Chapter One
Jack had risen well before dawn and had been wishing for strong winds to carry his ship even faster. He couldn't help the smile that transformed his entire face, turning him from devil-may-care to even more stunningly handsome. His heart was full with love, and his soul was singing. Today was the day when he would see Will again! It had been a long six weeks away, but he had taken many prizes from the Spanish galleons he and his crew had beaten and had kept some great gifts for Will and Elizabeth. Today was their wedding day, and he let out a soft sigh. Jack hoped Will would be very happy with Elizabeth. She was a great girl, even though he hated her father, the Governor.
He loved both of them dearly, and if he didn't have a price on his head, he would have stayed around them longer. He had found himself growing overly fond of Will during their adventure but had shied away from true soul searching. He knew he was attracted to Will but had never showed Will anything but friendship. Jack was afraid of his true feelings and refused to admit them even to himself. He knew that if Will had even an inkling as to his true feelings, he would run away from him and hide. "Poor Will," Jack mused to himself. "Dear sweet boy, how do I count thee, friend or -- ?"
He let his voice fade out even as he heard a voice coming from the Pearl's sister ship. "Good morning, Jack!" a cheery voice called.
"Good morning, Xena!" Jack returned.
"It will be good to see them again, and tomorrow's the wedding!" she reminded him gently.
"It will be fun for us all!" Jack yelled back, giving her a mock bow. She laughed and returned into her chamber to wake her lover, Gabrielle.
In Port
Upon reaching port, Jack gathered his gifts and a change of clothes and headed out for a nearby bathhouse. Along with him, he took his Quartermaster, David Angel, and the ship's surgeon, Brendan Richards. The two men were very fond of Will. They too took advantage of the bathhouse. They were deep in conversation about their plans for the next day when they were suddenly interrupted by two loud-mouthed, drunken soldiers who were quarreling about some stupid thing the Governor was doing.
Jack and company wisely closed their mouths and opened their ears, hoping to catch something worthwhile but the soldiers immediately shut up when the one who seemed to be in charge reminded the others they were supposed to keep it quiet. They looked suspiciously at Jack and his friends, who were about to get out and go for their weapons, but Jack shook his head. He got out and dressed quickly. "See you there!" He smiled and left the room.
Angel and Brendan stayed longer, trying to get themselves sweetly perfumed. Angel hoped to meet up with some ladies, but that topic never even crossed Brendan's mind. They knew Jack could take care of himself. They secretly wished to be him, but Jack would not have believed it of them.
Outside the bathhouse, Jack had to mentally slow his steps down to keep from running the rest of the way, so eager was he to see Will. When he reached Will's shop, he saw that the door was open. Something was not right. Will would never go off and leave the door open that way. Jack watched the door swinging gently to and fro in the slight breeze. He peeked inside the shop but saw no one.
Walking inside, he saw that it was neat and orderly, just as Will liked it to be, all except for one board that lay in the floor where no board should be. He winced when he saw blood on one end of it. What had happened? he wondered. "Will, are you here?" he called to the emptiness.
He walked into the next room and saw that it was neatly kept with the bed made. His right hand reached out and softly stroked the pillow where Will lay his head each night. He snatched it back as though it had burned him. He had no right to think such thoughts!
He turned and ran all the way back to the Pearl to get one of his men, Wolf. He could find Will for him. Wolf could find any one by smell alone. Jack was scared all the way to his soul. He knew something was wrong. He must find Will and quickly!
To Be Continued . . .
