are you getting shivers in your old age?" Jack smiled glinting gold teeth, turning to his old friend.
"As scared as I am of the Declaration of Paris… so yes." Gibbs stood up and took the bottle once more.
"Don't worry Gibbs, I'll take care of you and if I don't, you can inform this Silence Jenkins of my whereabouts and watch him tear me to shreds on the deck," Jack paused, "with the crew present".
"Right Cap'n. On to Tortuga then," and Gibbs turned towards the door but stopped and said, his back facing Jack, "I hope you trust her Jack, she has stolen from you in the past."
"Stolen is such an ugly word Gibbs. I prefer, borrowed with every good intention of returning." And with that he snatched Gibbs' bottle once more and took a long drink, chuckling to himself.
Sorry the chapter is short.
Dictionary
Declaration of Paris: Abolished Privateering in 1856 All countries signed except the USA, Spain, Mexico and Venezuela.