A/N: Thank you to all who have reviewed, I'm going to get straight into this chapter, just have to tell you though, it's no secret who Julianne's brother is, the real secret comes later.
Disclaimer: I do not own Pirates of the Caribbean or any characters or themes involved in the movies, books, or rides. I am not making money from this story.
Chapter Two: Troubled in Tortuga
He used his thumb to twist the ring around his index finger. They were being followed, Jack was sure of it. After each port they…visited, another ship, the same ship, would follow soon after. Jack had doubled back three times, asking questions, alerting friends.
It seemed that a rookie pirate, by the name of William Moody, had a grudge against Jack. He had no idea why. He thought himself a fine man to know, a formidable enemy, a decent ally, and quite the gentleman…although Scarlet no doubt would protest the latter.
Jack couldn't help the infesting grin that spread on his face. Looking up, he nodded to John. "It appears we have a shadow, Mr. Hawkins."
"Your plan of action?"
Rolling his eyes, Jack's posture became pleading, "Would it be so difficult to call me Captain?"
"In fact, it would." Smiling, John stood from the table. "We are a good two, three days sailing from …"
"I'd rather be near Port Royal, if it comes to a battle. Moody's ship has 35 guns, at least 135 men."
"But Norrington swore he'd take you upon your return."
Jack grinned once more, picking up a bottle of amber liquid. "The Commodore would attack me last, if at all. Besides, what Norrington doesn't know, can't hurt him, savvy?" Taking a long sip of his rum, Jack sat once more, relaxing in his chair. "Make for Port Royal. I have some old friends who'll be eager to see me."
Nodding, John quickly left, his head shaking and a grin bright on his face. A new addition to their crew, John Hawkins was famous, not for his own piracy, but for training his French cousin, Sir Francis Drake. For years, John insisted on being just an honest merchant.
But when the King of Spain ordered no port to due business with him, John had used force and intimidation to sell his cargo. It was the start of an infamous career that soon ended. His cousin, furious with the Spain, went out to make their life pure hell. Jack was just glad he called himself more English than Spanish. That world was one long forgotten.
Sighing, he fixed his ring straight on his finger once more. Jack's cheery disposition was only an outward appearance. The harsh winter in Europe cut off more ships every month, merchant sailors were all but none existent. Tortgua seemed quiet, gunshots less often, taverns half filled, and pleasurable company less than amusing. The Pearl's last two plunders came from small village-ports near Santa Domingo. Even then, Jack felt his harsh personality soften at the sight of already hungry families. He more or less asked for plunder, but with a reputation like his, all they saw was the black ship, black sails, and they panicked.
Not that Jack minded. Panic and disorder was his job. But it became rather tiring to be screamed, shouted, and shot at. The food was bad, the weather was terrible, and for the first time Jack was convinced the rum was starting to loose it's appeal. Port Royal would cheer him up, he was certain. Besides, the Turners recently had a little brat all their own, and where there was a newborn, there would be wine.
A/N: Sorry, short chapter again. Let me know what you think, and free imaginary Jack Sparrow pictures for those who review…….What? I'm not that desperate…honestly…
