A/N: Short chapter.. so sorry! But it's way too hot for me to stay inside and write.

Chapter 15: Mademoiselle Van der Rue

I try to take another deep breath and knock on the door, holding up an umbrella to shield my face from the sun. After a few moments a very tiny latch is shoved aside, revealing a bloodshot eye peering through.
"Who're you?" A gruff voice asks me.
Batting my lashes and smiling sweetly I twirl the umbrella a bit.
"Miss Van der Rue I've come to discuss important matters with monsieúr Barbossa" I tell the man, faking a french accent.. for no apparent reason except that I'd always wanted to do that sometimes.
"He ain't available" the man snarls.
"I'm afraid I can't possible accept that sir.. If you would be so kind to tell le Capitain that I've got information concerning his lost treasure, I'm sure he would find himself.. available... again.. non?"

The latch bangs shut, without an answer. Shaking my head in disapproval I keep waiting for the man to arrive again.. which after a minor 5 minutes, he actually does. Surprising.. non?
Well well well.. it's that little scruffy guy who threatened to beat me and Norrington up the other day. Fortunately he doesn't recognize me, acting girly can save your life apparently.
"The cap'n will see you now"
Tilting my nose up in the air, I walk past the man, not paying any heed to him anymore.

The corridors are dark and smelly. Someone could really get lost here.
"Up the stairs and the second door to yer right Missy" The tells me, standing at the base of the stairs. Coolly I look him up and down.
"Merci monsieur.. If you would be so kind to lead the way?"
The man looks a bit disappointed, he had been hoping to steal a peak under my skirts, but after a bit of grumbling he starts going up the stairs.
"An' what would a fine lass such as yourself be wantin' from Cap'n Barbossa ey?"
He asks, looking over his shoulder.

"That would be none of your concern, Mister Measle. Now please stop harassing the lady and be on your way" a dark, clear voice sounds from the top of the landing A/N dunno if landing is the right word for it.. top of the stairs..in Holland we call it an "overloop" .
Measle mutters an apology and skitters away, leaving me standing halfway up the stairs, staring at the darkness, trying in vain to detect the person that spoke.
"C'mon darling, no need to be afraid" A tall, tanned and admittedly handsome man steps into the light, offering me his hand.

Reluctantly I put my hand in his, not taking my eyes of him. I walk the rest of the stairs slowly, paying heed to any sudden movement he might make.
"Capitain Barbossa I presume?"
The man bows, kissing my hand lightly.
"At your service ma'am"
Ew.. Ick.. please.. don't.. do that!
Smiling every so pleasantly I look into his eyes. Grey eyes. He doesn't look like his father.. he's more attractive. Less dead too.
"Please, walk this way"

He leads me into his office, a pleasant room with large windows to let in the light. Barbossa sits down on his large chair and motions for me to sit down too.
Pressing his fingertips against each other he observes me, before talking.
"What can I do for you Mrs..?"
"Miss, Miss Van der Rue if you please, kind sir. I've come here to offer my help in a distressing matter"
Barbossa simply nods and urges me to continue.
I look down.. trying to look as humble as I can.
"The word has come to me that you are looking for a lost treasure, the map stolen by a miscreant. The map once belonged to your sister, who has left our presence. My condolences, monsieur. Please tell me that I'm not misinformed?"

Barbossa leans back in his chair.
'You are well informed Miss Van der Rue, but what has this got to do with you? If I may be so bold to ask?"
I look up again, gazing at him through my eyelashes.
"I know where the map is"
He raises an eyebrow.
"So do I"
I too, try to raise an eyebrow, but have to give up eventually and raise both.
"Ah..but do you also know how to obtain the map?"

At this Barbossa frowns and leans forward to me again
"And what would you know about this, kind lady? Because this isn't a subject normally known to high class ladies such as yourself"

Behind me a hear a pistol being cocked.
"Because dear brother.. she is the betrothed of the one you hold prisoner" a female voice sounds.
Barbossa's eyes grow wide as he stands up from his chair.
"Mary!" he whispers hoarsely.
Mary Sue grins and fires her gun at Barbossa.

What'll happen next.. Why didn't Barbossa know his sister was still alive? Check out the next update..coming soon!