As soon as the Pearl was safely at anchor, Jack directed the crew to load the crates into a few boats and row them to shore. Stepping onto the sandy beach, he looked back at the setting sun, and then turned to grin at Gibbs. "Perfect. Shall be dark soon. Do my best work in the dark you know."
Gibbs groaned at that one. "So it's been said," Shaking his head, he watched the crew begin to unload the vinegar as Jack gave orders for them to stand guard over it while they went into town to scout out the party.
Seeing things were under control, Jack waved his arm up the road. "Shall we?"
Gibbs nodded, "So where is this party at? If I were holding a big shindig, I would keep the rum supply near by therefore to shorten the run to gather more. So once we know where the festivities are being held I think we can start from there..." Gibbs commented as he followed Jack into town.
"Will didn't mention it in his letter. Guess he didn't think we would be able to make it, but it shouldn't be too difficult to find. Shall we start at the tavern? Someone is bound to know there." By now, they'd reached the outskirts of town, and Jack began to weave his way towards his favorite tavern.
Gibbs scratched his head, "How could he forget to tell us where it be if he wanted us to come?" he questioned Jack. He shrugged, "I suppose ye are right something of that magnitude is certain to have the whole town a buzzin'." Gibbs followed Jack towards the tavern as a few of the Royal Navy passed by him. Gibbs stood up straight and cleared his throat. He leaned over and whispered "And Jack how do ye plan on avoiding a certain commodore while we are in town?" he asked as he indicated the men.
"Oh," Jack waved nonchalantly at the troop passing them, "He will most likely be far too busy with his social schedule during the holidays to worry about looking for me. Besides, I somehow doubt he is expecting us."
Gibbs shot Jack a disconcerting look, "Umm hmmm..If you say so Jack. But if memory serves me correctly, the commodore doesn't exactly have a full social calendar. He's a little too stiff." Gibbs said as he stood and tried to imitate Norrington's walk.
Suddenly he stopped and stared at Jack. "Doesn't know we are coming? " Gibbs shook his head, "Did Will really think he could keep inviting us a secret?"
"Ah, but you forget," Pointing one finger skywards, "It is New Year's Eve and even stuffy commodore's must have a bit of fun. Besides, I think it is in their job description or something, about having to attend stupid social functions, especially those that serve vinegar!" With a chuckle, Jack reached the tavern and entered.
Gibbs listened and tilted his head, "I suppose ye may be right. " he said as he entered the tavern. "I'll go get us some rum. Nothing like rum after a voyage without any especially after that vinegar." Gibbs said as he rushed his way over to the bar. "Two bottles of rum, please." Gibbs said as he waited and soon was handed two bottles of rum with two mugs. He turned and looked around the tavern for where Jack was.
As soon as Gibbs took off to take care of their most immediate problem, Jack sidled up to a voluptuous blond wench. "Hullo, luv," Grabbing her about the waist, he gave her a big kiss on the cheek. "Miss me?"
"Jack Sparrow!" She reached back and started to swing at him.
Ready for the slap, he caught her arm in mid-swing. "That's no way to treat your favorite person, now is it Sally?"
"You still owe me from the last time, you wretch. When I beat you in cards and…" Her voice trailed off as she remembered the last time. "Well, guess we're square. Whaddaya want this time?"
"Information, darlin'. That's all." Pulling her over to a vacant table, he sat down and put her down into his lap. "Gibbs will be here in a second with some rum, so have a seat."
"Don't look like I 'ave much choice, now, does it?" She smiled at him.
Gibbs finally saw Jack in the back with the lady. He shook his head and walked carefully over to the table. "Watch yerself mate." Gibbs snapped as he was pushed and nearly dropped the rum. He finally arrived at the table and slammed the rum down. "And I thought Tortugans were rude." Gibbs said as he rubbed his arm.
"Well, these folks here are from a 'different world', shall we say?" Jack grinned and grabbed one of the bottles. Opening it, he took a generous swallow and sighed. "Now that's better! In fact, drink enough of this," Handing the bottle to Sally, "Might actually begin to like them."
"Speak for yerself," Sally grabbed the bottle and took a long drink. "I 'appen ta like the folks around 'ere, for the most part. And they got money, unlike you scallywags," She slapped at Jack playfully.
Jack attempted to duck. Grinning, he grabbed the bottle back from her.
Gibbs laughed, "Ye never learn do ye Jack. The ladies are always right. "He picked up his own bottle of rum and took a swig. "Money? Yah they aught to have money with the price of this rum. It's a steal for the price ye pay in Tortuga compared to this." Gibbs said. "I remember why I left now." Gibbs said really speaking to himself but saying it out loud.
"Well, we're here to learn something," Jack smiled craftily at Gibbs, nodding.
"You?" Sally laughed at him. "You want learn? Now that's something!" Grabbing the bottle from Jack, she took another drink.
"Aye, we've heard there's to be a big fancy to-do. Party for the New Year. Do you know where it's being held?"
Gibbs nodded, "Aye, we want to know where the rum is going to be?" he asked not thinking what he was saying as he became a little overzealous. "Do ye know where it is?" Gibbs asked anxiously as he took another drink of his rum.
"In yer 'and, ye lout!" Sally swatted him and grabbed his bottle.
Gibbs frowned as she swatted at him, "Ouch." he said and then watched as she took his bottle, "Stop that. " Gibbs said as he sighed and crossed his arms, "I guess she just doesn't want to get all gussied up and go to the party with us." Gibbs said as he looked at Jack hoping this would help them to get the information they needed.
"I don't need to get prettied up, already am? Ain't I, Jack?" Sally primped her hair, smiling.
"Aye, look lovely. Now, can you tell us where the party is at?" Jack pleaded with her.
"Oh, you must mean that big party they be 'aving up at the gov'ner's 'ouse," She stared at Jack. "We're going to that?"
"Aye, we're going to that. Even brought some refreshments, ordered special from Tortuga. Need to deliver them," Jack smiled in relief.
Gibbs face turned into a grin, "The governor's house? This maybe easier than we thought." Gibbs stood there trying to think "The fort!" he blurted out suddenly out of nowhere.
Jack and Sally both turned to stare at Gibbs. "The fort?" In unison, they spoke then looked at one another.
"You did say the mansion, right?" Jack asked Sally.
"That's what I said," Shrugging. "Don't know what the fort 'as to do with it. They did invite all the officers."
Gibbs nodded, "Aye aye the party is at the mansion, but ..." he said holding up a finger. "If ye wanted the rum to be safe ye would store it in the most secure place in town. The fort!" Gibbs said hoping now Jack understood and would see his point. "That is where we should make our delivery." Gibbs said with a wink to Jack trying to maintain their cover.
"Ah, the fort. Yes, excellent idea," Jack frowned and leaned over to whisper to Gibbs. "Are you insane? Do you want to run into Norrington?"
Gibbs shrugged and looked at Jack, "Norrington, no. "he said as he paused a moment and then whispered, "But the bigger question is do ye want the rum? And where else would they store it? An unguarded warehouse? "Gibbs shook his head, "Who would be so dumb?"
Twisting his face in thought, Jack pondered Gibbs' words a few moments. "No, it's bound to be at a warehouse down near the docks. Has to be. Norrie's got way too much to do here. Wouldn't have time to worry about a shipment of silly old rum. Besides," Jack grinned, "He doesn't know I'm here."
Gibbs shook his head at Jack as he slumped into a chair. He set his hands on the table and looked at Jack. "Certainly you can't be serious? Enough rum for the entire town is just going to be in a warehouse near the docks where there be no guards. "He threw his hands up."Your call you are the captain after all." Gibbs said exasperated not believing what Jack was saying.
"Yes, I do believe Norrington, in all his infinite wisdom and believing Port Royal to be bereft of my presence, would do something like that. Much simpler," Moving Sally off his lap, he rose and lookeda at her. "Darlin', do us a favor. Wait here for us and don't go and do anything, stupid."
"Fine, I'll keep your seat warm. And I might even save you a sip of rum," Holding up the bottle, she winked at him.
Jack laughed and started towards the door. "Gibbs, we're off to find us a place to 'deliver' our goods."