For Love or Money

Chapter 2 – Damsel in Distress

The people were going crazy and somewhere along trying to escape the park and looking for her father Elizabeth got caught up in the crowd and everyone was for themselves. She could hear the sirens of the police cars and fire trucks but everything seemed blurry but one thing stood out. It was Mark heading down the street in between two other buildings being followed by George Watson.

Not knowing what else to do Elizabeth went after them. The sky was dark and the lights had went out by the time she reached the small alley but they were there, she could hear them talking in the shadows. Suddenly it became quiet and she called out for him.

"Mr. Charlton?"

Then her world became black.

Jack flicked his flashlight on when he heard the woman's voice. What he saw was somewhat shocking. Elizabeth Swann was on the ground, he white dress was covered in dirt and she had mud smudged on her face, one of her shoes were missing also. Looking level he saw George holding a piece of metal pipe.

"Damn it man! Why did you have to do that?" Jack asked loudly, bending down hurriedly to check for a pulse. There was one and he sat down, gently pulling her onto his lap.

"You said we weren't being followed. Do you know who that is? That is the daughter of one of the most important people in England. She saw me with you. IF she says anything both of us will be in prison."

Jack looked at the man like he was mental. "Are you that stupid? Why attack her then?"

George was uninterested in the conversation and pulled a suitcase out from its hiding spot against the wall. "Here is your money. Where are my things?"

Jack pointed to an old garbage dumpster and George hurriedly went over to it. Opening it up he saw the three cases that held his fire arms, computer files, and of course, cocaine.

"You're a good man Sparrow."

Jack watched as the Englishman left the alley and he wondered what he was supposed to do with a 'very important' daughter.

"I'm sorry captain, these, retards went too early. They." But Anamaria stopped short when she saw Elizabeth.

"What are you doing with her?"

"It was an accident."

The police cars were getting closer and the pirates panicked. Only Jack seemed to keep his head.

"Okay, let's get out of here." He said and stood up. Bending over he picked up the limp woman. "We'll take her with us. Clean her up then let he go."

"Are you stupid? She'd squeal." Ana said.

Jack stood his ground. "We're not leaving her here."

Ana knew better then to argue so she let the subject go and the pirates, along with Elizabeth got into a long limousine.

At the Hilton Hotel, Jeffery Swann was pacing the floor. His daughter had gone missing after the explosion and no one recalled seeing her at all.

"Don't worry Mr. Swann, if something happened to her I will find her." James Norrington said then continued. "She's probably just waiting somewhere for us to find her. She's a smart girl, you are very lucky to have her."

Jeffery didn't say anything and went to go take a nap. The police men would do their job. They would find Elizabeth.

Elizabeth opened her eyes to a dimly lit room. She could tell it was still nighttime outside adn she was greatful to be in such a comfortable bed. Closing her eyes she tried to remember why she was there, then it came back to her. The explosion, Mr. Charlton talking to George in the alley, the pain in her head. Suddenly the door to the bedroom opened and Mark Charlton walked in. He was dressed differently now, more casual, but his hair was still pulled back into a loose ponytail behind his head.

"Miss Swann, you have decided to join us."

"Mr. Charlton." He put a hand up to stop her.

"I'm sure you have questions but I want to ask you first what you remember of last night."

Thinking it over, Elizabeth started to play with the hem of the pink pajamas she was wearing. That quickly became her first question.

"What am I doing in these pajamas?"

Jack looked at her, "You wanted to stay in your dress?"

"No, but what I mean is, how did I get into these?"

Jack shrugged, "I put them on you." He saw the expression on her face and added. "I had help from a woman named Anamaria. Don't worry love, I didn't do anything."

Elizabeth physically relaxed but kept her arms crossed.

"Now are you going to answer my question?" He asked, absently cleaning his gun.

Fear flew in Elizabeth. "Who are you?"

"See, I'm not going to answer that until I find out what you know."

Her hands were figeting nervously when she answered.

"All I remember is seeing you and George in an alley. Did you hit me?"

Jack looked almost offended when she asked. "No I didn't Miss Swann. It was Mr. Watson. I would never hit a woman."

For some reason that statement made her relax and she looked to his gun again which was now sitting on the desk.

"Well, Mr. Charlton, now that I answered your question will you answer mine?"

The pirate sat back in the chair, balancing it on two legs. "Just what would you like to know?"

"What is your real name?"

He thought about how to answer, tell her his real name or play her a little.

"My name is Clark Kent."

Elizabeth was about to ask her next question but she burst out laughing instead. "Okay, Superman tell me, why did you kidnap me?"

Jack's eyes went up mischieviously. "Miss Swann I have not kidnaped you. I don't even think you qualify. Kidnap, you are most definately not a kid."

Elizabeth glared at him then decided while she was there she might as well get some sleep. Laying her head down she heard his voice.

"Captain Jack Sparrow darling, that is my name."

TBC