Chapter 1: An Expedition of Sorts
Liam stared out onto the horizon, squinting into the sun as he steered the ship toward the small island where they would be dropping anchor for the day. The ship was buzzing with activity at the start of the final month of tourist season, usually the busiest time of the year for their small crew, but it had been a disappointing season financially for Jones Adventures, Inc. Tourists seemed less inclined to spend money on the Treasure Seekers Island Tour they offered six days a week, searching for Blackbeard's lost treasure, the claim to fame for their tiny island they called home.
From his last calculation, even with all the tours they had booked until the end of the season, they were still short the money they needed to survive the off season, and if things didn't change, he was going to have to consider selling off some of their assets.
"Land ho." Snapping out of his thoughts, Liam gave a distracted smile directed at a few of the guests onboard their home away from home, The Jolly Roger. His brother, Killian stood at the bow of the ship, pointing toward the island on the starboard side of the ship. Liam spun the wheel toward the island, following the path he had taken at least once a day for the past few months.
"Permission to drop anchor, Cap'n?" The blonde pirate parroted from her place next to Killian, a brilliant smile plastered across her face.
"Permission granted." He bellowed in response, following the script they recited so often he sometimes found himself mumbling it in his sleep.
Liam had known Emma since she was six years old. He still remembered the scared little lass who showed up on his parent's doorstep, blood trickling down her forehead after an unfortunate car accident had taken the lives of her mother and father outside their home. The woman currently standing at the edge of the ship was no longer a scared little girl, she had emerged from the darkness to become a pillar of strength for both Liam and Killian throughout the years.
"Who's ready to search for treasure?" Killian asked excitedly as the young "pirates in training" cheered in response. "Aye Mates, lets follow the lass to the dinghy, there's gold to be found." He chased a few of the children toward Emma as she herded them up the ladder. Killian climbed down into the waiting boat and Emma began sending excited children and dutiful parents after him.
Liam approached Emma as she sent the last one down the ladder. "I'm going to go below; I have a few things to take care of."
"Everything alright?" She asked with a concerned narrow of her eyes, he could see the wheels turning behind her emerald orbs, accessing her self-appointed super power of claiming to always know when one of them was stretching the truth.
"Of course!" He lied. "Just need to finish the accounting for the month."
"I thought you said all that was done last week?"
"It's nearly done." He said with a tight smile. "Just double checking my digits." She bit her lip, a usual sign when she was worrying about him. "Go, don't leave Killian alone with the kids too long, who knows what he'll have them doing." He laughed heartily and Emma relaxed, turning back toward the ladder.
"If you need any help when we get back, let me know, we don't have to go out tonight, you know."
"It's your birthday. Killian's been planning your party for weeks." He pushed her gently toward the ladder. "Now go or we'll be here all night."
"Fine, but I'm buying you a drink tonight. You need to relax, Lee." She teased before disappearing down the ladder. He turned, mumbling under his breath, and made his way beneath the deck, dropping down into the seat next to the table. Reluctantly he pried open the ledger and stared down at the numbers on the page.
He exhaled an audible sigh.
He knew he needed to find a way to save their business, the only thing they had that continued to honor his mother and father, but more importantly, he was responsible for ensuring his little family would survive.
"And X always marks the spot." Killian spoke in an animated voice as he held up the fake treasure map in his hands, children bouncing up and down in front of him in wild and impatient anticipation.
Killian always played the role of entertainer for the children on their excursions. It wasn't that Emma didn't like kids; she just never seemed comfortable interacting with them. Luckily for her, she had Killian to keep the guests interested on their sailing adventures while she played the role of his loyal first mate.
Emma Swan…he watched as the blonde siren peered out from underneath her pirate hat she wore on each sailing, pulled down almost over her eyes to shield her from the sun.
He had known Emma for as long as he could remember. He would see her running on the playground while he peered down at her from his tower during recess. She was such a happy little girl. And then the unimaginable happened.
When Emma lost her parents at the age of six, she was taken in by his parents Alice and Brennan Jones. Killian wasn't sure what to expect when she came to live with them, but he was intrigued with her immediately, even after she bewitched his mother and stole her attention away.
His mother had always longed for a daughter and poured every ounce of love and devotion into raising Emma. For her part, Emma was reluctant and took much longer to embrace his family, understandably after losing her parents at such a young age. However, she eventually learned to love them as if they were truly her family, until tragedy struck once more on her 15th birthday. A night that would change them all.
On that fateful night, Alice and Brennan had been flying home, returning from a business trip on the mainland when their plane crashed into the ocean, a loss that would be felt by everyone for years after.
While Killian dealt with the loss in less productive ways, Liam stepped in to care for Emma and Killian, making sure they always felt like they had a home, a family. A year after his parent's untimely death, Liam started Jones Adventure Inc., with money that had been left for them after their parent's sudden and tragic deaths.
The three of them had been in business together ever since. Liam would sail the ship and manage the bills, Emma would keep everything cleaned up and organized and scheduled all their bookings, and Killian kept the crowd entertained, always the life of the party, the glue that held this rag tag team together, he thought.
"Is he always like this?" Emma turned to her side as one of the mother's walked up beside her. "So full of energy?"
Emma snorted, "It's almost like he never grew up."
"Does he have kids of his own? Or you know…a wife or girlfr…"
Emma rolled her eyes; the mothers were always attracted to Killian. "His boyfriend considers himself very lucky." She said with a sly smile.
"Boyfriend…oh my, I wouldn't have guessed he was…" She leaned over and whispered "Gay."
"Really? Huh, well the good-looking ones always are." She shrugged as she walked away, not feeling the least bit guilty for her deception.
"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you…"
"You look like a monkey…" Killian sang as his brother shot him a dirty look, he paused before joining back in the chorus. Emma stuck her tongue out at him before blowing out her candles.
"Happy birthday, Lil Em." Liam patted Emma's hand as he pushed a package across the table.
"Oh, come on guys, I told you no gifts this year."
"Did ya hear that Liam, we can get our money back, she doesn't want a gift." He said sarcastically with a wink.
"Sod off, little brother, let her open her gift." Killian shot him the bird as Emma ignored them both.
He watched as she opened the lid of the wooden box, her eyes lighting up as she peered inside. "Oh my God you guys, it's beautiful." Emma held up the bracelet with tiny jars dangling from the silver chain. "Is this sand?"
"Yup, there's sand in the jars which Killian…"
"Thought you'd think was cool." He interrupted his brother, ignoring his look of confusion.
"I love it, it's perfect. Thank you."
Emma wrapped her arms around Liam's neck before turning and throwing herself into his waiting embrace. "It's just a bracelet Swan, no need to gush and cry." He teased as she sat back in her chair.
"No one has ever bought me jewelry before." She smiled excitedly, holding the bracelet up to the light as it glimmered. He couldn't stop the smile from growing on his face, seeing the genuine happiness the gift brought her.
"Maybe you should try dating men instead of whatever boys the ferry brings over."
"You're one to talk, Mr. Summer Bikini Boobs." She shot back.
"Hey, it's not a crime to admire a fashionable bikini." He retorted with a snort.
"Yeah you're just waiting for your next opportunity to host America's Next Top Model." His brother chided.
"No fair, you two always gang up on me." He complained with a frown, finishing his beer.
"Honestly, you are both just as bad when it comes to tourists." Liam grunted. "I feel like I've met everyone that's come to the island this summer simply because they end up in my kitchen eating my food after an evening with one of you."
"We're just friendly." Emma shrugged.
"Yeah but no one asked you to be Treasure Island's welcoming committee."
"Just trying to help our business grow." Killian grinned. "Bringing in a few potential customers."
"Besides it's really easy." Emma continued. "All you have to do is bring up that stupid treasure and they come running." She laughed until she snorted, covering her mouth quickly.
"Tourists love a good gimmick."
"Yeah well we need a few more of them interested in paying money rather than having sex with the staff." His brother groaned, and Killian realized that he had been unusually salty this evening, especially considering the happy occasion of Emma's birthday. Emma had warned him earlier that Liam had seemed off when she spoke to him during their excursion.
"Has the season been that dismal?" He saw the flash in his brother's eyes for a split second before he returned a smile to his face.
Liam shrugged. "Nothing to worry about besides, we're here to celebrate our little cygnet, not talk shop." Killian didn't miss the way his jaw remained tense, something that convinced him that his brother was not sharing the truth with them. He turned his attention to the woman beside him, currently sipping something with a colorful umbrella sticking out of the top of the bright concoction.
"I'm surprised you came out on a Friday night, I thought you were allergic to fun." He teased, watching as her mouth dropped open, before the smirk returned to her face.
"I wouldn't want to overdo it when you have enough fun for all of us." She winked.
He snorted, "The two of you could do with a little fun, you know, let down your hair, undo a few buttons." He tugged on his brother's shirt and then playfully yanked Emma's ponytail.
"Hey." She complained, tightening her ponytail against her head. "Maybe you should try using the buttons on yours, a woman isn't going to buy the milk if she can get the cow for free."
"Bloody hell, that's a crass way to insult a man." He swore, tugging at the sides of his shirt to cover his nipples with his palms. Emma stood from the table, grabbing the empty pitcher.
"I'll get us another refill."
His brother stood. "Nonsense, it's your birthday. I'll get the refill." He stood and took the pitcher from her, walking toward the bar.
"I told you right? Tense." Emma whispered as she sat down in her chair.
"Yeah, and he hasn't said anything about what's got him so stressed?" Killian inquired.
"Nothing, but I know he was doing the bills. I thought the season went well, but it was a bit slower than we're used to. Last year we were booked solid every day, we've had a few weeks of spots that are never taken. I guess people are getting tired of searching for a lost treasure that doesn't want to be found."
"I wish there was something we could do to bring in business."
"You mean besides all the moms looking to get jabbed by Captain Hook's sword?"
"Very funny." He said with a roll of his eyes before reaching out to pull one of her tendrils free from behind her ear. "You know, if you tried, you could be pretty easy on the eyes…"
"Gee thanks, Jones, such a compliment." She pulled away from him, slapping at his hand.
"I'm just saying, couldn't hurt…" He gestured toward the bar, as another group of tourists entered the bar. "We all need to do our part to bring in business." He teased.
She narrowed her eyes before looking back at the bar again. "Are you asking me to whore myself out for the sake of the business." She shrugged, tying her shirt up under her breast, exposing her stomach, allowing her bikini bottom to peek out from her the hem of her shorts.
"Hey I was joking." He said in a warning tone.
"You're the one who said we need to bring in business." She stood up from the table. "Just doing my part." She walked toward the bar, her hips swinging a little more than usual. She tugged on the hem of her shorts and the curve of her ass seemed to slip from beneath the denim, exposing more skin than necessary. She passed Liam on his way back to the table as she sauntered up to the man who was ordering his drink. She giggled as he introduced himself and Killian grunted his disapproval.
"Where's she off to?" Liam asked as he put the pitcher on the table. Killian filled his glass, tipping it back as he took a larger than normal sip of his beer.
"Attracting business." He said shortly.
"That's really not necessary."
"We all have a part to play." He winked, trying not to portray his annoyance. "But seriously, is everything alright with Adventures Inc?"
"I told you not to worry about it, little brother." Liam responded curtly, pouring a glass of his own beer.
"When are you going to start seeing me as more than just your younger brother? You don't have to take on all the stress of this on your own, Emma and I are more than grown now."
His brother groaned. "It's my job to ensure you are both taken care of…"
"And we are, let us help you brother."
He let out a long sigh. "I appreciate that you both mean well…" He smiled brightly, his eyes clearly still hiding some piece of the truth. "When I need assistance, you will be the first to know, but for tonight, let's just enjoy the evening."
"As you wish, Liam. You are and always have been as stubborn as a mule." He teased, turning back to look at the bar as Emma was currently cozied up to the newcomer seated beside her.
"Though not the most stubborn in the family." Killian turned his attention back toward his brother who was watching him intently.
"Just what are you implying?"
He shrugged. "Nothing at all, though I did notice you left out some details about our gift tonight."
"It wasn't important, Emma doesn't care much for sentimental…"
He nodded his head with a laugh. "Bollocks, she's carried that old swan with her since we've known her, she still uses her mother's hairbrush, and she…"
"Ok, I get it…" He relented as he turned his attention back to Emma who was brushing her fingers against the gentleman's arm with a laugh. "I'll mention it next time I get the chance."
"A man unwilling to fight for what he wants, deserves what he gets." His brother patted his shoulder as he stood and walked away from the table, passing by Emma as he made his getaway for the evening.
Killian watched as Emma stood and embraced Liam, introducing her to the man sitting with her at the bar, her smile was bright and jovial as she giggled at something the men were discussing. He was happy she seemed to be having a pleasant birthday.
From the moment she had come to live with them, Killian wanted nothing more than to see the lass smile. After losing his parents, she had been his savior, destroying the darkness in his heart, her smile was the only thing that brought him back to the light.
He finished his beer and stood from the table, dropping money for the tip on the empty plate. He made his way toward the exit, simply waving at Emma before he stepped out into the street. He heard the door shut behind him, running his hand through his hair before tugging his gloves onto his hands.
The bell rang again as the door opened behind him. "Hey, you didn't think I was just going to let you leave without saying goodbye did you?" He turned around to see Emma standing behind him, her eyes narrowed.
"Didn't want to complicate your chance at an eventful evening, Swan." He smirked.
She rolled her eyes. "His name is Neal. I think I might have sold him on a sailing. He came here with friends, and I think he might be rich." She gleamed happily.
"Good for you, love. Liam will be pleased." He zipped his leather jacket up as he reached for the helmet to his bike. "Make sure you are careful." He winked.
"Whatever, ass." She stuck out her tongue before lunging forward and wrapping her arms around his waist. "Thanks for my bracelet, and the party. I really enjoyed it." He allowed his hands to wrap around her, one of them resting against the soft locks of her golden blonde hair. He closed his eyes just for a moment before she pulled away, smiling up at him. "Get home safe ok, you drive like a maniac on that thing."
"Still safer than the way you drive that yellow rust bucket." He gave her one last wink before he buckled his helmet and mounted his bike, sending her a wave before he roared off into the dark toward his apartment.
Liam went over the same line on the sheet in front of him again. He knew things were bad, but this was catastrophic bad. Surely his math was off. The bell went off over the front door and he looked up to see a man enter the store.
"Good afternoon, welcome to Adventures, Inc, how can I help you?" He offered.
The man seemed out of place as he shut the door, wiping his hands on his handkerchief. He heard a quiet shriek before a small head peaked out from behind the man's shoulder, a tiny monkey peered toward him. "Afternoon, I'm looking for someone to Captain an expedition of sorts." He stepped toward him.
"Well, that depends on the expedition." He smiled.
"I'm in search of something." He stated ominously.
"Aren't we all." Liam laughed, a nervous feeling bubbling in his gut.
"I'm sure I don't have to tell you about Blackbeard's treasure." He paused and Liam nearly rolled his eyes. He didn't need a tourist to tell him about the legend that his entire company was built around. "My business is in antiquities." He passed him a card with the name Walsh Ozman written across the front in script. "Which affords me many opportunities to procure things that others can only dream of."
Liam felt a shiver across his spine as the man looked around their small shop.
"I would like to rent your little outfit here for a week. How much would that cost?"
"We specialize in day trips, birthday experiences, bachelor parties, you know, men who want to play pirate for a day."
"And how much money does that make you?" He paused but not long enough for Liam to answer. "Not much based on the sad state of affairs of the ship docked outside this shop."
"We survive." He stated flatly.
"Why merely survive, when you can have it all?" The man flashed his arms around before reaching into his pocket and pulling out a wallet. "I'm prepared to offer you more money than you have probably seen in your lifetime." He slid a roll of hundreds toward him. "A down payment of course, but all I need is one week, a small able-bodied crew, and no questions asked."
Liam looked at the money sitting in front of him, remembering the red mark in the checkbook he had just seen this morning, but something didn't sit right with him about the man standing across from him, desperation and determination set behind dark eyes. He knew the business was struggling, he knew that he needed something big to happen to save them, but more than anything, he knew that the man in front of him was trouble.
Killian walked the length of the dock with the tray of coffee in his hand. He skipped past a few of the locals who were pulling in their nets from their early morning fishing hauls. He waved to Granny who was setting out the morning breakfast on the patio facing the shore. The breeze was starting to come in from the bay, summer was almost over, soon the island would be a ghost town again.
He pushed open the door to the shop and stepped inside to hear voices. "I'm afraid that's just not possible."
"Are you sure about that?"
"As I said, I'm already booked this week, and we have a reputation about honoring our commitments."
Killian walked toward the counter to see a man who obviously was not used to wearing shorts based on the ghastly white skin color he was displaying below the knees. He was startled when a screech distracted him, and he felt something tugging at his leg. He looked down to find a small brown monkey that had latched onto his pant leg. "Bloody hell."
"Nikko." The man commanded and the monkey jumped to the man's shoulder. "Apologies, he's a curious one."
Killian glanced behind him at his brother who was staring down at a large pile of cash on the counter. The man with the monkey turned back toward Liam. "Pity, I thought perhaps this arrangement would be beneficial to us both." He gathered up the cash and shoved it into his pocket before turning toward Killian. Killian stepped to his left, letting the man move quickly past him as he exited the shop.
"What the hell was that about?"
Liam grunted. "Trouble."
"What did he want, and how much cash was he offering you for it?"
"Enough to be trouble, little brother. He was looking for Blackbeard; you and I both know those types are desperate and dangerous. We don't mess with them."
"But all that cash, brother, wouldn't that solve the problems you refuse to share with us."
"I don't care if the building is burning to the ground, I'm telling you, that man isn't worth the hassle. End of story." He slammed his book shut and headed to the back of the shack, leaving Killian to wonder about his brother's brisk attitude lately, and just how bad of a state the company was actually in.